Motorcycle fever in Germiston
It was a classic day at the Classic Motorcycle Club’s 1 000 Bike Show.
All the attention was on classic motorcycles, manufactured in 1992 and before, at the annual 1 000 Bike Show held last Saturday and Sunday.
The event is organised by Germiston’s Classic Motorcycle Club (CMC).
This year’s show was staged at a new venue, the Germiston City Sports Club, after years of it being held at Germiston High School.
“We experienced a problem getting a liquor licence at the school which resulted in us having to change the venue at the last hour,” said Rusty Thorns, chairperson of CMC.
“People are very happy with the venue though, and we will definitely be back here again next year. It is a bigger site and we managed to fit in more stalls than we did last year when we had 120. This year we have 135, which is great.”
Although modern motorcycles were also seen at the event, only the classic motorcycles were displayed inside the main marquee.
Thorns said the attendance on the Saturday wasn’t as good as Sunday’s.
“We were down on numbers on the Saturday and I think it is because of the change in venue and the weather,” said Thorns.
“Sunday was very good, and there was much better attendance.”
A variety of both classic and modern motorcycles, belonging to visitors, were on display outside the marquee which was also a great viewing experience for visitors and motorcycle enthusiasts.
Germiston’s Gareth Ireland was among those displaying their classics inside the marquee.
“I have been riding my whole life and love everything about motorcycles,” said Ireland.
“I am a member of CMC and Vintage Motocross South African Dirt Bikes.
“I have rebuilt over 20 vintage bikes over 10 years and get them to look brand new.”
Gareth believes he inherited his love of riding from his father, Hamish, who was also a motorcyclist.
“My father used to ride and I think that is where I developed my love for motorcycles,” said Gareth adding that he enjoys rebuilding classic motorcycles and tries to preserve them for people to enjoy.
Drik Venter, from Pretoria, was among those displaying their motorcycles.
Venter is from the Gold Wings Club and owns a Honda Valkyrine which is a gold wing.
“I love motorcycles and I must say this event is one of the best motorcycle events,” said Venter.
“This is my sixth year attending and it is excellent and I will definitely be back again next year.”
Owners of two Kawasaki motorcycles took top honours at the show.
Henk van Heerden’s 1974 Kawasaki Z900 was judged Best on Show in the classic motorcycle section and Sean McGlead’s 1979 Kawasaki Z1300 won Best on Show in the custom motorcycle category.
Thorns was happy with the condition of the motorcycles.
“The turnout in general was excellent,” said Thorns.
“The motorcycles were great, both classic and modern, and the quality of the rebuilds on the motorcycles is phenomenal.”
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