First ever custom bike show

THE first ever custom bike show, The South African Championship, will take place at the South Africa Bike Festival at the new Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit from May 27 to 29.

The festival will boast a dedicated area showcasing the latest and greatest custom motorcycles from all over South Africa.

All those who are passionate about motorbikes and pride themselves on breathing life back into the machines of the past are encouraged to fine-tune their latest projects in time for the event.

The organisers have already seen a swell of support shown by custom chopper bike builders in South Africa and plan to showcase the shortlist in early April on the festival website.

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Chief judge and show-master for the championship at the festival is owner and internationally known master-builder, Mario Kyprianides. Mario, born in Cyprus, is the owner and master-builder of Chopper Kulture in Germany and Abu Dhabi.

His talent for motorcycle building was inherited from his late grandfather who, during the 50s and 60s, built Harleys, Indians, Triumphs as well as BSAs. His father is also a skilled mechanic, and so throughout Mario’s life he was constantly exposed to the world of engines, oil and dirty fingernails.

Mario is an IMBBA certified judge and holds the highest rank of Master Bike Builder Level II, as well as being a member of several European Engineering councils.

The categories for the custom bike show include, among others, a vintage class for every motorcycle before 1985, three-wheeler class, sports bike class (best sports bike with fairing and stock swingarm and radical sports bike. All details are available on the festival’s website.

The prize-giving will be on Sunday, May 29, on the main stage prior to the live music starting.

Tickets for the weekend’s festival are available at www.southafricabikefestival.com, iTickets.co.za or by calling 086-1000-291.