Japanese machines make big show a hit
The recent 1000 Bike Show organised by the Classic Motorcycle Club (CMC) at the Germiston High School was once again a big success in terms of exhibits and visitor attendance, but it also showed some interesting trends.
One of these trends, which is now a growth area worldwide in the world of classic motorcycles, is the growing number of Japanese machines from the 1970s and 90s that are being exhibited in an environment that was generally dominated by British, American and European brands for many years. For instance, this year the Best Bike on Show in Germiston was an immaculate Yamaha RD350 sports bike with the patented YPVS Power Valve system. The machine was entered by Paul Danvers and had been carefully restored by an enthusiastic team from Bike Craft.
The Japanese machines were almost totally dominant in the Concours d’Elegance for Street and Custom Bikes, taking 11 of the 14 available awards. The only British motorcycle to win an award in this category was a “Bonneville Spitfire” which took the laurels in the Best Bobber category.
Another trend at this year’s 1000 Bike Show was the continued growth in Cafe Racer conversions, with many of the modified machines being new models, not reborn old classics.
The 1000 Bike Show has grown from humble beginnings as a small display at the Carlton Centre Centre Court in 1985 to what is now arguably the largest dedicated classic and custom motorcycle show in Africa. The show has moved venue over the years to accommodate more exhibitors and visitors and has for the past 14 years been held at the school. Once again there were more than
400 motorcycles on display in the huge marquee and a host of other machines on show outside, not to mention the hordes of modern motorcycles and trikes that were ridden to the show by visitors and took up all the available parking on the sports fields.
The excellent weather certainly played an important role in ensuring a huge crowd, which once again exceeded 10 000 people over the two days. The multitude of stalls were also well supported and offered a wide range of merchandise as well as a variety of refreshments. The big winners were again the charities and service organisations supported by the CMC with part of the proceeds of this popular annual event.
The winners of the various awards were:
CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE: CLASSICS
Best on DJ stand: Janus Gruzela (Excelsior Super X);
Best on stands: Kawasaki – Sean (Kawasaki Z1 900);
Yamaha – Willy McGibon (Yamaha 50 Super);
Suzuki – Dean Morris (Suzuki GT750);
Harley-Davidson – Eugene (1943 Harley-Davidson);
Ariel – Anthony Page (Ariel Huntmaster);
2-Stroke Racing – Mike Cooper (Yamaha 350 Street Fighter);
Velocette – Kevin Robertson (Velocette Thruxton);
Speedway – Lionel Page (1935 JAP); 50cc Club – E. Barendse (1976 Yamaha);
Norton – Harry Bingham (Norton 500 Featherbed);
Triumph – Peter Aneck-Hahn (1966 Triumph Tiger 100);
BMW – Keith Kendall (BMW R50);
Honda – Tony Woods (Honda CB72 Super Hawk);
Royal Enfield – Rusty thorns (Royal Enfield HA30 500);
Scooter – Bradley Edwards (Lambretta LD150);
Historic Motorcycle Racing Group (HMG) – Deon du Toit (Suzuki GSX1100);
Italian – Umbertto de Stefanis (Motor Guzzi Falcone 500);
BSA – Keith Kendall (BSA A65L);
AMC – Robert Curry (AJS 31CSR);
Off-Road – Michael Payne (1982 Husqvarna CR430);
Off-Road Racing – Gareth Ireland (Maico 490);
Team Incomplete (Motorcycle Racing) – Ian Groat (Norton Manx);
New Era – Paul Danvers (Yamaha RD350);
Classic – Harry Bingham (1955 Norton/Dominator);
Post Classic – Trevor (1965 Honda Dream);
Vintage and Veteran- Shane Tullett (1924 Triumph);
Racing – Piet Meyer (Suzuki);
Sidecar Combination – Anthony Page (Ariel Huntmaster);
Ladies Choice – Vintage Motorcycle Club (1912 Precision);
Best Stand – Velocette;
Best Motorcycle on Show – Paul Danvers (Yamaha RD350).
CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE: BEST STREET AND CUSTOM
Best Standard: Sean McGlead (Kawasaki Z1300);
Best Street Modified: Boer Prinsloo (Suzuki Katana);
Best Street Fighter: JHJ Customs (Suzuki Rizzla);
Best Cruiser: Chris Maree (Boulevard);
Best Classic: Dyno by Quint – Paul Kotze (Kawasaki Z900);
Best Imported Chopper: Dyno by Quint (Iron Horse);
Best Harley-Davidson: Joint Effort (Harley Cross Bones);
Best Bobber: Don & Mark (Bonneville Spitfire);
Best Trike: Elizabeth de Bruyn (Trike);
Best Café Racer: Peter Pelser (Suzuki GT750);
Special Mention – Best Junior): Sarel O’Neill (Kawasaki);
Best Paintwork: Dyno by Quint (Hyabusa);
Best Engineering: Peter Pelser (Honda 929);
Best on Show: Peter Pelser (Honda 929).
