The classics restored and put on display
The recent and first bike show that was held at I’langa Mall, other than being surprisingly well attended, presented a number of very interesting examples of restored, completely original (needing attention) and worthy of showcasing, as well as some modern examples of motorcycles which are to die for.
If one wants to understand the heart of classic bike or car restoration and restorers one first has to be quiet, listen and observe, then ask questions, and then observe some more. Many restorers have confirmed that this is not to be taken lightly – it requires a plan – tons of patience – money and of course, passion by the truckloads.
For the organiser and an avid restorer himself, Fred Viljoen this has been a long-time dream but it only started taking shape when he decided to put his head on the block and announce a date – then of course, there was no way out. “The support from suppliers was good and to have 40 bikes on show was awesome. The 2016 event will present a lot more.”
“My love of bikes runs in the family. It was instilled by my dad and granddad. Granddad raced in the then DJ Race (now DJ Rally). We are four brothers and we all love bikes, so you can imagine what it is like when we get together.” Fred loves Italian bikes and owns among others a 1929 BSA, a 1966 Triumph, a 1965 Bonneville TT and a 1920 belt-driven Triumph. Fred also loves Indians – bikes that is. “To do a nuts-and- bolts restoration can cost as a minimum starting point, as much as R30 000.”
The oldest bike at the show was a 1915 BSA owned by avid collector and bike aficionado, Mitch McAllister. At the other end of the scale was Piet Potgieter’s awesome Ducati Moto GP replica. But before I get too carried away with the academic stuff, let’s take a visual walk-about. Enjoy.
