Auckland Show
What started in 2012 as a Classic Motorcycle Show expanded after two shows to include Customs in 2015 and has finally emerged as a fully-fledged Motorcycle Show this year. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Papakura, all profits from the show return to the community. With the Motor Industry Association this year bringing along virtually all the brands of new bikes the show grew some 60% over 2015 and the visitor count increased by 100%! This proves that all sectors of the motorcycling fraternity are needed to support each other and make the show not only such a success but also sustainable.
While the Clubs are still the backbone of the show the diversity this year made a show that was simply ‘electric’. Where else can you see Baggers, dropped to the ground with stereo’s blaring alongside an AJS 7R, an Ariel Square 4 and a Kawasaki Ninja H2R, the supercharged 326hp track bike still in its plastic? 657 bikes in all of pretty much every persuasion. To see an 80 something year old biker with a grin a foot wide in his old leathers sitting on a spanking new Honda RC213 V-S in all its glorious Carbon Fibre, personally makes me look forward to getting old. Once in the blood it clearly never leaves. The customising scene was well represented from a new and super cool looking Honda Daytona ‘70s lookalike race bike to a sensational Graeme Crosby Build Rickman Kawasaki Z900, there was something for everyone. The Classics just keep delivering, year after year. Have you ever seen a Café Vincent? How about a DOT 3 Wheeler delivery (ex Len Perry) or an as-new BSA GT50? The Auckland Classic Japanese group once again impressed all with 20 bikes, Chris Stephens with 12 of his own perfectly presented bikes were truly inspirational. The BSA Club also had a fabulous stand themed on Goldstars and plenty of supporting acts. The Vintage and Veteran Car Club blew everyone away with over 30 bikes of every style and age and the Auckland Classic Scrambles Club once again presented a great stand ‘The Springs’ with four Speedway bikes and a crowd backdrop that made you feel you are there. 363 bikes, a huge effort indeed from the 26 Clubs. Simon Giles 1926 Douglas EW took out the hotly contested Best British title. His overall presentation with period music coming from a leather saddlebag must have been just too much for the judges. One bike clearly shone above most, Ian Peace’s amazing Honda GL 1000. Taking out Best Honda, Best Classic 2, Best in show and NZCBOTY, it was truly a credit to the man and is a thing of absolute beauty. More Bikes, more gear, more fun in every direction, if you missed it you missed something very special indeed. Roll on 2017, it’s going to be bigger still!