Classic Cob
From the shed
The Antique Motorcycle Association of Australia pulled off a blinder for the weekend commencing noon Friday the 25th through to Sunday the 27th August. This event is for all makes and models of motorcycles, American, British, Japanese so long as they were 35 years and older. It was obvious upon my arrival that the army of volunteers, under the guidance of their president Tony Blain, was very well organised, friendly and dedicated to ensure that this event was going to work. In fact it was a ripper of a weekend. The number of persons through the gate over the weekend exceeded 3,000 and favourable comments were forthcoming indicating that these enthusiasts were keen to again attend next year. The date for that next event has already been set at the same venue for the last weekend in August 2018. The location, Bulli Showground, was ideal in that it provided both indoor sites for selling of parts and machines as well as where the long awaited auction was being held. Outdoors there was a well set out swap meet area on the trotting track and camping was available on the infield area of the grounds. Seminars were held which included Sil Losito focusing on how to create a patina image with a display of experiments with paints, acids, flame and more. David Reidie outlined the background and involvement of the Harley Davidson machines since the introduction of the Racing Series by the competition department in 1929. Chris Zock discussed the operation of magnetos and generators, and what problems can be encountered as well as the overhaul and maintenance of these parts. Miro Radojcin and Brian Martin from Magnum Motorcycles talked and gave a display on wheel building. Adrian Veale gave a talk and display of motorcycle photography. The Chief Judge of AMCA America, Don Dzurick was in attendance and awarded recognition awards for different categories. Motorcycles are judged on their respective merits and not against each other. The original 1972 Honda scored extremely well, as an untouched original machine. The simple test for AMCA judging is to compare the motorcycle with how it left the factory. The auction on Saturday afternoon saw several machines sold at good prices. The first machine sold was a small capacity 1918 Model K Indian two stroke which sold at $18,500. A 1940 4 cylinder Indian which appeared to be well restored sold for $102,500 with some additional sellers fees added. Classic Racing identity, Ken Lucas had a Matchless G50, AJS 7R and an early Manx Norton included in the auction, however they failed to reach a reserve. Those selling at the swap meet sold well. One of those being Paul Draper, phone 0434 104 881 whose specialty is WLA parts as is Redfern Motor Parts, usually based at Corrimal phone (02) 4284 6733. It is close to the Sydney Metropolitan area which is lacking a significant event such as this catering for all models, all makes and all brands of classic, vintage and antique motorcycles 35 years and older. See you next issue, Pete
“I believe that this event will go ahead and gain further momentum and be a major ‘must attend’ motorcycle event.”