The National Motorcycle Museum in Nabiac, NSW, is expanding its horizons to include some veteran cars and classic toys to attract a wider variety of visitor.
However, don’t think motorcycles are being abandoned.
Five years ago when I last visited the museum on the Central Coast of NSW they had 800 motorcycles. Now they have 1000 and are gathering more at a rate of about 40 a year.
There are many other bike, car and transport museums in Australia, but none has such a strong showing of bikes from right throughout two-wheeled history. They even have a replica of the first bike, an 1885 Daimler Reitwagen (ride wagon).
Bike collection
Owners Brian and Margaret Kelleher ran a motorcycle shop in Canberra and for 18 years they built up a sizeable collection of bikes, so they opened a museum in 1988.
They sold their bike shop and moved to Nabiac in 2000 where they opened the current museum and they are still buying bikes to squeeze into the huge facility.
Margaret says it is the “biggest known collection in Australia that is open to the public”.
Even so, they have several sheds full of more bikes to rotate through the museum.
“We are a museum not a dealer,” says Margaret.
“However, the maniac (her husband) keeps buying more.”
Brian in a high-wheeler
Expanding horizons
Brian says he will consider buying anything that comes up.
“We weren’t getting enough visitors as just a bikes-only museum so now we have toys and cars to attract more people.
“But Margaret keeps saying she’ll leave me if I buy another vehicle.”
The oldest bike in the collection is a 1911 FN, the newest is a 2000 Suzuki TL1000 and the rarest is a Vincent Black Knight which was the test bike for the Black Shadow.
But Margaret’s favourite bike in the collection is a 1937 Coventry Eagle.
“It’s the first bike built especially for women as it’s skirted so you don’t get your dress caught in the drive.”
She says they get more than 10,000 visitors a year and there is certainly a lot to keep them entertained.
Not only are there about 1000 bikes, scooters and sidecars on display, but there is a lot of motorcycle memorabilia such as posters, helmets, jackets and more.
At least 80% of the bikes are “close to running order” and they include just about every marque you have ever heard plus many you haven’t, including some rare Australia models.
Now there is even more with a small collection of cars and an ever-expanding collection of classic toys to keep the kids entertained,
Margaret says their son also has some classic bikes on display at the Taree Motorcycle dealership.
She is proud to say every bike has been bought in Australia, preserving our automobile heritage.
Nabiac museum hours and prices
The Museum is in Nabiac, NSW, 140km north of Newcastle before Taree on the Pacific Highway. It is open every day except Christmas from 9am – 4pm.
Admission prices: $15 (adults), $45 (under 14), $10 (students 14-17), $45 (family). Group prices also available.
Whether you’re a casual collector or a real motorcycle aficionado, you probably turn your head whenever you catch a glimpse of a vintage or classic motorbike. One day, you might even own one yourself. Anything that has gone past the 20-year mark is already considered a bit of an artefact. As such, any vintage bike deserves the utmost care.
It doesn’t matter if you plan on taking the historic bike on a joyride or just have it displayed, proper maintenance is not just an afterthought. Give a vintage bike the treatment it deserves using this essential guide.
1. Do your homework
Before anything else, you will need to learn a lot about the specific make and model you own. Manufacturers set their own standards when it comes to designing and manufacturing their motorcycles, so make sure you do ample research about yours and the features that they were able to roll out. This should give you a good idea on how best to maintain these features and keep your motorbike in tip-top shape.
2. Search for manuals
The most useful resource you can have for fixing or maintaining an old bike is their original manual, if you can find them. If your vintage bike is really vintage, you might have some difficulty tracking one down. However, it’s worth the effort to get one. This should give you all the more reason to search online for manuals that can help you avoid making any costly errors on a vintage beauty.
3. Consider a thorough check-up
You just can’t rely on your gut to know if you’re going the right way in terms of maintaining a vintage bike. When in doubt, you might want to consider bringing the vehicle to someone who has experience working on vintage models. A thorough check up is in order if you’re planning to detect any aesthetic or performance issues worth correcting. Through the right professional, you should be able to save a ton of money and keep your motorbike from further deterioration.
4. Go for a full refurbish
Restorations can be expensive, especially if you’re looking at motorbikes that have been around during the 1950s such as the Ariel Leader or the Moto Guzzi Cardelino. The secret here is effective motorcycle detailing. Consider giving the bike a brand new finish by applying a new coat of wax. You might also want to keep the rims shiny and replace worn out leather with more durable material – all this without sacrificing the overall vintage look and feel of the bike.
5. Know where to get your parts
Much of the challenge to maintaining a vintage bike is knowing where to get parts. Luckily, a quick Google search will yield numerous online stores selling replica parts, if not original ones. Either way, it makes for an easier way to keep the bike in good condition just in case the crankshaft fails or if the brakes have become worn out.
Vintage motorbikes are a beauty to behold, but they are also a mess when it comes down to maintaining them. With these tips in mind, you can rest easy knowing that it’s possible to pamper an oldie but goodie.
Six Vincent motorcycles and a rare Grigg that have been found in a Los Angeles warehouse after the death of the owner could fetch a small fortune at liquidation.
Vincent motorcycles are among the most collectible and expensive in the world.
It is the most valuable motorcycle ever sold at auction.
Fortune find
Therefore, the LA horde could yield a fortune.
The collection includes six Vincent motorcycles with the most valuable being a 1938 Vincent Series-A HRD Twin.
1938 Vincent Series-A HRD Twin
There are also a 1953 Vincent Black Shadow – Series-C, 1955 Vincent Victor Replica, 1954 Vincent Rapide D/C, 1948 Vincent Series-B Rapide and a 1950 Vincent Comet in pieces.
For the first time in 65 years, a 1929 Scott Flying Squirrel has been kick-started in time for its display at Historic Winton on May 18-19.
The bike has been restored by Victorian brothers Michael and Peter Shacklock.
Listen to the bike fired up for the first time.
Scott Flying Squirrel
Their father, Arthur, bought the Flying Squirrel new in 1929 and raced it in the ‘30s, winning many scramble events, trial events and hill climbs.
But it all came to an abrupt stop in the 1950s when Arthur went for a ride and there was a loud bang.
“Dad rolled the bike down the Holzer St hill and straight into his garage/shed,” Michael says.
Arthur on the Squirrel
“Unfortunately the damage done was too severe for him to repair, so instead he disassembled the bike and engine into many boxes, where they stayed until around 50 years later, when Peter started to collect them.
“Around 10 years ago, the re-assembly and repairs commenced.”
Although the bike’s restoration is going well, the Flying Squirrel will not be racing this year at Historic Winton.
Instead, the brothers will do a Sunday parade lap around the Winton Raceway.
Win passes
We have a couple of double passes to Historic Winton for our readers to win.
Just subscribe to our free weekly news letter by clicking here. If you are already a subscriber, simply leave a comment at the end of this article.
Winners will be drawn randomly on Friday and announced on Saturday (30 March 2019) in this updated article.
Historic Winton
The 43rd Historic Winton will be held at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla, Victoria.
Its Australia’s longest running, all-historic motor race meeting.
This year it is being held a week earlier than usual.
More than 400 historic racing motorbikes, sidecars and cars from the 1920s to the 1980s will compete in races and in the paddock. This year there will be a special display of Postie bikes and vintage scooters.
There will also be a trader market and heritage display of veteran and vintage vehicles.
How much?
Online tickets available to midnight, Thursday 16th May: Sat $25, Sun $35, Weekend $50 (all plus booking fee).
Raceway entry fees: Fri Free,Sat $30, Sun $40, weekend $60, children 16 and under free, competition paddock $5.
Camping at the track: $25/head per night. Camping enquiries: Winton Motor Raceway 03 5760 7100.
Lust stretching right back to my teenage years was enough to convince me to accept his offer.
But I was also interested to see if the hefty price tag of $32,990 plus on-road costs is justified.
Before departing, James tells me the ECU update has taken some of the lumpiness and grumpiness out of the engine, particularly when cold or ridden at low speeds.
However, we let it idle for a few minutes to warm up, just in case.
As we head out into busy morning traffic I am pleasantly surprised at how tame and manageable it feels.
However, when we turn the Commando 961 forks toward Mt Glorious, it lets rip with a maniacal yelp and plenty of bite from the 961cc parallel twin pushrod engine with 60kW of power and 80Nm of torque.
They are not world-leading figures, but there is a tone and character to this engine that is absolutely delightful and infectious.
The engine throbs and purrs with the best induction roar since Samson slayed that recalcitrant lion.
At idle, the twin pipes burble delightfully but their note is lost in the induction roar as you power on. So it entertains the rider, rather than alarming the general public.
Tingling ride
We press on into the hills and the Commando 961 tingles my fingers, my feet and the antennae-like wing mirrors — if I could afford one, the first thing I would do is ditch those mirrors for bar-end units.
Handling duties are managed by Ohlins forks and shocks, so it’s predictable, sharp, precise and firm, but with a compliant ride over the harsh bumps.
A perfect, neutral handling bike with light steering and a joy to throw around S-bends.
However, I feel a strange disconnect with the bike. Not emotionally, but physically … in the seat of my pants!
I soon realise it’s due to the shape and design of the narrow-fronted seat and scalloped tank.
The seat is comfortable and fits me well, but my knees are too far forward and underneath the indents on the tank.
Consequently my knees are hanging out in the breeze rather than gripping the tank.
I move my rear rearward and it feels better, but still a little strange.
As we slice through the corners, I tap-dance on the gearshift and find the gears as slick as many Japanese motorcycles.
In fact, unless you watch the green neutral light flick off, you wouldn’t know you had selected first gear it is that smooth and quiet.
There are only five gears but with hefty midrange torque, you don’t really need to mess around with a lot of cog swapping.
In fact, I use only three gears up and down Mt Glorious.
Yet you can also short shift and cruise around in top gear even on city roads.
The Commando 961 is a bike that will accommodate any style of riding and reward in a responsive and entertaining way.
But don’t think of this like an original Commando with its lightweight featherbed frame.
This feels a bulkier and more substantial bike.
I was a little surprised to find the instruments only included an odometer, one trip, a clock and a volt meter with the toggle button between the two analogue dials, not on a switchblock on the bars.
But then, this is supposed to be a neo-classic.
Some of the current neo-classics are a little too hi-tech, defeating the whole purpose of getting back into the retro feel.
Is it worth it?
Sport and Cafe Racer models
After a delightful romp through the hills we are back at Brisbane Motorcycles and I am still pondering why anyone would pay so much for a fairly basic motorcycle.
Yet I’m still wanting one and wondering how I can finance it.
Why is that?
There’s no lavish paint, hi-tech wizardry, spec sheet bragging rights or acres of chrome to admire.
In fact, the casings are a lightly polished alloy that is already developing an oxidised patina.
Then it hits me. That’s exactly what I like.
It feels authentic. It feels hand-built. It feels like quality without any unnecessary trimmings, except for those hand-painted gold pin stripes.
There is a certain intrinsic value to this bike that does not translate to the bank balance.
I know I could afford two Japanese bikes for the same price, but I don’t know that I would feel the same level of pride in ownership.
Norton Commando 961 Sport Mk II
Price:
$32,990 plus on-road costs
Engine:
961cc push-rod valve actuation, 3 bearing crank and balancer shaft.
Power:
58.4kW @ 6500rpm
Torque:
90Nm @ 5200rpm
Compression:
10.0:1
Bore x stroke:
88.0 x 79.0 mm (3.5 x 3.1 inches)
Valves per cylinder:
2
Fuel system:
Injection
Ignition:
Digital
Lubrication system:
Dry sump
Cooling system:
Air
Gearbox:
5-speed
Transmission:
Chain
Clutch:
Wet multi-plate hydraulic lifter
Driveline:
Constant mesh
Emissions:
3 way catalytic converter.
Exhaust:
Stainless steel
Frame:
Steel tubular with integral oil tank.
Rake (fork angle):
24.5°
Trail:
99mm (3.9 inches)
Front suspension:
43mm Ohlins RWU – adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping
If you’ve ever wanted to buy a classic bike at auction, it might be time to have a go as there are some potential bargains offered at no reserve in a Sydney auction next month.
There are 14 motorcycles available at the annual Shannons Autumn Classic Auction & Rare Number Plates in Sydney on March 4 2019.
The motorcycles span 86 years. The oldest is a rare 1911 Abingdon ‘King Dick’ 500cc solo and the most recent is a limited-edition 1997 Ducati 916 ‘Senna’, number 13 of just 300 built.
King Dick
Ducati Sena
Vincent highlight
However, the most expensive is expected to be a 1953 Vincent Black Shadow.
The numbers-correct bike from a deceased estate could fetch up to $150,000.
It was first registered in the UK in 1953 to Colonel AD McKechnie of Aberdeen.
The Vincent was shipped to Australia in 1965 and was bought by the current owner in 1972 who comprehensively restored it.
The owner was a long-standing member of the Vincent owners club and also a founding member of the Ulysses Club.
Accompanying the bike is a history file documenting UK owners (Roads Act ,1920 Registration book), shipping documents and a receipt file.
The Vincent is in running condition and has been started.
No reserve bikes
The best deals of the show are probably the “no reserve” bikes.
That means the bikes will be sold regardless of price and it includes the 1911 Abingdon ‘King Dick’ 500cc estimated to fetch $24,000 – $28,000)
Here are the other no-reserve bikes with estimated prices in brackets:
There are only four bikes being auctioned with a reserve.
That means the bikes will not be sold if the final bid is not high enough to satisfy the seller.
How to buy
You can attend the auction in person, bid online or over the phone.
The best advice we can offer for auction beginners is to go to an auction or two with no plans to buy, only to watch and learn. Even for those who have bought at auction before, there are always things you can learn.
One of the best ways to celebrate the Australia Day weekend is with three days of classic racing at the magnificent Phillip Island circuit.
More than 450 bikes will compete in 56 races at the 26th Phillip Island Classic from January 25-27.
A three-day adult ticket costs $82 bought online before noon tomorrow (January 23) and free for children 15 and under accompanied by a full-paying adult. Gate prices are more.
You can camp at the circuit for four nights for just over $20 a night with kids free.
Classic racing categories
There are six classic racing categories from pre-WW1 bikes through Vintage (1920-1945), Classic and Post Classic (from 1946 to 1972) and the more recent Forgotten Era and New Era classes fighting for class honours and the Phil Irving Perpetual Trophy.
A highlight will be the 15th International Challenge between New Zealand, the USA and defending champions Australia for bikes manufactured between 1973 and 1985.
In a first for the International Challenge, the 2019 event will be filmed and post-produced into a two-hour TV program in Europe, UK, America, Asia, New Zealand and Australia where it will be screened on Fox Sports and SBS in late February.
Each team will feature the top 13 riders from their nominated squads based on qualifying times. They will compete in four, six-lap races.
Australia’s team is led by Adelaide’s David Johnson, the star performer of the 2018 team that won back the International Challenge trophy from the UK after a three-year drought.
He will be supported by Isle of Man winner Cameron Donald, world endurance champion, Melbourne’s Steve Martin, three-time Australian superbike champion and Island Classic champion Shawn Giles and Coffs Harbour’s Beau Beaton who last year won the Phil Irving Trophy.
America will be represented by Jason Pridmore, four-time AMA superbike champion Josh Hayes, Steve Rapp, Mark Miller, Larry Pegram, Dale Quarterley, Mark Miller and Aussie expatriate journalist Rennie Scaysbrook.
The Kiwis are represented by Alex Phillis, Carl Cox, three-time British superbike champion John Reynolds, Jay Lawrence, and Michael Neeves.
Classic racing on classic motorcycles!
Event schedule
Classic parade lap (Image: Andrew Gosling)
(* Points awarded toward the Phil Irving Perpetual trophy)
FRIDAY 25TH JANUARY 9am Start
Q1 Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 15 min
Q2 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 15 min
Q3 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 15 min
Q4 Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Odds 15 min
Q5 Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Evens 15 min
Q6 Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 15 min
Q7 Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 15 min
Q8 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 15 min
Q9 Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 15 min
Q10 International Challenge ‐ Slowest 50% 8 min
Q11 International Challenge ‐ Fastest 50% 8 min
Q12 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 15 min
Q13 Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 15 min
Q14 500 New Era 15 min
E1* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 4 Laps
E2* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 4 Laps
E3* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 4 Laps
E4* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 4 Laps
E5* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 4 Laps
Q15 International Challenge ‐ Slowest 50% 8 min
Q16 International Challenge ‐ Fastest 50% 8 min
E6* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 4 Laps
E7* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 4 Laps
5pm Finish
SATURDAY 26TH JANUARY, 9am Start
E8* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 4 Laps
E9* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 4 Laps
E10* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 4 Laps
E11* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 4 Laps
E12* 500 New Era 4 Laps
E13* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 5 Laps
E14* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannon’s Insurance 350 Classic 5 Laps
E15* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 5 Laps
E16* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 5 Laps
E17* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 5 Laps
D1 Demonstration Lap 2 Laps
E18 International Challenge 6 Laps
E19* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 5 Laps
E20* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 5 Laps
E21* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 5 Laps
E22* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 5 Laps
E23* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 5 Laps
E24* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 5 Laps
E25* 500 New Era 5 Laps
D2 Demonstration Lap 2 Laps
E26 International Challenge 6 Laps
E27* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 4 Laps
E28* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannons Insurance 350 Classic 4 Laps
E29* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 4 Laps
E30* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 4 Laps
5pm Finish
SUNDAY 27TH JANUARY, 9am Start
E31* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 4 Laps
E32* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 4 Laps
E33* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 4 Laps
E34* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 4 Laps
E35* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 4 Laps
E36* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 4 Laps
E37* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 4 Laps
E38* 500 New Era 4 Laps
D3 Demonstration 2 Laps
E39 International Challenge 6 Laps
E40* Pre‐War, 125 Post Classic & Forgotten Era, 250 Post Classic & Classic 5 Laps
E41* 250 Forgotten Era, 125 New Era & Shannon’s Insurance 350 Classic 5 Laps
E42* 500 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Post Classic 5 Laps
E43* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Premier 5 Laps
E44* Unlimited Forgotten Era ‐ Minor 5 Laps
E45* Shannons Insurance 500 Post Classic 5 Laps
E46* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 750 5 Laps
E47* 350 Forgotten Era & Unlimited Classic 5 Laps
Parade Shannons Insurance Parade Lap 1 Lap
E48 International Challenge 6 Laps
E49* Shannons Insurance 500 Classic & 350 Post Classic 5 Laps
E50* 250 New Era & 250 New Era Production 5 Laps
E51* Pablo’s Motorcycle Tyres New Era Formula 1300 5 Laps
E52* 500 New Era 5 Laps
5pm Finish
International Challenge
(Image: Russell Colvin)
ENTRY LIST FOR THE INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE 2019 – January 25-27 2019 (as at Jan 21)
AUSTRALIA
INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE ENTRY LIST FOR JANUARY 25-27 2019 ISLAND CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY VISIT PHILLIP ISLAND (as at Jan 16 2019)
RaceNo
First Name
Sponsor
Make
Model
Year
Cap
3
David Johnson
DMR Motorsport/Murray’s Brit Bikes/Race Bikes Services
Suzuki
XR69
1982
1100
19
Shawn Giles
Trevor Birrell Racing / D & D Industries / Light Alloy Engineering
Most of us can only dream of owning a classic superbike and it’s difficult to imagine being able to get within touching distance of one of these high-tech feats of engineering. There are a plethora of rarer models which regularly change hands at auctions for eye-watering sums of money and enthusiasts are always on the look-out for an opportunity to add to their extensive collections. We take a look at some of the rarer models which are currently believed to be in single-figures and those one-off bikes which have never been replicated.
Cosmic Starship (Image source: Cycle Heart via Twitter)
Harley Davidson Cosmic Starship
Harley Davidson are one of the best-known motorcycle manufacturers in the world and the iconic brand have produced a number of rarities over the years but artist Jack Armstrong’s “Cosmic Starship” is a one-off and has fetched upwards of $1,000,000 at a recent auction. It was unveiled back in 2010 and featured the artist’s unique painting style. It was described as being “more American than ice cream” and Armstrong told the media that “Andy Warhol would have loved it”. It had its own launch event in Los Angeles back in 2010 and required over 37 coats of paint in order to achieve its unique and stylish finish.
Ferarri 900 CC
Back in 1990, David Kay, a British designer of some repute decided to team up with the Modena company after receiving official permission from the firm. He went on to handcraft the only Ferrari superbike in history, to date. The Italian giants have never attempted to replicate this one-off creation and it took around four years and 3,000 hours of hard graft to finish. The bike can boast a four-cylinder, 900cc engine, which produces 105bhp and has a five-speed gearbox.
The bike boasts Ferrari’s iconic red livery with the bodywork clearly referencing classic Italian design. The company decided against replicating the Ferrari 900 CC and are now probably best known for their success in Formula 1, with Sebastian Vettel flying the flag for them in recent years. The German driver finished behind Lewis Hamilton in the 2018 standings but will be determined to turn the tables on the Brit next year and as of November 26th 2018, he’s 3/1 to win the 2019 Drivers Championship with Betway. His fierce rival was signed-up to help design a one-off superbike last year, with MV Augusta announcing that the five-time champion and brand-ambassador will come on board to help them release another rarity.
Ferrari bike (Image source: Motociclismo via Twitter)
Lotus C-01
The Lotus C-01 is relatively common compared to the Ferrari 900 CC but only 100 of these eye-catching mean machines left the factory and only those who have a spare $130,000 lying around will be able to afford one of these beauties. It was inspired by the Lotus 49 Formula One car and is extremely light compared to the average superbike. It certainly stands out from the crowd and creates a bold statement. It has a 75 degree V-Twin engine, a titanium body and an incredibly unconventional wheel-base. The Lotus C-01 is still relatively new but despite only being released in 2014, it’s incredibly difficult and costly to get your hands on one of these fantastic machines.
Lotus C-01
Lamborghini Design 90
Another Italian company who dabbled in superbike production was Lamborghini, who decided to release the iconic Design 90 back in 1989. Only six of these models left the conveyor belt with the company acknowledging that their experiment had been a largely unsuccessful one. These prototypes were originally designed to resemble the V12 Supercar but the bike failed to capture the imagination of the public and future production plans were called off soon after its release. Fitted with a 100cc Kawasaki engine, this model is certainly unique but they are now largely kept in storage by their collectors. Earlier this year, one of the six Design 90s was sent to auction but it failed to meet the reserve price.
Image source: Classic Motor Hub via Twitter
Series C Vincent Black Lightning
It may be Jay Leno’s favourite, but the Vincent Black Lightning has become an incredibly prized possession over the last decade. A new world record price for a motorcycle was set in the US earlier this year when an ultra-rare Black Lightning sold for just shy of $1,000,000. The bike was a lightweight version of the Black Shadow and with just 33 of these built, their numbers are dwindling whilst their value is increasing. Around 19 of these atypical and irregular racing bikes, built by Tony MacAlpine and first manufactured back in 1948, are believed to still be circulation. The bike that recently sold at the auction was believed to be one of the later models, dating back to 1951, and these incredibly rare specimens are quite the sought-after commodity.
Vincent Black Lightning
Superbike fans could be forgiven for salivating at the thought of owning one of these rare and lesser-spotted stunners. There are many more examples of models which were quickly taken out of circulation or were produced as one-off prototypes, the likes of which are incredibly unlikely to ever be manufactured again.
“I don’t like them just sitting in my shed and I can’t ride them all so it would be good if someone could display them to the public,” he says.
“Suzuki two-strokes are what I learnt to ride on.”
First Suzi
TS90s
His first bike was a 1970 TS90. He doesn’t have that bike, but he now has two examples in his collection.
“They’re not mainstream bikes so they don’t cost ridiculous prices to buy,” he says.
“They are simple a hell of a lot of fun to ride and attract a lot of attention wherever I take them, not that l’m after that.
“You go to get fuel for your bike and you’ll be there for an hour talking to people about your bike.
“A lot of people like me learnt to ride on these types of bikes.
“It strikes a chord with people and their great memories.”
TC100
Most of the bikes are restored, only five bikes are registered, but all are in good mechanical condition.
Among the bikes is a T500 he bought in 2004.
T500
“I searched for one for quite a while,” he says.
“A nice example was listed in the US and I wished there was one in Australia. Well literally a week later this one was advertised in Brisbane.
“It wouldn’t start but had good compression. I registered it in August of that year and have been riding it ever since.
“It has had every seal replaced including the crank. The gearbox was rebuilt and modified. The top end, piston and rings, have not been touched. The frame has been repainted as well as the tank and side covers.
“It is a joy to ride. Contrary to popular belief it has good torque at low revs for a 50-year-old design.
“Once it hits 5000rpm she picks up her skirt really gets going. You just ride to its limits which is good as you ride slower.”
Favourite Suzi
Neil says he doesn’t have a favourite.
“Please don’t make me choose,” he says.
“The thing people don’t realise is how difficult it is to choose which one to ride for the day.
“If you ride one the others get a bit sookie so have to be careful.
“I try to to alternate them so they all go for a bit of a run.
“One of the most endearing is a Jacaranda Blue 1967 Suzuki K10 80cc road bike.
“Whenever you ride it, you ride it full throttle and it feels like you are going as lot faster than you actually are and you can really throw it around in the corners.
“It’s not restored but it’s a delightful littler machine.
“None of them are rare or valuable. They cost around the $2000-$3000 mark. But they are worth something to me.”
New home
And they will be with a lot of sentimental value to old bikers who would love to see them on public display.
“A lot of cafes are aimed at women with crafts on display, so this would be ideal to attract some male customers,” he says.
But it would have to be nearby as Neil likes to ride a different one nearly every day.
