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Preparations by the VJMC Northern Ireland Bangor Section were nearing completion for the Adelaide Motorcycle Festival in the King's Hall, Belfast over Valentine's weekend.
The members had decided what bikes to bring, who was towing or driving a van, keenly priced lights had been sourced and purchased, boards for the lights had been cut and drilled in readiness for wiring and mounting, the floor plan was being developed, we were liaising with the organiser and 3rd party insurance cover was in place. Then there was the laminating, banners, stands, plastic chain, bunting, pictures, operational cover for the stand etc., everyone had stepped up for a job. Tommy was in charge of van hire.
We had accepted an offer of assistance from the Northern Counties Section. They would bring 6 bikes and we would fill out the remaining allocated space with another 15 machines.
Thursday evening came and the display was assembled in a jovial and seemingly effortless manner. I was impressed at the way everyone pulled together. The final touches to the stand were applied on Friday morning with lunch provided at noon.
Here are just a few of the many people who contributed to the effort.
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I thought it appropriate to show a picture of Brian putting up a huge Honda banner. Alas yes, this is the same Brian who not much more than a year ago featured on the Yamaha UK website declaring a lifetime dedicated solely to the Yamaha brand.
The show was launched by Billy Nutt MBE who introduced guest riders Ian Hutchinson (still with a cage on his leg after a crash last year at Silverstone), John McGuiness, Eugene Laverty and Tommy Hill. John Green from GS Motorcycles represented the traders, Phillip McCallen promoted the Institute of Advanced Motoring and Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCauseland encouraged road safety. They were accompanied on stage by a director from Adelaide Insurance, the Adelaide Insurance Promotion Models, the Lord Mayor of Belfast and two pipers.
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We displayed the bikes according to their year of manufacture, starting with the oldest and working through to the most recent. This offered the public an opportunity to wonder through progressively changing technologies spanning a period from 1964 through to 1991.
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It is always very encouraging to see new young blood coming into the classic scene. For that reason I would especially like to commend Stuart on an exceptional first restoration, a 1976 Yamaha TY 125. Stuart had been guided by his father Ricky and the bike was completed less than 24 hours before the show started.
Our furthest travelled member, Stevel, endured a 7 hour trip from Co. Clare to bring bikes to the show. He brought along a 1977 Suzuki GT 750 model N (currently for sale) and a most unusual 1966 Yamaha AT90 twin. The AT90 belongs to Polly, Steve’s Daughter, and came complete with its original toolkit and Japanese number plate. The screwdriver handle was made of wood and had Yamaha stamped into it. Known at the "Jet Twin" this model became especially popular with young sports-minded riders. The "AT" in the name was derived from its "Autolube" lubrication system.
I also enjoyed seeing Alan’s American “pre-Model A” 1972 Yamaha RD 250 with front drum brake. This model was offered for one year only in the USA while the YDS7 250 Twin was being supplied to the rest of the world.
Andy N. displayed the only Kawasaki on the stand, a concours 1972 Kawasaki 750 H2. We are looking forward to seeing Andy’s recently purchased Mach III 500 on another occasion.
Tommy enjoyed a laugh when a member of the public told Billy he had been the original owner of his 1976 Yamaha RD 400 C. The guy couldn't remember his registration but was adamant it must have been his old bike as it was the same colour.
Peter’s 1991 Honda NSR 250 had an interesting history. It had been a Manx GP and Irish 400cc Championship winner and was presented in road-going trim.
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Every bike brings its own story and unfortunately there are just too many for me to include them all here. I hope you enjoy a few more photos of the stand.
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Clifford also represented the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club with a classic race bike display. Clifford, Paul, Jeremy and Keith had each taken a TZ 350 to Spa Francorchamps last year for the Bikers Classics, a multi-class race bike event for machines produced between 1949 and 1980. They had 3 days track time and enjoyed watching racing legends like Giacomo Agostini and Mick Grant in action. Their four bikes were part of a 12 bike display including illustrious machines which had been raced by Joey Dunlop, Frank Kennedy and Brian Reid.
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We met a few people we know at the Vintage Motorcycle Club stand and received an invitation to view a private classic collection later in the year. Looking forward to it already.
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Other clubs represented at the festival included the NI Chopper Club and the Vespa and Lambretta Scooter Clubs.
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As the N.I. Motorcycle Show is primarily about modern machinery and equipment I thought I would checkout the latest offerings. Sadly, Brian wasn’t the only club member to be having adulterous thoughts. I found Geoff being untrue to his beloved Honda, sitting on a BMW. His defence was that “he had found one he wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen on”. Sorry Billy, it wasn’t the GS.
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Billy's persistence saw a senior member of Yamaha UK give us a large Yamaha banner at the end of the show. Hopefully we will all be back again next year to display it.
Our website is one year old on 4th March 2011 and I think it has been fantastic to mark the occasion with such a huge team effort.
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