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Published on April 3rd, 2015 | by Boris

25th ANNIVERSARY BANKSTOWN BIKE SHOW

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Say “BRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGHHHHH!!!!”

I bumped into Moose from Highway 61, the club that organises and runs the Bankstown Bike Show – and has been doing so for 25 years – just near the trophy table.

He was, as always, busier than the busiest bloke you’ve ever seen. But, as always, he stopped to say hello.

“25 years, huh?” I said.

“Yeah,” Moose grinned.

“I was at the first one,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief.

“So was I,” he smiled broadly and dissolved into the crowd.

Quite a crowd, too.

There has always been a great turn-out for the show – which is now probably the last one of its kind in existence.

Once upon a time, bike shows run by outlaw clubs occurred with singular regularity.

That time has passed.

We live in a different time now.

A shitter, beiger, more nervous time.

A time when loud noises startle us, and people are declared to be criminals with no evidence provided to back the accusation.

Just ’cos, apparently.

Who would have ever guessed this would have come to pass?

I don’t like this time very much.

But I very much enjoyed living in that other time, so I make a point of going to the Bankstown Bike Show.

It makes me feel younger than my years and reinforces my view that I am free to associate with whomever I please.

And I like looking at customised bikes. And I like seeing men ride thundering motorcycles with flair. And I like having a drink with my mates. And I like listening to loud music. And I enjoy seeing feats of strength.

And if there is something better to do on a Good Friday, I do not fucken know what it is.

My congratulations and gratitude to Highway 61 MC for keeping this show running smoothly and professionally for a quarter of a century. I hope the club continues to do exactly that.

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“Hello? Yes, I need a challenger.”

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The big front wheels are still popular.

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360, ladies. 360. They do go up to 400, I believe.

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There’s a bit going on here.

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There is always some beaut old stuff on show.

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There is no substitute for cubes. None.

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Simple, clean, loud.

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It’s saying the Rosary.

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This produced 191 bhp on the dyno an hour later.

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This one made 271bhp. I needed strong drink after that.

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Because rigid Shovelhead.

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Because Matt Mingay.

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Because he got heaps closer Matt Mingay.

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Orange crush.

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Check this out. Look closely.

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I fucken loved this. Shut-up.

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Yes, hipsters were allowed in too.

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A little Lucifer.

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Man is a god. I will hear no argument.

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My brother, Elvis.

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Adam Layton of APL Performance Bikes had a dyno set up. Want a a go-fast guru? This bloke is as good as they get.

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There’s that blue turbocharged V-ROD again.

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And there is it’s readout.

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Adam builds some mighty fine and fast stuff. He does dirtbikes, too. Look him up.

 

 

 

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About the Author

is a writer who has contributed to many magazines and websites over the years, edited a couple of those things as well, and written a few books. But his most important contribution is pissing people off. He feels this is his calling in life and something he takes seriously. He also enjoys whiskey, whisky and the way girls dance on tables. And riding motorcycles. He's pretty keen on that, too.



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