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South Africa Bike Festival 2017
Bike Festival, Kyalami, Johannesburg, May 26-28
The second South Africa Bike Festival staged at the famous Kyalami race circuit near Johannesburg has made a big impact with African bikers – increased crowds, increased exhibitors and vendors, and an excellent venue close to a stunning part of the country all came together to make the event a winner. Many of the major manufacturers were represented- Harley, Indian, Victory, KTM, BMW and more- with( escorted!) test rides offered on selected models around the iconic former Formula 1, MotoGP and World Superbikes circuit a definite highlight for the more confident among the visitors.
Photo: Frank Sander / Dale Kopping
It is still early days for the custom market in South Africa, although Harley has dealers there and strong sales in some of the major cities. Economic and currency issues continue to hold back what will for sure one day be not only a viable and valuable motorcycle market in general terms, but it is a place where customizing is for sure destined to capture the public imagination. As evidenced by the kind of technical questions and genuine enthusiasm for performance and custom options fielded by the exhibitors, there certainly is potential, and the 50 strong mixed field in the Rocco Mama Custom Bike Show showed that there is a promising direction of travel. The supporting program had all the hallmarks of a rally in Europe or the United States with more than 10 bands, Monster Energy freestyle action and much more to keep the enthusiastic crowds entertained.
www. southafricabikefestival. com
INTERMOT
12th Place
Christopher Marschka of Wuerttemberg, Germany, scooped 12th place in the Freestyle class at the 2016 AMD World Championship with‘ Patriot Special’, a 100ci American V Plus engine rigid- a homage to the craftsmanship of his fellow builders and those who make their own parts. As Christopher told us, he has“ only used parts from builders or companies who manufacture their products in their own country – that’ s why we chose the name‘ Patriot Special’ for the project.” The hand-made parts include the gas tank, under-transmission oil tank, seat and seat pan, shock absorber system, handlebar, rear fender, front and rear brake mounts, top motor mount, midcontrols, E-box and the exhaust in 304L stainless steel. The front end is a Voodoo Vintage girder front end; the 35-degree rake, 5-up and 2-out drop seat rigid frame is by RKB Kustom Speed; the drivetrain is a 6-speed chain drive with hydraulic clutch. The front and rear brakes are perimeter set-ups with ISR caliper and the wheels are by Black Bike( 3.50 x 23” front, 7.00 x 20” rear) with Vee Rubber tires. Paint is by Experience Colours, with chroming / plating by Galvanik Kreile.
Christopher Marschka
Germany
30 AMERICAN MOTORCYCLE DEALER- JULY 2017 www. AMDchampionship. com