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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