Western Australia Vintage Motorcycle Show

Finally, Perth had a milder day than the last run of what felt like a thousand days over 40 degrees celsius! It was lucky because a flood of old blokes in sweaty leathers made for an interesting cocktail since half of the annual Vintage Motorcycle Club ‘Old Iron’ swapmeet and display was crowded and indoors.

A couple of hundred of Western Australia’s finest classic bikes arrived at Cannington Showgrounds for a brilliant show. While there wasn’t a lot of Milwaukee iron compared to the Japanese and European majority, you’ll see the photos show a couple of pretty desirable editions.

Carl Montgomery’s 1926 FD is totally original and thankfully unrestored, making it a rare and desirable model these days. Initially owned by one family for 30 years it was long term stored in the 1960’s in the best way known, covering it in sump oil! Sold to a NSW bloke during the 1980’s it sat for another 30 years untouched until finally ending up in Carl’s possession and back in WA in 2012. He’s no plan on touching the looks, just regular maintenance and a whole lot of riding it from now on.

If road racing is more your style then World Championship winning Italian Aermacchi bikes are of note. The company was half owned by Harley-Davidson in 1960 and bought outright in 1972. Despite successful competition results during H-D’s tenure it was short lived; Cagiva buying the factory just six years later. Shown here is the 1969 344 cc Ala D’Oro version. Two bikes were brought new to WA by Ken Duperouzel and Bill White for racing at the local Wanneroo Circuit.

All up it was a great day with plenty of soulful bikes and characters crowding the showgrounds until late afternoon. Pencil in next year’s event and you won’t be disappointed.

Brain White