Page 92 - Car South Africa (February 2020)

feature

01

“I don’t take this bike-collecting

hobby too seriously”

02 03 04

01 Quite a sight, with a handmade 1954 bikes to the facility and spread few of them. “I like to leave the he won the Roof of Africa race in
BSA Clubman racer on the left. 02 A them out across the oor. bikes in the condition I nd them; 2014. Of the 140 examples in the

sought-after two-stroke 1983 Yamaha RD
500. 03 Built by Gavin Venter, a custom “Since we’ve put the signs up, they’re real-world bikes. If they collection, around 40 are fellow
Suzuki GN250 “Copper” which is used people come through the doors aren’t running, we will get them enthusiasts’ bikes which Colin is
regularly. 04 Bespoke (and 40 kg lighter!) and they always enjoy the collec- going. To me, a restored bike just happy to exhibit on their behalf.
BMW GS 1150 Adventure.
tion. The real enjoyment is the loses its soul and personality.” “We’ll look for more interest-
nostalgia behind it.” Fortunately, most of these ing motorcycles to add to the
of control from there … I would As expected, Colin is often bikes are ridden, and Colin collection but, for now, we are

buy whatever I could afford at approached to buy more collecta- makes a point of telling visitors almost lled to capacity.
the time. ble bikes. “Some of the bikes I’ve that, if a bike is dirty, it’s because “It is so rewarding when vis-
“People would say I was mad been offered I couldn’t say no to it hasn’t yet been cleaned follow- itors leave and say, ‘Thank you,
to get all these beat-up bikes but and on occasion, I didn’t have ing a ride. my bike has been laying in my
eventually today’s junk becomes the money to buy them. Slowly “I don’t take this bike-col- garage for 30 years; I’m going to
tomorrow’s treasure. My garage but surely the quality of the lecting hobby too seriously; we get it up and running.’ I think it’s
was packed and when people bikes I’ve bought has improved.” sometimes build a custom bike why a lot of people can relate to
heard I have bikes, they would As we make our way through from parts laying around in this place.”
nag to come and see them.” the collection, I’m intrigued by the workshop.” Colin now plans to import
When this current building be- the authenticity of the bikes on There are several unique bikes some exotic collectables to add
came available, Colin realised the display. There’s a good reason for with chequered histories. One is to his impressive assemblage of
potential and took his then 60 the second-hand condition of a Wade Young’s steed with which two-wheel wonders.

90 CAR FEBRUARY 2020 CARmag.co.za