2012 Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza is another big hit

Over 820 registrations for the event was a new record, with the organisers, including a small army of Motorcycling Victoria volunteers, noting more and more new entries are coming from interstate. In addition to a plethora of pre-1985 motorcycles on the tracks, there was plenty to see around the paddocks and pits, too, including a special display of Indian motorcycles in honour of the marque's 111th Anniversary, a big display of classics and customs from Antique Motorcycles, as well as some goodies from Motorcycling Australia's own museum.

The 2012 HBBB opened on Good Friday evening with a motocross reunion in the newly finished Speedway Shed at Broadford. Honda MX machines from 1973 to 1984 were on display (as well as some rarities like an RC 500, Mugen Honda ME 360 and Dick Mann XR replica), while legends of scrambles, motocross and speedway, in the form of Ivan Mauger, Ray Owen, Ray Vandenberg and Jeff Leisk were interviewed.

With its road, motocross, enduro, dirt track, speedway and trials circuits, Broadford is the perfect venue for the HBBB, and all courses were in action across both the Easter Saturday and Sunday of the event. On the road course, all sorts of solos and sidecars took to the circuit, with special guests Charlie Williams and noted motorcycling journalist Alan Cathcart amongst others taking various machines on track during the 'star sessions'.

Saturday's track action closed out with the Insure My Ride (IMR) Speedway Spectacular, with various speedway solos and outfits taking part, the highlight of which was Ivan Mauger running some demo laps on Jack Young's 1951 World Speedway Championship-winning Mitchell-J.A.P. machine. This was followed by the Annual Gala Dinner in Broadford, where Mauger, Williams and Leisk were special guests.

A full day of non-competitive track action followed on Sunday, with Event Organiser Peter Drakeford declaring that this year's HBBB has established itself as a 'must-do' for classic motorcycling enthusiasts around the country.

"The level of enthusiasm shown by all involved was really gratifying. We had so many positive comments and with a large proportion of the entries new to the event it bodes well for the future," Drakeford said.

"Value adding to the event in the Friday night Motocross Reunion, the Saturday evening IMR Speedway Spectacular and the Gala Dinner ensured entrants got real value for their dollar. Put Easter in your 'must do list' for 2013 and we will see you there!"

For further details and photo galleries for the 2012 Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza, go to ma.org.au or Just Bikes Facebook