PREVIEW - 2022 Bulli Antique Motorcycle Weekend
Words and Images: AMCA Australia
In a few short years, the Bulli Antique Motorcycle Weekend has become a must-do event for fans of classic motorcycles. Hosted by the Antique Motorcycle Club of America – Australia chapter (AMCA Australia), the event celebrates all motorcycles 35 years old and older.
After being cancelled for the past two years due to COVID-19, Bulli is back as a live event in 2022 and AMCA Australia can’t wait to welcome people - and their motorcycles - back.
Scheduled for 27 and 28 August, this year’s Bulli Antique Motorcycle Weekend will feature all the attractions that has made the previous events such a success, like the big static bike display and concours, vintage bike demonstrations, a swap meet, informative tech talks and an auction of pre-1987 motorcycles and related motorcycle parts.
Over 300 display bikes featured at the 2019 Bulli Antique Motorcycle Weekend and AMCA Australia are expecting similar numbers this year. The venue – the Bulli Showgrounds – is able to accommodate all the attractions, as well as on-site camping.
This event is open to ANY motorcycle 35 years old and older, so if you’ve got a litre-plus superbike or a 50cc scooter, you’re welcome. There are no barriers when it comes to a bike’s country of origin, either, with American, Japanese, British and European motorcycles all welcome.
On the Boards
The theme for this year’s Bulli Antique Motorcycle Weekend is ‘board trackers, bobbers and café racers’. Of the board trackers, AMCA Australia have gathered an impressive selection of genuine examples, the highlight of which is undoubtedly a 1915 Cyclone.
The product of the Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company in Minnesota and only produced for a handful of years in the 1910s, Cyclone motorcycles have an almost mythic status today. Their frames and cycle parts were mostly conventional for the time, but the 61ci (1,000cc) v-twin engine was highly innovative, with bevel-driven overhead camshafts, hemispherical combustion chambers and roller bearings. In racing trim, Cyclones produced 45hp and could hit speeds of around 175km/h.
While there was a Cyclone road bike, it’s the racing variant that’s more desirable, with restored examples exceeding US$500,000 on the rare occasions they’ve gone to auction. In 2015, a Cyclone board tracker formerly belonging to Steve McQueen sold for US$852,000 at auction - a world record price at the time.
Coincidentally, the ‘Jack Ehret’ Vincent Black Lightning that set a new record price of US$929,000 in 2018 featured at the last ‘live’ Bulli Antique Motorcycle Weekend three years ago.
The genuine, restored Cyclone board tracker that will be on display in Bulli this August is one of six known survivors worldwide and the only one in Australia.
“This incredible machine has been generously loaned to us, so it’ll be a once in a lifetime opportunity to see this piece of history,’ said AMCA Australia’s Antony Gullick.
“There will also be an 8-valve Indian racer, Indian board trackers, a Harley-Davidson board tracker and a factory OHV Indian hillclimber.”
Joining the rare and historically significant board trackers in the undercover area at the Bulli Showgrounds will be authentic cafe racers and bobbers.
Auction Action
The auction of motorcycles and motorcycle parts was one of the few elements of the Bulli Antique Motorcycle Weekend still conducted under COVID in 2020 and 2021. This year, the auction returns as a live event (online bidding will still be available) and will once again be conducted by Manshed Auctions.
In keeping with the 35 years or older theme for display bikes, the auction motorcycles are all pre-1987, too.
Consignments were still being taken at time of writing, but bikes already on the docket include an original 1981 Suzuki GSX 750 E that’s a previous AMCA Australia Winner's Circle Award recipient. Part of a Japanese collection for many years, but now on NSW club plates, this low mileage classic Suzuki is expected to make $9,000 to $13,000.
For something more exotic, a 1968 Moto Guzzi V700 ‘Polizia’ will also be offered. Still in its original Italian Military Police livery and with some components replaced, like the barrels and carburettors (the originals will be included), this rare v-twin carries a guiding range of $13-17,000.
For something truly rare and unusual, how about a 1903 CCMC? Never heard of it? You’re not alone, as this veteran marque has rarely been seen or heard outside its native Canada. Unusually for the time, CCMC designed and built their own engines, rather than use proprietary powerplants.
The example to be auctioned is mostly complete and would have to be one of very few examples in Australia – maybe the only one. Guiding range is $25,000-35,000.
Other bikes to be auctioned include a 1982 Honda CB 750 project, 1929 Indian 101, 1951 BSA A7 outfit, 1926 AJS 350 and six Rudge race bikes. See more at: manshedauctions.com.au
Early entries in the motorcycle parts and memorabilia auction include an array of Harley-Davidson parts, Goulding sidecar components and a cache of Rudge parts.
Pre-bidding on parts is open now ahead of the auction proper on 28 August. Go to: manshedauctions.hibid.com for more details.
Other Attractions
The tech talks are a highlight of the Bulli Antique Motorcycle Weekend and part of the AMCA Australia mantra of sharing the knowledge when it comes to repairing, restoring and operating classic motorcycles. These talks also help ensure that knowledge is passed on to future generations.
Subjects for this year’s tech talks include: specialist welding; paint preparation and painting techniques; rings, valves and guides for old bikes; and pioneering motorcycle engines.
The AMCA concours judging covers a range of categories, including the Tony Blain Perpetual and Centenary trophies for AMCA members, while special awards have been added this year for best board tracker, cafe racer and bobber.
There’ll also be a motorcycle-only swap meet, trade stands, a bar and food & drink options on site.
“After having the last two Bulli events cancelled due to COVID, we are back and looking forward to our best event yet,” Antony Gullick added.
The 2022 Bulli Antique Motorcycle Weekend will be held at the Bulli Showgrounds on the weekend of 27-28 August. To find out more, go to: General Information: amcaaustralia.org or the AMCA Australia Facebook page.
2022 Bulli Antique Motorcycle Weekend – essential info
Date: 27-28 August, 2022
Location: Bulli Showgrounds – Grevillea Park Rd, Bulli, NSW
(approx. 70km south of Sydney)
Motorcycle Auction enquiries: Antony Gullick – 0415 284 620
Parts Auction enquiries: Phill Fordham – 0427 407 398
Camping & Swap Meet enquiries: Mick Johnson – 0419 297 171
General Information: amcaaustralia.org