REPORT - 2026 ALL BRITISH RALLY - JUST BIKES

REPORT - 2026 All British Rally

Words and Photos: Mike Ryan

Already the largest gathering of British-made and British-branded motorcycles in the Southern Hemisphere, the All British Rally went bigger in 2026. The 48th edition of this annual event once again turned the small central Victorian town of Newstead into a hive of new and old British two-wheel machinery.

Organised by the BSA Motorcycle Owner’s Association (BSAMOA), the All British Rally (ABR) is a three-day event, held on or around the Anzac Day Weekend each year. For 2026, the ABR straddled the most important date on the Australian calendar – held from 24-26 April.

This year’s 48th edition followed the familiar and popular pattern set by past ABRs, with arrival and set-up at the Newstead Racecourse, plus an organised ride, on Friday 24 April. Following an Anzac Day observance at dawn on the Saturday, 25 April, the second organised ride – a short 30-minute trip to Maldon – saw riders park up, allowing the public to see the bikes, talk to riders and soak in the atmosphere. Back at the Newstead campsite that afternoon, it was time to stoke the campfires and grab dinner, along with a beer or two, ahead of the evening’s entertainment from a live band.

Sunday, 26 April, was time for packing up and farewells.

Resolve on Wheels

In the lead-up to this year’s Rally, the BSAMOA revealed that ticket sales were slow. A big factor in this was the fuel crisis caused by the US-Iran war that kicked off in February, compounded by some long-range forecasting for grim weather over the Anzac Day weekend. However, as the event drew nearer, it seemed Brit bike owners were determined to exercise their bikes, catch up with old mates and savour the occasion – costs and conditions be damned!

The fact that entry numbers this year set a new record of 800+ was evidence of that determination, with the BSAMOA pleasantly surprised by the turnout. The weather gods smiled on the event, too, with dry and sunny conditions throughout.

Welcome BSA

A keenly anticipated attraction at the 48th ABR was the public presentation of the all-new BSA range for Australia. As announced by JUST BIKES back in March, BSA is making its return to the Australian market this year, with Leisk Moto Imports (LMI) appointed as local distributor. Headed up by respected motorcycle industry veteran, Jeff Leisk, LMI chose the ABR for BSA’s official public debut in Australia after a few dealer events earlier this year.

The Bantam 350, Gold Star 650 and Scrambler 650 on show at Newstead – the only examples in Australia at the time - attracted plenty of attention across the ABR’s three days. Speaking to JUST BIKES, Leisk revealed that interest in all three of the Indian-made models had been strong, but perhaps a little surprisingly, Rally participants were particularly drawn to the Scrambler 650.

Combining heritage styling with modern tech, safety and reliability, the new BSAs are expected to reach dealerships soon. Both the Gold Star 650 and Scrambler 650 are powered by a 652cc single, producing 33.6kW (45hp) and 55Nm (40.5lb/ft). A five-speed gearbox, tele fork front, dual shock rear and disc brakes with Brembo calipers are common to both models, as are analogue gauges (with classic reverse-sweep needles), a 12-litre fuel tank and ABS.

The new Bantam 350 has a 344cc single at its heart, producing 21.3kW (29hp) and 29.6Nm (21.5lb/ft). Curiously, it runs a six-speed gearbox against the 650’s five-speed, and has a larger fuel tank, too, at 13 litres. Alloy wheels (instead of wire spoke) also set the Bantam 350 apart from its larger siblings. It’s worth noting that all three of the new BSAs are LAMS-legal for learner riders.

Alongside BSA, other stallholders at the ABR included Royal Enfield, Shannons Insurance, Tri-Spark, Get Routed, Zorros/Crazy Horse and the Women Riders World Relay. The swap meet was humming all weekend, too.

Maldon goes Mega

Whether you’re participating or spectating, the ride and street display at Maldon is always an ABR highlight. This year once again saw part of Maldon blocked off for the display, with bikes lining the sides and middle of the street under perfect autumn skies. The display was so big, it spilled over into side streets, too.

A display of this magnitude draws other riders, so there was plenty of American, Japanese and German bikes parked nearby. A couple of ringers made their way into the all-British enclave in the form of a C1902 Otten’s Motor from the Netherlands and a German-made Fafnir of similar vintage.

The ABR always features a strong turnout of Vincent motorcycles, and this year was no exception. More than half a dozen examples of these beautiful beasts were present at Maldon, along with some Vincent-engined customs. Rivalling a beautiful ’55 Rapide outfit for impact and size was a modern Triumph Rocket 3 trike conversion.

Outstanding historic metal could be found up and down the Maldon street display, covering all the well-known British marques, plus a few that left punters scratching their heads.

Numbers at Newstead

Back at the Newstead Racecourse, bikes were lined up on the campground’s main throughfare for judging, presenting an equally tasty selection of new and old. There was also this year’s raffle bike, a C1950s BSA A10 Golden Flash, that was to be won by one lucky ABR entrant.

If you were in the market for a classic Brit to add to your stable, the ABR was the place to be, with several bikes wearing ‘For Sale’ placards, including a fully-faired Triumph Thruxton and a rare, Triumph-engined Wasp motocross outfit.

Beer brewed for the occasion – ABR 48 Super Rocket Fuel - was sold out before the weekend was over, reflecting the turnout that’s believed to be a record in ABR history.

The raffle bike draw was held on the Saturday evening, followed by the judged prizes on the morning of Sunday 26 April. Highlights among the 26 different awards for ABR entrants included Best Original/Unrestored that went to a heavily patinated 1926 Triumph outfit, while Best Bike this year was won by a beautiful 1930s BSA J12. Further proof of the determination of ABR entrants mentioned earlier was Geoff Ingram, who rode his 1924 Douglas to and from the Rally – a three-day journey each way - without support. That earned Geoff the Spirit of the Rally award.