Photo Gallery: 2012 Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza

The fourth Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza (HBBB) has wrapped up at the State Motorcycle Sports Complex in Victoria, having delighted thousands of enthusiasts and spectators over the Easter weekend.

A record number of bikes were on display and in action over the weekend, with a staggering 826 machines registered by the close of the event.

The annual celebration opened on Good Friday with a unique Motocross reunion in the newly finished Broadford Speedway shed. Riders and spectators were treated to a special display of all Honda Motocross models from 1973 to 1984 and the ultra-rare Honda Factory RC 500, Mugen (Sochiro Honda’s son’s company) Hondas and a Dick Mann Replica XR Motocross model, along with the first glimpse of Roger Harvey’s new book ‘Scrambling Downunder’.

The impressive opening was followed by two days of spectacular action right across the State Motorcycle Sports Complex, with enthusiasts putting their classic machines through their paces on the Speedway, Dirt Track, Trials, Motocross, Enduro and Road Race tracks.

Saturday afternoon saw the crowd head to the Speedway track for the Insure My Ride (IMR) Speedway Spectacular, which featured period sidecars and solos. As an added on-track treat, nine-time World Champion in Speedway and Long Track Ivan Mauger demonstrated Jack Young’s 1951 Championship-winning Mitchell JAP and rare AJW machine.

As in previous years, the Annual Gala dinner lit up Saturday night with a feast of food, wine and conversation. Guests were entertained throughout the evening with interviews with special visitors Ivan Mauger, eight-time Isle of Man TT winner Charlie Williams and Honda Motocross GP International Jeff Leisk.

There was plenty of off-track action across the weekend as well, with a host of stalls and swap meets to visit, and a smorgasbord of magnificent machines on display across the site. A special feature for enthusiasts was the amazing collection of Indian Motorcycles from the golden eras, gathered to celebrate the 111th year of the Indian story.

Now in its fourth year, the HBBB is fast becoming an annual cornerstone event for riders and enthusiasts, with Event Organiser Peter Drakeford once again thrilled at the level of support and interest shown across the weekend.

“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.

“It was great to see many riders staggering around on the Sunday having ridden themselves almost to a standstill previously. Somehow they found the energy for a few more laps and even as the event was winding down we still had riders signing up for the Sunday sessions.

“Put Easter in your ‘must do list’ for 2013 and we will see you there!”

MA CEO David White was delighted with the weekend, and excited to see so many riders and enthusiasts enjoying the sport.

“The Bonanza is a remarkable event, bringing riders and spectators together and bringing a brilliant array of bikes out of their covers and onto the track.

“On behalf of MA, I would like to thank everyone who pitched in to create a great event, including Event Organiser Peter Drakeford and the Museum and Heritage Committee for all their efforts.

“I would like to thank our Sponsors for their generous support: Honda, AON, Insure My Ride, Motorcycle Trader, Ballard’s Offroad, Mitchell Shire Council and Tahbilk Wines.

“Special thanks to Motorcycling Victoria, and to all our volunteers who generously gave their time to ensure another fantastic weekend at Broadford.”