Revved up for vintage bike rally

HUNDREDS of Japanese motorcycles will be on display at the Dai Gum San Precinct from Friday to Sunday, as a major rally rolls into town.

The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club was forced to cancel its annual Suzuki National Rally last year, and president John McNair said the group is excited to bring the event to Bendigo.

“The events are a weekend of mateship, great riding and a display of some of the finest classic Japanese motorcycles in the country,” he said.

“I take pride in the way these members and their families interact with communities during these rallies and indeed on all club activities.

“I am certain that entrants in this event will prove to be an excellent addition to the range of wonderful events held throughout the year in the beautiful city of Bendigo.”

There will be more than 250 restored and preserved bikes on display, built between the 1950s and the 1990s by the four major Japanese manufacturers Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki and Yamaha.

The club will also take their bikes on a tour of the region over the weekend.

Manager of tourism and events at the City of Greater Bendigo Terry Karamaloudis welcomed the rally to the municipality.

“The three-day event will be a big draw for motorcycle enthusiasts, and I encourage visitors coming to the rally to also make the most of our beautiful city and support our local tourism attractions, hospitality, and retailers who are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.