Of Motorcycles on the Garden Route
On departing from George, we took a slow drive to Knysna. Arriving mid-morning, our destination was The Motorcycle Room. Ian Georgeson (our CEO) is a keen biker, and so this stop was a “must do”! Which resulted in today’s two-wheeler visual feast…
This venue belongs to Colin Stunden – a venue he describes as his “Happy Place”. This is not a space for fancy bikes which have never seen the open road… It is a glorious tribute to bikes that have been both ridden and loved.
“Four wheels move the body, but two wheels move the soul.” Unknown
And, talking of the open road, or the road less travelled, a large section of the display is taken up by KTM bikes.
In fact, close to 25% of the display is ‘orange’…
And talking of “orange”, one cannot but think of Kirsten Landman (our Dakar Girl featured in a previous column).
Not only did she visit, but left her shirt here too – and, being the motorcycle-lover she is, likely a small piece of her heart as well…
Some bikes are merely for commuting and others are for Adventure – with a capital A! The two bikes below have certainly seen real adventure. The first belongs to Noraly, who quit her job as a geologist in 2018, sold her belongings and left The Netherlands to live on the road permanently. If you’re into adventure, she has an amazing YouTube channel (see details below), “Itchy Boots”, that is a worthy watch. The second is a bike that completed Cape to Cairo. You just have to LOVE the passion and Spirit of Adventure that these bikes inspire…
This display is also about older bikes, those from yesteryear that are still going strong. This Yamaha was first built in 1974. The DT 175 Trail became a much-loved bike, which “has always been a spunky, eager machine and it proved perfect for navigating firebreaks, jeep trails and potholed city streets”.
“The only time I feel truly alive is when I’m on my motorcycle.” – Sonny Barger, Hell’s Angel.
This little JAWA CZ 150cc is a 1952 model. JAWA Motors was a motorcycle and moped manufacturer founded in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1929 by František Janeček. The 150 was released 23 years after the initial creation of the company. The company did not initially appreciate two-stroke engines until one of their lead minds was asked to develop a two-stroke motorcycle for the National Motocross Championships. After the B grade rider came 3rd overall, it changed their view and production began in earnest.
“A motorcycle is an escape from reality; a way to live in the moment.” Unknown
Talking of escaping reality and living in the moment, this NHRA Pro Stock red and white drag racer is also on display in this incredible collection. It can do a quarter mile drag race in 7.4 seconds at a speed of over 290 km/h! It was built by Mike Keyte of Superbike Mike Engines in Lauderdale, Florida. Official stats: NHRA Pro Stock drag racer. Model Year: 1991. Chassis: Kosman. Match Race Engine: 1680 cc, 280 hp.
This little beauty, a Yamaha IT 490 1983 Track Racer, was hand-built by Phoenix Customs (Knysna) for The Motorcycle Room. It is a Replica Salt Flat Racer, and the exhaust and bodywork are all hand-made.
And because Triumph is just such a phenomenal brand, I simply had to include this one – the Triumph Twenty One. The engine size of 350 cc equals 21 cubic inches, hence the name. This specific little treasure was found in an isolated barn over 400km away in Sutherland. A really lucky ‘barn find’ for The Motorcycle Room!
“In a car, you’re just driving. On a motorcycle, you become one with the road.” – George Clooney.
If you’re in Knysna, and a motorcycle fan, make the time to visit this fabulous spot. You won’t be sorry!
Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team
INFO BLOCK:
The Motorcycle Room
https://themotorcycleroom.co.za/https://www.facebook.com/themotorcycleroom/
Top Floor, Parking Shed, Thesen Harbour Town Long Street, Knysna, South Africa
079 497 4723
Colin Stunden at The Motorcycle Room, Knysna:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lrg6234CC74
Itchy Boots
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIs9nkveW9WmYtsOcJBwTg