The 2018 Shannons Insurance Broadford Bike Bonanza (SIBBB) at the State Motorcycle Complex, Broadford, Vic, has kicked off with beautiful sunshine, great crowds and the finding of a Vincent Black Lightning that hadn’t seen daylight in 48 years.

Vincent Owners Club President Bob Allan was amazed when one of his members stumbled upon a rare Vincent Black Lightning just sitting in the shed of his home in Tasmania.

“Days like this supplied by Shannons, are just fantastic. The strength of the SIBBB is the fact we uncover some rare beasts, and this year was no different as a member found a Vincent Black Lightning in his shed in Tasmania that had not seen daylight in 48 years. The same bike was purchased for a staggering $1.4 million from one of our members from the states, if it wasn’t for days like SIBBB you would never see bikes of that calibre, they would just sit in sheds collecting dust and now people get the chance to see them up close. 

“The SIBBB gives our members a purpose to bring their bikes out and put them on show and even take them onto the track. Look at all the people here today, the relaxed easy-going atmosphere just brings people out and we as a club love coming to Broadford. Coming into the event we were hoping to have 60 bikes on display, but we smashed that and have over 80 bikes here.

“We are also now the biggest Vincent Owners Club Chapter in Australia, which is great to see and the best part is seeing everyone out here today enjoying their bikes,” finished Club President Allan.  

The Vincent machines here at the State Motorcycle Complex range from 1927 up to 1955 and owners are traveling from all around Australia to be part of the SIBBB.

Uncovering rare bikes like the Black Lightning and bringing people from all over Australia together has been one of the many reason for the SIBBB success over the past 10 years, pair that with the laid-back fan first experience and the great access to the pits, its an experience that can’t be matched.

SIBBB Event Coordinator Rachelle Wilkinson, has been delighted with the first two days, commenting; “This year is shaping up to be a great success, I’m seeing riders with smiles on their faces and that’s what its all about. The crowds are continuing to build with strong ticket sales, but there are still tickets available for tomorrow. A big thank-you must go out to all the hard-working Volunteers as they have been instrumental in how well the event has run over the first two days,” Wilkinson finished.

Don’t miss your chance to check out classics from a bygone era, come on down and finish your Easter long weekend at the final day of the 2018 SIBBB.