Ahhh – Sydney’s beautiful Silverwater! Well known across this wide, brown land for it’s wonderful gaol, the Silverwater bike show, and… um. Did I mention the prison? I popped along yesterday with my trusty Nikon in hand to see what I could see. And what I saw was mostly Harley choppers covered in skulls, fire, and billet. Having braved hellish traffic on Parramatta Road only to arrive 20 minutes before the gates closed I was more than a little pissed off. Then like a bolt from the blue I stumbled across the fine gentlemen of the BSA Club of New South Wales and all was saved. Not only were they friendly and ready for a chat, but the bikes they were sporting were as beautiful and cool as they were collectable.

Although all BSAs pretty much rock my world, the one standout for me was the lovingly restored black-on-black 1939 350cc B26, named “Black Bess” (shown above left and numerous times below). I am a total sucker for that “everything painted satin black on an old English bike” look, and this particular example was no exception. Now being the odd-man-out does have its benefits – I think all of the BSA club members took home a trophy. When you put your five BSAs up against 100 Harleys choppers, the “Best Vintage” category is pretty much in the bag.

PS. Yes, that is a Hayabusa being ridden by dog in sunglasses. And no, I don’t have any idea why either…