Page 32 - RidingOn Winter2022

Old Bikes F ind a
Old Bikes Find a

Home in Bendigo
Home in B
endigo

The City of Greater Bendigo has made a firm bid for the title: mainly early- to mid-20th century restored and preserved
‘Classic Motorcycle Capital of Australia’. machines to display, there’s plenty to attract those with even
just a passing interest in motorcycles.
How so? Well, two very substantial and valuable collections
are now ensconced in permanent premises in the city. One in The cream of the collection is his priceless 1901 model, one of
Castlemaine, the other in the heart of Bendigo. only three survivors from the first years of production.
We were able to visit these two incredible displays during “Viva “It’s a very important find that I bought at auction, which was
Bendigo” promotions, celebrating the most impressive ‘Elvis: inserted into the catalogue at the last minute, so maybe didn’t
Direct from Graceland’ exhibition at the city’s art gallery. And, attract as much attention as it normally would have,” said Dugal
BTW, Elvis’s last custom FLH Harley-Davidson is also on display James, who understandably declined to reveal exactly how
as part of the exhibit, but that’s another story. much he paid for it.
The delightfully eccentric surgeon and vintage motorcycle “I do plan to exhibit a variety of marques and styles and to also
aficionado, Dugal James, has finally found a home for his many have friends’ bikes on display with the intention of having a
Indian, BMW and various Italian machines with the acquisition variety of themes every two or three months to inspire repeat
of the former Black Swan Hotel on McRae St. With the working visits,” Dugal James told Riding On.
title of ‘Indigo’ (a word combo of Indian and Bendigo) the once
bustling nightspot will be transformed into Dr James’ vision with Forty minutes away is Dave Reidie’s astonishing collection
hope that it will become a major tourism drawcard for riders and of (mainly) vintage Harley-Davidsons. There’s a couple of
tourists alike. surprises like a Crocker, Vincent and an Indian, but mostly it’s a
shrine to Milwaukee offerings.
Currently the Black Swan is only open on designated days
and by appointment, but the good doctor is happy to open on Older members (which is all of us) might remember Dave was
weekends to visiting groups, clubs and enthusiasts by prior proprietor of the Melbourne Harley-Davidson dealership, Harley
arrangement. City, from 1981 to 2017 and continues collecting, riding, and
restoring today.
With the historic and ornate city of Bendigo less than two hours
from the centre of Melbourne, the former gold rush hub is a no- He’s secured his collection in a brand new industrial unit
brainer for day rides, especially in the generous daylight saving just outside of Castlemaine and welcomes visitors by prior
season. arrangement. We caught up with him recently for a chat (after
we picked up our jaw).
Dugal James is particularly well-known as an enthusiast of
Indian motorcycles with what is almost certainly the largest RE: Dave, tell me, this is a brilliant collection, how long has it
private collection of the marque in Australia. With around 100 taken you to put this together?

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