The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is sponsoring the Classic TT Vintage parade lap on Saturday 26th August.
The parade lap – The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Vintage Parade Lap – is an integral part of the four day Classic TT presented by Bennetts schedule and will feature some of the most iconic machines and marques that have long since faded from memory.
The parade will feature over 100 bikes including established Japanese manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha and Italian classics Ducati, Moto Guzzi and MV Agusta.
British marques that will feature in the parade include Velocette, AJS, Matchless, Aermacchi, a Vincent Black Shadow, a number of BSAs as well as a Triton – the Triumph/ Norton hybrid – and the Spanish-manufactured Bultaco. Among the more unusual parade bikes are a 1906 Westlake and a Rickman Metisse.
Many of the bikes are owned and will be ridden by members of the Vintage Motorcycle Club but other riders lining up include Cameron Donald who will ride a 1950s Manx Norton previously raced by Geoff Duke.
2016 Senior Classic TT podium finisher Maria Costello will appear on an R51 BMW, BMW’s post war 500 machine, while French rider Bernard Fau, who competed in Grand Prix in the 1970s and ‘80s, will be riding a Yamaha TZ250.
Rob Callister, MHK, Political Member with responsibility for Tourism and Motorsport, commented:
“We have a fantastic line up of bikes which are sure to interest all motorcycle fans. The machines represent a definitive history of motorcycle manufacturers and it is entirely appropriate that they will be seen at the home of motorcycle racing in the Isle of Man. We are very grateful to Steam Packet Company for their support for the Festival of Motorcycling.”
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward commented:
“We are very pleased to play a part in the successful delivery of the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling and its growing contribution to the Isle of Man’s economy. We hope that as many fans as possible line the course on Saturday and enjoy the stunning spectacle of these historic motorcycles as they appear on the TT Mountain Course.”
Photo - Peter Duke with the 1950 Works Norton.
