The 1,000 Bike Show Returns to Greenstone Mall, Featuring an Expanded Thumper Concours
The Classic Motorcycle Club (CMC) is excited to announce the return of the 1,000 Bike Show, South Africa’s largest classic motorbike show, from 5 – 7 September 2025. This year, the iconic event will once again transform the underground parking area of Greenstone Shopping Centre into a haven for motorcycle enthusiasts, showcasing a spectacular array of classic bikes, defined as those 25 years or older.
Founded in 1968, the Classic Motorcycle Club has consistently delivered an event that celebrates the rich heritage of motorcycling. Building on the success of previous years, the 2025 edition promises even more participants and visitors, solidifying its reputation as a must-attend event on the South African motoring calendar.
A particular highlight of the 1,000 Bike Show is the increasingly popular Thumper Concours section. This dedicated showcase for single-cylinder, air-cooled motorcycles over 400cc, saw tremendous growth last year. Anchored around “Motul Mary,” Motul’s iconic 1972 VW Kombi flatbed, the inaugural Thumper Concours stand in 2024 proudly presented 23 Thumpers from across South Africa, becoming a standout feature of the entire show.
This year, the Thumper Concours is set to be even bigger and more competitive, with an expanded judging format and an impressive line-up of motorcycles. “We anticipate 25-30 bikes this year, showing great growth from the 23 we had in 2024,” says Lawrence Atkinson, one of the Thumper Concours organisers. “This growth will include a remarkable 1980 XT500 that has covered an astonishing 140,000km, having been ridden through South America and then from Europe to Johannesburg. We’ll also be featuring six replica Dakar Yamaha XTs, a custom Yamaha TT500 from Durban, as well as a diverse range of Thumpers from Gauteng.”
The Concours d’Elegance aspect of the Thumper stand will see all participating Thumpers meticulously judged across six categories:
- Showroom
- Modified
- Survivor
- Off-road / Racer
- Judge’s Choice
- Best on Stand (selected from the five categories)
The judging process will follow a similar, yet expanded, format to last year. Industry experts Braham Botha and Keith Willis will return to their judging roles, conducting a pre-selection process where ribbons will be awarded to their top 15 bikes. These select motorcycles will then be brought to the judging mat for public viewing and individual scrutiny. Trophies will be awarded to the winner of each category, and the prestigious floating trophy will continue for the “Best on Stand.” Last year, Paul van Wyk took home the “Best on Stand” award with his 1980 Yamaha XT500, while Keith Willis’ Yamaha SR500 was recognised as “Best Modified.”
Motul, a global leader in premium motoring lubricants, is proud to return as a sponsor of the Thumper Concours. Mercia Jansen, Motul General Manager for Southern and Eastern Africa, commented, “Partnering with the Thumper Concours perfectly aligns with Motul’s ethos of supporting the motoring community across all levels – from preserving legacy vehicles, through grassroots initiatives, and all the way to professional racing. We are thrilled to be part of this growing celebration of classic motorcycling.”
Braham Botha, owner of Shimwells Yamaha in Boksburg, a co-sponsor of the Thumper Concours stand, also expressed his enthusiasm, “We are incredibly excited to see the interest in the Thumper Concours stand continue to grow. This year’s Concours promises to be even more impressive than last year’s, and we look forward to seeing the incredible machines on display.”
Owners of Thumper motorcycles (manufactured between 1970 and 2000) who wish to present their bike on the stand and have the chance to win a trophy, are encouraged to get in touch with the stand organisers. For more information and to discuss presenting your bike, please contact Lawrence Atkinson at: lawrencejhb@gmail.com .
For more information about the 1,000 Bike Show and to purchase tickets, please visit Quicket .
For more information on Motul’s premium motoring lubricants, please visit: https://www.motul.com/en-ZA
