In line with Motorcycling Australia (MA) Riders’ Division to be more people focussed, expressions of interest are requested from High Schools with a suitable engineering/metalwork department looking to take part in an exciting new project.
MA’s Project Bike has been initiated to promote interest in the trades associated with vehicle restoration and engineering through the restoration of a classic motorcycle.
MA will provide an un-restored Australian-made ACME 125cc motorcycle for students of the winning school to restore.
They will undertake to restore the ACME in no more than one year and MA will provide $1000 to assist with costs.
Following completion of the project, the machine will be placed in the MA Museum along with the story of the machine and its restoration as told by the students.
Schools interested in taking part in Project Bike, should apply in writing, detailing the research and restoration teams, along with a summary of the workshop facilities and a short letter of no more than 250 words explaining why they should be selected for the project.
Applications should be via email only to:
Manager Australian Riders’ Division
Email: riders@ma.org.au
Applications close: 31 March2011 and the winning school will be announced at the Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza 23-24 April 201: www.ma.org.au/hbbb
Background Information on the Bike:
The 1940s ACME 125cc was assembled and marketed by Sydney bicycle builders Bennett and Wood who also built Speedwell bicycles.
Like a lot of motorcycles of the era the 125cc used a British made Villiers 9D engine, but housed in a locally built frame.
While much is known about Australia’s auto manufacturing past, Australia has never had a fully fledged motorcycle manufacturing industry.
The ACME therefore represents a significant historic landmark in the nation’s automotive history.