They might be considered museum pieces, but they are still capable of producing arm-wrenching horsepower and provide thrills – and quite possibly a few spills – to match.

The fourth round of eight in the popular Vintage Motocross Series is set for Taranaki this Saturday (December 3), with bike categories to cater for everything from 1975 twin-shockers to big-bore four-stroke bikes from the 1990s and everything else in between.

Lovingly preserved and restored, most of the “antique” bikes look as if they might just have come straight off a 1970s production line or perhaps just been rolled out of a long-forgotten warehouse.

But don’t let appearances fool you, because the racing is fierce and many of the competitors are past and present champions.

The venue for Saturday’s racing is 215 Oxford Road, Otako, and spectator entry is free.

The next round of the series is set for Aria, South Waikato, on February 18 next year.

© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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