Spruced up classic proves popular selection at show
Stratford classic motorcycle enthusiast David Cook was second in the people's choice category at the 2012 Classic Motorcycle show at Manukau early this month.
He says he had a spot of trouble with the 1987 Honda GB500 he bought and stripped it down. Then "one thing just led to another".
He says the engine was slightly modified, but he added his own bling by repainting, chroming and polishing the bike.
He repainted the original black with silver, gold and blue to replicate the cafe racers of the 1950s.
He says he might have overcapitalised on his "baby" but he has no regrets.
A love for bikes runs in the family with brother Fred riding ironman events and son Murray heading Cook's Honda in Stratford, where the bike is also on display until the end of the month.
David when younger raced in motocross events. He now still rides for pleasure, but says the GB500 is only taken out for special events.
David's other passion is birds. He was second in the CYCR Roller at the National Bird Show held in Christchurch last month. The rare roller canaries were judged solely on singing ability.
