About 60 motorcycles dating from 1903 to 1975, the oldest of them a Minerva, are being exhibited at Muscats Motors Showroom in Gzira today and tomorrow.

The exhibition, which is held annually by the Historic Motorcycle Club, includes machines from Britain, Italy, US and other countries. They are still used regularly and a number of them have even been on club runs abroad.

Most of the makes, such as Triumph, BSA, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Matchless, Ariel and Jawa, are still household names.

Club public relations officer Stephen Zerafa said it was the intention of the club to increase popularity of classic motorcycles but there were few conditions which encouraged such an interest.

He said that abroad, classic motorbikes and even cars, for that matter, were considered part of the national heritage and in certain countries no licence was required for such a vehicle. Special insurance rates were also offered to owners.

With lower licence fees, owners would be encouraged to restore their vehicles. Unfortunately, for many years it had not been worth keeping such vehicles.

Mr Zerafa hoped that the budget measures which lowered the registration tax on such vehicles, would re-awaken interest in old bikes. He said that motorbikes were first brought to Malta in around 1903.

The first motorcycle developed was a Benz in 1885.

The Historic Motorcycle Club was inaugurated in Malta in 1989. It has some 60 members and organises a number of motorcycling and social events throughout the year. It is affiliated to the Vintage Motorcycle Club of Great Britain.

The exhibition is open until Sunday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.