Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 80 i Old Bike Australasia

Redfern Motor Parts bids farewell At the completion of World War 11 there was a surplus of retired military motorcycles and not much money. So it was that Jack Johnson purchased all he could acquire of the disposed of former military Harley-Davidson machines. His company Redfern Motor Parts traded in Redfern, Sydney. He was later joined by his son John. However not too long after Jack passed away his son sold the stock to well known Harley-Davidson guru Tony Blain. Blain is a native of New Zealand who came here in 1978. In his early motorcycling days he owned a 1954 Norton, a Tiger Cub, Norton Atlas and a couple of Commandos. He then went on to purchase a 1989 FXSTS Springer as an entry to vintage and classic H-Ds…

The seventh running of the New Zealand Motorcycle Show will take place at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, September 14th and 15th, 2019. Admission is NZ$25 for adults, children from 5-13 years $10, and under 5 free. A Family Pass for two adults and two children is $50. In 2018, close to 8,000 people attended, despite torrential rain, to see an event with over 400 exhibitors, including the latest new models. The 2019 show will feature displays, club stands, trade stands, gear and accessories, parts, services and training. As always, the backbone of the show will be the Classic Bike section with hundreds of bikes vying for the judging awards. In 2018, Malcolm Anderson’s 1977 Ducati 900SS, which was restored from a ‘barn find’ to concours condition, took out both Classic…

He had been battling with lymphoma – a cancer of the immune system. John had followed his passion for more than sixty years as a magazine columnist, author of more than a dozen books on speedway and as a respected television commentator. John’s books covered the careers of many of the sport’s most famous names, including Ove Fundin, Ivan Mauger and Tom Farndon. His interest in the oval sport began when he was taken to a meeting at Birmingham by his mother when he was aged only 12. His son Chris went on to compete for the Rye House team in the British League.…

One such was Eric Fernihough, who established a new World Record for the Flying Kilometre on a solo of 169.7 mph on 19th April, 1937 on a supercharged Brough Superior JAP. The venue was a public road in Gyon, Hungary and as well as the solo record, he set a new Sidecar Flying Kilometre mark of 137mph on the same machine with an unmanned chair fitted. Fernihough was an internationally successful motorcycle racer, with notable victories at Brooklands, and on the Continent. In 1935 he set an absolute lap record at Brooklands of 123.54 mph on the Brough – a time that stood until just before the track closed in 1939 when it was bettered by Noel Pope. Going back a few years to 1939, the Wolverhampton firm of AJS…

Morgan is a small town approximately two hour’s drive east of Adelaide. It is situated on the banks of the River Murray, was established in 1878 and has a population of 4-5000 inhabitants. It supports two pubs, a large shop, service station, caravan park and some smaller businesses. It is surrounded by station properties and some irrigated properties. Thankfully the river frontage, while very pretty, has not been over developed. From the time of its establishment until the early 1900s, Morgan was the busiest river port on the Murray, catering for paddle steamers which travelled the length of the Murray and Darling Rivers, towing huge barges loaded with wool, grain, dried fruit and packed citrus. From Morgan this could be freighted to Adelaide via rail. On return trips these paddle…

There’s no half-measures with the Bimota Mantra. You either love it or loathe it. The design can only be described as radical, and when you consider it carried the badge of Bimota, known for stylish and svelte racing and sports motorcycles, this was a leap into the unknown. But the look of the Mantra is not surprising once you consider that it was penned by Sacha Lakic; Serbian-born, Paris-bred; a designer who has pushed the envelope ever since he picked up a pen, or a lump of modelling clay. Back in 1986, Lakic co-designed the Yamaha-FZ750 powered Axis 749, and there are clearly traces of what became the Bimota Mantra in that exercise. At the time Lakic was working for Paris-based design studio Alain Carré; concepts that were transformed into…

Within the article I attached a photo of the bike with a gentleman astride it, whom I thought to be a Mr Alfred A. Campbell. I arrived at this possibility after assuming all things captured within the photo were Tasmanian. I was wrong and the evidence was hiding in plain sight, I just didn’t see it. The colour sequence used on the number plate is in fact a NSW issue. Within the article I attached a photo of the bike with a gentleman astride it, whom I thought to be a Mr Alfred A. Campbell. I arrived at this possibility after assuming all things captured within the photo were Tasmanian. I was wrong and the evidence was hiding in plain sight, I just didn’t see it. The colour sequence used…

• 24 March, 2019 – Barossa Valley, SA The wind came up after lunch and the rain came down at the meeting’s end, but a large crowd enjoyed the sights and sounds of modern and classic machines from many viewing points along this picturesque location in the rolling hills of the Barossa Valley. One modern bike entry to create interest was an electric machine – uncanny to see a fast and silent bike that showed bags of wheelspin for a long way off the line. A good mix of classic and historic bikes both displayed and competing attracted attention in the pits and on the track. Always a favourite at Collingrove is the tuckshop, lovely local pies in particular. Another sensible idea is that the Atujara club has initiated a…

• 14-21 April, 2019 – Bathurst, NSW To the delight of the 200-odd riders and the dismay of farmers, bright sunny weather prevailed for the 45th running of the always popular Easter Tour at Bathurst. Each year the make up of the bikes entered shifts a little, with fewer of the veterans that have been an intrinsic part of the rally since its inception and more of the later models, however 2019 still saw a healthy roll up of pre-WW1 machines and plenty of bikes from the other eras. For many of the regulars, this is an 8-day holiday in the central west of NSW, with the colourful changing of the seasons and the chance to explore the wonderful roads around Bathurst. As always, Rally HQ was the Bathurst Caravan…

• 9-10 March, 2019 – Bunbury, WA. Upon arrival for the start in Bunbury, it was evident the weather wasn’t as forecast. Rather than a few “light showers”, conditions were rapidly deteriorating with a darkening sky signalling that rain was closing in. By the time bikes were assembling for the start, the rain was steady and it didn’t look like clearing. But that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of most of the 180 participants, many who’d travelled from far afield, including Albany and Perth, to participate in WA’s premier rally for old bikes. Many were heard to comment later that the conditions made for an “interesting” ride that was quite different to previous years and which they really enjoyed. By afternoon, the rain was easing, allowing riders to make the most…

The CB92 catalyst About 15 years ago I received from the editor of VJMC UK a photo of a young chap and his girl friend on a Honda CB92 in the 1960s; me being a fan of these motorcycles. All motorcyclists with the same model of bike tend to have contact with other owners, but I did not know the owner of this bike until 2018. My friend and also owner of a CB92, Dave Coleman, an ex-racer who lives in Australia he was one of the £10 poms in the 1960s. For people who do not know what this is, in the ‘60s you could immigrate to Australia on assisted passage for the small sum of £10 (if that was only true today). Dave comes to the Isle of…

The annual Bonhams Spring Auction held at the Stafford Showgrounds in UK saw some interesting results, with the 1962 650cc Triumph Trophy TR6S ridden by American Bud Ekins to a Gold Medal in that year’s International Six days Trial fetching AU$183,228 (£97,750). Apart from its significance with Ekins in the saddle, the model is one of the rarest modern Triumphs, being only produced for the 1962 year. Ekins was famous as an all-round rider, competing in motocross and enduros, and gaining particular fame for his stand-in role for Steve McQueen in the movie The Great Escape, when he jumped a Triumph over a wire fence. As the movie was being shot in Germany, Ekins thought it would be a good idea to combine his work with a ride in the…

The prestigious event will take place on the brand new circuit at Collie Motorplex, two and a half hours south of Perth. The new track, which has taken the lap from 1.6km to 2.55km, has been built at a cost of $2.57 million which includes a new footbridge and improvements to spectator facilities. The new track was approved for racing by Motorcycling Australia on May 14th, with resurfacing to the original layout in addition to the extension. This now makes Collie the longest and widest motorcycle racing track in Western Australia. Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle urged the motorcycling community to take advantage of the fantastic new facility. “The improved Collie Motorplex is a wonderful sporting complex, and it’s a testament to the commitment of all involved with the project…

The story of the company founded by Pietro Laverda goes back to 1873, initially producing agricultural machinery for the neighbouring farming community. In October 1949, Pietro’s grandson Francisco founded Moto Laverda S.A.S. The first product of the new venture was a 75cc four-stroke single, the Motoleggera or Lightweight Motorcycle. Unlike the multitude of Italian makes that relied on proprietary engines, the Motoleggera used Laverda’s own design, developed by Francesco and Luciano Zen. Right from the start, the company chose to demonstrate the effectiveness of its products in the field of competition, particularly endurance events like the Milano-Taranto and the Giro d’Italia. Success came instantly in these gruelling events – a clear demonstration of the quality of the product – and soon variations of the original ‘75’ began to appear in…

1987 HONDA GB500 TT When the Honda GB500TT came into existence in 1985, there was not a road test or review that did not compare it to the exalted and extinct great British singles, especially the BSA Gold Star, Velocette Venom Clubman and Thruxton, Norton Featherbed International and so on. Certainly, the overall specification was of the same ilk; a sporty single cylinder four stroke with minimal weight, basic instrumentation, few concessions to comfort, and impeccable handling. But beyond the initial glance the Honda had a lot more going for it, notably its engine. But more of that later. The Japanese factories have made some curious marketing decisions over the years, but probably none more curious than for the GB500TT. One may have logically expected that its primary market would…

Officially titled the SdKfz 2, its primary purpose was to lay field communication cables. The vehicle was designed to fit inside a Junkers Ju 52 aircraft and used by ground troops once unloaded. Early versions used the front fork from the NSU 600cc model but this was soon found to be unable to stand up to the rigours of crossing heavily bombed terrain and deep ditches, and was reinforced and strengthened. The revised version also repeatedly failed, meaning the machines spent more time in the workshop than in action. It was not until 1942 that a completely new front fork with a hydraulic shock absorber was fitted, and this rejuvenated the project. Other standard NSU motorcycle parts initially fitted included the spoked front wheel, headlight, handlebars and instruments. On post-1942…

Peter Hyde, Museum president, sent a request to the Historic Motor Cycle Club of Queensland inviting a display of historic motorcycles to compliment the era of the Brisbane tram. Ten HMCCQ members obliged, and to our delight we got our fair share of interest from the large crowd that came primarily to see the trams. Trams from as early as 1901, trolley buses and later diesel buses were on display with several mobile units carrying passengers during the day. I was pleasantly surprised to see a chart headed ‘Sunbeam Trolley Bus Chassis Lubrication’ on display in the museum. Indeed Brisbane had trolley buses designed by the same company responsible for Sunbeam motorcycles. Co-incidentally Dave Royston rode his Sunbeam to the event. I noted a trolley bus on display outside a…

• 19-21 April, 2019 – State Motorcycling Complex, Broadford Victoria For the eleventh Easter in a row, the State Motorcycling Complex at Broadford burst into life for three days of motorcycling in all its various forms. Actually it was more than three days for many of the big crowd of spectators and contestants, with camping areas quickly filling by mid-week. This year’s themes were the celebration of 50 years of the Honda CB750, plus Sidecars in everything from road racing to trials. More than 100 examples of the Honda Four turned out for the event, plus dozens more ridden by spectators. One group of six rode various CB750 models all the way from Brisbane and return – a 3,770km round trip. There were numerous examples of the original ‘Sandcast” model,…

• 18-19 May, 2019 – Gold Coast, Qld In mid-May, the annual Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Rally returned to Queensland for the first time sinåce 2008, with the date shifted later into the year to take advantage of the milder northern weather. That almost came undone after rain fell on Friday afternoon and overnight, but Saturday stayed mercifully dry for those amongst the 175 entrants who took in the morning ride. This left the base at the Australian Outback Spectacular at Oxenford on the Gold Coast at 9am for a 105 km ride up into the hills via Advancetown, Beechmont and Canungra before returning to the AOS car park for judging. The morning tea stop was at Beechmont School, where members of the P&C put on a sumptuous repast. From…

• 24 March 2019 – Canning Showgrounds, Perth WA The VMCCWA Show and Swap meeting, which has run since the 1980s, attracted the biggest crowd ever to check out any bargains but also to browse amongst the incredible collection of machines on display, some being amongst the rarest in Australia. The VMCCWA, with over 600 members, is a non-profit association, run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts and entirely dependent on volunteer members who donate their time and energy. Entry fees cover expenses and any excess is ploughed back into the next show or used to make charitable donations to community organisations. The club also conducts regular club runs, has a parts store and an extensive library for members. The Motorcycle Show this year was a credit to the members with 130…

• 8–11 March, 2019 – Maryborough, Victoria. Friday’s short shakedown run was to the historic Talbot Hotel. We had hot weather for Saturday’s run to Maldon where we had lunch and browsed the historic shops. Our return was an incident-free 100km run via Eddington and Carisbrook. Sunday’s run was via Newstead to Clunes Showgrounds for the Truck Show where our bikes were displayed in a designated area. A mini dust storm followed by some rain had a few depart early and we returned to the Maryborough Hockey Field car park for a short display and the voting for awards. Monday’s ride was out to Talbot and then to Lexton before proceeding on to Avoca for morning tea and returning to Maryborough. Our dinner at the historic railway station restaurant was…

One example of the former was his Marshmallow plant in Ecuador, a volatile region of South America where dictators and despots kept a vice-like grip on the economy. At the time, Sir Carruthers, referred to in hushed terms whenever he visited the region as ‘Excellency’ had forged a strong friendship with General Jose Duran Alfredo Roldos Martinez Alguersuari, who had seized power in the infamous “Night of the Steel Sausage”, in order to gain favourable status for the supply of vanilla extract, a vital ingredient in marshmallows. To further cement the contract, Sir Carruthers agreed to manufacture and supply an engine for the General’s luxury yacht, which was being constructed in Miami, and to have Edgar Jessop conduct sea trials before sailing the vessel to Guayaquil. Furthermore, Sir Carruthers himself…

Australia’s million dollar motorcycle, the ex-Jack Ehret Vincent Black Lightning, will be seen and heard at the 2019 AMCA Antique Motorcycle Weekend at Bulli, NSW on August 24th and 25th, supported by Destination Wollongong. As well as the former Australian Land Speed Record holding motorcycle, Jack’s son John will be in attendance to speak about his recollections of the bike and his father. The very popular Tech Talks will again be a feature of the weekend. Sessions include: • Scanning and 3D printing for replicating parts on vintage bikes • Preparing your vintage bike for storage • Touring on a vintage bike, with Bill Bryce • The Ehret Vincent (both days) • Panel beating – repair and manufacture • Bikes pre 1920 • Bikes 1920-1940 • How to take great…

After 32 years working for Kawasaki Motors Australia, former member of the illustrious Team Kawasaki Australia, Murray Sayle spent his last day in the office on 24th April, 2019. Murray joined TKA, run by Neville Doyle, alongside Ron Toombs on the Doyle-prepared H2R Kawasakis. After Ron was injured at Amaroo Park, Gregg Hansford was drafted into the team, the green machines became the most professional racing outfit in the country, not just in the Grand Prix classes but in production racing. Murray and Gregg teamed to win the Castrol Six Hour in 1975 on a Z1 900. Murray left TKA at the end of 1977 and the following year was crowned Australian Unlimited Champion, riding a TZ750 for Milledge Yamaha. He spent most of 1979 racing in UK and Europe…

Ron owned many of the big sixes in his lifetime and twice visited The Netherlands for the K1300 International Rally, most recently in 2018. After a career in the insurance industry, Ron retired to spend more time riding and to enjoy his other hobby, photography. He became a dab hand with a camera and his shots won several awards. Ron was a frequent contributor to OBA, especially with coverage of the Broadford Bonanza. He was due to cover the 2019 event but sadly time ran out for Ron, a happy and friendly bloke with a passion for motorcycling in all its forms.…

BSA, at the time the largest motorcycle company in Britain, got the ball rolling in August 1945 with the 350cc B31, its first all-new post war design, which admittedly, incorporated more than a few items to the pre-war range, including the M23 500cc Silver Star-inspired crankcases. The B31 also owed much to the 1940 model B29, but featured a redesigned top end with iron barrel and head which was a visual difference from the pre-war OHV singles. Up front sat a telescopic fork, a first for BSA. But before we look more closely at the B31, it is handy to look at where it came from in the lineage of BSA pushrod singles. The very first motorcycle designed and built entirely by BSA appeared in 1910 – a fairly straightforward…

Marcel worked as a delivery rider in Paris for the French sports daily L’Equipe, starting at 4.30am each morning as the first edition rolled off the presses in that pre-internet era. “It may resemble a BMW, but it was created with French style, and Gallic passion. Anyway, Monsieur le Président [de Gaulle, back then] personally chose the Ratier for his Garde Républicaine to escort him with. Vive la France!” It was an improbable legacy of WW2 that the rugged 746cc boxer-engined sidevalve BMW R12 introduced in 1935, of which 36,000 examples were built by 1942 to equip the Wehrmacht [German army], and its later R71 sidevalve and R75 ohv derivatives, should spawn such copious descendants around the globe – including the French Ratier. This evolved from the 1940-44 German occupation…

Let’s start with first impressions; tall and a little top-heavy, especially with a full (21 litre) tank of fuel. At 257kg unladen, this is a fair bit of bike, and with packed panniers, top case and a pillion, it goes up from there. As such, you need to be careful with low speed manoeuvres, but this sensation soon abates, the moment the road begins to disappear beneath the wheels. Once in its stride, the Versys just eats the kilometres, and there’s a multitude of settings and adjustments to ensure the ride is supremely comfortable and efficient. The luggage compartment consists of side panniers and a top case, the latter large enough to take two full-face helmets. Amongst the vast catalogue of optional extras, there are internal soft bags which fit…

• 13-14 April, 2019 – Broadford, Victoria The 2019 Victorian Historic Racing Championship saw a healthy entry and spirited racing across most classes. Saturday’s program was delayed after an accident which required some races to be shortened, but the program was completed on schedule. Some events were broadcast live on Seymour radio 103.9 FM which also conducted interviews at the track. For full results see: www.computime.com.au…

• May 3-5, 2019 – Singleton NSW A healthy entry of 100 bikes turned out for Singleton Classic Club’s 2019 Rally, based at the Historic Showground in the centre of town. The rally is the club’s major annual fundraiser, with proceeds going to local projects, such as the Jerrys Plains Community Hall, where the Saturday Rally Long Ride stopped for lunch and judging. The previous day saw a well attended shorter afternoon ride, with the Saturday rides leaving HQ at 9am under dark skies which produced some early rain. Following the lunch stop there was a choice of a 52km ride back to base or a shorter 40km run. That evening, dinner and presentations took place at the Singleton Bowling Club with MC Martin Charles and club president Scott Agnew…

• Napier, New Zealand The 30th anniversary Mail Run Rally was attended by over 50 bikes including three 100 year old bikes – a 1914 Humber 3.5hp, 1913 P & M 3.5hp belt driven, and a 1918 Indian Power Plus. All made it to the Rangitaiki tea rooms where the now familiar tinkering and checking of bikes takes place. With all well, it was then onto the lunch stop at Tarawera where they put on extra staff to help cope with the influx of riders, along with members of the Hawkes Bay Classic Motorcycle Club, who rode up to join us. After a sandwich and a nice hot drink, we set off for the shores of Napier, 80km away. The climb over the Kaweka Ranges, which forms part of the…

• 9-10 March, 2019 – Kiama, NSW 55 riders and 28 partners/guests took part in the 23rd Annual Red Scarf Rally starting and finishing at Black Beach, Kiama NSW. Apart from a heavy downpour before the rides commenced, the weather was kind to us. Long Ride of 135km went from Kiama and back via Jamberoo Mountain, Fitzroy Falls, Kangaroo Valley, Cambewarra Mountain, a lunch stop at Bomaderry Bowling Club, Berry, Foxground and the Princes Highway. Short Ride of 100km went from Kiama and back via Gerringong, Gerroa, Coolangatta, Nowra East, Cambewarra Village, lunch at Bomaderry Bowling Club, Berry, Foxground and the Princes Highway. The Rally Dinner was held at the Kiama Bowling Club on Saturday night. Entertainment included Guest Speaker Ron Sumskis from Steel City Motorcycles, one of our valued…