Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 93 i Old Bike Australasia

Does this sound familiar? “Masquerading as private vehicles, or camouflaged as haystacks or posing as tradesmen’s vans, cars secure unanswerable evidence of road offences. Such full equipment (radar, radio and cine cameras) is still uncommon. But another turnpike syndicate is obtaining splendid results from ‘photo cops’. These men drive cars which have a cine camera attached to the roof. It is operated by the driver through a couple of switches and may be used either for stills or strips. Every negative includes a reproduction of a dialled instrument which registers the date, the hour and the speed. The mere knowledge that an all-seeing and allregistering eye daily patrols the turnpike has quite a daunting effect on the more reckless habitués. It is probably the cheapest system ever devised for enforcing…

Alstonville up and away On Sunday 21st February the inaugural North Coast Classic Motorcycle Show and Swap was held at the Alstonville Showground. The principal organiser was the Triple Triumph enthusiast, Col McAndrew of Ballina. Some machines rolled up on Saturday and the remainder early Sunday morning where they were lined up in the category for the years of manufacture. Contrary to the weather forecast of rain on Saturday but clear weather Sunday, in fact it was the reverse. However it was only drizzling rain that fell early Sunday morning. Catering was by the Ballina Hospital Auxiliary which raised just on $3,500 from this event. There was a great roll up of pre-war machines, the earliest being a 1914 Triumph. It was not anticipated to have a great many swap…

The Enfield has already clocked up 60,000 km, including a trip across Australia in 2017/18. Travelling clockwise, he plans to leave from the Union Hotel in Kiewa, Victoria, heading through Fitzroy, Darwin, Mount Isa, Cairns, Brisbane and back home via inland route. His aim is to raise money for the Children’s Leukaemia & Cancer Research Foundation. To this end, he has produced stickers that he will put up in various locations. “I’m running a competition,” says Brian, known as Beetle. “Find one of my stickers stuck on a structure and take a photo. At the end of my ride around Australia we’ll see who has photographed the most amount of stickers in different places. I have no idea of the award as yet but I’m thinking it will be fun…

Entries are now open for the muchanticipated event that will see four days of music, food, entertainment and of course motorcycles. As well as on-stage music reliving the sights and sounds of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, there will be trade stalls, licensed bars, and much more, including the State Rally for the NSW Harley-Davidson owners Group. Based at the expansive and well-appointed Australian Equestrian and Livestock Events Centre, National Thunder 2021 will have guided rides across the Tamworth region encompassing Nundle, Bendemeer, Barraba and Manilla. Registrations cost $149, which includes rally merchandise, access to all rides and entertainment across the four days, and an entry to the Ronald McDonald House Charities Rally Raffle. Camping opinions are available on-site. Register now at… www.nationalthunder.com.au…

Graeme Sigley was passionate and just loved his racing, but he took it seriously and was always fastidious in his preparation. Quietly spoken and measured, Graeme became one of the most successful road racers at a state level in Western Australia (WA). From 1971 until his retirement from competition racing at the end of 1979, Graeme won 13 State Titles, more than any other solo rider in WA during that decade. He also dabbled in some racing nationally, which included competing at Bathurst over several years, culminating in a second place at the Australian GP in the 500cc class in 1979. His passion for motorcycle competition started when he was 14 and bought his first bike, an Ariel 500 Red Hunter. It cost him 5 pounds and needed a bit…

Just a few short decades ago, the march of the two-strokes seemed unstoppable. They conquered the many competition classes and everyone was talking about how fast such light and simple bikes were on the road. Only Honda resisted the movement but then released the successful 125 and 250 trail bikes causing the stroker fans to declare a near take-over of road bikes was on its way. Those fans pointed to the bikes being simpler, having only three basic moving parts, were cheaper to make, went like hell and with oil injection lasted a long time. Unlike the vast range of four-stroke layouts, most strokers could be put into just a few classes: small single cylinder, small to medium twins, and triples. Japanese makers dominated from the early 1960s. Anyway, no…

1937/34 Indian Chief 1200cc N94 pinion bearing cages for Indian Power Plus & Hedstrom now in stock. AUSTRALIAN MADE 27B160 Base Gasket Indian Sports Scout 1934-42 25C27 Prince Cam Cover Gasket 1925-28 now ex stock It doesn’t matter if your servicing, restoring or tarting up your Indian, we have most of what you need here in Australia – if not we can get in parts in as little as 5 days. Crazy Horse Indian retail and wholesale our Australian manufactured and USA sourced reproduction Indian spare parts and accessories all over Australia, New Zealand as well as back to the USA, Europe and beyond. Our modern website shows parts by category or description or part number with clear pricing and shipping costs. We also stock a number of preloved Indians…

Well appointed, nicely finished, practical. The latest offering from Benelli has a lot going for it. The famous brand from Pesaro has endured some highs and lows in its (so far) 110 years. There has been grand prix glory, including the 250cc World Championship for Australian Kel Carruthers, and a period of ownership by the flamboyant Argentinian busi-nessman Alejandro de Tomaso from 1971 that produced some rather forgettable models. Since 2005, the famous Italian marque has been owned by the Qianjiang Group and manufactured in China, although much of the design work is still done in Italy. This arrangement has seen a steady flow of new models, increasingly larger in capacity, and the 752s is the latest, as well as the most expensive in the range. The heart of the…

Tiddler fans will be happy to know that the Debenham Rally is back on the calendar for 2021, organised by the Illawarra branch of the CEMCC. A relaxed day for the older, slower bikes, with the emphasis on lightweights, the rally runs around the Moss Vale-Mittagong area which has some excellent, traffic-free back roads. There will be no dinner this year, but otherwise the event will run to the usual format for Veteran (no capacity limit), Vintage (up to 500cc), and Classic (250cc or less) and will be based at the Moss Vale Caravan Park. Dates are 19/20 June. For more details contact Merle Graham via email at… merlegraham40@gmail.com…

What started as a need to have a bike part for his 1951 Matchless restored has led Greg Slaney to fulfilling a life-long dream of running his own motor restoration business in Sydney’s Northern beaches, Vapour Blasting and Restoration. With a background in Diesel Mechanics and Sheet Metal Engineering he has a great knowledge for this new business giving him a respect for bike parts and understanding of mechanisms. The eco-friendly vapour blasting machine he operates restores motorcycle chassis or engine parts to as-new without damage. Greg welcomes conversations with customers also obsessed with vintage bike restoration. He is happy to come to you and welcomes you to drop by his workshop; “The Ultimate Man Cave”, as his wife Jennifer calls it. Greg has a sign at the entrance to…

Levis Motorcycle Club Sellicks Beach Historic Races • 13-14 March, 2021 – Sellicks Beach, SA The 2021 Sellicks Beach Historic Motorcycle Races were a little different to previous years. Covid had placed restrictions on spectators and the track had been moved 5m closer to the sea. Friday was almost perfect for racing with blue skies, a warm day and an offshore breeze but racing didn’t start until Saturday, which dawned quite a bit different with rain in the morning, and a strong onshore breeze. This made setting the ½ mile course difficult due to the sea water intruding, something that would prove an issue later in the day. With the course set, the two practice laps followed before the racing started in earnest. What proved interesting was the puddles of…

Stalag IVB (at Mühlberg on what became the border to East Germany) in the latter years of WW2 would not have been a popular destination, with up to 30,000 prisoners of war crammed into freezing and filthy wooden huts teeming with rats and fleas. These camps were often referred to as ‘Death’s Waiting Room’, and such were the atrocious conditions, many inmates simply lost the will to live. Maintaining morale was vital for survival, and all sorts of schemes were concocted to boost flagging spirits. One such was the ‘Mühlberg Motor Club’ (MMC) which came into being to revive the zest for life of the many motoring enthusiasts in the camp. Such was the uptake of the concept that Tom Swallow, the president of the club, suggested they produce their…

ISBN: 978-0-6482904-7-6 Australian price: $25 plus $14 postage. 186 pages soft cover. Available from author; PO Box 392 Winston Hills NSW 2153 Email: Lm2@tpg.com.au Phone: 0410 524 882 Back in OBA 66 we reviewed the original volume of this work, featuring Lester Morris’ lifetime (so far) in the motorcycle trade and media. Talk to Lester and many of us are immediately transported to Mount Panorama in the good ‘ole days, when his dulcet tones flowed like fine wine from the loudspeakers around the track. He knew his stuff, did Lester, and he presented the running commentary with the aplomb of the seasoned stage actor, which he was and probably still is. Volume 2 of his memoirs is another enthralling read as he recounts exploits from 1969 to the present day…

Sales fails I enjoyed your Sales fails feature in OBA 85. I once owned an XS500 8 valve Yamaha twin which I think was not a great sales hit either. It was ugly looking too, so we made a matched pair! I bought this after I had a Kawasaki Z200 single which I bought new. The XS500 ran OK for years and I had no problems with it at all. It was replaced by a Suzuki GS1000G which did everything much better. It was the best bike I ever owned. Ross Dollimore Palmerston North. NZ Scootering at Silverstone Absolutely love your readers’ comments and of course your magazine. Recently I was talking to a friend of mine and he asked me if I’d been to Silverstone. I went to high…

Based in Mittagong, NSW, Staintune had been operated by Sandy Campbell who announced in March 2020 that the business would close and its equipment auctioned, after failing to find a new owner. In a statement issued on February 10th, 2021, Sandy said, “With a beaming smile and a full heart I am happy to announce that at the final hour (literally) Staintune has been able to secure a safe deal. This will assure the name and more importantly the product, quality and customer support lives on. The Australian-based company Torqit (www.torqit.com.au) of Beresford, NSW (in the Newcastle district) saw the opportunity for Staintune to be incorporated into their production business plan. Torqit specialise in the innovation, development, manufacture and sale of high-quality 304 Stainless Steel performance exhaust systems.”…

George can be remembered as the major organiser, with the assistance of his good lady Mary, of many Down Under Jampot Rallies in the Riverina area of New South Wales. Our profound and sincere condolences from all Club members to Mary and the family with much to remember of George’s extensively valued work over many years for the benefit of all AJSMOC Aust. club members.…

Albert was a Life member of the Hawkesbury Motorcycle Club and raced at Moorebank, Mount Kembla and at the club’s own circuit at Bilpin, just a few hundred metres from where he lived on Bell’s Line of Road. Albert, Milton Vincent and other club members were the driving force behind the creation of the Bilpin circuit, which was hacked out of bush in a gully behind the Bilpin District Hall. Albert was the archetypal wiry, reed-thin bush Aussie, with a distinctive drawl that was frequently punctuated by laughter. His modest house sat next to the Bilpin Bush Fire shed, and he was a tireless worker for that organisation in an area that was frequently ravaged by fires. He began racing on a 350 Ariel (which he owned up to his…

Two Stroke Performance (TSP) in Mornington, Victoria, is one of the very few remaining two stroke specialists. The small firm has only been in business a few years and was started to meet the demand from dedicated two stroke enthusiasts. They specialise in upgrades for KTM and Yamaha high performance dirt bikes. Dave McCarthy started the business as a dirt riding and engine modifying enthusiast who has developed from scratch the niche products which meet the demands of discerning buyers. The company even makes its own components and for cylinder heads that means machining the inner and outer parts from billet to precise dimensions. They adjust the combustion chamber, compression and squish to both improve and sweeten the output of high performing competition dirt bike engines – mainly KTM 250…

Michael Arnott’s 1979 MH Replica bears chassis number DM860SS 900115, identifying it as one of the rare 1979 survivors. This has the steel tank replicating the TT bikes, with the twopiece single seat and the unloved but extremely rare one-piece fairing. As Michael says, “It came to Australia from New Zealand, where it was about to be auctioned. “I agreed to pay the reserve price and had it shipped over. It’s not concours but it is original, even things like the Perspex screen is the one it came with, as is the seat, wheels, shocks, brakes and so on.” Michael had the bike detailed by Michael Mifsud, who described the pitfalls of removing the fairing, which sounds like a typically Italian piece of impracticality. “I found the best way was…

As the club’s 100th birthday nears, Cootamundra Antique Motor Club will stage a “99 not out” rally on Saturday 20th November, 2021. Co-organiser Mark Loiterton says, “The event will be open to motorcycles and outfits up to manufacture date December 1947. It will travel over picturesque country back roads over a distance of 150 km with two stops for morning tea and lunch. Fuel is available at both locations in Harden/Murrumburrah and Young. An evening presentation dinner will be held at the Cootamundra Ex Services Club on Saturday following the run. Awards will be for oldest bike/rider combination, furthest distance travelled and a hard luck award decided on by the Committee. 10 lucky draws will be also given out in a random bike number draw for participants and our travelling…

Vintage Motorcycle Club of NSW Easter Bathurst Tour • 28 March–4 April 2021 – Bathurst NSW After the 2020 lapse, Bathurst Rally regulars, many of who have been attending the Easter Tour for decades, were champing at the bit for a return to the glorious country roads that host the eight-day event. After the floods and devastation of the previous weeks, the return of brilliant sunshine that remained for the entire event was indeed a blessing for the 150-odd entrants. True, there were a few extra potholes to dodge, but overall the conditions were perfect. The Tour began with the traditional ride to Trunkey Creek on Sunday, followed by Carcoar Dam, where members of the Newcastle Club fed everyone with their celebrated Taylor’s Tasty Terriers (hot dogs). Tuesday was a…

Waxing lyrical The Merin Barton II Waxed Jacket reflects the similar products of yeasteryears but in a shorter, modern-retro style. Made from genuine Scottish Halley Stevensons ® 12oz Silkwax fabric with Reissa ® Active waterproof and breathable lining, the jacket also has a removable 150g quilted thermal lining, with zip ventilation panels front and rear. D30® CE Level 1 armour is fitted at shoulders and elbows, with a rear armour pocket to fit CE back protector. Cuffs, biceps, collar and hem are multi adjustable and premium YKK Zippers are used throughout. Manufactured to meet or exceed the new CE Safety Standard, the Merlin Barton II is available in Black or Olive with a RRP of $469.95. Distributed by Link International. See: www.merlinbikegear.com.au More air for the Himalayan Royal Enfield has…

Available direct from Tony Webb at email: binbooks@iinet.net.au Tony Webb’s latest book has particular significance as Tony’s ‘Huck Fin’ framed machine was significant enough to be included in ‘The Motorcycle, Design, Art, Desire’ exhibition at the Queensland Art Gallery. It was timely for Tony to publish his book about the Aussie rider of the said bike, Graham Warren. Information and photos came from Graham’s youngest son Mark, the John Somerville photo collection, that of the late Noel Clarke (to whom the book is dedicated as he amassed a large collection as a dedicated fan) and too many others to mention. The book starts with a remarkable anecdote about Tony, at the age of 13 in his native England, watching his grandparent’s television and the first ever airing of speedway –…

PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO THE CURRENT HEALTH CRISIS INDIVIDUAL EVENT LISTING DATES AND DETAILS COULD CHANGE APRIL/MAY Heart of the Hunter Rally 30 April 30 – 2 May, 2021 – Singleton NSW Conducted by Singleton Classic Motorcycle Club. Short rides Friday and Sunday, longer rides Saturday. Judging Saturday morning prior to rides departing. No dinner this year. Info: PO Box 255 Singleton 2330. Ph: 0422 072 901. MAY Singleton CMC Inc. Annual Rally 1-2 May, 2021 – Based at Singleton Showground, NSW. Rally Raffle with first prize 1978 Suzuki GT X7 250 drawn 1st May. Entry forms available February 2021 from SCMMC, PO Box 255 Singleton 2330. Em: singletonclassicmcc@gmail.com Sunbeams in Oz Rally 6-9 May, 2021 – Kiama, NSW As Kiama is a holiday destination, it is best to…

2021 Rally Coordinator Phil Scorah says plans are well underway. “2020 brought many disappointments and one was the cancellation of the Queensland 2020 VJMC National Rally at Toowoomba. Rather than reschedule the 2021 rally in Queensland, it was decided to move to Victoria for the next rally. The 2021 VJMC National Rally planning was for March 2021 but the necessary cautious approach in a ‘COVID normal’ scenario confirms the rally dates of 15 to 17 October 2021 in the historic gold-run city of Bendigo, in Central Victoria. “We are very excited to announce the support of Suzuki Australia as the naming sponsor for the 2021 Suzuki VJMC National Rally. The objective is to make the 2021 rally the most-attended rally in recent times. Hence Bendigo was chosen as an easily…

Raised and educated in the Como/Jannali area of Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, Geoff mixed with friends in his high school years who formed interests in motorcycling and aviation. He bought a new CB72 Honda in 1966. Though not a Uni student, he had numbers of friends who were such, and he joined the University of NSW Motorcycle Club. With clubmates, there was no shortage of fanging around the public roads. But when the cost of speeding fines was weighed up, Geoff found road racing the CB72 at Oran Park a cheaper way of obtaining speed jollies. The clubmates also had great fun riding in the Goodwin Shield, an offroad enduro-style teams competition on machinery not designed for the dirt. But it taught them how to ride. Around the same time, Geoff…

The racing circuit at Mallala, 58km north of Adelaide, has served South Australia’s motor sport needs on and off for six decades. But its very existence came about due to what was described by motor sport journalist and racing driver David McKay as somewhat of a travesty. “Under the present ridiculous rotational system it was their (South Australia’s) turn to host the Australian Grand Prix, so SA was forced into a premature GP.” The system administered by the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport (CAMS) called for its premier event, the Grand Prix, to be hosted by a different state each year, and SA had last done so at the remote and rudimentary 1.5 mile Port Wakefield circuit in 1955. However for 1961, when SA was due to again stage the…

After a year’s absence, the popular Macquarie Towns Show Day is back on Sunday 1th September at the picturesque Macquarie Park, overlooking the river in Windsor, NSW. There will be displays and judging for vintage and classic bikes representing a century of progress, plus a section for visitors’ bikes. A sausage sizzle, tea, coffee and soft drinks will be available. It’s a free day out so bring the whole family. For more information contact Jason on 0452 528 766.…

Ridden by first-time salt racer Charlie Hallam, the Interceptor nicknamed SABRE broke the four-year-old class record on each of its runs, leaving the new mark at 132.050 mph (212.514 km/h) in Class M-F 650, for 650cc un-streamlined motorcycles running commercial unleaded fuel. Charlie Hallam broke the record on Day One of Speed Week (Monday 8 March 2021), with his first run at 121.782 mph. The Geelong-based HRA team, headed by experienced salt racers Andrew and Kate Hallam, thought this was an extraordinary result for a 650cc single-cam, air-cooled Twin, but Charlie believed there was a little more to come. Later, the Interceptor ran 130.370 mph and was then impounded overnight until it could do a back-up run the next morning. This run, under increasingly stormy skies, saw a stunning 133.779…