BMWMCQ Journal April 2025

Committee

President - Geoff Hodge

Ph: 0413 180 101

president@bmwmcq.org.au

R1200RS; R75/5, R51/3

Vice President - Cindy Bennett Ph: 0401 610 671 vpres@bmwmcq.org.au R1200C; R1250GS

Secretary- Chris Bramwell

Ph: 0427 480 811 secretary@bmwmcq.org.au

K1200GT

Treasurer - Tony Gray Ph: 0438 083 996 treasurer@bmwmcq.org.au R80GS; K100RS4V; K1300R

Events - Ben Nazzari

Ph: 0448 594 833 events@bmwmcq.org.au

R1200 RT, R1200GS

Editor - Liezel Samuel Ph: 0481 004 738 editor@bmwmcq.org.au Pillion on R1200GS

Records- Chris Bramwell Ph: 0427 480 811 records@bmwmcq.org.au

K1200GT

Tools/Service - Bill Luyton

Ph: tools@bmwmcq.org.au

Regalia - Duncan Bennett Ph: 0458 293 569 regalia@bmwmcq.org.au R1250GS, Tiger 900 Rally Pro

Dealer Liaison - Don Grimes

Ph: 0411 601 372

R1200GS; K1300R

Sub-Committee Roles

Clubs Australia - Paul Hughes

Training Representative - Julian Davis

Club Details

This Issue - April 2025

Advertisers

On The Cover

Liezel Samuel Editor’s Report

Iknew I should have said no, NO, NO, NO! But alas, even the strong get weary of saying no – plus of course there is the guilt of having one editor for 58 editions carrying the editorial load. Okay, the role was shared for some time, but still. Fair is fair, it was time for someone else to do some of the heavy lifting.

First off was the computer. Big heavy thing with three big monitors. I work from home more often than in the city – so have a full set-up of three monitors (including my laptop). Now there are six lined up – plus the back of Huw’s monitor, as there is serious planning to be done for our upcoming trip to the USA and Canada.

Once we finally managed to unpack the editorial suite of hardware, the challenge was to get the thing to work. After about two hours of restarting the computer, plugging and unplugging dongles, removing and re-inserting batteries and googling (on my laptop) how to re-connect the wireless keyboard and mouse (both briefly alive before mysteriously deciding to disconnect themselves), I gave up. I did send off one frustrating WhatsApp message to the previous editor but luckily came to my senses and deleted it within the short window allowed to delete messages (as I knew I would regret having sent the message). What is the sense of google instructions telling you to go to computer settings, do this and do that – when neither keyboard nor mouse is connected? I even tried the “move it with my eyes” method, but Roald Dahl reserved those powers for Matilda. Out with the useless wireless equipment, in with the wired mouse and keyboard, temporarily borrowed from Huw’s workspace.

And then, when I finally managed to get into the damn computer – 42 unread emails awaited me. Remind me why I am doing this again?

What goes up, must come down – so with Duncan setting the editorial bar so high, I will try my best to not drop the ball. Thanks for all those who sent in articles – as without your contributions, there would be no sense in having a journal. Cheers, Liezel.

Submissions for the next Journal close 25th-ish APRIL

Geoff Hodge President’s Report

Hiall, by way of introduction, some may know I have had several roles on the committee over the years, and now it is my turn as your President.

I have had bikes since I was 16 years old and have been riding various makes ever since. In the early years there were AJS 1951, Suzuki 250 GT, Ducati 860 GT, and an Ariel VH 500 Red Hunter with a side car for the young family.

Then came the Honda 750 V Four shaft drive, followed by BMW R100 RT CS, Ex Police R1100 RS, R1150 RS, R1200ST, F800 GT, R1200 RS and R12 Option 719, being the current Model.

I am thankful to have had many and varied rides and tours around this great land of ours. The Committee members and I are all available for a chat and to discuss items pertaining to the club and its activities. I hope to talk to many of you over this coming year.

See you then.

Geoff.

Ben Nazzari Events Officer’s Report

Hi all,

Firstly, I would like to welcome the new committee to the front line. This will be my 3rd term as events Co Ordinator and I’m really looking forward to engaging with the new committee to make this year run as smooth as possible.

As you will see in the event’s column there is a sausage sizzle ride in May, this will be a test to see if I can entice other club members to attend club rides and outings that don’t normally get involved, and to give existing members something new.

March saw 17 riders attend the mid-week ride. I was so proud to see club members engaging in conversation and a decent ride lead by the infamous David Harvey who helps me out a lot with my mid-week rides and I really appreciate all the help I receive from club members with rides etc. We met @ BP Blacksoil with a nice twisty ride to Laidley for Coffee and then onto Hays Landing Lake Wivenhoe for lunch. Absolutely great location and great ride thanks again David.

March Coffee meet up was at Elvy’s Cafe Shorncliffe. Another decent attendance with a nice group of people as always, I enjoy the coffee mornings as it is a good time to catch up with other members and have a chat.

The Sunday Led ride was cancelled due to Cyclone Alfred so nothing to report there.

So with April and May approaching and a new event to look forward to I would like to take this opportunity to thank the past committee members and welcome aboard the new members into their new roles.

Till then keep it upright Ben.

BMWMCQ Club Events for APRIL 2025

MAY 2025

The following decisions were taken by the new Club Committee at its inaugural Meeting held on 17 March 2025:

Club Facebook

• The name of the Club Facebook Site to be renamed ‘BMW Motorcycle Club of Qld Members Group’ to better reflect the geographic diversity of club members.

• As this is a site for club members, a caveat will be placed on membership requiring that the person becomes a financial member of the BMWMCQ within 6 months of joining the FB Group or they will risk being removed.

New members

• New members of the BMWMCQ will receive a welcome gift pack of Club Keyring + club stickers along with their welcome letter and membership card.

• Each quarter a ‘New Members’ sausage sizzle will be held to welcome new members to the club. Existing members are invited to come along and get to know and welcome the new members. It is envisaged that these events will alternate between a ‘near city’ northside and southside location and will replace the monthly lunch ride for that month. Participation will be by gold coin donation which will go to our chosen charity, the RFDS. Country members will be encouraged and supported to organise similar gatherings with target areas of Cairns, Hervey Bay, Darling Downs.

Puchases/Expenses

• A second batch of 150 club medallions for member longevity and mileage awards has been approved. The first batch of 150 was expended at the AGM awards. Cost $1,320.

• Approved expenditure of $75.87 for printing of member award certificates for the AGM.

• Approved purchase of an additional bike lift for the club service days. We again thank Rob Wynne for his generosity in allowing the club to use his facilities for the service days and his agreement to retain this lift in his shed.

• Tools Officer Bill Luyten has successfully upgraded the laptop computer used with the QS911 diagnostic tool from Windows 10 to Windows 11 at zero cost.

Training incentive

To encourage members to improve their riding skills through training and/or undertake skills training in road accident management or First Aid training, the $50 incentive will now be available every 2 years rather than 3 years as previously. Eligibility conditions still apply.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Cindy Bennett Vice President’s Report

Greetings from the VP Chair, I am pleased to continue the tradition of the last few years of the President transitioning to the VP role. This provides support and continuity to the Committee and I aim to be Prez Geoff’s “right hand man” – just call me JD…ah maybe not.

After our torrid weather of late, it is great to see an improvement in riding conditions and a recent overnighter to Tenterfield was very pleasant indeed. A first time stay at the Royal Hotel was the icing on the cake, the accommodation and food were top notch, with friendly and helpful staff to boot.

We were on a ride with a group of British brand bikes, and got special dispensation to ride the Beemers as our Tigers have started their long sea voyage to the US of A. The GS’s were a little outnumbered as you can see in the below pic!

Until next month, ride safe and enjoy the change of seasons.

Cindy.

Iamhonoured to be accepted back into the Regalia position for the BMWMCQ, last time was in 2023 but I have no recollection of what I did that long ago. It is problematic this time, because I am taking over from Mario.

To retain some cultural relevance in my analogy, that’s like taking over the Sistine Chapel ceiling from Michelangelo when he’d hit the 95% complete mark, and only the genitalia needed a touchup.

Fortunately we can all see what Mario did, so I will try to keep on with it, just more stubbie holders.

Cheers, Duncan.

Spot the lurking Beemer at Boonah

Duncan Bennett Regalia Report

Chris Bramwell

Secretary’s Report

BMWMCQ Annual General Meeting & General Meeting

Minutes – April 2025 Venue: Geebung RSL

Meeting Opened: 7:30pm

Minutes of Previous Annual General Meeting

Accepted: Chris Lancaster

Seconded: Mario Grossi Management Committee reports, Accounts and Auditor’s report

Accepted: Frank Hills

Seconded: Les Fitzpatrick

Number of Attendees: 68

President Report: A good year with many great events. Membership numbers increased which is a good metric for success. The rest as per March Journal report, thanks to all who have made this year a positive one.

Vice President Report: As per March Journal report. Good things came out of the year, especially Mario on Regalia and Ben with Events and Julian with Training. Disappointed in the training take‐up, but still opportunities. Cindy was the club’s 2nd female President, the 1st to make it through a whole year, and did a fantastic job. The club is a broad church, with many different opinions. But the 100th Anniversary last year was a great example of every member pulling together to achieve something great.

Treasurer Report: The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. This is attributed to JFK, but he attributed it to Edmund Burke. It doesn’t matter who penned it, it is pertinent. It is also pertinent to reflect on why democratic governments of the world take measures to control who’s pulling the strings of the mainstream media, whilst dictators completely control the content. Just because the editor disagrees with me, or doesn’t like what I ride, or wear, or whatever, does not give him the right to refuse to publish my report, which he threatened but was forced to rescind as the report was already publicised. So he did the next best thing and took my half page report and annotated his personal opinion all over and within the message for another three and a half pages.

AGM 2025 MINUTES

I was asked by the Committee to prepare a budget for 2025. I prepared one and included it in my report in the last Journal, only to have it buried in the back of the magazine, past the fourteen pages of the constitution where nobody would even notice it. And I know nobody knew it was there, as several members have approached me with questions about the proposal, all answers of which were therein. And of each one that showed interest, none knew it was in the magazine. And to further exacerbate the editor’s consistent censoring, my one and a half page proposal became three and a half pages with his personal diatribe.

The Treasurer’s budget apparently is not compulsorily required, and will not be so if the Special Resolution to be considered at the AGM is not carried. But the Committee have requested I produce it, and when I did, certain members of that Committee vilified me at the last Committee meeting. Sufficiently to warrant claims of bullying. However, I stood my ground on the basis that the budget is valid, and all that is necessary for the Club to proceed through 2025.

You can go back to pp 84 to 87 of the February Journal to view the proposal in its entirety, ignoring the editorial waffle, but I would like to reaffirm the salient points here.

The club has too much money. The only way to reduce that amount to the benefit of ALL members, is to reduce the annual subscription. Constitutionally, the Members at the AGM determine the fees for the coming year by vote. One would assume by an informed vote. So, here’s the information. Last year we received $14500 for Membership fees. The year before $13800, and the year before $12700. Let’s assume an average of $14000. If at 280 Members, which the numbers each year appear to consistently be, we charged only $10 each, our Membership income would be $2800 and we would be $11200 worse off.

It would take 5 years to bring our bank account down, during which time, we’d have ample opportunity to apply a correction, if need be. If you feel that’s too severe, we could put the fees at $15, placing us $9800 worse off, with 6 years to apply a correction. Similarly, a $20 fee would yield $8400 less and offer 7 years to apply a correction. This is the only way we can reduce the money in the bank that ALL members can receive a benefit from, that doesn’t encroach our Constitutional and legal obligations. Deliberately subsidising events, whilst constitutionally may be presently possible, but hasn’t been legally challenged, doesn’t pass the pub test.

The Treasurer’s budget is this:

AGM 2025 MINUTES

1. Apply an annual Membership fee of $10 for 2025 for everybody, including common address.

2. Stop subscribing to Issuu and posting the Journal on that platform. Issuu is an open platform that allows anybody, anywhere in the world with internet access, to read the Journal. The reasoning is:

∙ Saving the Club over $800 annually

∙ Maintaining the privacy of our Members

∙ Encouraging Members to continue to be Engaged, as they currently don’t need to be a Member to read the Journal

∙ Encouraging new people to join to read our illustrious magazine

Editor Report: As per my March report, thanks very much to all who have contributed to the Journal over the years. The role of the Editor is to maintain the integrity of the Journal. The Journal is the only contact with the club that many members have, and it is read by many external parties including other BMW clubs, Clubs Australia, and our advertisers. The Editor cannot put material in the Journal that brings the club into disrepute, and will not put in material that embarrasses the club, or the Treasurer for that matter. This is the second time I have been publicly attacked, so if the membership have problems with what I have done, we can take a vote and I will leave the club.

Secretary Report: Thanks to all for the last 12 months.

Records Report: Finishing up after 8 years on committee. 4 new members in March. I always wanted to reach 300 members, and we did for a few days in February! Currently 290 members.

Events Report: Thank you to everyone who have organised and led rides over the year. Looking forward to the next year.

Regalia Report: New key rings are available, plus drink bottles. I have enjoyed my time in Regalia, thanks very much.

Tools Report: Thanks to Rob Wynne for providing his place. $400 to RFDS raised on Service days. Looking at funding cost of tools shipments to members in distant places. Looking at a hoist and rotating hoist for bikes. Some new tools required.

Dealer Liaison Report: Wrap up, 1300’s and 1250’s 43,264 units sold, 4Cl sports bikes, 23,162 +/‐ a few sold, S1000’s, K’s R’s & F’s 41,089 units sold, 3,549 in Australia.

AGM 2025 MINUTES

Special Resolutions:

Automatic BMWs now standard. 1300’s one recall. Maleny GS Experience 15‐16 April.

1. Les Fitzpatrick, Member #1956: I would call on the Club treasurer to produce a projected budget so that the Full members of the club may determine the value of the annual subscription, the result based on the current number of members divided into that projected budget figure.

Votes for: 36

Votes against: 54. Motion failed.

2. To approve the inclusion of Events Officer in the Membership of Management Committee positions.

Unanimous, motion carried.

Changes to the constitution format – motion carried.

2025 Committee: Paul Hughes chaired the meeting for election of the 2025 committee. Nominations were received prior to the meeting for all positions. The Treasurer position received two nominations, Darryl Gowlett and Anthony Gray. A ballot was held, with Darryl Gowlett receiving 21 votes and Anthony Gray receiving 74 votes. The elected BMWMCQ committee is:

President: Geoffrey Hodge

Vice President: Diane (Cindy) Bennett

Secretary: Christopher Bramwell

Treasurer: Anthony Gray

Events: Benjamin Nazzari

Records: Christopher Bramwell

Editor: Liezel Samuel

Regalia: Duncan Bennett

Tools: William Luyten

Dealer Liaison: Donald Grimes

Meeting Closed: 9:30pm

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

Tony Gray Treasurer’s Report

Hi all,

I can advise that the transfer of account authorities to the respective new office bearers for the 2025 year for our BOQ and Paypal accounts has been completed.

Following is the Trading Statement for March. You may note an apparent discrepancy in the membership at the unusual figure of $1255. A member inadvertently paid $5 instead of $50 leading to the figure shown. The matter is being rectified. There are a couple of items of particular note: First is the transfer of $20,000 from the Club’s Business Operating Account to our Term Deposit Investment Account to attract a higher interest return; Secondly, shown at the bottom of the ledger is the residual $8,925 from the State Govt Training Grant that is yet to be expended. The initial Grant was for $17,500. This is NOT the clubs money and will continue to be paid to approved ‘Ride to Zero’ training providers as members undertake training OR returned to the State Govt if/when it makes a demand. I would like to thank Darryl Gowlett for his assistance in transferring ‘the books’ across in a well ordered & organised manner and to Frank Hills who has provided me with a detailed account of adjustments required to the end of year audit. These will be discussed with Bachmann Robinson before the Annual Return is made to the Office of Fair Trading.

Tony

I’mCOMMITTEE REPORTS

Bill Luyten Tools Officer’s Report

Phone: 0438 123 747

Email: spares@bmwmcq.org.au

or: wluyten@bigpond .net .au

back, how did that happen? Anyway it’s good to be here as Tools Officer.

Service Day

The Club will hold a Service Day on Saturday 10th May at Rob Wynne’s place starting at 0900 - 0930.

Location: 61-63 Saint Jude Circuit Jimboomba (Just off Mt Lindesay Highway)

Note: some GPSs require the suburb to be “Glenlogan”.

The Hydraulic Bike Lift and maybe a second one will be available to make working on your bike a bit easier. Also a comprehensive tool kit will be available.

We will be providing a Sausage Sizzle and Drinks at very reasonable prices (proceeds to the RFDS). Maybe Chris Lancaster will cook up some more of those yummy biscuits.

The GS-911 diagnostic tool will be available to connect to your bike to check for any fault codes, reset a service reminder or change an operational setting if required.

Please let me know if you require specialty tools brought along to the next service day.

New purchases

The club recently purchased 3 new Torque Wrenches, the torque range goes from 3 to 210 Newton Meters.

M12-thread-repair-kit-131-piece (Helicoil)

Tools for loan

There are special tools available including the GS-911WiFi and 3 pin diagnostic tools.

Special Tools

• 34mm socket for rotating crankshaft

• Twinmax electronic carburetor balancer (Twin BMW engines)

• Vacuumate (electronic synchronization of throttle valves up to 4 cylinders)

• Clutch alignment shafts (3 sizes)

• Compression gauge (cylinder pressure)

• Steering head bearing puller and seating tool

• Gearbox output flange puller

• GS-911 Wi-Fi Diagnostic tool (Wi-Fi and USB Version)

• GS-911 3 pin Diagnostic tool (for older bikes)

• Tyre Pressure Monitor Sensor (TPMS) tool

• Enduralast hall sensor tester

• Brake bleeding tool (suction bleeding via the brake caliper)

• Compression tester

• M12-thread-repair-kit-131-piece (Helicoil)

• Torque wrenches, the torque range goes from 3 to 210 Newton Meters

Club Tool Loan:

Tools can be picked up or brought along to the next meeting or Club ride. Please contact me by email or mobile no. above. Bill

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Chris Bramwell

Records Officer’s Report

Istill have my L plates of getting to know all the new software that makes up our Web Site and Membership Data Base however, with the help of Greg Gaffney getting up to speed.

Greg will be helping me for the next 2 months getting to terms with all to be done and seeing what he does or has done over the past 8 years Greg has done an outstanding job.

There have been renewals this month however to date no new members have joined however we still have 1 week left to hopefully we will get new members.

One renewal we could not find in the data base the name on our Bank Statement was as follows:

"BOURKE KAREN J UN Currie” if this is you please contact the records officer.

As per the Committee meeting of 17 March 2025, Effective immediately for all new members joining they will receive a key ring and at the next committee meeting.

Chris

By Jane Gray, Member #4300

Regalia Collection Set of 6 ....1 x Large Patch, 1 x Small Patch, 1 x Key Ring, 1 x Small Round Sticker, 1 x Long

Lady Shirts

Shirts

Hats & Bags

2025 REGALIA

Regalia Ordering Methods

Regalia is ordered through: regalia@bmwmcq.org.au

Method 1: Bling Your Own Wardrobe

You can get a BMWMCQ logo embroidered on your own shirt (or underwear, no-one needs to know). Purchase the item, call/email Regalia, and drop it off at a General Meeting or contact Regalia for the best way of getting the item transferred.

Method 2: Use the Inta Net

Click on the links on the previous page, or if you want something different, go to linked website (link below), and note supplier, item number and size and colour and send details to Regalia via email or contact number.

Note: Shirts, vests, and other items have the 2021 (current) logo:

Hats and other items with limited vertical space still have the old logo style:

Method 3: Bang on a Badge

Buy a big or small badge from the Regalia Officer, and iron or glue or sew it on your jacket or shirt:

Please contact your Regalia Officer for more help with options of ordering methods via email regalia@bmwmcq.org.au.

Congratulations to the following members of the BMWMCQ who have attained a milestone on their membership journey.

A special mention must go to Life Member Noel Sopeer who has attained 50 years of membership, a wonderful achievement! He joins two other 50 year alumni in Anthony Gillett and Ian Elliott.

Letters and badges were presented at the Annual General Meeting to those present, and the rest will be mailed out.

Celebrating 40 years:

Anthony Malone (Life Member)

Peter Ferguson (Life Member)

Niels Holm (Past President)

Celebrating 30 years:

Richard Maher (Life Member)

Jane Hennessy

Celebrating 20 years:

Mal Cremer Past (Past President)

Lorraine Anderson

Ian Sayce

James Gibson Member

Celebrating 10 years:

Greg Gaffney (Past Committee)

Kelly Wicks Kelly (Past Committee)

Chris Lancaster

Steve Maney

Meredith Herpich

Peter Fanning

Heinz Lepahe

Derren Buck

Charlie Brown (Past President)

Andrew Mcleod (Past Committee)

Gary Stirling (Past Committee)

Murray Joel

Graham Hennessy

Ross Gascoine

Wayne Anderson

Barbara Lindbergs

Mark Mustchin (Past Committee)

Tracy Hepburn

Garry Lawrence

Mandy Maney

Steve Herpich

Osni Suizu

Leo Cruise

Robyn Bowden

April 2025

By Chris Robertson, Member #243

Epilogue to a Project Bike….

Prologue to a Race bike.

A couple of the sounds That I really like Are the sound of a switchblade and a motorbike ….

Saturday Nights Alright for Fighting.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin. July 1973 (ironically the song was released just before the Richthofen was originally made in 1974).

RENNSPORT RICHTHOVEN 750

“The time has Come Walrus said, to talk of many things….” And these many things include BMW motorcycles and in particular a road R75/6 model converted into a race bike that has spent oh just too many years being built. Finally, let’s talk of getting it on track!

All shinny. Ready to go and looking good. Bit off a devil in me here. No: 80 was chosen as it was reputed to be that Richthofen had shot down more than 80 planes

Now one other motorcycle club I have the fortunate opportunity to belong to is the Queensland Early Motorcycle Sport Club (QEMS). They held their planned first event, the Test and Tune day at Carnell Raceway (Stanthorpe) on 1-2 of March (Saturday and Sunday). Perfect timing to get the machine finally out and running.

Only a few short years ago! A real naked frame bike so to speak!

Rear of the bike - a little liberal model designation detail

Yet, I still had one problem to overcome before I could get there - the oil pressure was still far too high at 123+ psi. Now what was the damn problem? The book said ok around 73psi should do before the oil pressure relief valve operates to reduce the pressure.

“But,” I hear you say, “You can never have enough oil pressure.” “Oh yes you can,” I reply, “Especially when it is pushing out oil past the various seals.” Addressing this issue varies from machine to machine. For example on my Tiga race car the oil pump is external and you have an external pressure adjustment where you can turn up or down the pressure. Some of the guys

RENNSPORT RICHTHOVEN 750

like the oil pressure low >20 psi at idle, as they claim it reduces the drag a motor has to face when you rev it up off the line. Not me I play it safe at around 34 psi at idle. Call me a chicken if you like! Yet there was no such luxury of an external oil pump pressure adjustment on the Richthofen! Bugga!

Over a hundred and fifty times the matter went through my head whether to leave it or not, yet logic told be to sort out the oil relief valve, least it causes other issues. I then ordered a replacement valve (not a quick job as you have to take the timing chain, cover etc off). This painful task I did, then restarted it. Still high oil pressure - “Bugga, again,” I said very quietly and in a reserved fashion - yeah right!

Back to the drawing board. Deep down I knew it had to be in the sump spacer that I got from Israel Mobil (Germany). It contained a secondary oil pressure relief valve. I sent a note to them but, unsurprisingly, I heard nothing back. Bugga. According to their blurb, this valve was there as a safeguard when people fit the sump spacer and if the original oil relief valve is worn or weak. It allows the oil pressure to be kept up, without changing it. I still was only about 50% sure if this was the main problem.

The oil pressure relief valve in situ with sump off. Arrow points to the said %$# valve.

Ok, thank God I had paid extra and got the neoprene reusable sump gaskets of Munich Motorcycles. These things were good to their word. Luckily the oil pressure relief valve was

easy to get at. I pulled it apart and looked at the spring. I decided rather than burning my bridges, by cutting the spring to reduce the valve tension I would use the one I had replaced in the original oil pressure. In took a deep breath and cut two of the coils from the spring.

I reassembled the oil relief valve, put it into the sump spacer then refitted the sump spacer, added oil and fired it up. The heavens then parted, streaks of light came through the clouds - I looked at the oil pressure gauge and it read 100 psi. Progress!! I then redid the same exercise and reduced the psi to just under 80psi, at idle. I judged this enough to run the bike for a bit then see if everything wears in. A few minor adjustments and we were now ready! No more sand bagging - get out on the track! What’s that old saying, “When the flag drops the bullshit stops!”

That much gearbox oil from only two shifts of the gear lever! That would drop too much oil on the track for others.

Last minute panic - oil leak from new seal and gear leaver change point. Hero to the fore Munich Motorcycles were able to send a seal and bolt, arriving Friday afternoon (I was leaving Saturday morning), having ordered on Thursday. (Silently and deep down I still had reservations about the external gear change working efficiently and whether I had put the gearbox back together?).

Now the QEMS Test and Tune day is quite good value at round $185 for the weekend, including insurance. Technically you could get 6 runs of

8 minutes for the two days. Pensive thoughts popped into my head - Now up to this point the furthest I had ridden the bike was onto the trailer. It was never rebuilt to be a road bikewill it last?

Secondly, Carnell is an unusual track. Only 900m long, it has a 300m (at most) straight, corners were mostly R/H with only one L/H. Also technically motorcycles of only 650cc and under are only allowed to race there (in case you missed it Richthofen is 750cc).

Now prior to the weekend I sat and talked to QEMS and we reckoned as this was not a race event a slight relaxation in this instance was warranted. However, the R75/6, in comparison to the Japanese stuff, is a big bike (not only cc but physically wise) for a tiny track such as Carnell. I knew I would have few issues with such a new highly modified large bike and in this regard, I was unfortunately not disappointed.

RENNSPORT RICHTHOVEN 750

Saturday:

Run 1. Fuel issues - was starving for fuelmanaged to get around one very slow lap in low gear. A very good gentleman who rides a very quick R90 BMW race bike, John Downs, who happens to be an expert in Delorto carbs came over and very kindly we (well he, to be more precise) played with the carbs altering fuel needles and rechecking settings. Thank you, John, for your help over the weekend. Yet to do final adjustments - but immediately a big improvement was had.

Run 2. Fuel issue minimised for now, but gear change would not go out of 2nd. Found with the power 1st was not necessary to start off with. Did the run laps but came in. I just needed to get some miles on the motor.

member! Some of the finer detail My sump/ oil guard, the sump spacer which puts the oil filter (a VW) at the front, making it easier to market oil cooler.

Ok lets get to the event. Over the weekend I got to do 4/6 runs due to adjustments and so on and this is how they went down:

Sidecars. I put down for a swing in a sidecar outfit. Christ I have never worked so hard in all my life. 4 laps and I was knackered. I got told two rules to remember when swinging - do not let go of the hold handles with both hands at any one time - always keep one hand on a handle, lest you fall off. Rule two, always

RENNSPORT RICHTHOVEN 750

remember Rule 1. Sphincter valve intact, (just) we returned to the pits.

I have never worked so hard on a motorcycle in my life. A quick swing on the Triumph sidecar. Bucket List thing! Photo Jeffery Basley.

Run 4. I went out slowly, purposefully I keep the new motor below 4000 rpm. On the second lap the motor seemed to say, “Oi if you want to stay at that speed, go and buy some pink leathers and ride in the Madi Gras with the Dykes on Bikes!” I took that not-so-subtle hint and 5000, rpm, changed down to 2nd, I wound the throttle on hard, the bike took off, quickly revving to past 7,000 in seemingly an instant. “C-H-R-I-S-T,” I thought, “this thing has some mumbo.” Years of work finally came together, and a huge smile came across my sweaty face, under my helmet.

I took the corners easily, without pushing - with the carbs as they are I was not sure whether the power would disappear or not mid corner, altering my balance. Still the potential was still there. I ran through the gears (only get at push to 4th just to try it - but then at low revs, as the straight was so short), yet all was working well.

Run 5. After Run 4 we looked at the carbs again. I went out but the motor would not idle below 2,400 rpm. We thought I had caught one of the throttle cables in the 2 into 1 connectors and it was preventing it returning to rpm.

Run 6. We, and a huge number of others decided to pack up. For us, it was the sun as our canopy had an accident with the wind in

the early morning and we were exposed - so to speak (refer photo 6). On the trip home my mind was boggling with sunstroke and with the information download from the weekend. Yes, little kiddies I was even singing to ABBA on the radio! However, once I got sidetracked into imagining Agnetha was posing on the bike when it was new, I really knew sunstroke had set in! Time to head home promptly.

In conclusion, what can we takeaway from this first but brief run? Firstly, yeah sure I came away with a list of “things to do.” This was not as bad as it seems and as expected; included sort out the carbs, tend to some oil leaks, make the fairing mounts more rigid (I used thinner aluminium rods and in part had rubber mounted it - ok seemed like a good idea at the time), drill and secure the oil drain bolts etc with wire and so on for scrutineering and adjust foot page positioning, gear change mechanism in particular and so on.

The motor, despite massive work and modifications, seemed to purr, sound solid and quiet, even at over 7,000. Though it tended to lose its power band after this peak. Handling wise it showed great promise. The tyres recommended and brought from Grant Jordan (great racer at Motorcycle Dyno and Garage, Sandgate recommended and fitted Heidenaus on my standard rims and they worked well with the 1970s “bendy” frame. Oil pressure stayed constant, though still a little high at around 80 psi, but I can live with it for now. Overall “we” really need some more track miles together time to get the idiosyncrasies fixed and build up confidence (mine not the bike’s).

One issue I am still debating is the mufflers. They are, shall we say discreetly, a little loud, being straight through pipes and are really, to be honest, non-existent in the muffle department. The reason I am swaying between keeping and modifying them is that so many people came up to me and said they, “Never thought a bloody BM could sound like that. Nice!” Yet and proudly, above all else nobody asked me, “where are the panniers…?”

RENNSPORT RICHTHOVEN 750

To my mind David Vincent of QEMS, a hardened motorcycle racer and sidecar swinger, summed up the bike with his short statement of the weekend on the Saturday night over a glass (or three), “That BM looks and sounds sooo f**king beautiful” and Israel Suarez (QEMS Club secretary) said when he first saw it, “Christ this is beautiful. This will be all over facebook tomorrow!” I think we can take that as a win in anyone’s books. I wonder what the Baron would think? Hopefully he would approve….perhaps in red though?

A big thanks to QEMS and Ian Miton for the weekend and my partner, Kaylene, for putting up with the build adventure of the Rennsport Richthofen 750! And above all, thank you members for following this slow build. Now the race adventure really begins….

Yours in the saddle.

Finally some progress and starting to feel good! You can really see the raised motor on the bike and oil sump guard we are required to install. Photo Jeffery Basley.

MARCH MID-WEEK RIDE

By Tony Gray, Member #3905

Perhapsit was the aftermath of the chaos that had been created by Cyclone Alfred or perhaps it was just the magnetism of ride leader David Harvey, but there was a bumper crowd of 16 assembled at BP Blacksoil for the March Mid-Week ride. The bikes offered a reasonable spectrum of models from BMW with a few airheads sprinkled amongst the usual boxer RT & GS models. Bill’s immaculate R1200S offered variety with a single or twin thrown in for good measure. There was a dearth of 4/6 cylinder models apart Darryl’s K1300R and an outstanding Green machine from the land of the Rising Sun. Yes it was Rex the Kwaka’s turn for a trundle. The cooler weather was appreciated with a slight chance of a shower of rain that did not materialise.

David & Ben (acting as TEC) had prepared a great ride taking in a few roads unknown to several riders as we wended our way through the Lockyer & Brisbane Valleys on the way to our pitstop at Evolve Cafe in Laidley. En-route we passed Atkinson Dam that was carrying more water than I can remember seeing in many years. The countryside is looking very healthy from the heavy rains of the past week. Pictures of the main street of Laidley under water on the previous week news was hard to reconcile with the picture presented to us on this bustling Wednesday morning. The cafe owner rides

a Triumph and appreciated the throng of motorcyclists mixing with his regulars. He explained that they had silicone sealed and sandbagged the entrance door of the lowset premises as the water rose then quickly receded. Everything removed and back to business - simples!

The picnic lunch venue had to be changed at the 11th hour as the advertised Lake Cressbrook Dam was closed to visitors for unknown reasons. Hays Landing on Lake Wivenhoe was a picturesque alternative but this unfortunately did dampen the plans for those who live on the hill and may have intended to join us at Lake Cressbrook. Paul Hughes rode over for lunch from his current abode at Mt Kilcoy bringing the days attendance up to 17. Lake Wivenhoe, the Stanley River and other streams were all looking very healthy so a great time to visit. As is normal procedure with these days people found their own way home or left in small groups. I went up the Northbrook Parkway and over Mt Glorious & Mt Nebo and was impressed at the extensive cleanup that has been undertaken since Alfred devastated the area. There was still a high altitude crew working up on the Mountain but the roadway had been cleared and swept. A great effort.

Thanks David & Ben for a top day out on the bike with like-minded friends.

I’veBy Duncan Bennett, Member #4171

been a fairly unreliable attendee of the mid-week rides since the concept kicked off on a monthly basis. Any number of reasons prevents my attendance – usually in the big three categories of animal, vegetable, or mineral, but sometimes work, and sometimes weather. Mainly weather if we’re being honest, a day outside the 20°±2°C, wind gentle from ESE, humidity 30-50% ranges and I’ve got other things to do.

Pre-kick off

Wednesday 19th March everything was well within the ranges, and many others thought so. 15 others in fact. Led by “Mr Mid-Week” David Harvey on the 750GS, we kicked off from Nightsoil (incorrectly called Blacksoil on Google Maps) and did fantastic roads that were unknown previously, and remain hidden in the mists. I was just following and loving it. Garmin said we were in a cow paddock most of the way to the morning tea at the Evolve café in Laidley. David had to explain to the staff that the 8-10 attendees he’d booked for had blown out a touch. They didn’t care and the service was superb.

An excellent caffeine fuelled chat finished, we were back on and heading north. Past Atkinson Dam, I remember that, and somehow into Esk. Then heading to Kilcoy - the road, scenery, and temperatures were just perfect for the motored cycling. I checked the R1250GS on-board computer to see what time it was, lunch must

be within the 12:30pm ± 15 minutes time range.

Evolve Cafe demonstrating evolution

Following AmAlone on the Wivenhoe Somerset Road, we headed into the Mt Glorious intersection from the north. AmAlone’s right blinker came on. What? It can only be left! Then the realisation – he has gone mad and is going to ride the gorgeous R1250RT into the dam! This will be fun to sort out. But an actual road appeared, and panic subsided, and then we were at lunch at Hayes Landing.

A fantastic day, thanks to David and “back end” Ben, the reputation of the mid-week ride is at an all-time high.

Gary Green Power

JIM'S HOT LAP OF OZ

By Jim Peters, Member #4362

DOwe really need an excuse to go for a ride? Although the answer is no, this one had been in my mind for some time...and between recently becoming fully retired and soon approaching my 65th birth-day, I did have the perfect excuse.

I had the bike, my trusty 2017 BMW R1200GSA with 160,000ks on the clock...all I had to do was fit a couple of decent lights on the front, chuck in some jocks and socks, and I was ready to go. I also swapped the front wheel off my 2023 GSA (it had a better front tyre), grabbed the spare rear tyre I had in the shed, and added in some tools including tyre levers and a Bead Breaker. (And a cigarette lighter for resetting the tyre on the rim properly.)

Both of my GSA's have Pirelli Scorpion Trail II's fitted, I grew to love this tyre during the couple of years that the '17 bike was in Europe. The front tyre on that bike had over 23,000kms on it, the entirety of which was done with two up and fully loaded in Europe. I have never had any grip issues with these tyres, in fact on the run to/from Philip Island Superbikes this year I chalked up new lean angle PBs on the '23 bike49 left/48 right.

The rear tyre on this '17 bike has now done over 17,000k but has held up well, which surprised me especially considering the hot weather on this trip.....it’s looking pretty second-hand now though.

After taking the obligatory picture at the sign, I started the trip by leaving Kingaroy at 1:05pm Sunday, planning to make Longreach for my first overnight stop.

That afternoon stops along the way were minimal, and I didn't actually take my helmet off at all until Barcaldine - having a modular helmet helps in that regard, I suppose. From Augathella on-wards the sun had set and I had to be mindful of wildlife, although I was very happy to find that the countryside was in such good condition that there was no roadkill along the road. I did start to see a few roos in the last 30 odd km before Barcaldine but they were all very cooperative.

Here I hit my first dilemma - my distance-toempty meter said 130, it was 110 to Longreach... and there is no 24-hour fuel in Barcy. (As an aside, I had just spent 2 ½ weeks in NZ attending the Bert Munro Festival and then touring the South Island, and after finding that most of the servos over there have a card machine for fuel, I was surprised by the lack of 24-hour fuel on this trip around Australia.)

Knowing the bike pretty well though, I was confident that if I rolled the throttle back I could make it to Longreach - which I did, with 17kms to spare. Thankfully, Longreach has one card machine for fuel.

That first night I camped out at Apex Park on the banks of the Thompson River. I had to pat myself on the back for remembering to pack the Bushmans, there were plenty of mozzies about. Now if anyone knows this campsite, they will

recall that it has been home to several roosters for some time…well they are still there, and still crowing their stupid heads off at some stupid hour. No big deal - I guess sleep is overrated anyway.

The next morning I was on the road by 6am and had the joy of watching the magnificent countryside unfold around me.....it is an awesome sight to see, acres of green grass stretching to the horizon. I don't think I've ever seen this part of Australia in better condition. It has been 10 years since I've last been on the Cloncurry–Mt Isa run, I'd forgotten how much of a nice ride it is…following the road - which is in good condition - as it meanders its way through the low hills.

Along the way I passed Barkly Station Homestead, which is looking a real treat these days - it must have had a renovation in the last few years. The Goanna sculpture out the front is pretty amazing.

By this time things had started to really heat up, with the air temp up around 45 degrees. As I crossed into the NT I could see ahead of me a big line of thunderstorms - and my first thought was to get under those clouds where it might (hopefully) be a bit cooler.

JIM'S HOT LAP OF OZ

Following through on that thought led to quite an experience over the next few hours. First I had to reach the storms, as they were moving west, the same way as I was, and then I had to not only catch them but get under them. The speed limit out here is 130kph, I was sitting at about 110kph - if I pushed the speed up more than that, the engine temperature went up as well, and I don't really like seeing it in the 90's. Regulating my speed a bit kept the engine temperature below a passable 92.

After about three hours I did catch the storms and then had an amazing couple of hours… Approaching from behind the storm meant I rode through the heavy rain first, before getting through that and out into dry air - although with the dust storm (that usually precedes a big storm front out here) still up ahead of me. No worries, I'd just ride through that too and continue on my merry way...

But then I got thrown a curve ball - the road turned 45 degrees across the front of the storm, so that I then had a very strong storm front bearing down on me. Time to outrun it I reckoned…but that didn't end up happening. What did end up happening was that the storm front hit me with some serious wind and rain. The tailwind was so powerful that my distanceto-empty meter was going up faster than the odometer - keep that up for too long and the fuel tank will probably end up over-flowing. (I have actually seen a fuel range of 800 showing on this bike…once, going south-west in Morocco in '23 with a very serious tailwind.) [Editor: yes, Morocco meaning 60kph...]

JIM'S HOT LAP OF OZ

Anyway, there I was, in the middle of this storm with nowhere to shelter and no real choice but to keep going. So keep going I did. My clear visor wasn’t real clean at this point so I ended up hunched over the tank, my eyes about half an inch from the screen and my left hand shielding my nose and lower face from the small-bucket sized drops.

I did manage to outrun it after about an hour, but that still left me with 70km to Three Ways Roadhouse at the junction of the Stuart Highway… with a setting sun directly in front of me. I made it though, and after a short stop at Three Ways I headed for my second night stop at Elliott, about 230km further up the road.

But guess what happened when I headed north…yep, out to my right was that same storm front, still moving north-west. After about 20km the wind hit me again from the right, but this time I was determined to outrun it. Having already seen cattle beside the road since leaving Three Way, I was banking pretty heavily on the very good grass conditions meaning that they wouldn't be wandering much...but still, there is nothing like a fast ride at night on an unfenced road with strong potential of very large local wildlife to focus your concentration.

I did outrun the storm properly this time and after about 60km I was able to relax and enjoy the evening ride through to Elliott...again sitting about 20km below the posted speed limit. (Maybe we should get “under-speeding tickets” that we could use to offset our “over-speeding tickets”...?)

After the excitement of the day before, day 3 was a bit mundane, but in a nice way. It was a quiet run up to Katherine where I added a 5-litre jerry can to my kit, with the plan being that it would give me a bit of flexibility in the more isolated parts of the ride, particularly at night time when servos are more likely to be shut.

The trek from Katherine across to the WA border passes through some magnificent country and I really enjoyed that part of the ride. (Though the road itself was pretty much the worst I was on for the whole trip - it needs a lot of work.)

As a side note, in terms of kit, I had the tank bag set up with a 3-litre water bladder, as well as a bottle on the front of each pannier, and a couple of containers of dry roasted almonds and a dried fruit and nuts mix, as well as 2 squeeze bottles of honey. It was all arranged to be accessible while riding, and I did end up using it a fair bit, especially when I was feeling a bit tired. Though I was aware that the honey couldn't be taken into WA, so I made sure I ate it all and disposed of the containers at Timber Creek.

On the other side of the WA border the road improves significantly, and in fact the whole run through WA was on very good roads. A lot of work must have been done up here since I was last this far north back in 2015, as there are now some excellent roads and well set-up and well-equipped Rest Areas. I stayed that night at Ngumban Cliff RA, which even had an electric vehicle charging station.

Looking back I can say that day was my favourite day of the trip…but the next one was my worst.

Because wow, it was a tough day. I set off early at 5:15am, but it was already 28 degrees and was to get much hotter throughout the day and into the evening.

I did have a good run down to Roebuck Plains Roadhouse - only to find it is undergoing a major renovation and had absolutely no unleaded fuel. This development then required a 70km round trip detour into Broome to fill up. By the time I’d done that the temperature was in the 40's - and it was a long open run ahead of me to Port Hedland.

Part of the reason for this trip was to do with the strength of my mental health - I wanted to set my-self a challenge, and then have the strength to see it through. Well, that day I had to give myself a severe talking to - a number of times, I don't mind admitting. With the temperatures sitting around 45 all day, an offset headwind and not a lot of natural features or landmarks to break up the monotony…it was a tough ride.

But, of course I kept going, and I did get to Port Hedland that evening…it was already approaching dark so I had a bit of a longer stop there before hitting the highway again to head for Newman. Now looking forward to what I was expecting to be a cooler evening ride, I pointed the bike in a southerly direction.

Glancing at the temperature gauge as I headed

out I saw it still read 38.5 - no worries at that point, that'd drop off a bit as it got later into the evening…but that didn't happen. In fact, while it was back down to 35 by the time I reached Newman at about 11pm and stopped for the night, over the course of the ride it had risen all the way up to 42.5 before finally falling a little.

As if the heat wasn’t enough, the other thing that made that part of the ride less than ideal was the 60-meter road trains every kilometre or so, going in both directions. They seriously limit the time you get to use high beam. Thankfully though, there was still no sign of any road kill.

That was my third and final day I would achieve 1500kms for the day. I had already decided not to ride past midnight, but of course riding west means you gain a bit of time as you reach each

JIM'S HOT LAP OF OZ

new time zone. (The opposite, of course, then happens when travelling east.)

Although I was actually feeling pretty good after the hot marathon, I knew I needed to relax the pace a bit the next day and stop a bit more often. I did do the first 410km down to Meekatharra non-stop while it was still a bit cooler, but then had a longer break at Mount Magnet.

Again there was nothing overly exciting on this run, lots of trucks of course...though it is interesting to see the massive mining infrastructure all through this area, especially considering how pretty much every piece of equipment etc. would have had to have been brought in by road, most likely from Perth. (Somewhere along this part of the run I messaged my truck-driving Brother-in-Law (who lives in Melbourne) and told him he must visit Port Hedland at some point - what a truckdriver’s paradise. The sheer size and number of rigs on the roads out here is quite staggeringsome, like the 60-metre ones carrying ore, have 134 wheels on them.)

Moving on from Mt Magnet it was a nice run to Leinster and down to Kalgoorlie where I planned to have a nice shower. This would be my third shower for the trip so far (but the first one where I actually got off the bike for it - gotta love the rain). The young bloke behind the counter at the BP in Boulder asked where I was from and where I was going - so I told him… he was a bit gob-smacked and gave me a free shower and coffee.

JIM'S HOT LAP OF OZ

Leaving Kalgoorlie behind a little while later, I got about 10k out before the dreaded red triangle started to flash, telling me the rear tyre was losing air. (Although, having said “dreaded red triangle”, I wouldn't own a bike without a TPMS fitted anymore). I kept a close eye on it as I kept going and made it to Kambalda, where I spent an hour trying to find the leak and then patching it. It turned out to be one of those punctures where you have to make the hole bigger to be able to fit a plug in it.

Once all sorted, I wandered off again into the night and made camp at Lake Cowan, just north of Norseman.

Day six meant the Nullarbor run - which never seems to change much… There’s a lot of straight road, and there always seems to be wind coming from some angle…this time it was a stiff southeasterly that had dropped the temperature to about 22 degrees by the time I reached Ceduna.

After passing the last roadhouse before Nullarbor Roadhouse, I found I had misjudged

my fuel a bit by not allowing enough for the stiff headwind I came up against. Rather than backtracking to fill up, I tucked in behind a road train for 80 odd km to save some fuel...ended up making it, with 20km to spare.

That night was spent camped on the side of the road about 80km east of Ceduna. I noticed there was a lot of caravans on this southern road, certainly far more than I saw up north - too hot up there at the moment for the northern migration, I guess.

The morning of day 7 saw me enjoying my ride through to Port Augusta, enjoying some nice scenery as the road, its edges lined with Mallee trees, passed through the wheat paddocks. It was very, very dry though - some of the area looked like a dust bowl.

Then at last I had reached the best bit of motorcycle road on the whole trip - Horrocks Pass, just west of Port Augusta...and I enjoyed every one of those 8,2412kms. Europeans just couldn't imagine doing 10,500kms on a bike and only having less than 10km of twisty road for the whole trip.

Once through that and after a nice stop at the bike-friendly Peterborough Hotel, I was off to Bro-ken Hill. (Did you know they have a music festival out there with the clever name of “Broken Heel Music Festival”?).

On the way I had a brief break at Mannahill, where I had a short conversation with two gents from overseas riding hired R1300GS's - they had stopped to take photos of a road-train parked at the servo.

I actually ended up leaving Mannahill only about 5 minutes after them, with one of the local truckies mentioning to me, “you’ll soon catch them” - but I had no intention of trying to catch them. I sat at about 105kph, riding right down the centreline and watching very carefully for wildlife, which out here is mainly goats.

But turns out I was indeed going to meet up with them again - about 2km west of Olary I met the same riders (who turned out to be from Ukraine), one of whom was unfortunately lying on the ground looking battered and bruised, his week-old BMW written off beside him. Found out he had hit a goat at considerable speed and binned it - big time. There was only about half of the goat left, so I’d say the impact was pretty severe.

Myself and a couple of others who turned up stayed there for two or more hours, keeping shade over Oleg and giving him water as he needed it...there wasn't really a lot of first aid we could do, but he had no major bleeding or life-threatening injuries that we could see. So it was just a matter of waiting for the Ambo's from Broken Hill to arrive.

During that time I also liaised with the bike hire company for them (Oleg was injured and Mykola's English wasn't real good) and moved both bikes up to the back of the pub at Olary - Aaron, the publican, was very helpful. Oleg and Mykola were on day 2 of a 17-day hire and planning on making their way to Cairns... thankfully they were both wearing decent riding gear (except for finger-less gloves), though Oleg still sustained 4 broken ribs, a broken shoulder

JIM'S

HOT LAP OF OZ

and some lacerations.

Sadly that was the end of their trip - Mykola left in the ambulance with his mate, and the hire company began organising to recover the bikes back to Melbourne.

After that, I left Olary behind and made my way into Broken Hill, then had a 4-hour run at about 85kph through to a rest area about 170km west of Cobar. I have never seen so many roos on a road... they were just everywhere on that run. It made sense when I discovered, the next morning, the state of the countryside - in severe drought conditions.

The next morning marked the start of the final run home. It was more of the same, except now it was mostly goats I was dealing with, hundreds of the buggers... which was bad enough to start with, and then it rained and they all seemed to come out on the road and lick up the water. The other animal I hadn't given a lot of thought to was pigs, and I quickly found out they tend

JIM'S HOT LAP OF OZ

to run out at a million miles an hour - I had a couple of scares but did manage to get a good bit of film of one large pig that came out and then thankfully veered back into the scrub.

I was so glad to get back to QLD where the conditions are so much greener and there are no animals on the road.

Pausing at St George I prepped all my gear for what I thought would be some serious rain from TC Alfred, but by the time I got back to Kingaroy I had only passed through one heavier shower at Kumbia.

I made it back to Kingaroy 8pm on Sunday evening - 7 Days and 7 Hours since I left, and having ridden 10,520kms.

Wow, what a ride...I had certainly achieved what I set out to do, and enjoyed the whole experience. It’s interesting to do those sort of miles so quickly as you really notice how much the landscapes can change between different parts of the country, even within a matter of a few hours ride.

My bike performed well, as you would expect from the best “all-round” motorcycle ever made. I had added an airhawk seat with a sheepskin cover over it for the trip - while not “lounge chair” comfortable it allowed me to do 15 to 18 hours on the bike each day.

And now, all that’s left to say is…bring on the next ride!

Obstacles fade away when your brain says “I can”... the opposite is also true.

April 2025 38 T ri AL run

OBy Liezel Samuel, Member #4412

ur Morocco trip in September last year was our first motorcycle trip abroad. This does not include the BC weekend trips we did in South Africa, BC being Before Children. In any event, South Africa was our home country then, so it does not count as overseas.

Thanks to fellow club members with lots of overseas motorcycling experience, we received valuable travelling tips, such as taking helmets as cabin luggage and using compression bags to slim down bulky gear. We were keen to fit our helmets in our checked luggage, and as usual, Huw did the heavy lifting finding manageable bags for the job. We fitted all our gear, including helmets into our expandable 70 litre (Huw) and 50 litre (me) Black Wolf bags. Gareth opted to take his helmet and camera equipment as hand luggage (not visible in the photo).

Our planned trip for this year, is Western USA and Western Canada on Huw’s trusty 1200GS. The logistics and packing requirements for this trip however are different mainly due to:

Riding on our own bike, without a support vehicle, naturally leads to taking all potentially required tools with us. Also, once in the US, what does not fit in the panniers should not be taken – in other words, we cannot use the Black Wolf travel bags.

So, this time round, our packing solution includes:

• 2 x 60 l duffel bags for our gear that would be shipped with the GS. Once on the other side, each folds and fits into a compact pouch.

• 2 x small backpacks from K-Mart, each fitting perfectly into the top box and left pannier. We would take these as hand luggage on our flights, and have the benefit of eliminating the need for to Huw to carry the panniers into our accommodation every night.

Of course, we had to have a trial run with our new little backpacks to confirm that they will work.

Our friends Roland and Paula from South Africa were visiting their family in the Gold Coast in February. Roland, an owner of a Vespa, a beautifully restored 1981 750 Honda and a BMW 1250GS, was keen to experience some of the lovely country roads Queensland has to offer motorcyclists.

AL run

This provided us with an ideal opportunity to test the functionality and capacity of our newly acquired backpacks. Having refined our US packing lists to the bare minimum, we packed accordingly – as the requirements for a 4-day ride is give or take, the same as an 8-week ride. We were all set to go.

Unfortunately, Roland faced some challenges renting a respectable touring bike for the planned 4-day weekend. He paid the deposit for a 1200GS, were then told he would get a Honda 500cc, which subsequently morphed into a Harley Davidson 500cc by the time he got to Australia.

As Roland and Paula were staying at the Gold Coast, we met up with them at Park Ridge South on Friday morning where they picked up the Harley. When collecting the Harley, the owner duly advised Roland he should fill up every 200km. We headed to Wivenhoe dam, and then on to Esk for lunch, where we were joined by a colourful Lorikeet to entertain our guests. When we reached our overnight accommodation in Dalby, I was surprised to see the price of fuel was on average 50 cents/litre cheaper than in Morayfield. We always knew we were being ripped off living North of Brisbane, but a 50 cents difference is shocking (for me anyway).

Our planned breakfast at the Bunya Mountains Tavern on Saturday morning was a bit of a letdown. Despite breakfast rides there in the past, the Tavern was closed when we arrived at

8.30am – only opening at 10am. What was this? Seems they converted to operating on Tasmania time. Luckily there was a coffee option across the road, and this time, to the excitement of Roland, we were joined by kangaroos, cockatoos and kookaburras. At least the wildlife got the memo that we were coming.

Taking a break at Ravensbourne

The journey to Gayndah was pleasant, and included lots of stops for Paula, who is not a regular pillion, and of course to fill up the Harley. I offered to swop with Paula, as it was obvious that she was uncomfortable, but she bravely declined. Before we checked in at the Gayndah

motel, we took the mandatory photo with the Gayndah orange and went to Archers Lookout.

The afternoon was well spent cooling off in the motel pool before dinner at the local RSL.

On our way to Hervey Bay on Sunday, we detoured to Maryborough for a visit to Mary

Poppins and a walk in Queens’s Park. Despite the strong wind, Roland went for a swim at Dundowran Beach before we checked into the motel at Hervey Bay. The fridge in reception had no beers, but in no time, Roland convinced the ex-South African receptionist to re-stock the fridge. Off the receptionist went, returning 15 minutes later with ice cold beers – delivered at Roland’s door. Italian dinner was on the menu after a stroll on the Urangan Pier.

Archers Lookout

I only got to appreciate Paula’s discomfort when I briefly sat on the Harley the Monday morning before our departure back to Brisbane. The only positive thing I can say about the Harley, is that it was so low, even I found it easy to get my leg over.

The reality of Paula’s pain was revealed when she admitted, during our doughnut/coffee stop at Kenilworth, that she took painkillers as a precaution that morning even before we got on the bikes! Nevertheless, they both enjoyed the trip.

For us, the trial run was successful, I am glad to confirm that out packing list stood up to the test. The GS drop-off was scheduled for Wednesday 12 March.

The packing list for the GS reads as follows:

Top box (Liezel)

KLIM helmet, Summer gloves, Winter gloves, Stuff-it bag.

Left pannier (Huw)

KLIM helmet.

Right pannier

Puncture repair kit, Electric 12V air pump, Blue microfibre cleaning cloth, Sunglass cases, Roll on sun screen, Roll on mosquito repellent, First Aid kit, Bike lock, Travel sling bag for day trips on foot, Tool bag.

Tank bag

2x Aluminium water bottles, Fly nets, sunglass cleaner & cloth, 2x Small empty containers (for cashew nuts). iPhone tripod, Teaspoons.

Duffel bag (Huw)

KLIM jacket, KLIM pants, Biking boots, Winter biking gloves, Emty duffel bag pouch.

Duffel Bag (Liezel)

KLIM jacket, KLIM pants, Biking boots, Empty duffel bag pouch.

Huw wrapped the two duffel bags into one large plastic bag before strapping it on the pillion seat. Wise decision, as it rained during the trip down to Cargoclear in Eagle Farm.

LE s T WE F org ET

By Michael Ahlberg, Member #4331

It was very special, arriving on a very hot day at the Gallipoli Lone Pine memorial area on 23 July 2024.

After the Arctic Sweden and Norway we meandered through down to the countries in South East Europe. In Nessebar (Bulgaria) by the Black Sea there was an "on the beach" bar and restaurant, not far from our hotel. We spied the yachts of the oligarchs over a couple of Pina Coladas and some snacks.

The next Sunrise came with a cool morning dip in the Black Sea. Reaching this end of Europe, a bit more south, we felt the call of this iconic Australian memorial site. It's a very remote area and we were puzzled as to the strategic gains expected back then, so far from any built up areas.

Sun Tzu would have had a thing or two to say about the underdog position of the Australians, given the geography. There were plenty of acres allocated for the site including the Turkish memorial area. There sure was a feeling of being spiritually enriched by the visit.

However, for the three days and two nights Türkiye visit, it did cost some unplanned Mola. The US$80 each for a Visa was expected. Our CTP (Green card) for the bike was planned to be bought at the border, however the cost was exorbitant. It was a minimum of 2 months at a cost of 200 Euro CASH (about $380), for the 2.5 day visit. In case you ship your own bike, I think we'll recommend you try a pre-purchase

online for this country, if you can find it. Also, Australian registration does NOT prove ownership and Australia does not have a title for vehicles, which states ownership. I suggest discussing this with RACQ, TMR or even the Australian police to get some paper that can act as ownership proof.

We spent 2.5 hours in +35C at the Bulgaria + Türkiye border with both countries' border police. They moved slowly through their line of command and authority before finally letting us pass. Actually, the Bulgarians left it to the Turkish police to give the final nod.

I had to leave Ann, to walk over to the Turkish side to obtain an assurance that they would let us enter, before the Bulgarians would let us through.

Whilst NOT proof of ownership, the handwritten paper I handed them, showing how to enquire on QLD online Registration check, helped a bit on the way.

On another note, having held L.A. and Paris on top of the worst and unsafe traffic areas list, I now I must put Istanbul on top of that list. Months later I read than in fact, yes that's a well established ranking, so beware.

In Istanbul, we stayed at a close walking distance from the world famous Blue Mosque, which we can recommend. Other must travel locations if you're in this part of Europe

include Durmitor National park in Montenegro and the Transalpine in Romania. Heading

across southern Europe, you would of course include destinations in the alps like Stelvio Pass, Grossglockner and Dolomites.

Also, give Corsica a go for a great days touring, and a visit to Bonaparte's childhood estate.

You'll find several great MC videos, by many different riders, on YouTube from these areas.

Michael and Ann EU2024

http://www.ozemate.com/eu2024

r ECE n T r ALL i E s

By Steve Bryant , Member #318

Conondale Z owners rally last weekend was well attended in camping perfect weather. As usual they plan & provide for rally goers very well, hot showers, clean toilet blocks, full catering food and drinks, live music and a low key activity competition - all well organised.

A good show and shine properly judged followed on the Saturday with raffles drawn and awards late afternoon.

I travelled the scenic route from the Gold Coast on Friday via Boonah & Peaks, crossing to Fernvale for a wagu & mushroom pie. From there to Kilcoy and Conondale via The Postman’s track. I would be coming home via a similar route, 650 km for the weekend and a good ride.

Entry to the site was easy even after all the ex cyclone Alfred’s rain, re-routed to avoid the sloshy bits. The campsites were in perfect condition and there were lots of big bikes with camp trailers and sidecars present.

Karuah River Rally was in February. John Vassallo and Rohan Bainbridge joined me for this one which was also a great ride in perfect conditions. We travelled south on Summerland Way and Waterfall way to Armidale and stayed at the top pub in Uralla - small rooms good food.

Saturday breakfast at Walcha then Thunderbolts to Gloucester then Dungog for supplies. An

easy gravel road to the rally site which was also pristine in condition. We all tried the swimming hole as the day was hot, the creek was not. An effort was made by the other two to create an impression of a hot water spa, (I just went along with them, photos still to be seen).

There were afternoon raffles and awards late Saturday arvo as usual.

On Sunday, heading via Stroud to The Motorcycle museum at Nabiac, I found I had led the guys the long way there. But again, the ride was one not to be missed. A cold beer and an ice water at Long Flat was needed as it was still hot.

John and I stayed at Gingers Creek overnight and what a surprise package that was. A perfect destination for a group ride in their NEXT LEVEL man cave/bunkhouse (they also have two ensuite suites for couples) so accommodation, dinner and breakfast for $130 pp, I would do that again.

We travelled home via a similar route, although we took the highway from Grafton, both a bit weary.

Rohan left us on Sunday to head for Moonbi and Monday work commitments. Thanks for your company guys. Let’s see the spa photos please.

THE PREMIER OVERLAND ADVENTURE TRAVEL EVENT FOR MOTORCYCLISTS & TRAVELLERS ON 2, 3 OR 4 WHEELS!

Help us celebrate 25 years of Horizons Unlimited Travellers Meetings!

Friday 2nd May to Sunday 3rd May 2025 (noting Mon 6th May is a Public Holiday in QLD) Kokoda Park, Thornton, Queensland

It’s All About Overland Adventure

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a complete novice hungry for ideas and guidance, it doesn’t matter if you ride a motorcycle, a bicycle, or drive an expedition vehicle... Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled.

Inspiring, Informing & Connecting

Some people value Horizons Unlimited events for what they learn from the unique line-up of presenters. Some people value the chance to discover new products and services at the trade stands. Some people value just kicking back with a beer among old friends and new.

Most people enjoy a little bit of everything, and everyone goes home fired-up for adventure with a smile on their face.

This year, the theme is “We’re putting the band back together” with many old favourites coming back after a hiatus as well as some very exciting new friends and presenters.

We look forward to seeing you there.

https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/queensland-2025

https://www.facebook.com/events/1127426669061983/

NORFOLKIN’ WAY

By Duncan Bennett, Member #4171

Abirthday. A need to go somewhere we’d never been before. Talk of Broome, which was easily scotched given the late February/ early March timing and the likelihood of +40°C days, but no obvious options appeared. Then we were watching the telly one Sunday afternoon, and the report was from Norfolk Island. Norfolk Island! Like Queensland or maybe New Zealand, only not Queensland! Booked, we were going.

Norfolk Island is an external territory of Australia. What that means is a little difficult to figure out on the ground, but basically Australia provide the laws, services, language, schools, aged care, and a lot of the wines and beers.

We left for Norfolk via the International Terminal, we used our passports but a QLD driver’s licence is fine. Problem with this is that the Smart Gates are off-limits. We joined the queue to the Border Force representative with the dysfunctional families; 3 under 3, an infinite number of toys and child accoutrement, and a trail of detritus we end up stumbling over.

A two hour flight later, we landed at the Norfolk Island airport. We had to fill out an Australia entry card and go through Border Force which was a bit weird – where had I boarded the flight? Australia. Which country had I spent most of my time in while overseas? Australia. Where was I staying in Australia? I put our home address in which caused confusion – where was I staying on Norfolk Island? I’ve forgotten, I’m with that lady. No worries then, off you go.

Coming in warm

Onto the bus and off to the accommodation with a bunch of fun Kiwis, we had a quick view of the main town of Burnt Pine. Our resort was very central to everything, and the rooms were excellent. Climate is a bit Queensland, a little humid and warm, the day we arrived had a top of 23°C and an overnight low of 23°C. That should make dressing easy.

A work colleague had suggested that ½ an hour after arrival we’d run out of things to do, but not so. First thing was the Island Fish Fry, we’d booked this as it only happens twice a week and this would be our only chance. Out in the bus to the western side of the island, past about a billion Norfolk Island pines and bucolic scenery, we lobbed into the Fish Fry. Sitting and eating the excellent fish with a very interesting couple from Newcastle who’d been there a week, we learned the lay of the land and what there was to do. Heaps apparently. Walks, coffees, snorkelling, looking at cows, finding duty-free bottleshops and seeing how well stocked they were, discussing the lack of port facilities which kept our groceries sitting off the coast the whole time we were there, and the history. Notably the cemetery goes back to the 1700’s when Norfolk Island was a back-up to the seriously under-resourced Sydney. We spent a lot of time in the cemetery.

We decided to hire a car the next day after our orientation tour, which is essential if planning to get out of Burnt Pine and down to the coast. But we had noticed motorcycles and scooters about and saw hire electric scooters out the front

Unusually, some executed convicts got headstones on Norfolk

of the Tourist Information hut. Righto, we’d better get those too. At one point we had more transport out the front of our room than we did at home. The scooters for 24 hours were $50, and needed a motorcycle licence, hence were rarely hired. Getting them started was a lot more complicated than expected, mine just sat there with an alarm going off and drawing a big crowd. The key is in it and turned on, the sidestand is up, what more can I do? More alarming, more people drawn in to watch. Luckily the bloke in the Tourist Information hut had a revelation – you need to push the unlock button on the key fob, like you do when approaching your car and want to unlock the doors. Bingo. Alarming stopped, and off we went.

Choice of blue or yellow

The controls are like a push bike with a motorcycle throttle, those who are used to a clutch had better get un-used to it and damn quickly, applying clutch rolling into a roundabout was found to lock up the back wheel, and not in a fun way. There were 2 modes – Eco and Power. Eco was good for about 30kmh and Power was good for 50kmh. As the island maximum speed limit is 50kmh, Power is suitable out in the

NORFOLKIN’ WAY

countryside. Pulling away on steep hills was way beyond the capability of either mode, and even Power struggled on some hills transporting the larger party members, so care had to be taken with navigation.

Electric GSes

Our big trip was out to the eastern side of the island, although a big trip on Norfolk is like 15 minutes. Taking a wrong turn or two, and going up a steep hill had mine travelling at 4kmh in Power fully wound on by the time I got to the top, but eventually we got to Steele’s Point and stared out into the howling easterly.

Lone pine photo from the middle of Emily Bay

NORFOLKIN’ WAY

Every afternoon we were there the tide got to low. This was important, as snorkelling at high tide meant being smashed as the sea came over the outer reef. So we’d load the car with our stuff, and head to Emily Bay.

The snorkelling was very good and just the bathing was very nice – sandy and incredibly clear, there is not much mud on Norfolk. A snorkelling highlight was finding a golf ball out in the reef, removing all the sea creatures, and depositing the clean ball about 3 feet from the pin on the 6th. Hopefully the club are still trying to figure that one out.

The mass of hire vehicles returned, but the electrics not re-charged because we had no powerpoint, we arrived at the airport 2½ hours before departure because that’s what you do when travelling internationally. Even when the

airport is way smaller than Mt Isa. This was when the Norfolk Island tourist demographic came to light – we assumed the Platinum/ Business/Gold line was for platinum/business/ gold customers, so joined it. It was actually for physically challenged elderly people, so the economy people moved past us at pace while a deaf and blind unescorted octogenarian told shaggy dog stories to Qantas staff.

Into Brisbane, getting off was confirmation –the wheelchairs were lined up like it was the 24 Hours at Le Mans. But definitely not a running start.

Regardless, we’d had a ball out on the island, everything was perfect, the multiple birthday restaurant meals were spectacular, and there are only three names in the phone book. But that’s another story.

Kingston convict town overlooking Nepean and Phillip Islands

OBy Tony Gray, Member #3905

TAKING A LOOK INSIDE BMWERKS

n a wet morning I ventured out to meet someone I had heard about, conversed with, but never met. Martin Bicknell had started his business, BMWerks, about 2 years ago in a quiet suburban back street not much more than 10 minutes from where Jane and I live at Graceville. Why had I left it so long to visit?

Martin generously gave me time in his busy work day for a chat and allowed me to mooch around his workshop - kid in a candy shop stuff! So, where did this all start?

Martin grew up on a farm with a father who was a Toolmaker and Engineer. There was always plenty of mechanical work around the farm so a good grounding for someone with a bent in that direction. He then took off Jackarooing for a year which no doubt continued the learning process in adapting to changing situations and improvising as required to get the job done.

Next followed a long stint of 14 years in the Army in a vehicle mounted troop as well as Special Forces. Riding bikes had been part of Martin’s upbringing since his teenage years but after getting married with added responsibilities he drifted away from bikes - a very familiar story.

He had been living in Canberra but moved to Brisbane in 2000 and owned a couple of Ducatis before buying a neglected Ducati S2 for restoration with the encouragement and support of BMWMCQ club member Graham Eyre. Graham happens to have a beautiful Ducati collection as well as some very tasty BMWs’.

Graham introduced Martin to another BMWMCQ member Neil Hughes who got Martin onto an Aermacchi (now kept as a showpiece in the house) and then about 12 years ago onto his first BMW - a 1956 R50. A 1960 R60 followed with a full ‘back to frame’ restoration and the bug had well & truly bitten. Bikes were imported from the USA, restored then sold to provide capital for the next project.

Martin had been the Sales Manager for Toshiba and the bike work was very much a hobby. As a ‘work towards retirement’ plan Martin & his wife decided to give the bike work a proper go.

They built additional garage space on the front of their house and launched BMWerks. There was no need for advertising as word spread quickly and Martin’s books were filling fast. He now has bikes and repair work coming from around the country.

High quality specialists have been sourced for

TAKING A LOOK INSIDE BMWERKS

work such as rebuilding crankshafts, machining, paint, chrome and instruments. More basic tasks can be handled on the lathe & linisher in the shop. Gearboxes, final drives, engine disassembly and rebuilds are all handled in the shop. More basic service and repair work can also be undertaken, time & space permitting.

Full restorations obviously take considerable time with components needed to be sent out to the specialist service providers and parts sourced, most often from overseas.

Martin is trying to concentrate on the boxer engine models that pre-date the first /5 series bikes from 1970. These include the R50, R50s, R60, R69s and the very rare 1953 R68 sport model which Martin owns and is currently rebuilding.

As you can see from the workshop pictures there are a few later airhead models in the mix but that is not the direction he wants to take his business.

Martin now has Adam working part time in the shop to help manage the work load. I met Adam late last year when assisting a former club member sell a very neglected 1960 model R60 that he had owned for 55 years. Adam is working on that bike in his own time at home so as the old saying goes “he knocks off work to carry bricks”. Sounds pretty damn good to me.

It is great to see Martin & Adam working to give life back to these bikes for this generation and those to come. Remember that these R50 and R60 BMWs were the same model bikes that the club founders rode in 1958 when the club was formed.

As an indication of the quality of work that exists at BMWerks, here are some pictures of a very tasty Red R69s that won best bike in show at last years Ray Owen Concours at Canungra. Anyone who has been to that show can attest to the very high standard of bikes on display.

TAKING A LOOK INSIDE BMWERKS

I will finish with a quote from BMWerks website that sums up Martin’s passion: There’s something about a vintage BMW motorcycle that just exudes style. Its clean design and quietly confident, smooth running engine, courtesy of its flawless German engineering, combine to deliver a beautifully crafted work of art.

A very tasty Red R69s that won best bike in show at last years Ray Owen Concours at Canungra.

Smart Rider Academy have the below courses scheduled for just $50, including the Level 2 course. Remember you can claim the $50 back with the Training Subsidy program (see below).

BMWMCQ TRAINING COURSE SUBSIDY

Your club encourages all members to continue to improve as a rider and offers a financial incentive to foster greater uptake in rider training. A broad interpretation of training has been adopted to include First Aid Training and Traffic Accident site safety management. The intention of the subsidy scheme is to not only improve the road craft of individual members but also to enhance the safety and enjoyment of club runs and events for all participating members.

These are the simple rules to qualify for a subsidy:

1. Every financial member is eligible.

2. Subsidy is limited to one in two years for each member eg subsidy June 2024 re-eligible June 2026.

3. Subsidy provided in the form of a $50 reimbursement after course has been completed and invoice presented to the Treasurer.

4. The applicant must present details and receive approval for the intended training course from the Club Secretary prior to the course being undertaken.

There you have it, an incentive to help to make you a better and safer rider. If you undertake a course please let us know your thoughts on the success of the course, positive or negative.

Club Mileage Awards

Have you clocked up 100,000km, 200,000km or more on one bike?

To celebrate the epic achievements of these milestones, the Club will be issuing Mileage Award Medallions and Certificates to those who qualify. It can be for any make and model of bike that has reached these impressive kilometres in your ownership, and must still be in your ownership.

To nominate your bike, email our Secretary: secretary@bmwmcq.org.au with:

• Photo of the bike or you with bike - this photo will feature on your certificate so a good quality photo will enhance the certificate

• Where and when purchased and mileage at time of purchase

• Photo of the odometer to show the kilometres.

Presentations at the monthly meetings for those that live locally – so get your details in!

Congratulations to HUW SAMUEL, Member no. 4411 for attaining over 100,000km on your BMW R1200 GS

Purchased from Morgan & Wacker on 22 February 2017

& BMW suPPorTs

Brisbane BMW Motorcycle Specialists

Need your BMW motorcycle serviced? We can also help ensure your pride and joy stays in top nick. Northside Motorcycle Tyres and Service has the latest software for BMWs enabling us to re- set service reminders, and assist with diagnostic testing and component testing making it more efficient to solve any problems with your bike. Log book servicing which won’t void your warranty. Book in for a BMW motorcycle service today with our expert team and you can be confident that Your pride and joy is in good hands.

BMW Motorcycle Tyres & Accessories

Planning on hitting the road soon? Stop by our showroom to check out our great range of tyres, luggage bags and riding gear to suit Adventure or Sport Touring.

FREE BMW Motorcycle Safety Inspection Report

But perhaps more importantly, be prepared before you head off! Book in for your FREE safety inspection report. This simple check can mean the difference between a hassle-free ride versus getting stuck on the side of the road with no phone coverage a long way from the nearest town.

SHOP ONLINE FOR ALL YOUR MOTORCYCLE TYRES & ACCESSORIES WITH THE ADDED BENEFIT OF AFTERPAY “BUY NOW, PAY LATER” HTTPS://NSMCTYRES.COM 1/14 Paisley Drive Lawnton Qld 4503, Phone 07 3205 6505 Email info@nsmctyres.com

From business card to full page, all sizes are available. The BMWMCQ electronic journal is distributed to members and interested parties throughout Queensland and basically anywhere that has the internet. In addition, the journal is issued to other BMW affiliated Clubs. Get your message out to people who own, ride and restore BMW motorcycles Phone your requests toDon Grimes - Ph: 0411 601 372

BMWMCQ BOOK EXCHANGE

NEW BOOKS AVAILABLE!

Race to Dakar

Extreme Frontiers

Charley Boorman

Charley Boorman (Racing Across Canada)

What If I Had Never Tried It

Valentino Rossi (The Autobiography)

The Road to Mali

Craig Carey-Clinch

No Room for Watermelons Ron & Lynne Fellowes

A Motorcycle Courier in the Great War

Australia Motorcycle Atlas

Captain W.H.L. Watson

With 200 Top Rides (6th Ed) Hema Maps

Overland Magazines - issue #’s 11; 19; 21; 22; 25; 26; 27; 28 and 29.

Adventure Bike Rider - issue #’s 44; 46; 51 and 53

The Touring Motorcycle Jeff Ware & Kris Hodgson

BMW Twins Mick Walker

BMW Boxer Twins Ian Falloon

Howard finally gets the R100CS into an artistic shot

BMW Motorcycles Bruce Preston

A Century of BMW Manfred Grunet & Florian Triebel

The BMW Story - Production & Racing Motorcycles Ian Falloon

Bahnstormer - The Story of BMW Motorcycles LJK Setright

BMW Company History

1972

BMW Munich

Berry on Bikes - The Hot 100 - Steve Berry

2UP and OVERLOADED

2 x On Tour with Compass Expeditions DVDs

The initiative is being overseen by Jane Gray and you can communicate with Jane via email at:

library@bmwmcq org au

Arrangement can be made with the librarian to pick up & drop off at the monthly General Meeting or other arrangements can be made

THE ConsTiTuTion uPDATE

The rubber has hit the road, with the updated Constitution voted on at the March 2025 AGM and accepted by the members present. The Events Officer inclusion in section 13(g) is the only change. The updated Constitution has been submitted to the Office of Fair Trading for approval.

1. Name

The name of the incorporated Association shall be “The BMW Motorcycle Club of Queensland Incorporated” (in these Rules called “the Association”).

2. Objects

The objects for which the Association is established are to increase the enjoyment of motorcycling by:-

(1) Improving the opinion of the Public towards motorcycling in general and associated matters particularly through:-

(a) Careful, courteous, considerate riding at all times, especially when riding with the Association.

(b) Rendering assistance to all road users in difficulty.

(2) Improving the service and availability of spare parts for BMW motorcycles in Queensland using the advantage of united effort.

(3) Decreasing maintenance and running costs by mutual assistance on mechanical problems.

(4) Organising tours and outings.

(5) Affiliation with other Associations where such would be of mutual benefit.

3. Powers

(1) The Association has the powers of an individual.

(2) The Association may, for example(a) enter into contracts; and (b) acquire, hold, deal with and dispose of property; and (c) make charges for services and facilities it supplies; and (d) do other things necessary or convenient to be done in carrying out its affairs.

(3) The Association may also issue secured and unsecured notes, debentures and debenture stock for the Association.

4. Classes of Members

(1) Membership of the Association shall be under three categories, these being:-

(a) Full Membership. Full Membership is open to owners of BMW motorcycles.

(b) Associate Membership. Associate Membership is by invitation, for persons who do not own a BMW motorcycle but have a genuine interest in BMW motorcycles and a desire to participate in the Association’s activities and support the Association’s objectives, and (c) Life membership. This shall be an honour offered to persons who in the opinion of the Management Committee have served the Club or its membership in a way that deserves special recognition, and any such offer is to be approved by the general membership by special resolution.

THE ConsTiTuTion uPDATE

Life membership is confirmed through the acceptance of the offer by the nominee. This class of membership entitles its holder to all entitlements of Full Membership without that life member being required to pay any further fee for membership.

(2) The number of members in each class shall be unlimited.

5. Membership

Every application for any class of membership of the Association shall be made in writing, signed by the applicant, in such form as the Management Committee from time to time prescribes.

6. Membership Fees

(1) Subscriptions shall be determined by the members through Special Resolution and become due on the first day of joining and thereafter annually on the anniversary of that date. Any member who fails to pay subscriptions within two months of the due date shall forfeit all rights as an Association Member;

(2) Common address subscription rates shall be fixed at seventy-five percent of the prescribed fee per member in that household.

7. Admission and Rejection of Members

(1) At the next General Meeting after the receipt of any application and the fee applicable for any class of membership, such application shall be considered by the Membership, who shall thereupon determine upon the admission or rejection of the applicant.

(2) Any applicant who receives a majority of the votes of the members present at the meeting at which such application is being considered shall be accepted as a member to the class of membership applied for.

(3) Upon the acceptance or rejection of an application for any class of membership the Secretary shall forthwith give the applicant notice in writing of such acceptance or rejection.

8. Termination of Membership

(1) A member may resign from the Association at any time by giving notice in writing to the Secretary. Such resignation shall take effect at the time such notice is received by the Secretary unless a later date is specified in the notice when it shall take effect on that later date.

(2) If a member:-

(a) is convicted of an indictable offence; or

(b) fails to comply with any of the provisions of these Rules; or (c) has membership fees in arrears for a period of two months or more; or (d) conducts themselves in a manner considered to be injurious or prejudicial to the character or interests of the Association; the Membership shall consider whether that person’s membership should be terminated.

(3) The member concerned shall be given a full and fair opportunity of presenting their case and if the Membership resolves to terminate that person’s membership it shall instruct the Secretary to advise that member in writing accordingly.

9. Appeal Against Rejection or Termination of Membership

(1) A person whose application for membership has been rejected or whose membership has

THE ConsTiTuTion uPDATE

been terminated may within one month of receiving written notification thereof, lodge with the Secretary written notice of their intention to appeal against the decision of the Membership.

(2) Upon receipt of a notification of intention to appeal against rejection or termination of membership the Secretary shall convene, within three months of the date of receipt of such notice, a general meeting to determine the appeal. At any such meeting the applicant shall be given the opportunity to fully present their case and the members who rejected the application for membership or terminated the membership subsequently shall likewise have the opportunity of presenting its or their case. The appeal shall be determined by the vote of the members present at such meeting.

(3) Where a person whose application is rejected, does not appeal against the decision of the Membership within the time prescribed by these Rules or so appeals but the appeal is unsuccessful, the Secretary shall forthwith refund the amount of any fee paid.

10. Grievance Procedure

10A. Grievance Procedure

(1) This Rule sets out a grievance procedure for dealing with a dispute under the Rules between parties as described in section 47A(1) of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 (Act).

(2) To remove any doubt, it is declared that the grievance procedure cannot be used by a person whose membership has been terminated under Rule 8.

(3) A member (the aggrieved party) initiates the grievance procedure in relation to the dispute by giving a notice in writing of the dispute:

(a) to the other party; and

(b) if the other party is not the Management Committee, to the Management Committee.

(4) If two or more members initiate a grievance procedure in relation to the same subject matter, the Management Committee may deal with the disputes in a single process and the members must choose one of the members (also the aggrieved party) to represent the members in the grievance procedure.

(5) Subject to rule 10B, the parties to the dispute must, in good faith, attempt to resolve the dispute.

(6) If the parties to the dispute cannot resolve the dispute within 14 days after the aggrieved party initiates the grievance procedure, the aggrieved party may, within a further 21 days, ask the Association’s Secretary to refer the dispute to mediation.

(7) Subject to rule 10B, if the aggrieved party asks the Association’s Secretary to refer the dispute to mediation under subrule (6), the Management Committee must refer the dispute within 14 days after the request.

10B. Grievance procedure not continued in particular circumstances

(1) This rule applies if—

(a) a member initiates a grievance procedure in relation to a dispute and the Association or Association’s Management Committee is the other party to the dispute; or

(b) the aggrieved party asks the Association’s Secretary to refer the dispute to mediation under rule 10A(6).

(2) The Management Committee does not have to act under rule 10A(5) or (7) if—

(a) the aggrieved party has, within 21 days before initiating the grievance procedure, behaved in a way that would give the Management Committee grounds for taking disciplinary action under the rules against the aggrieved party in relation to the matter the subject of the grievance procedure; or

(b) before the grievance procedure was initiated, a process had started to take action under the rules against the aggrieved party or terminate the aggrieved party’s membership, as provided for under the rules, and the dispute relates to that process or to a matter relevant to that process; or

THE ConsTiTuTion uPDATE

(c) the dispute could reasonably be considered frivolous, vexatious, misconceived, or lacking in substance or the dispute relates to a matter that has already been subject of the grievance procedure.

10C. Appointment of mediator

(1) If a dispute under rule 10A is referred to mediation(a) the parties to the dispute must choose a mediator to conduct the mediation; or (b) if the parties are unable to agree on the appointment of a mediator within 14 days after the dispute is referred to mediation, the mediator must be(i) for a dispute between a member and another member - a person appointed by the Management Committee; or (ii) for a dispute between a member and the Management Committee or the Association - an accredited mediator or a mediator appointed by the director of the dispute resolution centre.

(2) An accredited mediator may refuse to be the mediator, or the director of a dispute resolution centre may refuse to appoint a mediator, to mediate the dispute.

(3) If subrule (2) applies, the parties may seek to resolve the dispute in accordance with the Act or otherwise at law.

10D. Conduct of mediation

(1) If a mediator is appointed under rule 10A, the mediator must start the mediation as soon as possible after the appointment and try to finish the mediation within 28 days after the appointment. (2) Subrule (1) does not apply if the mediator is the director of a dispute resolution centre.

(3) The mediator—

(a) must give each party to the dispute an opportunity to be heard on the matter the subject of the dispute; and (b) must comply with natural justice; and (c) must not act as an adjudicator or arbitrator; and (d) during the mediation, may see the parties, with or without their representatives, together or separately.

(4) The parties to the dispute must act reasonably and genuinely in the mediation and help the mediator to start and finish the mediation within the time required under subrule (1)

(5) The costs of the mediation, if any, are to be shared equally between the parties unless otherwise agreed.

(6) If the mediator cannot resolve the dispute, the parties may seek to resolve the dispute in accordance with the Act or otherwise at law.

10E. Representation for grievance procedure

(1) A party to a dispute may appoint any person to act on behalf of the party in the grievance procedure.

(2) If a party appoints a person under subrule (1) to be the party’s representative, the party must give written notice of the appointment to each of the following entities—

(a) the other party to the dispute;

(b) the Management Committee;

(c) if a mediator has been appointed before the party appoints the representative—the mediator.

(3) A representative who acts for a party at a mediation must—

(a) have sufficient knowledge of the matter the subject of the dispute to be able to represent the party effectively; and

(b) be authorised to negotiate an agreement for the party.

10F Electronic communication for grievance procedure

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Any meeting or mediation session required under the grievance procedure may be conducted by electronic means if the parties to the dispute and, for a mediation, the mediator agrees.

11. Register of Members

(1) The Management Committee must keep a register of members of the Association.

(2) The register must include the following particulars for each member—

(a) the full name of the member;

(b) the postal or residential address of the member;

(c) the date of admission as a member;

(d) the details of motorcycles owned by the member;

(e) the date of death or time of resignation of the member;

(f) details about the termination or reinstatement of membership;

(g) any other particulars the Management Committee or the members at a General Meeting decide.

(3) The register must be available for inspection by members of the Association at all reasonable times.

(4) A member must contact the Secretary to arrange an inspection of the register.

(5) However, the Management Committee may, on the application of a member of the Association, withhold information about the member (other than the member’s full name) from the register available for inspection if the Management Committee has reasonable grounds for believing the disclosure of the information would put the member at risk of harm.

12. Prohibition on use of information on register of members

(1) A member of the Association must not—

(a) use information obtained from the register of members of the Association to contact, or send material to, another member of the Association for the purpose of advertising for political, religious, charitable or commercial purposes; or

(b) disclose information obtained from the register to someone else, knowing that the information is likely to be used to contact, or send material to, another member of the Association for the purpose of advertising for political, religious, charitable or commercial purposes.

Subrule (1) does not apply if the use or disclosure of the information is approved by the Association.

13. Membership of Management Committee

(1) The Management Committee shall consist of:-

(a) An Honorary President who must be a full member;

(b) An Honorary Vice-President who must be a full member;

(c) An Honorary Secretary who must be a full member;

(d) An Honorary Treasurer who must be a full member;

(e) A Records Officer and Registrar;

(f) A Newsletter Editor;

(g) An Events Officer;

(h) A Tools and Spare Parts Officer;

(h) A Regalia Officer;

(i) One other member;

all of whom shall be members. One of the Management Committee may be appointed the Association’s Public Relations Officer by a vote among the Management Committee members. This position need not necessarily be created in every Management Committee. The Management

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Committee shall have the power to co-opt assistance from the Membership.

(2) The number of Management Committee positions may be changed as from time to time deemed necessary by the Membership at any General Meeting by election or appointment.

(3) At the Annual General Meeting of the Association, all the members of the Management Committee for the time being shall retire from office but shall be eligible upon nomination for reelection.

(4) The election of officers and other members of the Management Committee shall take place with nominations open up until the vote is taken at the Annual General Meeting. All nominations shall have a proposer and a seconder.

14. Resignation or removal of Management Committee member

(1) Any member of the Management Committee may resign from membership of the Management Committee at any time by giving notice in writing to the Secretary but such resignation shall take effect at the time such notice is received by the Secretary unless a later date is specified in the notice when it shall take effect on that later date.

(2) A member of the Management Committee may be removed from office at a General Meeting of the Association where that Management Committee member shall be given the opportunity to fully present their case. The question of removal shall be determined by the vote of the members present at such a General Meeting.

15. Vacancies on Management Committee

(1) The Management Committee shall have power at any time to appoint any member of the Association to fill any casual vacancy on the Management Committee until the next Annual General Meeting.

(2) The continuing members of the Management Committee may act notwithstanding any casual vacancy in the Management Committee, but if and so long as their number is reduced below the number fixed by or pursuant to these Rules as the necessary quorum of the Management Committee, the continuing member or members may act for the purpose of increasing the number of members of the Management Committee to that number or of summoning a General Meeting of the Association, but for no other purpose.

16. Functions of Management Committee

(1) Subject to these Rules or a resolution of the members of the Association carried at a General Meeting, the Management Committee has the general control and management of the administration of the affairs, property and funds of the Association.

(2) The Management Committee has the authority to interpret the meaning of these Rules and any matter relating to the Association on which these Rules are silent, but any interpretation must have regard to the Act, including any regulation made under the Act .

(3) The Management Committee may exercise all the powers of the Association :-

(a) to borrow or raise or secure the payment of money in such manner as the members of the Association may think fit and secure the same and the payment or performance of any debt, liability, contract, guarantee or other engagement incurred or to be entered into by the Association in any way and in particular by the issue of debentures, perpetual or otherwise, charged upon all or any of the Association’s property, both present and future, and to purchase, redeem or pay off any such securities;

(b) to borrow money from members at a rate of interest not exceeding interest at the rate for the time being charged by bankers in Brisbane for overdrawn accounts on money lent, whether the

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term of the loan be short or long, and to mortgage or charge its property or any part thereof and to issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as security for any debt, liability or obligation of the Association, and to provide and pay off any such securities; and (c) to invest in such manner as the members of the Association may from time to time determine.

17. Meetings of Management Committee

(1) The Management Committee shall meet at least once every calendar month to exercise its functions.

(2) A Special Meeting of the Management Committee shall be convened by the Secretary on the requisition in writing signed by not less than one-third of the members of the Management Committee, which requisition shall clearly state the reasons why such special meeting is being convened and the nature of the business to be transacted thereat.

(3) At every meeting of the Management Committee a simple majority of a number equal to the number of members elected and/or appointed to the Management Committee as at the close of the last General Meeting of the members, shall constitute a quorum.

(4) Subject as previously provided in this Rule, the Management Committee may meet together and regulate its proceedings as it thinks fit.

(5) The Management Committee may hold meetings, or permit a committee member to take part in its meetings, by using any technology that reasonably allows the member to hear and take part in discussions as they happen.

(6) Questions arising at any meeting of the Management Committee shall be decided by a majority of votes and, in the case of equality of votes, the question shall be deemed to be decided in the negative.

(7) A member of the Management Committee shall not vote in respect of any contract or proposed contract with the Association in which that Management Committee member is interested, or any matter arising therefrom, and if that member does so vote then their vote shall not be counted. (8) Not less than fourteen days notice shall be given by the Secretary to members of the Management Committee of any Special Meeting of the Management Committee. Such notice shall clearly state the nature of the business to be discussed thereat.

(9) The President shall preside at every meeting of the Management Committee, or if there is no President, or if at any meeting that person is not present within ten minutes after the time appointed for holding the meeting, the Vice-President shall preside at that meeting, or if the VicePresident is not present at the meeting then the members may choose one of their number to preside at that meeting.

(10) If within thirty minutes from the time appointed for the commencement of a Management Committee Meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened upon the requisition of members of the Management Committee, shall lapse. In any other case it shall stand adjourned to such other day and at such other time and place as the Management Committee may determine, and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within thirty minutes from the time appointed for the meeting, the meeting shall lapse.

18. Appointment of sub-committees

(1) The Management Committee may delegate any of its powers to a sub-committee consisting of such members of the Association as the Management Committee thinks fit. Any sub-committee so formed shall in the exercise of the powers so delegated conform to any regulations that may be imposed on it by the Management Committee.

(2) A sub-committee may elect a person to preside at its meetings. If no such person is elected, or if at any meeting the person elected to preside is not present within ten minutes after the time

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appointed for holding the meeting, the members present may choose one of their number to preside at that meeting.

(3) A sub-committee may meet and adjourn as it thinks proper. Questions arising at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members present and, in the case of an equality of votes, the question shall be deemed to be decided in the negative.

19. Acts not affected by defects or disqualifications

(1) An act performed by the Management Committee, a subcommittee or a person acting as a member of the Management Committee is taken to have been validly performed.

(2) Subrule (1) applies even if the act was performed when— (a) there was a defect in the appointment of a member of the Management Committee, subcommittee or person acting as a member of the Management Committee; or (b) a Management Committee member, subcommittee member or person acting as a member of the Management Committee was disqualified from being a member.

20. Resolutions of Management Committee without meeting

(1) A resolution in writing signed by all members of the Management Committee shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Management Committee that was properly convened and held.

(2) A resolution mentioned in subrule (1) may consist of several documents in like form, each signed by one or more members of the Management Committee.

21. Annual General Meeting

(1) The Annual General Meeting shall be held in March of each year at such time and place as the Management Committee may decide; the Secretary shall give at least fourteen days notice to all members of the time and place of the meeting.

(2) The business to be transacted at every Annual General Meeting shall be:-

(a) the receiving of the Management Committee’s report and the statement of income and expenditure, assets and liabilities and mortgages, charges and securities affecting the property of the Association for the preceding financial year;

(b) details of the remuneration paid or other benefits given for the financial year to the following persons, if any;

(i) each member of the Management Committee of the Association;

(ii) each senior staff member of the Association;

(iii) each relative of a person mentioned in paragraph (i) or (ii ).

(c) the receiving of the auditor’s report upon the books and accounts for the preceding financial year;

(d) the election of members of the Management Committee;

(e) any proposed amendments to these Rules by Special Resolution.

(3) In the event of the Annual General Meeting not being held by March 31st in any year, any five members of the Association shall have power to call and convene an Annual General Meeting.

22. Special General Meetings

The Secretary shall convene a Special General Meeting:(1) when directed to do so by the Management Committee; or (2) on the requisition in writing signed by not less than one-third of the members presently on

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the Management Committee or not less than ten percent of members of the Association. Such requisition shall clearly state the reasons why such Special General Meeting is being convened and the nature of the business to be transacted thereat; or

(3) on being given a notice in writing of an intention to appeal against the decision of the Management Committee to reject an application for membership or to terminate the membership of any person; or

(4) to propose an amendment to these Rules by Special Resolution.

(5) Special Resolutions shall be carried by a three-quarter majority vote of the Full Members present at a Special General Meeting provided that not less than 30 days notice of the terms of that resolution has been given to members, such notice to be by publication in the Association’s Newsletter or Journal, or the Association’s Internet web page.

23. Notice of General Meeting

(1) The Secretary must give at least 14 day’s notice of a General Meeting to each member of the Association.

(2) The Management Committee may decide the way in which the notice must be given.

(3) However, notice of the following meetings must be given in writing—

(a) a meeting called to hear and decide the appeal of a person against the Management Committee’s decision—

(i) to reject the person’s application for membership of the Association; or (ii) to terminate the person’s membership of the Association;

(b) a meeting called to hear and decide a proposed Special Resolution of the Association.

24. General Meetings

(1) General Meetings shall be held once in each calendar month and at such place as the Management Committee may determine.

(2) At any General Meeting the number of members required to constitute a quorum shall be twice the number of committee members plus one at the time of the Meeting.

(3) No business shall be transacted at any General Meeting unless a quorum of members is present at the time when the meeting proceeds to business. For the purposes of this Rule “member” includes a person attending as a proxy or as representing a corporation that is a member.

(4) If within thirty minutes from the time appointed for the commencement of a General Meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting, if convened upon the requisition of members of the Management Committee or the Association, shall lapse. In any other case it shall stand adjourned to such other day and at such other time and place as the Management Committee may determine, and if at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within thirty minutes from the time appointed for the meeting, the members present shall be a quorum.

(5) The person who presides at the meeting may, with the consent of any meeting at which a quorum is present (and shall if so directed by the meeting), adjourn the meeting from time to time and from place to place, but no business shall be transacted at any adjourned meeting other than the business left unfinished at the meeting from which the adjournment took place. When a meeting is adjourned for thirty days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. Save as aforesaid it shall not be necessary to give any notice of an adjournment or of the business to be transacted at an adjourned meeting.

25. Procedure at General Meetings

Unless otherwise provided by these Rules, at every General Meeting:-

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(1) the President shall preside, or if there is no President, or if that person is not present within fifteen minutes after the time appointed for the holding of the Meeting or is unwilling to act, then the Vice-President shall preside thereat or if the Vice-President is not present or is unwilling to act then the members present shall elect one of their number to preside at that Meeting;

(2) the person who presides at any meeting shall maintain order and conduct the meeting in a proper and orderly manner;

(3) every question, matter or resolution shall be decided by a majority of votes of the members present;

(4) every member present shall be entitled to one vote and in the case of an equality of votes the person who presides shall have a second or casting vote: Provided that no member shall be entitled to vote at any General Meeting if their annual subscription is more than one month in arrears at the date of the meeting;

(5) voting shall be by a show of hands or a division of members, unless not less than one-fifth of the members present demand a ballot, in which event there shall be a secret ballot. The person who presides at the meeting shall appoint two members to conduct the secret ballot in such manner as that person presiding shall determine and the result of the ballot as declared by the presiding person shall be deemed to be the resolution of the meeting at which the ballot was demanded;

(6) a member may take part and vote in a General Meeting in person, by proxy, by attorney or by using any technology that reasonably allows the member to hear and take part in discussions as they happen. and on a show of hands; and every person present who is a member or a representative of a member shall have one vote and in a secret ballot every member present in person or by proxy or by attorney or other duly authorised representative shall have one vote;

(7) the instrument appointing a proxy shall be in writing, in the common or usual form under the hand of the appointor or of their attorney duly authorised in writing or, if the appointor is a corporation, either under seal or under the hand of an officer or attorney duly authorised. A proxy may be a member of the Association. The instrument appointing a proxy shall be deemed to confer authority to demand or join in demanding a secret ballot; (8) the instrument appointing a proxy shall be deposited with the Secretary prior to the ballot or election;

26. Recording of meeting minutes

The Secretary shall cause full and accurate minutes of all questions, matters, resolutions and other proceedings of every Management Committee Meeting and General Meeting to be entered in a book to be open for inspection at all reasonable times by any financial member who previously applies to the Secretary for that inspection. For the purposes of ensuring the accuracy of the recording of such minutes, the minutes of every Management Committee Meeting shall be signed by the person who presides at that Meeting or the person presiding at the next succeeding Management Committee Meeting verifying their accuracy. Similarly, the minutes of every General Meeting shall be signed by the person who presides at that meeting or the person who presides at the next succeeding General Meeting: Provided that the minutes of any Annual General Meeting shall be signed by the person who presides at that meeting or the person who presides at the next succeeding General Meeting or Annual General Meeting.

27. By-laws

The Management Committee may from time to time make, amend or repeal by-laws, not inconsistent with these Rules, for the internal management of the Association and any by-law may be set aside by a General Meeting of members.

28. Alteration of Rules

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(1) Subject to the Act, these rules may be amended, repealed or added to by a Special Resolution carried at an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting.

(2) However an amendment, repeal or addition is valid only if it is registered by the chief executive.

29. Common Seal

The Management Committee shall provide for a Common Seal and for its safe custody. The Common Seal shall only be used by the authority of the Management Committee and every instrument to which the Seal is affixed shall be signed by any two of the President, Vice-President, Secretary or Treasurer.

30. Funds and Accounts

(1) The funds of the Association shall be banked in the name of the Association in such bank as the Management Committee may from time to time direct.

(2) Records and accounts must be kept in the English language showing full and accurate particulars of the financial affairs of the Association.

(3) All amounts must be deposited in the financial institution account as soon as practicable after receipt.

(4) A payment by the Association of $100 or more must be made by electronic funds transfer (NEW - but doesn’t need a vote) or by cheque signed by any two of the President, Secretary or Treasurer.

(5) Cheques shall be crossed and marked “Not Negotiable” except those in payment of wages, allowances or petty cash recoupments which may be open.

(6) The Management Committee shall determine the amount of petty cash which shall be kept on the imprest system.

(7) All expenditure shall be approved or ratified at a Management Committee Meeting.

31. General Financial Matters

(1) As soon as practicable after the end of each financial year the Treasurer shall cause to be prepared a statement containing particulars of:-

(a) the income and expenditure for the financial year just ended; and

(b) the assets and liabilities of all mortgages, charges and securities affecting the property of the Association at the close of that year.

(2) All such statements shall be examined by the auditor who shall present a report upon such audit to the Secretary prior to the holding of the Annual General Meeting next following the financial year in respect of which such audit was made.

(3) The income and property of the Association shall be used and applied solely in promotion of its objects and in the exercise of its powers.

(4) No portion shall be distributed, paid or transferred directly or indirectly by way of dividend, bonus or otherwise by way of profit to or amongst the members of the Association.

(5) Remuneration can be paid to any officers or servants of the Association or to any member of the Association or other person in return for any services rendered to the Association.

(6) Payment or repayment can be made to any member for out-of-pocket expenses, money lent, reasonable and proper charges for goods hired by the Association or reasonable and proper rent for premises let to the Association.

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32. Documents

The Management Committee shall provide for the safe custody of books, documents, instruments of title and securities of the Association.

33. Financial Year

The financial year of the Association shall close on January 31 in each year.

34. Distribution of Surplus Assets

If the Association shall be wound up in accordance with the provisions of the Associations Incorporation Act 1981 and there remains, after satisfaction of all its debts and liabilities, any property whatsoever, the same shall not be paid to or distributed among the members of the Association, but shall be given or transferred to some other institution or institutions having objects similar to the objects of the Association, and which shall prohibit the distribution of its or their income and property among its or their members to an extent at least as great as is imposed on the Association under or by virtue of sub-rules 31(3) and 31(4), such institution or institutions to be determined by the members of the Association.