WINTER EDITION
SEPTEMBER 2017
official magazine of
THE BRITISH motorcycle club of tasmania CONTACT Please address all correspondence including membership inquiries to: The BMCT Secretary postal- c/o South Hobart Post Office, Tasmania, 7004 e-mail- secretary@bmctas.com monthly meetings Last Tuesday of each month, 8pm. in the Social Club Rooms, upstairs at the Tas Fire Service building, Argyle Street, Hobart.
All welcome, please come along.
President
Gary Smith
M:0407870493
Vice President
Chris Owens
M: 0448 900 082 E: chris@designforpower.com.au
Northern VP
Mick Lemon
M: 0400 660 926 E: mick.pam59@bigpond.com
Secretary
Matthew Shepperd
M: 0417 001 426 E: bmctsecretary@hotmail.com
Treasurer/Public Officer
Nigel Reid
M: 0417 585 954 H: 03 6265 1237
Magazine Editor
Kent Moore
M: 0408 483 883 E: kentdmoore@gmail.com
Webpage
John Menezies
M: 0418 297 234 E: mezzabolicsteroids@gmail.com
Clubman Records
Rob Walch
M: 0417 514 450 E: robert@walchoptics.com.au
Librarian
Dan Murphy
Technical Officers
John Rettig Jim McCulloch Ken Hall Mick Lemon Martin Heatley
Club Auditors
Casey Overeem Francis Hall
Committee Members
Rob Walch Richard Bullough Jegs Nuttall
H: 03 5267 2510 H: 03 6249 8731 H: 03 6265 9017 M: 0400 660 926 M:0499 845 280 H:6326 5331
www.bmctas.com
Nuts&bolts Spring is approaching and the weather may start to settle and make our ride days more pleasant. Many of our members have ventured to the North of Australia or escaped to warmer places around the world to avoid the cold weather. There are lots of rides planned to take place over the next few months including an over nighter to Port Arthur. The Tasmanian motorcycle day will be held on the 26th of November with camping being planned. With year end of the fast approaching it is worth noting that the Longley International Hotel has been booked for our Christmas function and again this year this will be a combined event with our fellow riders from the Vintage club, put the 3rd of December into your diary. I know that some members are busy preparing bikes for the summer; I have two bikes that are being repaired after the Tasmanian Motorcycle members rally. The editor and I are planning to interview some of our life members and long time members so that their stories can be told and persevered for the future. Ride safely, see and be seen Gary Smith
The Bullitt: Cafe Racer Pencil Drawings by Keith Winter
WOOLMERS SHANNONS
CONVICTS TO CLASSICS CAR AND BIKE SHOW by GARY SMITH Shannon’s in conjunction with Woolmer’s Estate put together a bike and car show to raise funds for the Woolmer’s restoration fund. Howard Burrows coordinated the motor bike section with the help from club members from the North and South of the state. John Rettig, Casey Overeem, Jack Overeem, Chris Owens and Howard along with wives and partners stayed on Saturday evening at Woolmer’s in motor homes and cabins. Nigel Read, Bill Frodsham and Jeggs Nuttall rode up on Sunday morning with their return ride taking the home via Poatina and Bothwell Mick Lemon, Ken Jupp and Ron Hunter from our northern section along with Neil Darvell from the south were also spotted in the crowd along with several other members that I cannot name. The day was very well attended with around 1800 people enjoying a great day with good weather and a great selection of cars and motorbikes. Live music was provided, along with a selection of food and drink for sale.
WOOLMERS SHANNONS
CONVICTS TO CLASSICS CAR AND BIKE SHOW
WOOLMERS SHANNONS
CONVICTS TO CLASSICS CAR AND BIKE SHOW
NORTHERN OLD BIKE RIDE
BY MICK LEMON & GLEN OSBORNE G’day Everyone, Sunday just gone (Sept. 10) saw the Old Bike run here in the North and although it was a spectacular riding day the dreaded lurgy at claimed more than a couple of participants with prewar bikes prepped and ready which is a shame. We did have a reasonable turnout although only a couple of prewar bikes made it in the end. It is unfortunate that my camera with all my photos happens to be a long way from where I’m writing this which means I have nothing to refer to in remembering who was there and on what, doh, but I will try my best. Vintage/Classic bikes of note were, Wayne’s familiar Guzzi 1000S, Boz was over from the NW on his Harris Matchless along with Jim Mac on his lovely 71 Triumph Daytona, Martin chose the Norton Mercury, Noel on the supercharged CB500/4 which incidentally he sold some time back but still gets to ride, cunning man. Myself and Melanie had Norman the Easy 2 out much to his delight and taking the limelight was Mick on his newly acquired 1925 Royal Enfield (would it be anything else ? ) 352. Being a race bike in it’s day it wasn’t equipped with kickstart and so giving Mick a little exercise whilst the rest of us a lot of amusement watching him push it round and round the car park or up and down the street to start it ! Steve and Adele also met us at the museum on the mobile lounge chair to say hello, Another Steve on a modern KTM something or other making his maiden voyage with us lot, Paul on his Honda
tourer, and last but not least was Alena, Jim’s daughter who had ridden over with him on her modern machine. I do apologize if I have forgotten somebody or have no idea what you were really riding. Those that left the museum went out through Bridgenorth and North along Long Plains Rd to the Frankford Hwy. Faster bikes setting their own pace most of the time and Melanie and I followed Mick along whilst he became familiar with his machine and it’s idiosyncrasies. To be fair on the whole journey from home he only stopped to play with the adjustable needle position once and unfortunately pulled the nipple off the front brake cable but fortunately it happened in the museum carpark and not in some precarious situation. At the Frankford Hwy Mick, Melanie and I headed straight in to the Burt Munro cafe whilst the faster bikes set off for Frankford to meet the NW guys and gals before enjoying a spin through the Holwell George Rd to Beaconsfield and back to the cafe. It really was a beautiful day for riding and I did cast a thought to those laid up at home, battling illness whilst the rest of us enjoyed ourselves. Ok, no I didn’t, I was having too much fun ! An enjoyable time was had with many a tale shared over a good feed and cuppa before it was time to set sail for home. Luckily Noel got a few photos too which you’ll find attached. It’s a shame I don’t have mine here to share as I got a couple of crackers of Mick pushing his machine down the street on departure from the cafe, I may just have to post them up at a later date.
NORTHERN riders choice SUNDAY AUG 13 BY NIGEL FOX I left home about 10.00 for Launceston on the 750 Norton Commando. It was a fairly chilly morning, arriving at the museum at 10.30 to find Wayne on the Guzzi 1000, Shane on his Harley, Mike and Moira with MG who were shortly followed by a Dane on a push bike who was not at all happy with the world as it is, and is about to return to his homeland in the very near future. We couldn’t see a problem with that but did lend him a sympathetic ear. As it was riders choice Wayne suggested we do the West Tamar, Frankford, Holwell Loop which was agreed on. Ride was pretty uneventful to Holwell turn off, then the twisties and rather chilly through this section. Norton was pulling like a freight train with acceleration to match. We pulled over before Beauty Point as we had decided to lunch there but all decided to go to the Burt Munro Cafe and warm ourselves by the fire instead. Arrived at cafe finding several other bikes and riders had also gathered. Mick also met us there and we all had a good chat. On our departure the Commando was a little hesitant to start but a bit of extra tickling fixed that. Stopped to fuel down the road and same deal again. Going down Muddy Creek hill the bike starts to run rough so I figure more throttle should fix that, but alas, engine is dying so I pull over with a strong smell of petrol looking down to find petrol pouring out of the carby and carby bowl actually hanging 100mm from carb body. Shane, Wayne and myself are looking a bit bemused as the float needle valve and pivot are all intact but gasket and screws missing. Team brains kick in and Shane spots gasket snagged on gear box while I spot one screw lodged between engine and bracket. Norton has no tools (don’t need them) whilst the Harley has full kit from which Shane produces a telescopic magnet to fish out the screw. Team Norton is in full swing by this stage and Shane produces a Swiss type pocket knife complete with
lathe on the end. Wayne’s then on one side of the bike and me on the other refitting the bowl but alas, only one screw. We try small cable tie from Norton kit in the other side but it still leaks. I see Shane studying the bike then he suggests removing screw from gearbox inspection cover see if it fits the carby. Jack pot, it does (Norton think of everything) but it is still leaking through tickler. We remove again to find pivot jammed, free it, reassemble and perfect, we are away, great work lads. Test results - Amal carbys able to deliver petrol to combustion chamber when fuel bowl is up to 100mm from carby body (long main jet). The velocity stack then sucks up petrol spray pre-mix until bowl falls below this point. We all arrived home with no more problems after this, thanks for escort lads. See attached pictures for carby mod performed. Threads were worn allowing screws to loosen
so re tapped to 5 mm diameter from 4.5mm and finer thread, more surface area and chrome aircraft lock nut above. This has solved an ongoing problem of allowing a small amount of air in and petrol out, and now with the long velocity stack is sucking like a cray diver at 40 feet with a burst hooker hose.
BRASS MONKEY RUN BY ROB WALCH AND MARTIN HEATLEY JULY 30 Rob Walch... Bothwell by 11.30. Rosco, Dean and Susie, Jan, Kyle and Dave Sowerby lunched at the Bothwell pub and then return to Hobart. Bill Frodsham on his white bike, Graeme Gullick on a blue one, Robert Walch on a black one and Simon Beard in a steel blue commodore pushed on. Temp was cool but tolerable, head wind also tolerable and rain negligible. WE beat the Launceston group to the Poatina turn off by 10 seconds but they soon reeled the AJS in. Graeme was on a mission and was harder for them to catch (Not sure where Bill was) but we did all arrive at the Great Lake Hotel pretty well together. Even Mark Kitteridge who braved the exposed Highlands Lakes Rd from Deloraine arrived within minutes of the rest. Mark reported snow at the highest point but, unfortunately there wasn’t any at Great Lake. Everyone seemed to have smiles on their faces. The pub had a good fire, good food and was nearly packed. We departed at about 2. Downhill, rising temperature and a tail wind is a good recipe for a great run. This run should be an iconic annual pilgrimage. And from Martin... Sunday was the day for the great ride in mid winter up the mountain to lunch at the Great Lake Hotel. The day started off heavily overcast as I moved various vehicles so I could get the Norton Mercury out. Got my variety of thermals, warmest shirt,
jumper, bike gear etc and then it began to rain as I left home. Got fuel and the rain was now a heavy torrent. Wayne pulled up on his Indian Scout looking keen as ever. As I approached the motor museum car park I was preparing for two eventualities. Firstly, with the crap that was descending from the heavens the ride would be called off, which was fine by me. Second, I would be the only one on an old bike as all the others will be taking the soft option of riding their button-pressing galactic space ship thingies that can have their ride quality altered via the blue-tooth-wi-figizmo-dubilacky-mind- blowing and you don’t have to actually ride it things, so I had a little speech prepared about how such things scare off the old bikes. Take Shon for example. When was the last time you saw him ride his old bike? Exactly, never because those intergalactic sharp-angle-
zero-feedback things have scared him off, that’s why! So I turned into the car park and there was Shon on his BSA proving exactly what I was spouting off about! Well no. Okay so my first point will be proved. Mick, “Don’t bother about taking your helmet off as we are about to head off, got to meet up with people at Cressy” as the rain continues to wash away any semblance of sanity. After a wrestle to put on my shrinking wet weather gear which failed miserably at the All British earlier this year we were away, except I almost came a cropper as all my layers of gear hadn’t quite lined up and upon leaving said car park I wobbled madly as limbs didn’t quite co ordinate to the duties at hand. Happily I survived that and we are finally away in the dim dark gloom. ‘Am I sounding miserable yet?’ Not long after getting out of Launceston the rain stopped and a bit after Longford
we have sunshine! To our left the beautiful tiers are visible and hardly a cloud to be seen, wow, that’s a buzz. Cressy and the rendezvous is a success as we go from 7 bikes to 10 as a crowd from the north western wilderness have turned up. So on to Poatina and beyond. Once we start to climb I enjoy the more open corners on the 650cc of parallel pommie power from a bygone age or I got sore hands from the madly vibrating monster, depending on what value you wish to place upon the machine. I was enjoying myself. Hair pins and caution started to come to play as I was a little concerned about ice etc, though not the internet blue tooth wonder machines, no, they could go faster by simply dialling up thingamajigs- dooby-whatsits. We regrouped near the top and then it was all go to the hotel for lunch. At the intersection to Bothwell a blue BMW looking like a BMW and a silly old pommie single thing with a very leery exhaust, (must be Rob Walch on the Ajay) zoomed past, quick lets go in pursuit! Actually I was going as quick as I could as it was cold up there and I had 23,715 layers on and the bike vibrating which equals I need to go to the toilet! You got to hate that. So it was the gang plus others from elsewhere that arrived at the Hotel almost as one, amazing. Massive wrestling match to get gear off, get comfortable and then go to a nice cold room for our lunches. We weren’t allowed to have a comfy fire, sob, sniff! Lunch was not much to write about but others may have found it to their liking or maybe they used the ever expanding and sophisticated communication devices to order some lunch from Burma or Peru or Pluto. All in the palm of your hand, amazing. Besides all the above we all seem to have a good
natter and then it was time for the off. So a mention of the old bikes on the run, Rob and AJS single, T150 from down from the Deep South, Shon on his BSA pre unit twin and myself on Norton Mercury. Nigel was on his Kawasaki Kettle which looks like a bike, there was a BMW K75 weird thing and the others were on big modern things. Some decided to return the way we had come and others decided to go back via the lake road and make a circuit of it. I foolishly decided to make a circuit of it. They all took off while I was still wrestling with my gear trying to get that last layer on. Then the bike wouldn’t start until several kicks later. I stopped to take photo of lake with bike in foreground while Graeme went searching for oil as his BMW without a plug had dispersed a quantity of oil. The ever helpful folk at the hotel were not helpful so Graeme decided with stuffed rag to head off. With the cold temperatures the bike wouldn’t be getting all hot and burning oil up so silver lining somewhere. Finally I was off, very windy and cold. First gravel section no problems nice and dry just watch out for the pot holes. Second and longest gravel section not so; predominantly in the shade it had a wet slushy surface. It may have looked worse than what it was but I wasn’t feeling very brave so had a very slow first and second gear ride. My left wrist was getting very sore from the tension of the ride. I survived it and the last short section to see the others waiting at the lookout. After a short stop to recuperate, then a stop at pine lake to take photo of the lake of snow, followed the big descent from just over 1200 metres down to the Golden Valley turn off which Mick and I took and on to drier more familiar roads racing along to Westbury where we parted company. I took the old highway back to Launceston getting home at around 4:30 pm having ridden 144 miles. Very tired and cold, yet managed to enjoy most of it and I think that all who ventured out did also.
BRASS MONKEY RUN BY ROB WALCH AND MARTIN HEATLEY JULY 30
NORTHERN riders choice SUNDAY JULY 9 BY WAYNE HUDSON It was a very misty morning early, not gloomy, something nice about it, but hoping the day gets brighter for riding ! I arrived at the Museum at 10.30, stepped inside the building to warm up while waiting for another bike to zoom in and it was not long before Mick arrived. He said that Shorty and Boz were on their way from the North West Coast and that they should be here around 11.00, which was all good with us as it gave more time for the mist to clear a little. Nigel was running late so it worked out fine, Paul -- Honda, Nigel - W 800, Boz and Shorty --Triumph Tigers, Mick -- Wee Strom and me, Wayne -- Guzzi. (Whats happening Paul --- we were standing around chatting when I noticed that he had fixed his new metal BMCT Badge to the Honda fairing ! Then he pointed out that he had taken all of the Honda badges off --- does anyone have a Triumph Badge for his tank, you must Noel. !!!!! ) Six in total we decided to head out to
Lilydale for the first coffee, a misty ride out but enjoyed the coffee. After the break we turned left up through Karoola Rd to Bangor then onto Lower Turners Marsh to Pipers River Rd winding our way up through to the Mt Direction road and on to the East Tamar Highway at Dilston. We took the route over the Batman Bridge and on to ----- guess where -------- Burt Munro Cafe at Exeter, for lunch --- yes again ! Well it is a good stop on a Sunday, always with other bikes doing the same. Another good break and chat, the weather by this time was sunny and enjoyable. Mick invited us to his place to have an Enfield tour, this was mostly for Boz and Shorty. Nigel and I went as well while Paul needed to get on home, (looking for the Triumph badge) Always good to see Mick’s projects, check the pic of Mick’s Enfield being restored - sorry I forgot the model !! However I must say it was great to see Pam’s small Retro Caravan completed ----- yes all done by Pam --- well nearly all ---- you should check out the compound curved mudguards with spats ------ made by the magic Pencil Pete, he is clever. We chatted away again about -- mostly motor bikes !!! then we decided to head for home. Boz and Shorty took the Frankford Hwy while Nigel and I headed I along the East Tamar Hwy back to Launceston. We are still waiting for the new Norton to come out from under its cover, must be getting closer ah Nigel ! I Had a text from Bondy while riding, he was giving us the thumbs up for a good ride while he was just settling into a guest house in Bangkok, enjoy the warmth mate. Another great ride for this time of the year, don’t you just love Tas. See you in the Mountains, soon.
MULTI VALVE ENFIELDS BY MICK LEMON Royal Enfield are not well known for their faster high performance machines, but back in the twenties and thirties, things were different. Enfield entered factory teams in the Isle of Man up until 1935 and they manufactured some high performance technically advanced machines right up until WW2. There are a group of lucky owners spread over the world who own Royal Enfields made in the 1930’s that have 4 valves at were
manufactured for the high end market and/ or racing. There was also a 3 valve model made for only 1 year. During the mid/late 1920’s Royal Enfield gained some racing credibility – especially in the 250 and 350 classes of racing. JAP engines were used, some having twin exhaust ports and close ratio Sturmey Archer gearboxes. The top end 350 was known as the Model 352 (the Model 351 had 1 exhaust port). Successes included winning the Ulster Grand Prix in 1925 and second place in 1926, winning the South African Tourist Trophy races in both the 350 and 600
class. In 1927 Royal Enfield won the Isle of Man TT Junior class (ie 350) Manufacturers Team Prize for the first works team with the four team members getting 3 rd, 6 th, 7 th and 18 th. Well known riders of the day included Stan Woods, Cecil Barrow, Charlie Young and Fred Bricknell. While Enfield were still using JAP engines, they were busy developing their own engines and some very nice OHV twin port machines in the 1928-1930 seasons in 250, 350 and 500 capacities, including the Models CO and E. There was a huge amount of development and experimentation being
carried out by the lead manufacturers during this period and benefits to performance were obvious. The first 4 valve machine entered the range in 1931 and was known as the Model JF. The four valve machines were also often known as the Bullets – a name that is still used by Enfield today. At this time though – the Bullet name was only associated with the sports models. This bike had the near square bore dimensions of 85mm x 85.5mm that continued to be used until 1936 for the 500cc bikes and was also used for the 1000 cc V twins. Oil tank integrated into the crankcase castings and the use of the patented Enfield oil pumps came common engine design features through most of the range of models from this time. The four valve machines were well presented with chrome tanks and instrumentation on a panel in the tank. In 1932 there was a design upgrade and the Model LF was introduced, having push rods tunnels cast into the cylinder casting and either a 3 speed hand change gearbox or a 4 speed gearbox foot change. Options for high compression pistons and factory tuning were available, along with upswept exhaust pipes. The higher spec machine sold for a whole 2 pounds more! 1933 saw a frame design change and well as further engine improvements. One of the major issues with the four valve engines was the cracking of the cylinder heads when the machines were ridden hard. This occurred between the exhaust ports and was also an issue for other manufacturers. Bronze heads were used on racing machines to reduce the chance of cracking that took place with the cast iron heads. The high compression pistons were sold with an expectation that pure penzole was used for the fuel and max power was stated to be 29.5 bhp. The standard four valve machine produced 24.5 bhp. The 2017 fuel injected Bullet 500 has a stated power output of 27.2 bhp. How far have we progressed since 1932 I hear you ask!! The last time Royal Enfield provided a factory team for the Isle of Man was 1935. In that year, a LF ridden by Cecil Barrows came 8 th in the Senior event, beaten by Moto Guzzi’s, DKW’s, Nortons and one HRD. The Enfield came in ahead of all other HRD’s and all Velocettes. This may surprise may classic bike people. It is believed that a LF ridden by Cecil in the IOM still exists and is in Germany. In 1935, the LF was dropped from the range in favour of a 3 valve model. The reason was due to the head cracking issues with the four valve machines. The new model was called the LO and had 2 inlets and 1 exhaust valve with fully enclosed valve gear. The
An example of a Bronze head 1934 LF – still running and in racing trim A 1937 JF (one of 3 running JF’s known to exist in Australia)
performance of the LO was significantly down on the LF and the model was quickly dropped again in favour of a completely new machine in 1936 known as the JF (reverting back to the JF Model name). The new JF was a totally different machine with a vertical engine, replacing the sloper layout and had a full cradle frame. The head was redesigned yet again and cracking was reduced, although bronze heads were still available as an option for machines used in competition. This model of JF was essentially based on the common J model bike, but was fitted with alternative barrel, head and valve gear, as well as being presented with chrome tank, guards and primary. The model was offered in it’s own right in 1936 and 37. In 1938 the JF was dropped, however, the four valve head was available as an option for the J Model in that year only.
1938 was the last four valve machines built by Royal Enfield as the whole industry changed the focus to supplying machines for the war efforts. Examples of these “multi valve” Enfields have survived and are located across the globe. There are examples in England, Holland, Finland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, US and even Guatemala and the Canary Islands ! There is an email group of owners who communicate with each other and assist in the restoration and knowledge base of these machines. If you are lucky enough to own one, have expert knowledge of these machines, or have a keen interest in them, joining the email group may be a worthwhile exercise.
14th
Web Site
AGM RALLY at DELORAINE, Tasmania ENTRY FORM
www.recoainc.com
Royal Enfield Club of Australia Inc. PO Box 4075 McKinnon VIC 3204
0411 770 225 Inc. No: A0048806R Bank Details: Royal Enfield Club of Australia Inc BSB 063-303 AC 1010 2194 Email: recoainc@gmail.com Patron: HRH Prince Leonard, Sovereign, Principality of Hutt River
FRIDAY, 17th Nov to SUNDAY 26th Nov 2017
ENTRY FORM ENTRIES CLOSE 01 Nov 2017. Riders Name................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address:.......................................................................................... Telephone No: .......................................... Pillion Passenger Name: ………………………. Make of Motorcycle............................ Year of Manufacture............. Solo or Outfit:.. ................................. Capacity:................................................................... Registration Number Plate Number: ................................ Entry Fee per person [includes FRI meet & greet & AGM dinner) $60 GUESTS $60 Extra badge $2 10% DISCOUNT applies to all paid registrations received prior to 01 Sept 2017 makes $54 33% SURCHARGE Late Entry Fee applies to all registrations received after 01 Nov 2017 MAKES $80 Parts of Rally participating in Fri Meet/greet Y/N Sat Dinner Y/N Min- Sat Tassie Tour
Y/N
Sat ride Y/N Sun ride Y/N Ross m/cycle Show
AGM
Y/N
Y/N
GRAND TOTAL ENCLOSED: $......................... All Cheques should be made payable to:- The Royal Enfield Club of Australia Inc. P.O. Box 4075. McKinnon VIC 3204 or do a direct deposit to the bank account with your name on it. For further enquiries, please phone the Rally Co-ordinator Mick Lemon on 0400 660926 Conditions of Entry: Entries accepted for all motorcycles of all ages. Motorcycles entered, must complete the Saturday ride to be eligible for judging. All riders must hold a current motorcycle riders licence. All motorcycles, must be either on Historic / Conditional Registration, or on full registration. Indemnity: In consideration of acceptance of my entry and participation I agree:- to be bound by all rules, regulations and directions of the Royal Enfield Club of Australia Inc., and to enter and participate in the rally at my own risk, and to indemnify and keep indemnified and severally the Royal Enfield Club of Australia Inc., and the organizing committee & sponsors from and against any and all liability for personal injury and/or damage to property whether arising out of, or in conjunction with my entering in and participating in the rally. Entrants signature: Date:
EMERGENCY CONTACT NAME: EMERGENCY CONTACT PH NUMBER: MOBILE SOS PHONE 112 FIRE POLICE AMBULANCE 000
RECOA Rally 2017 Deloraine 17-20 November 2017 Preliminary information: When: Friday 17 November Arrive, meet and greet Saturday 18 November Ride (maybe short/slow and a longer /faster depending on entries) Common lunch shop and bike judging. Late afternoon AGM Evening Dinner and awards Sunday 19 November Ride (maybe short/slow and a longer /faster depending on entries) Common lunch shop. Monday 20 November Start of optional “Lap of Tassie”. Very loose arrangements. Travel independently or group(s). Maybe Mon night in Stanley Tues/Wed 21/22 November Travel independently or group(s). Maybe Tues/Wed night in Strahn Thurs/Fri 23 November Travel independently or group(s). Maybe Thurs/Fri night in Hobart area Saturday 24 November Travel independently or group(s). Maybe Sat night in Swansea Sunday 25 November Ross Motorcycle show – expect 800-1000 bikes. Note – there will be time to still get to the Spirit after the show. Organisers (VMCCT) very keen to have us Although the main part of the rally will be the normal weekend event – it is likely people will stay in the State for longer. If we get reasonable number of Interstate visitor staying in excess of 5 nights – we could get us $1500 towards the rally from the Govt as a grant.
Accommodation: The rally will be based at the Mountain View Inn, http://www.mountainviewcountryinn.com.au/ (contact is Peter who is the owner/manager). There are 24 Rooms in various configurations, Bar, Venue for dinner (Sat night), Off street parking. Other accommodation options include: Pubs, Caravan park, Cabins, B and B’s For more info go to visitor centre www.greatwesterntiers.net.au Vicki is the Manager there and will assist with any information you want and bookings etc. The meet and greet will be held at the “Cruzin in the 50’s Diner” https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cruzin-in-the-50sDiner/128416657227211
Getting there: Travel to Tasmania is not cheap and you need to be smart about doing it to reduce costs The organisers will post information on the forum as any specials with the TT Line (Spirit of Tasmania) https://www. spiritoftasmania.com.au/ become available during that period. Bringing trailers is a BAD option. Bikes, utes or vans are relatively cheap. The people are also expensive, so consider 1 traveling with the Enfield treasures and associates flying (again watch for airline specials as they can be about $80 from Melb and about $120 from Sydney) Please do not hesitate to contact Mick, Trevor or Gary for more info. We are all active on the club forum. More information will be posted as it becomes available and is confirmed.
southern riders choice SUNDAY May 7 BY BOB FINDLEY
Ride Report-Old Bike Run and Sausage Sizzle at New Norfolk, May 7th. New Norfolk being older than my 1938 Panther 600, the title should be New Bike Run to Old Norfolk. But the real Norfolk being older than the Tasmanian one, well, life just gets confusing. So it being a cold and windy Sunday with an offer of free sausages at the end of the run, we Poms put an extra layer of cardboard into our boots (if we had boots) and following good British winterbiking tradition, got the Sunday paper and stuffed it down our shirt-fronts, before waddling down to our Panthers, tickling the carbie, setting the ignition advance-retard lever to a touch on retard, lifting the halfcompression lever, swinging the piston to just over TDC and then giving it that long, slow, loving, swinging kick before whipping our foot out of the way lest we had put a bit too much advance into the retard, and the bike started, naturally. At first kick. Then we had to put on our gloves and helmet, having forgotten to do so, and the engine stopped. So we did it all over again, clicked the mighty Burman box into first and rode off down the drive, towards Salamanca Place and into the teeth of a southerly howling across the Southern Ocean from the wild winter wastelands of Antarctica and roaring through and over the slender spans of the Tasman Bridge. Glad I wasn’t out sailing.
After an eventful ride involving assorted changes of gear and with a stop and start at the lights and a stop and start at the lights and a stop and start at the lights and a left turn and a stop and start at the lights and a right turn followed by a couple of mighty bumps across an intersection leading to Salamanca Place and a left turn and a right turn we arrived at Kennedy Lane, a wellknown watering-hole in Hobart. It had been a grand Tasmanian bike tour from Lindisfarne. Grouped in Kennedy Lane were some assorted scooters, an Indian built-EFI Bullet 500, a Himalayan Bullet fresh out of India, a delightful Triumph twin with a red tank and some other bikes including the normal sort of BMW and a Yamaha 350 two-stroke twin. It was agreed that we would ride to New Norfolk, stop at a very nice tea-shop in High Street and contemplate what-to-donext in the warmth and comfort therein. And so we did. The ride to New Norfolk was uneventful, barring a couple of red traffic lights that caused a halt now and then. Passing beyond Granton, a northerly was blowing down river so all looked well for those free sausages. On arriving at the tea-shop in New Norfolk, we found we had caught up with the rest of the riders and stood around for a while before that welcome cup of coffee and a very pleasant lounge chair enabled us to consider that we might indeed be able to get warm once more in our life.
However, having warmed ourselves, it was decided that there were either too few sausages, or too few people to eat too many sausages and that it was anyway too cold and potentially too wet to consider eating sausages and so we all went home. Except for four hardy souls. These four hardy souls, Jegs and Jen and Ian and self decided that we would indeed have a BBQ, at Cornelian Bay, so we went through the rigmarole of starting our bikes, Jegs flicking on the Yamaha’s motor with his kick-start like it was a starter button and me doing what I have described earlier, but it must have been cold or somebody was watching as the Panther didn’t start first or second or third kick so I gave it full advance and opened the throttle and got my foot out of the way extra fast and indeed it started. And thus Jegs and I wended our weary two-wheeled way back to Cornelian Bay, braving the 80kph speed restriction from New Norfolk to the Bowen Bridge and the traffic lights on the Brooker Highway, with a blast from the Antarctic producing some melted snow just before Bridgewater, or was it just before Gagebrook, for our light entertainment. And thus we arrived at Cornelian Bay, to eat the sausages and bread and mushrooms kindly bought and cooked by Ian. And a good time was had by all. And thus, having fulfilled the aim of the run, to eat sausages somewhere cold after an enjoyable bike ride, we parted company, hopefully to meet yet once again some sunny day.
Acknowledgements. Photos by Jen, Knife by Swiss Army, Panther by Phelon and Moore (Cleckheaton, Yorkshire), Yamaha twin by Yamaha (Japan) and sausages and mushrooms, by Ian, centre, from Woolworths, New Norfolk, which is old compared to the Panther, but newer than old Norfolk.
Yamaha and Panther at Cornelian Bay with BBQ in background.
The Survivors with Swiss Army knife, sausages and mushrooms, Cornelian Bay.
NORTHERN riders choice SUNDAY June 25 BY WAYNE HUDSON A strange morning, warm at first, well I thought so, even if it was 2 degrees!! --with a gloomy sky, predicting showers on and off, we will see. !!! A few texts around the traps gave me confidence a couple of riders were keen. ! I rode to the Automobile Museum where I met Martin who came in the car hoping to check out Nigel’s new Norton. We chatted for a while inside the warm Museum, soon after Nigel and Paul arrived. Now Martin has been tearing his hair out to see the Norton -------- well Nigel was happy for us to go to his place for an inspection. Off we went up the highway towards Evandale, Nigel -- W80, Paul -- Honda, me, Wayne --- Guzzi and Martin in the family car. We spent some time viewing the new Norton Commando 961 SF and chatting about old verses new and many other Norton stories. No I didn’t talk about the loss of my 850 did I Martin !! --- We were ready for a ride when Nigel had a call from his wife Pam offering us coffee and toasties. We said we would move on but Pam insisted, thanks Pam for the toasties, fresh scones and coffee. We ate and chatted for another hour then decided to go for a ride. -------- by then it seemed colder due to the cool wind and no sun ---we headed of out of Evandale, North East through White Hills turning right towards Blessington. It was a fantastic ride, the
road is full of great corners and long curves, ( Nigel calls it his Isle of Man Road ) We went as far as the sealed road went, stopping at the Blessington Fire Station for a chat and then riding back the same route, well when you find a good road ride it again !!!. We departed close to Launceston and made our own way home, a good ride with mates on a cool day. !!!! We had a couple of spits of rain that was hard to even view as rain and when we hit Launceston, there it was sunny and a clear sky
MERCHANDISE
CAPS & beanies
$15
POLO SHIRT
$25
POLAR FLEECE
$37
$20
MEDALION cloth badge
see gary smith for purchasing any of the club merchandise.. some items are available for purchase at the bar at meetings.
vintage registration The VC registration system is known as the “Club Event Registration” The British Motorcycle Club is one of few clubs that are authorised to inspect and administer vehicles operated under the Club Event Registration guidelines. In doing so, we are required to meet certain requirements and the owners/ operators of the vehicles are also expected to abide by the requirements of the system. Failure to comply may leave the club or the operator exposed and considered “unregistered”. There have been various rumours and misconceptions on what can, or can not, be done under the Club Event Registration system. This article aims to clarify some detail. Club Event Registration is attractive to some operators due to the lower annual charges and also the fact that no stamp duty is paid on the first registration ( with the values of some older bikes increasing, this can save substantial money). Below are the details lifted from the State Growth web site” To apply for club event registration you must be a member of an authorised vintage/street rod car club. Vehicles with club event registration are restricted to: • a rally • a trial (not testing the vehicle) • an event conducted by an authorised car club • travelling to and from a place of repairs. For these events the involvement of the vehicles is limited to: • preparing to go • travelling to and from • taking part in. For a vehicle to be classified as: • Vintage - manufactured more than 30 years prior to the date of application • Street rod the body and frame need to have been manufactured more than 30 years prior to the date of application for registration, or, a replica of a body or frame manufactured more than 30 years before the date of application for registration, and modified for safe use.
Club registration
A vintage or street rod club must be approved and recorded with the Registrar of Motor Vehicles at the Registration and Licensing Branch. To do this the club must provide: • their club constitution • submission of dates of at least 2/3 of
the dates and the venues of scheduled rallies (the remainder can be at the club’s discretion) • nomination of qualified scrutineers (names and addresses) • nomination of an acceptable committee person to act as controller of the use of membership vehicles • nomination of a procedure for approving rallies • specification of acceptable internal discipline procedures • a sample of the club’s roadworthiness certificate.
Plates
Vintage cars are recognised by a number plate prefix of VC ****, in blue writing on a white background. Some vintage car plates have special club logos and slogans. Contact 1300 135 513 for further details. Street Rod plates have the prefix “ROD” and 3 numbers (plates have black writing on a white background).
Renewing
When renewing club event registration (vintage/street rod registration) the registered operator is required to provide a declaration signed by an official of their club in order to remain eligible for vintage registration and pay reduced fees.
Transferring
When applying to transfer the registration of a vintage/street rod type of vehicle, the new operator must provide a declaration signed by an official of their club in order to be eligible for vintage registration and pay reduced fees. Transfer fees apply, however vehicles in this category are Duty exempt.
Converting to/from normal registration
If an applicant has a club event registered vehicle and wish to fully register the vehicle they must undertake the procedure for re-issue of registration. The club event registration would be cancelled and a refund issued. If an applicant has a normally registered vehicle and wishes to register the vehicle as a club event registration, the existing registration plates must be surrendered and the registration will be cancelled and refunded. The vehicle can then be registered as a club event registration without conducting an inspection, on production of the required documentation.
You will need to provide
by mick lemon
You will need to undertake the following in person at Service Tasmania shops: • complete an Application for Registration form (MR205) • provide a declaration, signed by a club official who has inspected the vehicle, which: • states the applicant is a member of a vintage car or street rod club approved by the Registrar • identifies the car (eg engine and chassis number), and • states that the vehicle is roadworthy • provide their current Tasmanian photo licence or Full Proof of Identity provide Proof of Entitlement to register the vehicle.
You will receive
• Certificate of Registration • Certificate of Approved Operations (carried in the vehicle at all times) • VC or ROD plates.
Payment
You will need to pay the registration fee. Further clarification after discussions with the department in May • There is no distance limit for “preparing to go” test runs • You need to be in a position where if you have an accident or are pulled over by the Police, that you are preparing for an event. Your MAIB may be denied in the case of an accident if you can not provide evidence of compliance. The Dept advise that the best way to do this is advise a club technical officer that you are going on the test. This may take the shape of a text or email (so that it is writing) – but may also be a phone call (although not such good evidence). • You can attend any event run by any other club authorized to administer club registration IN TASMANIA (eg Vintage Motorcycle Club of Tasmania, Vintage Car Club of Tasmania or Post Vintage Car Club of Tasmania • If you are riding to, or on, an interstate event, you should get this acknowledged on the club calendar • The club Technical Officer contact details are provided in each issue of the British Biker magazine • The annual inspection of the vehicle is to confirm general roadworthiness • The vehicle is required to be equipment to the level that it would have been new. Eg if lights or indicators were fitted new – they must be now.
southern riders brookefield SUNDAY June 4 BY Kerry dickson
A BLAST FROM THE PAST...
14
7
RIDE THE BACKROADS
3
WADDAMANA POWER STATION
DUAL SPORT RIDE
8
WEST TAMAR & BURT MUNRO CAFE. OLD BIKE RUN
10
RIDERS CHOICE
13
RIDERS CHOICE
9
DISPLAY DAY
DEC
LUNCH AT BRIDPORT
D 3 SCOTTSDALE LOOP
NOV
10
12 N 5 WESTBURY STEAM SPECTACULAR
OCT
O 1 GUNNS PLAINS LOCALE
SEP
S
AUG
A 6
JUL
J 2
JUN
RIDERS CHOICE
11
ST HELENS
LILYDALE AND SURROUNDS OLD BIKE RUN
9
2
DELORAINE 50’S DINNER MT ROLAND & GOG RANGE
DUAL SPORT RIDE - NE SEALD & GRAVEL ROADS
12
STRAHN OVERNIGHTER WITH BMCT SOUTH
11-12
8
WESTBURY VMCCT ANNUAL LUNCH
5
5
J 4
MAY
M
APR
A
MAR
M
FEB
F
JAN
SATURDAY J 31 RIDERS CHOICE
17
CRADLE MOUNTAIN
DELORAINE
17-20
NATIONAL ROYAL EBFIELD RALLY
WHITE HILLS - EVANDALE OLD BIKE RUN
15
17
BOTHWELL
20
16
18
21
16
EVANDALE - OLD BIKE RUN TAS RALLY ULVERSTONE
19
WINGS AND THINGS DISPLAY
19 GEORGETOWN
14 SATURDAY
BRIDPORT SHOW AND SHINE
24
ROSS RALLY OVERNIGHTER
25-26
22
24
PEPPERMINT BAY WITH VMCCT
27
23
RIDERS CHOICE
25
LONGFORD & SURROUNDS OLD BIKE RUN
28
ALL BRITISH RALLY VICTORIA
22-23
26
26
22
BEAUTY POINT - FISH & CHIPS OLD BIKE RIDE
30 SATURDAY
PORT ARTHUR OVERNIGHTER
28-29
BRASS MONKEY GREAT LAKE HOTEL
30
PUB IN THE PADDOCK OVERNIGHTER
29-30
HOLWELL GORGE BEAUTY POINT
29
6
WEDNESDAY
22
WEDNESDAY
TWILIGHT
28
31
26
29
25
27
30
25
28
AGM
28
27
TUESDAY
BMCT NORTH CALENDAR 2017
BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF TASMANIA INC.
The Secretary, C/o South Hobart Post Office, South Hobart 7004 Tasmania Email: secretary@bmctas.com The British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania encourages the restoration and safe riding of British and other manufactured Motorcycles. Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at the Tasmanian Fire Station - Social Club Rooms - Argyle Street Hobart.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION I wish to become a member of the British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania (Inc.) and agree, if accepted, to be bound by the Rules, Constitution, By-Laws or Directions designed to further the interests of Club Members. This includes attending the next scheduled club meeting to introduce myself and be welcomed as a club member. Name: Address:
Phone: Mobile: Email:
British Motorcycles owned:
Other Motorcycles owned: Date: Signature: EFT transaction details: Annual Membership Fee: $40-00 Use surname only for identification
BSB: 807-009 Account No: 51101523
Office use only: The above named person is known to us and we believe him/her to be a suitable person to be elected as a member of the British Motorcycle Club of Tasmania (Inc.) Proposer: Seconder: Approved:
Ride safely, see and be seen Gary Smith