BMCT April 2015

Page 1

THE

BRITISH BIKER OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF TASMANIA inc.

AUTUMN EDITION : APRIL 2015



official newsletter 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- bmctsecretary@hotmail.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.

office bearers President

Owen Smith

M: 0466 104 699 E: owenandrhonda@internode.on.net

Vice President

Daniel Teague

M: 0408 308 676

North West VP

t.b.c.

Secretary

Matthew Shepperd

M: 0417 001 426 E: bmctsecretary@hotmail.com

Treasurer/Public Officer

Nigel Reid

M: 0417 585 954 H: 03 6265 1237

Librarian

Dick Jones

Magazine Editor

Owen Smith

M: 0466 104 699 E: owenandrhonda@internode.on.net

Webpage

Owen Smith and Gary Smith

M: 0466 104 699 E: owenandrhonda@internode.on.net

Clubman Records

Rob Walch

M: 0417 514 450 E: robert@walchoptics.com.au

Technical Officers

Ken Hall Jim McCulloch John Rettig

H: 03 6265 9017 H: 03 6249 8731 H: 03 5267 2510

Club Auditors

Francis Hall Casey Overeem

Committee Members

Peter Jones John Rettig Gary Smith Rob Walch

www.britishmotorcycleclubtas.com


Nuts&bolts

President's Report

This edition of the British Biker finds us with the first three months of the year already behind us and Autumn well on its way. Don’t blink or it will be Chrissy again! Despite what most would agree as being a fairly marginal summer, members have still enjoyed a number of great runs since our Christmas BBQ’s including forays to Geeveston, Orford/Triabunna, Pyanganna and the ubiquitous blast down the Channel. Northern members have been no less active with combined runs with the VMCCT across the top bit. Following the recent passing of Dennis Parry, Howard Burrows, Casey and Jack Overeem were instrumental in assisting Cheryl with a garage sale to dispose of a lifetimes’ worth of tools, books, bikes and memorabilia. It was a credit to each that this event was handled as sensitively and efficiently as it was and great to see that much of what Dennis had, ended up in the hands of other club members and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Interest amongst members in our recent overnight ventures to Port Arthur and Pyanganna is growing, no doubt based on the feedback from riders who have had such a great time away enjoying awesome scenery, splendid machinery and the company of like-minded rogues. I expect there will be a need to include more such activities in our future planning to avoid fights over available beds! At our recent AGM we saw three of our longer-term leadership step aside to pursue some alternative activities for 2015. Under the experienced stewardship of Casey Overeem, John Rook and Gary Smith, the club has certainly been heading in the right direction and all members owe them a vote of thanks. A well run, friendly and successful club doesn’t operate by itself – congratulations gents on your commitment and hard work. The same thanks goes to the likes of Nigel Reid, Rob Walch and our Committee/Technical members who remain in position for 2015.

Finding myself suddenly in the position of Club President was a bit of a shock and with big shoes to fill I will certainly be relying upon the advice of a brace of club stalwarts to ensure I get a handle on things (I am sure they won’t hold back!). I am glad to say that I am also joined by Dan Teague as VP and Matthew Sheppard taking the reins as Secretary. With the Richmond Classic Bike Show just around the corner and a swag of runs around Australia’s best motorcycling State coming up, members have plenty to get involved with in the lead up to Winter. So whether you’re a regular punter or have not been out for a while, get those machines, old and new out of the shed and give ‘em a bit of stick. See you out on the black stuff.

Owen Smith


dunalleyrun Jan 25

With many members away or indisposed with normal January commitments, it was up to a small team of BMCT stalwarts to fly the flag on the scheduled run to Dunalley, meeting up there with Bruce Chambers on his M20. Apart from the normal mob of holiday campers, caravans and boat trailers, it was good weather and a pleasant feed at the Dunalley Fish Shop. Riders Bill Frodsham – Triumph T150, Kim Bolwell – Honda 750/4, Peter Bender – Hesketh V1000, Phil Sanger – Triumph Bonneville, Rob Walch – Norton Commando, Jegs Nuttal – Yammy RD350LC. Rob Walch and Bill Frodsham


strathgordon

ride

december 28 An absolutely beautiful morning saw quite a few local riders turn up to Salamanca place at the usual time. Although the official runs were over for the year, there were a significant number of club members out for the day. The sun was shining, it was already quite warm and the prospects for the day looked very promising. There was some excitement in the air as mention was made of a run to Strathgordon. Club members, Daniel Murphy (Kawasaki W 800), Daniel Teague (Triumph Bonnie) and Ian Bonde (Triumph Thruxton) joined a motley crew of riders including the familiar faces of Greg Lehman (Moto Guzzi), Adrian Keil, Geoff Lea, Gerhard Mausz and our former Lord Mayor, Rob Valentine (all BMW). Back in November 2013, the club run to Strathgordon was met with inclement weather. The group travelled up to the Possum Shed for a warm cupper. It was cold, wet and threatening rain. Most decided to return home. However the intrepid Gary Rizzolo (Triumph Bonnie) and Bill Frodsham (Triumph Trident) chose to push on through no matter what. After a ‘very long day’ Gary subsequently regaled us with stories of a, ”magnificent ride”. As it turned out, there was only a few patches of light rain. Fortunately the grey clouds cleared revealing their destination in, “glorious sunshine”. (see The British Biker Summer Edition 2013) The scheduled 2014 BMCT overnight run to Lake Peddar was thwarted by a lack of accommodation and as it turned out, a none too friendly unseasonal weather. With Gary’s previous tales of splendour in mind, we were curious. Initially our intention on this fine day was to accompany the lads at least until Westerway and then decide. Unfortunately Dan Teague had another engagement and had to return to Hobart. However, the remaining group fuelled up and with a further 100

km to go to our destination, we promptly set off, proceeding along the Gordon River road into the wilderness. As the beautiful alpine vistas around Maydena unfolded, we headed into the Florentine and State forest. Whilst the front runners set a cracking pace along the winding curves and sweeping bends, Rob Valentine chose to lead at a more leisurely speed, which allowed us to take in our salubrious surroundings. The beautifully dappled light of the forest was accompanied by a medley of wonderful smells. With such a perfect day, the warm fresh air made for a very enjoyable ride. The closeness of the green forest then gave way to the magnificence of the open plains punctuated by mountains rising dramatically from the gentle landscape. Further to this, came open vistas featuring the intense blue of Lake Gordon to our right and then Lake Peddar to our left. Although the original Lake Peddar must have been a rare and stunningly beautiful jewel, the current huge expanses of water cannot fail to impress. We all regrouped to capture a few sunny snaps at the first lookout before heading to the Gordon dam to take in the engineering marvel holding back this huge volume of water. Again, we were mightily impressed with the view. The sheer scale of the concrete and steel edifice was very imposing. It was then decided to head back to the Strathgordon Chalet for some well earned refreshments. Unfortunately, back at the turnoff, one of our group had encountered electrical woes. Gerhard’s trusty old Beemer, ‘Gloria’ had simply stopped. With the tank off and the tool kit out, for over an hour, the lads investigated every possibility known to BMW owners. Despite


everybody’s very best efforts it was decided to leave her in the blazing sun to be collected later in the day. We then pushed onto the Chalet for some shade, a very tasty home made pie and some liquid refreshments. After our late lunch and quite a few tales we refuelled and headed back the way we came. Again, the incredible landscape made for a wonderful journey through the afternoon light. Although a long day, the trip was certainly a magnificent experience. Ian Bonde


southarm

RICHMOND

January 05


Jan 5 2015. The BMCTs first event for 2015 and a perfect day. Not too hot, not too cold, just right. Salamanca was full due to the first Sunday of the month being Italian day but after they departed there were 22 British bike enthusiasts left. We set off in dribs and drabs over the new (40 year old) section of the Tasman Bridge, through Mornington, Rokeby, Lauderdale, Rifle Range Road to South Arm. The views from the top of the hill were up to standard although the trees are growing up a bit. The Iron Pot was looking well and the Pied Oyster catchers had had enough oysters and were just sunning about. The Iron Pot Café was exactly as last visited (right down to the chocolate crackles) and we managed to use up most of their parking space. The ratio of modern bikes to old was a little more slanted toward modern this year than previously with the Dicksons Falconi and Fast back Commando being standouts amongst the olds and Kyle Hohnes brand new Triumph 660 speed triple the snazziest of the news. A special welcome to the Holfords who were both still smiling after living on a bike for god knows how long and young Jack Stevens accompanying Nigel Reid Punters Jack and Kath England - Triumph Bonneville, Adrian Keil – Shovelhead HD, Jan Blyton Triumph Tiger 800, Kyle Hohne - Triumph 660 Street Triple, Gary Adderton, Peter Jones TR6 Trophy, Nigel Reid & Jack Stevens - Triumph America, Ian Bonde - Triumph Thruxton, Dan Teague – Triumph Bonneville, Wal Ingram, Dave Sowerby - BMW R65LS, Neil Davelle - BMW R80, Paul Dickson - 750 Commando, Kerry Dickson - Moto Guzzi Falconi, Roger Handsworth – Honda CB160, Geoff Lee – BMW R100, Jim McCulloch - Royal Enfield 500, Robert Walch - AJS, Bert Pepper - R65LS, Keith Bingham - Suzuki Outfit, Kim Bolwell – Honda CB750, Kerstin & Kevin Holford- R100GS Outfit. Rob Walch


vmcct Northeast tassie

We had a great weather and a great ride on Sunday with a grand total of 11 bikes showing up over the course of the ride. 8 making the full trip. Both the VMCCT & BMCT were represented as well as quite a few others coming along which is great. Hence the VCM (Vintage, Classic ,Modern). There was quite a variety of machines present including a Lindsay’s 1930 BSA 30-7, Neil’s 1944 Indian Chief, Tony’s 1948 Aerial VH 500, My 1957 DBD34, Shon’s 1957 Road Rocket, Martin’s 1959 Velocette MSS 500, Mick’s 1967 Royal Enfield Interceptor, Martin’s 1988 Harris Matchless, Wayne’s 1990 Moto Guzzi 1000S, Richard’s 2003 Triumph TT600 and last but not least Nigel on a basically brand new Kawasaki W800. I think I got em all. Lindsay had things on but accompanied us to the edge of town on the BSA before the rest of us turned off and headed up Bridgenorth Rd. It’s a great little road with quite a few nice corners which spread the field out a little. It was then on to Long Plains Rd. We all regrouped at the end of this road where Mick had been waiting patiently for the sound of approaching motorcycles. It was then off towards Frankford which once again saw the group riding at various speeds comfortable to the machines they were riding. Martin’s Velo nipped up slightly on one of the long hills before Frankford. It was evidently a fairly fresh motor and still a little tight. A very brief stop saw him off again and we all regrouped at the start of Holwell Rd. This is a great motorcycle road (although I’m sure the locals don’t think so) with lots of corners of varying intensities and a few nice straights. We encountered two other groups of

motorcycles coming the other way. We regrouped on a high straight with views out to the river and ocean in the distance. It was here we noticed that Tony had a broken rear silencer bracket on the Aerial and it was waving around rather madly. A quick dash to the nearest house by Martin saw him come back with some wire and Tony put some fencing skills to good use. In fact I would say it is probably more solid now than the original bracket had been . From here it was all down hill to Beauty Point where we stopped and feasted on fish and chips by the water. Neil rocked up on his Indian. He had been waiting at Exeter for us to come through not realising we were going a different way. It was a great spot for a feed and a yarn. A small group from the Ulysses Club in Ulverstone were also there enjoying the great riding weather. Neil lives in Kayena and was kind enough to invite us down to his place to check out his shed. I don’t know about you guy’s but I love checking out sheds. Jeez he doesn’t hang about on the Indian either . Good little road between Beaconsfield and Kayena past some vineyards and onto Neils house. He has some great projects on the go and some very interesting stuff hanging about the shed. He is definitely an Indian aficionado and Harley is a dirty word around there I tried his Indian board track racer replica on for size and then

ride


t Wayne gave me a little lesson in axes and their uses after we spotted a small collection of them in a corner. The board track replica comprises a 1924 motor and various bits and pieces from various years. The frame alterations he has made for the project were quite impressive. Thanks for showing us through Neil. After leaving Neils we kind of got split up after a coupe of guys took the gravel road option by mistake and then Mick and I ended up behind we think after going back to look for them. Martin and his son Richard headed home to Westbury. All in all it was a great day and enjoyed by all I hope. That’s about it. Take it easy and safe riding, Glenn Osborne

January 20


bmctmeeting

January 27

Despite it being the summer holiday season with quite a few members on away, there was a very good turnout for the first BMCT meeting for 2015. The usual past minutes, correspondence in, run reports and financials were conducted admirably with Casey at the helm, Nigel on the books and Gary as secretarial standing-in for John. The well travelled Kevin and Kerstin Holford were given the opportunity to speak about their global journey from Europe to Tasmania. They were able to provide a great many insights into the day to day trials and tribulations of world wide travel. Their tales of foreign lands were both informative and highly amusing with anecdotes of funny and unusual situations punctuated by tips relating to such practical things as visa requirements. Sounds like

Russia was an interesting experience! Casey captured the mood of the audience when he thanked them heartily for coming along to our meeting and giving us an impression of their journey to date and intentions for further travel in the Americas. We were all greatly appreciative. Further to this, we were all kindly invited by Nigel to have a look at the Tassie Fire Department Museum. He led us on a very informative tour into the bowels of the establishment. Foremost on everybodys’ minds initially was the pole. Quite a few punters were keen to give it a go. However, in this modern age of ‘health and safety’, we were politely discouraged from taking the plunge with the apparatus cordoned off from the general public. (Howard couldn’t help himself). However, Nigel did regale us with a tale or two, including a rather risqué anecdote of a young mini skirted school

teacher who was able to show that she was more than capable on the descent! We continued into the heavy equipment section with a fantastic display of gear from past eras. Ranging from horse drawn carts to more modern fire trucks with very substantial ladders, the rooms were filled with a variety of red machines. Nigel spoke of many aspects of past activities and some of the requirements and expectations of what current firemen endure. There was a beaut photo opportunity organised for all and sundry on one of the engines. All up a great evening was enjoyed by all. Thanks go out to Nigel for providing us with a great opportunity. Thanks to Daniel Teague, Dan Murphy and Kerry Dickson for the photos. Ian Bonde


Attendees were Casey Overeem, Gary Smith, Dick Jones, Daniel Teague, Ian Bonde, Dan Murphy, Bill Frodsham, Robert Walch, Graeme Gullick, John Read, Bill Oveream, Kim Bolwell, Peter Jones, Ken Hall, Jegs Nuttall and Jen, Ron Fellows, Brian Chambers, Jim McCulloch, Nigel Reid, Cresidio Tucceri Visitors Pommy world travelers, Person who met us at Salamanca last Sunday. Rob Walch


pub in the

paddock

Passed out

The weekend of the 14th and 15th of March, 2015 was of the BMCTs annual ‘Pub in a Paddock’ overnighter. The forecast was good and Elephant, St Marys, Welborough and the Sidling beckoned so it was hard to find an excuse not to go!The southerners departed soon after 10 am. from Melville St. planning a first stop in Swansea.

All went well until rider no 3 decided that a cuppa in Orford was in order. Riders 1 and 2 therefore ending up in Swansea about ½ an hour before the rest. The Bark Mill was packed with motorcyclists and lunch was excellent. Intact, the group proceeded toward St. Helens. Martin Heatley was spotted near the Lake Leake turnoff but hung back to feed. Vaughan was waiting in St. Helens and by 4.30 the full gang had arrived at Pyengana without incident. The pig was looking well. A few checked out St Columbia falls and all had settled into the bar by 6. Dinner was good, the rooms were clean and a good night was had by all.Breakfast was bacon and eggs on toast including an impromptu lecture on Amal Carburettors by a random passer-by whose knowledge was outstanding to say the least!! We had morning tea with scones, jam and cream at Vaughans. Top job Tammy. Vaughan fired up his 1930 Triumph side car outfit that oozed character and gave young William Heatley a buzz around the farm.

From Vaughans, most proceeded to Launceston and a few returned south via St Marys. John and Yap went ahead to catch the Launceston swap meet and the rest went straight to the Longford bakery. Reunited we discussed heading south via Poatina and Bothwell. If we had we would have been home late but the decision was made for us when we prepared to leave and found Yaps Norton with a flat tyre. This cost about ½ an hour so Cressy, Campbelltown and Mud walls was the plan B route. After running faultlessly for over 700km Jegs’s RE decided it needed to remind its owner that it was not to be taken for granted and its distributor just fell out of its holder, right in front of the Richmond Arms Hotel!! Very considerate and, once sorted, it was time for a ‘well-earned beer’ and home. Punters List: South Matthew Shepherd and Sharon Triumph, Owen Smith Triumph, Kim Bolwell Honda, Jegs Nuttal RoyalEnfield Meteor Minor, John Rettig BMW, Jack Overeem Norton, Robert Walch Norton, Peter Bender Vincent, Nigel Reid Triumph, Jerry Scott Triumph, Jan Blyton Van. North Martin, Ruth and William Heatley Matchless, Vaughan Oldham Honda. Rob Walch photos Rob Walch, Jan Blyton & Owen Smith


o' night

march 14 & 15


garagesale

"a life time collection"

Jan 31 “A garage sale of the late Denis Parry’s tools / workshop equipment / motorcycle parts / and collectables (was) held… at 17 Windsor St, Glenorchy (from) 10.00am till 2.00pm. A life time collection of great workshop tools and equipment together with motorcycle parts. . . I have never seen so many tools in one shed. Oh. . . just maybe the 1923 Invincible JAP and 1937 Scott may still be available. . . .we will start the Scott up for the mob just so you can hear the “Yowl” it makes. You will be sorry if you miss this one. . . .bring a mate or two”. Howard. As Howard quite rightly said, there was a fantastic collection of tools, memorabilia and odds and ends available for purchase in the day. Thanks to Howards enthusiasm and advertising, quite a crowd of enthusiasts came from far and wide to survey the items on offer. The motorbikes were like shiny jewels in the general workshop melee. The two stroke Scott was fired up as promised and created quite a deal of interest. The punters were not in the least disappointed with a large number of treasures finding new homes. Ian Bonde


FAX: (03) 62393008 MOBILE: 041 959 7272 Email: trimviewptyltd@bigpond.com

ABN 770 981 409 64 ACN 098 140 964


geevestonrun

wheels in the park

With the mountain likely to be fairly greasy due to scattered showers we set off for Geeveston via the Southern Outlet and met up again at Willie Smith’s Cider House at Grove. Having not called in there for many years it was quite a surprise to see how the old shed has been redeveloped. Anyhow a quick cuppa and then off to Geeveston where the annual ‘Wheels in the Park’ event was being held. While displayed bike numbers were not huge, there was considerable variety including a road-registered chromed Monkey Bike on steroids. The stand-out however was a newly restored BSA Thundbolt. A quality job indeed. Also of note were the BBQ Salmon trays that offered an alternative to the more traditional sausage sizzle. Not bad at all. Anyhow, classic bikes and cars on a grassy green paddock was not a bad way to spend the day. Riders Bill Frodsham – Triumph T150, Ian Bonde –Triumph Thruxton, Owen Smith – Triumph Scrambler, Dan Teague –Triumph Bonneville, Jegs Nuttall & Jen Morrison– Triumph T140. Owen Smith

feb 01



EastCoastRun

triabunna

A good sized mob of riders in two or three groups set off from Salamanca heading for Triabunna via Richmond and Fingerpost Road. What started as a sunny day with broken cloud soon degenerated into fairly consistent rain as we made our way to Buckland for an unscheduled but welcome stop. Standing in the rain at the servo, I reflected that I was somewhat overconfident in choosing to wear jeans, leather jacket and an open faced helmet for the day. Nevertheless we pushed on and thankfully the rain abated as we got closer to Orford where most pulled up for a cuppa and something to eat. At this point it was noted that Ian Bonde who had been with one group near Richmond was still nowhere to be seen. Fortunately, Ian eventually showed up around 20 minutes later and recounted how in the grip of ‘Thruxton Fever’ (a euphemism for going bloody quick) he missed the Fingerpost Road turnoff and kept belting up the Mud Walls road thinking he was catching up with us. Reaching Colebrook before realising the error he made damn fine time getting back on track to Orford (more …’Fever’ Ian??). Given the changeable state of the weather, most riders were content to sit around at Orford instead of pushing on to Triabunna. The ride home was also a bit dodgy but could have been worse. A small group assembled back at Knopwoods to cap off an enjoyable day with a couple of ales. Owen Smith

feb 15


stan & mark dibben

farewell

Another year has passed and once again it’s time to farewell Stan & Mark as they head back to a wintery U.K. We are fortunate to have the likes of Stan in our neighbourhood while visiting his son Mark who lives at Richmond. Stan won the World Sidecar Championship in 1953 alongside Eric OLIVER on a Manx Norton and they remain the last Englishmen to become world champions on a British bike.

jan 10

Many club members got together at Moto Vecchia, a very suitable cafe for such a farewell where good coffee and food were consumed and much chatter to fill the cafe with happy sounds. A very enjoyable and relaxed gathering indeed. Bon Voyage Stan & Mark and we’ll look forward to catching up when next you visit our shores. Kerry Dickson


vmcct Northwest molecreek

ride

Gooday,

Sunday 25th of January , North West club members had a ride to Mole Creek & surrounds. Steve Foley left a little earlier on his Thunderbird while I waited for Ken Jupp, Ron Hunter & Jim McDonald to arrive. The weather was a bit cool & windy after an earlier rain shower.

up & down hills valley’s etc. Half way through the Gog, the rain had stopped, so we picked up the pace & came out at Sheffield in good time. Steve & Jim headed home, Ken & Ron rode home to Railton with me for Tea & cake before their ride home - all in all a great day. Sunday 1’st of February, North West club members had a ride to the 50’s Diner at Deloraine. Riders gathered at my home in Railton & after general stirring, Mickey taking etc.(you know what it’s like), I nominated Steve Foley to be the lead rider as he knows all the ‘in between’ roads. 11am & we were off, With Ken Jupp on his 56 T100(again), Steve Foley on his 1950 Norton model 7 - (which I must say, we all had trouble keeping up with - did I mention I rebuilt the engine.

It wasn’t long & we were on the road, ken on his 56 Triumph T100, Jim on his immaculate Triton, Ron brought his 1983 BMW R100RT, so I thought I best not let him be the odd one out, so I took my 750 3 cylinder BMW. We travelled via Kimberly, Dunorlan, Deloraine Chudleigh & finally to the Mole Creek hotel for lunch. Most enjoyed pie & chips out the front of the pub.

Also Jim McDonald on the Triton, his daughter on her Suzuki 500 & myself on the supercharged 1971 CB500 four Honda. The 5 of us headed firstly toward Sheffield, turning off to Stoodley & then to Beulah, through to Kimberly up to Wegeena, down to Red Hills & through a couple more small towns I hadn’t heard of before & then on to Deloraine - arriving at the 50’s Diner at midday. Some of the Northern members decided to meet up, as when we arrived, there were 4 riders waiting to humour us with more ‘ribbing’ . . . . I was going to write ‘shit stirring’, but I thought I would show my decency for a change.

After a rest & lots of idle chit chat, I mentioned we should ride back to the honey farm at Chudleigh for leatherwood honey ice cream. . .MMmmmmmm!. Time to head home & it was now raining bugger! We rode back to Mole creek & onto the Gog Ranges winding around ‘LOTS’ of corners

After we all pigged out on Hamburgers, chicken burgers, bacon & egg burgers, fries,(‘chips’, for the uneducated). banana splits, ice-creams etc. we headed out to the bikes for a bit of ‘show & tell’ & other assorted things that goes on when in a group of like minded people. Instead of each group heading off in different directions, I suggested to ride to Westbury & take the side road that ends up on the Frankford highway.

With Tony Schmidt on his Red Hunter Ariel, Lindsay Clarke - 1935 BSA Sloper, Shon Macintee - 57 BS Road rocket, Martin(sorry, forgot the surname) on his black Harris Matchless, we got cracking. . . . . . . .I forgot about how many bumps were on that road, I really should have had a p. . .relieved myself before we left, anyway we got to the end of the road at the highway, stopped for more riotous behavior - they turned right, we turned left. . . . . . . . . .to cut a long story short, we all made it home - no hassles, no breakdowns, no-one lost, so we all had a really great day. Noel Saward


t

BRITISH MOTORCYCLE CLUB OF TASMANIA INC.

The Secretary, C/o South Hobart Post Office, South Hobart 7004 Tasmania 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. Name: Address:

Phone: Mobile: Email: Family Membership:

YES / NO

British Motorcycles owned:

Other Motorcycles owned: Date: Signature: Annual Membership Fee:

$35-00

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:


right gettingthe

balance

Motorcycles with multiple carburettors require balancing to ensure optimum efficiency, smooth running and power output. This is even more important where you are undertaking performance modifications or overhaul of your carburettors. The process is fairly straightforward and well described in most service manuals. The main question discussed here is what kit you might need. Instrument options Bourdon Gauges: The most commonly found instruments are the round face ‘Bourdon’ type indicator gauges. These are fine but do have a couple of disadvantages that you might want to consider: 1. The actual internal construction of traditional Bourdon gauges leaves them somewhat susceptible to damage from pressure spikes and eventual metal fatigue. Also, without regular calibration they can drift out of sync quite quickly and significantly 2. Even with dampers fitted, all types of gauges will tend to ‘flutter’ during carb balancing. This flutter effect is generally quite pronounced with Bourdon Gauges and can make an accurate judgement of vacuum balance between each gauge more of guess than it really should be Perhaps for infrequent use this is fine. However there is another alterative worth thinking about. Manometer Gauge: The instrument reviewed here is the ‘Carbtune Pro’ manometer manufactured by Morgan Carbtune in the UK and is available in either 2 or 4 column configurations. Instead of the manometer being filled with mercury as traditionally the case, the Carbtune Pro uses polished rods of stainless steel that are drawn upwards when subjected to induction vacuum. The kit comes with all necessary hoses and damper inserts sized to minimize flutter. As is widely accepted in the

Basic kit required for carburettor balancing.

right angle screw driver manometer tube

A right angle screw driver enables you to access the central balance adjustment. Note the manometer tube attached to the inlet vacuum nipple.


multiple carburettors Instrumentation Industry the human eye is better able to compare the vertical location of a manometer fluid/rod than the relative positions of round gauges. The close proximity of each tube to each other makes this a simple and quick process. The location of the balance screw will vary on different bikes but in most cases the use of a long right-angle screwdriver as pictured makes the job so much easier. This tool was also provided by Carbtune at a reasonable price. Also used for EFI bikes It is worth noting that such an instrument is not only useful for carburetor balancing. Throttle bodies on EFI bikes also need to be balanced and you might be surprised how far out of whack these can be, even on bikes straight from the factory. Its great to know your bike is fettled as well as you can make it and kit like this makes the process very straightforward. If you want any more information on this give me a yell. Owen Smith.

The two center rods clearly show that both carbs are now in balance.

BSA lowside

BMCT club member and ace racer Ces drops his trusty BSA at Baskerville, turn 3 on cold tyres. January 11th.

Photo - Sharon Grice.


Channel run A group of 25+ riders assembled at Kennedy Lane and after leaving en masse headed towards Bonnet Hill under patchy but dry skies (so far). While the traffic kept things sedate, the petrol fumes and sound of multiple British machines (and a few others) was still particularly satisfying. The Espresso machine at Peppermint Bay was kept flat out for an hour keeping beverages up to the group. As we looked to move off the weather began closing in and in hindsight, wiser heads headed back to town while a core group of supreme optimists left for Cygnet. Sprinkles turned to showers, which soon turned to full-on rain. While a couple of blokes were well dressed for the day, the rest of us were more or less wet through by the time we arrived in Cygnet for a pie, a hot choccy and a rueful laugh. If it were possible, it got wetter on the way back to Hobart but was well fixed with a hot shower. Despite the rain, it was a good ride. Owen Smith

Riders Leigh Oats - Triumph Bonneville T140 Peter Hesman - MkIII Norton Commando Owen Smith - Triumph Scrambler Jegs Nuttall - Royal Enfield Meteor Minor Dave Sowerby - BMW R65 John Rook - Triumph Thunderbird Ian Bonde – Triumph Thruxton Gary Smith - BSA Blue Star Casey Overeem - Triumph Speed Twin Dan Teague - Triumph Bonneville Bill Frodsham - Triumph Trident T150 Mark Osborne - BSA RGS Robert Walch - Matchless G80 Ian Campbell – Triumph Thunderbird Anthony Ross – Triumph T140V Geoff Lea - BMW R100 Andrew Catchpole – Honda Goldwing Phil Sanger with daughter – Triumph Trident T160 Simon Beard – Triumph T120 John Rettig – Triumph Thunderbird Kim Bolwell - Honda 750/4 Rod McNeil - AJS Dave Branch - Suzuki Jim McCulloch – Royal Enfield 500 Philip Clark - BMW K100 RS

mar 29 Visitors Carl Sanger – Suzuki Keith Bingham – Suzuki Bert Pepper – BMW R65 Roger Handsworth – Honda CB160



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DUNALLEY CONNELLY’S MARSH

DEC

D 6

NOV

N 1

OCT

CHRISTMAS BBQ

TOY RUN

O 4 SALMON PONDS

SEP

S 6

AUG

A 2 ORFORD

JUL

J 4-5 PORT ARTHUR O/N

JUN

J 7

MAY

M

APR

EASTER

OATLANDS VIA RUNNYMEDE

1

GEEVESTON

A 5

MAR

M

FEB

LABOUR DAY WKND

FERN TREE

13

TAHUNE AIRWALK

8

LONGLEY WOODBRIDGE

11

CYGNET - NAKED BIKE CAFÉ

13

9

12

14

LOWER MARSHES JERICHO

10

NATIONAL PARK

12

8

TAROONA

MT. WELLINGTON BBQ PETER JONES

20

BENDIGO SWAP

15

18

20

16

RICHMOND TEA TREE

TINDERBOX MARGATE

19

BUSHY PARK/ HAMILTON

21

17

19

PUB IN PADDOCK O/N

14-15

TRIABUNNA

15

HERITAGE PARK

8

17 SATURDAY

F 1

11 SOUTH EAST RALLY PVCC

RICHMOND

JAN

J 4 SOUTH ARM

NEW NORFOLK

27

ROSS RALLY

21-22

O/N

RICHMOND BOYER

25

SORELL LEWISHAM DODGES FERRY

27

23

26

28

WOODBRIDGE HUONVILLE

24

SWANSEA

26

NYRSTAR (ZINC WORKS CHARITY RIDE)

22

22

DUNALLEY

25 AUSTRALIA DAY WKND

29

SALMON PONDS

30

31

CHANNEL CIRCUIT

29

20

22

11

18

14

24

27

29

25

28

30

26

28

31

24

AGM

27

BMCT CALENDAR 2015


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