Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club - Australia
+ News Events Classifieds Ride Reports and More Winter 2012 Quarterly Club Mag www.vjmc.org.au
Issue 126
V J M C I N C A u st r alia
VJMC Inc Australia The Australian branch of the VJMC is a registered association incorporated in the state of New South Wales. Objectives of the VJMC: To foster the preservation, restoration, riding and enjoyment of older Japanese motorcycles.
Membership Applications and Renewals: VJMC Inc, PO Box 5240, Daisy Hill QLD 4127 Website: www.vjmc.org.au VJMC Australia Committee President John McNair (07) 3133 0191 president@vjmc.org.au Secretary Heather Garth 0416 358 882 secretary@vjmc.org.au Treasurer Stan Perry (02) 6296 7274 treasurer@vjmc.org.au Area Rep Coordinator Jeff Eeles area.representative@vjmc.org.au Merchandise Heather Garth 0416 358 882 secretary@vjmc.org.au Librarian Lyndon Adams (02) 4945 1780 lyndarra@gmail.com.au Web Manager webmanager@vjmc.org.au quarterly VJMC Magazine This is a forum for members in which they may advertise bikes and/or parts for sale or wanted, exchange ideas and restoration tips, seek advice, share opinions and experiences, or anything else relating to the club’s objectives. Contributions are very welcome. Editor Tom Calderwood tom@pepperpublishing.com.au Postal address: 2/2 617 Spencer St, West Melbourne VIC 3003
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126 C ontents
President’s Report |4| Melbourne Metro Report | 6-11 | Victoria Report |12-14 | Hunter Report |15 | Tamworth Report | 16-19 | SA Report | 20-21 | Inverell Classics | 22-23 | QLD Ride Calendar | 24 | Finger Freezer | 26-29| Garage Classics | 30-33 | Ueno, Tokyo | 34-35 | 2013 National Rally | 36-37 | Classifieds | 38-39 | VJMC Club Info | 40-41 | Membership Renewal | 42-43 |
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PREz REPORT
A Word From
The President How pleasing it is to see the club growing everyday. We have had some good publicity in the first half of the year with the 2012 Rally at Warilla attracting some good write ups in Old Bike magazine, Motorcycle Trader and a four page article in the Aussie mag Used & Classic Bike Enthusiast magazine, plus a four page article in Cruiser, Classic and Trike Magazine which is put out by Road Rider magazine.
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f course all this is in addition to the great coverage in the special edition magazine Japanese Classic Motorcycles which was put out by Old Bike Australasia magazine. All this keeps our membership officer Greg quite busy. For all those new members to our club I would like to welcome you to VJMC Australia and I hope you have a long and enjoyable time with us. Plans are coming together well for the 2013 National Rally in Victor Harbor in South Australia. Club Rep and Rally Co-ordinator Peter Hunt is doing a fantastic job and it looks like the 2013 rally could be a sensational event. Accommodation is booking up though so you had better jump in now and make some bookings. All the info on the rally is on the VJMC Website. I must remind you too that the club has some fantastic new club regalia now with Tee Shirts, Jackets, Jumpers, Caps, key rings etc. These are good quality garments and will last for many years.
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Interest in the club in the regional area’s is gaining momentum with new members getting together in the Mildura, Geelong, Inverell and Dubbo. Graeme Tonkin is spreading the word on the club throughout the New England area and Brian Thomas from Dubbo is going to put a display of club bikes at the annual Dubbo Swap Meet which is a rather large event. If you live anywhere near Dubbo or if you are close enough to make it a weekend run on the last weekend in August please get on down to Dubbo and join in the display on the Sunday morning. Don’t forget to check your membership renewal date. We actually have a few members who have not renewed. Greg has sent out reminders to those people. Well folks, take care and ride safe. John McNair
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PREz REPORT
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Club News
Melbourne Metro area Words Jeff Eeles
Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza Easter 2012
I’d missed out on all the previous HBBB’s for a variety of reasons and, this year, I’d pledged to not let another year go by without attending!
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ut, easier said than done. Good Friday, I had an Easter commitment with my in-laws and, Easter Sunday had me booked in for a family day with ‘my side’ in Bendigo. That left me with a small window of opportunity, to head to Broadford on the Saturday.
Campbells Classic Honda
It’s not a kawasaki. It’s a paton road racer
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Mal Campbell’s RG
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Club News
I’d made a reasonably firm commitment to ride up with Col Dusting but, Good Friday evening in Melbourne was just teeming with rain … absolutely bucketing. I was not happy! Late in the evening, I sent a quick text to Col indicating that, if this weather continued, there’s no chance I’d be dragging myself up the highway (or any other road), to slosh around in some mud-hole, only to have to ride home in it again at the end of the day.
A Waterbottle racer in the making
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Club News
An old z500 that will never die!
Just in case, I set the alarm anyway. And, as luck would have it, Saturday morning dawned rather bright and sunny. Just as I was crawling out of bed, a text came through from Col, saying that it was fine out his way, that he was off and, he’d “ … see me there … “. Well, that’s all I needed to fire up the Z13 and head north. Despite riding up and back alone, the day was a beauty! I met so many Club members there, plus my mates I always do Phillip Island with, it was great. The Z13 just ‘sang’ as I headed up the Hume and, on the way home again down through some entertaining back-roads.
A set of suzuki’s
The Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza was brilliant. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves, save to say that I’ll be doing everything I can not to miss another HBBB ... unless it’s bucketing rain the morning I’m due to set off, maybe …
now this is a tiddler. Honda 50
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Club News
National Motoring Heritage Day 20 May
Yarra Glen
2012
National Motoring Heritage Day, sponsored in Victoria by the RACV and the AOMC (Association of Motoring Clubs), celebrates Australia’s Motoring Heritage.
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ll Motoring Clubs and owners of Classic & Historic motor vehicles were invited to participate in this event which was to be celebrated throughout Australia on this day. It was the opportunity to show the community, Government and business the strength of the Australian motoring movement. This Ride Day had been well publicised among members and the feedback suggested a good
number of bikes and riders would be ‘up for it’. In addition, our friends in the CX500/650 Club (many of whom are VJMC members too) had indicated a desire to join us for that part of the ride that coincided with one they had arranged. The meeting point of Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, at a respectable hour on a Sunday morning, found a large number of bikes fuelled up and ready to go. The combined turnout of the two groups was quite impressive.
Nice ... a datsun 1600
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Club News
We set off around the back of nearby Lilydale, past the airfield, through some nice open country, to Yarra Glen. At this point, the CX lads continued on their ride and the VJMC’ers made our way down to the racecourse where the classic vehicles were on display. We knew beforehand that the event was heavily skewed toward cars, but that was no big deal. It was late May, the days were drawing in and the weather slowly getting cooler. We just wanted to get another ride in before winter. From Chirnside Park to Yarra Glen is a rather short ride, as it turns out and, in hindsight, I’d probably have taken the group out through Healesville and back in to Yarra Glen, just to add some distance.
Re-grouping at yarra glen
An isuzu bellett
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Club News
Phil’s sweet little yas
Never mind, the ‘weather gods’ were being kind to us and the sun really shone by early afternoon.
took the Yarra Glen-Eltham Road home. That road is such a good ride, almost any time.
After a good look around the classics, most members made their own way home. Peter Calder (W650), Alan Driscoll (GSX400) and I (Z1300) decided the day was too good to stop just yet, and
It was pleasing to see so many new faces out and about. Tom on his GPz, Phil on the YAS-1 and, Anthony on the CX Turbo. I hope I didn’t miss anyone … my apologies if I have.
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Club News
Victoria Report North East Region Well Hello from the New North-East Victoria branch of the V.J.M.C. Our group’s first meeting was on the 22nd of Jan this year at Mackas in Benalla, with some 24 people and their bikes (some well-wishers from all over the state came to start us off).
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t our first meeting we decided to meet at Mackas in Benalla on the fourth Sunday of each month at 10.00am, with a ride to follow. So far we as a group have been to Wunghnu (near Shepparton) Bike Show and was asked to enter our bikes, one member taking out Best Jap bike in show a Suzuki GT750 waterbottle. Good one Fred!. We have also been to Broadford in April and a group went to the Beechworth Easter Ride In Sunday 8th April. In May, a group of riders spent Sunday at the Historic Winton Classics and we had a great day out. We have had some short rides and pub lunches, and talked a lot about bikes. We have just had our June meeting, eight members turned up on a wet and wintery day, only one bike and it was on a trailer, just for us all to look at and drool. Well the shortest day has past, the dams are full and the rivers are running, let’s hope the rain gods will give us some good riding weather now. See you at Victor Harbor! Best regards Bob and Jenny Kitchener. V.J.M.C. North East Vic.
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Club News
A new vic regional group begins! The 13th of June 2012, marked the start of the VJMC’s newest Regional Group; The Northwest Vic Group, based in Mildura, Victoria.
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revor Lawrence who has been a member for two years decided do something about founding a group for the region, as not only are there some vintage Japanese Motorcycles lurking about the area in various sheds, but the North-west corner of Victoria has a perfect climate for motorcycle riding. On a chilly Wednesday evening a group of nine people came together to enjoy the best wood-fired gourmet pizza, beer, and the coveted Mocha Mecca coffee (which people from Melbourne come to Mildura for.) We discussed some ideas of what we’d like to do, and the end result was that we have seven new and paid up members so far, two cabins booked for the Rally in 2013, and interest in doing the “Ride to end Slavery” tour of four Asian countries in March 2013, which is the motor
scooter trip of a lifetime, and raises money for the aid organisation called “Destiny Rescue.” Two have locked that one in already as it’s only $5000 all inclusive from Melbourne and return. A regular occurrence is the Sunday Lunch run which some have been doing for the past twelve months, it involves a group ride to one of the out of town pubs for lunch on the first Sunday of the month at 12:30pm. Any members from other areas who wish to join us for that can contact Trev on 0412 469337. There’s a lot of excitement at the moment, as we have members looking to purchase a classic Japanese bike to go alongside their current model bike, and for one, it will be their first ever motorcycle purchased. So far we have in the stables; ’77 RD400D, ’88 CBR1000F, CBX550F, XJ900, IT490, RG250, CBX 250 and more. See you at the Rally!
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Club News
Western Victorian wanderings March Ride in April!
April’s ride in April
The Castlemaine Swap seemed like a good destination for a ride, and as it was on April 1, I thought that it was close enough for our March ride. A good swap with a little bit for every one (may be a little too much bric a brac for me).
A short jaunt to Learmonth for coffee and cake on another cool day. It was great to catch up with Warren and Wendy just recently relocated from Warnambool to Ballarat. After coffee a ride to Greendale via Daylesford to inspect new member Julian’s Honda CX500 and then home.
May’s Ride Unfortunately the weather got the better of us.
June’s Finger Freezer Ride. Of the Western Vic crew only Vic Muller and I were brave enough for this one and it wasn’t even that cold! The weather was threatening to deluge in Ballarat, so Vic’s Goldwing stayed in the shed with the full tourer BMW being favoured. I chose my 1983 Honda VF400F and had a ball trying to keep with the 1100cc Beemer. There were a brace of Kawasaki GPZ900Rs in attendance and I reckon they will be an appreciating asset soon, if not already.
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Club News
H
i everyone, hope you are all beating the winter chills. We had a ride down the old Pacific Highway on the 24th June to Pie in the Sky, which is on the Sydney side of the Hawkesbury River. Yvonne, my wife, came with me. It’s the first time that she has been on the back of a motorcycle in a long time (over twenty years in fact.) We are both feeling our age, particularly getting on and off the bike, but once on and we get going everything settles down. (From Yvonne - Someone asked me how I enjoyed the ride and I replied that I thought Vince would have gone a little slower as it was my first ride in a long while, only to be told that he had gone a lot slower. Makes me wonder just how fast he goes when I am not with him.) There were about a dozen riders for that ride, and it is great to see some members who have been in the club many years riding regularly. Bruce Robinson has sold his Suzuki as he has some health issues, but is talking about another bike if something suitable turns up. He is not leaving the club for now and will review his membership after Christmas, which is good to hear. On July 15th we had a combined ride with the Mid Hunter members to the Wollombi Pub. We left with nine riders and Danny Fennell had his young daughter, Hannah, on the back of his latest acquisition the 600cc Yamaha. It was good to see Bronwyn Kendrigan on her Suzuki GS500 and Phil on his Norton Commando (we don’t discriminate). There were a couple of others that I must mention, Ian Smith putting some pain aside (needs new knees) and riding, also Terry Cook and Steve Hellyer, both on CBX1000s and Steve Timmis. We met up with the Mid Hunter boys at Greta. Sixteen bikes rode to Wollombi via Branxton and Pokolbin, on some roads that I hadn’t been on before and the scenery was spectacular. After some refreshments and a rest at the pub, some of us rode home via Quorrobolong and others via Broke. I would like to thank both groups for making the effort it was a good ride. Numbers attending our monthly meeting, at the Macquarie Club around 7.30pm on the second Thursday of the month, is on the rise but we could always do with more. It is very informal with plenty of time to chat and formulate ideas for future rides. Hope to see you there. Until next time stay safe. Vince
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Club News
Tamworth Area group Report Words Paul Rowling
Greetings from the North-West!
Winter is finally upon us but despite the frosty weather our activity level continues to hot up. We’ve been well represented at rallies, exhibitions, rides and social events, have several new members and expanded the empire up into New England.
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everal members made the trek to the National rally in March, highlighted by Richo’s Titanic journey. After only having finished assembling the T500 during
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the week leading up to the Rally, Richo was determined to ride the thing to Warilla and back. Now, while a number of us harboured some doubt when the Titan was reluctant to fire up at the assembly point (and every time we stopped after that), his persistence paid off and thanks to some ongoing fettling he managed to complete the journey without experiencing any reliability problems. Job well done. On that note we offer congratulations to all involved, as Warilla was another resounding success, a well-organized and enjoyable event.
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Club News
In May we entered the second annual Shannon’s Motor Show, with twenty-one bikes of high standard on display. We had a great crosssection ranging from Foxy’s award winning Monkey bike, two strokes small and large both twins and triples, CB and SL Hondas, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kwaka fours, VF1000R and
CB1100R race reps and a Z1R period 5 race bike. With YL, CB, CX, SL, FJ, RD, RZ, GT, VF, Z and Z1R on the menu we had a tasty alphabet soup. The event was well received and our exhibit well patronized over the weekend, all the usual strolls down memory lane and a few punters taking membership apps. Megsy gets a special thank you for manning the desk for the entire show. Our monthly Bench Racing meetings are always well attended, with eighteen and twenty-five or so members coming along to each gathering. Getting into the Olympic spirit our sculling team had a serious workout at the end of autumn celebrating the birthdays of two of the older members, a true test of endurance that one but thankfully we finished without calamity.
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Club News
Ride days; we’ve had a few. A trip to Eastern Creek for the Barry Sheene Festival of Speed, a great race meeting and well worth the effort if you’ve been there. Then a weekend expedition over the mountains to the DorrigoNymboida area to see the local sights and catch up with some coastal members, where I’m informed a great time was had by almost all in attendance. The monthly local rides are spreading out from our around the block
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formula, we’ve been endeavouring to help the economies of several towns in the Peel Valley. We also have several trips in the planning stage: the Macquarie Towns Restorers Club Rally at the end of this month, another overnight stay in September, this time on our side of the Divide, a club ride to Phillip Island to farewell our neighbour and for next year, an overseas jaunt to Vietnam (probably won’t be taking the Jap bikes on that one).
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Club News
We have also started the preparations for our Blue Ribbon Charity Day, to be held on the last Sunday in November. We have learned a thing or two about bike displays over the past two years and are looking to expand on the success of last year, you are welcome to come along if you’d like to be involved. Through the efforts of some of our locals we have been able to recruit a couple of new members just up the hill in Armidale, we will be helping them set up their own group and expect to see a lot more of them in coming months. So there you go, the Tamworth Area Group remains active and involved; we just enjoy getting about on the bikes with our mates. Perhaps we’ll see you out on the road … motopaulie.
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club news
SA REPORT Words Peter Hunt
Mick’s ride, shed + BBQ day Sunday 15th April
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total of 31 bikes of all shapes and sizes assembled at Aldgate on a perfect sunny Autumn Sunday morning. A couple were only able to be at the start due to other commitments, so 27 bikes (double the numbers of last year) headed off on Mick’s Mystery Tour, exploring some little used back roads for 60k or so to arrive at his and partner Jane’s impressive leafy property in the Adelaide Hills. If this event continues to grow they are going to have to extend the parking area! A walk through Mick’s shed is always an eye-opener, and this time was no different. A
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fantastic collection, creating lots of interest and discussion, and not a small amount of envy! The bbq lunch was simply awesome – homemade burgers, sausages, salads and bread – thank you so much to Mick and Jane for going to so much trouble and for opening up your home to us. Many of us stayed around for quite a while, chatting and enjoying the great outdoors weather. A top day! Mick and Jane wish to extend their thanks to all those that came along and made it such a great day.
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club news
Holiday weekend ride Monday June 11th
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he event commenced at member Roy and wife’s Sth African themed cafe in Piccadilly – on a cold, clear and sunny winter’s morning. Roy had the ½ 44gal drum stacked with wood and burning away when we arrived – very much needed and a popular spot to thaw out and get the circulation back into the fingers. Hot coffee and delicious warm custard tart thingies (Melkterts) warmed the insides, and prepared us for the ride. 24 bikes (and a Harley, haha) left on a great ride through the hills in brilliant sunshine, using some of the back roads and avoiding the public holiday traffic.
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Arriving back at the cafe we filled ourselves on steaming hot pumpkin soup and Bobotie – a mild sweet curry, which was simply superb, with fresh bread and green salad, thus ensuring we didn’t go hungry. More great coffee, and Roy even supplied some beers and softies. A very special thank you to Roy and Bev (and staff) – your generosity and hospitality was greatly appreciated by all! Top job!! Roy’s mate John opened up his photographic studio next door, where he has some interesting prints and items – thanks to you too John. And thanks to all those that came along and made the day such a great success
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Club News
INVERELL CLASSIC RESTORERS RALLY Words John McNair
Overnight rain had left the roads wet when I arose on the Friday morning. However they had started to dry out by the time I met up with Des Atkins from the Honda 750/4 club at the 7/11 garage in Beenleigh for the ride down to Inverell in the New England region of NSW.
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e rode down through Beaudesert and across to Boonah, passing the Wyaralong Dam which is now full and right up to the road. Actually, it goes under the road in one place. The roads had dried out as we turned onto the Cunningham Hwy and headed to Aratula. Traffic was light as made our way up Cunningham’s Gap taking in the views over Moogerah Dam as we steadily rode through the low roadworks speed limits. Hmmm! A little brisk over the top too. We had a good ride through to the Warwick where we stopped to fuel Des’s bike and get a drink. At that stage I didn’t need fuel but topped up so as to keep the fuel stops the same which reduces the number of stops. We encountered a bit more traffic after Warwick but had no problems through Stanthorpe and over the border to the beautiful NSW town of Tenterfield. We had noticed the colours in the trees from Stanthorpe on but it was quite spectacular in Tenterfield with giant pinoaks emblazoned in orange, brown and yellow lining both sides of the road as we rode into town. As it was nearly lunch time we pulled into the Royal Hotel for lunch. We had just ordered a counter lunch when seven members of the Brisbane VJMC pulled in. They had left about two hours earlier but had taken a bit of a “cooks tour” on the way. After lunch Des
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and I checked out a couple of accommodation options for the upcoming Casino-Tenterfield ride before moving on. Stopped in Glen Innes for fuel and then headed west on the Gwydir Hwy to the lovely town of Inverell encountering about 1km of unsealed roadworks which had just been watered. Quite interesting as the surface was quite soft and some heavier vehicles had left depressed wheel tracks in the surface which was a bit like riding in tram tracks. I think Des was using four point contact through that bit.
With a population of around 12,000 people, Inverell has a couple of caravan parks but we had booked a cabin at the Fossickers Rest Caravan Park. Graeme and Lynn Knight from the VJMC had already arrived and were booked into the cabin next door. (I think I could hear Graeme as
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Club News
we entered Inverell.) The other 7 VJMC members arrived about half an hour later. We freshened up ready to catch the courtesy bus to the RSM Club but as Graeme had his dual cab ute there we all hopped into that (four of us that is) and went to the club for dinner and an ale or two or three. Next morning we went down the Pioneer Park which was the headquarters for the rally to be ready for the Rally Ride which departed at 9.30am. The local club had put on sandwiches, cakes and scones along with tea and coffee so no need for breakfast. After the ride briefing over 150 bikes headed west towards Delungra including one little mini bike which overtook us as we were doing about 90 kph. He later stopped at the edge of the dam wall before leaving and doing a wheelstand in four gears. From Delungra it was down to Bingara before following the Gwydir River back to Copeton Dam. Unfortunately one of the riders hit an emu on this stretch bringing him down. Result = one dead emu, one damaged bike and one injured rider who was taken by ambulance to Inverell Hospital. The dam is at 98.5% capacity and covers an area three times the size of Sydney Harbour, making a spectacular sight. A sealed road takes you about 6km along the foreshore passing a caravan park and lots of nice bush campsites along the waters edge. From the dam we rode back to the pioneer park where all the bikes lined up for judging. There was a varied range of machines including a Carberry Indian 1100. This is two Indian 500 singles made into a V-twin 1100. A few of these were made in Melbourne. There were about five Honda fours including an original NSW Police Honda Four from the 70s. Other Japanese bikes included a 1980 Goldwing, Honda XL125, some beautiful Kawasaki 900s, Honda 350/4, Honda CB400N, Yamaha XS650, Suzuki GS1000 and many others. There was a total of 17 VJMC members at the rally with 8 from Brisbane, 2 from Newcastle, 4 from Tamworth, 2 from Urunga, and 1 from Inverell. Saturday night we were in the auditorium at the
RSM club for the Rally Presentation Dinner. During the dinner several items, some being motorcycle parts and some totally different objects with each table having to guess what they were. The awards were presented and Graeme picked up two trophies for his Suzuki 750 triple (waterbottle) Japanese Police bike. They included best Japanese bike for that period and Most Outstanding Bike Of The Rally. I think this may have been the first time a jap bike has won that. Another Brisbane member Terry Neilson won Best Restoration with his 1972 Suzuki T500J. The oldest bike at the rally was a 1911 Abingden King Dick 500. Sunday morning we ducked down to the pioneer park for breaky and then in company with Des and the other seven VJMC members rode north to Ashford, Bonshaw and then along the Bruxner Hwy to Texas. I then took everyone along the Texas to Stanthorpe Rd which, until recently, was all dirt but is now sealed with many ups and downs, lots of corners and bridges and quick straights. Upon reaching Stanthorpe, one of the riders described it as his new “best road�. Into Stanthorpe for lunch and fuel then home passing millions of horse floats returning from the Polo Cross Nationals in Warwick. This was a great weekend with great rides, good weather and fantastic bikes. It was topped off with the news on the next Tuesday that Lynn Knight had been for her tests and she was now clear of her cancer.
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Club News
South-east Queensland
Spring Ride Calendar September 2012; Sunday 9th
Northern Gold Coast via Mt Tamborine. Super shed visit. Leave BP Garage (Exit 38) of M1 to coast at 9am
Tuesday 11th
Club Meeting at the Belmont Tavern in Belmont Shopping Centre corner Burstall Ave and Belmont Rd Belmont at 10am.
Saturday 22nd
“Living In The 70’s” All Japanese Classic Bike Show at Pro Honda Ipswich Rd Rocklea. Presented by the Honda CB750/4 SOHC Club, the show will feature various categories with trophies and certificates. Starts at 8.30am.
October 2012; Sunday 7th
Ride to Big Kart Track on the Sunshine Coast for Go Kart driving. Leave Caltex Garage Gympie Rd Castledine (just north of Beam’s Rd) at 9am.
Tuesday 9th
Club Meeting at the Belmont Tavern in Belmont Shopping Centre corner Burstall Ave and Belmont Rd Belmont at 10am.
Saturday 13th
Morning ride to the Rocker Race Café in Ryan’s Rd Nundah.
Friday 26th & Saturday 27th
2012 Gatton Swap Meet at Gatton Showgrounds.
Sunday 28th
Breakfast Ride to Toorbul Tavern. Around $11 for a hot cooked breakfast including tea and coffee. Then home to watch the Phillip Island GP. Leave Caltex Garage Gympie Rd Castledine (just north of Beam’s Rd) at 8am.
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Buy and sell motorcycles
service and repairs across a wide range of motorcycles
road-worthy certificates (rwc)
phone: 1300 GASSIT(1300 427748) | fax: 03 9489 9626 email: info@gassit.com.au web: www.gassit.com.au
81 Station Street, Fairfield, Victoria 3078 | Open six days a week: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00 | Saturday 9:00 to 13:00
Finger Freezer
Finger Freezer World Famous Since 2007 Words Michael Catchpole
It’s mid-winter in Victoria, it’s been raining non-stop for what seems like weeks, and the sunrise temp struggles to get much above zero. Good time for an early-morning ride then, eh?!
Jeff’s z1300
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he Finger-Freezer ride from Melbourne (and other points) to Bendigo has been a fixture on the VJMC Victorian calendar for what seems like years. Or as Jeff Eeles says, “World Famous since 2007!” It started out as a bad idea, and for a couple of years there, it got worse. There are photos from one of the early F-F Rides of bikes parked up on the side of the Calder Highway, almost lost in the fog. Since then it’s been better, and occasionally indifferent – but a must-do for
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Melbourne Metro, Central Vic and now Western Vic and other more distant VJMC friends. This year the Melbourne crew again met at the BP Calder on the northern edge of the city in weak sunshine (but sunshine nonetheless). As we compared notes on the wisdom of an 8.00am start, Jeff rang Central Vic area rep Ivan Eeles for a weather report – and it wasn’t encouraging. Ivan reported that the fog and drizzle were still hanging around Bendigo. That meant we’d be leaving the best weather Melbourne had enjoyed for weeks, and heading into the same old crappy mid-winter…
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Finger Freezer
Alan stork’s rare honda vf400f
woos-grip’s on 1981 Suzuki gs1000s
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F-F stalwart Trevor Whitty turned up on his 1971 Kawasaki H1A “just to keep you blokes honest”. Trevor led the cries of derision when I parked my 1981 Suzuki GS1000S – complete with newly-fitted wrap-around heated grips. I think such hurtful words as “woos” and “poof” were uttered, but I couldn’t hear for the satisfying warmth permeating my inner being. Having led the chorus, Trevor had to head home for “other duties”. John Clement was another unlucky (or lucky) non-starter. He arrived on his 1976 Honda CB400F, but it sounded much noisier than any 400 Four should and was judged not in sound shape for the run up the Calder Highway.
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Finger Freezer
Trevor whitty’s h1a and Tom savage’s gpz900
For the other 16 riders and their bikes, it was a good start, but pack-leader Jeff Eeles called an early roadside halt when his 1983 Kawasaki Z1300 developed a fuel starvation problem. Jeff and the big Kwacka soldiered on, but struggled to maintain 100km/h – a contrast to its normal mile-eating ability (and reliability). The weather closed in as we neared the hills north of Melbourne, with misting rain not enough to do more than encourage a bit of caution. Riders ahead and behind me could be seen flexing their fingers, but mine were
Ken hager’s 1985 yamaha xj900f
toasty warm inside two pairs of gloves and with the heated grips switched on. Suckers! However, heated grips don’t do anything to relieve the pressure of an ageing bladder on cold rides, and by the time we arrived on the outskirts of Bendigo, I was flexing more than my fingers as we looked for the bakery rendezvous with the Central Vic-kers. With one toilet down the end of a long hallway, multiple layers of cold-weather riding gear, and two blokes ahead of me, it was a closerun thing.
John Towle’s gsx1100e
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www.vjmc.org.au
Finger Freezer
part of the 30+ line-up at bendigo
There was the usual fun of catching up with VJMC mates and rubbishing anyone who hadn’t turned up, checking out the more than 30 bikes that gathered for the day, then heading off on a circuitous ride more or less as a group. Somehow, we got separated from the main group and after a wander through some scenic but slippery backroads, we decided to turn for home. Jeff and the Z1300 had headed directly back down the highway with John Towle’s 1980 Suzuki GS1100E in close company. VJMC stalwart Alan Stork had made the trip from his Western Vic base on his Honda VF400F and was another who headed directly home. This was a good ride, adding to the FingerFreezer legend and with plenty of Central Vic members there to welcome us and provide variety in terms of faces, conversation, bikes and backroads. And isn’t that what the VJMC is all about?
www.vjmc.org.au
Paul liberi and his 1981 honda cbx1000
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Garage Classics
garage classics Words Michael Catchpole
Classic vehicle enthusiast Leigh Goodall might just have the achievable Aussie dream garage and museum – not quite Lindsay Fox’s collection, but a bit more than your average shed full of cars, bikes ‘n bits.
L
eigh opened Garage Classics of Williamstown (Vic) about six months ago. He describes it as a “hobby business”, and it shows every mark of the passionate collector and restorer that he’s become, funded by a successful cleaning products business. Located on the edge of Williamstown, a short ride across the Westgate Bridge from Melbourne’s CBD, Garage Classics is professionally housed in what looks like a 1930s gas station, with an extension at the rear for the museum and workshops.
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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club
www.vjmc.org.au
Garage Classics
David Fava’s suzuki gs750b
The museum features a café and several rooms for collectibles – many of them for sale. In the main museum, Leigh has captured the spirit of motoring from a bygone era (or several eras), without losing the feel of a collection that’s both personal and cleverly representative of the evolution of the automobile (and motorcycle).
Here there are cars and bikes from the early years of motoring, through the post-World War Two era and into the 1970s. A Honda CB750 represents what Leigh sees as the pivotal shift of motorcycling dominance from Europe to Japan, but his small collection also features several British, European and American bikes, including a Harley flat-tracker.
www.vjmc.org.au
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Garage Classics
Garage Classics was the destination for a recent mid-winter VJMC Melbourne Metro ride. More than 20 club members turned up, about half gathering first on Punt Rd in Richmond and making the short ride out west in wintry sunshine. On a recommendation from club member Heather Garth, Jeff Eeles and I had checked out the venue the previous week and agreed that the museum (and the coffee and cakes!) were definitely up to VJMC standard. Leigh Goodall is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic host, welcoming visiting groups with a short introduction to the collection and
commentary on the significance of some of the vehicles, from Model T Ford through Austin Seven, Jaguar 3.8 Mk II saloon and Morris Mini, early American bikes, a rare WW2 Excelsior Welbike used by paratroopers and familiar Brit classic bikes of the Fifties and Sixties. The VJMC group enjoyed an easy couple of hours looking at the bikes and cars and enjoying the barbecue lunch that Leigh and his team provided. At $10 a head for museum entry and BBQ lunch, it was good value and an enjoyable day out – even if some of us got soaked on the way home!
Peter Calder’s battle-scarred gpz750r
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Garage Classics
The VJMC Crew: Peter Calder – 1984 Kawasaki GPz750R Tom Savage -1984 Kawasaki GPz900R Mike Darling – 2012 Honda CB400 VTec David Hutchinson – 1982 Suzuki 750 Katana Frank Sallas – 1972 Yamaha R5 Colin Frost – 2002 Triumph Speed Triple Greg Rocke – 1982 Honda XR500 Mal Veale – 1975 Honda GL1000 GoldWing Michael Catchpole – 1976 Honda CB550 Café Racer Anthony Burchell – Honda CX500T Julian Viola – Kawasaki KLR650 Russell Burns – 1983 Yamaha XT660E Phil Long – 1975 Triumph Trident Steve Henderson – 2006 Yamaha R1 Christine and Ian Bakker – 1983 Kawasaki GPz750 Glenn Reichelt – 1975 Suzuki GT750M David Fava – Suzuki GS750B Phil and Helen Scorah – Yamaha YAS1C Heather Garth (Yamaha XS650 Special) Dave Parker (various but Commodore mounted!) Peter Romanis (Suzuki GSX1400) (Jeff Eeles – reconnaissance) Hosts: Leigh Goodall, Lee Johnston, Ian Thomas (Triumph Trophy 500), Rick Thomas (Kawasaki Z650)
www.vjmc.org.au
Phil Scorah’s yamaha yas1c
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club news
Ueno ... No Go? I don’t think so Words Jeff Eeles
In part 2 of Jeff’s Japanese trip update, he checks out the suburb of Ueno in Tokyo, once considered a “Disneyland” for VJ enthusiasts.
W
ay back in 1989, when I first visited Japan, I visited the Tokyo suburb of Ueno (pronounced oo-way-no). Ueno is famous for a number of things. Mainly Ueno Park which is said to be a nice ‘hang-out’ for young Japanese and, Ueno Zoo (Japan’s oldest zoo, opening in March 1882). However, for us motorcyclists, in 1989, it was no less than Disneyland Plus for motorcyclists and, particularly for retro and VJ enthusiasts! Ueno 2011 though, was a very different proposition altogether. The night before going there, I’d googled a few sites to find out a bit more about the present day Ueno. One Aussie site I found, suggested that it wasn’t quite the place it once was. A few photos on the site seemed to indicate that it was still worth the trip though. Another tip I picked up, was that many of the shops didn’t open until around 10:30am. So, while Jane and Mia set off for the real
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Disneyland, I sussed out the rail system to get me to Ueno Station. Once at the station, despite having visited the zoo a couple of weeks earlier, it all looked slightly foreign to me (foreign … in Japan! Who would have thought! ). I lobbed at the station’s very helpful Information Desk. With my broken Japanese, and the InfoDesk girl’s broken English, she soon realized I wanted to see some bike shops. She grabbed a map of the area, and drew a circle around a number of blocks telling me I’d find what I was looking for ‘there’! And, she was right! My first thoughts were though, “Where’s the bike shops?” However, I soon found a small accessory shop opening up (well, it was just 10:30am); then, another shop, then another, and another. As mid-morning came, they were coming out of the woodwork all over the place. Many of the shopfronts have roller-shutters down overnight and, come the morning, the shutters go up, some of the stock gets rolled out onto footpath (accessory stock included), the lights go on and, it’s business as usual. Some of the shops are of reasonable size with minimal ‘glitz’. Many more transform from overnight motorcycle storage to day-time workshop, with not much more than one or two people running them. One accessory shop, oddly named ‘Come Come’, had two outlets on the same street, about a block apart. They sold high quality, name brand goods. But, the selection was little better than you’d get at many suburban Aussie shops.
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club news
I was on Shoji-dori, a main street in the area and found a whole swag of small shops selling scooters, used motorbikes and accessories. Further along, there were a couple of larger shops selling new bikes (multiple franchise – all ‘big 4’ brands) and larger accessory shops. The general opinion, on the street, was that Ueno had taken a pretty serious battering during a depressed period some years back. It was thought that it was trying to make a comeback and, I did see some signs that new premises were opening up. So, what’s on the street in Japan these days? What I saw most of, apart from the endless little 50cc scooters, was big, long, low, customized scooters. Most were probably 400cc, but could have easily been 500s or 650s too. Retros are still popular with a few more models coming into the market. I saw a GSX-R 1100 ‘slabbie’ being ridden around Tokyo and, at another time spotted a Z1300 just a little way off in the traffic. Monkeys and Gorillas are still popular, and so are the ‘flat-tracker’ styled bikes.
Generally, there weren’t too many larger capacity bikes on the street. VFRs cropped up occasionally, as did the odd Harley and Japanese cruiser. In the end, I spent around 5 hours walking the main street, wandering through the back streets, chatting, looking, shopping (yes … I picked up a few ‘trinkets’), and taking photos and video. You can’t spend that sort of time there if there’s nothing to see! I’m not sure that Ueno will ever be that 1989 ‘Disneyland’ again and, I came away wondering if ever I was in Tokyo, would I visit again? Initially, I thought not. However, having had a few weeks to think about it, I would go back. I think the area deserves a chance to shine once more, and that won’t happen unless the customers, tourists and sightseers return. If someone asked me where to go in Tokyo/Japan to see motorbikes, I’d definintely tell them to check out Ueno but, to also set aside some time to look at the suburban bike shops too.
www.vjmc.org.au
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Club News
2013
National Rally Planning for next year’s National Rally in Victor Harbor, SA, on March 15th to 17th is well advanced.
A
small band of enthusiastic volunteers is putting together a rally to be remembered – great venues, great rides, great food, great accommodation and of course great company!! Victor Harbor is SA’s #1 tourist destination – beaches, penguins, pubs and cafes, walks, mild weather, wineries, scenery – unfortunately the whales don’t get here until about June but you can’t have everything!! Program details and rally registration papers will be released later this year, but I can let you know that the AGM will be held before the dinner (in the same venue), allowing those that want to party on to do so without having to pack up and head into a meeting – it is hoped that this will encourage more people to attend the meeting prior to commencing the fun. We have a live band to keep things...er...lively. A free shuttle bus will transport revellers the 3km or so to and from the venue. If you haven’t booked your accommodation then better get to it – it’s filling fast! Further details on the VJMC website and also on the forum, or contact me at phunty@bigpond.net.au or 0418 214 754.
Peter Hunt Rally Coordinator
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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Inc
Victor Harbor, South Australia
Details: phunty@bigpond.net.au • 0418 214 754
www.vjmc.org.au
C lassifieds
2012 bendigo national swap meet The 2012 Bendigo National Swap Meet will be held on November 17-18. The VJMC has one site still available for members’ use. The cost of the site is $51. Although site holders may set up on the afternoon of the 16th, trading is not allowed until the Saturday morning. Interested members should contact John Walker, 104 Urana St, The Rock, NSW 2655 or by telephone (02) 6920 1224 or mobile 0428 694 828. Preferably by the end of October.
Wanted Kawasaki Z900 Airbox & Fuel Tank. All I have of the air box is the silencer so everything else is required. Fuel tank would be nice to get rust & dent free but the paint doesn’t matter. Contact Allan 02 4938 7223 or 0405 492 700. For 1971 A100 Suzuki: chain guard (2 piece), front fork tubes (approx. 330 mm.long) with headlight ears, headlight body or complete light. John 02 6942 2658. Honda 1978 CB750F2 Need front calipers and master cylinder, chain guard, seat unit complete, sidecovers & tank badges. Yamaha 1979 DT250F RH side cover, magneto cover and chainguard. Lyndon 02 4945 1780.
Information on the history of my Kawasaki A1R production racer dating from the mid 60s. The engine number is E50105 and the frame number is 50107. The Mikuni carbies are fitted with Dellorto float bowls. The gear lever has been swapped to the right side and the left hand foot rest replaced with a bolt. The bike obviously was raced on the whole East Coast including as well as Tasmania as there was a note book with gearing and jet sizes for all those circuits included with the spares kit. Gary gmulroyan@bigpond.com or 0417 229 963.
for sale 1977 Kawasaki KZ650 B1 with 13,500 indicated miles. It is in original green colour with a Kawasaki 4-2 exhaust. I purchased the bike in March 2011 from Michael at Mid Life Cycles and Sam Speer serviced the bike and completed work for me. The bike is in good original condition, with good tyres and since I upgraded the suspension, now handles very well. New bits include: Halogen headlight unit, steering head bearings, lower handlebars (Aus/UK spec, so easier to ride), IKON fork springs, fork seals, IKON rear shocks, MotoBatt battery, Gearsack rack and bag. Keith 0411 845 685.
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classifieds
Rare Yamaha Collection. 1960/1 Yamaha YDS1-R “Asama Racer”. Matching numbers. First owner Graeme Laing. Raced at Bathurst, Oran Park, Winton and Lakeside. Documented racing history, original owners manual, copies of Yamaha workshop manual and spare parts manuals. New and used spares including spare motor, scramble seat and flat track expansion chambers. Tank and seat both professionally restored. Motor and gearbox rebuilt with genuine Yamaha parts. I’ve owned this bike for 32 years, but now have to reluctantly offer if for sale. Price negotiable. Contact Doug Beak 07 3841 3029.
1960/1 Yamaha Liberty Collection x 3 bikes. • L iberty Ranch model, ex-Warwick sheep station, found 18 years ago. 100% original paint, tool kit, even tyres! It’s all there but needs full restoration. • Liberty Ranch model. 90% complete, ex-Oakey, Darling Downs. Found over 30 years ago. • L iberty Ranch model. 50%. From Armidale, 25 years ago. All three bikes have matching engine and frame numbers but are in as-found condition and require full restoration. New spares include o/s pistons and rings, very rare plastic Liberty tank badges, taillight lens, headlight reflector and glass. Copies of workshop and parts manuals.
www.vjmc.org.au
Also 1962 YDS2 frame, tank, crankcases (matching numbers) and rear guard, seat included. Also YDS2 tank badges. The lot for $3500 ono. Contact Doug Beak 07 3841 3029. Yamaha RD 125. Two (2) complete motorcycles not running and in need of restoration, very original and strait. To be sold as a pair. Bargain $1600. Chris 0409 512 022.
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Club info
Historic Rego NSW Conditional Registration Sydney Roadworthy Inspections David Bernardi | 0431 661 769 daveleadwing@gmail.com All other NSW areas contact Lyndon Adams | (02) 4945 1780 lyndarra@austarnet.com.au
ACT Stan Perry | (02) 6296 7274 stanper@hotmail.com
VICTORIA CLUB PERMIT SCHEME INSPECTORS
Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Inc
T
he VJMC is a worldwide club. There are independent branches in North America (USA/Canada), UK, New Zealand and Australia. Some enthusiasts are members of more than one branch. Direct enquiries for overseas branches of the VJMC to: North America President: Stuart Covington, 55 Howard St, Lunenburg, MA 01462 USA. Website: www.vjmc.org Email: stucov@comcast.net United Kingdom Chairman: Malcolm Linsley, VJMC PO Box 21671 Falkirk, FK1 9AL. Website: www.vjmc.com Email: chairman_vjmc@yahoo.co.uk New Zealand: Ross & Trudy Charlton, 2 Te Miti St, Paekakariki, Wellington. Email: ross.judy@xtra.co.nz
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Melbourne - North East Brian Cutler | 0409 024 482 Melbourne - West Kevin Drazdauskas | 0419 884 560 Melbourne - South East Trevor Whitty | 0419 807 212 Central Vic Graeme Climas | (03) 5446 3844 West Gippsland Dennis Flynn 0407 359 278
QLD Club Registration Scheme Brisbane Graeme Knight | 0411 034 938
The club has a sizeable library of magazines, workshop manuals and parts manuals for members to use. Enquires: library@vjmc.org.au
www.vjmc.org.au
club info
Regional
Meets ACT Meet: The Mawson Club Heard Street, Mawson, ACT 7.30pm on the first Monday night of each month. Contact: Greg Russell 0414 469 016 vjmcact@grapevine.com.au
Regional
Representatives ACT Canberra Greg Russell 0414 469 016 vjmcact@grapevine.com.au
NSW Bathurst Vacant. Rep required. Far North Coast Rob Andrews (02) 6621 4083 and32@bigpond.net.au Goulburn Malcolm Peden (02) 4821 5060 pedenmj@westnet.com.au Hunter Vince Foreman (02) 4973 1852 vinceyvonne@bigpond.com.au
NSW Mid Hunter Meet: Greta Workers Club. Cnr New England Hwy & West St, Greta Quarterly. Contact Allan Kensitt (02) 4938 7223 or 0405 492700 Tamworth Meet: Tamworth City Bowling Club ANZAC Park, Brisbane St, Tamworth. 6.30pm last Thursday of every month. Contact Paul 0411 696 852 motopaulie@bigpond.com
QLD
South East Qld Meet: Belmont Tavern Cnr Burstall Ave & Belmont Rd, Belmont. 7pm second Tues of each month. Contact: Steve Day 0409 196 825 stevexday@gmail.com
Queanbeyan Rob Hogan (02) 6299 7579 robandcarolyn@bigpond.com South Coast Patrick Sager (02) 4473 6191 padsager@gmail.com Sydney David Bernardi 0431 661 769 daveleadwing@gmail.com Sydney Inner Steve O’Farrell (02) 9517 3490 stephen.ofarrell@silverbrookresearch.com
Melbourne Metro Meet: Grandview Hotel Cnr Station Street & Heidelberg Road, Fairfield 7.00pm on the last Tuesday night of each month Contact: Michael Catchpole (03) 9809 4046 emcatch@hotmail.com Central Vic Meet: Garlands Bakehouse & Cafe 124 High Street, Kangaroo Flat 10.00am every Sunday morning Contact: Ivan Eeles (03) 5448 4746 familyeeles@hotmail.com
SA
South Australia Peter Hunt 0418 214 754 phunty@bigpond.net.au
VIC Central Victoria Ivan Eeles (03) 5448 4746 familyeeles@hotmail.com Melbourne Michael Catchpole (03) 9809 4046 emcatch@hotmail.com
Sydney South/West Allan Dykstra (02) 9824 7165 adykstra@tpg.com.au
North East Victoria Bob & Jenny Kitchener (03) 5775 1370 vjmcnortheastvic@hotmail.com
Tamworth Paul Rowling 0411 696 852 motopaulie@bigpond.com
North West Victoria
Manning Steve Wardle (02) 6551 5546 canvasz1000@bigpond.com
Queensland
Mid Hunter Allan Kensit (02) 4938 7223 midhuntervjmc@yahoo.com.au
Mackay Peter & Helen Douglas (07) 4954 3653
Mid North Coast Trevor Ellis (02) 6655 5911 wel91723@bigpond.net.au
South East Queensland Steve Day stevexday@gmail.com.au
North West Graeme Tonkin (02) 6724 8454 gjtvallyn@bigpond.com.au
Sunshine Coast Vacant - rep required
www.vjmc.org.au
VIC
Trevor Lawrence 0412 469 337 thedon07@bigpond.com West Gippsland Dennis Flynn 0407 359 278 denfly1@bigpond.com Western Victoria Alan & Pam Stork 0401 995 060 pamstork@optusnet.com.au More Info: Contact Jeff Eeles 0411 051 902 if you are interested in getting VJMC happening in your area.
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Member Renewal Annual subs VJMC Inc
I
OFFICIAL USE ONLY Received Renewal Date Received $
f your fees are due, please complete and send this renewal slip with payment. Direct Credit is now available. If paying by direct credit, please complete and send this renewal as confirmation.
Cash / Cheque / MO / Direct Credit
Member No
Reply Sent
Receipt No
Name Due Date Cost: $40 single, $50 family. Additional Info (address / contact change etc)
Email I give the VJMC Committe and Reps permission for my contact details to be provided to other membes on request. (Name, phone, email and locality only). Signed Date Cheques / Money orders payable to VJMC Inc, or Direct Credit: VJMC Inc Australia BSB 062-801 ACC 10-240-688 Please include your member number as detail. Send to: VJMC Inc PO Box 5240 Daisy Hill QLD 4127
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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club
From
Annual Fees Australian residents Family (member + 1 other) New Zealand Overseas
1/6/10 1/7/10 New Renew $45 $40 $55 $50 $50 $45 $55 $50
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C on t rib u t ors
Please contribute We are looking for articles / photos/ letters for future issues of the mag. Email contributions to: tom@pepperpublishing.com.au Deadline for next issue is October 15 2012
www.vjmc.org.au
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Mid-winter is workshop time
One thing about winter (at least in the southern states) is that it gives us more workshop time – and that means time to get your bike ready for summer. Mid Life Cycles can now service your Japanese classic as well as build our unique cafÊ racers and customs. Call or email to book time with guys who work best with a bit of Bluegrass in the background.
Strong interest in Japanese classics
The interest in classic Japanese bikes has been boosted by active VJMC regions and plenty of articles in the classic bike magazines. We have this excellent, original 1977 Kawasaki Z650B1 (VIN KZ650B006877 - $7900) and another Kawasaki ZR750 Classic (VIN JKAZRDD11TA 056075 - $5900) plus a Honda VF1000R and Urban Tiger CBR900RR to follow.