VJMC #128

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club - Australia

+ News Events Classifieds Ride Reports and More Quarterly Club Mag www.vjmc.org.au

Issue 128

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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128 C ontents

President’s Report |4| Melbourne Metro | 6-13 | Mods vs Rockers | 14 | Geelong Report | 15 | South East Qld News | 16-19 | SA Report | 20-23 | Gallery | 24-25 | Tamworth | 26-30 | Italian Job | 32-34 | Western Vic Wanderings | 36-37| Merchandise | 38-39 | VJMC Club Info | 40-41 | Membership Renewal | 42 |

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PREz REPORT

To all our members throughout the country, I hope you all had a happy Christmas and New Year.

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o here we are in a new year and already it’s racing away. Looking at events in the early part of the year, Australia Day has sped past, the National Rally in Victor Harbor is getting close, as is Easter. Whoa! That’s crazy.

It seems like half the year is just about gone. At least when Easter comes it usually brings the start of cooler weather. Now that’s good news.

With summer in the southern states comes the bushfire season and it’s sad to see many people in different part of the nation suffering at the hands of bushfires. In Tasmania 100 homes lost at Dunalley. How sad is that. I hope all our Tasmanian members are safe. It was quite sad to see a resident of Dunalley lost his garage in the fires which housed his classic car collection.

Melbourne members have quite a treat of motorcycling events with the Island Classic at Phillip Island at the end of January, VJMC National Rally just up the road a bit in Victor Harbor (yeah I know it would be a long walk) and the Broadford Motorcycle Spectacular at

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Easter. Those members heading to Melbourne for these events don’t forget to give the Melbourne VJMC Rep’s a ring and catch up with them.

Brisbane member Graeme Knight and wife Lynn spent their New Year in England having gone over for his son’s wedding. Their trip included a tour of Windsor Castle however Graeme tells me he didn’t get to meet the Queen. Maybe she didn’t realize there were two Knights in the castle. Graeme and Lynn are off to Japan next to visit Lynne’s sons who live there. Quite close to some bike shops actually. I wonder how heavy Graeme’s bags will be on the way home. A couple of bikes in bits maybe.

Well folks, I look forward to seeing you all at Victor Harbor in March. Don’t forget to book that accommodation as it is filling up quickly.

Ride safe.

John McNair

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PREz REPORT

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Club News

classic japan ‘12 Words Jeff Eeles

Photos Ian Dodds

Classic Japan is organised by the Toyota Car Club of Victoria. Their first event was held last year, was a ‘cars only’ event and, was a raging success.

Our involvement was made so much easier though, by having one of our members an enthusiastic Toyota Car Club member as well.

Thanks Simon!

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The Classic Japan concept is dead simple. You must have a vehicle that is Club Permit Scheme (Historic Rego) eligible … that’s it! There are no trophies, no prizes, just park up, display, and enjoy the day.

or 2012, the Toyota Club decided to extend the theme a bit and include classic Japanese motorcycles in this year’s event.

So, who else do you go to when you’re looking for a wide range of tidy Japanese classics? None other than the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club of course … the peak club, worldwide, in this field!

Although organised by the Toyota Car Club, many other Japanese-brand car clubs are invited, as are individual entries.

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The VJMC display consisted of 36 bikes and would have been bigger again if not for some being diverted to other commitments and, a couple of members having ‘incidents’ on the day and not being able to make it. Carl and Robbie, we hope you’re all sorted now. Couldn’t have been the ‘Calder Highway Curse’, because Ivan’s Kawasaki made it OK! www.vjmc.org.au

Club News

Most of the members prepared ‘information sheets’ for their bikes, and brought along photo frames to display the sheets, which had been printed in a standard format by Jeff Eeles. We felt this was a nice touch, as too few of the cars had any information about them.

The feedback from the public, to the Toyota Club, was incredibly positive and the Club has invited us back again next year. We plan to do it bigger and better next year as well. Maybe a motomobilia display in our marquee. There’s room for probably double the number of bikes too.

If you missed Classic Japan 2012, plan for it in 2013, because you missed a great day out.

Our thanks to the Toyota Car Club of Victoria.

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South-West Gippsland Ride 16 December 2012 Words & Photos Jeff Eeles

Leading into this weekend, I’d been umm’ing and ahh’ing about making the ride. It was getting close to Christmas and with some family things happening at our home, there were jobs to be done around the house etc.

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’d missed the last couple of Club rides and was looking to get out on the bike with the lads again and, so, decided to treat myself this weekend.

With the meeting point being Tooradin … just south of Cranbourne toward Phillip Island … and, as I toodled off down the freeway in drizzling rain to meet the others, I couldn’t help but wonder if there’d be more than a handful of us make the start.

However, I couldn’t have been more wrong!

The 29 bikes (with 1 pillion) may have started out in drizzly conditions.

However, by late morning, that was gone and beautiful sunshine saw the 29 bikes became 30 and then 31 after another rider caught us up at our first re-grouping, and a late starter caught us up at Loch.

The ride headed off to Lang Lang and then to Poowong where we re-grouped briefly before setting off to Bena, Konwak, Archies Creek and Dalyston.

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Club News

Stopping for lunch at the Dalyston Pub, the earlier clouds (no rain though) had, by now, disappeared and the sun came out beautifully.

We had a pleasant lunch break with good food, good chat and friendly hosts.

existed but, having them strung together with a series of brilliant roads really made for a great day out.

The ride then took us to Glen Forbes and Kernot, before a coffee stop at Loch, then back to Tooradin on the South Gipplsand Hwy.

Yesterday’s ride was, in my opinion, the best VJMC ride I’ve been on! I may not have been on every ride since the Melb Metro group started around 2003, but I have to rate this one at “right up there”. Thanks John!

John Doward put this one together, and John’s knowledge of the region really showed as he took us through a string of little towns we knew

30 bikes on a wet morning is a fantastic turn-out!

As Trev put it, while we were gathering in the packed car park, “Just as well the sun’s not out!”

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Club News

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Club News

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Club News

Melbourne metro February 2013; Sunday 10th

26th Annual Picnic At Hanging Rock Car and Bike Show.

Display of classic cars, trucks, motorcycles and hot rods, expecting over 2,000 vehicles on display. Event information here: www.picnicathangingrock.com.au – Meet at the event.

Tuesday 12th

Mid Week Lunch*

Sunday 17th

Emerald to Noojee & Mount Baw Baw Ride.

Meet 10 am at Shell (Coles Express) 336 Belgrave-Gembrook Road Emerald. Lunch at the Outpost Retreat Toolshed Bar Noojee, details here: www.theoutpostretreat.com/The-Toolshed-Bar.html After lunch, for those who want more corners, an optional ride extension to Mount Baw Baw (a further 36 kms each way). See map here: www. motowhere.com/maps/route/Emerald-Noojee-Mount-Baw-Baw

Sunday 24th

Phillip Island World Superbike Races.

Event information here: www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/superbikes/

Sunday 26th

Grandview Hotel Social Night - Fairfield

March 2013;

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Saturday 2nd

Ballan Vintage Swap Meet.

Meet 9am at BP Calder Park Outbound. Ride to Ballan Racecourse via back roads (82 kms). See map here: www.motowhere.com/maps/route/ BP-Calder-Park-to-Old-Ballan-Racecourse

Sunday 10th

Phillip Island Classic Car Races.

Similar to the classic road bikes except with classic road cars. Event information here: www.vhrr.com/phillip_island.html - Meet 9am at Tooradin (at car park by shops on corner, left just over the bridge), ride to the track (72 kms); or meet at the track. For anyone interested, optional longer ride back to Tooradin detouring via the hills of South West Gippsland.

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Club News

event calendar March 2013 Cont.; Tuesday 12th

Mid Week Lunch*

Friday 15h Sunday 17th

VJMC Rally Victor Harbour SA

Tuesday 26th

Grandview Hotel Social Night - Fairfield

Sunday 31st

Honda Broadford Bike Bonanza.

All types of classic bikes (road, motocross, trials, enduro, speedway) to see and hear, though not technically ‘racing’. Event information here: www.ma.org.au/index.php?id=646 Meet 9 am Sunday at BP corner of Main Road and Beard Street Eltham then ride to the track via Kangaroo Ground, Kinglake, Kinglake West, Flowerdale & Strath Creek (97 kms); or meet at the track.

April 2013; Tuesday 9th

Mid Week Lunch*

Sunday 14th

Charlie’s Arthurs Seat Auto Museum Museum information here: www.collectionsaustralia.net/org/442/about/ & www.visitor.com.au/charlies/ - Meet 9 am at 7-Eleven Rowville, north east corner of Stud and Wellington Roads then ride to Arthurs Seat via Flinders to arrive at museum around 10:30 am (86 kms). See map here: www.motowhere.com/maps/route/Rowville-to-Arthurs-SeatVia-Flinders - Request members to advise if they will be attending (for catering) and bring $8.50 museum entry plus $10 each person to cover BBQ lunch (being organised by Tom).

Tuesday 30th

Grandview Hotel Social Night - Fairfield

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Words & Photos Tim Chester A mate of mine who rides an AJS is a member of the Williamstown Club, so we met up with them before heading to Brighton. Beach road was closed off due to an event so we had a long and slow detour around Albert Park. A few of the older bike got a bit hot and started to play up, but taking it nice and easy, we got there eventually. Take a look at some of the bikes, there were some ‘out-there’ creations.

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Club News

Geelong news John Millar took his GT550 (left) out for its first outing since he had completed the restoration.

The beautifully finished bike won Best Modern Classic 1961 - 1975 at the Shannon’s Motor Show held at the Geelong Speed Trails late last year.

The Geelong ride went smoothly, with only a few light showers throughout the duration, but that was nothing we couldnt handle. A new member came along for this ride, cruising along on a nice RG500, it was good to see a new face.

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Club News

South-east Queensland

Ride Calendar

February 2013; Sunday 3rd

6th Australian Motorcycle Museum annual Swap Meet. Held on the museum grounds at Haigslea. Vendors set up on Saturday only and Swap Meet Sunday from 5am. $2.00 admission per person. On-Site catering.

Tuesday 12th

Club Meeting at the Belmont Tavern in the Belmont Shopping Centre cnr Burstall Avenue and Belmont Rd Belmont. Meal at 7pm Meeting 8pm.

Sunday 17th

All Japanese Classic Day at Earnshaw State College Banyo. Japanese cars, bikes and trucks on display. Free admission.

Sunday 24th

Day ride to northern NSW via Beaudesert and the Lions Road. Leave the BP Garage on Mt Lindsay Hwy (opposite the Wineglass water tower) at 7.30am.

March 2013; Tuesday 12th

Club Meeting at the Belmont Tavern in the Belmont Shopping Centre cnr Burstall Avenue and Belmont Rd Belmont. Meal at 7pm Meeting 8pm.

15th to 17th

2013 National Rally at Victor Harbor in South Australia.

Entry forms in the last mag (issue No 127).

Saturday 17th

Maleny Swap Meet at Maleny Showgrounds on Stanley River Rd Maleny.

April 2013;

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Tuesday 9th

Club Meeting at the Belmont Tavern in the Belmont Shopping Centre cnr Burstall Avenue and Belmont Rd Belmont. Meal at 7pm Meeting 8pm.

Sunday 14th

Tiddlers Ride on Brisbanes bayside. More details later.

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C l u b N ews

South/east Queensland NEWS 2012 VJMC / CB750 HONDA CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY This annual event has for the last few years been combined with the Honda CB750 and as in past years it was a great night. A total of 36 people attended the night which was held at the Gumdale Progress Association Hall. Guests enjoyed a selection of 60’s and 70’s music though out the night along with other fun activities.

These included two rounds of “Celebrity Heads” similar to what they used to have on the popular TV show Hey Hey Its Saturday.

Catering was again provided by Daniel who prepared most of the food which was brought out by his cousin and here helper. The girls done a great job of preparing and serving a delicious three course meal with more than the guests could eat.

The celebrity heads games provided a lot of laughs as the contestants tried to guess who they were. For those who aren’t familiar with the game, the contestant has a sign on his head with the name of a celebrity on it and he/she has to guess who it is by asking the audience questions. If they get a yes to a question they can ask another but if they get a no then the next person gets a turn. Three people play in each game..

Graeme Knight done a great job of obtaining a host of prizes for a raffle on the night which included a brand new crash helmet. I think Greame has had lessons in selling raffle tickets from Joan Graham (Gold Coast Enthusiasts Club raffle ticket seller extroadinaire) as he sold

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a couple of books of tickets. A big thank you to Graeme for sourcing the prizes and selling the tickets. Thanks also to Roger Horrell (Honda DB750 Club) who rode in from Ipswich and got there at 4.30pm to help set up.Also to Graeme and Lynn and others who helped out in both the setting up and cleaning up afterwards.

John McNair

SEQ VJMC EXPANDS ITs NUMBERS. Local club rep Steve Day will soon be the proud father of a new baby and no doubt a future VJMC member. I am sure the new baby will grow to be a proud Wallaby supporter too. Lol. On behalf of the VJMC I would like to send best wishes to the Days.

John McNair

WANDERING KNIGHTS. Graeme and Lynn Knight almost had a white Christmas having departed for England on the day after Boxing Day. Graeme’s son Paul married his English bride just into the New Year. While there they went on a tour of Windsor Castle but didn’t get to see Liz. However I am sure if she had known there were two knights in the castle she would have made herself available.

Next stop after England was to see Lynn’s two sons in Japan. I believe the both live quite close to several motorcycle shops. Oh Oh! Watch that excess luggage. I wonder how many Honda 90 parts he had stuffed into his suitcases this time.

John McNair

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Club News

This article was taken from the newsletter of the Four Owners Association of Australia who took it from the Motorcycle Touring Club of QLD who took it from the D.O.C of QLD who took it from the D.O.C of W.A. who took it from the D.O.C of NSW who took it from a motorcycle magazine of 1934. Confused? Then read on….

1; Don’t go to the meetings.

2; If you do go, go late.

3; If the weather doesn’t suit, don’t think of going.

4; If you do attend a meeting, find fault with the work of the committee and other members.

5; Never accept office, as it is easier to criticize than to do anything.

6; Nevertheless, get upset if you are not appointed on a committee, but if you are, don’t attend any committee meetings.

7; If asked by the President to give your opinion on some matter, tell him you have nothing to say.

After the meeting tell everyone how things should have been done.

8; Do nothing more than is absolutely necessary (or nothing at all), but when other members roll up their sleeves and willingly and unselfishly use their ability to help matters along, rubbish the organization as being run by a clique.

9; Hold back your fees as long as possible, or don’t pay them at all.

10; Don’t support you newsletter/magazine by not sending in articles THINK ABOUT IT!

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Club News

Words & Photos: John McNair

South East Queensland member Anthony (Tony) Gill who is a former road racer in open and classic motorcycle racing. I have seen Tony racing an Ariel Red Hunter at Sydney’s Amaroo Park Raceway and on most occasions had the opposition looking up the rear end of his exhaust pipe.

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s well as the Ariel, Tony had great success on his 1961 250cc Honda CB72.

He even took this bike to the USA where he raced at the Daytona 250 GP Classic Race in 1990. Prior to the race one of the members of Team Obsolete who was one of the top Classic road racing teams in the USA at the time, was heard to say “ Huh, back yard jobs, they wont do any good”. Well maybe he choked on his words as the Gill CB72 led the field over the line in first place. With several engine modifications and being a very lightweight machine, the bike has many championship wins under its belt.

and dummy 4th exhaust pipe. This is an ex Honda Australia bike and is a Japanese model, possibly the only one of its kind in the country with different colour scheme to the local model.

Also included in Tony’s collection is a 1962 CB72 Honda which has been bored and stroked from 250 to 500cc. This bike features a 4 leading show front brake, a cylinder head altered for bigger valves, 5 speed gearbox, right had gear change (why?) and Amal carburetors. Weight has been severely reduced on this bike too.

Shelves on his garage wall hold possible one hundred trophies as well as lots of other memorabilia items.

Another CB72 there looked to be pretty much in standard trim however it does have a few minor mod’s. A Honda CB500T rounds off the collection. This machine is mostly standard except for flat handle bars and a different paint job. This machine is black with the Honda wing on the tank and Double Overhead Cam in gold letters on the side covers.

Amongst the older bikes is a very nice Honda NC30 400cc. This bike is about a 1996 model with 22,000 klms and is in RC30 colours. Along side this one is a Honda MVX 250 with full accessory kit including single seat cover, fairing

Tony invited the South East Queensland VJMC members to his place before a recent club ride to Mount Tamborine. With morning tea supplied and all those magnificent bikes it was one hell of a shed visit.. Thanks again Tony for having us. Tony then wheeled out the NC30 and joined us for the ride up to Mount Tamborine via the notorious Guanaba Creek Rd. Much steeper than Henri Robert Drive even.

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Club News

south Australia Report Words Peter Hunt

I hope everyone had a great Xmas and you are well into the swing of 2013. Where did 2012 go?

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hings have been very busy here the last few weeks getting the Rally sorted and final details locked in – entry numbers have been fantastic, and we’re looking forward to showing you some good old South Aussie hospitality. The Rally has generated a lot of interest over here, so we can look forward to lots of spectators on the Saturday making their way down from the city to check the display – should be great, and of course the weather will be perfect ....er hum.

Warland reserve, the home for the rally display

Really looking forward to catching up with you all in March. If you are hanging around for a couple of days after the Rally just to relax and have a holiday. I am planning an unofficial ride to the Birdwood Mill Motor Museum on the Tuesday – will be fun, so stick around if you can. We may also be able to include a visit to a member’s house to view his private collection, see how we go.

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Club News

south Australia 2013 Calendar We’ve got a few things planned for the SA members this year Sunday 3rd February

HMVC AutoJumble at Victor Harbor – display, promote the rally etc.

Friday 15h to Sunday 17th March

The Big One. VJMC National Rally at Victor Harbor – be there or be square. Get your entries in NOW, it’s filling up.

Sunday 21st April

Rally Hangover Ride – a ride and a lunch somewhere.

Monday 10th June

Queen’s Birthday Holiday ride – we will meet at Roy and Bev’s cafe in Piccadilly (thank you Roy and Bev!), enjoy some of their warm hospitality and a hills ride.

Saturday 10th August

Ride Day – possibly to the Big Rocking Horse at Gumeracha.

Sunday 29th September

Bay to Birdwood Classic – for vehicles up to Dec 1977 – this will be an ideal opportunity for us to get a group together to ride and display to promote the club in front of thousands of people. You’ll need to enter individually, I’ll let you know when entry forms are out, but do it early as they do cut off entries at about 1700 (!).

Sunday 13th October

Ride Day – and possibly a garage day at a member’s home.

Sunday 1st December

The traditional Xmas ride/lunch – always a good day.

The will of course be other events that we might tag onto, so keep an eye on your emails. So that’s about it for now – see you in March at Victor Harbor!

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Club News

South Australia

Christmas ride/lunch The hugely successful “never to be missed” annual Xmas extravaganza (ok, it was just our second) was held on Dec 2nd.

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e had a cool sunny day to enjoy an 80k run through some varied roads in the Adelaide Hills, to arrive at the venue, Howard Winery near Nairne, for a delicious and relaxed lunch.

16 bikes on the run and 25 for lunch - got to be happy with that.

Unbeknown to the rest of us, one of our group

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who was at the rear stopped for fuel during the run, and then set about chasing us down ... a little too er, spirited, according to Mr Plod. It made it an expensive day for the rider, and I didn’t even know Z900’s could go that quick ... haha.

What I like about these days, apart from the excellent company of course, is the variety of bikes we get along. It’s always interesting and fun with 175s to 1300s, and even a couple of ring ins – some Italian things called Ducks or something like that.

A good day once again, thank you to all for coming along - especially Von (wayne) who made the trip from Mt Gambier (450k away) to join us.

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Club News

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Gallery

back in the day Jeff Eeles’ touring companion Shane Dwyer sent us some pics from “back in the day”, including some action from Calder Park in the early ‘70s, where he entered a Kawasaki Triple.

Mach 3 kawasaki on the road

Mach 4, Calder park 2 hour race, 1973.

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Gallery

Calder Park 2 Hour start grid

Calder 2 Hour

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Club News

Blue Ribbon charity day Words MotoPaulie

At 0330 on the morning of Sunday November 18th the heavens opened and drenched the town of Tamworth. As I lay awake listening to the rain hammering down on my tin roof I wondered what the day would bring.

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fter having carved our way through the Council’s red tape to obtain permission for the display were we going to be thwarted at the last minute by the untimely arrival of the admittedly much needed precipitation? At 6am it was still raining but had thankfully eased up some, indeed half an hour later there was a welcome break in the clouds and blue sky seemed a favourable portent. So out of bed and after a quick breakfast it was off down town, bikes in the trailer and coffee in the travel mug.

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It was with some stifled hope we began setting up, first the shelter and desk, trophy, membership information, voting forms and Blue Ribbon pins all in place. Next task to get the bikes in order but then wouldn’t you know it the sky darkened and Huey visited us once again! It’s only just after seven thirty and more rain. Now we scrambled to get all our gear under shelter and protect it from the damp. Things were not looking good and by nine am we were thinking we would be our only patrons. The market day stallholders shared our concern, business prospects looked grim indeed.

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Club News

and many stories of bikes owned and ridden in days of yore are exchanged. The dormant interests of some are awoken and membership paperwork finds it’s way into the hands of starry-eyed hopefuls.

But as it often does up here the rain ceased as suddenly as it arrived and once more we were given glimpses of blue sky. So, let’s get the stand back up and get the show on the road. A little after ten by now and people are starting to filter through, business is brisk, folks are arriving in droves ribbon pins are disappearing and the coins tinkling in the collection bucket. Despite the fact that we never actually got around to organizing the bikes in the display as well as we had planned, people are drifting through, photographs are taken

The ballot box fills, we almost sell out of pins and at the end of the day we have beaten the grim prospects of the morning. The final tally, $1030 raised for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and some relieved and happy VJMC members.

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Club News

This year as well as our usual perpetual “People’s Choice” trophy we also had trophies to award for Best Bike pre 1969, Best Bike 1970 to 1979, Best Dirt Bike and Best Bike 1980 to 1989, all kindly donated by West Side Kawasaki. The winners were presented their spoils at our end on year meeting on Thursday November 29th.

The People’s Choice trophy this year went to Steve Murden for his very nicely restored Honda SL125.

The other awards: Best Bike pre 1969: Paul Rowling, Honda CB72 Best Bike 1970 to 1979: Steve Shaw, Suzuki GT750 Best Dirt Bike: Steve Murden, Honda SL125 Best Bike 1980 to 1989: Gary Burgess, Honda CB1100R

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Over the past couple of years we have learnt a thing or two about bike displays and will be using this experience for our next Charity Display. We’ll tweak it a bit next time, just a little fine tuning to make it even better, so if you’d like to join us we’d love to have you along, the probable date will be the third Sunday in November, the 16th. Come along you will no doubt enjoy the experience.

I can’t sign off on this without thanking all the members who came along and made the day a success. I’d also like to thank, Bruce Barnes for donating the trophies, Gary Burgess, Neil Driver and Mark Richmond for their extra fund raising activities prior to the event and to Dale Edwards for providing the VJMC headlight stickers.

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Club News

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C l u b N ews

Tamworth area group report So here we are at the end of yet another year, Merry Christmas and a very Happy and prosperous New Year to you all from the North West!

With this being written in December, reflection on the past year is quite unavoidable really, so as the third year of the Tamworth Area Group draws to a close let’s review our activity and look to our future projects.

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his year has been another one of growth and development. Our membership has increased a little, to be just shy of forty, (we lost a couple of folk along the way as life gets in the road), and I am aware of a few more who are keen to join the fray next year.

As with any organization, we can rely on twenty to twenty-five of those forty attending pretty much every event, the smallest meeting attendance all year was eighteen.

Those meetings continue to be held on the last Thursday of each month (February to November) at the Tamworth City Bowling Club, a meal, refreshments and camaraderie, can’t beat it really. We also have a regular ride day the Sunday after the meeting with a few extra rides organized from time to time. We have attended the Phillip Island Classics in January,

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The National Rally in March, the Barry Sheene Festival of Speed also in March (that was a busy fortnight), The Macquarie Towns Restorers Club Rally in July and the MotoGP in October.

We held two exhibitions of our own, attending the Shannon’s Motor Show in May and our Blue Ribbon Charity Street Display Day in November (see separate story). A couple of the lads also meet up with the coastal boys a few weeks ago, they were treated to fine hospitality by kawman and then the next day meet up with folk from down the Hunter/Central Coast way. The trip home was not quite as much fun with it being our storm season, one description I heard was that it was the “worst conditions I’d ever ridden in” tall praise indeed hey Sean? But everyone got home safely so in the end worth every minute, the trips with adverse conditions are often the ones you remember best.

So in the coming year we intend to consolidate on our recent successes, we will continue our social gatherings and ride days, attend as many rallies, race days and shows as we can manage and basically just keep on keeping on. Maybe we’ll see you on the road, or if you’re ever up this way gives us a shout, we’d love to show you around, any excuse for a ride and a bit of social activity Cheers, MotoPaulie

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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

I talian job

Words Elena Scarmagnan

My husband and I were about to have dinner on a warm Spring evening in October last year, but something exciting was in the air.

We – especially he – had the same feeling that keeps kids awake on Christmas Eve.

By the end of the night, the 1975 Honda CB500 Four was standing on the footpath, with an empty tank, but in perfect condition. The guys were exhausted, and we all had some more food and beers to celebrate.

F

or four long months my husband Gianluca had been waiting for a very special delivery from Italy, and I could see that he sensed this the night. The motorbike’s arrival was the most talked about topic in Leichhardt’s dog park, and Gianluca’s poor friends were tormented by his impatience.

Then, sitting at the dinner table, we heard a truck honking on the street. Gianluca was at the front door in no time, as if he had been rehearsing his sprint all day. And there it was: a big VISA truck slowly trying to park on one of Sydney’s busy streets. Shortly another friend arrived, and a team of four was formed, with eight hands ready and eager to bring that bike to the light!

The task was harder than it looked: the solid, fumigated timber crate wasn’t going to fall apart easily. So the guys used bare hands, hammers, a crowbar and a torch. I personally did my part by serving beers and bruschetta to the guys. It took some time to crack the crate open, only to find the bike sealed in a thick aluminium bag and nailed to a heavy timber base.

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

But what was the story behind that longdesired motorbike?

It all started in Italy, seven years ago. Gianluca’s father, Silvano, always had a passion for bikes, and he had seen an ad for a 1975 Honda. So, father and son – who were living together at the time – travelled to Vicenza to see the bike. Shortly after, they decided to invest in it together, paying 1000 Euro each.

Rust aside, the bike was far from being in original condition: the seat had been replaced, together with indicators and exhaust pipes. The tank had been painted white, and a chopper handlebar was standing tall in a big V shape.

The engine – they found out later – was in good condition.

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Italian job

Restoring this bike was for Gianluca’s father a beautiful project, fuelled by his passion for motors and his experience as an industrial mechanic. He was hardly seen out of his garage for six months.

First of all, Silvano got what would be his Bible for the months ahead: the drawings of all the bike parts, numbered and with measurements.

After that, he started his research for original pieces, and found most of them through the local Honda dealer, but for some rare parts, he had to resort to antique markets, and a private seller from Milan. In the meantime, he started disassembling the bike, piece by piece, and cleaning everything meticulously. Once all the rust was stripped off, the motorbike frame was moved to Gianluca’s oldest brother’s body shop for paintwork, where the tank was also recoated in the original Gold. Silvano substituted any bolt that wasn’t authentic, cleaned the motor, put on new brakes, exhaust pipes, seat and handlebar.

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Then it was time to put it all back together, and shortly the Honda was back in a glorious state.

When I asked him whether he had any big challenge during the restoration, he denied it, but he confessed that he sometimes took a convenient shortcut by stripping off spare parts from another 1975 Honda he had sitting in his garage, a CB500T. I don’t want to stereotype Italians here, but I know for a fact that Silvano used a substance for extra energy during the project (like spinach for Popeye): homemade tomato salsa that was stocked in the cellar next to the garage, dangerously close to the workbench. Caught by his wife, I remember him admitting: “When I’m thirsty I open a jar of tomato salsa and drink it all. It’s organic!” That year the family salsa stock suffered serious shortage.

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Italian job

By Spring, the motorbike was ready to be put on the road, but as no project goes perfectly as planned, it was time for Gianluca to move to Australia, and his plans of enjoying the Honda had to be put aside.

rock. There was enough beer for everyone to have two litres, and Gianluca loaded the barbecue with abundant meat and vegetables.

What better way to welcome the new Honda? We were all bikies for a night, and it was great fun.

For the next four years, Gianluca was living in Sydney but thinking about the beautiful Honda waiting for him in Italy – such a shame! After careful consideration and meticulous planning, he finally decided to get it shipped to Australia to enjoy it every day.

The bike has now fully settled at our place, and I’m getting used to the greasy smell I only knew from Silvano’s garage. Gianluca is tackling his second licence test, and Silvano is currently restoring the 1975 Honda CB500T.

After the much-longed arrival, Gianluca had weeks of exciting bike-related events: getting his licence, shopping for a jacket and accessories, registering the motorbike, riding it for the first time ... But that bike needed a proper Christening, an official welcome from family and friends, so I decided to organise a party inspired to motorbike rellies - all in our tiny backyard.

It took me a few weeks to get inspiration and work out the details, but I finally sent out a dozen of friends an invitation picturing a sweet fluffy chick on a toy motorbike: “Bikes and Chicks Bikies Barbecue”, it said. Everyone dressed up bikie-style, with various interpretations including leather, jeans, boots, piercings, fake moustaches, real and fake tattoos, bandanas, chunky metal jewellery, black leather gloves and belts. The Honda was parked at the front of the house, and it was my job to make every female guest pose on the bike and take pictures of them.

A real bike display was out of the question in our 50sqm backyard, so I replaced it with a photographic exhibition, ranging from WW1 motorbikes to more familiar Vespa and Lambretta, and including some funny pictures of eccentric modified bikes.

Motorbike-related videos were running on the computer screen, and the music was rigorously

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Inc

Victor Harbor, South Australia

Details: phunty@bigpond.net.au • 0418 214 754

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Club News

western vic wanderings Words Alan Stork

Things are ticking along nicely in the Western Vic area, welcome to new members Ross Skinner and Brian Dixon. Ross has a very tidy Honda VF1000F and Brian a Suzuki GSXR 750.

Meeting at miners rest

J

Members Rick, Michael and Bohdan organised a midweek get together in December and rode down to Colac then the Great Ocean Road a good time was had by all.

Our October ride (held in November!) attracted 9 people on 8 bikes - a short ride from Miners rest to Skipton via Beaufort with lunch at the Skipton art Gallery. Fantastic weather and company.

Our December ride defied our motto of “We don’t ride far and we don’t ride fast!” at least the far bit anyway. Halls Gap and back turned out to be about 420 km and bit of a test for those of us who have not been riding a lot lately. We had Mark (Triumph Bonneville giving the GT500 a break), Loreen (Kawasaki KH400), Vic (Gary the 1975 Goldwing), Ian (very tasty Z1R), David

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

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ulian Whitaker has added an RZ250 to his garage and as such now has touring (with his nice CX500) and sport covered.

Rick Reynolds has obtained a K2 Honda 4 and reckons it will be just right for Marita to pillion on, the cafe GS450 not having much appeal for two up. The Storks are now sadly Kawasaki-less with Pam selling her KH100EX a very difficult decision.

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Club News

everyone at the Red Rock lookout

and Belinda (RZ350R great effort by bike and Belinda for such a long ride), Alan and Pam (Honda CBR1000F, no we didn’t cheat the bike is 18 years old) and Warren (Hyundai Excel).

Warren just came to see us off as he had to work, some one has to to do it:).

Mark and Loreen decided to head home from Ararat came back via Tatyoon road and then Carngham they stopped along the way for a

drink of water then Loreen managed a rear puncture! Mark road home 40 odd kms and then back with the trailer to pick up Loreen and the 400.

The rest of us enjoyed riding the twisties up to Zumsteins and back via the south road through Dunkeld.

A happy 2013 from us in Western Vic.

The kh400 with a flat tyre

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle club Merchandi se Order Form Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Embroidered Polos MENS Total

S

M

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$32.00 x

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16 18 20 22 24

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Embroidered Shirts MENS S

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24

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Embroidered Jackets Unisex S

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Embroidered Vest Unisex S

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Emb Polar Fleece Jumper Unisex S

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$35.00 x

ntage Japanese Motorcycle club Merchandi se OrderForm Form ClubViMerchandise Order Number Plate Surrounds For the Bike

Cloth Patches approx 3�

Lapel Badges 30mm

x $5.00 Total

Qty

x $5.00 Total

Qty

x $7.00 Qty

Metal Belt Buckles approx 75mm

Total

x $30.00 Total

Qty Embroidered Scarfs One size fits all Polar Fleece

Embroidered Caps One size fits all Adjustable Back

Embroidered Beanies Acrylic Knit One size fits all

NAME:

x $20.00 Total Qty x $15.00 Qty

Total

x $12.00 Total

Qty

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ADDRESS: _________________________________ PHONE: _________________________________ PAYMENT OPTIONS: Direct Deposit ( please place your full name in as a reference) BSB - 062 801 ACCOUNT - 10240688 NAME - Vintage Japenese M/C Club Cheque payable to - VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB RETURN TO PO BOX 5240 DAISY HILL QLD 3095

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C l u b 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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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

Melbourne - Inner East Mike Darling | 0412 265 981 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

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cl u b 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

VIC

Mid Hunter Meet: 7pm on the 1st Tuesday of every odd-numbered month at Greta Workers Club. Cnr New England Highway & West Street 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

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

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

SA

South Australia Peter Hunt 0418 214 754 phunty@bigpond.net.au

VIC Central Victoria Ivan Eeles (03) 5448 4746 familyeeles@hotmail.com Melbourne Tom Savage 0421 556 953 tomo_savo@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

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Melbourne Metro Meet: Grandview Hotel Cnr Station Street & Heidelberg Road, Fairfield 7.00pm on the last Tuesday night of each month

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 lassifieds

Wanted Wanted: Yamaha RD350 (1974) Fuel tank cap in good condition, including key, lock, catch, pins, circlips. Also, Yamaha fuel tank badges for Yamaha R5 (1970-71) in good condition. Phone Ron: 08 8396 3546 (SA).

Wanted: 1970-71 Yamaha R5 or R5B (purple & white or orange & white) in good running order and overall condition. Suitable for cosmetic restoration or better. Phone Ron on 08 8396 3546.

Wanted: Pair of rear shocks and square shaped tachometer for 1981 TS125 Suzuki, which is curently being restored. Contact John Simpfendorfer 02 6942 2658.

Please contribute Email contributions to: tom@pepperpublishing.com.au

We are looking for articles / photos/ letters for future issues of the mag.

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