VJMC #146

Quarterly Club Mag www.vjmc.org.au

ISSUE 146

VJMC INC AUSTR 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.

Club Postal Address PO Box 254 Modbury North SA 5092 Membership Applications & Renewals VJMC Inc, PO Box 254 Modbury North SA 5092 Website www.vjmc.org.au VJMC Australia Committee President John McNair | johnfour750@hotmail.com Secretary Frank Wood | frankozzie10@gmail.com Treasurer Steve Phelps | steve.phelps@bigpond.com Vice President/Public Officer David Bernardi | mrdbernardi@gmail.com Area Rep Coordinator Dave Quinn | kwakka9@ozemail.com.au Membership Secretary Mick Godfrey | mgo22098@bigpond.net.au Merchandising Officer Peter Donnellan | peted@internode.on.net Committee Member John King | pir8@internode.on.net Committee Member Stephen O’Farrell | stepheno2812@gmail.com Committee Member (Rally) Paul Rowling | motopaulie@bigpond.com Librarian Lyndon Adams | lyndarra@gmail.com Editor Tom Calderwood | tom@pepperpublishing.com.au

QUARTERLY VJMC MAGAZINE This is a forum for members to exchange ideas and restoration tips, seek advice, share opinions and experiences, or anything else relating to the club’s objectives. Contributions are very welcome.

146 CONTENTS

A New Look Website

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President’s Report

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South Aus Club Ride

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Northern Rivers Classic

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VJMC at the Supercars

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From Brisbane, With Love

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Destination: GOLD COAST

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National Rally Report

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Award Winners

32

Members Directory

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Club Info

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Club Permits/Registration

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Membership Renewal

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Please Contribute

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WEBSITE UPDATE

VJMC WEBSITE UPDATE W W W.VJ MC .ORG . AU

IN ISSUE 144 OF THE VJMC MAGAZINE, WE ADVISED YOU OF THE WORK UNDER WAY TO IMPROVE THE CLUB WEBSITE. THE MAJORITY OF THAT WORK, INCLUDING SIGNIFICANT MAINTENANCE TASKS, WAS COMPLETED BETWEEN APRIL AND SEPTEMBER 2017 WHEN THE WORKING TEAM CLOSED THE PROJECT.

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WEBSITE UPDATE

The main aim of the revamp was to reduce the work load on our volunteer office holders by publishing the most commonly requested information including contact details of Area Representatives, details of Club Registration Schemes for each state and the time and locations of Regional Meetings.

The VJMC Magazine now uses the website as the source for this information. Please help keep our site up to date.

More information has also been provided on the Members Menu relating to the National Committee, Life Members and a section for National Rally Reports. The banner at the top of the page has been made to rotate to add a bit of colour and to feature photos from the Forum.

During the project we found that some VJMC regions use social media to conduct communication within their region.

Whereas the VJMC as a whole needed a site that could host essential VJMC documents and where non-social media users across the country were able to communicate. It was clear the VJMC needed to maintain its own site. We decided to use the VJMC Australia Facebook page as our “shop window” to social media for the main site and included links to regional social media pages.

Since the project ended, we have tried to provide continuous improvements as time allows. These include: 1. a different Home page once logged in for club wide announcements 2. a Forum section reserved for the VJMC President called The President’s Messages 3. a Forum section called Welcome to the

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VJMC Forum where members, old and new, can introduce themselves 4. a Public Trading section where any member can advertise to the public to buy or sell VJM related items 5. new items on the Members Menu for the First Aid Trading Policy, Links Motorcycle Industry and the former Gallery (now archived) Several members have also taken on the task of trying to complete the set of VJMC Magazine back issues on the Members Menu. Can you help?

We see www.vjmc.org.au as the only place where a message or update may be available to all members with short notice and at any time. We would like you to use this site to communicate with all of us, schedule rides, publish photos, seek or offer help, update information on restorations, read the NatComm minutes, buy and sell VJM items, check weather forecasts, contact an Area Rep, read motorcycle related links and participate in club activities.

Is it finished yet? Probably not. It’s your site so if you have a suggestion for it, please post it in the Forum topic Website Discussion and Feedback or email it to WebContent@ vjmc.org.au.

If you don’t have a login, please ensure your membership is current and then send an email to Webmaster@vjmc.org.au stating your full name, member number and preferred user name. When you receive a login, go to Welcome to the VJMC Forum topic and say Gidday. It’s that simple !

Happy reading.

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PRESIDENTS REPORT

ONE OF THE GREAT ADVANTAGES OF BEING IN AN AUSTRALIA WIDE CLUB IS THAT YOU CAN TAKE A TRIP INTERSTATE OR INTO THE COUNTRY AND YOU HAVE SOMEONE THERE WITH A COMMON INTEREST. IN LATE NOVEMBER 2017 I HOPPED ON THE BIG BIRD FOR A WEEK IN TASMANIA. EVEN THOUGH THIS BEAUTIFUL STATE IS A MOTORCYCLIST PARADISE WITH FANTASTIC COUNTRY AND HUNDREDS OF GREAT ROADS I HAD TO TRAVEL IN A HIRE CAR. NOT TO WORRY, IT WAS GOOD ON THE WET DAYS.

I had a few reasons for taking the trip, one was to see the “Japan Rising” special three month only show at the National Auto Museum in Launceston which featured classic Japanese cars and motorcycles.

Local VJMC member Peter Kubarych had of his bikes on display at the museum. This was his immaculate sandcast 1969 Honda CB750/4. Our VJMC Tasmania Pull Up Banner was on display near the bikes and is still on display near Peter’s 750/4. This museum is very good and if you are visiting Launceston check it out. It was great to meet up with Peter and drool at his collection.

Just to make sure I got some riding in while in Tassie, John Murray our VJMC Rep down there loaned me his beautiful Suzuki GS1000G for the ride down to Ross in the centre of the state for the Ross Motorcycle Day. Unfortunately the rain gods decided to drop some showers on us for the ride down and during the day which kept crowd attendance down however they still had an amazing array of machines there. John and I handed out several VJMC cards and talked to several owners of some fine classic Japanese motorcycles.

John assured me that we couldn’t go to Ross without visiting the Ross Bakery and having one of their Tasmanian Curried Scallop Pies which turned out to be quite nice. An added bonus was having Tamworth NSW member Steve Murdon

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walk into the shop while we were there. Then while we were having our pies Paul who is a Sydney based VJMC member walked up and said hello. He was down there on holidays as was Steve. Small world.

The next day I drove across to St Helens on the east coast and down to Bicheno for a visit to the Bicheno Motorcycle Museum. It doesn’t look very big from the outside however there are about 60 motorcycles on display including some very unique machines. Well worth a visit. In Hobart I called in on one of our local members Graham Percival for an enjoyable visit. Great to catch up Graham.

(That’s me and Graham in the photo on the opposing page.) Then it was off to the South end of the city to catch up with a mate I have known about 40 years. A bit of reminiscing there.

This trip, and also my trip to Melbourne last year was made so much better with the opportunity to meet up with some of the fantastic people that we have in this club. No better place for this is our National Rally’s each year. Yet again, Tamworth VJMC hosted a fantastic National Rally again for 2018. A little smaller in numbers than 2017 but just as good. Congratulation to the Tamworth VJMC members for their effort. Well done.

Keep Safe John McNair.

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PRESIDENTS REPORT

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SA CLUB RIDE

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SA CLUB RIDE

AFTER THE BEST PART OF A WEEK WITH THE WEATHER HOVERING AROUND THE UPPER THIRTIES, IT WAS REFRESHING, ALBEIT RATHER HUMID, TO FIND THE TEMP AROUND THE MID- TWENTIES FOR THE MORNING OF THE RIDE UNDER OVERCAST SKIES ON FEB10.

Folk had started gathering in the Birkenhead Tavern car park at 9:45am. Then following a couple of phone calls from people who couldn’t now make the start, I gave a brief speech as to the route we would be taking, and then we set off at 10:30am.

the situation and follow up at a later point.

We headed up to Outer Harbor, taking a detour around the area of the ASC docks. With very little traffic on these roads at the weekend, it was a chance to open the Sub 250 bikes up without fear of transgressing any speed regulations.

With me at the helm, and Andre as sweep rider, we set off through the first set of traffic lights.

This is when Colin Jay discovered the battery on his Honda SL125 couldn’t provide enough grunt to keep the bike going following his installing of a new optical ignition system. So after a couple of minutes, Colin decided to stop and try and rectify

We then headed to Glenelg where we occasionally experienced a very few drops of rain. Once we reached Glenelg I spotted Colin Jay waiting by the kerb for us. Colin then joined the ride, but unfortunately, the battery gremlins got him again and he had to pull over. Glenelg is a busy seaside town, and the chances of finding 10-

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SA CLUB RIDE

15 parking spaces for the bikes is slim. So we headed straight back to the Birkenhead Tavern, picking up Roger Sumnall on the way.

the lunch, both of the tables were practically full.

There were twelve bikes on the ride, five of which were over 250cc. Thanks to those riders for joining in an event that is more specifically aimed at lower capacity bikes.

The riders were as follows: 1/ Colin Jay - Honda SL125 (72); 2/ Tim Franklin - Honda CA95 (65) 3/ Andre Peddersen - Suzuki DR200 (18); 4/ Dave Peddersen - Honda CD90 - (96) 5/ Tom Osbourne - Kawasaki ZZR250 (92); 6/ Roger Sumnall - Honda VTR250 (01) 7/ Nathan Webster - Yamaha DT175 (79); 8/ Les Beyer - Honda CB400 (76) 9/ Bob Ross - Yamaha Virago (?); 10/ Luke Jarvis - Suzuki 1250 Bandit (10?)

11/ Dave Ward - Honda CB900FB (82); 12/ Mick Bulman - Suzuki 1200S Bandit (00).

And thanks to the folk who just came along for

Nathan Webster.

We arrived back at the Birkenhead Tavern at approx 12:30pm where we found Colin Jay waiting for us. We then sat at the tables I had pre-booked for lunch and a chat. I left at approx 2pm, and there were still a few folk enjoying a yarn/catch up.

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NORTHERN RIVERS CLASSIC

NORTHERN RIVERS CLASSIC MCC IT WAS A PERFECT 30 DEGREE NORTH COAST DAY ON 18/3/18 AT ALSTONVILLE PLAZA, NEAR LISMORE NSW. AS USUAL, EARLY-RISER PETER HAD THE VJMC TENT UP, CHAIRS/PUBLICITY & MANY MAGAZINES ALREADY ON A TABLE, NEW VELCRO-SIGN ALONG THE FRONT OF THE TENT AND OUR RETRACTABLE SCREEN - TYPE VJMC BANNER ON THE SIDE.

All ready to go and well before I got to Alstonville at 7.30AM. It all looked great and due to Peter’s enthusiasm also was positioned in a great spot [the same as last year.] But let’s also hear some plaudits for the far-sightedness of our National Committee in giving us the tent, banners and other material assistance to our small (but growing) Far North Coast Chapter of VJMC!

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With the hard work already done, talk gravitated to the news from the recent Tamworth National Rally and the contribution to it from members Ian and Peter, who took a brace of immaculate Suzuki CF 250cc fours along. They really enjoyed it, but reported that bookings for accommodation and meals should be booked well in advance.

Peter was on a borrowed CF250 and loved it’s high performance over 10K revs. But he did have

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NORTHERN RIVERS CLASSIC

a few problems. First the temperature gaug/ sensor governing the supplementary coolingfan malfunctioned, while actually in the Rally cavalcade queue, resulting in a boil-over and 1hour cool-off time. But then Peter had to take bad-luck in his stride again, with a locked- up/siezed rear shocker. This effectively left the bike with a rigid rear-end. Fortunately, as a veteran motorcyclist he had experience of older machines with this type of feature and could ride accordingly. On the way back yet another mishap! While checking the hold- down straps on the 2 bikes at Armidale on the road back to Lismore after the rally, it was noticed that this same machine had now lost its rear chain. Oh - but there it was - sliding about on the ute’s floor! The spring-link and clip were

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no-where to be seen. Catastrophic metal fatigue is suspected. Lucky it didn’t come off while Peter was riding it as it could have done damage to the machine and possibly the rider too.

The the usual suspects/helpers and regular ridecrew filtered in over the course of the morning and many old friends surfaced as well - as they always do at these sorts of events. All had snippets of news and advice. Everyone was duly impressed with our classic Japanese machines on display :Noel’s Yamaha RD250, Chris’ Suzuki T250, Ian’s CF250 and Paul’s GT750 “water-bottle”- as well as commenting upon our banners/tent and general set-up. Even a nearby Piaggio scooter was spotted with a VJMC sticker! There was standing room

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NORTHERN RIVERS CLASSIC

only at times in the shade-tent, especially on such a hot day in the Coles car-park at Alstonvillle Plaza Shopping Centre. We distributed many VJMC cards, free Club Magazines, Tamworth Rally memorabilia (such as donated stubby & beenie), Gold Coast Rally information and much in the way of membership forms/advice. A good day indeed and this should go a long way in assisting our slowly growing publicity foot-print in the overall motorcycle scene on the FNC and increased membership.

The Northern Rivers Classic MCC’s wellorganised annual Show & Shine display next to us was (as usual) a great success, even though numbers seemed fractionally lower than last year.

They attracted a mix of every type of 30+ year old

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machine, including modern, un-restored, veteran and vintage - as well as some racing machines from that era. I spotted a couple of immaculate late 1940s Triumph twins, one with the innovative (for the time) rear sprung-hub that gave a full 2” of rear suspension derived from a pre-WW2 aircraft wheel design (Note: similarly so was the disc-brake). Such is the inevitable technological progress.

Our grateful thanks go as per usual go to our hosts the NRCMCC and to Hookers, Alstonville Plaza’s managing agents.

See you next year - or even sooner at at the Gold Coast National.

Rob Andrews - VJMC Far North Coast of NSW.

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VJMC @ SUPERCARS

ON MARCH 1-4 THE VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB HAD A DISPLAY OF JAPANESE BIKES AT THE ADELAIDE 500 SUPERCAR EVENT AS PART OF OUR 35TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR. Mick Godfrey

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VJMC @ SUPERCARS

We collected 44 bikes with a good cross section of the main four brands plus a lone Bridgestone.

over the bikes it was a bit like being home in front of a television but without the adverts.

The site was on grass and we were able to put our club tent up halfway between the beer outlet and a big screen so for those members who watched

The machines ranged from a 1971 CB175 Honda through to a 1981 Z1300 Kawasaki with Suzuki being represented by five Katanas and a GT750

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VJMC @ SUPERCARS

Waterbottle. Two CBX Hondas, 3 Yamaha 650’s and a 750, 3 very different CB750 Hondas as well as both a 350 and 400 four and six trail bikes were also on show.

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It was a very long weekend for some but there was a lot of interest in the bikes with many recounting their youthful experiences. The VJMC provided the bulk of the display but there were also bikes from the Z1 Owners and the Barossa Valley

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VJMC @ SUPERCARS

Classic clubs as well as a small selection from the Yamaha Retro Motorcycles floor stock.

Several of the exhibitors took advantage of our passes to also see the car racing and attend the

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concerts with Cold Chisel on the Friday evening and Robbie Williams on Sunday being very well received.

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FROM BRISBANE WITH LOVE

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FROM BRISBANE WITH LOVE

THE SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND MEMBERS LEFT BRISBANE IN THREE GROUPS. KEN, GRAEME AND I HAD PLANNED TO LEAVE FROM MY PLACE AT NEAR BEENLEIGH AND HEAD SOUTH VIA BEAUDESERT WITH CHRIS, TOM, SCOTT, ROD, TERRY AND LEE LEAVING FROM BROWNS PLAINS.

Unfortunately Ken had a problem at work and couldn’t leave until the Friday, so Graeme on his Suzuki Vstrom and myself on my 1978 Honda CB750 K7 set off for Beaudesert. My bike cover decided to part company with my bike north of Rathdowney and as we got back on the road the other group caught up to us with Tom leading the way on his immaculate CB77 Honda 305.

Other bikes in that group included two Suzuki 500 Titan twins, two 600 Yamaha off roaders

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and one sports bike. After a fuel stop in Kyogle Chris and his group stopped for breakfast while Graeme and I continued on down the Summerland Way to Grafton.

We got caught in a traffic jam in Grafton with traffic having to merge into one lane to cross the road bridge over the Clarence River. With the temperature nudging 38 degrees it was a little sweaty. Lunch in the air conditioning at Macca’s

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F R OVMJ M BC R IISNBCA N AU E SW T IRTAHL ILAO V E

in South Grafton was quite pleasant before we hit the road again running parallel to the Pacific Hwy but inland through Glenreagh and Coramba joining the highway at Coffs Harbour where a sea breeze dropped the temperature by about ten degrees. Beautiful. The K7 ran onto reserve just after Coffs Harbour and a plan to refuel in Urunga was thwarted when I realized that the highway doesn’t go through there anymore. Fortunately there was a new

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BP Service Centre at the Valla exit. Nambucca Heads and Macksville have also been bypassed with most of the road to Newcastle being double carriageway now including two new bridges over the Hastings River at the Port Macquarie exit. A good road in a car but a little boring for a motorbike.

We arrived in Wauchope about 4pm QLD time with the trip meter ticking over 550 klms for

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PLANNING A RIDE

the day. Quite a nice town of about 7,500 people Wauchope is 19 klms west of Port Macquarie on the Oxley Highway. We were greeted with a big banner on a fence as we entered town which read “Wauchope welcomes motorcyclists.

NSW’s first Motorcycle Friendly Town”.

Hmmm! Nice, somebody loves us. We found the Timbertown Resort Motel with a banner out front welcoming motorcyclist’s. Checked in and then a short walk in a pleasant 26 degrees up to the Bago Tavern for a fantastic meal. The Timbertown Resort Motel also plays host to a gathering of Buel riders each year and also a Honda Blackbird gathering too. Both these events bring riders from at least three states.

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The next morning we were on the road for the 164 klm ride up the Oxley Hwy from Wauchope (20 meters above sea level) to Walcha (1067 metres ASL). At the foot of the range a sign tell us we have “45 klms of Winding Road”. The corners range from 25 klms to 80 klms per hour with the cool temperate forests occasionally giving way to magnificent views over lush green valleys. Did I say cool? It was cool alright, 18 degrees as we pulled into the legendry Gingers Creek Café about two thirds the way up the mountain. Wow, that’s 20 degrees difference in 48 hours. Gingers Creek Café is a “must ” for motorcyclists travelling the Oxley. There were about 12 to 15 bikes there. Not bad for a Friday.

Caught up with Buderim

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VJMC INC AUSTR ALIA

Queensland VJMC member Mark Clark at the café. Mark was down in Tamworth for the rally and decided to check out the Oxley.

With the hunger pains now gone it was back on the road to Apsley Falls 75 klms west. With a good f low of water coming over the 135 metre drop they were well worth the visit. Another motorcyclist visiting the falls remarked that he didn’t think there would be much water over the falls as it was so dry. What!!!!!!!!!!! Dry????? It’s been nice and green.

Well we soon found out what he meant as we crested the range to be confronted with brown grass. Amazing transformation! Pretty soon we arrived at the town of Walcha (population 1,500), one of the gems of the New England high country . At 1067 metres ASL it is definitely a place to visit in the summer if you are on a motorbike. Summer temperatures range from 12 to 25 degrees. Pretty comfortable. However in winter the range is minus 2 to 12. Yep, now that’s a tad chilly. One of Australia’s most outstanding droving pioneers Matt Buchannan is buried in the Walcha Cemetery.

A plaque on his grave tells of his achievements.

The road from here is a pleasant ride to

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Bendemeer on the New England Hwy 40 klms north of Tamworth. (Stopped in at the Bendemeer Hotel last year. Good meals and cold beer here too.) Still nice and cool here, however this changed as we descended the Moombi Ranges into Tamworth.

Tamworth is a beautiful city of about 45,000 at the foot of the Moonbi Ranges and at 404 metres ASL it can be cold in winter and hot in summer. Now it was hot. Around 28 as we checked it the Paradise Country Caravan Park cabin. This park would have to be one of the best in the area. Situated on the banks of the Peel River it has campsites, caravan sites and beautiful cabins along with a refreshing pool and an awesome camp kitchen.

A slightly longer route to Tamworth this was an enjoyable ride and it was great to ride the Oxley Hwy again. The last time was in the 1980’s.

The Honda ran well all the way there and back except it became a Honda 750/3 a few times in the rain from Stanthorpe to Brisbane on the home run. Oh well, can’t complain too much about that. The round trip was 1900 klms with fuel cost about $145.

Words and pictures; John McNair.

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MELBOURNE METRO

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SAV E T HE DAT E - G OL D C OA S T 2019

DE S T I N AT ION:

GOLD COAST N AT ION A L

R A L LY

2 019

F R I DAY 17 M AY TO S U N DAY 19 M AY 2 019

DUE TO THE WARMER WEATHER EXPERIENCED IN OUR NORTHERN STATE THE 2019 AND 2020 RALLIES WILL BE HELD IN MAY RALLY CENTRAL WILL BE AT THE GOLD COAST HOLIDAY PARK, 66-86 SIGANTO DRIVE HELENSVALE JUST OFF THE M1 FREEWAY OUR PRESENTATION DINNER WILL BE AT MOVIE WORLD JUST A STONE’S THROW FROM THE PARK OUR SHOW AND SHINE AND RIDE DAYS WILL ALSO BE AT THE MOVIE WORLD PRECINCT (OUTBACK SPECTACULAR) TO PROVIDE A ONE STOP LOCATION FOR OUR INTERSTATE VISITORS. THE RIDES WILL BE THROUGH MAJESTIC HINTERLAND ROUTES WITH MORE BEING PLANNED. THE GOLD COAST HOLIDAY PARK IS READY AND WAITING FOR YOUR CALL TO LOCK IN ANY OF THEIR WIDE RANGE OF ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS. DISCOUNTS ARE BEING PROVIDED AND JUST MENTION THE VJMC RALLY TO OBTAIN THIS DISCOUNT. TO CHECK OUT THE PARK’S ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS AND FACILITIES GO TO THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.GOLDCOASTHOLIDAYPARK.COM.AU THE QUEENSLAND RALLY COMMITTEE LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO THE SUNSHINE STATE! CHECK THE VJMC WEBSITE FOR REGULAR UPDATES, NOMINATION FORMS, TOURIST INFORMATION ETC! POST ANY QUESTIONS YOU WOULD LIKE ANSWERED!

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NATIONAL RALLY T W E N T Y

E IGH T E E N

FOLLOWING ON FROM THE SUCCESS OF 2017 THE VJMC NATIONAL RALLY WAS ONCE AGAIN HOSTED IN TAMWORTH IN THE BEAUTIFUL, BUT SADLY RATHER DRY, NORTHWEST SLOPES AND PLAINS OF NEW SOUTH WALES OVER THE WEEK-END OF MARCH SECOND TO FORTH.

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BEHIND ENEMY LINES

As is now the usual practice the festivities began on Friday with the registration sign-on and meet and greet bar-b-que dinner in the recreation area of the Paradise Tourist Park. West Tamworth Rotary Club turned on a superb repast and as the evening drew on the conversations flowed as readily as the refreshments, with the weather promising to be warm and dry (it don’t rain here much) everyone went to bed full of great expectations.

As with last year the breakfast venue and muster point for Saturday’s ride was at Oxley Park Lookout, perched on the hill overlooking Tamworth it provides an eagle’s eye view of the picturesque Peel Valley. Upon arrival each participant had a stop and go photograph opportunity and before long the lookout’s carpark was awash with chrome, candy paint and the smell of two-stroke

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smoke. The rally participants wandered about in brilliant Autumn sunshine checking out the different machines while enjoying their bacon, egg and sausage rolls. Then it came time for the ride to depart, so the vast contingent mounted up and the streets of Tamworth came alive with four stroke growls and the buzz of the two strokes as the line of fine old machines snaked through town into the surrounding rural landscape. This year’s ride headed north out to Somerton via Attunga then back across the alley past Lake Keepit and on to Manilla where morning tea awaited. After the refreshments the ride headed back to Tamworth passing through the main street and on to the display site.

Here the machines were shuffled into their respective categories for judging. Our panel of

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BEHIND ENEMY LINES

judges commented on the level of difficulty this year, a testament to the quality of the entrants.

Fortunately this year the pick-up drivers were untroubled as everyone returned without mishap.

The display was once again open to the public and proved to be quite popular, with a considerable number of spectators of all ages taking the opportunity to admire the fine collection of machines. Walking amongst the throng of spectators the usual comments could be heard, “that was my first bike” or “I had one of those back in the day” “haven’t seen one of those for a long time” and of course “wish I had of kept that one”.

Saturday evening and time for the presentation

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dinner, we had two-hundred and ten souls booked in for the festivities at the Blazes auditorium in West Tamworth Leagues Club. This year, thanks to the generosity of our local Kawasaki dealer, we had an example of each of the new z900RS’s on display, one of the new “Jaffas” and a green Café, both attracted considerable attention.

Sunday morning dawned fresh and clear and following the excellent breakfast prepared by the West Tamworth Rotarians the AGM was held at the camp kitchen. The majority of office bearers were returned with the exception of Treasurer, as after several years of service Steve Phelps has decided to stand down, we thank him for his

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tireless contribution to running of the club. The position is (at the time of writing) still vacant if you’d like to have a crack. After the AGM the Sunday ride set off for a run through the rural area on Tamworth’s north-eastern border.

Organizing the last two rallies has been an enjoyable experience for the members of the Tamworth Area Group and we thank the participants and hope you all had a great time.

Next year it moves north and the Queenslanders are well into their planning, the central location will be at Movieworld and as it can be a little hot and humid up there in March the date has been moved to the Middle of May. See you in Queensland!

Motopaulie

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NATIONAL R ALLY WINNERS

VJMC R A LLY EN T R A N TS JU DGING Best Pre 1960: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Frank Loveridge 1959 Meguro S7 VJMC COMMITTEE AWARDS Oldest Bike: Sponsored by Old Bike Australasia Frank Loveridge 1959 Meguro S7

Best 1961 to 1970: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Ray Kinch 1968 Bridgestone MTN VJMC COMMITTEE AWARDS Founders Award Ray Kinch 1968 Bridgestone MTN VJMC PRO JUDGING Best of the Rest: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Ray Kinch 1968 Bridgestone MTN

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NATIONAL R ALLY WINNERS

Best 1971 to 1980: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Clyde Ikin 1973 Suzuki GT750 VJMC PRO JUDGING Best Suzuki: Sponsored by Western Ranges Motorcycles Clyde Ikin 1972 Suzuki GT750

Best 1981 to 1990: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Gary Burgess 1982 Honda CB1100R VJMC COMMITTEE AWARDS Most Desirable Motorcycle: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Gary Burgess 1982 Honda CB1100R VJMC PRO JUDGING Best Honda: Sponsored by Western Ranges Motorcycles Gary Burgess 1982 Honda CB1100R

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N AVTJIM OC N ANLA TR IAOLNLAY L WRI ANLNLEYR S

Best 1991 to 2003: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Ray Lalic 1992 Honda CBR900

VJ MC C O M M I T T E E AWA R D S VJMC Presidents Selection: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Alan Philips 1984 Kawasaki KR250

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VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

www.vjmc.org.au

N A T I O N AT LA M RW A LOLRYT H WINNERS

Longest Distance: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Werner Kolze 1620km 1972 Honda CB750K2

Hard Luck Award: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Tom McGrath Honda CB77 blown head gasket

VJMC PRO JUDGING Best Yamaha: Sponsored by Harvey Morris Motorcycle Repairs Mark Leadbeatter 1981 Yamaha RD350LC

www.vjmc.org.au

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

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NATIONAL R ALLY WINNERS

Best Kawasaki: Sponsored by Westside Motorcycles Leon Boddington 1975 Kawasaki Z1B

Best Race Bike: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Ken Lindsay 1989 Honda RS250R

Best Off Road: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Linden Manvell 1981 Honda CR450

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VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

www.vjmc.org.au

NATIONAL R ALLY WINNERS

Best Special/Modified: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Simon Whittaker 1976 Honda CJ360

Best Tiddler: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Leon Owens 1970 Honda SL70

www.vjmc.org.au

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

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NATIONAL R ALLY WINNERS

CONCOURS JUDGING Best Yamaha: Sponsored by Harvey Morris Motorcycle Repairs Ed Chambers 2001 Yamaha XJR1300SP

Best Honda: Sponsored by Western Ranges Motorcycles Toy Sculpher 1976 Honda z50J1

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VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

www.vjmc.org.au

NATIONAL R ALLY WINNERS

Best of the Rest: Sponsored by Shannon’s Insurance Bob Edwards 1967 Bridgestone 175dt

Best Kawasaki: Sponsored by Westside Motorcycles Paul Darderi 1973 Kawasaki Z1

Best Suzuki: Sponsored by Western Ranges Motorcycles Ray Fox Suzuki GSX1100S Katana

www.vjmc.org.au

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

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BEHIND ENEMY LINES

Z - P OW E R AWA R D S Best Pre 1981 Kawasaki: Sponsored by Z Power Australia Peter Barker 1979 Kawasaki z1000ST outfit

Best Post 1981 Kawasaki: Sponsored by Z-Power Australia Frank Rizzeri 1989 Kawasaki ZX2R

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VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

www.vjmc.org.au

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

IF YOU ARE A VJMC MEMBER AND YOU WOULD LIKE TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ON THIS PAGE, PLEASE EMAIL YOUR DETAILS TO ADRIAN DIXON AT ADIXON@CONTECHENGINEERING.COM Allen Sutton The Hydroblast Shop 3/ 41-43 Sinclair Rd, Dandenong, Vic 3175 0400 516 979 www.thehydroblastshop.com.au Superior restoration of automotive, motorcycle and industrial components. We can make those engine casings, barrels, heads, carbies and intricate parts look like new again. Let our experience be a part of your next restoration project. Visit our website for more detail.

Tri-Spark Electronic Ignition Systems South Australia, export world wide sales@trispark.com.au | www.trispark.com.au 08 8371 1664 Specialises in ignition systems for classic bikes.

Our reputation for supplying a top-quality product and technical support is unmatched. We also stock ignition coils, voltage regulators and accessories. We are happy to hear from members about their bike electrical requirements and answer their questions. Please visit our website and get in touch.

Alan Jansen Pals Automotive Services 11/42 New St, Ringwood 3134.

Motorcycle & car RWC inspections in Melbourne’s Eastern suburbs by ‘Vintage Friendly’ inspectors.

By appointment only. www.palsautos.com.au | alan@palsautos.com.au 03 9879 6044 Frank Van Den Broek Garage Door & Gate Solutions 23 Cantebury Roar, Braeside Victoria 3195 9587 4000 www.garagedoorsolutions.com.au www.vjmc.org.au

Steve Gittings Printforme 03 5334 2605 | 0417 336 360 printforme@ncable.net.au Design. Print. Finish. Offset and digital printing.

Ned Vernon Traditional trained metalsmith specialising in finely crafted motorcycle fabrication. Working in both aluminium and steel manufacture, specialist of tanks fairing and crafting one off custom designs. www.clavo-loco.com | nedvernon@gmail.com 0403 805 301 Richard Scoular Classic Bikes Direct 41A Jarrah Drive, Braeside. Victoria 3195 0400 222 040 | www.classicbikesdirect.com.au Let our world wide network be your advantage when buying a Classic to add to your collection, Nearly 40 years industry experience.

Tony and Catherine Fresh as Bread Cafe 76 Aberdeen Road, Macleod Victoria 3085 For VJMC members: your first coffee is complimentary, great quiet location off main roads, opposite park, with plenty of parking right in front of cafe. Good stop for group rides.

Alan Davis Abraham Lincoln Motel 343 Armidale Road. East Tamworth NSW 2340 02 6766 1233 | info@abrahamlincoln.com.au www.abrahamlincoln.com.au VJMC members can receive a 10% discount on their accommodation when they book direct with the motel, stating they are a current member of the VJMC. VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

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CLUB INFO

REGIONAL MEETS

Meetings are open to both VJMC members and the general public.

Meetings will qualify as a Club Plate ride in most states and territories.

Please direct further enquiries to your local meeting convener using an email address below. Please enter VJMC MEETING in the subject line.

BELCONNEN: 7:30 PM - 3rd Wednesday of each month.

Belconnen Soccer Club.

Belconnen Way, Hawker. ACT. David Quinn – 0412 695 738 Meeting.ACT@vjmc.org.au

TAMWORTH: 6.30 PM last Thursday of each month.

Tamworth City Bowling Club.

ANZAC Park. Brisbane St, Tamworth. NSW. Paul Rowling – 0411 696 852 Meeting.Tamworth@vjmc.org. au

NEW SOUTH WALES

QUEENSLAND

LOWERHUNTER: 7:20 PM - 2nd Thursday of each month.

Club Macquarie. 458 Lake Road, Argenton. NSW. Bill Keevers – 0438 646117 Meeting.LowerHunter@vjmc. org.au

S.E. QUEENSLAND:7:00 PM - 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Belmont Tavern. Cnr Burstall Ave & Belmont Rd, Belmont.

Qld. Scott Abbett – 0466 561 008 Meeting.Brisbane@vjmc.org.au

ILLAWARRA: 7:00 PM - 1st Wednesday of each month.

Ocean Beach Hotel. 2 Addison St, Shellharbour. NSW. Barry Fitzgerald – 0487 746 020 Meeting.Illawarra@vjmc.org.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

ACT / SOUTHERN NSW

MID HUNTER: 7:00 PM - 1st Tuesday of each even-numbered month. Greta Workers Club.

Cnr New England Hwy & West St, Greta. NSW. Allan Kensitt – 0405 492700 Meeting.MidHunter@vjmc. org.au SYDNEY: 7:00 PM - 2nd Wednesday of each month.

Prospect Hotel. Great Western Highway, Prospect. NSW. Paul Johnson - 0481 142 175 Meeting.Sydney@vjmc.org.au Paul Lenehan – 0408 825126 Meeting.Sydney1@vjmc.org.au

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ADELAIDE: 6:30 PM - last Thursday of each month except December. Tonsley Hotel. South Road, Clovelly Park. SA. Mick Godfrey Meeting.Adelaide@vjmc.org.au

VICTORIA CENTRAL VICTORIA: 10:00 AM - every Sunday morning.

Garlands Bakehouse & Cafe.

124 High Street, Kangaroo Flat.

Vic. Rodney Gilbert – 0439 327 283 or Meeting.CentralVictoria@vjmc. org.au

MELBOURNE: 7:00 PM last Tuesday of each month.

Grandview Hotel. Cnr Station Street & Heidelberg Rd, Fairfield. Vic. No contact MORNINGTON PENINSULA: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday of each month.

Balnarring Beach General Store. 181 Balnarring Beach Rd, Balnarring Beach. Vic. Dave Parker – 0416 154 056 Meeting.MorningtonPeninsula @vjmc.org.au WEST GIPPSLAND: 10:00 AM - last Sunday each Month.

Prior to ride at 11:00 AM. East Bound Caltex Service & Station.

Princess Hwy, Longwarry North. Vic. Mick Gunn – 0439 537 901 Meeting.WestGippsland@vjmc. org.au WESTERN VICTORIA: 9:30 AM - last Sunday each month. Prior to ride at 10:30 AM. Krooze In Cafe 1/4 Boak Ave, Mount Helen VIC. Vic Muller – 0439 537 901 or Meeting.WesternVictoria@ vjmc.org.au

GOULBURN MURRAY: 10:00 AM - 1st Sunday of each month. Kyabram. 135 Allan St,Kyabram. Vic. Garry Lennie – 0459 233020 email T.B.A.

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

www.vjmc.org.au

VJMC INC AUSTR ALIA

HISTORIC REGISTRATION VJMC Members may apply for historic registration, however, please note the club objective: To foster the preservation, restoration, riding and enjoyment of ownership of Japanese motorcycles.

Historic registration is aimed at preserving historic vehicles, as a result modified or customised motorcycles may be ineligible for historic registration in your state. Please check the links to documentation for Club Permit/Registration in your state or territory to check your bike’s eligibility.

The N.S.W. RMS is now trialling a 60 day log book scheme. The VJMC is registered as a participant in that trial.

Provided below are the websites in each state that will be of assistance. You will need to enter “historic vehicle registration” or similar into the search bar.

A number of VJMC email address are also provided for further enquiries.

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY: www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au.

QUEENSLAND: www.qld.gov.au

Email: ClubRegistration.ACT@vjmc.org.au

Email: ClubRegistration.Qld@vjmc.org.au

NEW SOUTH WALES: www.councilofmotorclubs.org.au www.rms.nsw.gov.au vjmc.org.au Club Registration (Sydney) email: ClubRegistration.Sydney@vjmc.org.au Club Registration(other): ClubRegistration.NSW@vjmc.org.au

NORTHERN TERRITORY: nt.gov.au Email: ClubRegistration.NT@vjmc.org.au

www.vjmc.org.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA: www.sa.gov.au ClubRegistration.SA@vjmc.org.au

TASMANIA: http://www.transport.tas.gov.au ClubRegistration.Tas@vjmc.org.au

VICTORIA: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au vjmc.org.au Email: ClubRegistration.Vic@vjmc.org.au

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

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VJMC INC AUSTR ALIA

AREA REPRESENTATIVES VJMC Area Representatives are available to assist with

Please enter VJMC ENQUIRY in the email subject line.

any aspect of the VJMC they can but particularly club

More Info on becoming a regional rep: Contact Alan Stork

membership activities local to them. If they are unable to

on 0401 995 061 if you are interested in getting VJMC

assist you directly, they will do their best to direct your

happening in your area.

enquiry to the best available person or resource to resolve it.

ACT / SOUTHERN NSW Canberra David Quinn – 0412 695 738 Canberra@vjmc.org.au

Mid Hunter Allan Kensitt – 0405 492 700 MidHunter@vjmc.org.au

NEW SOUTH WALES

Mid North Coast Stephen Wardle – TBA MidNorthCoast@vjmc.org.au

Armidale Greg Inglis – 0408 669 986 Armidale@vjmc.org.au

North West NSW Garry Hennessy – 0418 496 538 NWNSW@vjmc.org.au

Broken Hill Samuel Muscat – 0412 208 898 BrokenHill@vjmc.org.au

Orange Peter Ezzy – 0427 663 246 Orange@vjmc.org.au

Central Coast Jeff Lockhart – 0419 286 311 CentralCoast@vjmc.org.au

Sydney David Bernardi – 0431 661 769 Sydney@vjmc.org.au

Far North Coast Rob Andrews FarNorthCoast@vjmc.org.au

Sydney Inner Stephen O’Farrell – 0413 729 720 SydneyInner@vjmc.org.au

Illawarra Vacant Illawarra@vjmc.org.au

Sydney South & West Allan Dykstra – 0418 866 917 SydneySW@vjmc.org.au

LowerHunter Bill Keevers – 0438 646 117 LowerHunter@vjmc.org.au

Tamworth: Paul Rowling – 0411 696 852 Tamworth@vjmc.org.au

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VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

www.vjmc.org.au

VJMC INC AUSTR ALIA

NORTHERN TERRITORY Darwin: vacant Darwin@vjmc.org.au

East Gippsland Steve Millikan EastGippsland@vjmc.org.au

Queensland

Geelong Alistair Elliot – 0400 109 124 Geelong@vjmc.org.au

Gold Coast Graham Heise – 0401 046 531 GoldCoast@vjmc.org.au

Kyabram Garry Lennie – 0428 542 479 Kyabram@vjmc.org.au

Mackay Peter & Helen Douglas – 0408 186 439 Mackay@vjmc.org.au

Melbourne Phil Scorah – 0412 162 863 Melbourne@vjmc.org.au

S.E. Queensland Scott Abbett – 0488 550 759 SEQueensland@vjmc.org.au

Mornington Peninsula David Parker – 0416 154 056 MorningtonPeninsula@vjmc.org.au

Sunshine Coast vacant SunshineCoast@vjmc.org.au

N.E. Victoria Ian Brightmore – 0419 888 020 NEVictoria@vjmc.org.au

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

N.W. Victoria Robert Traeger – 0418 145 393 NWVictoria@vjmc.org.au

Adelaide Mick Godfrey – 0401 196 922 Adelaide@vjmc.org.au

TASMANIA

West Gippsland Michael Gunn – 0439 537 901 WestGippsland@vjmc.org.au

Launceston John Murray – 0413 452 341 Tasmania@vjmc.org.au

Western Victoria Victor Muller – 0429 160 856 WesternVictoria@vjmc.org.au

VICTORIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Central Victoria Rodney Gilbert – 0429 327 283 CentralVictoria@vjmc.org.au

Perth and W.A. David Williams – 0418 687 855 Perth@vjmc.org.au

www.vjmc.org.au

VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

45

VJMC INC AUSTR ALIA

Annual subs VJMC Inc I 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.

OFFICIAL USE ONLY Received Renewal Date Received $

Member No Cash / Cheque / MO / Direct Debit Name Receipt No Due Date Reply Sent 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 members 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 (Commonwealth) Please include your member number as detail.

Send to: VJMC Inc PO Box 254 Modbury North SA 5092

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VINTAGE JAPANESE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

From ANNUAL FEES Australian Residents Family (member + 1 other) New Zealand Overseas

1/6/18 1/7/18 NEW RENEW $45 $40 $55 $50 $50 $45 $55 $50 www.vjmc.org.au

PLEASE CONTRIBUTE Email contributions to: tom@pepperpublishing.com.au

NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: JUNE 30TH