VJMC #124

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club - Australia

+ News Events Classifieds Ride Reports and More Summer 2010/11 Quarterly Club Mag www.vjmc.org.au

Issue 124

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 Postal address: VJMC Inc, PO Box 146, Fairfield VIC 3078 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 Michael Catchpole (03) 9809 4046 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@austarnet.com.au Web Manager Raoul Punt webmanager@vjmc.org.au Bi-Monthly 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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124 C ont e nts

President’s Report |4| Club News | 6-11 | Morris Garage | 12-15 | 2012 National Rally Info | 16-25 | Moto GP | 26-27 | Travel: Japan | 28-31 | Old Bike-VJMC Shed Day | 32-35 | CBX Book Review | 36-37 | Raritee Prizes/Calendar/Classifeds | 38-39 | VJMC Club Info | 40-41 | Membership Renewal | 42 |

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P RE z RE P O R T

A Word From

The President Here we are nearly at the end of another year and boy hasn’t it flown.

We had a hectic start to the year in Queensland with all the floods and then the cyclone up north. Fortunately none of our members suffered damage as far as I am aware so that’s good. Australia Day came and went.

For me this was a good weekend with two RDO’s making it a five day weekend which was spent camping in northern NSW. Great part of the country. Lots of fantastic motorcycling roads and terrific little country pubs with great meals.

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f course March had one of the highlights of the year. This was the 2011 National VJMC Rally at Warilla near Shellharbour in the Illawarra area of NSW. What a great weekend. Even a shower of rain on the Saturday afternoon couldn’t spoil it.

We had a fantastic collection of bikes on display at the concours and several other interesting machines in the carpark. The meals at the Warilla Bowls Club were excellent and the rides were wonderful with the area west of Kiama having some great roads. And the good news is, it’s on again next March at the same venue with a few improvements which will add to the enjoyable time had by all. This is a great time to catch up with our fellow members from all over the country so mark it on your calendar for the 9th, 10th and 11th of March 2012. Make Note; This is the 2nd weekend not the first as in many other National Rallies.

With the 2011 and 2012 rallies having been held at Warilla it will be time for the rally to be held elsewhere in 2013 so now is a good time to start thinking about whether you can hold a rally in your area. Plenty of assistance will be available from the National Club to get you started, so have a think about it and put some suggestions up at the 2012 rally AGM. Victoria has hosted the rally as has the Hunter region (many times), Illawarra, Shoalhaven and South East Queensland regions. There are some great roads around Bathurst and Orange also the New England area. The mind boggles.

As I mentioned earlier, its nearly Christmas again so I would like to wish all our members and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please keep safe and I look forward to seeing you all at Warilla in March.

To all our committee members throughout the country and to Raoul, our website manager, I say a big thank you for helping to make this club the great organization that it is.

Keep Safe, John McNair

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P RE z RE P O R T

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WESTERN VIC REGION

WANDERINGS Words Alan Stork

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ell if you do not have much to write about there is always the weather.

We have our scheduled ride on the last Sunday of the month and since the last newsletter, it has been raining or threatening to rain on each of our days! Still we generally had some turn up for coffee so the company was appreciated (at least by me.)

Members Rick Reynolds and Mark Jackson suggested we fly the flag at the Talbot Swap, so Alan Stork tagged along as well.

Would you buy a used Suzuki of this man?

Mark Jackson doing a deal.

It was bloody freezing in the morning, however Rick put on a brave face.

This is a growing event and it might be worth some of our Melbourne and Central Vic members considering next time as it is not too far from either area. I made a bit over petrol money and was happy to get away from the drizzle at home.

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New member Bohdan Kubiakowski braved the elements and turned up on his Honda CBX750f (sorry no picture was busy trying to flog the Suzuki B100p at the time and then the camera battery carked it!)

Rick had his GT185 and CB360T, and was very happy with the way the Suzuki, caught up and passed the much larger machines on the twisties.

Rick with his GT 185

It didn’t sell but I am not too sad about that.

Members Rick Reynolds, David Ellis and Mark Jackson had a great time at the Broadford come and try day with Rick and David riding their VJs. David had his RZ track day weapon out for the first time, however it still needs some sorting.

David Ellis with RD 250

We have been doing a few club permits however mainly from existing members rather than new ones, I believe things are a little different in some of the other Vic regions though. I hope we get some good rides in over summer, until next time Merry Christmas to all.

Croz Larrikin Biker Book Review I bought this book directly from Graeme Crosby’s website and I reckon it was a really good read. It covers Graeme’s racing career from 1973 to 1982 and is presented in the form of a journal. The author does not go into great depth about his rivals however you can certainly read between the lines! It was a time when the riders were fighting for a better deal both in pay and safety, a constant theme throughout the book is the constant deaths and injuries to the riders. Four hundred plus pages of easy reading great value.

See http://www.graemecrosby.com/

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Tamworth Area Group Report

Words Paul Rowling

Greetings once more from the northwest! Here we are already at the end of another year, and quite a successful one for our group.

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ur monthly meetings have turned into dinner meetings now that the Bowlo has a new Chinese restaurant, with usually twenty or so members regularly attending. Our current membership stands at thirty-two but that may increase in the near future thanks to our increasing local profile.

We have doubled our ride days to two per month, and supplement those with occasional weekday rides.

At the beginning of November we had another overnight ride up to Walcha, which we then followed up with our annual charity bike display day on November 20th. At present some of us are planning to attend the Phillip Island Classic

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races in January, to which we’ll be riding some of our bigger old bikes, some modern machines and maybe trailering a couple of our smaller classics to ride down at the Island, maybe we’ll see you there?

Plans to attend the National Rally at Warilla are well in hand and we expect to have a fair sized contingent of members and machines present, so look for us at the campsite.

Some of us will also be at the Barry Sheene Festival of Speed, just can’t get enough classic racing.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of our group for making it the successful venture that it has become, this has been clearly evidenced by the very successful charity day we held, their help makes it all worthwhile. I only put my hand up for Area Rep so I would have someone to ride with, however, I now find I have many new friends who all share a common interest in old Jap bikes and I personally am richer for it, thanks fellas.

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Blue Ribbon Day Words Paul Rowling

During the week leading up to November 20th we had storms and rain every day so when Sunday’s sky dawned clear and blue the portents looked favourable.

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fter we set up the bikes began to arrive, thirty-three in total lined Fitzroy Street for the Tamworth Area Group’s second annual Blue Ribbon Day charity motorcycle display. From a z50 Monkey Bike to the mighty CBX1000, CB1100R and FJ1100 we had most bases covered, small commuter bikes, sports two strokes, trail and trials bikes, Honda twins, a hybrid special drag race machine and of course Honda Fours.

When the punters began to file through memory lane was a much-visited place, many “I used to ride one of those” and “haven’t seen one of them for a while” conversations were heard.

The day was a sparkling success, several prospective members took home forms and contact details, lots of Blue Ribbon pins were sold and voting forms for the first “People’s Choice” trophy were submitted. The winner of said trophy was Errol Pauley’s CB750K2, but only by a narrow margin over the CB1100R of Gary Burgess and Ray Fox’s GT750 water bottle.

At the end of the day when the counting was finished we found that we had raised $1220 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, more than double last year’s total, thanks in no small measure to the pre-show pin sales

by Gary’s hotel staff, Neil Driver at his car dealership and Ross Davidson at his electrical business, plus of course the tireless efforts of all our members at the display.

I believe we have reset the bar that much higher for next year.

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SA AREA REPORT Words Peter Hunt

Things are moving ahead in leaps and bounds in SA. Peter Hunt reports on winding roads, wineries, and dodgy mates who know how to hotwire a CB750.

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e had the world famous Bay to Birdwood rally on 25th Sept, and member Neville Gray kindly volunteered to “man the stall” and hand out membership applications – he had many enquiries and managed to deplete the supplies of forms, so we’re looking forward to picking up some new members from that.

On Sunday the 27th Nov we had our xmas ride/ lunch – 10 bikes, both old and new, and one car, met at Stirling and we made our way through 1 hour of some winding hills back-roads to Howard Winery at Nairne, where 15 of us had a very delicious 2 course lunch, live music and lots of chats and laughs.

A good day was had by all – pity some bloke forgot to take any photos – was he having too much fun or was he trying to work out how he was going to get his CB750 started when his ignition switch suffered a hernia? Having friends who are ex-crims is handy for hotwiring!

We’ve had a couple of members put out calls for assistance with their bikes, and as a result several members have volunteered their time and expertise to lend a hand – that’s what I call club spirit and what club are all about!

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What’s planned?

I hope to have a few events and activities happening next year – the support so far (where has the last 12mths gone?) has been tremendous and very encouraging so let’s keep the ball rolling – if you have any ideas please don’t hesitate to make contact. Life member Mick Bulman has kindly offered once again to make his place available for a bbq/garage day, an event not to be missed, and I am thinking of having a purely VJMC display day at a public reserve somewhere – this will only be successful if we have a good number of bikes attending, so give it some thought and try to offer your support. And of course there will be a few organised rides and coffees etc.

www.vjmc.org.au

Dates of events and ongoing updates will be broadcast via the website and through my email list – if you have an email address and haven’t been getting updates, let me know. If you don’t use email, please try to get a friend or someone to give me theirs so you can be kept in the loop.

So have a great Xmas and an even greater 2012 – get the VJ’s out, polish ‘em up and see you on the road.

Peter Hunt | SA Coordinator Phone |0429 900 784 Email |phunty@bigpond.net.au

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M o r r is G a r ag e

Morris Minor Garage

Ride Report Words Ivan Eeles

part of the display

This one was a dead easy ride for the Central Vic Team, but a very enjoyable day out just the same.

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rranged mainly by Jeff Eeles for the Melb. Metro. group, their day out at the Morris Minor Garage was extended to all Victorian Regional Groups.

So, some West Gippsland, Central Vic and Western Vic members also arranged to meet in the main street of Harcourt at 10.00am on Sunday 6th November .

The Melb. Metro. guys gathered at the BP Roadhouse at Calder Park and left from there. Thirteen bikes left, plus a car with Jane and Mia Eeles, together with Jasmine, one of Mia’s school friends.

Dave likes ‘em with their top off

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at the garage

Special mention has to go to Steve Braybrook too. Steve was flying off to Queensland that day, yet still managed to turn up to see the guys off, before heading back home to pack his boogie board. Good on ya Steve!

Apparently, an uneventful trip up the Calder, doing the ‘old Highway’ from around Malmsbury, had the group arrive pretty much on time. At Harcourt, a contingent of 20+ Central Vic boys and girls, including a few new members and, a couple of friends, were waiting.

Now we were a group of over 30 bikes … and didn’t we cause a bit of interest in the old town. Not much traffic goes through Harcourt these days, but everyone that did, had a good look at the bikes.

Shortly before we headed off to the Morris Minor Garage, Steve Newton and friend, from Melb. Metro, fronted. They’d come via a different route.

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later at Malmsbury

So, grouped up and ready to roll, we were guided to the Garage by Central Vic’s no.1 ‘ride guy’ Allan Haines. Not only does Allan have a brilliant knowledge of the local roads, his better-half is also a Morris Minor enthusiast!

Go Lorna! We ticked all the boxes that day!

Sitting near the back of the pack for some of the 15min. ride to the Garage, was an awe-inspiring sight. Watching 30+ bikes, mostly VJ’s, snaking through the lush hills and valleys, on a lovely day, was simply fantastic.

At the Garage, we met Bill McKellar and his wife. Bill gave us a detailed tour through the wonderful Garage which, not only had a collection of Morries of all shapes and sizes, but a couple of Holden EH’s, some very early Chev’s and, a very tidy Suzuki GT250! Nice one!

Added to that, there was a wealth of information, very nicely displayed around the cars; some great automobilia too.

The McKellar’s put on tea, coffee and biscuits for us and, we could sample and buy their home made Olive Oil and paintings, in Mrs Mc’s gallery.

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Cold Pursuit

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Good times at the Morris Garage

Just after the guided tour, we had two more Melb. Metro. guys turn up. Where were you Neale and Tim? Don’t worry, you got a good ride in, and still enjoyed some of the day.

Mid-afternoon, the Melb. Metro. team started to think about heading back home. Some stopped off in Malmsbury for a late lunch at the pub, others went straight home.

Several Central Vic’s stayed on for a bit longer, chatting to Bill McKellar, who was happy to have us stay for a while.

Overall, this was an extremely well attended ride. Thanks Jeff for organizing it. Thanks everyone for making it such a success.

You can visit the Morris Minor Garage online at www.morrisminorgarage.com and don’t forget to have a look at the ‘Who’s Visited’ page to see some more photo’s from our day.

Trevor likes the early models

Bill explains the virtues of 4 doors

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VJMC 2012 NATIONAL RALLY Friday 9th, Saturday 10th +Sunday 11th March 2012 Warilla Bowls +Recreation Club Jason Avenue Barrack Heights NSW

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The 2012 VJMC National Rally will again be held at Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club on the NSW South Coast between Wollongong and Kiama.

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veryone who experienced the 2011 rally was left amazed at the variety and beauty of the Shellharbour area, with it’s wonderful country roads and laneways winding through lush coastal dairy country up into the Illawarra ranges and Southern Highlands. This will be a relaxed rally with time for socializing, riding and taking in the scenery, as well as catching up with other VJMC members and their latest restoration projects.

Check-in is on Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Rally rides are set for Saturday morning and Sunday morning, with display and judging on Saturday afternoon, followed by the Presentation dinner and AGM on Saturday evening. There will also be time on Sunday afternoon to get together for a drink and a chat or to explore the area for those who don’t have to rush back home for work.

With the rally just on three months away, it’s time to register now – forms are included with your VJMC Magazine and are also available for download from the VJMC website at www.vjmc.org.au or contact: Steve Phelps | (02) 945 62851 or Post | VJMC Rally Registrar 5B Alan Road, Berowra Heights 2082

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VJMC 2012 NATIONAl

DATE Friday 9th, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th March, 2012

LOCATION Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club Jason Avenue, Barrack Heights NSW 2528 Phone (02) 4295 9595

The 2012 VJMC National Rally will again be held at Warilla on the NSW mid South Coast between Wollongong and Kiama.

This will be a relaxed rally with time for socializing.

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VJMC 2012 National Rally Program Rally check in and rally pack / T-Shirt / meal ticket collection will be at the tennis club rooms at the Warilla Bowls and Rec Club, Jason Avenue, Warilla from Friday afternoon 3pm-6pm, and on Saturday morning from 8am at the overflow carpark (refer to location map). Tea and coffee will be available at rally registration. Friday night dinner is available from the club at your own cost.

Rally rides are set for Saturday morning and Sunday morning, with judging and public display on Saturday afternoon in the overflow carpark after lunch. Full ride details will be in the rally packs. Presentations and dinner will be Saturday evening at the club. You should pack a collared shirt (or pick up a VJMC polo shirt at the rally) to wear to the presentation dinner and AGM.

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RALLY INFORMATION

Lunch is available on BOTH Saturday and Sunday as part of the Rally meal package; this will be served in the dining room at the club upstairs (same as for 2011). There will be time on Sunday afternoon to get together for a drink and a chat or to explore the area for those who don’t have to get back to work on Monday morning.

Please contact Steve Phelps if you need shed storage before or after the rally in the local area.

Use of Interstate Club Permit Vehicles in NSW A person may use a vehicle temporarily in NSW if it has registration or a permit issued interstate and is observing the conditions of that registration or permit. The vehicle must also have third party insurance cover in its home state which covers use in NSW for the rally.

If traveling from outside NSW, please confirm your obligations with your relevant state vehicle registration Authority. www.vjmc.org.au

Sponsors Needed If you are able to assist with sponsorships for rally prizes or raffle items please let us know. Any assistance you can give would be appreciated.

Volunteers Needed We need help to run the rally with jobs such as check in, setting up tents, ride marshalling and signage, please contact Steve Phelps if you can help out at the rally.

VJMC Rally Contacts Steve Phelps | (02) 945 62851 or Alan Dykstra | (02) 9824 7165 Post | VJMC Rally Registrar 5B Alan Road, Berowra Heights 2082

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ACCOMMODATION W

arilla is on the NSW mid South coast, about 30km South of Wollongong, close to the Illawarra ranges, Macquarie Pass, Kiama, the Southern Highlands etc.

Booking Accomodation Please book your accomodation directly with the Warilla Bowls club or Lake Windermere Camping and Caravan Park or alternatively check the Shellharbour Accomodation Guide (www.tourismshellharbour.com.au or call 1300 656 169 for a copy) which has a comprehensive list of local accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.

Warilla Bowls Rec Club Cabins + Units Contact Tracey Stevens or Karen Dennis | (02) 4295 9595 Cabins 9 double bed cabins – (sleep 4 / 1 double, 2 single) 6 single bed cabins – (sleep 4 / 2 single, 1 double bunk bed) Cabins have a TV, kitchenette / microwave, bathroom etc. Cabins are all set in a park area with gas bbq’s, secure parking area (boom gate access) and continental breakfast available.

Units 4 units at 49 and 55 Jason Avenue (adjacent to the club / rally site). 1 double, 1 single and 1 double bunk bed (sleep 5), full kitchen, bathroom with TV and laundry.

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LAKE WINDERMERE Caravan Park 120 Osborne Parade, Warilla 2528 Located on the shores of Little Lake and close to the patrolled beach at Warilla.

Lake Windermere Caravan Park is adjacent to the rally site, separated by a creek which is crossed by a footbridge. The Caravan Park is about a 5-10 minute walk or 2-3 minute drive from the rally site.

Contact Number (02) 4296 2610 Best time from 1pm – 5.00pm Monday – Friday.

Cabins $65 – 5 berth, 1 double + 1 triple bunk bed, shower and toilet, kitchenette and colour TV. Mobiles $50 – 6 berth, 1 double + 2 double bunks, kitchenette and colour TV. Powered Sites $30 – per night.

Unpowered Sites $30 – per night.

Boomgate and Toilet Key $20 deposit – additional toilet keys $5 deposit.

NOTE – LINEN is NOT provided.

LAKE WINDERMERE DOES NOT HAVE CREDIT CARD FACILITIES – cash basis only.

Directions From the Shellharbour Road turn into George Street, Warilla. Travel straight to end of George Street you will come to a T-intersection, turn right into Osborne Parade, Lake Windemere Caravan Park is 300m on your right hand side.

VJMC Rally Contacts Steve Phelps | (02) 945 62851 or Alan Dykstra | (02) 9824 7165 Post | VJMC Rally Registrar 5B Alan Road, Berowra Heights 2082

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Registration Form Registration Fees

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lease register by February 24th, 2012 in order to allow for catering. The Rally Badge and T-Shirt are included in the registration fee. (Round neck T-Shirt with rally insignia). Receipts will be issued.

Name Member No. Phone

INDEMNITY STATEMENT

Email Address

Machine/s Make Model Capacity

The VJMC Member Registration Fee for the first motorcycle is $30.00, non VJMC member fee is $40.00. Please register before Friday 24 February 2012. Second and subsequent motorcycles will be $5.00 per motorcycle. For insurance reasons all VJMC members must have their membership subscriptions fully paid up to date to participate in the rally. Visitors wishing to participate in the rally rides must register for the rally.

Competition (unregistered) machines are not eligible for rides but may be displayed.

Year

For those intending to ride a motorcycle at the rally. I undertake not to hold the VJMC or any of their representatives or sponsors responsible for any damage or theft of machinery or possessions or any bodily injury sustained during the course of the rally. I also declare that I am the holder of a current motorcycle license and that the motorcycle I will be riding in the Rally will be Registered, or operating under a permit issued interstate and is observing the conditions of that registration or permit. I understand that the VJMC Rally organisers reserve the right to prevent motorcycles not complying with the above from entering the rides.

Rego No.

Signed

Unrestored / Restored (Please Circle)

(Registration invalid if not signed)

Attach additional sheets if you wish to enter more than one bike.

Date Registration TOTAL $

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T-Shirts Payment Form Y

our Rally Badge and T-Shirt are covered by your entry fee (one of each per entry).

Additional badges and Rally T-Shirt MAY be available subject to supply and demand at the rally site. VJMC logo merchandise (polo shirts, hats, key rings etc) will be on sale at the rally.

Extra Rally T-Shirt are available – $10 each if ordered with registration – style is standard design crew neck T-Shirt.

Please advise your Rally T-shirt size and quantity.

Small Medium Large XLarge XXLarge XXXLarge

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Meals Form A

ttach your Meals Form with your Registration Form and your payment and send to the Rally Registrar.

Name

Please indicate below the number of meals required: Saturday Lunch @ $15.00ea Qty Total $

Saturday Dinner @ $35.00ea Qty Total $

Sunday Lunch @ $15.00ea Qty Total $

Saturday and Sunday Lunch – Buffet style served in the Diamond Room at the club.

Saturday Dinner, Presentation and AGM – 3 course meal served in the Diamond function room at the club. The cost of the meal is $35.00 per person. Bar service will also be available in the function room for members who wish to partake.

www.vjmc.org.au

TOTAL for Meals Total $ For special Saturday evening meals (coeliac, vegetarian etc) please attach your requirements below or on a separate sheet stapled to this booking form.

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PAYMENT Rally Registration $

Cheque or Money Order payable to the ‘Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Inc.’ OR Direct Deposit to: CBA Bank BSB | 062-801 Account No | 10240696 Account Name | VJMC Rally Account Reference | Use surname and postcode

Meals $

IMPORTANT

I, enclose payment for:

Extra T-Shirts $ TOTAL $

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Payment Options

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Send in your Registration, Meals and Payment Forms (all 3 pages) and Cheque or Money Order for Payment to: VJMC Rally Registrar 5B Alan Road, Berowra Heights 2082

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LOCATION MAP F

rom Shellharbour Rd (heading South from Sydney / Wollongong), turn LEFT into Lagoon Street, which leads via a dogleg across Jason Avenue and down a short street into the Warilla Bowls and Rec Club.

The road to the tennis courts and cabins is to your left as you enter the main carpark area, and the road to the overflow carpark is to your right.

The club main entrance and main carpark are straight ahead.

www.vjmc.org.au

Additional Accomodation Information – is available from the VJMC website (Ramblings Forum – 2012 Rally) or from Shellharbour Accomodation Guide (www.tourismshellharbour.com.au or call 1300 656 169 for a copy ) which has a comprehensive list of local accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. The immediate local area has several beachside caravan / camping grounds (Oasis Resort, Surfrider, Shellharbour Beachside, Shellharbour Resprt etc) as well as many motels, houses and holiday units available.

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CB750 in GP bike parking

2011 Phillip Island MotoGP Ken Wooton’s H2-A

Jeff Eeles took a run down to the Phillip Island Grand Prix, and managed to snap a few photos at the event. There was a fair few VJ’s around over the weekend, including Jeff’s own Z1300. It was an old CB (top left) running on bald tyres that really captured his attention, though.

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I couldn’t help but notice the very nicely restored CB750 K-series, but nearly fell over when I noticed the condition of the tyres. As it appeared to be a very recent registration, it was appalling to see the bald front and rear tyres. The owner should be taken out and given a good talking to. The Club he belongs to needs the same and, if this is how it was OK’d by the Club’s Inspector, he should be taken off the job. If I ever find out it belongs to a VJMC member, he’ll be in strife!”

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moto gp

Very nice CB900 Bol D’or in Cowes

Who’s the VJMC member hassling Jeremy? Who’s the other member over Jeremy’s shoulder?

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Promo girls (and friend) in Cowes

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japan

Snapshot of Japan (To go, or not to go, that is the question!)

Words Jeff Eeles

If you’ve ever thought you might like to travel to Japan, here are some snippets that might just tip you over the edge into making the decision to go (or not!)

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y fondness for things Japanese doesn’t start and stop just at Vintage Japanese Motorcycles. For a few decades, I’ve had a fascination for the country, the people, and the culture too.

I first went to Japan in 1989. I’d signed up for a 10 day tour to the Suzuka 8-Hour Race.

The now long-gone magazine ‘Revs’ ran these tours each year for a number of years. So, then, with some Long Service Leave up my sleeve, I extended the 10 days to nearly 3 months.

Then, in 1993, I went again. This time, taking Jane whom I’d recently met, and is now my wife of 16 years. Jane was working at the Daimaru department store in Melbourne and also shared an interest in Japan.

After a long break, we decided it was time to head back there again this year. The trip was Jane’s birthday present!

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japan

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One of Japan’s oldest temples

I won’t bore you all with a travelogue of where we went, what we did, where we stayed.

However, if you are interested in that, contact me at jeeles@iprimus.com.au and I can send you a summary I wrote for another forum.

Rather, these are just a few observations of a Westerner (and his wife and 11yo daughter) travelling in Japan.

Just to set the scene a bit though, we spent the first 4 nights in Tokyo; the next 2 in Yudanaka (near Nagano); 4 nights in Kyoto; 4 nights in Osaka staying with Japanese friends; 3 nights in Hiroshima; 1 in Kurashiki; and, our final 2 nights back in Tokyo again.

I studied Japanese language for a few years quite some time ago, haven’t practiced it too much and, could barely hold a conversation with a 5yo Japanese child. I must have retained a little bit though and it helped a fair bit.

The one thing you need if you plan to visit Japan is a slight sense of adventure. If you can’t speak any Japanese, just be a little patient and, eventually, their English will come to the fore. It may not always be great English, but you’ll get by.

There are plenty of English language signs and, if you’re hungry, there’s the plastic replica of food in café/restaurant windows, which you can point to and, the locals don’t mind that.

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

Japan is a very clean, tidy country. Very little litter, nearly no graffiti and, it’s safe. Safe for anyone to walk around anywhere, anytime.

Travel is easy. The trains are frequent and on time. Buy a Rail Pass before you go and use it to the max! If you miss one train, adjust your watch. If you miss two trains, buy a new watch!

Take a train - fast and reliable

I’m sure that, if you really wanted to, you could also buy or hire a bike and ride around the country, providing you had plenty of time and did your research beforehand. They have several toll roads, so understanding the toll system could be a challenge.

People will be willing to help you out if you look lost and, don’t be surprised if a local actually takes you to where you want to go. They’re sometimes that keen to look after you.

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japan

You’ll never go thirsty. There’s barely a street anywhere in Japan that doesn’t have a drink vending machine on it. You can even buy beer and wine from vending machines… right there on the street! If you’re a smoker, you can get a pack from a vending machine too.

In a lot of places, there are ice cream vending machines too.

No one vandalizes the machines either.

Here in Oz, a beer vending machine would be an immediate candidate for a ‘smash and grab’ raid and would be lucky to last a day. Over there, not even the kids put money in the machines.

There aren’t many kerbside rubbish bins, people tend to take their rubbish elsewhere and dispose of it properly someplace else.

During the day, find a place to sit and eat somewhere. Generally, eating as you walk the streets isn’t considered ‘proper’.

I‘m fussy about my coffee and Japan used to serve some shockers. Now though, it’s great.

We had some terrific coffees this visit.

Eat where the locals eat. It’s usually much, much cheaper than the hotel you’re staying at.

Don’t be put off by some place looking small and dingy, it’ll probably surprise you!

They’ve possibly even got an English language menu stashed away.

Classic 1100 GSX-R ridden in Tokyo

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SR Yammy out on the road

Looking for a place to lay your head down at night? There are the tourist hotels, the big chains. Like in any country, these establishments will cater to your every need, but usually at a cost. There are Business Hotels too. They primarily cater to businessmen travelling to the various cities and their facilities may be minimal. But, having said that, they’d be the equal of the average Aussie motel.

Instead, give that ‘sense of adventure’ a nudge and try a Minshuku (like a Bed & Breakfast) or a Ryokan (a traditional style inn). Ryokan can be small establishments, maybe not unlike our motels or, they can be big, like a Hyatt Hotel.

The difference is that they’re furnished in traditional Japanese style. They may also be a little more costly than the hotel chains too, so maybe treat them as a ‘treat’.

I don’t know what more I can add apart from, if you’ve been considering a holiday in Japan, just do it!

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old bik e day

Jeff Eeles and Jim Scaysbrook with Jeff’s 1970 Kawasaki B1L-A

Kevin Drazdauskas’s 1977 Kawasaki Z750 outside Mid Life Cycles

Ken Wilson has owned this 1983 Honda VF750F since new - he assembled it from the crate!

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

www.vjmc.org.au

old bik e day

Honda CB450 “Black Bomber”

VJMC-Old Bike magazine Shed Day Big turnout for Old Bike photo-shoot and shed day.

M

ore than 70 bikes and about 100 people turned out for a VJMCOld Bike magazine photo-shoot and shed day at Mid Life Cycles in Richmond (Melbourne) on Sunday 11 December.

Heavy overnight rain threatened to wash-out the big day, but the drizzle cleared in time for VJMC members from Melbourne Metro, Central Vic, Western Vic and Gippsland regions to gather at club member Michael Catchpole’s “shed”.

Old Bike magazine editor Jim Scaysbrook and advertising rep Luke Finn had asked if the VJMC event could also double as a promotional day for the magazine so Jim could add to his alreadybulging library of motorcycle photographs.

The photos will form part of a planned special magazine focusing on Vintage Japanese bikes, scheduled to appear in newsagents around the country shortly before the VJMC’s National Rally in March 2012.

Jim and various helpers worked flat out to get photos of most of the bikes that turned up on the day and he was very pleased with the range and quality of bikes available.

The event was voted a great success, despite the hired coffee machine losing its innards before a single cup was made. However, the sausagesizzle and cold drinks met most needs and the late appearance of a back-up coffee machine satisfied those who needed their caffeine fix.

www.vjmc.org.au

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

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old bik e day

this issue’s cover bike - John Towle’s restored 1984 Honda VF1000R looks (and sounds) magnificent

Sharon Lingard ready to ride on her 1977 Honda CB125Jo

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

Carl Schubert and Trevor Whitty get deep and meaningful

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old bik e day

Big and small - they all fronted for the Old Bike camera

Phil Scorah and Graeme Whitty discuss Phil’s rare 1968 Yamaha YAS1C

Steve Henderson’s newly-built Kawasaki GPz1100 Eddie Lawson Replica replica

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

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book r e vi e w

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

www.vjmc.org.au

book r e vi e w

THEBY CBX BOOK IAN FOSTER Reviewed Rob Howard

Let me start by saying, this book is a breath of fresh air. A book about the mighty Honda CBX, written, researched, printed and marketed by a single CBX enthusiast.

N

o reprints of ‘seen before’ magazine articles here, no, we are talking about input from a whole community of like minded CBX enthusiasts from around the world.

Through various internet forums and web sites contributors, Ian was able to amass a vast array of information. From printed conversations with the design engineers - covering preliminary design concepts, photos of engine assembly at the factory to aftermarket frame and accessory suppliers, race bikes and anything else that has the word ‘CBX’ proudly displayed.

And finally the pages of enthusiasts, from around the world who were able to send pictures of themselves and bikes, are included in the 400 odd page book – pure heaven to a ‘One eyed Honda / CBX lover’ like myself.

Grab a copy while they last – A great ‘coffee table’ book.

www.vjmc.org.au

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

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Ra r it e e

Raritee Designs+Prizes Raritee.om has recently released 3 new 'Classic Japanese Motorcycle' Tee Shirt designs. One is of special interest to Steve Runnalls the owner and founder of Raritee.com as it is of his own Japanese Classic, a 1968 Honda CL 450 that he has recently imported from the USA. The other 2 designs are Suzuki T500 Titan and a Special shirt limited to a production of only 40 tees to celebrate the 40th birthday of the Kawasaki Z1 900 in 2012.

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

Steve will again be donating some of his shirts to the VJMCÂ at the 2012 National Rally in Warilla for Raffle prizes and will have a stand at the Rally show day where club members can view and purchase some of his Limited Edition shirts at special show day discount prices.

All of Steve's designs can be viewed on his web site at www.raritee.com

WINNERS Congratulations to Andrew English & Peter Hunt, who were the winners of the Raritee tee shirts from last issue.

This issue's winner is Jeff Eeles, who contributed the article on the Philip Island Grand Prix, and also the article travelling to Japan.

www.vjmc.org.au

C al e nda r / C lassifi e ds

Summer Ride

wanted /

Calendar for sale South East Queensland

Classifieds

January 2012

For Sale

Tuesday 10th: Club Meeting at the Belmont Tavern in Belmont Shopping Centre corner Burstall Ave and Belmont Rd Belmont at 7pm.

Sunday 15th: Historic Motorcycle Clubs Breakfast Ride over Mount Glorious to picnic area on Northbrook Parkway. Leave BP Garage corner of Payne and Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove at 7am.

Suzuki GT 750L 1974. Bike is complete, with 3 into 4’s, but is stripped to rolling chassis.

Great project bike. $2000 ono.

Contact: Mike 0423148497 (Sydney)

February 2012 Sunday 5th: Australian Motorcycle Museum Annual Swap Meet in the Museum grounds Warrego Hwy Haigslea.

Tuesday 14th: Club Meeting at the Belmont Tavern in Belmont Shopping Centre corner Burstall Ave and Belmont Rd Belmont at 7pm.

Sunday 19th: Day ride to Rocksberg on Upper Caboolture River via Dayboro, Mount Mee. Morning tea at Pitstop CafĂŠ Mount Mee then barbeque in park at Rocksberg. Leave from Caltex Garage Gympie Rd Castledine (just north of Beams Rd) at 9am.

March 2012 Friday 9th - Sunday 11th: 2012 VJMC National Rally at Warilla south of Wollongong.

More details at February meeting.

Tuesday 13th: Club Meeting at the Belmont Tavern in Belmont Shopping Centre corner Burstall Ave and Belmont Rd Belmont at 7pm.

Saturday 17th - Sunday 18th: Maleny Swap Meet at Maleny showgrounds.

www.vjmc.org.au

For Sale 1964 Suzuki B100P - very good original condition. Original owners/repair manual & receipts. 6866 miles on the odometer.

Works well, very good condition.

Unregistered - Original petrol cap, + most features original . Would like to sell for $3500, but willing to negotiate.

Contact: Natalie Joyce 0409994108 or Jenny Joyce 0433275986 (Sydney)

For Sale Classic Yamaha Collection AS1, AS3, CS3E x 2, RD125 x 2 need restoration, all matching numbers plus parts, will separate.

Contact: 0409512022

wanted The name of a supplier of older tyre sizes.3.25 X 19 Trail pattern. Any make.

Tank badges to suit Suzuki TS 250. 1973.

Contact: Wayne Lavers 02 63432804

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C l u b info

Historic Rego NSW Conditional Registration Sydney Roadworthy Inspections David Bernardi | (02) 9808 1482 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

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.

VICTORIA CLUB PERMIT SCHEME INSPECTORS Melbourne - North East Brian Cutler | 0409 024 482 Melbourne - West Kevin Drazdauskas | 0419 884 560 Melbourne - South East Trevor Whitty | 0419 807 212 Central Vic Graeme Climas | (03) 5446 3844

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

The club has a sizeable library of magazines, workshop manuals and parts manuals for members to use.

Enquires: library@vjmc.org.au

www.vjmc.org.au

cl u b info

Regional

Meets VIC Melbourne Metro Meet: Grandview Hotel Cnr Station Street & Heidelberg Road, Fairfield 7.00pm on the last Tuesday night of each month Contact: Neale Binnion (03) 9857 5256 joydiv@fastmail.fm

Regional

Representatives ACT Canberra Stan Perry (02) 6296 7274 stanper@hotmail.com

NSW

Central Victoria Meet: Garlands Bakehouse & Cafe 124 High Street, Kangaroo Flat 10.00am every Sunday morning Contact: Ivan Eeles (03) 5448 4746 familyeeles@hotmail.com

NSW

ACT

Mid Hunter Meet: Greta Workers Club Cnr New England Highway & West Street, Greta Quarterly social meet - contact for time & dates Contact: Allan Kensitt (02)4938 7223 or 0405 492700

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 Stan Perry 6296-7274 stanper@hotmail.com

North West Graeme Tonkin (02) 6724 8454 gjtvallyn@bigpond.com.au

Mackay Peter & Helen Douglas (07) 4954 3653

Queanbeyan Rob Hogan (02) 6299 7579 robandcarolyn@bigpond.com

VIC

South Coast Patrick Sager (02) 4473 6191 padsager@gmail.com

Bathurst Vacant. Rep required.

Sydney David Bernardi (02) 9808 1482 daveleadwing@gmail.com

Far North Coast Rob Andrews (02) 6621 4083 and32@bigpond.net.au

Sydney South/West Allan Dykstra (02) 9824 7165 adykstra@tpg.com.au

Goulburn Malcolm Peden (02) 4821 5060 pedenmj@westnet.com.au

Sydney Inner Steve O’Farrell (02) 9517 3490 stephen.ofarrell@silverbrookresearch.com

Hunter Vince Foreman (02) 4973 1852 vinceyvonne@bigpond.com.au

Tamworth: Meet at the Tamworth City Bowling Club ANZAC Park, Brisbane Street, Tamworth. 6.30pm on the last Thursday of every month Contact Paul 0411 696 852 or motopaulie@bigpond.com

Melbourne Neale Binnion (03) 9857 5256 joydiv@fastmail.fm Central Victoria Ivan Eeles (03) 5448 4746 familyeeles@hotmail.com Western Victoria Alan & Pam Stork 0401 995 060 pamstork@optusnet.com.au West Gippsland Dennis Flynn 0407 359 278 denfly1@bigpond.com

SA

Mid Hunter Allan Kensit (02) 4938 7223 midhuntervjmc@yahoo.com.au

Tamworth Paul Rowling 0411 696 852 motopaulie@bigpond.com

South Australia Peter Hunt 0429 900 784 phunty@bigpond.net.au

Queensland

WA / TAS

Manning Steve Wardle (02) 6551 5546 canvasz1000@bigpond.com

SE Queensland Steve Day stevexday@gmail.com.au

Mid North Coast Trevor Ellis (02) 6655 5911 wel91723@bigpond.net.au

Sunshine Coast Rob Skewes (07) 5451 1972 rsk77807@bigpond.net.au

www.vjmc.org.au

Reps needed.

More Info: Contact Jeff Eeles 0411 051 902 if you are interested in getting VJMC happening in your area.

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

41

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

www.vjmc.org.au

C ont r ib u to r s

contribute AND win!

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

Not only will you receive the satisfaction of seeing your work in print, you might win a great prize.

The best contribution will receive a t-shirt from Raritee T Shirts | www.raritee.com Email contributions to: tom@pepperpublishing.com.au

www.vjmc.org.au

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

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Rally I nfo

Honda CB125S – “Silver Shogun”

Meet “Silver Shogun” – a Honda CB125-based cafe racer that makes short work of the local urban circuit.

Bike-builder Luke has used a Prixhistoric Fibreglass Ducati Silver Shotgun tank and a Kawasaki racing seat to top-off this custom addition to the Mid Life Cycles collection, sitting alongside Sammy the CB100 Cafe Racer.

Café Racers – Factory or Fabricated…

If Kawasaki was a bit ahead of the retro-craze with its W650, then Honda surely was 25 years ahead of its time with its GB and XBR Singles. Throw in the Yamaha SR500, Honda CB Singles and several early Honda Fours and we’ve got the base or the built bike to suit most tastes and budgets.

Give us a call to see what’s available or to get a quote on your café or custom build.

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Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club

www.vjmc.org.au