VJMC #127

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle club - australia

Issue 127Quarterly Club Magwww.vjmc.org.au

+ News eveNts CaleNdar rIde reports aNd More

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle club www.vjmc.org.au2

VJMc inc australiaThe 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 4127Website: www.vjmc.org.au

VJMc australia committeepresident John McNair (07) 3133 0191 [email protected] secretary Heather Garth 0416 358 882 [email protected] treasurer Stan Perry (02) 6296 7274 [email protected] area rep coordinator Jeff Eeles [email protected] Merchandise Heather Garth 0416 358 882 [email protected] librarian Lyndon Adams (02) 4945 1780 [email protected] Web Manager [email protected]

quarterly VJMc MagazineThis 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 [email protected] address: 2/2 617 Spencer St, West Melbourne VIC 3003

V J M C I N C A u S T r A L I A

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle club www.vjmc.org.au 3

President’s report

| 4 |

Kawasaki G7 restoration

| 6-11 |

Suzuki GT750 restoration

|12-17 |

National rally Information

|18-24 |

AGM Nominations

| 25 |

SA report

| 26-31 |

Tamworth

| 32-33 |

Melbourne Metro

| 34 |

Lismore Group

| 35 |

South East Qld Calendar

| 36|

Dirt Bike Day

| 38 | VJMC Club Info

| 40-41 |Membership renewal

| 42-43 |

C O N T E N T S

127


P r E z r E P O r T

For the northern areas while it is warm (hot) it is also wet quite often, which becomes a bit painful. There are

some great events happening though throughout the summer including a gathering of historic motorcycles at Walcha in the New England area of NSW on Friday the 16th and Saturday the17th of November, just as this mag is out. The event will include official ride and other functions. Also not to be missed is the Blue ribbon Motorcycle Show in Tamworth on Sunday the 18th. This event is put on by the Tamworth VJMC Group and sup-ports the fight against Prostate Cancer. Tamworth area rep Paul rowlings expects around 40 bikes to enter from VJMC Tamworth. What a great weekend. Another great event is the Queensland Historic Motorcycle Club’s annual Breakfast run each January. The event has for many years been held in the parking area at the Wivenhoe Lookout just past Mt Glorious west of Brisbane however with over 150 bikes attending it outgrew that loca-tion and last year moved to a larger picnic area on the western side of the mountain. The 2013 run will be held on January 13th.

The National rally will be here in no time once the big man in the red and white suit has been and gone. At the AGM all committee posi-tions will become vacant and I would like to

invite club members to nominate themselves or someone else for a position on the commit-tee for 2013/14. More info will be included in this issue. registration forms will be out soon but the accommodation at Victor Harbor is booking up so it looks like we could be in for a bumper attendance. A friend has just come back from a trip around the Great Ocean road to Adelaide and they stopped a night in Victor Harbor and said it was a beautiful place. Yes, got the holidays booked and can hardly wait. It’s so good to see Mick Godfrey and Mick Bulman who are members No 1 and No 2 being involved in the South Australian VJMC events still. Well done fellas.

Its great to see all the reports from the differ-ent areas of the VJMC in the club mag. Makes good reading and keeps all your local members informed. Keep up the good work.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe Christmas and New Year. It’s coming up quickly with shops already stocking up on Christmas goods.

Take Care and ride safe.

John Mcnair

a word FroM

the presIdeNtWell our friends in the Northern Hemisphere will be packing their bikes away now for the icy winter however while we will be getting ready for a summer of riding, especially in the southern states.


P r E z r E P O r T

r e s t o r a t i o n


KawasaKI G7restoratIoN

article & photos by Paul Keating

then the post-event reality sets in. I have just committed to pay $650 for a piece of junk, what have I done? Sounds

familiar? Those restoration tragics among us will be familiar with this emotional wave as we commit ourselves to yet another 12 months or more of frustration, triumph and tragedy (well OK the last bit is a bit extreme but it does feel like that sometimes).

THE FIrST LOOK AT THE NEW ArrIVAL

I won, I won, yeeha! Well that’s how it usually starts. The heart in the mouth adrenalin producing last 10 seconds of the eBay auction will usually produce this reaction.

For me the latest saga started midway through the restoration of my Suzuki GT380 when, during a lull in proceedings, I decided that another bargain project was needed. Enter my Kawasaki G7T. For those of you unfamiliar with the G7 it was the last of the line for the Kawasaki 100cc two stroke bikes that started with the G3 models in the late ‘60s. The model transformed into the KH100 series from mid 76/77 with numerous changes. Well, to be honest, except for the badges and upgraded switch blocks to deal with new ADr rules such as front brake switches they were pretty much the same bike.

With a five speed transmission the bike was capable of about 60km/h down hill with a tail wind. I found the bargain on eBay advertised in a close-by suburb as a no-reserve auction. The description said she was a runner and so should be a quick turn around. After a flurry of bidding she was mine for the princely sum of $650 with free delivery thrown in!



Several days later she arrived on the back of a truck. There I noted something odd, being the back wheel was locked up as the seller manoeuvred the bike off the tray. But after finding neutral off she came – no problems then. Wrong! A quick look and besides being covered in stickers it looked like I’d scored a bargain. Wrong again!

A couple of days later and the assessment result was basically that the engine was seized. However the rest of the bike was OK and it was complete. Taking a strategic look I reckoned it would be a quick strip down and about four hours later it was done. Let the restoration begin!

The first challenge was to secure a service manual, parts manual and the owners’ manual. I think these three items form the critical information library needed for any restoration. The second challenge is calibrating your

patience to the task. An Excel spreadsheet is brilliant for creating a want list, keeping track of the budget and generally forming some type of control over the process. I also found sorting the bike into sections like front wheel, forks, tank, instruments and electrics etc was great for keeping momentum with the project.

THE STrIP DOWN BEGINS



Then came the hours of cleaning and scouring eBay for parts. Small bore bikes were sold in their thousands throughout South East Asia so the region is a convenient source of parts on the door step. Getting caught out by the nuances in models and regions is always a trap as you learn the vagaries of the bike model series. Sometimes it is a secret to bargains as you utilise parts commonality between models, other times it is an easy way to waste money when you get it wrong. One thing I would say to any restorer sourcing parts is that if you are looking for something and can’t see it advertised, send lots of emails to the sellers on eBay because often they will have it in the shed, just not advertised.

Key items were despatched for fixing. I’m a firm believer that the people I like to deal with need to be passionate about what they are doing. It gives you confidence that they will go the extra mile for you (which is important for your precious asset). The wheels went to Ash’s Spoked Wheels for re-lacing and hydro-blasting. This is the third bike they have done now and while it takes a bit of time the result is great. They also handled getting the forks re-chromed and sourcing tyres that would look period correct but be safe for modern riding conditions.The engine went to Northside Motorcycle Tyres

and Service for a complete rebuild. Mark and the team are passionate motorcycle guys and it reflects in the work they do. Again this is the third engine they have done for me and they are perfectionists at a very reasonable rate. The engine covers were hydro-blasted and a piece of the engine case block that had been broken (probably from a previous chain break) was seamlessly welded back into place. The carburettor was rebuilt with a new jet and service kit. The frame and swing arm were sent for powder coating at roberto’s Custom Powder. Again an awesome result at a very good price. The chroming went to Gold Coast Electroplating – Ron the owner thinks I am a fruitcake with amount of money I seem to spend with him on chrome work. The tank, fork covers, side covers and headlight bezel were despatched to Mark at Queensland Motorcycle Panel and Paint. Mark had painted the tank on my GT380 to an amazing standard so he was an automatic selection for the paintwork on the G7. And so everything was out getting done, leaving me to collect the various replacement bits while waiting for the works to be completed.

Over time basically most parts were replaced. Given how cheap OEM parts were the decision was generally to replace rather than repair. Items replaced included new indicators



FrAME WITH A NEW POWDEr COAT

(challenge was to get the correct G7 units), new speedo, switchblocks, mirrors and seat. I think that these are the things you always look at so you want them to be flawless otherwise it will detract from future enjoyment. The wiring

harness was repaired and the rusty battery box stripped and repainted in rust proof POr 15.

The easy task was putting it all back together. Besides a small delay for a change in house the frame was relocated to my study in my new place to facilitate continued work during the colder months. I made sure that I took lots of photos on dismantling so sorting the reassembly was generally without too many challenges. A couple of small frustrations were getting the switchblocks to clamp correctly to the flat bars (non-original but I like the sporty look) and getting the mud guard to fit correctly. Oh and cutting the new chain too short and having to buy another one – silly!!

So the bike came together fairly quickly. It was with a small sense of triumph that the bike was moved from the study to the garage (and a small level of fear that it would fit through the house door). Installing major items such as the front and rear wheels and the engine is always a major triumph as you can see the progress



before your eyes. Of course this is when the things you overlooked slow you down and start to test your patience. In particular waiting two weeks for a set of chain tensioners was very frustrating. When the painted items came back in a lovely shade of Kawasaki Candytone blue it started to all look worthwhile. While the colour was a bit darker than the original blue (it’s a KH series colour rather than a G series colour) I liked the way it contrasted with the other parts of the bike like the frame and the black coloured engine block.

The last challenge was sourcing the bottom chain case, you know that item that most owners threw away after the first time they oiled the chain. Part of the challenge was deciding whether to put one on or not and a number of hours were spent looking at images on Google to see what they looked like with the case in place and without. Of course originality won out and I eventually found a full case set again

in Thailand. After getting it powder coated it seemed that the bike was going to frustrate me with the last piece. After about two hours of adjusting, fiddling, re-tapping the mount screws and general swearing she was complete.



To close the process it was back to Northside Motorcycles to get the engine running and sorted for a roadworthy. After a couple of adjustments she fired into life on the second kick.

While she will never snap my neck with acceleration it is amazing how much zing you get from a 100cc two stroke. I have registered the bike on full rego for six months for a bit of fun and will then decide what to do with the bike. All up time from start to finish, 8 months. She now joins the ever growing collection of bikes stemming from a Ducati 1199S to a Yamaha V75.

Now onto my Honda C92 and Kawasaki GPz600r.

Safe riding.

THE FINISHED WOrK OF ArT

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suzuKI Gt750Victorian VJMC member Glenn reichelt had been on the lookout for a Suzuki GT 750 to restore when a rough and ready example surfaced in Sydney. The bike became the basis for the outstanding restoration featured on these pages. We caught up with Glenn to find out a little more about himself and the bike.

Well glenn, tell us a bit about yourself. I’m 53, live in Melbourne, and I work on the wharf as a Stevedore/Wharfie, which I’ve been doing for nearly 10 years now. I left school when I was 16 and my first job was delivering telegrams. They had to get a smaller push bike for me, being only 152cm. I had a hard time reaching the pedals on the size 28 the posties used. I remember my father telling me to get a trade behind me, so I walked into a Datsun dealership and asked for a job, and that’s how I became a motor mechanic back in the 70s.

My father worked on the railways so we moved around a bit, then settled in a commission house in West Heidelberg when I was about six or seven.

I have four brothers and three sisters ... it got very cold you know, that’s what my mum used to tell us anyway. A couple of my brothers rode bikes for awhile however they were more into cars and that’s fine.

Where and when did you start riding bikes? I think I started riding when I was about ten or eleven. One of my first bikes was a Honda XL75. We had a creek near where we lived and my younger brother and I would be gone all day having great fun. Next came a Honda SL 125, what a bike! I got my learners when I was seventeen and nine months; what freedom we had.I remember going for my bike licence. The Vicroads tester said, “Go up there, make a left turn and go down a couple of streets and make a right, then make another left and stop there, right outside the coffee shop.” Needless to say I passed and I paid for the coffee.

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What are some of your favourite bikes over the years? I have loved all my bikes, however I did have heaps of fun on my Yamaha IT250J. When it hit the power band it just took off like a rat up a drain pipe. I had a Yamaha DT400 and that was also a great bike. Other bikes I have owned over the years include, Honda XL250, Honda XL500, Honda CBX 750, Kawasaki z650, and I currently own a Kawasaki VN800, the restored 1975 Suzuki GT750M and a 1973 AS3 Yamaha waiting her turn to be restored.

Why the attraction to the gt750? I think deep down I have always loved the GTs. When a mate offered me a ride on his I could not resist and I loved it. The sound of a two stroke and the smell was just wonderful.

How did you find this bike?

My friend Peter knew a guy in Sydney who was collecting one of each of the models of the GT, and he had a spare one. Peter told the guy that it would go to a good home, although it did take a while to convince him. We loaded up the car and trailer and drove to Sydney to pick her up. We ended up staying the night and headed back the next day with my GT on the trailer.When we got her home we thought we would see if she’d start, so we hooked up a fuel line and connected up the battery charger. After about twenty kicks she came to life, filling the garage with smoke ... it was so great. This is a bike that had not been running for ten to fifteen years.

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How did the restoration come together? The work went pretty much as expected. It really comes down to having a plan and being realistic about the time and cost of the project. We had hoped to do it within a year, but there was no deadline to work to, so some things dragged out a bit. Time was lost in not doing a detailed assessment at the start and ordering everything needed up front. Of course budget restrictions force this sometimes, and also you don't know what you’re going to find until you start pulling things down.

Getting parts these days is pretty easy with the internet, and research and advice is at our fingertips. In the end it comes down to getting on with it. We worked on it most weekend, sometimes it might have been a couple of

hours, sometimes all weekend, but it was always enjoyable. Taking on a project like this with a friend is a good way to spend time and keeps it ticking along, because you spur each other on, and it’s good to have company when you’re in the garage.

There are times when you wonder what you’re doing when you spend a whole day on the polishing wheel or bead blaster, but when you see the result it makes it worth the effort.

There weren’t too many surprises but there is always going to be something to make life difficult. In the case of the GT it was getting the barrels off. The cylinder casing on these bikes gets corroded to the studs so it was necessary to make a puller from a steel plate to jack it off. Then off course the studs don't look that good

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and they are not available off the shelf, so we used some high tensile bolts, cut the heads off and cut the threads on the other end to create a stud.

The exhaust is another issue, they were pretty poor in areas. You could just spend the money and buy a set off after market pipes, but we went the repair route, so had to cut and shut the header from one set into the muffler of another. It’s pretty hard to find original pipes in reasonable condition these days so it was a concern for a while.

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got any advice for other restorers? Be realistic about the time and money involved. If you’re on a tight budget it just means it may take longer to complete. If that’s the case then you have time to research, source parts and sit and look at it in the garage.

You also need to be realistic about your abilities. If you haven't rebuilt an engine before or done spray painting, polishing, spoked a wheel, rebuilt a carb, then you need to decide if you want to learn or just pay someone to do it. But I think it's a lot more rewarding to look at the finished bike and be able to say, "I did that".

If you’re a novice be prepared to make mistakes. Most of us learn by our mistakes and most things can be fixed. It’s not the end of the world if you have to rub the tank back again because you’re not happy about the finish. That’s learning, and it gets easier.

These bikes may be classic now, but that does not mean they are well built. Japanese quality from this period was pretty poor; most welds are manually applied and not by skilled welders. You could dress the welds a bit to make the appearance better but it would not be concourse if you do that. It comes down to what finish you are looking for.

There is plenty of opportunity to make improvements that do not affect the appearance. Putting a proper tapered bearing in the head stem, putting emulators in the forks or tuning the dampening in the forks and/or putting new springs in are always worth doing, depending on how you intend to use the bike.

The barrels on the GT are gravity cast and are like Swiss cheese. If you want to polish the cases you have to accept some pit marks and

porosity marks in the finish. If you try to polish it out you will end up with nothing left.The Phillips-head screws they used on the engine cases are really poor. If the screws bind in the thread you need to drill them out because the head will round off before you get the screw out. replacing the screws with Hex socket head screws is the best thing you can do, but again this is not original.

Powder coating the frame is not necessarily the way to go. It doesn't give the same appearance as the original painted finish, it has a flat dull look. using an industrial 2 pack gives a great result and is tough.

POr15 products are great. We used their stuff for the engine cases, fork legs and clear coating the wheel hubs after hydro blasting and also for painting the brake calipers.

If you get the engine parts bead blasted or hydro blasted then spend a lot of time cleaning the cases before assembly and make sure you flush out every little oil hole. Both these processes use a fine abrasive grit that will get in everywhere.

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replacing the rubber boot for the carbies is money well spent; they harden over the years and may leak air. It’s a shame to reco the carbs and then not replace the boots, because if they don't seal properly and you will never get it to run sweet.

It’s the details that can make the difference. Taking the instruments apart and cleaning the faces and lenses and reassembling is just one detail that gives that new bike look. Putting the sticker kit on with the original warning labels also brings it back to that showroom appearance. Speaking of labels, Suzuki had a warning label on the forks in this era that basically warns you the front brake doesn't work in the wet. That says a lot about the quality of the bikes really, but they are classic for that reason!

We still look at the before and after shots and smile and say did we really do that?

What are some of your favourite roads / rides? I enjoy riding on most of the usual well-known roads in Victoria, like the roads around Kinglake and the Black Spur, the Great Ocean road etc. When my friends and I get away on the weekends for a ride we like to stick to the back roads as much as we can.

Have you got plans for more restorations? I brought a 1973 AS3 Yamaha from a guy at work. It had been sitting in a paddock for ages. She’s in a bad way and needs a new seat complete, new wiring, another side cover ... that’s before I start pulling her apart. So I’m not sure if I am going to scrap her for parts or restore her. I just don’t know if it is worth spending the money; I have seen one or two in some of the bike mags for $1200 so I am still undecided as yet.

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vjMC 2013 NatIoNal rally

The 2013 VJMC National rally will be held at Victor Harbor on the picturesque south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia.

dateFriday 15th, Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th March 2013

loCatIoNVictor Harbour, South Australia

vjMC 2013 NatIoNal rally proGraMrally check-in and rally pack/T-shirt & badge/meal ticket collection will be at the rally Hub, the Beachfront Holiday Park, 114 Victoria Street Victor Harbor, from Friday afternoon 3pm-8pm, and on Saturday morning from 7.30am.

Friday night dinner will be a complimentary bbq at the Beachfront Holiday Park, kindly provided by the team at Victor Motorcycles.

rally rides are set for Saturday morning & Sunday morning, with judging and public display on Saturday afternoon at Warland

reserve in the heart of Victor Harbor. Full ride details will be in the rally packs. A trailer parking area is reserved opposite the Saturday display site.

Lunch is available on both Saturday and Sunday – on Saturday this will be available at Warland reserve during the display, and Sunday at Kent reserve (walking distance across a footbridge from the Beachfront Holiday Park). You will need to present your meal vouchers to receive

use oF INterstate Club perMIt vehICles IN saA person may use a vehicle temporarily in SA 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 SA for the rally.If traveling from outside SA, please confirm your obligations with your relevant state vehicle registration Authority. For SA entrants, normal and conditional registration rules apply.

spoNsors NeededIf you are able to assist with sponsorships for rally prizes or raffle items please contact Mick Godfrey. Any assistance you can give would be appreciated.

vjMC rally CoNtaCtspeter Hunt | [email protected]

Mob 0418 214 754Mick godfrey | [email protected]

Mob 0401 196 922Mail | VJMC rally registrar, PO Box 234

Victor Harbor SA 5211.

your lunches. Complimentary pancake breakfast for riders on Saturday morning.

AGM, presentations and dinner will be Saturday evening at the Victor Harbor Convention Centre, McCracken Country Club, Victor Harbor. You will need to present your meal voucher to receive your dinner. Dress will be neat casual (shoes and collar). Live band. There will be a small (ie limited) shuttle bus (at approx 15min intervals) to ferry entrants the 4km to and from the Beachfront Holiday Park to McCracken on the night.

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loCatIoN Map - vICtor harbor80KM south oF adelaIde

If coming from the East, travel about 20km on Freeway (M1) from Murray Bridge until Callington exit, left to Strathalbyn, follow signs to Goolwa/Victor Harbor. Alternatively, those coming from Vic can turn left (B1) just before Tailem Bend, 10k to Wellington, cross the river Murray on the ferry, then through Langhorne Creek to Strathalbyn. Time is about the same either way.

Arriving in Victor Harbor from Goolwa direction, go left at BP roundabout, down hill to town centre, straight through next roundabout (McDonalds on right), continue to next roundabout, right into Victoria St, left at Liberty Service Station, Beachfront Holiday Park on left. You have arrived.

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aCCoMModatIoNPlease book and pay for your accommodation directly with the beachfront Holiday park, 114 Victoria St, Victor Harbor. This is the rally Hub. Be sure to mention your attendance at the rally to receive the group booking discount.Freecall: 1800 620 100 ph: 08 8552 1111 Fax: 08 8552 8307email: [email protected] Web: www.victorbhp.com.au

Should this Park reach capacity, another similar establishment within ½ km can be contacted:Victor Harbor Holiday and cabin park, Bay road, Victor Harbor.ph: 08 8552 1949 Fax: 08 8552 7533Web: www.victorharborholiday.com.au

Mccracken country club, where the dinner is being held, is also offering substantial discounts for those that just want accommodation for the Saturday night. Contact direct - this will need to be booked early as rooms are limited. ph: 08 8551 0200 Web: www.countryclubs.com.au/mccracken/

Victor Harbor and the surrounds offer many choices of accommodation, from caravan parks, to hotels, motels, resorts, B&B’s and holiday houses.See www.tourismvictorharbor.com.au for a number of other choices, as well as local attractions and facilities.The Port Elliot Holiday Park is also an excellent facility, and is just 5km from the rally Hub.

rIde INForMatIoNrides Coordinator is Neville Gray Mob: 0416 050 189 email: [email protected] The 2 rides will also cater for the smaller capacity bikes and those that do not wish to do the full ride. The full rides will be 120 to 140km each, taking in some spectacular scenery and great roads.We do have support from SA Police, but be advised that normal road rules will apply.Please follow instructions and take directions from Neville and his team of marshals.

After the rally, for those staying around for a few days, there will be some other casual rides organized – speak to Peter Hunt if interested.

judGINGJudging Coordinator is Mick Bulmanph: 08 83836176email: [email protected] Judging will be conducted as closely as possible to the Club guidelines. This is a mammoth job, and will require many helpers. If you have experience at judging and wish to help, please make yourself known to Mick.

provIsIoNal proGraMFriday 15th March registrations at Beachfront Holiday Park from 3pm. Free BBQ dinner. saturday 16th March ride starts at 8.30am, morning tea stop at Meadows. Lunch and display from 12noon at Warland reserve. AGM at 5.30pm. Dinner/presentations 6.30 for 7pm start. (Shuttle bus will commence at 5pm).

sunday 16th Marchride starts at 9.30am, rest stop at Normanville. Lunch at 12noon at Kent reserve.

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rally reGIstratIoN ForMPlease register by Friday February 22nd 2013 in order to allow for catering. Late entries run the risk of being rejected. registration fee includes a rally badge, T-shirt, rides and display. receipts will be issued.

One entrant per registration form.

VJMc Member registration Fee: $35.00 (including one motorcycle). non VJMc member fee: $45.00 (including one motorcycle).Second and subsequent motorcycles: $5.00 per motorcycle.

Name: ________________________________________________________________

VJMC Member No: _______________ Club (if non VJMC member): __________________

Phone No: ____________________ Email: __________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

Make: __________________________

Model: __________________________

Capacity: ________ Year: ___________

Concours Entry: Yes / No

rego No: ________________________

Signed: ________________________ (registration invalid if not signed) Date: ________

registration Total $:....................................

MaChINe/sMake: __________________________

Model: __________________________

Capacity: ________ Year: ___________

Concours Entry: Yes / No

rego No: ________________________

(attach additional sheet if you wish to enter more than two bikes.)For insurance reasons all VJMC members must have their membership subscriptions fully paid up to date to participate in the rally. Non VJMC members wishing to participate in the rally rides and/or display must register for the rally. Competition (unregistered) machines are not eligible for rides but may be displayed.

inDeMnity stateMent – 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 or in SA and is observing the conditions of that registration or permit, and with third party insurance cover in its home state which covers use in SA for the rally. I understand that the VJMC rally organizers reserve the right to prevent motorcycles not complying with the above from entering the rides.

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Name: __________________________________________Friday Dinner - complimentary BBQ at the rally Hubsaturday & sunday lunch - gourmet BBQ (including vegetarian) with salads, sweets, tea/coffee.Saturday Dinner - 3 course meal at Victor Harbour Convention Centre, McCracken Country Club, preceded by the AGM, Live Band, Presentation of Awards etc.Bar service will be available.

Friday Dinner @ $nil Qty__ Total $ Nil

Saturday Lunch @ $15.00ea Qty__ Total $ _______

Saturday Dinner @ $45.00ea Qty__ Total $ _______

Sunday Lunch @ $15.00ea Qty__ Total $ _______

Total for Meals $_______

Small _____

Medium _____

Large _____

XLarge _____

XXLarge _____

XXXLarge _____

please indicate below the number of meals required:

For special saturday evening meals (eg gluten free, vegetarian etc) please indicate your requirements on a separate sheet stapled to this booking form.

one rally badge and one rally t-shirt is included in your entry fee.

Limited numbers of extra rally T-shirts are available - $15 each if ordered with registration, but we cannot guarantee supply of extras.

Please circle your rally T-shirt size(s) and quantity if ordering more than 1:

Like all community organizations, the VJMC only exists through the voluntary support of its members. If you can assist with the rally please tick the box below. We need help with jobs such as putting up and taking down tents, ride marshalling, cleaning up and so on.

Yes I, or members of my party, can help at the rally

voluNtary help at the rally

t-shIrts

Meals

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payMeNtName: __________________________________________________

$ __________ rally registration

$ __________ Meals

$ __________ Extra T-Shirts

$ __________ TOTAL

cheque/Money order enclosed paid by eFt

payment optionsCheque or Money Order - Payable to ‘Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Inc’.orDirect deposit to:CBA Bank BSB: 062-801Account No: 10240696Account Name: VJMC rally Accountreference: use your surname and postcode

importantSend in your registration, Meals/T-shirt, & Payment Form (together with Cheque or Money Order if not paying on-line) to:VJMc rally registrarpo box 234Victor Harbor sa 5211

(please attach confirmation printout)

Office use only:received: / / .Details correct: Correct payment received: Shirt(s): Meals: Special needs noted: Stickers allocated: Pack completed:

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aNNual GeNeral MeetING 2013the 2013 agM will be held on saturday 16th March at the national rally, Victor Harbor sa.

Start time is planned for late afternoon to enable completion prior to the rally Dinner.

Members wishing to raise any matter under General Business are requested to submit details to the Secretary in the format below by Friday

15th February 2013. Submissions can be via post to PO Box 146 Fairfield VIC 3078 or via email to [email protected]

Please note that no submissions will be accepted after 15th February 2013 and no discussion items will be accepted from the floor of the meeting.

Heather GarthSecretary

I,___________________ (Member#________) hereby by submit the following matter(s) to be included in the agenda for discussion during “general business” at the Annual General Meeting to be held on 16th March 2013

1 _____________________________________________________________________

2 _____________________________________________________________________

3 _____________________________________________________________________

Signed _________________________________ Dated _______

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2013 aGM NoMINatIoN ForMs

Positions up for election are President, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor, Promotions Officer, Registrar, Regalia Officer, Librarian and two committee persons. Voting at AGM will be by show of hands only.

Please include your member number. All signatories must be financial members. Please send nominations to: The Public Officer,

VJMC Inc Australia, P O Box 5240 DAISY HILL QLD 4127

I HErEBY NOMINATE: (A____)…………….…………………………………..

FOr THE POSITION OF:…………………..…………………………

Nominated by (A____)……………………….………………… (name)......................................(signature)

Seconded by: (A____) ………………………………………….. (name)……………………………………(signature)

I ACCEPT THE NOMINATION ……………………………………………. (signature)












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sa report

“sChNItzeljaGd” (orIeNtatIoN ruN)

Words Peter Hunt

another winter over, so we can look forward to some good riding weather coming up. We’ve had our fair share

of rain this year, and it all seemed to fall on weekends mostly, so it’ll be good to stretch the legs of the old girls over the summer months.

We’ve gathered some new members over the last few months – good to see that interest in the Club is growing and the Club is expanding. Numbers have more than doubled in the last 18 months.

Of course, most of our attention lately has been directed towards the Rally next March – a

small band of volunteers has been working very hard to organise this event – it’s a big job but all the big things are locked in and we are well advanced with arrangements. We’re trying to cater to all tastes, not an easy thing in itself, but hopefully if you make the effort to be here you won’t leave disappointed, and be looking forward to coming back in 2014. Detailed info and entry forms are to be found in this magazine – get in early to avoid disappointment!!

So have a great Christmas and all the best for 2013 – see you in March!!

I thought it would be fun to organise a “Schnitzeljagd”, which loosely translates into ’Orientation Run’ – or ‘Treasure Hunt’ . Five (possibly six) nominated for Sunday 26 August, six riders turned up. Excellent! I would like to thank Darren for his assistance in organising the first part of the run.

First phone call i had on my way to Tanunda at 8:30am; “Good morning. Bad news, battery is flat, but I’ll try to

get there, might be bit late.” Hope the battery will be playing ball, I thought, but I was also bit concerned that we might have one less rider. The skies weren’t looking promising at this stage. How many more would ring? Anyway, we all met at Tanunda Caltex, 9:15am, to spend a bit of time to explain the rules and instructions, for a 9:30 start of registration. After receiving the instruction sheet and a

map the riders were “released” in 5 minute intervals. First place to “find” was Menglers Hill to perform some tasks there, like counting statues. Second stop, Angaston, more tasks and challenges there. So the fun went on to Moculta, Keyneton, Eden Valley, Springton, Mount Pleas-ant to Birdwood. Where a special task was set up - to open a padlock (where the rider(s) had to find the combination in previous tasks), the toolbox then opened. This was closed after 10 seconds and the rider had to recall and write down as many items as possible.


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The riders then had to navigate further to Mount Torrens, Charleston, Woodside, heading back towards Birdwood, aiming for Forreston, to Whispering Wall ( via Williamstown) to perform further tasks and challenges, finishing up in Sandy Creek Hotel, where the last rider arrived at about 4pm.

The ride was about 150km long, you think you would ride this in about 2 hours, but don’t forget, it takes a while at each location, to stop and take gear off, perform some tasks, ask some people some questions and of course have a break/ lunch.

We had a good reception at the hotel and most people there were intrigued with what we were doing, so we were happy to explain.

All in all, there were 38 tasks and 16 challenges, a total possible of 500 points and the winners of the inaugural trophy were, with an awesome 345 points, rod and Meredith! Congrats guys, well done.

From the feedback I had after the run, I can truly say - without beating too much on my chest - it was an enormously enjoyable day, and the skies even cleared for us. So sorry that I don’t have any more pictures of the middle and the last part of the fun, but I had to be at many places at the same time.


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oCtober 14th Mystery rIde day Words Peter Hunt

this was called a Mystery ride Day, because up to about a week before it I still had no idea where we were going or what

we were doing – but in a moment of inspiration, very rare these days, I settled on a suitable route and a destination. It’s always hard to get this right, as you have to cater for bikes from CBXs and z13s to tiddlers so that everyone can enjoy the ride, but I think it worked out ok.

The day dawned sunny and warm, although Ashley, who had ridden 3+ hours from the riverland just to get the start of the ride, complained about it being cold when he left home – soft mate, haha. BIG effort though!

We had 18 bikes show up, all shapes and sizes, including some non-Jap, but hey, who cares –

the more the merrier, and just proves we’re not racist! We left Stirling and took the long way to Meadows, about 100kms in all, taking in some interesting hills roads and scenery – the hills never look better than this time of year. It was to be a longer ride, but the, er, ride leader, was ahum, a little low on fuel, but it didn’t seem to matter as nobody knew where we going anyway, and we still arrived at the lunch stop at the desired time. We kicked back for lunch and coffee or whatever, and chats about bikes and how fast we used to be – you know the story, the older we get the faster we were.

We then went our own ways and headed back to where we came from. A good day was had by all.It was also great to see some first timers along on this ride – thank you for making the effort.


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FlashbaCK Gallery

Laverton TT races, Victoria 1976.

John rofe with Kawasaki H2 at Mac Park Mt Gambier, 1976.

Denise rofe with CB500v-4, 1975 at Thredbo.

SA member Allan rofe with XS750 Yamaha & Denise rofe at Casino NSW, 1979.


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rIde daybIrdwood MIll MuseuM

26th August Words Peter Hunt

after a week of dismal weather, clear skies greeted us for the ride day to Birdwood Mill Museum. We had

18 bikes on the run,which was a great effort. Thanks to some of the CBX Club guys for also joining us.

After meeting in Stirling (where a few of us were huddled around warm bikes to keep warm!) we headed off as a group for the ride to Birdwood where we were greeted by Mick and Faye Godfrey who had organised the day for us. Thank you Mick and Faye!


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Some then headed off to settle grumbling tummies and some went in to view the cars and bikes in the museum, and then visited the bakeries – lots of chatting, joking and fun was had by all. For those that have not been to the Museum before, there are dozens and dozens of bikes to perv on, including an assortment of VJMs.......oh, and some cars.

It’s great to see new members along to these ride days too – the club is continually growing (I’m getting several enquiries every week) and everyone seems to be enjoying our days out. It’s very satisfying to see everyone getting along and introducing themselves around the group – thank you to everyone for making the effort and helping to make the club a success.


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taMworth areaGroup report

Words Paul rowling

With little in the way of hibernation over winter, the spring weather brings with it the promise of more activity in the northwest.

Our schedule continues unabated with at least one local ride each month and our monthly Bench racing meetings

and we now have a fledgling local newsletter to help keep our growing membership informed of our busy calendar. Half a dozen of us made the journey down the Putty to the Macquarie

Towns restorers Club rally in July. This is a very well organized event and well worth a look if you’ve not been before. We met a few of the local VJMC chaps, had a good feed and a great stay at Windsor. I’m told the ride was not quite as good as last year, (too many slow round eye machines, perhaps) however, I’m not in a position to comment as the battery on my Samurai clagged very early in the ride forcing me to push it back to our camp. I was eventually able to get it going again and then journey to the lunch venue but in the opposite


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direction to the ride group. Arriving before the ride meant that I ended up on gate marshalling duties something of a penance for not checking the A1’s battery charge before we left home, some lessons are learnt the hard way! Still it was a great weekend.

As I said business as usual continues with a meeting and ride day each month with the occasional extra ride when needed. We also participated in the local Pink ribbon ride charity day in aid of breast cancer research, but in addition to going along for the ride the lads also displayed a selection of our machines to add interest to the day. The organizers were blessed with a glorious spring day and the event was well attended. Once again several folk approached with the desire to sign up to the VJMC, keeps happening at all events we

hold, we have so many new members that I am unable to give an accurate total, suffice to say we mast be up around forty by now, I have to wait on confirmation from the membership Secretary for the total, not bad when we had only three local members at the end of 2009. The lads also publicized our Blue ribbon Charity Display Day, to be held on November 18th. Plans for this event are well under way and our target is to beat the $1200 total we raised last year. Look for the full report in the next mag.

That’ll do for now, I’m off to the shed to finish getting the VFr ready for our trek down to the GP to farewell our local lad in his last race in Oz. There will be a few of us northwest boys down there so maybe we’ll catch up over a refreshment or two.

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suNday rIde Words Col Dustin / images John Doward

leaving templestowe, we rode via St Andrews, morning tea at Kinglake, short trip to Healesville and home. About 100

km round trip, in terrific sunny 22c weather.

We even found some members in Healesville who were not aware it was on, as it seemed to miss the Yahoo email process, (that’ll teach you to check the calendar, John!).

Colin Frost did a great job of leading the pack, not getting us lost, and a good day had by all. Catch you next ride.

This was a very pleasant ride through the countryside, with 15 VJMC bikes setting out, some with pillions.

October 12 Healesville

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lIsMore GroupstatIC dIsplay

Words rob Andrews

Well - we started ‘well behind the 8-ball’- mainly due to illness in the VJMC district organiser’s family.

but we really “came good” due to the great support of our few loyal local members and of course the

support of Lismore Motorcycles at Three Chain road, South Lismore. As they are Suzuki and “Platinum” Yamaha dealers our older bikes fitted in quite well with their present franchises. The management of LMC also allowed us ample space for our static display

and also an information table for sign-ups and dissemination of all VJMC information including the new contact cards. A privately owned collection of historic dealer-brochures displayed by Peter Lake, an old-time VJMC supporter, was probably one of the highlights - along with the bikes. Peter even had some TY 250B 1972 original dealer brochures in his folders, as well as many other historic originals! The LMC management also put on a sausage-sizzle for all patrons and anyone else who came along to see us on this particular cloudy Saturday. All good tucker!

The local VJMC members displayed the fol-lowing machines:- 1966 Suzuki A100 98cc rotary disc-valve (and much faster than you realise at 100Kph) 1976 Yamaha rD 250 1977 (ditto but 140Kph plus) and my Yamaha rz 250r 1989 Yamaha - all lovely, responsive and zestful 2-strokes! Due to illness considerations my trials Yamaha TY175 1975 was unable to be displayed, but even so the public were most intrigued to see how the Japanese industry has sea-changed over the last 25-40 years and perhaps this in itself was worthwhile educa-

tion. This was a great effort by all present and I can tell you was much appreciated person-ally. “Thanks everyone”. But special thanks to Ian, Lyn, Miro, Noel and Peter for the display assistance and the ensuing good VJMC public relations for the Club.

It is perhaps a pity that most of the other local VJMC members that I e-mailed did not bother to turn up. Maybe next time... they actually missed a good event, some niucer free eats and some excellent and interesting conversations too !


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south-east QueeNslaNdrIde CaleNdar

sunday 4thDay ride to the red rattlers Gallery and Coffee Shop at Dungey near Murwillumbah. ride via Currumbin Valley and Tomewin range. Leave the BP Garage at Yatala (exit 38 of M1 freeway to Gold Coast) at 8.30am.

tuesday 13thClub meeting at the Belmont Tavern corner of Burstal Ave and Belmont road Belmont at 7pm

sunday 18th

Gold Coast Enthusiasts Motorcycle Club Poker run. Departs from their Mudgeeraba clubhouse at 9.30am with registration and breakfast from 8am. Depart the BP Garage (Exit 38 off the M1 freeway to Gold Coast at 7am for a nice cool summer morning ride down to Mudgeeraba.

sunday 25thDay run to the Big Cart go kart track at Landsborough on the Sunshine Coast. Leave from the Caltex Garage Gympie road Castledine at 8.30am.

noVeMber 2012;

saturday 1st Club Christmas Party. Venue to be advised.

sunday 9thCleaning Day at the Australian Motorcycle Museum Warrego Hwy Haigslea. Meet at the Caltex garage at Blacksoil at 9am.

saturday 15thFinal get together at Tony’s Café Springwood Suzuki Kingston-Beenliegh road underwood. Meet there at 9am.

DeceMber 2012;

tuesday 8th Club Christmas Party. Venue to be advised.

sunday 13thHistoric Motorcycle Clubs annual Breakfast ride over Mt Glorious to the red Cedar picnic grounds for breakfast. Meet at the BP Garage Cnr Payne and Waterworks rd The Gap at 7am.

January 2013;

Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Inc

Details: [email protected] • 0418 214 754 www.vjmc.org.au

Victor Harbor, South Australia

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ross hullsdIrt bIKe day

Words ross Hulls

For a while, I’ve been wondering where all the old dirt bikes had gone. Then, a couple of months ago, I started to put out the

feelers for a day at my place in East Gippsland.

I was a bit concerned no-one would turn up, but I need not have worried. We had 73 … yes, that’s not a misprint … 73 bikes turn up for a dirt bike day on October 14!

I’d always said that if I managed 15-20 bikes, I’d be happy. But as the word spread, I was getting calls from all over. A couple of days out, I’d had more than 60 bikes due to front. By now, I knew it was going to be BIG!

Vic member ross Hulls managed to bring a whole paddock full of dirt bikes out of hibernation.

Living in lovely East Gippsland and having the luxury of a good few acres to play with, I set up a couple of courses for the guys to tear around on. Well, when you’ve got your own bulldozer, what else do you do?

The day dawned nice and clear and warm and it just got better by the minute. The sight of bikes being ridden in, trailer-loads of 3, 4 or 6 bikes, was simply awesome.

A count up after lunch had a few from the VJMC, which was really good. Lots of kids on mini bikes and lots of old blokes on old bikes!

Everyone had a great day, and they all want to do it again next year! So do I.

Buy and sell motorcyclesroad-worthy certificates (rwc)service and repairs across a wide range of motorcycles

81 Station Street, Fairfield, Victoria 3078 | Open six days a week: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00 | Saturday 9:00 to 13:00phone: 1300 GASSIT(1300 427748) | fax: 03 9489 9626 email: [email protected] web: www.gassit.com.au


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vINtaGe japaNese MotorCyCle Club INC

T he VJMC is a worldwide club. There are independent branches in North America (uSA/Canada), uK, New zealand and

Australia. Some enthusiasts are members of more than one branch.

Direct enquiries for overseas branches of the VJMc to:

north america president: Stuart Coving-ton, 55 Howard St, Lunenburg, MA 01462 uSA. Website: www.vjmc.org email: [email protected]

united Kingdom chairman: Malcolm Linsley, VJMC PO Box 21671 Falkirk, FK1 9AL. Website: www.vjmc.com email: [email protected]

new zealand: ross & Trudy Charlton, 2 Te Miti St, Paekakariki, Wellington. email: [email protected]

hIstorIC reGoNsw CoNdItIoNal reGIstratIoN sydney roadworthy inspections David Bernardi | 0431 661 769 [email protected] other nsW areas contact Lyndon Adams | (02) 4945 1780 [email protected]

aCtStan Perry | (02) 6296 [email protected]

vICtorIa Club perMIt sCheMe INspeCtorsMelbourne - inner east Mike Darling | 0412 265 981Melbourne - West Kevin Drazdauskas | 0419 884 560Melbourne - south east Trevor Whitty | 0419 807 212central VicGraeme Climas | (03) 5446 3844West gippsland Dennis Flynn | 0407 359 278

Qld Club reGIstratIoN sCheMe brisbane Graeme Knight | 0411 034 938

The club has a sizeable library of magazines, workshop manuals and parts manuals for members to use. enquires: [email protected]


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aCtcanberra Greg russell 0414 469 [email protected]

Nswbathurst Vacant. rep required.Far north coast rob Andrews (02) 6621 4083 [email protected]

goulburn Malcolm Peden (02) 4821 [email protected]

Hunter Vince Foreman (02) 4973 1852 [email protected]

Manning Steve Wardle (02) 6551 5546 [email protected]

Mid Hunter Allan Kensit (02) 4938 7223 [email protected]

Mid north coast Trevor Ellis (02) 6655 5911 [email protected]

north West Graeme Tonkin (02) 6724 8454 [email protected]

queanbeyan rob Hogan (02) 6299 7579 [email protected]

south coast Patrick Sager (02) 4473 6191 [email protected]

sydney David Bernardi 0431 661 769 [email protected]

sydney inner Steve O’Farrell (02) 9517 3490 [email protected]

sydney south/West Allan Dykstra (02) 9824 [email protected]

tamworth Paul rowling 0411 696 [email protected]

QueeNslaNdMackay Peter & Helen Douglas (07) 4954 3653

south east queensland Steve Day [email protected]

sunshine coast Vacant - rep required

sasouth australia Peter Hunt 0418 214 754 [email protected]

vICcentral Victoria Ivan Eeles (03) 5448 4746 [email protected] Vacant - rep required

north east Victoria Bob & Jenny Kitchener (03) 5775 [email protected]

north West VictoriaTrevor Lawrence 0412 469 337 [email protected] gippsland Dennis Flynn 0407 359 278 [email protected]

Western VictoriaAlan & Pam Stork 0401 995 060 [email protected]

represeNtatIvesRegional

More info: Contact Jeff Eeles 0411 051 902 if you are

interested in getting VJMC happening in your area.

aCtMeet: The Mawson ClubHeard Street, Mawson, ACT7.30pm on the first Monday night of each month.Contact: Greg russell 0414 469 [email protected]

NswMid HunterMeet: 7pm on the 1st Tuesday of every odd-numbered month at Greta Workers Club. Cnr New England Highway & West StreetContact: Allan Kensitt (02)4938 7223 or 0405 492700

tamworthMeet: Tamworth City Bowling Club ANzAC Park, Brisbane St, Tam-worth. 6.30pm last Thursday of every month. Contact Paul 0411 696 852 [email protected]

Qldsouth east qldMeet: Belmont TavernCnr Burstall Ave & Belmont rd, Belmont. 7pm second Tues of each month. Contact: Steve Day 0409 196 825 [email protected]

vICMelbourne MetroMeet: Grandview HotelCnr Station Street & Heidelberg Road, Fairfield7.00pm on the last Tuesday night of each month

central VicMeet: Garlands Bakehouse & Cafe124 High Street, Kangaroo Flat10.00am every Sunday morningContact: Ivan Eeles (03) 5448 [email protected]

MeetsRegional


MeMber reNewalaNNual 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.

Member 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 AustraliaBSB 062-801 ACC 10-240-688Please include your member number as detail.

send to: VJMC Inc PO Box 5240 Daisy Hill QLD 4127

oFFICIal use oNly

received

renewal Date

received $

Cash / Cheque / MO / Direct Credit

receipt No

reply Sent

aNNual Fees NEW rENEWAustralian residents $45 $40Family (member + 1 other) $55 $50New zealand $50 $45Overseas $55 $50

1/6/10From 1/7/10


please CoNtrIbute

we are looKING For artICles / photos/ letters For Future

Issues oF the MaG.

C O N T r I B u T O r S

email contributions to: [email protected]

VJMC #127

Documents

Transcript of VJMC #127