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KICKSTART
Volume 32 No 9 SEPTEMBER 2017
The Official Journal of
The Vintage Motorcycle Club.
Member of S.A.V.V.A.
Affliated to
The Vintage Motorcycle Club
Of the United Kingdom
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CONTENTS
CHAIRMAN’S CHAT ......................................................................................................................... 3
VMC Calendar 2018 ........................................................................................................................ 4
Special Appeal. ................................................................................................................................ 4
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS ........................................................................................................ 5
CALENDAR OF EVENTS .................................................................................................................... 5
UPCOMING EVENTS ........................................................................................................................ 5
DJ Remembrance Ride ................................................................................................................. 5
VVC Historic Tour ............................................................................................................................ 6
Fairest Cape Tour ........................................................................................................................ 6
Velocette Reunion ....................................................................................................................... 6
Sunday Run to Wild Cave Adventures 22 October 2017 ............................................................... 6
CLUB NIGHT -24 July 2017 ............................................................................................................... 6
LIBRARY CORNER ............................................................................................................................ 7
BIKE FEATURE – BMW R90s (Part 2) ............................................................................................... 7
INTERNET ...................................................................................................................................... 10
THE CLASSIC TT ............................................................................................................................. 10
CLASSIFIEDS .................................................................................................................................. 13
FOR SALE ................................................................................................................................... 13
WANTED: ................................................................................................................................... 13
SERVICES ................................................................................................................................... 13
COMMITTEE MEMBERS ................................................................................................................. 15
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CHAIRMAN’S CHAT
From the Acting Chairman
Our AGM has come and gone and we are in the new year of the clubs business, Ken has advised
that he is not available for the new year as chairman and is stepping down. We thank him for his
efforts during this tenure and we wish him well.
This of course leaves a gap in the committee and at the first committee meeting in the new period
I have been asked to stand in as Chairman. I am willing to hold the fort for now but with my other
commitments this is not a long term solution. We must find a new face to lead our club as this is a
very important role and requires energy and the ability to get things done and my appeal is to
each member to give this some thought and to let us know what you think.
I believe we have a great club with international links and that it has a significant contribution to
make to the movement as a whole so with this in mind we need to apply ourselves to setting up a
good and strong committee.
Volunteers make the best committee members so please don’t be shy and put your hand up if you
can make a difference and it doesn’t matter at all if you haven’t had any experience, you will soon
get some!
Lots to look forward to as we move to the end of the year. There are a number of events which
should be of interest and we also welcome new ideas in this regard.
The club’s finances are sound and we have a good and competent team addressing the issues that
need this but we also have plenty of opportunity for new blood in the group so step up to the
plate and take your place!
I look forward to the response to this and also thank the current people who are willing to serve
and do so well.
Until next month safe and happy motorcycling and good fellowship within our club.
Ian Holmes.
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VMC Calendar 2018
WANTED
Calendar Sponsors
There are still a few slots left.
Please contact Richard Hulsbos urgently at hulsbosr@yebo.co.za or cell 0828933922 to keep your
slot open.
Special Appeal.
Does anyone know the whereabouts of the old VMC PA system which lived in the little blue
suitcase??
If you know of its whereabouts please inform a committee member.
We have also lost the microphone of our new system.
5
WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS
Editor
At our last meeting, we welcomed Justin Jarvis, Brandon’s brother. It is always good to welcome
younger members and trust that we will see you on the rally circuit. Has Brandon sorted you out
with a DJ bike yet?
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
October
1 CMC Club Sunday CMC Germiston
6 – 8 Velocette Run VOC Fouriesberg
15 Piston Ring PR Modderfontein
22 VVC Historic Tour VVC Oaklands
23 VMC Club Night VMC Oaklands
November
5 CMC Club Sunday CMC Germiston
Tba Club ride to be arranged VMC tba
12 – 14 Fairest Cape Tour CVMC Cape Winelands
19 Piston Ring PR Modderfontein
27 Club Night VMC Oaklands
December
3 Ride in Memory VMC To be advised
4 Chairmans Cocktail VMC Oaklands
10 Kenjara Run VVC Kromdraai
Dates, events and locations may change. If anyone has information on changes or additional
events that they would like included, please contact Rob Pattison-Emms
UPCOMING EVENTS
DJ Remembrance Ride
This run takes place on 24th
September from the James Hall transport museum. Please arrive at
8h30 to leave by 9h00.
Neville Smith will lead the riders on a route suitable for old bikes. If you don’t have an old bike
going, then ride one of your modern bikes.
Rob Pattison-Emms will provide a sweep.
After the ride a short service will be held and then the usual tea, coffee and biscuits.
6
A register will be kept of all participants and who they ride, for while the committee is getting the
records straightened out. Plaques will be made and added at a later date.
VVC Historic Tour
The tour will start from VVCC, cars setting off in their own time from the club after 0900. The
route will pass places of both modern interest and historical, where possible, enjoying the
Jacarandas which will be in full bloom. The tour will pass the Constitutional Court into the CBD
over the Nelson Mandela Bridge and then returning via the Parktown Ridge heritage homes, via
Westcliffe to the War Memorial. This can be a stopover point for photos under Memorial or even a
coffee and then proceeding via Saxonwold/ Melrose back to the club. Approximately 1.30 to 2
hours.
I believe it is intended to have fires burning etc for lunch there. I've not finalized that aspect. Entry
is R30(to be finalised) and entry prior to the event will help with planning.
There will possibly be a quiz at the end too.”
Fairest Cape Tour
If you do only one rally a year, this is the one to do. It is held in the winelands of the Western Cape
and will run from 12th
to 14th
November. See www.cvmc.co.za for more details.
Velocette Reunion
This is a social weekend at Fouriesberg and you don’t have to own a Velocette. If you are
interested, please speak to Kevin Robertson Phone 083-321-3234
Sunday Run to Wild Cave Adventures 22 October 2017
Robert Pattison-Emms
This event has been cancelled as we did not get the minimum number of participants necessary to
make it viable.
CLUB NIGHT -24 July 2017
Ian Storer
Ken Wiggins opened the night with the AGM. Ken distributed his report and financials and
continued by thank all his committee for their support during the year. He then resigned as all the
committees are required to do and asked for nominations for all positions to come forth.
Due to the poor response from those in attendance and no outside nominees coming in only a
basic committee was formed. Nominations of people not present will have to be accepted or
rejected. Results should be published elsewhere.
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Visitor and long lost members were Tony Baxter, Nick Sim, and new member Justin Jarvis
The night proceeded by the presentation of a 1978 4 Cylinder Suzuki GS 1000 by Trevor Jones.
He told us that this bike was ‘found’ while looking through property owned by his daughter’s
father in law. Apparently it took quite a lot of persuasion from Trevor for the father in law to part
with it. Eventually once acquired Trevor cleaned it up replaced tyres and de gunked the
carburetors. The carbs. took two or three attempts before the bike ran really well, eventually
reaching 200KPH on a good run.
Trevor has added 10000 + Kilometers in the last two years on to the 14000 already on the clock, by
riding to Cape Town and doing the Fairest Cape.
Raffle prizes were won by Eric McQuillan, Ian Storer, Eddie Germiquet and others
32 people attended the evening.
LIBRARY CORNER
Our Librarian, John Hassell still is away. We look forward to his report back on his adventures
while in the UK.
BIKE FEATURE – BMW R90s (Part 2)
By Eddie Germiquet
(This is the final series of Eddie’s adventures on his R90s, at least until we twist his arm to write
some more)
Taking a Past Moderator for a “ton”.
During the early sixties the country changed from miles to kilometres. However, with the older
generation certain jargon relating to miles lingered on for some time. One such standard term was
to refer to the then magic speed of 100 miles per hour as a “ton”. Any motorcycle which could
reach 100 mile per hour (160 km/h) was highly rated. In 1981, Lauren and I had travelled to a
church renewal conference on the BMW. From time to time little groups of interested ministers
would gather round the bike for some chats. One such minister was Rev Granville Morgan, a past
Moderator of the General Assembly and by then a respected senior minister. It was with an
enquiring look in his eyes that he asked me if the BMW could “hit a ton”. “Off course!” I answered:
“If you climb on I’ll show you.” When we reached 160 km/h I tapped him on the knee and pointed
to the speedometer. The look of satisfaction that came over his face made me realize that one of
his little dreams had just been realized.
Once the family arrived it was no longer realistic for Lauren and I to go on extended motorcycle
adventures together. As the children reached the age of about 8yrs, each had their individual
opportunity to spend a motorcycling and camping weekend away with Dad.
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1000 Bike Show
One of the yearly activities of interest in Jhb is the 1000 Bike Show organized by the Classic Bike
Club. All manner of bikes can be viewed, together with the interesting characters associated with
them. Lauren, observing the ladies with heavy makeup and hair dyed black; who sport denim
jackets festooned with badges and who wear tight jeans with boots, has concluded that she is
definitely not a “Biker Chick” I am nevertheless convinced that “Ballerina Lauren” who has covered
about 12,000 kms on the back of the BMW has clocked many thousands of kilometres more than
most “Biker Chicks”.
Bike Maintenance
The reward for owning a classic BMW’s is that its maintenance can be done with a smile. The air-
cooled motor requires no added complications of a radiator; the carburettors are accessible and
can be tuned with great ease; the cylinder heads and tappets can be accessed individually when
necessary and the cylinders themselves can be eased off the engine block and each piston then
inspected. The ignition mechanism is all housed behind the front cover and the air filter at the rear
of the housing. Despite these many parts being easily accessible, the quality of the machine
ensures that accessing them is not often required.
An interesting Problem
One morning when I attempted to start the bike, it behaved as if the battery was flat. The engine
would turn over once and then stop. After a few similar attempts I decided to check if the spark
plugs produced a spark. I removed both spark plugs and connected them to the high tension leads,
then pressed the start button. With my eyes intently focussed on catching sight of a spark, I was
suddenly caught totally by surprise when I was sprayed by a powerful jet of petrol which shot out
of the now vacant spark plug hole. “What on earth is going on?” I wondered. Slowly I pieced
together the chain of events. The petrol tap had become worn so that even when it was in the
“off” position, petrol was still able to trickle past. This ongoing trickle of fuel flooded the
carburettors and then worked its way down the inlet manifolds and into the cylinders. Thus slowly
but surely both cylinders were filling up with petrol. As petrol is not compressible, the attempts to
start the engine resulted in a total blockage of the starting process. As fuel had obviously flooded
the cylinders I decided to check if it had also trickled passed the piston rings and got mixed up with
the oil in the sump. A quick check on the dipstick confirmed that the sump had filled up with petrol
and now contained a mixture of oil and fuel. Yet another problem that became evident was that
the level in the sump had got so high that it reached the bearings that houses the shaft to the
clutch mechanism and had oozed past and contaminated the clutch plate with its oily mess. The
end result was that because of a poorly sealing petrol tap, not only did the oil in the sump need
changing but the gearbox needed to be removed and the entire clutch assembly dismantled and
thoroughly cleaned.
One of the things that I have experienced while riding along country roads is that the brain goes
into a slightly altered state of consciousness where images and ideas wander in and out of one’s
thoughts. Perhaps it is the regular transition of the white lines in the centre of the road that
9
induces a hypnotic state. On my numerous trips between Fort Beaufort and Rhodes University in
Grahamstown I occasionally got an insight into some issue that was needed for my thesis. Such
insights were experienced as “eureka” moments. I would arrive home and immediately make a
note of it so as to not lose the value of the insight. The interesting thing is that the passage of time
has not erased the clarity of remembering not only the exact location along the route where the
particular insight occurred but also the insight itself.
The Clock
Since the bike’s manufacture it is amazing that for the past 40 years the clock has kept virtual
perfect time and has never required repairs. For how much longer it will last, only time will tell.
A Cherry on the top
In 1975 the book “Classic Motorcycles” by Vic Willoughby, was published. On the centre double
pages 90/91 is pictured four classic motorcycles. Although the R90S was still being produced the
author seems to have had an insight into the future for he had already given the R90S a place
amongst the classics. Unknown to me at the time of the purchase of this book, is that within a few
years not just one but two of the depicted models would be parked in my garage.
30th March 1992, leaving for Glen Eden with
Jean Luc 8th April 1994, off to Port Alfred with Lincoln
10
An interesting Problem
1000 Bike Show
INTERNET
Read up on the Classic TT on the official website:
https://www.iomtt.com/Classic-TT.aspx
THE CLASSIC TT
(News from Ian Holmes)
An adventure to the Isle of Man TT races has always been on my Bucket List and this year I was
lucky enough to realise this. Planning for it started early this year in the Milk Bar at the VVC when
a group of interested players or should I say fans instead mooted the idea of going across to this
year’s Classic TT event scheduled for end August early September. Pierre Rousseau Hamish
Morrison and yours truly committed to the idea and our friend Brian Gush in the UK promptly
made the bookings. The die was cast and if you do not get in very early you may miss the
opportunity altogether is it is very popular and fans from all over the UK and Europe flock there
annually.
The fun starts with a ferry crossing from Liverpool to Douglas on the Island and we had a nice calm
crossing. It takes about two and a half hours and just seeing all the motorcyclists riding into the
bowels of the ferry was a wonderful site. For future reference it is key to have a bike on the island
although not having been there before we did well enough on Public Transport. Arrival at the Ferry
11
harbour in Douglas was painless and we immediately purchased an Isle of Man GO Explore card at
the terminal. This entitles you to unlimited access to buses the Horse Drawn Tram and the Electric
Rail Tram on the Island. Rob Pattison Emms of the VMC had primed us on this and it was good
advice.
Our package included “Glamping” accommodation which is glamorous camping! We were given a
tent on a sports field near the Start line on the track and this was quite adequate as it had access
to ablution facilities at the soccer club. A bit Spartan for our age perhaps but we managed well and
we did what South Africans do when they are at motorsport- we Braaied twice! We had bought
some cheap disposable braais at a store in the UK (50P each) and they worked really well!
Our experience of the folk on the island was very positive in general. They welcome the
motorcyclists everywhere and were most helpful whenever we asked for directions or advice
although they were sometimes optimistic in their predictions as to how far something was. “Five
minutes walk” often proved to be a lot more. Perhaps we are not as quick or fit as we were!!
To the event itself. This is motorcycle racing like nothing else anywhere I believe. The racing takes
place on ordinary roads and streets on the island which are closed off for the periods required.
Upon closure the marshals ride the track at great pace I might add to check that all closures are
complete and then the racing starts.
The start is as traditional as it was in the beginning in 1907 I believe. The first bike off lines up on
the grid and the starter sets him or her off by the now famous “shoulder touch”. The bikes then
scream off at ten second intervals and the winner is the one who has completed the circuit in the
shortest time from start. No results flashed up on electronic screens here. The Boy Scouts write up
each lap time on a blackboard and it is expressed in the form of the average speed of the rider
around the 37 odd mile circuit. The normal length for a race was four laps and to cover the circuit
in under twenty five or so minutes is hauling indeed.
A feature of this year’s event was an attempt by Michael Dunlop to do the course at an average of
100mph on an exact replica of the bike that set the first 100mph lap in 1957! Bob McIntyre set this
magic lap on a Gilera with a “dustbin” fairing and Michael was able to do the same sixty years
later.
To average the ton around the circuit on a modern bike is no mean feat but on that early
equipment it was an outstanding performance. Geoff Duke had nearly done it (99.97mph) but it
fell to Bob to get the first official ton up lap.
Anyway back to the experience of the event. The nature of the track is that at best you can only
see a small section of the track. While we had tickets to the main Grandstand all that is visible
from there is the start, refuelling and bike passing flat out along the straight. There are many
favourite viewing spots all around the circuit and a good plan would be to research these
beforehand and then work out how to get to them. Some require payment and others are free so
hairpins bridges and other tricky spots are favoured.
12
Mad Sunday occurs on the Sunday in the middle of the programme which runs for two weeks and
a key feature of this is that visitors can ride around the track if they have suitable wheels. The
Festival of Jurby also occurs on this day and what a spectacle that is. It takes place on an airfield on
the Northwest of the Island and is reached by bike or bus . There is a short track where I
understand you can pay to ride but the big attraction is the visitors bike park where everything
from modern superbike to DJ eligible mounts are parked and a walk through this takes hours!
There must be close to five or six thousand machines parked in the various parking areas. Food
outlets regalia and bits are on sale everywhere and there is also great music being played by a
band where the brave or foolish even get up and dance.
I tend to suffer from information overload at places like this as there is so much to see and do
each of which is interesting or exciting. If you love motorcycles there is nothing quite like it.
Racing is cancelled on days when it rains so the museum in Douglas is also a good stop on such an
occasion.
I understand that at this event the 250th
fatality occurred since the commencement of these races
and one wonders how long they will continue. The good news I think is that the Isle of Man is
pretty independent of any controlling bodies and while motorcyclists are driven to attend and
participate there full well knowing the dangers the good people of the Island will allow this to
continue. I saw a sign which read “When the flag drops the Bulls**T stops!” and I think that is so
true of this race in particular.
Bruce Anstey of New Zealand set a new lap record of over 120mph in the 250cc class and the
ladies were represented by Maria Costello who was right up there with the leaders. The pit area is
open to the public which adds to the informal and very involved spectating experience. Just to
wander through this area and see the machines is very special.
All in all a great and memorable experience and if you ever can, do it!
Ian Holmes
13
CLASSIFIEDS
For Sale and Wanted advertisements will be placed in Kickstart for ONE edition only. These may be
renewed on request each month. Services advertisements will be placed for a maximum of SIX
editions and must be renewed every January and July.
Advertising in the classified section is free for members and R100 for non-members, with the
exception that For Sale of classic and vintage motorcycles is free for everyone.
Advertising elsewhere in Kickstart: Full page R500, Half page R250, Quarter page R125 per edition
If you order advertising space for 6 consecutive ads, you only pay for 5 ads, if you order 12
consecutive ads, you pay for 8 ads.
Email your advertisements to editor@vintagemotorcycleclub.co.za. The cut-off for any month is the
close of business, third Monday of the month.
FOR SALE:
Lazy Loader Trailer R8000
Abrasive cut off saw – offers?
Model Steam Loco – 5” gauge part built MAID OF KENT – offers?
Colin Anderton on 076-914-3694 or email colin.anderton40@gmail.com
2008 Royal Enfield 500cc 3000 km with COR R35 000
Ian Laight - laightian@gmail.com
WANTED:
SPONSORS for the VMC Calendar
R2500 per month and 12 sponsors are required to produce a Calendar.
Contact Richard Hulbos 082 893-3922 for further information.
SERVICES
British Bike Spares, Restorations and other Services
Specialising in classic British bike spares supplying parts from Wassell, the biggest new classic bike
part wholesalers in the UK. Contact Gavin Walton
Home 011 818 4055, or Mobile 083 408 4296, Email britishbikespares@gmail.com
Full restorations. Wheel Lacing and Building.
14
Contact Pierre Cronje. On Mobile 072 513 9432.
Ultrasonic cleaning call Henry Watermeyer on 084 800 8862.
Petrol taps Enots flat-slide type, made in brass to your order. Sizes 1/8”, 1/4” and 3/8” BSP
Rally boxes made to your order with handlebar mounting brackets plus mountings for the rally
plate and three watches. Trevor Fraser on 013 656 3063 or 076 591 5560.
Restoration and other services. Gravel Man Services offers full service of all BMW boxer twins (old
and new). Accident damage repairs and restorations. Please contact Markus Watson on 083 602
3503.
Vapour Blasting Services.
We clean aluminium, brass, and copper parts using VAPOUR BLASTING method. It’s a gentle, water
based, non-destructive process for smooth satin finish. Suitable for aluminium cylinder heads,
engine blocks, gearbox casings, carburettors, etc. Call Janus Gruska from Classic Restorer on 081
065 8275 (Benoni) or email classic.restorer1@gmail.com
Magneto Rewinding. Also coils for stationery motors and BMW m/cycles on exchange basis.
Contact Rod Thomas for further info and courier details. 031-762-1509, 073-365-6494 or
email rodthomas@telkomsa.net
Over 60’s Recruitment
Specializing in the recruitment of the over 60’s and getting them back in action.
Businesses Please send us a brief description of who or what type of person you need.
Specialists Please send us your brief CV (one page only accepted) with contact details to:
brian@action60.co.za 082 601 3021 or ian@action60.co.za 072 727 7382
15
CLUB and CONTACT DETAILS
THE VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE CLUB
P O Box 782835
SANDTON
2146
South Africa
www.vintagemotorcycleclub.co.za
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Chairman Vacant
Vice Chairman Ian Holmes ianhol@iafrica.com 083 646 3089
Treasurer / Acting
Editor
Peter Vlietstra pvlietstra@gmail.com 082 650 9880
Secretary Ian Storer hilian@isat.co.za 072 727 7382
Club Dating Officer Kevin Walton kevin.walton@norcrossa.com 082 891 8399
Committee Member
/ Events
Rob Pattison Emms avonrod@mweb.co.za 082 891 2869
Member Brandon Jarvis brandon@ascotmews.co.za 082 410 8828
Librarian John Hassall Jh29@mweb.co.za 082 886 7133
CLUB ACCOUNT DETAILS
Account Number 1970259841
Nedbank
Sandton Branch 197-005
Please use your name and surname as your reference when making a payment
CLUB MEETINGS
Meetings are held every 4th
Monday of the month (except December) at The Vintage and Veteran
Club (VVC), 3 Athol Oaklands Road, Oaklands Johannesburg, at 20:00.
The opinions expressed in KICKSTART are not necessarily those of the Committee or the Editor.
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