A monthly publication of The Vintage Club Johannesburg, South Africa.

Volume 28. No 7. August 2014.

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE:

The winter days have made riding just a little more challenging than usual and I once rode a machine with heated grips, man what a bonus that is. I believe one can buy them as an aftermarket extra but somehow I don’t see my Lucas producing enough power to heat my pinkie let alone the whole grip!! Anyway what do you think the early DJ riders may have thought about softies who need heated grips!!

On the subject of Rallies I am appealing to every member to either enter the Magnum or to recruit even non-members of any club to enter this year. It is such a great event and we really need to support it by ensuring there are enough entries.

I am confident that there will be in the end as we are all myself included notorious last minuters! To help promote the event we have through the competent services of Steve Trehair made a short (Less than three minutes) video clip which he has placed on U Tube which will help to enlighten and encourage first timers to enter. If for any reason you have not yet received this link it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJGKem_3IrA Get a teenager to help you if there is a problem in finding it!!

I am pleased to see our attendance at the Monday evening meetings picking up a bit and the last one in particular seemed to have been enjoyed by all who attended. In addition to our rides it is the meetings which form the core of our club and I urge those who do not come to them on a regular basis to try to do so. If transport is a problem at night please let us know and perhaps there is a member in your proximity who would be happy to help.

It is sub renewal time again so may I take this opportunity to remind you of this. Any queries you may have should be directed to Gawie and he will gladly advise you.

My final appeal is to anyone who has an unusual or new bike around we would love to see it at the club so please let us know so we can allocate a Monday night meeting to your machine.

Until next month safe and happy riding and keep those old machines going.

Ian Holmes

1 CLUB NIGHT 23rd JUNE 2014 compiled by Liz

Ian Holmes welcomed the 43 members to the meeting. Condolences were shared with Trevor Fraser and his son, Dane, whose wife and mother had passed away.

Gavin Walton was congratulated on winning the Mampoer Rally for which he received the Motorcyclist of the Month Trophy.

It was decided that there would be no monthly raffle as there were every few prizes. Ian Holmes felt strongly that it was not fair to sell tickets when the prizes were not worthy.

He again asked members to source prizes. It was the same people who donated prizes each month. Ric Lewis suggested that some of the club funds could be used to purchase prizes.

The members were informed that there were some books on display donated by John Meeks, which could be taken if they were of interest to the individual members.

On the sick list, Ian informed the members that Peter de Klerk was still battling through very tough times, having dialysis twice a week, but that as always, he was very cheerful and members were asked to please visit him. An extremely humble person, Peter was one of the unsung heroes of the motoring arena.

Magnum Rally: Ian asked that everyone make as much effort as possible to attract entries. The VMC was prepared to offer temporary membership to the VMC for those people who were not members so that they could enter the Magnum. There were different entries which one could enter. A clip had been placed on You Tube advertising the event which was then showed later in the evening.

1000 Bike Show: Kevin and Gavin Walton were again co-ordinating the VMC stand. They needed bikes as many as possible – something new as well as DJ bikes and veteran bikes. It was good exposure for the club. Bikes could be left on Friday 4th July and with the security available would be safe until Monday 7th July. Support was really needed. Ric Lewis, John Allison, John Hassall, Pierre Cronje, The Walton brothers, and Ian Holmes all offered bikes. Ric Lewis would take the Club’s Precision.

There was a desperate need for new members so the exposure was extremely important. Membership forms would be available at the stand.

Dick Maizey, an amazingly supportive member of the movement, commented that he had seen some off the pamphlets advertising the show. He asked how many had been distributed and how they were distributed. His firms sponsored numerous rally plates. He was very prepared to put the Maizey logo on the pamphlets – this would save money for the promoters and give him publicity- a win-win situation. Dick asked that one of the promoters please speak to the Maizey Marketing Department.

Steve Trehair asked that the club membership forms be distributed at the show. He asked that members attend the show and promote the club at the stand. Perhaps a member could have a bike stripped on show and show how it is re-built. 2

Sunday 27th July: there would be a run from the War Museum to the VVC in commemoration of the start of the 1st World War – everyone was invited to join the ride.

Rob Pattison Emms then gave a talk on his . He had bought the bike from Jean Wingaard about 17 years ago. It had been left with Ginger Norquoy. It had a black tank, engine number G80CS Competition Matchless. The bike had been brought in via a contact in the Rhodesian Military and used for the Rhodesian Police. Being competition bikes they had all been supplied with short range tanks. The Rhodesian civilians and the military needed long range tanks. It did not have enough compression and it was not ridden enough.

The centre stand was difficult: one could not get it on or off. Was embarrassing at the shopping centres – Rob always used to hide it in a corner. He only started riding it a few months ago. He chatted to Kyle Handy from CMC who helped him fix it up. It had new mudguards as the others were very faded. It had a new back rim – Rob would have rather had an 18 inch rim not a 19 inch rim. He put knobbly tyres on: a new carburettor: the handle bars had been wrong so put on new ones and it was all cleaned and polished for the club evening and it started easily and ran sweetly.

Ian said that the committee talks about who should talk at the meetings but perhaps the members could volunteer and talk about their bikes - they do not have to be in pristine condition. Please add the name and the bike on the Request Board an which date the member would like to bring the bike.

At the end of July there would be a Flea Market at VVC. Everyone was invited – items could be books. There were tables available. It was then discussed that there was a site run by “Jaws” for a number of clubs- perhaps a link could be put to all club sites. The invite for the Magnum could be advertised at the 1000 Bike Show and perhaps pamphlets could be put in the numerous bike shops.

Pierre Cronje then showed a fascinatingly enjoyable video on the Manx Grand Prix: Brian Gardiner, Gary Walker – unemployed, and Robert Dunlop starred. It was a rare view of the racers expressing their own feelings as fathers of young children; their nerves; their fears and their fierce racing: their injuries but commitment/obligation to continue; the effect on themselves and their families: the isolated church away from the track - a highly successful an enjoyable excerpt.

Editor’s note:

I know this is starting to sound like a cracked record BUT - there MUST be many interesting stories to tell and tales to recount. It is very hard to edit a magazine with no contributors and ultimately the magazine must fail. It is your magazine and I know it is read with interest, so PLEASE send something in to the editor.

3 No matter how insignificant you feel your story may be, to others it may well be of great interest. A rebuild, an encounter with an old bike or racing personality. An unusual part seen, just send it all in and let’s see what we can make of it. Address it to: [email protected]

Past events: kindly submitted by Kevin/Gavin Walton

The 1000 Bike Show was once again well supported by our members. We were granted a double section this year which allowed us to set up the stand with plenty of space around each bike. There were five that were displayed on elevated stand to make viewing easier.

The Precision and the Humber were fired up periodically, this proved to be a hit as it drew the crowds into our stand by the dozen. Many photos were taken by the public and lots of chatter and discussion took place around the various bikes on display. A great success and a good portrayal of our club

Thanks to all the members who spared the time to display their bikes over the weekend and those members who spent time on the stand hosting the shows visitors.

A special thank you goes to Ric Lewis and Henry Watermeyer who have supported the DJ stand over the past ten years and who have both put in an enthusiastic effort.

Well done to all the prize winners.

Congratulations to the CMC organisers of the show – It was a great weekend!

List of motorcycles displayed on the DJ stand

Year Make and Model Capacity Owner Prizes 1. 1912 Precision 600cc VMC 2. 1914 Humber 6 ½ Hp 750cc Henry Watermeyer 3rd on DJ stand 3. 1919 Triumph Model H 500cc Les Sim 4. 1920 Excelsior 250cc Fritz Kraehmer Best on DJ stand and best vintage bike on show 5. 1926 Chaterlea combination 500cc Ronald McMaster 6. 1926 Sunbeam Model 6 500cc Henry Watermeyer 7. 1927 Zenith 350cc Bill Lance 8. 1928 Ariel Model A 500cc John Hassel 9. 1929 Panther 500cc Brian Johnson 10. 1930 BSA Sloper 500cc Peter Vlietstra Ladies choice of bike on show 11. 1931 Rudge “Phoenix” 500cc John Allison 12. 1931 BSA Sloper 500cc Kevin Walton 13. 1932 Ariel Model 4G (square 4) 600cc Ric Lewis 2nd on DJ stand 14. 1933 BSA Bluestar 500cc Gavin Walton 15. 1933 BSA ohv 250cc John Allison 16. 1934 Triumph Model 5/1 550cc Ian Holmes 17. 1935 Norton Model 18 500cc Jon Lewis 18. 1936 Ariel Red Hunter 500cc Ron Tomsett 19. 1936 AJS Model 9 500cc Gavin Walton 20. 1936 Norton ES2 500cc Kyle Thorns 21. 1936 Ariel Red Hunter 500cc Willem Struckmeyer

4

Odds and Sods:

VMC 2015 Calendar

Yes another reminder that it's that time of the year to start getting the layout together for the 2015 Calendar. We require sponsors and would appreciate their commitment by the end of July. This will enable Robbie Robson to get the printing done by October and we can mail in November.

With regards to sponsors we appeal to new and out of town sponsors for this Calendar as will be seen from all the old Calendars majority of the sponsors have been around for many years. In the last two years we have received new sponsors, we thank them for their contribution but would welcome more new sponsors. This will also make new bikes available, old sponsors running out of material.

5 We thank all who have sponsored the printing of the calendar over the last years. Also a special thanks to Robbie Robson for his enthusiastic input without this the calendar would not be the success it has been. Finally the cost per calendar pages is R2 200.00. This entitles you to 10 copies. Should anyone require additional copies these are available at R600.00 per 50 copies.

Please contact: Les Sim on 082 552 04072 email add: [email protected] To confirm your sponsorship and also number of copies you required.

Email received from Roger Houghton.

Hi all: This is evidently an excellent motorcycle racing film. http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/love- speed-and-loss-2007 (Ed: I have watched this and it is good. Be prepared for a lot of bandwidth usage however...)

Email received from Bill Hill via Ian Holmes

Dear Ian, I hope I'm not too late to stop the "for sale" notice of Brad's bike from being included in the August Kick Start magazine. Apparently someone saw it in the workshop when the carbs were being cleaned out and phoned Brad to find out if he wanted to sell it so a deal was done a bit later after he had taken the bike for a good test ride. I hope I haven't caused you and the magazine compiler guys any inconvenience.

I'll be 85 in September and still very fit but Felicity kept on at me to give up riding warning me that at my age a broken leg etc. would change my life for ever. She's right of course so early this year I sold my last bike. Believe you me it’s quite a traumatic event. I hope you and yours are well. Regards. Bill

Email received from Boet Van der Vyver

Good day, I would like your assistance please. I was recently given a 1956 BMW motor bike that needs to be restored.

My question is that I would need some parts and advice in this regard, would you be able to assist me? Kind Regards. Boet Van der Vyver. Contact number. 0761636412

Email received from John Simpson

(NB This is quite long and involved, but thought it would interest readers! – ED) The original mail was from John Simpson to JAWS the DJ (and our) web manager.

Good Morning, My name is John Simpson. I participated in the DJ event during the 1970's and attach my certificate for the 1979 event although I participated in about 5 events, starting with the 6 1975 event as I think that I could not participate in 1974 due to petrol rationing but it may have been 1973 that I first took part, can't remember now. Can you please check your records and advise me of my position and years of participation please?

Colin Oakhill was a friend who also participated on a 1912, I think, Sunbeam and I used it one year but can't remember which one, again if you could search your records it would be appreciated. His picture is on the 1979 promotional poster produced by the Rand Daily Mail, a copy of which I have together with the 1978 poster is prominently displayed in my workshop/display centre at home here in Queensland. As you can see from the attached photos the bike is still in good condition and proudly carries the VVC dating brass plaque, do you still produce these??

The reason for this request is that I am currently writing an article on the history of my 1933 BSA which I found in the Northern Transvaal and restored it in Johannesburg and then brought it, with my other machines to Australia in 1981.

The bike is now attached to a , and that's another story as it is a Swallow reproduction sidecar, you know the company that morphed into Jaguar cars, and takes part in appropriate events here in Queensland and all over Australia.

There is a certain amount of interest in it and other bikes that I have. I would like to be sure of my facts so if you could provide me with factual information it would be appreciated. John Simpson AKA The Old Fart

Reply from JAWS:

Hello John (Simpson), Thank you for your e-mail and gorgeous pictures! I love the “4.99hp” I assume you are referring to the SAVVA dating brass plaque – if so, yes, they are still produced. I have attached the spread sheet that contains the results for the 1970 onwards DJ Commemorative Runs. 1974 was not held due to the oil crisis. I have extracted “John Simpson” as per the table below. If these entries are indeed yours then there is no record of you riding a Sunbeam – however read on...

Year Pos. Cmp. No. Surname / Name Name / Surname Passenger Status Club Make Model CC Year mnf 1975 14 Simpson John John Simpson Triumph 550 1934 1977 28 Simpson John John Simpson B.S.A. 500 1933 1978 N/F Simpson John John Simpson N/F Rudge 492 1911 1979 35 Simpson John John Simpson B.S.A. 500 1933 1980 104 Simpson John John Simpson B.S.A. 500 1933

Colin Oakhill is listed as having participated in several years with a Sunbeam and Rudge as detail in the table extracted below. It appears you road the Rudge and Colin the Sunbeam in 1978 – maybe you swapped bikes!

Year Pos. Cmp. No. Surname / Name Name / Surname Passenger Status Club Make Model CC Year mnf 1971 DQ Speed Oakhill Colin Colin Oakhill DQ Speed Sunbeam 492 1928 1972 10 Oakhill Colin Colin Oakhill Sunbeam 492 1928 1973 N/F-N/S Oakhill Colin Colin Oakhill N/F-N/S Rudge Whitworth 499 1911 1975 83 Oakhill Colin Colin Oakhill Rudge Whitworth 500 1911 1976 N/F Oakhill Colin Colin Oakhill N/F Rudge Whitworth 1911 1977 72 Oakhill Colin Colin Oakhill Sunbeam 498 1928 1978 N/S Oakhill Colin Colin Oakhill N/S Sunbeam 492 1928

I too am referred to as “TOF” by my kids – must be a John thing! Jaws

7 Reply from John Simpson

Hi Jaws, Thank you so much for the prompt response, it is appreciated and extremely impressive. And thanks for the spread sheet as I can now track people I knew and what their involvement has been over the years in the DJ.

I was incorrect in as much as it was Colin's 1911 Rudge that I rode, not his beautiful Sunbeam, which was his pride and joy and possibly still is. I retired on that long hill coming out of Maritzburg as the light pedal assistance required was just too much for both me and the bike which really was a museum piece although Colin managed it in 1975 and that was really an achievement.

I lost contact with Colin after coming to Australia. Is he still about and active on the Johannesburg scene??? The list of web sites that you are involved with is impressive and it must keep you busy to say the least, clearly you must be retired now? is that so?

I am now retired and after over 54 years of working I was pleased to give it away at the age of 69, now approaching 73 later this year. So it is possible to indulge my passion for riding bikes, both modern and of the Older persuasion.

I was one of the formation riders of the Sunday Breakfast run starting at the Post Office in Sandton and out to the hotel stoep at Hartebestport Dam in the early 1970's (1972 I think) at that time there were about 4/5 of us including Colin Oakhill, Peter Blackwall, Stuart Halsall et al, are any of these guys still about?? and is the Breakfast run still going????

In searching through the workshop the other day I came across a folder I made up on the 1975 DJ with some photos of contestants including Col McArthur on the 1934 Excelsior Manxman, this was before Stuart Halsall brought his one out of the UK in 1978, I think plus some other riders such as T Falke, J Gamme, J Gosling, K Dunn, O J Barrett, W Greyvensteyn on his 1924 AJS etc. etc. Any interest in these for your DJ website etc? If so I can email them to you together with some of the newspaper clippings of the day.

Colin and John

For your interest I attach a photo of Colin Oakhill and the Old Fart taken at, I think, the morning tea stop in Newcastle on the 1979 DJ also the participation certificate. Again thanks for the information it will help with the article that I have been asked to write. Regards. John Simpson

8 Email received from Claudio (surname unknown)

Would you have any contacts of people who restore and customize bikes? Looking to fix up my dad’s '76 Honda CB550/4. Thanks Claudio [ [email protected] ]

Email received from Janusz Gruszka

Dear Andy, I think we should warn our Club members about this scheme. There are people offering on OLX vintage motorbikes at ridiculous prices and trying to cone prospective buyers into forwarding a deposit. With predictable consequences… Zundap, BMW, Harley and Indian were offered. There was even a Jaguar E Type offered this way In Cars section. See the sample of contact below. (spelling as per original)

Hallo 1926 Harley - Davidson HD J JD 1000 / 63200km. Because of my financial problems that i have got i am willing to give it for 3.100 USD (32.170 ZAR) - shipping included. It is in perfect condition with no damage on it .All the documents are included. I moved from South Africa on march 2014 and right now i am located in United Kingdom because my company wanted to work in london / united Kingdom. THe motorcycle is with me here in the UK. I can delivered to you in 3-5 working days. My motorcycle is already at one Transport company from UK. I paid them to take care for my motorcycle sale protection. I can deliver the motorcycle with a shipping company from UK/London, to any location in South Africa on my cost. I will not ask you any money in advance, you will gone have to pay just the shipping taxes to the shipping company to the shipping company not to me and the rest on delivery confirms. Please write me back to discuss only if you are interested!

Email from Henry Watermeyer - How did it all start in 1914?

With the anniversary of 100 years since the start of WW! at the end of this month to be celebrated by the veteranauts from the VVC, and hopefully other clubs, I was becoming very confused about the actual date.

All the articles on the subject in the Automobile magazine, including those on how the event would be commemorated in the UK indicated that the date was the 4th August. At the VVC we have been talking about the 28th which is a Monday hence the choice of the 27th for our run from the War Museum to the VVC driving/riding pre 1918 vehicles.

Some research has thrown up the answer and I think it is important for us to understand what happened as we remember the occasion. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, who was killed in Saajevo along his wife on the 28th June 1914 was the ignition point in a smouldering situation.

He was being driven in a 1910/11 Graf und Stift built in Austria and the debate continues about if the car had a reverse hear, stalled or the gear failed to engage when they took a wrong turning and tried to extricate themselves. Why the debate I am not sure because the car existing in a museum in Vienna and can presumably be checked.

This assassination precipitated a huge amount of political to-ing and fro-ing, ultimatums and so on which culminated on the 28th July with Austria-Hungary declaring war on Serbia. Russia then got involved as did Germany with war between them being declared on the 31st July.

9 Germany then invaded Luxembourg on the 2nd August which resulted in the first skirmish of the war. On the 3rd August Germany declared war on France and when Belgium refused to allow them access across their land they got invaded too.

Britain finally on the 4th August declared war on Germany in ordered to assist Belgium with whom they had a treaty which explains why the parochial British view is that the war only started on the 4th August even though others had been going at it hammer and tongs for days. The British will be commemorating the occasion with a Great War Centenary Parade on the 4th August and they expect more than 40 pre-1918 vehicles to drive through London.

Anyway from the 4th onwards there was a great noise of declarations of war against various countries by various countries, fighting etc., but that is largely of interest to students of political history and those interested in war time history.

The war was truly on its way. For the world it was the start of a really significant event which changed many things for ever.

Ref: Wikipedia via Google; The Automobile July 2014

10 Forthcoming events

AMiD Motorcycle Lifestyle Show 8 - 10 August 2014 Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec Telephone: +27 11 494 4287/5004 E-Mail: [email protected] www.amidexpo.co.za

The AMID Motorcycle Expo at NASREC is the annual showcase for the South African motorcycle industry and will take place on the 8th – 10th August. Bigger and better than ever, all major motorcycle and accessory importers will have a presence at the show, displaying current and new models and the latest in accessories, making it a must-see event for every motorcycle enthusiast.

Keeping things entertaining in the hall will be Mat Durrans and Harry Fisher from Ignition Channel's The Bike Show, who will be manning the stage area with interviews, presentations, giveaways and the announcement of the winner of the 2014 South African Pirelli Bike of the Year.

But the action isn't confined to the exhibition hall; there will be plenty to see in the NASREC grounds. The WOMZA motorcycle racing organisation will be holding circuit races on the Saturday and Sunday on a track laid out in the NASREC car parks, while the NASREC 4X4 track will be converted to an enduro track. On Saturday there will be a concourse and Show and Shine competition open to all owners of classic, stock and custom motorcycles. Contact Meg Houghton on 083 401 5320 for details of how to enter. Once again, Harley Davidson will be offering free demo rides from outside the motorcycle hall.

This annual Motorcycle showcase is co-located with the Johannesburg Boat Show as well as the Outdoor Lifestyle show which offers visitors a variety of outdoor lifestyle options including diving and fishing.

This annual amid motorcycle event is a show that can't be missed if you love anything to do with two wheels.

AMID Motorcycle & Quad Lifestyle Show WHEN: Friday 8 - Sunday 10 August 2014 SHOW 09:00 – 18:00, ticket sales and gates close at 17:00. Tickets are available at the HOURS: gate. WHERE: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Rand Show Road, Nasrec. (GPS – S26° 14.810' E27° 58.695') CONTACT: 011 494 5003 or [email protected]

11

Our very own MAGNUM!!

This year’s event will be held from the 14th until the 16th of August in the White River - Sabie - Graskop - Pilgrim’s Rest Area.

It sees the 35th running of the event - with most of the events having been run in the Mpumalanga Escarpment area. Check the Supplementary Regulations which you should all have for details of this event which is a a regularity and reliability trail - which means it is a test of the reliability of the vehicle entered and an accuracy test - i.e. how accurately the entrant can drive to a set route with set speeds. Most of the vehicles entered into the event are pre 1960.

As part of this year’s event we wanted to take the entrants to some of the scenic spots on the Escarpment - these include some of the pools and the falls – so it’s going to be EPIC.

GET YOUR ENTRIES IN NOW.!!!!

12

More events you should know about

27th July VVC Annual General Meeting/post vintage cars and bikes 3rd August 2014 Cars in the Park: Swartkops Race Track 14th - 16th August 2014 Magnum Rally (joint VMC/POMC) 25th August 2014 VMC Annual General Meeting 10th - 11th November 2014 Fairest Cape Rally

New VMC register 2014 thanks to Steve Trehair

We have pleasure in releasing the new 2014 Vintage Motorcycle Register. For those who attend club meetings, a copy will be available for collection on Monday evening the 28th July. The balance will be posted over the coming weeks. My thanks to all those who helped gather updated information, especially Gawie Nienaber for checking the data prior to printing.

The Register is divided into three sections.

Firstly the Members’ Index, which shows individuals sorted by Surname and then by First name. The page number is shown so as to easily find the full record.

Secondly the Machine Index, which shows motorcycles sorted by Make and within that by Model then sorted by year. Page numbers are shown so as to easily find the full record. This index helps find machines easily and members who may be able to help source parts or information.

The third section is the main body of the register and highlights the machines for clarity. Each record is date stamped in order to show when the data was last refreshed.

We trust you will enjoy using the register, please keep it safe, as it holds valuable confidential information.

13 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the 2014 Annual General Meeting of the Vintage Motorcycle Club will be held at the Vintage and Veteran Club at 3 Athol Oaklands Road, Oaklands, Johannesburg on Monday, 25 August 2014, commencing at 20:00

AGENDA  To receive and consider the Annual Financial Statements and the Chairman’s Report for the year ending 30 June 2014.  To elect office bearers and committee members for the year. Nominations for the post of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer must be made in writing and must be signed by the persons so nominated. Such nomination papers shall be furnished to the Secretary prior to the commencement of the meeting mentioned above. It is requested that nominations for the election of committee members be similarly made in writing.  To approve, with or without amendments the following resolution:

“RESOLVED: 1) That the Vintage Motorcycle Club (“VMC”) enter into a process with the goal of merging the VMC with the Vintage and Veteran Club (“VVC”) of Johannesburg. 2) That the VMC committee (in cooperation with the VVC committee) be tasked with implementing a merger with due regard to the following principles: a) That the financial assets and liabilities of both clubs be merged into a common asset and administered by a new combined committee b) That the VMC members retain their meetings on the fourth Monday of every month and that members for either discipline be welcome to attend all club gatherings c) That the newsletter be combined into a single organ with coverage of motorcycling matters receiving equal space subject to sufficient content being provided by that group d) That the issue of club membership fees be given a period of five (5) years to achieve parity e) That members of both clubs have equal status in the merged club f) That the issue of the name of the merged clubs be resolved by the combined committee g) That all these and other relevant matters be implemented by 1 August 2015. h) That the VMC committee be fully mandated to resolve the abovementioned matters and any other issue relating to the merger.”

 To discuss any other business deemed by the Chairman to be relevant.

Ian Holmes Chairman 1 July 2014

14

PARASKY “The Skylight Professionals” Established 1981

TEL: 011-626-2970 FAX: 011-626-1420 [email protected] www.parasky.co.za

SKYLIGHTS: COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC + Staircases + Patio & Balcony Enclosures + Balustrades + Walk-ons + Gazebos & Architectural Features For us – the sky is the limit!

15 Membership and Subs – annual increase 2014.

Fees Payable. The Committee decided to increase the new subs from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015 from R220 to R 240 per annum for full membership and from R160.00 to R175 for country membership. Entry Fee remains the same at R50 Family members: R10.00 (i.e. Spouse & minor children)

Fees must be paid to: Bank: Nedbank Sandton Branch code: 197005 Account No.: 1970259841 Please post DEPOSIT SLIP to the postal address above or e-mail [email protected]

Now that you have all the detail – please ensure that you are up to date!! Several members are still outstanding from last year. The committee will be chasing errant members shortly!

FAIL SAFE ANTI WET - SUMPING VALVE per kind favour of Rod Thomas

For the un-initiated, Classic British motorcycles are prone to wet-sumping after an extended lay- over period, such as Canada's long cold winters, and in some bad cases even after a couple of weeks. Because of their dry sump design where oil is stored in a separate tank, then fed through the engine under pressure from the oil pump and returned to the tank from the bottom of the crankcase by a "scavenger" pump or return pump, oil tends to leak through the oil pump and collect at the bottom of the crankcase.

The more worn the pump the worse the bypass leak is. Gear type pumps (Norton and AJS/Matchless Twins) are worse than plunger type pumps (Triumph/ AJS & Matchless singles) Whilst slightly worn pumps will deliver pressurized oil satisfactorily and not be in need of an expensive overhaul or replacement, the wet-sumping problem is a tiresome nuisance on start-up after lay-over, and in extreme cases can cause excess crankcase pressure with oil leaking all over and even blown gaskets, before the scavenger pump has time to pump the excess oil back into the tank.

16

Not to mention clouds of blue smoke until the oil is cleared. My neighbour came running one spring start up thinking my garage was on fire!

There has been much written about solutions for curing wet-sumping. Commercial parts suppliers offer various types of anti-wet-sumping valves with prices varying from $35 to $300. The simplest and cheapest consist of a steel ball closing on a seat under spring pressure and rely on the pumps suction to draw the ball off the seat and allow the life preserving oil to flow to the pump. The internet is full of stories about what happens when these valves DON"T open and the spectacular melt-downs that take place between the riders legs shortly afterwards and not far down the road!

The simplest of all is to install an on/off valve on the hose between the tank and the pump. This of course relies on the rider/owner remembering to turn it off before lay-over and most importantly, to turn it ON BEFORE RE-STARTING! Therein lies the problem. Murphy always intervenes and there are as many internet stories about how he forgot and trashed a first out restored beauty that he had been restoring for the last five years!

The most expensive valves incorporate some form of fail-safe device that does not allow the bike to be started until the valve is opened. The other option is to go the expensive route and rebuild or renew an oil pump which is still giving a more than adequate oil delivery. It is also not unknown for some rebuilt pumps to still leak oil past.

Always on the look-out for a better and cheaper way I bought a ball type lever valve with hose barb on both ends from Rona for under $10 and a Honeywell model WWG24A302 3 terminal limit switch from Acklands Grainger for $4.63

I drilled two small holes in the brass valve body and tapped them to accept two machine screws. This has to be done like porcupines making love i.e.; CAREFULLY! Not too deep so as not to interfere with the stainless steel ball or the Teflon seals. A small bracket was made using 1" aluminium angle cut to size and drilled accordingly, with slotted holes so that the switch could be positioned so that the heel of the valve lever would actuate the switch arm/roller.

With one ground terminal and two other make and break terminals it was possible to wire the limit switch to cut out the ignition switch or ground out a magneto through the stop/grounding button. Thus the bike will not start until the valve has been opened and that life-preserving golden liquid is flowing to that oil pump and giving a finger to our old friend Murphy!

Valve open- switch arm off contact. Valve closed - Switch arm depressed contact made.

17 Classifieds NB! only remain in for 3 months then must be renewed

DJ MACHINES

WANTED:

DJ Bike Wanted: A friend of mine Ian Mackenzie is looking for a DJ Bike. Ian has an R75/5 in running order but he wants to do the DJ. Contact Ian direct on 082 882 5895 or via Richard Hulsbos 082 893 3922

DJ Bike for a young enthusiast who doesn’t have a large bank balance to buy it! Any condition hopefully fairly complete. I rode a borrowed bike this year but must get my own! Martin Kaiser 071 865 4220

Norton Big Four. Cylinder head required. Contact Pierre on 072 513 9432

FOR SALE:

DJ Bike. 1931/35 350cc . Completed the last 4 consecutive DJ’s and ready for next year. Sold with panniers, rally box and rebuilt spare engine sub assembly. Also other spares. Bike in excellent condition. Licensed and SAVVA rated. R70,000.00. Contact Dave 0823962795

Metzeler ME 11 3.25-18 front tyre and Metzeler ME 22 3.50-18 rear tyre. Both were fitted but found to be too big for the bike and were removed before ever going on the road, so condition is as-new. I believe they are specified for the R25/R26 BMW’s. Make me an offer! Kevin Robertson, 083 321 3234, 012 997 1554

KSS Mk ll Exhaust Header Pipe for. Brand New supplied by Groves UK Contact George Shield 011 975 4296

1951 BSA Bantam. My friend’s dad asked me to find a buyer for the motorbike because he doesn’t use it anymore and it just stands and collects dust. It is in the fully original state and still runs very good. The owner wants R28 000 for it but its negotiable. I am going to attach some photos so that you can the bike and maybe tell me where I can sell it. He doesn’t want to sell it to anyone he is looking for an owner that would appreciate it. Contact De Klerk [email protected]

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Matchless G12 1960/63 650cc twin been in continuous use since engine rebuild in 1982 R25, 000 licensed

Triumph Daytona 500cc twin restored 4 years ago but never ridden, matching frame & engine numbers R25,000 scrapping papers available.

Royal Enfield 500cc twin 19?? basket case ready to rebuild offers over R6,000 no papers. Contact Malcolm Ball 031 763 4665

Norton and a BSA350 parts for sale:

Complete Norton frame. Mudguards, oil tanks and holders. BSA 500 barrel and cylinder head I think. BSA gearbox, magneto, generator and the tank. BSA front portion of the frame. BSA 350 crank case, sleeve, cylinder head, crank with connecting rod and new piston with The barrel and cylinder head was sand blasted. Two sets of wheels. Clutch assembly, carbs, levers and a lot of other stuff relating to a motorcycle. BSA Frame and engine - 31 series. I believe that the BSA 350 is round about 1945 to 1950. Everything must go in total for R2,500.00. Riaan. 083 958 3377. Riaan Basson [email protected]

19 1953 . 700cc Meteor for sale in excellent condition, Licensed and SAVVA dated. Looking for R50,000. Please contact Steve on 082 427 6990

WANTED:

BMW R69S please contact Janus: 073 228 0224, or e mail [email protected]

Stand for BSA – just like the one in the photo wanted badly. Please contact James Morrison [[email protected]]

BSA 500 Sloper OHV Barrel for pre 1930. Barrel for Side valve Norton Big Four Pierre Cronje 072 513 9432

Frame for a BMW R90/5 –R90-6 1974 to 1976. Also the tool tray that fits under the seat of the same model. Contact Richard Hulsbos 082 893 3922

Motoguzzi SP1000. Seat or seat base for John Hassall 082 886 7133

Triumph Tiger TR110 1954 model. I'm looking for the above bike as a restoration project. Please contact me on 0832355519 if you know of one for sale. Graham Watters [email protected]

JAP 4B (Speedway) top end bits e.g. pushrods, pushrod tubes, box & cover wanted

Triumph 3T (’46-51) primary chain covers, oil tank wanted

Triumph Model P (’26) exhaust pipe/silencer, carrier, rear stand, petrol tank, chain guard wanted BSA M20 (’37-54) rear stand, front & rear rims & brake assembly, girder wanted

BSA Model B (250 sv. ’27) engine casings and carburettor wanted

Triumph Model N (deluxe ’28) any bits wanted.

BSA HM (’37) / JM (’38) / KM (’39) 22 or 23 any bits wanted. Any other bits for the bikes above will be considered. Kindly call Francois Swanepoel @ 082 469 0627 or 012 344 3214 (AH) or [email protected].

BMW R50/60 1950’s 1960’s any condition for a restoration project. Holger 083 629 2840

Any British 500cc Bike between 1930 and 1950. Bike must be in running condition. Contact Trevor Jones 082 416 4650

Ariel Square Four Needing Rear Stand, Foot Rests, Big 8” Headlamp. Incl Light Switches Ammeter etc. Contact Roly Tilman 011 803 1462/082 377 4303 20

For 1955 AJS/Matchless Two Jampot rear shocks (circlip type) contact Kevin 082 891 2869.

1957 MGA Coupe. Front Valence. Please contact Dane Fraser on 082 890 5077

Honda 400 Supersport. Right hand side cover Please contact Pierre 083 653 7310

Honda CB250 in rally running condition. Contact Dick Maizey by SMS 073 864 4022 or Rick Maizey 082 653 9946 or Eric Mc Q on 083 700 0171 [email protected]

80's KDX 250 cc Kawa scrambler kick start lever, I am looking for an old most probably early, and the old DT 175 Yamaha road scrambler maybe late 80's right hand battery cover. I have visited 11 shops with no luck. If there is any site, shop or person that you can advise me or direct me to, please I am desperate for these parts. Pse contact Bennie 082 781 2483

FOR A.J.S. M8/M9. 1929:- Frame, forks, front wheel, petrol tank, mudguards and chain guard. Will buy or trade. This frame has a T shaped tubular bracket protruding rearwards from the saddle lug to support the saddle springs, and a slotted bottom bracket for a two bolt gearbox. Colin Anderson of Heidelberg says he sold two of these frames about ten years ago, and they do not seem to have surfaced in the club as bikes so presumably they are still out there somewhere. Please contact Tony Dodsworth, 082 742 1742.

Honda CB72 in good running, original condition with papers. Contact Rikki on 082 653 9946 or SMS Dick on 073 864 4022.

VETERANS CORNER

Sunbeam 3 speed gearbox and possibly wheels. Spares Wanted! Desperately seeking a. We have a ’27 frame and a ’30 engine! Or why? Steve 082 427 6990

Any OK Supreme fuel tank in any condition!! Hamish Morrison 083 456 2768

RESTORATION and other SERVICES

Full restorations. Pierre Cronje does these as well as wheel lacing and building. Call him on 072 513 9432.

Ornate period brass spark plug nuts and connectors. Lloyd Du Bois makes these for HT leads. He also hand makes stainless steel/aluminium license disc holders and corks for the “Enots” push-pull type fuel taps, and light alloy tyre valve caps. Call Lloyd on 033 396 6471.

Ultrasonic cleaning call Henry Watermeyer on 084 800 8862.

Raw honey for sale. Remember Caroline is the honey queen – you can buy her various types of honey at the club meeting for the bargain price of R50 per jar or [email protected]

Petrol taps Enots flat-slide type, made in brass to your order. In sizes 1/8”, 1/4” and 3/8” BSP as well as 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.

BMW Speedometers Ben Vandenberg has a large stock of old and parts. He is willing to pass them on to anyone running a speedo repair service or is planning to start one. His contact number is 021 712 2661.

21 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.

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THE VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

P O Box 782835 SANDTON 2146 South Africa

Website: www.vintagemotorcycleclub.co.za

COMMITTEE

Incumbent Portfolio e-mail Home Work Cell

Ian Holmes Chairman [email protected] 011 793 7304 011 791 6424 083 646 3089 Gawie Nienaber Treasurer [email protected] 011 646 8983 083 326 4911

Ian Storer Secretary [email protected] 072 727 7382

Pierre Cronje Committee Member [email protected] 011 849 3008 072 513 9432

Rob Pattison-Emms Committee Member avonrod@mweb/co.za 011 460 1901 011 460 1901 082 891 8399

Les Sim Committee Member [email protected] 011 673 1865 011 827 8954 082 552 4072

Roly Tilman Committee Member/Librarian [email protected] 011 803 1462 082 377 4303

Steve Trehair Committee Member [email protected] 011 469 5900 011 886 0494 083 461 2751 To be elected Club Dating Officer Ric Lewis Magazine Distribution [email protected] (Liz) 082 746 2816 Andy Stead Magazine editor [email protected] 082 553 4492

Fees payable

Entry Fee: R50.00 Annual Subscriptions: R240.00 (R120.00 if joining after 1st Jan) Country member: R175.00 (+80km from club HQ) (R85.00 if joining after 1st Jan) Family members: R10.00 (i.e. Spouse & minor children)

Club Bank Acc No. 1970259841 at Nedbank. Sandton Branch 197-005.

Club Meetings are held every fourth Monday of the month (except December) at The Vintage and Veteran Club (VVC), 3 Athol Oaklands Road, Oaklands Johannesburg, at 20h00.

The opinions expressed in KICKSTART are not necessarily those of the Committee or the Editor.

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