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

Volume 31. No 8. August 2016

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE:

Thank you very much and well done to Gavin and Kevin for their sterling work at the CMC 1000 Bike show. Also thank you to everybody that brought a bike and helped to man the stand.

The DJ Remembrance ride happened in June, the attendance was rather disappointing. The ride however was fantastic and thanks to Neville and Roly for organising this. With rising cost it was decided that from next year we will only produce one plaque, this will be fixed onto the motorcycle for the ride and then onto the remembrance wall.

On 20th August we will be having a boot sale at the Clubhouse, this is a Saturday afternoon and you are most welcome to bring those obscure bits that is cluttering your workshop and come and strike a deal with somebody that needs that bit.

AGM is fast approaching, if you are prepared to stand on the committee please make it be known.

The VMC would like to welcome new member Graham Bartram

Safe Riding Pierre

1 Past events:

TOP AWARD AT 1000 BIKES SHOW GOES TO MAIN ATTRACTION By Roger Houghton

Russel Taschner’s magnificent, 1913 motorcycle, which was billed as the main attraction at the recent 1000 Bikes Show at Germiston High School, turned out to be the Best Bike on Show too.

The Clyno was also the Best Veteran, Ladies Choice and the Best Bike inside the Marquee with the latter two awards based on a public vote.

This rare motorcycle, which was built in , England, has a 750cc V-twin engine and was aimed to a large degree at those people wanting it to pull a . In fact, Clyno produced thousands of these machines that were paired with fitted with Vickers machine guns for use in the 1914-18 Great War.

Clyno, which went into liquidation in 1929, also made cars and at one time the company was the third largest producer of cars in Britain.

The Best Classic award went to André Schmidt for his 1948 Le 200, despite it being painted a non-standard light blue and cream when the standard colour was a grey.

However, at one stage Velocette offered some conservative two-tone colour choices such as subdued Ruby, Blue and Green, all with silver grey so two-tones were not unknown.

The Best Post Classic was Will McGibbon’s Honda 750 KO. McGibbon also won the prize for the Best Off-Road with His Yamaha RTZ 360, while the Best New Era award went to Pete Wood for his Honda Goldwing.

The awards for Best on Show and Best Engineered among the Street and Custom entries went to Alan Linley for his Suzuki GS1000S.

The annual 1000 Bikes Show, organised by the Classic Motorcycle Club, was once again a resounding success. Although there were fewer on display in the huge marquee the general opinion was that the standard was even higher than previously.

Kevin Robertson, multiple winner of the DJ Rally and an enthusiastic supporter of classic motorcycling, made an interesting observation when he said that there was growing interest in restoring and refurbishing Japanese motorcycles.

“This is a good sign as it means we are attracting, newcomers to our ranks as the number of classic British and continental motorcycles available for restoration is declining, particularly as many are now being sold overseas.

Hopefully many of these newcomers will also be younger in age,” added Robertson.

The weather played along this year and the turnout of visitors on the Saturday and Sunday was most impressive, as were many of the machines on which they arrived.

2 CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE CLASSIC

Best Veteran: Russel Taschner (1913 Clyno) Best Classic: Andre Schmidt (Velocette LE) Best Post Classic: Will McGibbon (Honda 750 KO) Best New Era: Pete Wood (Honda Goldwing) Best Off-road: Will McGibbon (Yamaha RTZ 360) Best Racing: Ian Groat (1971 G50) Best Sidecar Combination: Burt Eyia (1958 BMW R50/2) Best Off-road Racing: Adrian Nunn (KTM 250MX) Best Classic Off-road: Michael Payne (1980 Yamaha 175) Best Vintage Motorcycle Club Race Bike: Gavin Young (1980 Suzuki PE 175) Best stand inside tent: Ladies Choice: Russel Taschner (Clyno 1913); Best Bike on show inside tent (public vote): Russel Taschner (Clyno 1913); Best Ariel: Jaycee van Rooyen (1936 NH 350); Best BSA: W. Viljoen (1960 Gold Star); Best BMW: Faan Botha (R26); Best Honda: Gordon Anderson (CB350 Four); Best Triumph: Ken Jones (Thunderbird); Best 50cc: Ernie Barendse (Itom); Best Harley Davidson: Eugene van Dalen (1916); Best Yamaha: Keith Weaver (400 Enduro); Best Velocette: Des Burton (KSS Mk2); Best Speedway: Derek Marsden (Weslake); Best 2- Racing: Calvin Quintao (Yamaha TZR 250 3Xv); Best Suzuki: Will McGibbon (T20); Best Historic Motorcycle Group Racer: Fred Tofts (); Best Italian: Mike May (Ducati 450 Desmo); Best Royal Enfield: Spikes Prinsloo (1950 125 Flea); Best AMC: Jorge Lopes (Matchless G80S); Best Norton: Fred Tofts (Commando 20M); Best Kawasaki: Peter Snyman (1974 Z900); Best DJ bike: Ralph Pitchford (Triumph Model P); Best Puch: Bob Hooper (Puch 125 SGS); Best Bike Display Stand: Triumph; Best Miscellaneous Stand: Global Photo Booth; Best Food Stall: Farm Pantry; Best Bike Gear: BOH Bike; Best Bike Accessory Stall: Compact Trailer.

CONCOURS d’ELEGANCE: BEST STREET AND CUSTOM

Best on Show: Alan Linley (Suzuki GS 1000S); Best Engineering: Alan Linley (Suzuki GS 1000S); Best Paintwork: Charles Stevens (2014 Harley); Best Standard 1: Henk van Heerden (1974 Kawasaki); Best Street Modified 1: Alan Linley (Suzuki GS 1000S); Best Street Fighter 1: Sarel O’Neill (Kawasaki); Best Cruiser 1: Dyno by Quint (Boss Hoss); Best Custom 1: Sarel O’Neill (Suzuki Katana); Best Imported Chopper 1: Joint Effort (Harley Chopper); Best SA Chopper: Charles Stevens (2014 Harley); Best Harley 1: Joint Effort (Harley Fat Boy); Best Cafe Racer 1: Alan Linley (Suzuki GS750); Best Bobber: Ashley Nel (Royal Enfield).

CHARITIES SUPPORTED BY 1000 BIKE SHOW:

Edenvale Hospice, Guide Dog Association, SPCA and Rescue Dogs.

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5 1000 Bike Show By Kevin Walton

This year’s 1000 Bike Show was very well attended by the public over the cold weekend. The display tent was a hive of activity for the full duration of the show. The VMC managed to get twenty four bikes to put on display from members of the CMC and the VMC.

Henry Watermeyer and Martin Kaiser attracted large crowds on our stand by starting the 1914 Humber and the 1912 Precision respectively. Both these old machines have been displayed for many years and continue to attract the interest of bikers young and old.

A recent find was the 1915 Rudge Multi TT which was displayed in “as found state”. This is a recent acquisition of Janusz Gruszka who only managed to find all the components for the complex rear wheel a couple of days prior to the show. He no doubt burnt the midnight oil assembling the wheel to get the bike into a reasonable state for a very interesting display at the show.

Thank you to all the members who assisted in manning the stand for short periods of time and a special thanks to Trevor Jones, Gerard Roelofs and Jean De Vries who kept an eye on the stand for the full duration of weekend.

Congratulations to Ralph Pitchford for winning the best bike on the stand and to Gerard Roelofs and Des Burton for coming second and third respectively

Gavin and I would like to thank Henry Watermeyer for his assistance and support over the past twelve years and thank you to all the members who brought their bikes out for the show this year.

We have organised this VMC stand at the 1000 Bike Show for the past twelve years and will continue to support it. We would however appreciate it if someone else could take over the reins for next year’s show and into the future

List of the bikes displayed by various members:

Year Make and Model Capacity Owner Prizes 1 1912 Precision 500cc SV VMC 2 1914 Humber 6.1/2 HP Henry Watermeyer 3 1915 Rudge Multi TT 500cc SV Janusz Gruszka 4 1923 AJS - B1 350cc SV Eric McQuillian 5 1925 Excelsior Super X 750 Vee Twin Junusz Gruszka 6 1926 OK Supreme 300cc SV Trevor Jones 7 1926 Triumph Model P 500cc SV Ralph Pitchford Best on stand 8 1928 Chater-Lea 500cc SV Gerard Roelofs Second best on stand 9 1929 Ariel Model A 500cc SV John Hassel 10 1929 Panther 600cc OHV Brian Johnson 11 1930 BSA Sloper 500cc SV Howard Marks 12 1931 BSA Sloper 550cc SV Ian Holmes 13 1931 BSA Sloper 500cc SV Kevin Walton 14 1931 BSA Sloper 550cc SV Peter Vliestra 15 1932 P&M (Panther) 600cc OHV Henry Watermeyer 16 1932 Royal Enfield 300cc SV Hamish Morrison 17 1933 BSA Blue Star 500cc OHV Gavin Walton 18 1933 AJS Model 9 500cc SV Trevor Jones 19 1934 BSA 500cc OHV Pierre Cronje 20 1934 Norton Model 18 500cc OHV Vernon De Kok 21 1936 Velocette MSS 500cc OHV Bes Burton Third best on stand 22 1936 BSA B2 250cc OHV David Pitchford 23 1936 AJS Model 9 500cc SV Gavin Walton 24 1936 Triumph 2/5 250 OHV Ruan De witt

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7 The Friends of James Hall Museum of Transport Newsletter July 2016

The Annual DJ Memorial Run The 2016 Run was held on the 12 June on what must have been one of the coldest days of the year, Despite this, the brave men and women came out in force. In all, 18 magnificent machines set off on an epic journey to Walkerville and beyond before returning to the Museum for a hot coffee and the memorial service. Sadly, the Pastor was unable to make it and is assumed to have succumbed to the ravages of the cold weather.

Picture: James Smith Picture: Christine Pfeifer And they arrrre off Waiting in the bitter cold for them to return

Picture: James Smith

Like racing pigeons, some get home before the others.

Picture: James Smith

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Upcoming Events

Please send any event info or comments to the Chairman, the Editor or any committee member. Contact details are available on the last page of Kickstart.

Calendar for 2016 July 2016 August 2016 3 July CMC Club Meeting CMC Germiston 7 August CMC Club Meeting CMC Germiston 2-3 July CMC 1000 Bike Show CMC Germiston 11–13 August Magnum Rally POMC The Chequered 24 July VMC Club Ride Flag 20 August Car Boot Sale VVC Club 25 July VMC Club Meeting VVC Club 22 August VMC AGM VVC Club 31 July Cars in the Park POMC

September 2016 4 September CMC Club Meeting CMC Germiston 26 September VMC Club Meeting VVC Club

9 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

Notice is hereby given that the 2016 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, 22 August 2016, commencing at 20:00.

AGM Agenda  To receive and consider the Annual Financial Statements and the Chairman’s Report for the year ending 30 June 2016.  To elect office bearers and committee members for the new financial 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 discuss any other business, deemed by the Chairman, to be relevant.

Pierre Cronje Chairman (Notice dated 13 June 2016)

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2016 Magnum Classic Motorcycle and Car Rally incorporating the 2016 SAVVA National Vintage and Classic Motorcycle and Car Rally Notice 3

The planning of the rally is progressing well and the route is currently been documented. The event takes place in the Mpumalanga Escarpment area. The planned dates are 11th August to 13th August 2016 with competitors arriving at the rally venue (Hotel Numbi and Garden Suites) on Wednesday 10th and leaving to travel back home on Sunday 14th August 2016 after breakfast. The date from the local municipality elections is confirmed for the 3rd of August. The organisers have decided to stay with the original dates 11th August till 13th August for the rally.

Info will be available on: POMC web site www.pomc.co.za or Vintage Motorcycle Club web site www.vintagemotorcycleclub.co.za

Facebook www.facebook.com/POMCclub Contact Details: Leo Middelberg 083 677 2334 Tom Linley 083 391 6226 Frik Kraamwinkel 082 444 2954

Photos of interesting places on the 2016 route

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OVS VETERAAN MOTORKLUB OFS VETERAN CAR CLUB POSBUS/P O BOX 11733 UNIVERSITAS, 9321

THE 2016 C & F Motor Spares Claudi van Rooyen Memorial RENDEZVOUS TOUR

(FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BEFORE JANUARY 1985)

Hosted by the Free State Veteran Car Club from 9 – 11 September 2016, in the picturesque Eastern Free State area, with accommodation at the Fouriesburg Country Inn in Fouriesburg.

As with previous Rendezvous Tours hosted by our Club, the two day competitive event, at an extremely reasonable cost, will emphasize usage of the old cars and kindle new and existing relationships. We would like to request owners with older cars, to make a concerted effort to participate.

A short rally course, should interest warrant such a course, will be held on Friday, 9 September 2016 at 10:00 in the Lapa. The afternoon route schedule will be used in conjunction with this course. Please indicate on your accommodation form should you be interested.

Those not interested in the formal reliability run, may enter as non- competitors, allowing them to enjoy their old cars on the open road. Entry forms available on our website from 1 July 2016 (www.fsvcc.co.za).

For more information, please contact:

Hennie van der Walt 083 305 8800 [email protected]

Philip Heyns 082 462 0827 [email protected] 2015 WINNERS

12 Pretoria Old Motor Club Celebrates its Half Century at this years Cars in the Park

Zwartkops Raceway once again plays host to the 37th Cars in the Park on Sunday, July 31, 2016

It was a chance meeting between two old car enthusiasts just near Loftus Versveld in the mid- 1960s that saw the establishment of the Pretoria Old Motor Club, and the subsequent hosting of Cars in the Park, the country’s premier “old-car” event.

Legend has it that Erwin Kuschke was driving his Ford Model T down Park Street in Pretoria one Saturday morning when he came upon Steffan Stander driving a Model A Ford. The two naturally sounded their “ah hoo-gah” hooters and stopped for a chat, and that confluence saw the idea for an old car club take root. In 1966 the Pretoria Old Motor Club was officially formed, and the rest is pretty much history!

This year the POMC hosts its 37th Cars in the Park, and it expected there will be more than 2 000 old cars attending, and upwards of 10 000 spectators. That’s a far cry from the nine cars that were exhibited at the very first Pretoria Cars in the Park in 1980, and it has taken the club an immense amount of work to get the event to its current level.

Since 2006 the event has been held at the Zwartkops Raceway on the R55, west of Preoria, and this year, in addition to the 2 000 vintage, veteran, classic, hot-rodded, customised and other special cars expected to attend, there will be over 100 motor clubs booking space around the Zwartkops race track.

The POMC will once again host its Special Invite display in the pit area, and this year the theme is “Pick Up Trucks”. These special vehicles date back over 100 years in terms of the history of the motor car, while today, pick-ups from the 1940s to the 1960s have found favour again with collectors of pristine original cars, as well as with the customising, hot-rodding fraternity.

The Pretoria Old Motor Club will also be hosting its own 50 Year Celebration at the show, with its members bringing some very special cars to celebrate the occasion. In light of the fact that it all began with a chance meeting of a Model T and a Model A Ford, expect to see a number of these cars in the POMC special half-century area.

The show opens to the public at 8 am on Sunday, July 31, 2016. Classic cars up to 1985 will be admitted to the race track grounds, as well as special-interest later-model cars. But the drivers of these later cars will have to produce proof of club membership or have made arrangements with the organisers, otherwise they will be charged full admission fee. Contact the organisers at the addresses listed below.

The drivers of classic cars will be admitted free of charge, along with one passenger. Additional passengers will have to pay full spectator entry fee of R100. Children under 12 will be admitted free.

Drivers of bona-fide classics and special-interest cars will be admitted to the grounds from 6 am onwards. These cars will then be parked at various allocations around the circuit, and required to remain in the grounds until 3 pm, to help ease traffic congestion.

An amazing array of cars is once again expected, ranging from cars built before 1910 to later classics dating up to 1985. Fords, Chevs, Buicks, Datsuns, Alfas, MGs, Cadillacs. You name it, and you’ll find your favourite car at the 37th Cars in the Park!

13 In addition to the cars, there will be hundreds of vendors selling food, drink, clothing, spare parts for old cars, books on old cars, and entertainment for the whole family.

Special parking for spectators is arranged south of the circuit on the R55. There is also additional gate located in the suburb of Erasmia, off the R551.

For more information, visit www.pomc.co.za , www.facebook.com/POMCclub or contact the POMC’s chief show organiser Frik Kraamwinkel on 082 4442954, or e-mail him on [email protected]

Library Corner

At last I have managed to get round to reading some of the books donated to the library in May and included in these were “The Story of Rudge Motorcycles” by Peter Hartley, “AJS: The History of a Great Motorcycle” By Gregor Grant and “Norton Singles”, “BSA Gold Star and other singles” and “Ariel The post war models” all by Roy Bacon. The AJS book is very interesting as apparently this was Gregor Grant’s sole foray into the authoring of a motorcycle title whereas he is better known for books of a motor-sport nature being the founder of the magazine Autosport. It surprised me to learn that at the demise of AJS, the AJS models were taken to Plumbstead and were continued for a couple of season until the spares ran out. Again as documented in the book, many of the features found on the Pre Collier AJS’s were continued forward under the Matchless banner until the badge engineering of post war days took over. The books concentrates on the proper AJS models and when writing on the pre and post war models stuck, basically, to the R7 and 7R. There are chapters on the latter two strokes and Peter Inchley’s involvement in the development thereof,

“The story of Rudge Motorcycles” by Peter Hartley is an interesting read but much of the content has been covered by other books on the marque but does give a good insight into the trials and tribulations of a small company during the depression and the decision to supply other motorcycle assemblers with the Rudge engine under the name “Python” for these customer engine.

The Roy Bacon books appear to be very useful for someone who is building up a bike of dubious heritage as all the models (as indicated in the various book titles) are well described as well as the year by year changes so if you are a “rivet counter” all can be revealed and the bike built or judged to an exacting, year by year standard. With the Ariel book I was pleasantly surprised when reading about the post war twin cylinder KG 500, KH500 and the KHA models that my hero, , had started on the preliminary design during 1944 and subsequently Ariel brought it out for the 1948 model year. Apparently the Ariel 500 Twin was a very pleasant bike and when they brought out the all alloy version in 1952 the model was putting out 28 bhp quite a reasonable figure for those times but for some strange reason only 450 were made. Unfortunately the long arm (foot?) of BSA reached out and stamped on the twins in 1957 for the KH and 1953 for the KHA and lumbering the company with the barely disguised A10 as their twin cylinder offering up until the demise of the Selly Oak four stroke manufacturing in 1959.

Obviously no book on Ariel would be complete without reference to the Leader & Arrow models and these are covered quite comprehensively including the still born 4 cylinder Leader engine replacement and the 4 stroke twin version. For those interested in the Square 4, its history and development from the 500 OHC model through to the 1000cc 4G and some interesting titbits on, what was to be the final incarnation, the swing arm frames model, similar to the Healey 1000/4.

The book on the BSA well covers the immediate pre-war singles and thereafter all the post war B, C and M models including a chapter on the development of the unit singles (C15, B25, B30, B44 and B50) but to my surprise no mention is made of the forerunner of this engine – the Triumph Terrier and Tiger Cub. Due to the sheer numbers sold the Bantam is given its own chapter and does a good job describing the development from the DKW RT125 through to the last models 14 produced in 1971. The Gold Star and its variants, the cooking versions i.e. the B31 & B33 and the M20, M21 & M33 are also well covered. Again there is passing information of the lesser known (and woefully inadequate models) such as the Beagle, Sunbeam Scooter, Winged Wheel and Beeza scooter.

As with the Ariel and BSA books the one covering the Norton Singles is very much in the same vein but goes into greater detail with the OHC and racing models. As with all these Roy Bacon books there are a number of snippets that give an insight to various problems encountered with the products over the years. One, which is not just relevant to the Norton is “The pumps were made by Abingdon and were very tolerant of the fit of the worm drive despite the apparent tolerance build-up of between the two parts The only fault on the design was a tendency for the oil to drain into the sump if the machine was left for a while. Up to 1930 a tap had been fitted in the feed line to the engine but the penalty for forgetting to turn it on was somewhat final. Norton maintained that oil did not leak past the pump gears, but owners found that it did and cursed the lack of a ball valve.” And another “ Around the same time the number of teeth on the magneto sprockets changed from 15 to 16 and later rebuilds from assorted spares which failed to check for this could result in the phenomenon of an engine that fired once and then not again for quite a long time.” Fortunately the “failures” (ES400, Navigator, Jubilee, etc.) were not singles so are not covered in this book which just goes to prove that none of the major manufacturers were immune from producing real lemons. Talking of lemons did you know that Honda made a copy of the Ariel 3 and had exactly the same customer response as the Ariel!

I was fortunately enough to visit “The Friends of the Benoni Library” on Friday 1st July and have a look at some of the books (both new and used or is that pre-read?) that they were selling at very reasonable prices and came across the autobiography of Guy Martin, one of the legends of the IoM TT circuit so this is now residing in the library. The book itself is quite long and gives an interesting insight to Gut’s start and developing interest in road racing and makes a good, if light, read.

The New library has already had a visit from our indigenous brethren and they have relocated the library computer. Fortunately the computer was a very old one and everything was backed up so it not too much of a train smash. If you see somebody using a Desktop computer with “Property of Classic Motorcycle Club” stamped all over it then that is ours. All the shelves are now installed, thanks to John McCauley, Barry Allen and Hamish Ireland, and all the books ready to be placed on the shelves so hopefully the Library will be ready for visitors by the August meet. Some semblance of order has been gained with the magazine archives (Thanks Fred Tofts) but it still needs to be further refined and then cataloguing. One of these days there won’t be any need for further sorting of books and magazines but I will not hold my breath.

Don’t forget that there is a large rack that is full of Motorcycle and Automotive books and magazines for sale. Come in and have a look; the prices are R50 to R100 for the books (dependant on condition) and R1 each for the magazines. All proceeds go towards purchasing new books for the library.

Bob Harpin CMC Librarian

15 'BEADED EDGE' TIRES AND SAFETY

The word 'tire', or 'tyre' to the English-speakers, originated with the steel bands holding wooden wagon wheels together, which were forged by wheelwrights. These bands not only made for a hard-wearing surface for the wheel perimeter, but served to 'tie' the wheel and spokes together - they were literally the 'tie-r' of the wheel. The English like to think they spell things correctly but in fact the spelling 'tire' is older than 'tyre', which appeared in the 15th century. Subsequently, the word 'tire' became generic for any wearing surface on a wheel, whether a cart, bicycle, car, or a steam train, and whether the material was steel, rubber, or wooden balls bound by wire (a few of the more desperate examples can be seen in the photo below, from Munich's Technische Museum)

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I'll skip ahead a few centuries to the birth of our subject, the Pneumatic tire, which supplanted the solid rubber item popular on early bicycles, cars, and motorcycles. The 'aha' moment came for John Boyd Dunlop (below) in 1887, while watching his son bump uncomfortably along a cobbled street on his tricycle. 16

Dunlop laid thin sheets of rubber, glued together, over the solid tires on the trike, adding an inflator valve from a football, and voila, the pneumatic tire was born. He patented the idea in 1888, and by 1889 had opened tire manufacturing plants in Dublin and Birmingham - clearly not a man to dawdle over a good idea! Another type of pneumatic tire was invented in 1845 by Robert William Thompson, but his system was too expensive for commercial production, and Dunlop gets the credit for the first practical pneumatic tire, and the first to be commercially produced. Mind you, his patent was for bicycle tires, which of course dovetails very nicely into our subject; motorcycle history (see the wonderful photo of J.B.D. enjoying the fruits of his labour, below).

Motorcycle tires of the Dunlop pattern used a very simple system to ensure positive location on the steel wheel rims of the day. High air pressure, at 40-60lbs/square inch, kept the rubber sidewalls

17 firm against the wheel flange, which was a curved lip of folded steel, mated to a corresponding rubber 'bead' cast into the tire base itself (see illustration).

This method of attachment works quite well to keep the the wheel stable, at the expense of a rock- hard ride from the highly inflated tire. It has always been, since the earliest days of tire on rim, a temptation to lower the pressure within such tires, to increase the 'give' of the rubber and provide some form of cushioning against road shocks. This is fully understandable given the terrible road surfaces of the day - packed dirt or gravel were about the best one could hope for in the years 1890-1928, as the Macadam system of asphaltum-glued gravel laid in smooth beds and compressed flat were quite rare except in urban areas, which had the tax base capable of the high expenditure necessary for such infrastructure investment.

The terrific downside of under-inflation with these 'clincher' or 'beaded-edge' type tires is the possibility of rapid deflation as a consequence of a sharp blow. Of course, a 'blowout' or quick loss of air from a puncture or tear is a possibility on any inflated tire, but this early method of fastening tire to rim has the distinct charm of immediately tearing the tire from the rim if pressure is lost, as only air pressure holds the two firmly together. The consequence, Every Single Time, is a spill, as the tire magically transforms into a rubber snake hell-bent on tying itself in knots between the wheel proper and any frame or fork tubes nearby, thus locking up the wheel, which has already become an ultra- low-friction steel ski on the road surface

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Tire manufacturers developed a new type of wheel rim/tire combination around 1924 which became the standard for all automobile and motorcycle tires from then until the present day. The new system, called 'well-rim' or 'wired-edge' wheels, uses a much stiffer tire which, although far more difficult to install, does not rely on air pressure to maintain its place on the wheel rim. Thus, if deflation occurs, the tire simply goes 'flat', but stays on the rim, and the wheels continue to rotate on rubber, albeit in a wobbly/frightening manner. Still, this was a tremendous improvement in safety, and the number of crashes from deflation plummeted. Tires were made gradually thicker, heavier, and more substantial over the ensuing decades, and additions of nylon, then steel cording under the tread, and ultimately fully 'radial' tires (invented in 1946, by Michelin) for cars and, later, motorcycles were developed. New motorcycle tires are 'tubeless', yet rely on those basic principles developed in the 1920's to stay on the rim.

Falling off a motorcycle at speed really hurts, at best. I've been thrown from my motorcycle at 50 mph from a mechanical front wheel lockup, and suffered the effects for quite a while from the resultant 'high-side'; it was motorcycle jiu-jitsu, and I lost. I bring all this up after my friend James experienced a blow-out on his '24 Sunbeam, which used 'clinchers', as does my '25 Sunbeam. As 19 fans of 'period correctness', we were quite happy that our machines retained their original equipment, and had no intention of changing over to more 'modern' well-type rims and tires, as the vast majority of 1920's machines have done. We had recently discussed proper inflation with our 'clinchers', and James stated that he was using 25lbs/sq." pressure front and rear on his Sunbeam, as the ride was almost unbearable at the 40lbs recommended pressure for the Dunlop 'Cord' tires he had installed, at great expense (they cost ~$300 each). After James' fatal accident, a query from a distant acquaintance led to a bit of mutual research into 'clincher' tire safety

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The result of this research was very sobering, and I'm posting it here in the fervent hope of obviating any additional risk when using these 80-years-obsolete tires. Using them at all is a risk per se, with their known defect of sudden detachment from the rim after deflation. But, with proper care, a greater measure of safety is possible.

According to Radco's book 'The Vintage Motorcyclists' Workshop' (Haynes, 1986), a 2.5" wide clincher tire of 24" diameter (the size of my and James' Sunbeam) at 24lbs inflation, has a load capacity per tire of 150lbs. Assuming a 250lb motorcycle, plus 175lb rider, give or take, that's 425lbs, or 212.5lbs load per tire. Thus, at 24lbs/sq." pressure, the tires are 62.5lbs OVERLOADED, just standing still.

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Radco further states (see chart, above) that inflation of 36lbs equals a 320lb permissible load per tire, which gives over 100lbs of 'leeway' on the tire loading; i.e., less likelihood that the tire will blow out under rapid compression, as from a large rock or sharp crease in the road.

A little further investigation; in 'Dyke's Automobile and Gasoline Engine Encyclopaedia' of 1927, a 'high pressure pneumatic tire' (i.e. clincher) should be inflated to 45lbs or more.

Further still; a Society of Automotive Engineers (S.A.E.) chart of the same era lists 3" Cord-type tires (exactly the size and type of my Sunbeam) as requiring a minimum of 40lbs pressure. Vintage Tyre Supply is a primary source of the Dunlop Cord clinchers available today, as used on my Sunbeam (and James' too), but they don't list any tire pressure recommendations for these tires on their website, only for their automotive and 'well-rim' motorcycle tires.

Another source of modern 'clinchers', Universal Tyre Co. lists pressures for all their tires on their website, and they recommend 60-65lbs pressure for such motorcycle tires. Longstone Classic Tires recommends a minimum of 60lbs pressure for their tires as well.

This should be food for thought for anyone riding on clinchers, as I do. It is imperative that they are properly inflated, to at least 35-40lbs/sq".

Under-inflation is dangerous, and could prove fatal; as risk-takers, we owe it to ourselves to be safe when it's within our power.

If you have a perverse interest in tire history, you can download a copy of the B.F Goodrich book from 1918, 'Best in the Long Run', which was used to train their sales representatives.

It gives a comprehensive history of tires from the earliest days through 1918. Googlebooks has made it possible to read/download the book, for free, here.

21 WHEEL RIM DIMENSIONS Here’s a handy 1911 reference guide for the rim dimensions on 26″ and 28″ wheels, both wired-edge and beaded-edge.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

Dear Valued Client

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your valued support. The SAVVA scheme has grown rapidly over the past year and we thank you for your support and referrals received.

In dealing with more cover requests, we have established one area causing some confusion amongst our Clients, i.e. the definition of Club Use. We have therefore taken the time to review our policy wording to rectify this uncertainty.

We hereby give 30 days notice to amend the Club use as set out below. The amended wording will be effective 1 August 2016 for existing clients and immediately for new clients.

CLUB USE / USE 1

Any activity by a recognized club affiliated to SAVVA or not affiliated, including displays, rallies, fun runs, processions, club meetings and journeys to and from such events, hire for weddings/matric dances and the like, but excluding: speed trails, circuit racing, off road events and hire for reward. Display beyond the immediate supervision and control of the Insured.

Being taken for repair, restoration or maintenance under own power or by trailer provided this is not done in peak traffic time.

Occasional journeys of a purely social and pleasure nature but excluding to and from a place of business, employment or education institution and business use.

We thank you for your kind co-operation in utilizing your Vehicles within the new perimeters, reflected above.

Kind regards

FNB INSURANCE BROKERS

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

FOR SALE:

2007 YAMAHA FZ6 FAZER 600 One owner from new, 25000 km, with crash bobbins, top box and spare (new) front tyre. Used for fun rides and open road commuting. Serviced regularly. Sadly, it must go due to space problems. Asking R40k. Kevin Robertson, 083 321 3234, 012 997 1554.

1969 BSA Lightning 650 GOOD ORDER R45000.00 Contact Ian Storer 072 727 7382

1981 BMW R100RT in good running order with (tatty) panniers. Elderly owner no longer rides it. R15000-00 ONO. Tel Ivan 0825060155 or 0117638879

1980 MZ 250cc motorcycle. Roadworthied, registered and data dotted. Includes workshop manual (in English). SAVVA dated. Motor has just been resleeved back to standard size. R10 000 Phone Stan at 021 7123232

1946 Harley 5/7 with side car – registered and licenced – R130k negotiable 1956 BSA B31 – Savva dated – R30k negotiable 1978 KZ 650 – fully reconditioned, registered and licenced – R35k negotiable 1978 KZ 650 – only 10 000kms – R25 negotiable 1978 KZ 750 Twin – (rare) – R30k negotiable 2002 Derbi Senda trail 50cc as new 50kms - R12 negotiable 2002 Derdi Senda trail 80cc as new 50kms – R14 negotiable 1992 KMS 200 trail registered but needs new main bearing – R6k negotiable Please contact Roy on 082 373 4716

WANTED:

BMW R26 or R27 to purchase and/ or spare parts. 083 326 4911 Gawie

Norton racing type oil tank to fit slimline frame Rod Thomas 031-762 1509 / 073 365 6494

Front exhaust pipes, with or without cross pipes, in stainless for an '81 BMW R100, 38mm OD. Right hand side silencer, in stainless. Call Gavin Lumley 079 556 7615 or sms.

Alternator type primary chaincase for pre-unit swinging arm Triumph. I need two inners and one outer. Will buy or have parts to swap. Tony Dodsworth. 082 742 1742 or 011 453 2688

To fit BMW R50 : 2 x Bing 1/24 Carbs complete pair or 2 x 1/24 Bing Housings (blocks) OR 2x AMAL Carbs (pair), same size as above Contact Trevor Jones – (082) 416-4650

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British Bike Spares,

Specialising in classic British bike spares supplying parts from Wassell, the biggest new classic bike part wholesalers in the UK, has been purchased by Gavin Walton from Mike Lang.

All the stock has been moved from Benoni to Springs on the East Rand.

Gavin’s intentions include enhancing and growing the business, web basing it to provide on-line browsing and ordering and shortening the time between import orders and delivery at a competitive rate.

Gavin’s details are:

74 Phoenix road Selcourt Springs 1559

Home 011 818 4055 Mobile 083 408 4296

Email [email protected] (this will change in the near future to [email protected] )

Please call to enquire or make an appointment to see him.

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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!

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RESTORATION and other SERVICES

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

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.

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.

27 THE VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE CLUB

P O Box 782835 SANDTON 2146 South Africa www.vintagemotorcycleclub.co.za

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Pierre Cronje Chairman [email protected] 011 849 3008 072 513 9432 Ken Wiggins Vice Chairman [email protected] 011 793 7138 083 256 1949 Pieter Vlietstra Treasurer [email protected] 011 793 4841 082 650 9880 Ian Storer Secretary [email protected] 072 727 7382 Ian Holmes Committee Member [email protected] 011 793 7304 083 646 3089 Kevin Walton Club Dating Officer [email protected] 082 891 8399 Rob Pattison-Emms Committee Member [email protected] 011 849 5180 082 891 2869 Roly Tilman Committee Member [email protected] 011 803 1462 082 377 4303 Chantal Madgwick Committee Member / Editor [email protected] 083 708 3522 Brandon Jarvis Committee Member / Assistant Editor [email protected] 011 907 9432 082 410 8828

FEES PAYABLE

Entry Fee R50.00 Annual Subscription R260.00 (Due on 31st July or R130.00 if joining after 1st of January) Country Member R190.00 (R95.00 if joining after 1st of January) Family Member R10.00 (i.e. spouse and minor children)

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.

We appeal for members to submit stories, articles, and photos – in fact anything you think would be of interest to our readers. No matter how insignificant you may 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 is [email protected]

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