kickstart july 2019 · 4 pretoria 40 th cars in park pomc zwartkops 14 – 18 magnum rally pomc...
TRANSCRIPT
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KICKSTART
Volume 34 No 07 JULY 2019
The Official Journal of
The Vintage Motorcycle Club.
Member of S.A.V.V.A.
Affiliated to
The Vintage Motorcycle Club
Of the United Kingdom
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Contents
2019 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING .................................................................................................. 3
VMC CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2019 ................................................................................................... 4
CHAIRMAN’S CHAT ......................................................................................................................... 5
IN MEMORY .................................................................................................................................... 5
Tribute to Chris Lewis .................................................................................................................. 5
NEW MEMBERS .............................................................................................................................. 6
PAST EVENTS ................................................................................................................................... 7
1000 Bike Show ........................................................................................................................... 7
DJ Remembrance Ride ................................................................................................................. 9
UPCOMING EVENTS ...................................................................................................................... 10
CARS IN THE PARK INVITATION .................................................................................................. 10
Magnum Rally ........................................................................................................................... 11
Deneysville Museum 10th
Anniversary ....................................................................................... 12
STRONG PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR 1000 BIKE SHOW .......................................................................... 13
RUDGE MULTIGEAR ...................................................................................................................... 14
SO WHAT IS IT WORTH? ................................................................................................................ 15
EPILOGUE TO THE 1981 D-J RUN ................................................................................................... 17
CLUB MEETING DUTY ROSTER ....................................................................................................... 17
CLUB NIGHT – 24th
JUNE 2019 ....................................................................................................... 18
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ............................................................................................................... 19
CLASSIFIEDS .................................................................................................................................. 19
FOR SALE: .................................................................................................................................. 19
WANTED: ................................................................................................................................... 20
SERVICES: .................................................................................................................................. 21
CLUB and CONTACT DETAILS ......................................................................................................... 24
Cover Page:. Precision at the 1000 Bike Show
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2019 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of The Vintage Motorcycle Club will be held at
190h30 at the VVC Clubhouse on Monday 26th August 2019
AGENDA
1. Welcome
2. Members Present and Apologies
3. Confirmation of the minutes of the 2016 Annual General Meeting
4. Chairman’s Report
5. Treasurer’s Report
6. Nominations for the 2017/2018 Committee
7. General
Please submit nominations for office bearers to [email protected]
THE VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE CLUB : MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – 2018
Date: 27th August 2018 Venue: Vintage and Veteran Club
1. Present : 29 x Members attended
2. Notice of Meeting The required notice of the meeting having been circulated to all members, was
taken as read, with the consent of the meeting.
3. Welcome
3.1 The Vice Chairman, Ian Holmes, took the chair and welcomed those present to the annual general
meeting of the VMC. The Vice Chairman confirmed that a quorum was present.
3.2 Apologies noted :Martin Davis, Peter Vlietstra, Dave Watson, Richard Hulsbos and Grant Wiggins
3.3 The Vice Chairman thanked his fellow committee members for the contributions they have made to
the running of the club, notably the financial, “Kickstart" editorial and events departments.
4. Business of AGM
4.1 The Vice Chairman presented and circulated his report which gave an overview of the Club’s activities
of the past year.
4.2 The Treasurer circulated the financial statements for the financial year ending 30 June 2018.
4.3 No comments were received from the quorum with regards to the financial report.
4.4 The new committee members were elected as follows :
Chairman Ralph Pitchford Vice Chairman Ian Holmes
Treasurer/Editor Peter Vlietstra Secretary David Pitchford
Event Organiser Rob Pattison-Emms Librarian John Hassall
Committee Member Brandon Jarvis Committee Member Mark Broady
Calendar Richard Hulsbos Dating Kevin Walton
4.5 The new committee members are needed to bring new life into the club.
5. Closure
5.1 The proposed merge with VVC was once again mentioned and it was stated that VMC would probably
carry on as is, until such time that it does not become viable. But it was stressed that more contributions
towards running the club are required from members
5.2 The AGM meeting closed at 20 30 and Ralph Pitchford continued with the club night.
Signed Chairman:
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VMC CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2019
AUGUST 2019
4 CMC Club Sunday CMC Germiston
4 Pretoria 40th
Cars in Park POMC Zwartkops
14 – 18 Magnum Rally POMC Mpumalanga
18 Piston Ring PR Modderfontein
25 VVC Club Sunday VVC Oaklands
26 VMC Club Night and AGM VMC Oaklands
SEPTEMBER 2019
1 CMC Club Sunday CMC Germiston
NB 8th
SUNDAY
VMC Club Sunday
(NEW TIME 9:30 Sunday
Morning)
VMC Oaklands Bring a Friend
15 Piston Ring (Big Swop
Meet) PR Modderfontein
22 VVC Club Sunday VMC Oaklands
29 Distinguished Gentlemen’s
Ride DGR TBA (N.B.Register on-line.)
OCTOBER 2019
6 CMC Club Sunday CMC Germiston
13th
Sunday
VMC Club Sunday 9:30 am
Sunday Morning VMC Oaklands Bring a Friend
20 Piston Ring PR Modderfontein
20 Cradle Rally VVC Magalliesburg
27 VVC Club Sunday VVC Oaklands
Forthcoming Events 2019
??? Historical Run VVC TBA James Hall Museum???
10–12Nov. Fairest Cape Rally CVMC W.CAPE
10
November
Armistice Run (Flat
Tankers)
VVC /
VMC Oaklands to Saxonwold WM
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 at 082 891 8399 or
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CHAIRMAN’S CHAT
Ralph Pitchford
It was great to see that many of our club members
showed their support at the recent 1000 Bike Show
in Germiston. The DJ/VMC stand was well attended
and took the award for “Best Stand”. We can be
very proud of the efforts of Gavin & Kevin Walton
who have been looking after the stand for many
years now as well as the members who brought
their bikes along. Other members of our club
supported other marks and thanks to them for a
successful show.
A big thanks to David Pitchford who did a sterling
job at the show by canvassing new members and
selling the last of the calendars. He managed to get
23 potential members signed up.
The DJ Remembrance Run took place last Sunday
where we were welcomed with refreshments by
the staff of The James Hall Museum of Transport.
The Run was well supported and went off well. A big thanks to all involved.
On 4th
August is the “40th
Cars in the Park” event at Zwartkops racetrack organised by the POMC.
They have invited us to display our bikes on the show. There will be security including lockable
carports. Let’s show our support & get our bikes out there for the public to enjoy.
Safe & fun riding
IN MEMORY
Tribute to Chris Lewis 29.10.1940 – 18.6.2019
Brothers Tony and Jon
Chris was born in Rondebosch, Cape Town and grew up in Pinelands . His high school years were
spent at Rondebosch High School, following in his father’s footsteps.
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He bought his 1947 Triumph 1800 Roadster in 1961 which was his daily transport for many years –
replacing his first car a 1935 Austin 7!
Business opportunity took him to Johannesburg where he joined the VVC and Piston Ring in the
early ‘70s.
He was a founder member of the VMC and owned 2 OK Supremes and a Matchless G3
motorcycle. He was an active committee member as well as Clerk of Course for one of the
Summer Runs which was an annual event in the early years, assisting both brothers in organizing
this event in later years.
Eye problems led to the sale of the motorcycles but the Triumph Roadster and later the 1948
Razor Edge Saloon were regularly seen at VVC events until he moved to a townhouse and both
cars were sold because of space constraints.
He was generous to a fault with his time, expertise and “workshop” in his garage for anyone in
need of assistance. Three years ago, he and wife Sylvia moved to Australia, arriving there on their
50th wedding anniversary! There they joined up with both of their daughters in Sydney.
Chris is survived by his wife, Sylvia, daughters Sally and Helen and 4 grandchildren.
He will be sorely missed by them as well as brothers Tony and Jon.
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome the following new members:
David Robertson from Johannesburg. David is Andy’s brother and Kevin’s son, so we have a
boost to the Velocette interests in the club.
Tim Hammerich from Johannesburg. Tim has a 1934 Norton Big4 .
We trust that your membership of the VMC will be rewarding and we look forward to seeing you
at our club meetings.
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PAST EVENTS
1000 Bike Show
Kevin Walton
The 1000 Bike Show hosted by the Classic Motorcycle Club took place on the 6th
and 7th
of July at
the Germiston sports grounds.
The VMC took care of the DJ stand where we managed to gather 23 old bikes for display. Most
bike were from VMC members and 3 or 4 were from CMC members.
We were fortunate in getting a record 8 flat tank bikes for the stand.
Martin Kaiser assisted in bringing the Precision with its table and an additional two tables to
display past and present DJ winning bikes. The Precision was fired up a couple of time which
generated a lot of interest from the public.
Both Dave and Ralph Pitchford put in a huge effort to try and recruit new members. A small table
was placed on the stand where interested people could leave their contact details and hopefully
end up becoming members of our club. Many photos were taken of individual bikes, this was
made possible by having a large area for our display. There was enough space to get around each
bike for those who were interested in certain aspects or details.
In general there was a constant flow of people through the stand over the two days with a lot of
questions concerning the DJ rally and how the typical rally box is used. Members of the club who
were available assisted in answering such questions.
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Many thanks to those who assisted on the stand over the weekend, Ian McKenzie manned the
stand for almost the whole of Saturday. Thanks to Martin for bringing the Precision and the two
tables. Well done to Dave and Ralph for their efforts over the weekend and hopefully there will be
a positive result with boosting our membership.
Our appreciation to all who made the effort in bringing their bikes to display them. Gerard Roelofs
brought his bike from Middleburg on Friday and collected it on Sunday. Steve Helm brought 3
bikes, the 4th
was unfortunately displayed on the AMC stand. Ralph brought 2 bikes.
Congratulations to all prize winners and apologies for the dust that covered your bikes over the
weekend!
Year Bike Owner Size Awards
1 1911 Precision * VMC 600cc (SV)
2 1916 BSA * Steven Helm 500 (SV)
3 1923 Douglas * S & H Ireland 2. 3/4 Hp - Twin
4 1923 AJS * Eric McQuillian 350cc (SV)
5 1924 Sunbeam - Model 5 * Steven Helm 500cc (SV)
6 1926 Triumph - Model P * Ralph Pitchford 500cc (SV) 2nd Best on Stand
3rd Best Pre-War
7 1927 AJS - H4 * Ian McKenzie 350cc (SV)
8 1928 Chater Lea Gerhard Roelofs 500cc (SV)
9 1928 Chater Lea - Face cam racer Steven Helm 350cc (OHV)
10 1928 Triumph Model N Ken Wiggins 500cc (SV)
11 1929 BSA Sloper - Twin Port Colin Smit 500cc (OHV)
12 1930 Francis Barnett (4 Stroke) * Jaap Claasens 250cc (SV)
13 1930 BSA Sloper Howard Marks 500cc (SV)
14 1931 BSA Sloper Kevin Walton 500cc (SV)
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15 1933 BSA Bluestar Ralph Pitchford 500cc (OHV)
16 1934 Royal Enfield (2 Stroke) John Hassall 250cc w/cooled
17 1934 Sunbeam Model 9 Martin Kaiser 500cc (OHV) Best on Stand
18 1935 Francis Barnett (2 Stroke) Gary Barnes 250cc
19 1935 BMW - R 17 Janusz Gruszka 750cc (OHV)
20 1936 AJS Model 9 Gavin Walton 500cc (SV) 3rd Best on Stand
21 1936 AJS Model 18 Ian Holmes 500cc (OHV)
22 1936 Ariel Red Hunter
Willem
Struckmeyer 500cc (OHV)
23 BSA BSA - B2 David Pitchford 250cc (OHV)
* Flat tank
DJ Remembrance Ride
Peter Vlietstra
This is one of the traditional VMC events started by Mike Milner-Smythe to remember past
comrades. On Sunday 14th
July, 12 riders gathered at the James Hall Transport Museum. The ride
of about 32 km was led by Trevor Jones and returned for a short commemorative service
conducted by the Rev Barry Brokensha.
Refreshments were provided by the Friends of the JHTM.
Plaques will be engraved with the names of the riders and who they rode for. These will be fixed
to the remembrance wall under the header “2019 Parade”
DJ Veteran Rider Bike
Hew Hollard Gavin Walton 1965 AJS
Aubrey Cilliers Kevin Walton 1952 Ariel
C F Pillans* Trevor Jones 1933 AJS
C S Brown * Ralph Pitchford 1926 Triumph
D Lampreekt* Pierre Cronje 1936 Ariel
Alan Hogg Ian Holmes 1934 Triumph
Andy Zeeman Justin Seager 1934Triumph
S Maag* Richard Hulsbos 1966 BMW
T W Scott* Peter Vlietstra 1945 BSA
F W Clare* Eric McQuillian 1965 Sunbeam (car)
P Osrovech* Morne Combrink 1932 Norton
Ken Sink Steve Helm 2012 KTM
*1913 DJ Competitor
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UPCOMING EVENTS
CARS IN THE PARK INVITATION
Members of the VMC have been invited to display their motorcycles at the POMC Cars in the Park
show held at Zwartkops on Sunday 4th
August.
The organisers of this event would like:
• About 12 “NICE / SPECIAL“ bikes to present in the “Special Invite Area”
• A short explanation/ description of your bike (year, price, top speed, anything unique or
specific) for the spectators. These laminated boards will be made by the organisers
• The exhibiter will receive free entry access & a special gold sticker to enjoy access to the
VIP area
• Bikes can be delivered to the track on Saturday afternoon where they will be locked in a
secure area with security
Please contact Ralph 0828729363 before Tuesday 23rd
July if you would like to display your bike or
bikes.
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Magnum Rally
This year the Magnum Rally turns 40!
The first Magnum Rally was held in August 1979. The event started on a Thursday at the Eastgate
Shopping Mall Bruma area and travelled via Bethal, Hendrina and Carolina to Nelspruit where the
event overnighted at the Shonalanga Hotel. The Friday was a free day and on Saturday the route
took the competitors back to Eastgate. The first few Magnum events were generously sponsored
by Magnum Airlines (the precursor to the current SA Air Link) – to such an extent that the event
was able to build-up a reserve fund, which is currently held in trust by the POMC and is used to
fund shortfalls in organising cost.
The first Magnum’s were only open to Motorcycles and three wheelers manufactured on or before
31st December 1960. To celebrate the 40th Magnum rally all entries with vehicles manufactured
before 31st December 1960 will only pay half entry fee! For Motorcycles this will be funded out of
the reserve funds for the Magnum while for Motorcars the POMC have made available an amount
to cover the cost.
This year the event will again be held in the Mpumalanga area.
• Organised by the Pretoria Old Motor Club, you will experience magnificent scenery and enjoy
some of the most beautiful mountain passes in the country. Special care has been taken to select
the better roads in the area with cognisance of the prevailing traffic.
• Aside from the on-road experience, this three-day spider rally is hosted by fellow motoring
enthusiast, Willem Fick, at his fabulous Hotel Numbi and Garden Suites, where he ensures that we
receive the best accommodation, cuisine and service at the most unbelievably good rates
• Everyone on the event shares in the atmosphere of a fantastic rally, fun, camaraderie, good food
and accommodation. This is an event not to be missed
• All vehicles manufactured before 31st December 1997 are eligible and we extend this invitation
to you to join us on this special event.
• Accommodation is limited, so avoid disappointment and get your entry in as soon as possible
Below is the provisional program:
Wednesday 14-08-2019 13:00 - 18:30 Documentation and Scrutiny, Hotel Numbi & Garden Suites, Hazyview.
18:30 Competitors meeting Thursday – 15-08-2019 09:01 Start of Regularity run - First day.
Approximate distance 300 km.
Friday – 16-08-2019 08:01 Start of Regularity run – Second day. Approximate distance 300 km.
Saturday – 17-08-2019 08:01 Start of regularity run - Third day. Approximate distance 200 km.
18:30 Overall Provisional results.
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19:30 Prize Giving
Sunday – 18-08-2019 Return home in your own time after Breakfast.
Regulations are available at www.pomc.co.za
Deneysville Museum 10th
Anniversary
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STRONG PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR 1000 BIKE SHOW
Roger Houghton
There was strong support from visitors to the Classic Motorcycle Club’s annual 1000 Bike Show,
which was held at the Germiston Sports Club on July 6-7. About 7 500 visitors attended this year’s
show, which was slightly down on last year, according to CMC’s organiser, Rusty Evans. He added
that the date clash with a classic car show at the Expo Centre had affected attendance.
Unfortunately, there was no support for the show from the major motorcycle distributors this year
and the number of classic and customised motorcycles on display were less than previous years.
However, there were many stalls selling motorcycle-related gear and components such as exhaust
systems and the like.
It is difficult to understand why the major brands failed to take up the opportunity of having a
presence at a well-supported and well-organised event such as the 1000 Bike Show, which has
been staged since 1985. The opportunity came at a time when sales of two-wheelers in South
Africa are very depressed and one would have thought distributors or dealers would have had a
strong presence.
There was not even a dedicated Triumph stand this year, whereas in the past it had been one of
the biggest displays at this event, with classic and new models on show.
The number of motorcycle on show may have been disappointing but there was plenty of quality
on display. There were also a number of unusual exhibits including a rare Italian Volugrafo Bimbo
minicar, a trike powered by a turbocharged BMW V8 engine and a Moto Guzzi load carrier.
Gary van Jaarsveld’s immaculate Kawasaki Z900 was adjudged Best on Show, while the women
judges favoured William Viljoen’s 1960 BSA Gold Star.
RESULTS
Concours d’Elegance award winners: Best on Show: Gary van Jaarsveld (Kawasaki Z900 A4); Off-road, Best
VMX Race Bike: Gareth Ireland (1986 Honda CR500); Off-road, Best VMX Show Bike: Alan Young (1982
Husqvarna); Best American: Ken Wardhaugh (Harley-Davidson 5/7); Best British Post-War: William Viljoen
(1960 BSA Gold Star); Best Japanese over 250cc: Andre Potgieter (1970 Honda 750 KO); Best Japanese
under 250cc: Bikecraft (1970 Suzuki B120); Best European: Leon Bezuidenhout (Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk 1);
Ladies’ Choice: William Viljoen (1960 BSA Gold Star).
Best by Make: Triumph: Kyle Harvey (1966 Thunderbird); Harley-Davidson: Ken Wardhaugh (5/7);
BMW/Zundapp/Puch: Gary Lance (1951 BMW R67); BSA: William Viljoen (1960 Gold Star DBD 34); Yamaha:
Ernie Barendse (F3 50cc); Historic Motor Group: Fred Tofts (Norvil Norton Commando); Kawasaki: Gary van
Jaarsveld (Z900 A4); Velocette: Henry Nickeous (Viper); Royal Enfield: Harry Tiedemann (1927 350 Super
Sport); Associated Motorcycles: Robert Patterson-Emms (Matchless Clubman); Honda: Tim Hammer (1978
CB550K); Norton: John Wakeling (1954 ES2); DJ Run bike: Martin Kaiser (1934 Sunbeam Model 9); 50cc:
Jacques Snyman (Suzuki Katana); Italian: Leon Badenhorst (Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mk 1); Suzuki: Willie
Struckmeyer (1972 GT 550); Best Classic Off-road: Andre Potgieter (1983 Honda XR500 RS);
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RUDGE MULTIGEAR
John Hassall
These two photos were sent to me by an ex-South African motorcycling friend in Sherborne
Dorset from a neighbour who asked him if he knew of the bike, a Rudge Multi.
Her grandfather, Arthur Collings, is the rider and a William Patch on the pillion. The photo was
taken during WW1 outside what is now the D’Ubervilles building. The number plate is also
intriguing.
The bike clearly belonged to the Dorset Yeomanry during WW1 and travelled with them while
training etc. The other photo is of Trooper Lowman on the same bike taken while training at
Bowood, which is a large country house between Chippenham and Calne in Wiltshire. In World
War I, the 5th Marchioness set up an auxiliary Red Cross hospital in the Orangery and the house
was probably used as a convalescent home and training centre, as many English country houses
were, in both WW1 and WW2.
Arthur Collings ended up in the Royal Flying Corps recruited from the Dorset Yeomanry, as he was
a carpenter and builder and good with his hands so became a rigger on the early planes and was in
Palestine for two years, (which must also be a hell of a separate story). They had not invented the
term motor mechanic at that time hence the term rigger, as looking after those early planes was
more akin to looking after wooden ships with sails.
As an aside, I have a couple of original 1900s Flight magazines which emphasize this wood, cloth
and string make up of these early aircraft, similar in construction to light boats, kayaks, coracles,
and canoes.
The belt driven 499 cc (30.5 cu in) Multigear was released in 1912, using variable groove-depth
pulleys to provide 21 forward gear ratios, with top gear as high as 2.75:1. (The Zenith Gradua and
1907 FN 244 cc single used a similar system.) In 1913, a 750 cc (46 cu in) Multigear was released.
In 1914, Cyril Pullin won the Isle of Man TT on a Rudge Multigear. Together with the Zenith-Gradua
this was one of the first continuously variable transmissions (CVT), now widespread in motor
cycles, especially scooters, and cars.
Multigear production ended in 1923.
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SO WHAT IS IT WORTH?
Ian Holmes
I so often am approached by people who want to buy or sell a bike or a car and I am asked what it
is worth. My standard answer doesn’t always please or delight the one who asked. The answer of
course must be “it depends”. So on what does it depend?
That is the million dollar question and as many of us have experienced it depends on so much. The
first question I am inclined to ask after years of frustration is “Does it have Papers and are they up
to date?” If what is being offered is not registered I believe it carries a heavy penalty on the asking
price as much as thirty percent or more in my opinion. It is no secret that it is rather time
consuming and complicated to get something registered which is not on the system.
There are some very competent and helpful folk about who can help in obtaining registration but
sadly there are also some serious shysters which I know from personal experience. A sizeable
deposit resulted in my so called agent immigrating to Australia with my dough and that was the
last I saw of it. This aspect as well as Police Clearance are very important issues if you ever intend
to register the machine in question. While obtaining such a clearance once I discovered that a
casting number had been used from a similar machine and the other bike kept coming up on the
system. Luckily a smart cop said look on the frame where the seat is fitted and we found a non-
clashing frame number which didn’t bring up a fellow member’s Sloper.
The next issue is that of expectations and there are two matters that mislead sellers in this regard.
The first is so called “expert opinion”. I bought my first DJ Bike from a chap in Pietermaritzburg
and he intended to use the proceeds from the sale to me to secure another DJ bike in bits from a
widow on the South Coast. He had already agreed a price with her and when he went to collect
the item she advised him that another “expert” had advised her to ask much more than they had
previously agreed. This chap said he could not meet that new price and left empty handed and I
understand that the box of bits never left the garage of the lady in question. She eventually passed
away and the bits were disposed of to a scrap metal dealer by her family when she passed on.
Another DJ bike left for good. This occurs more often than should be the case and there are sadly a
number of so called experts who want for some reason to sound knowledgeable and tell a seller
what they think the seller would want to hear.
The next common cause of confusion is the matter of asking prices in foreign magazines. A case in
point here was in respect of a former Chairman of our club who knew his days were numbered. He
dictated his wishes in respect of his bikes and bits in detail and signed off on the document
recording these. In due course he passed on but when the dust settled one of his surviving family
members decided to ignore the last wishes set out which had provided for some of the machines
to be auctioned to interested club members. This family member declared he would do much
better if the items were auctioned by a well-known auction house in the UK so off they went into a
container never to be seen again. I happened per chance some time later to see a newsletter from
the auction house in question where the actual prices received on auction were listed in respect of
these same machines. Yes of course they realised more that they would have realised in SA BUT
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and a big BUT it is after all the shipping handling charges commissions duties etc were deducted
the seller realised significantly less than he would have got on open auction in SA. Moreover once
again our members lost the opportunity to acquire the items and the deceased’s wishes were not
honoured.
Let’s talk briefly about the next matter which can cause huge confusion and that is the word
“Originality”. What is original? There is a famous case available on the internet about a gentleman
who bought a very famous Bentley with Le Mans provenance and then decided he had been
deceived because of various changes and repairs which had been done to the car. A very erudite
and competent court in the UK went to a lot of trouble to determine that the car in question had
undergone may rebuilds repairs and the like during and since it Le Mans winning days and
provided there were sufficient components linked to the claims and the car was essentially still
contained some of the original bits it was fair to claim it was original as far as possible.
In the case of many of our DJ and other classic machines the question of originality will always be
debated but in truth nothing can be totally original unless it is a very rare Barn Find in which case
at least the battery and tyres will no longer be serviceable! Matching engine and frame are a good
start in the quest for originality but ultimately this becomes a subjective judgement too and
depends on how badly you may want a particular item.
Another factor which can substantially influence price in regard to a collectable vehicle is the issue
of provenance. If the item in question can be traced or linked directly and creditably to some
racing or a character who is known to have been prominent at a particular time or genre then that
item will carry a premium. For instance in SA today bikes which are DJ eligible do carry a price
premium. This of course will only apply while the DJ Commemorative Run is still happening. In the
UK and elsewhere a 1937 machine and a 1936 machine have no price differential other than rarity
or condition. Aside I have never seen a 1937 bike in SA!! SAVVA dating become very important in
this situation and only because of the DJ.
There are many other factors too numerous to mention here that affect the price of collectable
bikes and cars like availability of spares perceptions of reliability numerical availability and so
many others that it is far too complex a matter to provide a definitive answer here.
There is however one fundamental and absolute price no one can argue about. What the seller is
prepared to accept and what the buyer is prepared to pay wins every time and that will always be
the Gold Standard when it comes to valuing collectables whatever they are.
Ian Holmes.
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EPILOGUE TO THE 1981 D-J RUN
Last month we published a report on this event that originally appeared in the AMC (Antique Motorcycle Club of
America) 1982 summer journal. The Americans took the idea of a vintage bike ride between two cities back to America.
Hans Coertser reports:
The AMCA have many chapters throughout the world and it was the Rocky Mountain Chapter
(Denver) Officers led by Dr Earl Chalfant, who were invited to attend the 1982 DJ, by Derek du Toit
of Cape Town. This group was so impressed with the DJ that they planned to stage their own event
which was the first ever national road run sponsored by the AMCA,. Previously only chapter
gatherings were arranged which included a short run of approximately 5 to 10 miles. That first
event was called the “Rocky Mountain DJ Ride " ,this was held in 1984 and staged between Denver
and Junction Le Grand (they had used a bit of poetic licence as the town is actually called “Grand
Junction, CO” which is a town we passed through on the 2014 Cannonball). The national road run
event has now become an incredibly popular event, with 6 slots for National road runs slated next
year all around the country and with other chapters. The Denver chapter has been accepted to
host another road run in 2021 and will be again called the Rocky Mountain DJ run. The DJ run has
attracted up to 200 motorcycles, and were initially a 2 day event with approximately 150 miles
each, this has now grown to a 3 day event with 200 to 250 miles each day.
It is important to note that these National rides are pleasure rides only, without a regularity trial
and will include several prices for various categories like “oldest/best/etc. etc” . Since the first
Rocky Mountain DJ, there has been 11 DJ runs in Colorado, which were all National AMCA Road
Runs.
All the above information was passed onto me by my friend Gene Harper, whom I met in 2011 at
the Davenport Swap Meet, this was during my preparation for Cannonball 2012 (my first) and we
have subsequently become very good friends.
For more information on the AMCA, go to www.antiquemotorcycle.org
CLUB MEETING DUTY ROSTER
MONTH MOTORCYCLE SHOW & TELL BAR DUTY
Jul Allan Bester Peter Vlietstra & Steve Helm
Aug Steve Helm Gavin Walton.&..Kevin Walton
Sep Ralph Pitchford Mark Broady &..Kevin Robertson
Oct Ken Wiggins Richard Hulsbos .&..Philip Gordon
Nov Martin Kaiser Alan Hickey.&..Roley Tilman
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CLUB NIGHT – 24th
JUNE 2019 David Pitchford
Ralph Pitchford welcomed all members and chaired the club meeting. The meeting was attended
by 36 members with 12 apologies received.
Larina McGregor gave a brief overview for next years 50th
Commemorative DJ Run. She has
requested ideas from participants regarding an “up” or a “down” run for this special occasion.
Kevin Robertson read out a story on George Shield who now resides in Worcester.
The bike ‘show + talk’ was presented by Peter Vlietstra on his “work in progress” 1945 BSA
M20 500cc side valve motorcycle. This model was one of the first for the civilian market as it was
extensively used by the British Army and by the Automobile Association where they were fitted
with sidecars. He purchased this bike about 10 years ago as he wanted a decent classic bike to ride
on a regular basis.
A very interesting presentation – thank you Peter.
Peter with his 1945 BSA M20 500cc motorcycle
Ralph showed two short videos in closing.
Hope to see you all at the next club meeting on the 22nd
July 2019 at 19:30.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
I am coming to RSA next March. I think it is probably the last long trip I will take. I was thinking
about riding in the 50th Anniversary DJ if I could find a bike. Do you know anyone who has a spare
DJ bike. It seems they are in big demand for this event so I am not sure how I will go with my
request.
Regards,
Chris Cutler
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. Email your advertisements to
[email protected]. The cut-off for any month is the close of business, third
Monday of the month.
FOR SALE:
CONTACT:
PAM SIM 082 578 9074
NEVILLE SMITH 076 7343 464
OFFERS WILL BE CONSIDERED
TIGER CUB R30 000 CM 92 PS GP
EXCELSIER R30 000 HUZ 185 GP
BANTAM R25 000 RWA 124 GP
SOLEX R25 000 MRM 03C GP
PUCH 50CC R20 000 BN 55 YT GP
MED 21 R30 000 YVA 632 GP
FLYING FLEA R10 000 NO DOCUMENTS
BMW 1200 GS 2002 - 14000 Km and very good condition i.e.no off road riding
Three boxes, Akrapovic exhaust, Spot lights, Major service by BMW North one month ago.
Contact Frank 082-465-8950 or [email protected]
New seat cover – R500.00 Contact
Brandon 082-223-7104
1975 Yamaha V75 Step-thru 8000km R9000
1972 Kawasaki 90ss Needs rebuild
Contact John 078-855-7682
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1942 Harley 1210 U series with
sidecar
Philip Sinclair 0845153635 [email protected]
1956 BSA B31 350CC
R45,000
1958 TRIUMPH TIGER CUB 200CC
R42,000
Both Licensed & Registration up to
date, both in good condition
Contact Richard
073 4725487
Bikes are in Cape Town – Simons
Town
2014 KTM 690 Duke
22100km R55,000
Contact Peter Vlietstra
082-650-9880
WANTED:
Z400 Kawasaki Workshop Manual : Contact Eric 083-700-0171 [email protected]
Forks complete for 1949 5T : Contact Charlie 082-498-9701
Fork sliders for 1957 Norton 77 Domi :
Atlas/Commando spares : Contact Guido 082-777-1818
DJ Bike : Contact Johan Fleischer 082-446-2546 or [email protected]
21
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 [email protected]
Full restorations. Wheel Lacing and Building.
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. 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, carburetors, etc. Call Janus Gruska from Classic Restorer on 081
065 8275 (Benoni) or email [email protected]
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 [email protected]
Cable Makers : One off repairs & production runs of all Motion Control & Mechanical cables.
Manufacturer and stockist of galvanized & stainless steel wire ropes, cable fittings & accessories
Martin Peach, 9 Hilma Road, Bordeaux, 0824927794, email : [email protected]
Specialist Welding
Le Roux Welding - Edenvale. Contact Syd on 083-390-8761
Performance Welding – Benoni – Contact Rob on 083-256-2257.
22
24
CLUB and CONTACT DETAILS
THE VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE CLUB
P O Box 782835
SANDTON
2146
South Africa
www.vintagemotorcycleclub.co.za
Committee Members
Chairman Ralph Pitchford [email protected] 082 872 9363
Vice Chairman Ian Holmes [email protected] 083 646 3089
Treasurer /Acting
Editor
Peter Vlietstra [email protected] 082 650 9880
Secretary Dave Pitchford [email protected] 082 413 7586
Club Dating Officer Kevin Walton [email protected] 082 891 2869
Committee Member
/ Events
Rob Pattison Emms [email protected] 082 891 8399
Committee Member Brandon Jarvis [email protected] 082 410 8828
Committee Member Mark Broady [email protected] 082 619 2432
Committee Member Frank Barnes [email protected] 082 465 8950
Librarian John Hassall [email protected] 082 886 7133
CLUB ACCOUNT DETAILS
Account Number Nedbank 1970259841
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 19:30.
The opinions expressed in KICKSTART are not necessarily those of the Committee or the Editor.