IN THIS ISSUE:
- Welcome
- Australian Motorcycles
- Classic Bikes of Yesteryear Pt II
- Tips 'N' Tricks
- Tire & Rim Insurance
- Minutes of August Branch Meeting
- Sponsors
- Your Committee
- Jokes
Welcome to the August 2007 Edition of "THE WANDERER"
This month we continue our series of historic motorcycles. What is different is the new focus on Australian built bikes. The variety and breadth of unique motorcycles made in Oz is quite an eye opener.
WozzA's topic this month is AJS motorcyles and a very interesting read it is too.
There has been a recent change to the Committee as all who attended the August Branch meeting would know. Yogi resigned as Quartermaster and he has been replaced by John (blue napolean).
A copy of the minutes from the August Branch meeting are included in this newsletter.
Although the thermometer is definitely reading 'Winter', a few hardy souls have still been getting out on their bikes and riding. The Tuesday night at Docklands run recently was a case in point.
To read Blue Napoleon's report on this, log into the forum and look under the 'Rides' section.
If anyone still has not sampled the pleasures of being a part of the Westgate Wanderers Forum, do yourself a favour and join today by clicking on the link below and requesting same. Please supply your preferred user name and password.
Webmaster Col
Australian Motorcycles
Continuing on from my interest in motorcycle development world wide I thought it would be intriguing to see what Australia has contributed to the industry. I think you may find some of my research quite fascinating.
During the past 100 years there have been over 300 Australian manufactures developing a variety of motorcycles, either from scratch or by using other manufacturers’ parts. This was mainly due to the fact that we were so far away from the main manufacturers; it became necessary to produce our own. Over the years Australian enthusiasts have endeavoured to develop a motorcycle which was up to world standard, this led to a dynamic industry prior to 1930 and a thwarted industry to the present day, because at the moment there are no motorcycles being manufactured in Australia.
Lewis Motorcycles
In 1892 in Adelaide, Vivian Lewis established a bicycle business. The Lewis Cycle and Motor Works produced approximately 1500 – 2000 motorcycles and was the most prominent manufacturer of Australian motorcycles until 1920. He used nickel plating extensively on the wheels, belt rim, the brass tanks and radiator.
More Lewis Motorcycles
Tilbrook
In South Australia in the 1950’s Rex Tilbrook manufactured motorcycles and sidecars using a Villiers imported engine, with a leading link front fork and a cantilevered rear suspension system. He also developed a racing rotary valve 4 stroke engine. Unfortunately a decline in the motorcycle industry saw his business fold before he could develop his bikes further.
Alron
This motorcycle developed by Ron Lyon in Perth in the early 1970’s used a Rickman frame kit with a Ossa engine and it came in two versions the enduro and motocrosser. But he was unsuccessful, beaten by non caring dealers and the boom of the Japanese market in motorcycles.
Flood
In 1998 after extensive publicity a cruiser was built to suit Australian conditions. It had a US engine and White-Power suspension. But it too went the way of the others and disappeared from the scene.
RTV
Terry Prince had being producing his own TPV motorcycles for several years with reasonable success, his bikes had his own Egli based frame and used modified Vincent engines. Terry also ran a successful motorcycle parts and restoration business which favoured Vincent. A partnership was formed in 1996 to launch the RTV motorcycle, a bold attempt at a modernised Vincent twin. After much publicity and with only four bikes built the company was put into voluntary liquidation in December 1998. A Brisbane company plans to produce the RTV in the future but nothing has happened as yet.
Vee Two
An engineer from Perth, Brook Henry has for the last 15 years been producing frame kits and performance parts for Ducati.
The Alchemy using a bevel drive Ducati V-twin and the SV-1 version have been successful in races here and overseas. In the 1990’s the road version was also successful. Vee Two has had success with the Ducati GT750 based Classic Racer and the Ducati Super Mono Sound of Singles World Championship.
Vee Two now offer the Over framed Ducati belt drive engine – Squalo after establishing a partnership with Over Racing a Japanese frame maker.
Although motorcycle enthusiasts’ have made many attempts to manufacture and launch a successful Australian motorcycle, all have failed. It seems we will never be able to compete against the prolific and cheap production of the Japanese manufacturers. Unless someone comes up with an innovative and totally revolutionary idea in motorcycles we will just have to leave it to the Japs, Brits, Yanks and Europeans.
Sources: Leon Mitchell (From his excellent website http://users.senet.com.au/~mitchell/lewis/index.htm )
also thanks to: M. Barnard, S. Fleming, FCAI,
Wendy
Classic Bikes of Yesteryear Pt 2
A brief history of the A.J.S.company.
In 1856 Joe Stevens opened his blacksmiths works in Wolverhampton England, he and his wife had nine children, who all became involved in the business. By 1897 Harry, Joe, and Albert John (Jack) Stevens had built an engine which out preformed many units of the day. By 1899 they established the Stevens Motor Manufacturing Company of Wolverhampton, the company produced Stevens engines, which were in demand and installed by other motorcycle manufactures, and by 1911 they started to produce their own machines. In 1909 the firm A.J.S. was formed from the name of the youngest brother Albert John Stevens. (The only brother with two Christian names.)
Like many other manufactures in the late 1920’s and early 30’s times were hard and in 1931 the company was taken over by the Colliers group, who kept the A.J.S. name on their machines. By 1938 Colliers had merged into the Amalgamated Motorcycle Company (AMC) who also owned MATCHLESS.
In 1966 the company was again sold to Manganese Bronze Holdings, who also formed the Norton-Villiers group, and when that company experienced difficulties in the early 1970s the A.J.S. name was acquired by Fluff Brown who moved the business to Hampshire. Since 1974 the A.J.S. brand name has continued to be displayed on small capacity two stroke four wheeled agricultural motorcycles.
The 1936 A.J.S. 350cc 7R.
From 1909 till 1931 A.J.S. powered machines had achieved 117 world records.
And in later years their race heritage had been boosted by the famous 7R, also affectionately known as 
“THE BOY RACER” so called because of its perceived affordability in contrast to the 350 Manx Norton.
The A.J.S. 7R had a single cylinder 350 c.c. over head cam engine producing 40 plus brake horse power, and with a power band in the 6000-7800 r.p.m. range, and with a lightweight frame made for an exceptional junior racer which offered close class racing that showcased the skill of the riders. In 1960 the motor was redeveloped into a 500cc, which was re-badged as the Matchless G50.
The 1935 A.J.S. V4 500cc
Being mindful of the A.J.S. racing heritage AMC/Colliers continued to use the A.J.S. name on some innovative racing machinery thus keeping the A.J.S. name alive. This is the road going prototype version of the A.J.S. 500cc V-4 that made its debut at the 1935 London Motor Cycle Show the premier motorcycle event of its day, where all of the motorcycle industries displayed their models to eager enthusiasts. Unfortunately the bike never made it into production.
The engine lay-out, with its two pairs of cylinders set at 50 degrees, and the chain driven camshaft drive between the cylinders was revolutionary for its day.
Two carburetors were used each feeding one V, and two magnetos are bevel driven from the crankshaft through a short vertical shaft. The magnetos were mounted in the form of an inverted V on the side of the engin
e.Two throw crankshafts were used, and were of such massive construction that five main bearings were required. Forked connecting rods were used to ensure that the cylinders remained in line.
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Yes your seeing right, the hairpin valve springs were located on the outside of the motor.
In 1936 a new racing version of V4 appeared for testing, fitted with a Amal TT carburetor and a Zoller supercharger with a 8 psi boost. It was tested at half speed and developed 51.5bhp at only 6,000rpm.
Harold Daniels and George Rowley rode it in the 1936 Isle of Man Senior TT, but despite its impressive top speed it lacked acceleration and retired from the race due to mechanical problems. Where other companies may have cut their losses and ran, A.J.S. commissioned Matt Wright to redesign the engine.
In 1939 Matt Wright’s water-cooled and supercharged version of the V4 was completed, with cylinder heads cast in pairs, and fitted with enclosed valves. All exhaust ports now faced rearwards to assist with cooling. The boost was dropped to 6psi and a new duplex frame with integral rear plunger suspension housings. Webb-type girder forks were now graced her along with deep finned alloy 8 inch TLS front brake. The bike used a 21 inch front tyre, and a 19 inch rear. It had a six gallon fuel tank which allowed it to compete against the then dominating supercharged racing BMWs and Norton Manx. It was raced in the senior Isle of Man TT and was also the first bike to lap the Ulster Grand Prix course at over 100 mph. and had a very impressive top speed of 135 mph.
In 1946 the A.J.S. V4 ridden by Jock West finaly won a race in Belgium. One week later at a race meeting in France, Jock West was leading the race when suddenly a crankpin seized and locked the engine.
Thirty years later the engine was acuired to rebuild the V4 for a museum, the motor was still seized.
You can go on line at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6c-eqoXums to see and hear a replica of the road version of the 1939 V4 fired up.
Photos courtesy of Vintage bike.Tips 'N' Tricks - Tire Pressure
As we are now into the colder months of the year I thought it appropriate to post a reminder about tire pressures and the effect of temperature on same.
Stamped on the outside of many of your tires is a recommended tire pressure range. (At least an upper limit.) For longest tire life it is my recommendation that you strive to keep them at the higher limit of those recommendations (regardless of what your motorcycle owner's manual might say to the contrary.) Further, this pressure should be determined while the tires are cold - meaning, have not been used for a couple of hours.
Time and outside temperature effect the pressure within your tires. It is NORMAL for a tire to lose about 1 pound per square inch (psi) per month. Outside temperatures affect your tire pressure far more profoundly, however. A tire's pressure can change by 1 psi for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature change. As temperature goes, so goes pressure.
For example, if a tire is found to have 38 psi on an 80-degree mid-summer day, it could lose enough air to have an inflation pressure of 26 psi on a 20-degree day six months later. This represents a loss of 6 psi over six months and an additional loss of 6 psi due to the 60 degree temperature reduction.
At 26 psi, your tire is severely under inflated and dangerous!
There is nothing wrong with your tire if it behaves like this, of course. What is being illustrated here is that you MUST check your tire pressure on a regular basis (about once a week is reasonable) and to be particularly aware of it on cold days.
By James R. Davis Master Strategies Group
Tyre and Rim Insurance
I found some information that I thought might be useful to members. Swann Insurance is offering a 3 year tyre and rim insurance for $395.00 through Advantage Honda Geelong Rd. Hoppers Crossing.
What is Covered
Tyres
If a tyre is punctured, or damaged by a pothole or kerb they will:
- Repair the tyre if repairable or
- Pay up to $350 to replace the tyre if it can’t be repaired and has 75% or more of the original tread.
- If the tyre has less than 75% of the original tread they will contribute to the cost of replacing the tyre.
- They will only replace 2 tyres in any 12 month period.
Rims 
If any rim is damaged by a pothole or kerb they will:
- Pay up to $1000 to repair the rim if repairable or
- Pay up to $1000 to replace the rim if it can’t be repaired
- They will only cover rims that become unroadworthy or fail to seal.
- They will only pay to replace or repair 1 rim in any 12 month period
Towing
If your tyre and/or rim are damaged and you are entitled to claim under this insurance policy, they will also pay up to $120 for the reasonable cost of towing your motorcycle to the nearest tyre outlet, repairer or place of safety.
Hope you find this information helpful
Wendy
Minutes of the Last Branch Meeting
Branch Meeting held August 8th, 2007 – Werribee RSL Club
Time opened …7:40pm………………
- Present: Per Attendance Book
- Apologies: John and Barb Brown, Lyn Tout, Darryl Stanley
- Opening: Welcome to the August, 2007 meeting of the Westgate Wanderers Ulysses Branch, the first meeting conducted by the new committee.
Names: Ian and Fernanda 750 Honda Cruiser Shadow New bike for Ali, also a 750 Honda Cruiser Shadow
Minutes of the previous meeting:
Acceptance of previous minutes. Moved …Leno Seconded: …Joe Carried
Business Arising:
Treasurer’s Report:
- Bank balance as at July $4,590.29
- Expenses. Web Hosting Fees $80.49
- Expenses due. Nil
- Unpresented cheques Nil
Acceptance of the Treasurer’s Report. Moved Tom… Seconded: Glenda Carried?
Secretary’s Report:
Correspondence in: Natcom Newsletter
Correspondence out: Condolences Card to Larry and his family
Other admin matters: Nil
Acceptance of the Secretary’s Report. Moved Andrew Seconded: Chris Carried?
General Business:
Reports: President:
Announced that Quartermaster, Yogi, has resigned and that John Debrincat (Blue Napoleon) will take over as of August 8th, 2007. Congratulated all members who went on the BMW Ice Ride
Quartermaster: Nil
Ride Coordinator: Nil
Social Coordinator:
Sunbury Wine Festival for August 26th we still have seats available on the coach at $20.00pp including tickets to enter, all moneys to be paid to Rick at the Tyre Kick by Saturday,18th August 2007.
We need more members to join us for a meal at The Scottish Chiefs Tavern Geelong on September 15th, 2007
Webmaster:
6000 hits on the Web site for April and June, 36000 hits so far this year
106 members on the Forum
Ride Reports:Nil
Newsletter Editor: This edition will have more on the history of motorcycles in Australia and information on insurance for rims and tyres.
Other business:
Tommy’s corner, brilliant as usual, which was preceded by a very emotional presentation given by Rob Fava and Bruce Reed on their recent trek along the Kokoda.
Next Meeting:
Next meeting is on Wednesday 12th September, 2007 at the Werribee RSL.
Closure:
Time closed 9:15pm
Sponsors
YOUR COMMITTEE MEMBERS
| Position | Office Bearer | Telephone Contact |
| President | Bubba | 0418 395 786 |
| Secretary | Ornella | 0422 639 845 |
| Treasurer | JohnT | 0407 427 361 |
| Ride Co-ordinator | Marty | 0402 440 273 |
| Social Co-ordinator | RickH | 0418 138 885 |
| Quartermaster | John | 0430 303 773 |
| Webmaster | Col | 0431 685 268 |
| Newsletter Editor | Wendy | 0418 550 906 |
JOKES
Watch the Signs
- A police officer pulled over two nuns riding on a motorcycle, and said to the rider, 'Ma'am, you're driving much too slowly, could you please drive faster?"
- And the nun says, 'Oh, I saw the sign with the "21" and assumed the speed limit was 21 km/h"
- The officer explains: 'No ma'am, the speed limit is 80. The highway number is Interstate 21."
- Then the police officer look at the passenger and see the other nun shaking like a leaf.
- "Excuse me sister, but what's wrong with your passenger?"
- "Oh, that's probably because we just got off Highway 205."
Stopped for Speeding
- A rookie police officer pulled a biker over for speeding and had the following exchange:
- Officer: May I see your driver's license?
- Biker: I don't have one. I had it suspended when I got my 5th DUI.
- Officer: May I see the owner's card for this vehicle?
- Biker: It's not my bike. I stole it.
- Officer: The motorcycle is stolen?
- Biker: That's right. But come to think of it, I think I saw the owner's card in the tool bag when I was putting my gun in there.
- Officer: There's a gun in the tool bag?
- Biker: Yes sir. That's where I put it after I shot and killed the dude who owns this bike and stuffed his dope in the saddle bags.
- Officer: There's drugs in the saddle bags too?!?!?
- Biker: Yes, sir. Hearing this, the rookie immediately called his captain. The biker was quickly surrounded by police, and the captain approached the biker to handle the tense situation:
- Captain: Sir, can I see your license?
- Biker: Sure. Here it is. It was valid.
- Captain: Who's motorcycle is this?
- Biker: It's mine, officer. Here's the registration.
- Captain: Could you slowly open your tool bag so I can see if there's a gun in it?
- Biker: Yes, sir, but there's no gun in it. Sure enough, there was nothing in the tool bag.
- Captain: Would you mind opening your saddle bags? I was told you said there's drugs in them.
- Biker: No problem. The saddle bags were opened; no drugs.
- Captain: I don't understand it. The officer who stopped you said you told him you didn't have a license, stole this motorcycle, had a gun in the tool bag, and that there were drugs in the saddle bags.
- Biker: Yeah, I'll bet he told you I was speeding, too.
A little old lady wants to join a local biker club !
- A little old lady had always wanted to join a local biker club. One day she goes up and knocks on the door. A big, hairy, bearded biker with tattoos all over his arms answers.
- She proclaims, "I want to join your club."
- The guy was amused, but says she needs to meet certain biker requirements in order to join.
- The biker asks: "Do you have a motorcycle?"
- The little old lady replies: "Yep... my bike's parked over there", and points to a Harley in the driveway.
- The biker asks: "Do you drink?"
- The little old lady replies: "Yep... drink like a fish. I'll drink any man in your club under the table."
- The biker asks: "Do you smoke?"
- The lady replies: "Yep... smoke like a chimney. At least 4 packs of cigarettes a day. I'm shooting pool."
- Very impressed the biker asks: "Last question, have you ever been picked up by the fuzz?"
- The old lady thinks for a minute and says: Nope, ... but I've been swung around by my nipples a few times."