The only thing good about winter is the Winter Smoke Signals E-Mag thats due out and if you wish to include a article contact our editor Ray pronto, he tells me a full calendar will be included of all events with dates up till March next year for you to print off and hopefully attend this will include meetings, rides, rallies and special events such as the Christmas Party. I’ve been full noise on my recent purchase of a original paint Ducati 750 GT as it had hardened its valve guide seals and smoked incessantly at cold start up worse than a London pea-souper, its only done 5,700 klm’s from new but they and it is 51 years old so I suppose it was to be expected. This is the fifth GT that I have now owned and with a couple additions like electronic ignition and the optional twin disc front end make the package very sweet to ride, this one is a rare electric starter model of which only 800 were made, the beauty as well is it falls in this clubs critera of Red Plate pre-1976 so quite the bike to own and very suitable to ride on our Special Events like Tasmania etc. that brings us to the problems and the advantage of Winter Heated clothing is available from Zarkie’s (click on the link) and ask for Scottie then ride in comfort, I spent $1.200 down there and the difference after years of freezing your arse off is amazing now. Winterizing your motorcycle can be done with a heated seat cover or even a windscreen can help, more important is the condition of you tyres and brakes if they need fixing don’t hesitate.
A lot of people come into my shop around September and usually complain that their motorcycle needs maintenance, almost surprised it has’nt healed itself over the winter months, really, unfortunately your machine will require T.L.C even just sitting and nows the time to get into it. Perhaps the annual oil change or new chain maybe a tappett adjustment or something more serious, nows the time as in the Sept-Oct months there will be the Crazy Horse rally at Myrtleford and the Pub & Grub ride in October which can be quite a few miles, order the parts and be ready!
The 47th All Brit Rally is on again over the Anzac Weekend 25-27 April at Newstead, the 1000 bike line up will be in Malden on the Saturday at midday, always a fabulous weekend not to be missed
Some members of our club attended this Vincent rally in February, and it is a runner up to our Gypsy Tour in 2026 to Tassie.
A bit of a test ride for next years Gypsy Tour 2026, the Vincent Owners Club rally was well attended with 82 Vincents and only my Vindian. Members Owen Jones rode his Vincati, while Dave Kimpton rode his Series C touring Rapide, our honorary member Jason Douglas drove back-up (the giant) which he will be doing next year on our Tour. Gary Rizzole rode a 1970 Bonneville and joined our small group, all the bikes in our group went well with over 1400 klms covered my saddlebag mounts broke, fortunately Owen had a small arc welder on board so it was a easy fix! The weather was reasonable only two wet days the rest were excellent. A full report will be in your next Smoke Signals, Member Guy Allen just imported a Rapide from USA so we are getting quite a number of Vincent’s in our club, I myself have just bought a 5000k Ducati GT 1974 so those Italians are also infiltrating!
How are Indian Motorcycle values holding up?
I’m currently analyzing Mecum Auction results and finding massive declines especially when you factor inflation into the sales prices.
Here is my first sample: The first bike a 1907 Indian Tri-car sold for 2015 for $181,000
in 2025 a 1907 Indian Tri Car sold for $60,000
The 1907 Indian Tri-Car that sold for $181,000 in 2015 is equivalent to $244,388.19 in 2025 dollars.
This represents a significant drop in real value of about 75%
The one that sold in 2025 is actually in nicer shape! It was a steal when you compare!
Gary Stark
Please Click on the link below for Expression of Interest form, I know its next year but there is a restricted entry and the ferry has to be booked well in advance.
Expression of interest form copy
Nearly the end of the year and all best for the coming year for you and your family, hopefully your editor Ray will have a summer edition of Smoke Signals out before Christmas and in it beside a few riveting articles from contributors Guy Allen and Phillip White, myself and some others it should be something too finish the year off. You will notice a Gypsy Tour of Tassie in March 2026 coming up that has a couple of things to conform to if you wish to enter.
The most important thing is you get a ferry booking on the new Spirit of Tasmania 4 or 5 which will be in service at that time, all accommodation will be announced after your expression of interest form is filled and a deposit paid, there will be on 16 only openings for this trip so don’t be complacent. There will be a backup vehicle for luggage so you will not have to worry about carrying stuff with you.
Anyway the Midday Express at Thornton is only 4 weeks away so book the Rubicon Motel and I hope to see you all there.
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Iron Indian Riders Australia Inc.
Meetings: Grandview Hotel
03 9489 8061
429 Heidleberg Rd Fairfield 3078
When: Last Tuesday of the month (except December), 7.30pm
Postal: Secretary – Phil Pilgrim
P/o Box 1064
Ivanhoe Vic 3079