IMG_0461

Its been awhile since I attended a “normal” motorcycle show Bikes by the Bay, & Zorro’s  Show & Shine being the most recent ones in a number of years, seems to me that if its old then its a Classic, this could be because Vic Roads have a rolling 25 year date when you are eligible for a historic vehicle permit. I notice the term “Classic” is used liberally in the Bike Magazines as well when you see a BSA Bantam. C11, 3TA Triumph, Velocette MAC or worse LE, Norton Jubilee, Francis Barnett and a James being described as “A real Classic” we have a problem. In this case what about the Crocker (pictured above),Vincent, BSA Gold Star, Ariel Square Four, Norton International, Triumph Thruxton(the real ones, not the wimpy emasculated version they make now) or the Velocette Thruxton there are dozens of what I call Classic motorcycles even the Honda CB750, gentleman we need a new term for these machines Super Classic comes to mind something that separates the weak limp wristed “Grey porridge” from real Classics, these are the bikes that people fall to their knees in admiration as they ride past or as a chap once asked me for the piece of cardboard that I used under my Velo Thruxton 500 to catch the oil drips, he wanted it to pin to his bedroom wall as a sign of a real Classic and one day fulfilling dream of owning such a machine, my Paul Dunstall 750 Triumph in the early 70″s used to cause vehicles to stop as crowds gathered around it onto the road when parked in the motorcycle Mecca, Elizabeth st, Indian’s do this now they are the only motorcycle that H-D owners actually look at, its time for a new definition

IMG_0460

The ongoing heritage of the Indian, what they havent mentioned is V-Twin engine 1908, Twistgrip & electric start 1915, or aluminium chaincases in 1920, or rear suspension 1915, except for the V-Twin engine and the twistgrip the Milwaukee Tractor Co didn’t get any of this till the mid 1950’s. It’s the same in 2015 new Chief has standard not optional, ABS, cruise control, decent braking system, L.E.D lights, modern  unit construction powerplant with balancer shafts, geared primary drive did they ever really think they were competitive, history proves even if the product is good, management is critical this wont be a problem in this phase of Indian history

photo 2photo 1

 

The long awaited FatBoy model with stereo headset will be a sought after version, as much as the re-introduced sidecar versions in traditional thirties color scheme and a even a outboard motor attachment, what more could the Harley owner want, the plough attachment is still optional on all these late models.

image

Hmmm I hug my Indian about once a week, yesterday was an occasion when riding to Zorro’s Show & Shine, which by the way was a raging success 600 through the gate and I believe many more motorcycles that were parked up and down White Street. Mark Barthelmie the proprietor & Sandy his wife were flat out, Russell one of our members won Best Vintage motorcycle. The amount of Harley-Fergusons were embarassing they were like bums, everyone had one, I can see why the new Indian’s are selling, just to be different you would have to buy one. Tony Crimmins from Bendigo was riding his Chief Vintage and it was one of the most looked at machine there, in all around 12 Indians arrived 1 Ariel, 2 Triumphs, 20 odd Jap bikes and the rest H-D’s, I’m looking forward to next years Show & Shine

bbb2

 

Club member Guy Allen has posted a pictorial online from last weekend’s Bikes by the Bay event, hosted by the Williamstown MCC . See it here.

image

The Prez Daryl Colt looking annoyed by the fact that his 13 year old daughter can start his 1947 Chief & he can’t, click the link below

http://vimeo.com/90207131

IRON INDIAN DISCOUNT VOUCHER

Mark from Zorro’s has graciously offered  all Iron Indian Riders the above discount, I personally & I know all financial members will be very pleased with this kind offer, Zorro’s is the word in clothing and accessories not counting the full range of Springfield Indian parts they have in stock including the 4 Speed overdrive gearboxes and DutchTony Leenes electric starter

IRON INDIAN DISCOUNT VOUCHER

 

 

1617944_10152250695431893_283604676_o

Dick Grills our NT member went to Lake Gairdner Speed Week with his 1938 Indian Sports Scout the following Ytube link is amazing this will make another member Sammy Vella happy to see. Chris Horner’s Bobber pictured above is at long last is ready to freight from Kiwi Indian in the States, & yes he has a  C344 engine ready to fit

Indian Scout at Lake Gairdner

image

bbb1 bbb4 bbb5bbb2

There was a big roll-up of Indians for today’s Bikes by the Bay event, run by the Williamstown MCC. We counted 22 in total, with more than two-thirds owned by club members, adding to what turned out to be a fascinating and big display. Here are a few pics to give you a bit of a taste…

1896863_622438457826313_956701912_n1209279_214954588673397_534927022_n

Not so many years ago I was offered an Indian Four AM150 (4 Stroke) for $400 foolishly I refused it I wish that it was now in my garage, one day an Indian Mini-Mini might, then I can dump the Honda 1979 Z50 that resides there instead.  One thing about reincarnation that I like is, you can come back for a second chance in life I hope it works