Classic MotorcyclesRemember - "There are no strangers in the world - only friends we haven't met yet".
Rob has also always been interested in classic motorcycles. Most of these have been British bikes of the forties, fifties and sixties. Some of the bikes I have owned
1949 AJS 500 (Click on the thumbnail for a larger image)
That
state of mind lasted until about 1992 when I saw an advert for an AJS 500,
very similar to the one I had previously owned. After a hurried discussion,
I was allowed to buy my mid-life crisis. It was a basket case and
was beyond redemption. It was quickly traded for another AJS 500
single which, when restored, will look something like a cross between these
two.
I have joined the local club, the Veteran, Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club (ACT) Inc. We are not a bikie club, rather a mob of mainly middle-aged men and women who enjoy messing about with old bikes. The emphasis is on keeping the bikes on the road and the club enjoys many social activities, usually involving short road trips.
1952 Ariel VB 600 (Click on the thumbnail for a larger
image)
While
the AJS was being restored, I became frustrated with watching all the other
club members riding their bikes around. So, in 1994, I bought another
bike, a restored Ariel. This bike is a 1952 frame with a 1948 600cc
side valve engine. So far this bike has been fairly reliable as I
ride it around on "Club Registration". Members of the VVCMC are granted
a concession on bike registration, although this form of registration carries
restrictions.
If you are interested in old bikes, locate your local historic club and have a look at the activities. Clubs exist in most areas and the more common bikes like these are not horrendously expensive to buy. You can buy a reasonable "older restoration" in good condition for as little as $3,000AUS. A helmet and leather jacket are essential, as is a valid license. Concessional club registration for bikes costs around $70 per year in the ACT.
It's an enjoyable hobby and you meet some interesting people.
