Sometimes we get caught up pursuing our own interests and become blinkered to what?s happening around us even though there may be obvious parallels with our own pursuits. By bringing their classic motorcycles along to our meeting, John Moore and Bill Petschack have peeled away the blinkers and shown us that there?s more to the classic vehicle world than sports cars and humble sedans.
Both these bikes were built in the 1970s and are 3 cylinder 750cc jobs, but that?s about where the similarity ends. The Suzuki is a 1976 GT750 A-model and it belongs to John. Although he purchased it 12 months ago in this fully restored state, a problem with the engine meant it had to be completely rebuilt again, so it?s really only been going since September last year. Although a 2-stroke, John does not describe it as a sports bike. It?s a long-legged cruiser with tall gearing, electric start and a comfortable riding position. All good and well, especially as John is intending to ride it to Perth later this year.
Bill?s bike is Triumph Trident 750, built in 1974. These 4-stroke bikes have an impressive racing heritage, including winning several Isle of Man TT races. This particular bike belonged to Bill?s brother-in-law, but had sat unused under his house for 18 years before Bill bought it and embarked upon a 4-year restoration project. It now sports new wheels and chrome fittings, electronic ignition and many new parts which are still available from either the US or UK. Unlike the Suzuki, it only has a kick start to turn over the 9.5:1 compression 3-cylinder and Bill admits that it?s tricky to tune the triple carbs and it?s probably not as comfortable a ride as the bigger Jap bike.
The Club would like to thank these two guys for bringing their bikes out on a pretty miserable evening, John especially, after having ridden his all the way from Leongatha in the rain.
Next month our guest will be Australian touring car and tarmac rally legend, Jim Richards. He has promised to bring along his Targa Porsche if it makes it through this year?s event unscathed. But because of his schedule, our meeting WILL NOT be on the second Thursday next month ? instead it will be on Thursday 22nd May.
The Golf Club dining room has a capacity of 120 guests, bookings are now open on our website, so if you want to secure your seat for next month?s dinner meeting book in now!
no images were found