February EoMR to the Santoft loop

February’s End-of-Month Ride saw a great turnout, with a solid mix of two-stroke and four-stroke machines among the classics. Flying the Yamaha RZ flag were Dion and Bruce with their 250 and 350 machines, while Warren M. brought out his XJ 900. Warren T also took his Suzuki Cobra for another spin, and Sir Al represented Kawasaki with his H2. Rounding out the classic lineup was Gary A. on his Honda CX500. Supporting the pack, Rich rode his Strom, Max took his Bandit for a run, and the well-represented Suzuki brand was completed by your truely on the GSR.

We hadn’t tackled the Santoft loop in a while, so Warren led the way on his mighty Cobra. A quick detour into Bulls was necessary for a certain rider on a speed block Yamaha with a knack for misjudging fuel levels—an all-too-familiar scenario! (To be fair, it hasn't happened for a few years)After refuelling, we continued the loop, and at one of our catch-up stops, Max and I swapped bikes. I hadn’t ridden a Suzuki Bandit before, and I can now see why they’re such great touring bikes. Compared to the GSR, it’s got plenty of grunt down low, handles impressively for its size, and that seat—what a beauty! No wonder they’re so popular.

Our café stop at the Bakery in Bulls saw the crew diving into pastries and coffee, accompanied by the usual banter—everything from politics to the finer points of restoring, racing, and riding our classic bikes.

Roll on next month’s EoMR.

A YB8 to the January EoMR

Januarys EoMR saw Warren fronting up with a bit of  Italian exotica in the shape and form of a Biomata YB 8. It really did look stunning and when you realise this bike had over 20Ks on the clock and was of a 1992 vintage it is one very collectible and beautiful motorcycle. Whoever had it before Warren certainly looked after it and hard to believe it is now classified as a classic. With its reliable and powerful FZR 1000 engine it was a great combination of Western and Eastern motorcycle expertise. 

Along for the run as well was Gary A with his recently resurrected Honda CX500. Really great to see it on the road again although Gary says he is noticing the higher fuel consumption compared to his BMWs. Grant had his GSX 1100 out and he seems to be spending quite a bit of time on it enjoying the summer weather. Always think of the Hiscocks punting these bikes around Manfeild back in the day. Bruce S flew the two stroke flag with his borrowed from Murray S Yamaha RZR 250 Yamaha. It goes really well. The moderns were made up of Rich on his Strom, Ray on his Triumph and Max on his 1250 Bandit. 

A pleasant run was had down to Shannon where the local Pie shop was chosen to sample its wares with a good cuppa to wash them down.

CAMS Southern Classic 2024

Thanks to Kim and Tim for the following photos from the CAMS Southern Classic in late November last year at Levels in Timaru. As you can see they are all photos of two strokes. No bias eh Kim? It sounds like all those who were on the track plus supporters had a great time with Darrin proving to be great help with 'problem solving' in the pits. 

Check out these photos from the meeting from Melanie J Smyth. Some great shots from the meeting including Tim, Kim and Mark doing the business on the track.

https://melaniejsmythimages.pixieset.com/camssouthernclassicfestival/

November EoMR

A big thank you to Stephen for some photos and the write up and some photos from Sir Al as well.

A great day on Sunday we decided to go to Colyton through Fielding out Makino Road through Vinegar Hill to Hunterville  for a stop. As a part of the ride we had a shed raid and saw a really interesting collection of lovely Ducati‘s, a Laverda 750 twin and a  Yamaha 1100 cafe racer. It has a shaft drive to chain drive conversion just like the Pitman bikes from the late seventies and son sounded really nice. There was also an early Honda 750 K1 or 2 being restored as well. The run home was via our  usual back roads with others taking the direct route via State Highway One.

PS Some interesting reading about the Pitmans conversion and much more!

https://www.oldbikemag.com.au/pitmans-yamaha-xs1100-superbike-chain-drive-transformer/