It is always good to see a new classic bike turn up for a run and this month Ross arrived with his latest restoration, a Kawasaki S3a 400. The last time this was seen was when a small group of us popped around to Ross's place to help him take the motor out of its frame so it could be checked out for a persistent 'fettling' issue. It is considered by many to be 'sweetest' out of all the triples with its mixture of weight, handling and motor smoothness. As you can see from the photo's Ross has done a wonderful job, and his attention to detail is very evident. He had obviously sorted out the problem because as we saw on the ride, it was running beautifully.
Paul D and Sir Al turned up on there H2s, the big brother to the S3a. Rounding out the triple two stroke's was Stuart on his Suzuki GT750J in all its wafting glory. Warren was taking a break from driving his milk tanker through the countryside to riding his Yamaha XJ900 riding through the countryside. Rounding out the classic bikes on the ride was Graham on his Suzuki VX800, which he seems to be still enjoying. Also out in support were the 'moderns' with Bruce S on his Yamaha XJ1300 as was Ray on his BMW R850R. Kenny had his BMW R1250 and Grant on his BMW K75RS.
As is becoming the norm for our EoMR's, a humble and familiar ride was decided on with a run to Colyton and around the back of Feilding to Makino Road and then on to our one and only stop at Stanway. It was here that a shorter route to our cafe stop was decided after checking the fuel level of Ross's S3a. Those baby triples certainly have a mean thirst! Rich turned up on the mighty Vstrom just in time for our little cafe convoy that passed through Halcombe and then on to Feilding. We eventually rolled into the back car park of Rosebowl and headed inside. In spite of covid it was still a busy place and the lads were soon tucking into coffees, cakes and pies. It was during a conversations with Graham he let out of the bag that he is busy sorting out a 1971 Honda 450, with only the carbs to go. Can't wait to see that turn up for a run. It will be a first.With the coffee gone and the food eaten it was time to head off. But what was that sound in the background as we headed back to the bikes?
Of course it was the sound of bikes racing around Manfeild. It has been a while since any of us had been to the track because of you know what. The Victoria Motorcycle Club were running one of there summer meetings and we had heard through the grapevine that Dion was trying out his new race bike, a KTM 390. Apparently our arrival with the classic bikes was announced over the PA and a good number of people popped over to have a look. Dion was having a great time with his new bike and holding his own mid field.
All in all a great ride and nice to see a new classic stead joining 'the herd'. It looks like another one is on it's way! Maybe next months EoMR, eh Graham?
