Welcome to Barnstormers We are a couple of old fat blokes who like riding old motorcycles. We'll try and keep the site updated with useful info, such as upcoming events, how to look after your old dunga and hopefully some photos/articles of what we've been getting up to on old bikes. Enjoy.
|
By McSnotty, on April 14th, 2012  158 viewsThese days I try to stay away from auctions. A nervous twitch, itchy nose, or unexplained wink could be misconstrued as either a flirtatious gesture towards the auctioneer, or more than likely a bid. For me it would be just a nervous twitch, itchy nose, or an annoying eye lash. However when the lastest catalogue fell through the post I just had to go at least for the viewing. The attraction – well that would have to be the 50 odd lots that came from the estate of Doug Johnson, or more specifically one of his motorcycles that was on offer. I had known Doug since 1979 and found him to be a charismatic individual who was well informed on most things motorcycling who could quite easily upset people by speaking his mind. Sadly Doug passed away at the beginning of last year whilst mowing his lawns and now his motorcycle collection was up for sale. The motorcycle that I was interested in was a bike that I had rebuilt as a 14 year old
. . . → Read More: Webbs Motorcycle Auction 31 March 2012
By Knobby, on April 2nd, 2012 153 viewsUpdated 19th April – more photos and some scribblings from the tip of McSnottys crayon –
Once again the folks from the Karaka Historical Society, along with the Vintage Engine Restorers Auckland (VERA) hosted an outstanding event at the Karaka Sports Complex on Sunday ( 1st Apr 2012)
The day started brilliantly, and early, with Mrs McS welcoming me into McSnotty Manor with a traditional Bacon Sarnie ( I had 2 ) . After helping the Lord of the Manor, the esteemed McSnotty Esq, load a couple of fine examples of Vintage
. . . → Read More: Karaka Vintage Day – A view from the Knob
By McSnotty, on February 17th, 2012 91 viewsBy 1928~29 most motorcycles had been upgraded with the new saddle type petrol tanks, better brakes, 3 speed (and sometimes 4 speed) gearboxes, and better suspension. Ariel was no different and by 1929 they were also starting to amass quite a few awards from competition, a good indication of the reliability of a manufacturers product. This sales catalogue lists Ariels new features for 1929 as well as the 250cc, 500 and 550cc models (strangely no 350cc models) as well as their sidecars.
. . . → Read More: 1929 Ariel Sales Catalogue.
By McSnotty, on February 12th, 2012 92 viewsBeach racing has its origins going way back to the 1910s where the beach was one of the few places that racing could take place. Road racing was yet to start and any competition on the roads was as time trials. Early beach racing events had races for both motorcycles and cars at the same event, probably due to very few motorcycles about. There are a few photographs in the Turnbull Library from the 1920s and 30s from New Brighton Beach, Christchurch, and from around Levin.
I became acquainted as a spectator with beach racing in the 1970s and early 1980s when the Papakura Motorcycle Club used to run events at Kariotahi Beach, just outside Waiuku. Sights of out of control GT750 Suzuki ‘Waterbottles’ roster tailing out of the corner is something that I will always remember. However as the years moved on cost, Department of Conservation
. . . → Read More: Beach Racing Muriwai 1949.
By McSnotty, on February 10th, 2012 120 views.
Summer always signals the start of the barbeque season, swimming, fishing and motorcycling. Well only if the weather is fine, and fine it hasn’t been. Ask any Kiwi what they think of the weather up to now and echoes of Monty Pythons “Rubbishhh” abound. So looking forward to the New Zealand Classic Racing Registers Classic Racing Festival held annually at the Pukekohe Park Raceway I wasn’t holding out much hope of fine weather. Well it didn’t rain, only slightly overcast with a cold breeze was present but mostly warm, and for people who know how changeable Pukekohe weather can be this can only be good.
A pleasing start to the weekend would have to be the 184 rider entries with 268 machines entered, a sign that the 3 day event is still proving to be one of the most popular classic motorcycle racing events held in the southern hemisphere. Riders from Japan, Australia and the UK attended as well as local entries from as far away as Christchurch and Invercargill. The $30.00 entry for a 3 day weekend pass has to be good value at $10 per day, with a family pass for $60.00 (2 adults and 2 children).
. . . → Read More: NZCMRR Pukekohe Festival 2012 – Vintage Bikes and Others.
By McSnotty, on February 8th, 2012 77 viewsLiving in New Zealand one would think that we should all be used to the temperamental weather by now, but when it comes down to it the answer for me would be no. I like summer to be summer, and winter to be winter. It is hard to plan anything when the seasons don’t conform, likewise it is hard to look forward to an event if there is a high probability that it is going to be spoiled by the inclement weather. Nevertheless dates are set, events are still planned and we still attend, albeit with a brolley. Some up and coming dates to look forward to are -
Classic Racing – The season has started well with some excellent racing at the Pukekohe Classic Racing Festival held last weekend. I managed to attend and will post some photos soon. The next event is this coming weekend – 11th and 12th February, at Hampton Downs Raceway and will include the usual Vintage and Pre War classes. It is the follow-up from the Pukekohe Classic Festival and hopefully will be just as enjoyable.
. . . → Read More: News Feb 2012.
By McSnotty, on October 19th, 2011 220 viewsIt has been a few months since the last updates on Barnstormers which only means one thing – that Knobsta and me have been very busy. Work and family are of course important but behind the scenes we are doing motorcycling things. Knobsta broke a pedal on his tricycle so opted to buy a new sparkly Triumph to replace it. Jnr McS and yours truly have been busy visiting swap meets and even though the weather hasn’t been that great for the majority (the Pukekohe Swap Meet was later referred to as the Great Pukekohe Swamp Meet) we have actually managed to add to the parts shelves in the workshop (a 1913 motorcycle manual for $5.00 from Pukekohe, a rear sprocket for $5.00 from Rotorua for Project Enfield, and some car stuff for junior). We have acquired more manuals to put up on the site to assist owners with their machines but as they take 6~8hours to scan and format (per manual) they will be a while in coming. And I also swept the workshop floor (but not very well – its actually Mrs McSweepy’s job). However things that are coming up that may be of interest are -
Webbs Motorcycle, Car and Collectables Auction – This is tonight (19th October) at Shed 5, Top Deck, 90 Wellesly St, Auckland, from 6.30pm. There are a total
. . . → Read More: News October 2011.
By McSnotty, on July 10th, 2011 363 viewsThis is a combined instruction manual and parts book for the 1933 Francis-Barnett 148cc Lapwing, 196cc Black Hawk, and 196cc Falcon.
The first section is the instruction manual with running instructions and basic care. It deals with both flywheel magneto and coil ignition models, with the coil ignition models being fitted with Miller lighting units, and briefly covers the automatic lubrication of the Falcon 31. This machine utilises crankcase suction to draw the oil from the oil tank via the sight feed regulator glass on the oil tank.
The second section is for the illustrated parts of the cycle equipment or more commonly known as the rolling frame. As Francis-Barnett was a small motorcycle manufacturer they utilised engines, gearboxes and electrical from other suppliers. In the 1930s you would have to purchase the required parts listings from those suppliers for their products ie Villiers parts list for the engine and carburettor etc.
. . . → Read More: 1933 Francis-Barnett Operating Instructions and Spare Parts List.
By McSnotty, on July 9th, 2011 586 viewsBarnstormers is about riding, working on, and reading about old motorcycles. Lately we have been concentrating more on the reading and publishing of old manuals and sales catalogues and so have decided that a change needs to happen. Knobsta suggested a section on polishing but I wouldn’t dare venture into Mrs McShiny’s department (and Knobsta doesn’t polish anyway – he just smears) so we both thought that playing with tools seemed the go. We may ride old motorcycles, and we can also be trusted with spanners to pull them apart however reassembly might be another issue so we have devised a plan that involves building (or rebuilding) something old. Initially we were going to use the remains of a 1930 350 Calthorpe however the bike was missing some major major components and was just going to take forever to progress. Next was a 1925 Model OB OHV Douglas
. . . → Read More: Project Royal Enfield.
By McSnotty, on July 6th, 2011 304 viewsWinter has definitely arrived and with the constant rain and water logged grounds the only thing that one can do is spend more time in the workshop. There is not much point getting wet and cold trying to do things outside when there is a nice warm heater beckoning from the shed. Both Knobsta and myself have been busy readying ourselves for the coming summer and fine days – hopefully.
Butterworth Collection – We have been very lucky to obtain some early photographs from Pete Butterworth of Digga Halam and his racing. Most are of Digga racing in the TT on Waiheke Island in the late 1940s (Digga won the TT on Waiheke in 1941), but also include some interesting shots of beach racing at Muriwai. There are some other miscellaneous shots of other events as well including Whakatane and Seagrove. With approximately 100 photographs,
. . . → Read More: News July 2011.
|
|
Comments are closed 
Loading ...