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.
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By McSnotty, on February 17th, 2012  621 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 599 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 942 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 516 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.
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