Kevin and his 1956 Bantam racer
Category Archives: Current Collection
1939 Rudge ‘Ulster’
Manufactured by Rudge-Whitworth, the ‘Ulster’ was essentially a racing motorcycle turned out as a production bike. It is a 500cc, single OHV. This one was produced in the last year of the model’s production.
This motorcycle still rides well.
1956 BSA ‘Bantam’ road racer
At one time, the fastest Bantam in the world. I am looking for any photos of this one racing – probably early 1960s.
1923 Henderson K Model Deluxe video
1923 Henderson Deluxe 2017 from Karen on Vimeo.
1923 Henderson ‘K Model Deluxe ‘ with sidecar
The motorcycle with sidecar outfit was restored back in the 1980s and was fully operational. It was taken on a number of rallies with the family on board and undertook a road trip from Sydney to Perth and back. In between rallies, it was housed in Kevin’s garage until 2011 when it was moved to its current display stand at the National Motor Racing Museum in Bathurst.
The motorcycle has sustained minor damage from a leaking battery (which has since been removed from the battery case) and from an article recently falling onto the paintwork on the front mudguard.
1911 Rudge TT
Manufactured in Rudge’s first year of manufacture.
This is likely to be the oldest Rudge in Australia. There are a number of spares with this bike.
1920-21 Henderson ‘K model’ project
The frame on this K model Henderson has been beautifully painted and pin striped and is complete. The enclosed style of chain guard is a replica and was only fitted to this model.
The crankcase has been repaired where a connecting rod put a hole in the side.
All engine parts are available except for a clutch release collar and cone, petrol and oil pipes and chain which are missing. The rear mudguard will need refitting as the stays are not connected properly.
It is a rare bike and a ideal and easy bike to complete restoration.
1918 Henderson ‘Z Model’
The frame here is from 1918 and so is pre-Excelsior. It has the shorter footboards and was not fitted with the Excelsior brake system. As such, the frame would have been painted Henderson blue.
The engine is not the original but is a 1918 Z model which would still make the whole bike a veteran one in Australia. The engine has almost been completely restored, timed and started with the present carburettor.
The big ends and main bearings have been white metalled and line bored. The clutch and thrust bearings are new. Cast iron pistons with new rings have been fitted. Eventually the cast iron pistons and valves may need replacing.
The magneto has been professionally rewired.
All nuts and bolts are either original or replaced with original looking ones. A number of threads have been recoiled back to original sizes.
The areas that will need attention are re-sleeving the inlet rocker arms and overhauling the Schebler carburettor.
A new chain will need to be fitted.
The gear and clutch lever need replacing but these are available in Australia and Germany. Petrol and oil caps, petrol and oil pipes, taps, control fittings and clips, cables are also missing.
The wheels have been fitted with Timken bearings and need replacing. New axles are needed for both wheels.
This could be fitted with an Excelsior brake system which has an internal brake connected to the clutch leaver. Otherwise the pre-Excelsior brake system could be used.
Various spare parts are included with the project.
1929 Douglas ‘B model’
1924 ‘Around Australia’ Douglas
This little Douglas was ridden around Australia by Kevin in 1995 to commemorate and replicate the five month trip that was made by Arthur Grady in 1925, the first person to circumnavigate the continent on a motorcycle.
Sponsored by National Geographic, Kevin made the arduous trip at the age of 57 in ten weeks. The Douglas was restored to be as close as possible to Grady’s original bike. It now sits in the Motorlife Museum in Wollongong.