Category Archives: In Memoriam

We have received the sad news that Charlie Brown has passed away. Charlie has been a member of the club since 1974, 50 years this year. He was also Treasurer between 2010-2014.

Details and arrangements for the funeral have yet to be announced, watch this space.

He also wrote articles for the Courier back in the day – here’s an example of some of his prose:

My Motorcycling Days Part 9 Charlie Brown

My forte is road riding and touring, although I enjoyed the dirt riding on a suitable bike, so when I came upon an ad for 1968 Velocette Thruxton in original condition for $650, registered I hurriedly visited my bank (I was a bit more affluent by now). Unfortunately, the owner wasn’t home when I called, but his wife said he was disappointed at the two previous callers who thought he wanted too much for an old-fashioned bike!! I said I’d call again to buy at the weekend after having a good look. I noted the big G.P. carb and competition magneto, if those previous callers only knew that a bike similar to this ‘old-fashioned one’ had won the 500cc class of the production TT and placed 2^nd overall to a 650 Thruxton Bonneville in 1966, both clocking over 150mph on Sulby Straight!

That cunning brain of mine went to work again. I put $600 in my wallet and the other $50 in my hip pocket before I called again. I learned that he was a ‘swinger’ for one of the sidecar racing boys and they need money to update their old Triumph outfit. he said he bought the Velo new from Burling and Simmonds in order to burn around and thrash his mates. he obviously knew the potential of a Thruxton and said Bonnies and GT Falcons were no match, but he couldn’t take a 750 four. I let him know I couldn’t raise more that- $600 which he reluctantly accepted after he had shown me the starting technique and how well the bike ran.

The ride home was quite exhilarating, it seemed like an incredible speed at so little revs. My wrists when I reached home and on closer inspection, I noticed the clip-ons were in reverse, giving an unnatural upsweep and with the steering stop filled right back they cleared the top of the tank, giving a better turning circle. It was then I also noticed the slight bend in both fork legs, as if the previous owner had hit a brick wall. I soon got the opportunity to right all the faults I has discovered and I kept my promise allowing Stan Edwards a ride.

I expected his ride to take about 10 minutes but when he didn’t return after about half an hour, I went out in the Mini to find him. He wasn’t far from home, all puffed out and pushing the bike. “It just stopped!”. He couldn’t restart it, even the kick-starter wouldn’t turn it over. I couldn’t believe it had seized and started to remove the tank to get at the motor, but when I reached under the seat for the 30 X 12 inch rag I kept there it had gone. Fearing the impossible I lifted the carburettor slide and spied a wisp of rag deep down the inlet tract. Removing the head revealed all the rag packed tightly into the combustion chamber with a leading and trailing end in the inlet and exhaust ports. There was not enough room for the piston to reach top dead centre. The cartoon of the little man being sucked down the carb bell mouth of a Thruxton ‘Fishtail’ now had some bearing.

Luckily, the engine damage was minimal, with only a bent exhaust valve and pushrods. I took this opportunity to have the forks straightened with new seals fitted. Besides replacing the valve and pushrods, I checked the rest of the motor for wear and only fitted new piston rings. The clip-on handle bars were refitted the right way with a new steering stop to prevent the bars hitting the tank. I also discovered it had a non-standard 19 tooth countershaft sprocket fitted, no wonder the previous owner burnt off Bonnevilles, I fitted the standard 21 tooth which made its legs even longer.

With the bike running sweetly again I was the envy of the towns biker bods and was often engaged in conversation with reminiscing old-timers. Imagine me restarting the Velo in the main street after a shopping stint; the distinctive ‘single’ thump attracting all ears and then all heads turn for the first gear only acceleration for the whole 100 yards of the street. The gearing was incredibly high, I could only use first and second gear for legal about town speeds, in fact I only changed into top above 70mph. This feature proved quite amusing when riding home from work with Johnny Guillam. He was on a Tiger 100SS and feeling quite pleased with his machine as he thought we were both in top at 70mph until he heard me change up!

Since acquiring the Velo I made a few very good friends, notably Bernie Spencer, who owned a rarely used Venom. It was in Bernie’s ‘Green Horror’ that I saw the Southern Cross Rally advertised. Johnny Guillam was also interested, so we entered our bikes and started out early one Friday morning to make Melbourne that night. I was disappointed in John’s bike or was it his riding? He wouldn’t cruise higher than 70-75mph and insisted on long and frequent stops to rest his aching bum and torture his lungs with tobacco smoke.

We left Melbourne next day in pouring rain which came bucketing down near Ballarat, so we stopped under a shop awing to gain respite (and for John to have a fag). Through the waterfall we could see a little figure on a motorbike approaching, at the sight of us the rider pulled in and dismounted- only just, as her feet barely touched the ground. We soon introduced ourselves and got chatting. Her name was Barbara and we have always referred to her a ‘Ballarat Barbara’, so I have forgotten her surname. We were then joined by another rider on his way to the Southern Cross on a 750 Four K1. Barbara, however was on her way back to Ballarat on her 350 Honda she called ‘Honny’ after attending lectures in Melbourne. When we mentioned our intentions of looking for a hotel in Ballarat to avoid the incessant rain, she quickly offered the use of her flat as she was working at the Ballarat Hospital that night.

We set off together for the 10 miles to Barbie’s flat. In conversing we learnt that the boys from the Ballarat Rovers MCC were very good to her when she was hospitalized as a result of being knocked off her bike by a motorist. They even looked after and paid for her flat. Consequently she had a lot of time for motorcyclists.

The next day was thankfully dry and after hot shower, a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast we were more than ready to reach the rally site that day. After our goodbyes and thankyous when Barbara returned from work, we set off at a pretty pace, as the Honda rider did not hang about. At our first stop at Horsham we had to wait a fair while for John to catch up. When we set off after lunch it wasn’t long before John disappeared from rear vision mirrors, but we two pressed on regardless maintaining 85-90mph. At the next fuel stop the Melbourne lad suggested we carry on and wait for John at the rally site. This time we wound it up, holding 95-100mph I was amazed how well the Thruxton handled at speed, at 95 the rearview mirrors were stock steady and the exhaust sounded like a very fast Triumph twin tick over. The Honda rider was even more shattered by the Velo performance saying it was far better than his previous bike a Bonneville. We reached the rally about three or four hours later. John rolled into the camp and I suffered some abuse, John reckoned he couldn’t even stop for a smoke while trying to catch up.

This was my first Australian Rally and I wasn’t disappointed. Not as large as the Dragon but the same type of fellas and some interesting machines. That was when I saw the ‘Another Triumph for Harley Davidson’ special, a Harley in a Triumph frame. I also saw a Velo in a Norton frame. The Thruxton came in for its fair share of ogling, especially as it was very standard and the unbelievable but true ravings of the Honda rider about the Velo’s performance.

John and I returned to Nowra via the Sturt Highway through Mildura, Wagg Wagga, and Gouldburn. We spent the night at the side of the road with a piece of canvas tied from the bushes to our bikes. I stayed at John’s pace as I felt guilty at not waiting for him the last time. The only excitement came when I tired of waiting while one semi trying to overtake another. As they were taking so long and had left such a big gap between them, I changed down and blasted past them down the middle of the road. I was only disappointed that John couldn’t follow.

VELOCETTE THRUXTON PERFORMANCE DATA

It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Wietse Keunig. Wietse was a regular midweek rider and invariably was the ride leader on his BMW. His wife Margaret was usually on the pillion seat on these midweek rides.

Wietse was also a member of the V&V and the Velocette Club. He had good collection of bikes, judging by the pile of log books which he presented to the registrars annually at Log Book Day. He is survived by his wife Margaret and brother Frans, who are also members of our club.

Our sincere condolences go to Margaret, Frans and the family. The funeral will be held at Alfred James, 272 South Rd Morphett Vale at 10:30 on Thursday 6th June.

(If anyone has a photo of Wietse, please forward it me at secretary@classicowners.org)

It was with great sadness that we have heard of the passing of Rob Smyth. Rob was a member of COMCC for the past 21 years and, with his knowledge of all things motorcycle related and his skills in casting and manufacturing of parts, will be sadly missed. He was one of the more active members of the club: regularly attending mid-week and moped rides. He was always approachable at our meetings and social events and had time for all members who he came into contact with.

Rob loved pre 1930 AJS motorcycles and he even owned and restored a rare AJS car, which he showed at the All British Day event and drove in the 2016 Bay to Birdwood. His other passion was making steam trains – a memorable club meeting saw him show one of his trains, which was 35 years in the making. 

Our condolences are offered to Rob’s wife and family – he will be sorely missed by the club.

Philippe (Phil) Reeves joined our Club in 1978, Member No 207, and held continual membership until his passing in March 2021.

It is fair to say that Phil inherited his interest in motor bikes from his father, Oliver Francis John Reeves, who was a fanatical collector and restorer of motor cycles. There was a period when Ollie and Phil were heavily involved in the collection and restoration of BSA Bantams. At the culmination of their collecting they possessed about 35 Bantams ranging from the first D1 to the B175 Bushman. Phil’s reputation as a restorer was so appreciated that he drew the attention of Jim Scaysbrook (editor of Old Bike Australasia) to the extent that one of Phil’s machines adorned the front cover of Issue No 17, along with a comprehensive 6 page text and photo compilation inside.

Phil’s interests were not confined to Bantams as he also constructed a 250cc Gold Star BSA. I know there are many who will not believe the authenticity of the previous statement ( and they are quite correct in not believing it) but Phil’s reasoning for creating this unique motor bike was that he could not afford the genuine article, and he wanted to create a talking point among other bike enthusiasts, a goal that he certainly achieved. One could be forgiven for believing that this home built “special” was nothing more than a bitsa, but nothing could be further from the truth. The quality of the project was of such a high degree that it also featured in Old Bike Australia (issue No 21, Sept/Oct 2010 ). [The two action shots at the top & bottom of this post are from that shoot].

Phil’s interests were not confined to British bikes, as he also developed an appreciation of Italian bikes, notably Moto-Guzzi, and of course Ducati, both marques of which Phil possessed. Phil was also employed as a mechanic for an Adelaide based Ducati dealership.

A personal anecdote I can relate about Phil’s expertise, and his willingness to assist a fellow Club member in trouble, occurred to me one day while out on a run in the Adelaide Hills on my ST4 Ducati. I am sure you have all heard about the dubious reliability of Italian electrics. This particular day after morning tea at the Lobethal Bakery, I attempted to resume my ride, however turning on the ignition key did not result in the customary fuel pump priming. After many futile attempts to start the bike, I hit on the rather inconsiderate decision to Phone Phil, and seek his advice. After explaining the situation to him, he was able to walk me through various tests that could be performed on the roadside, that proved to be successful, and saw me get home without needing a trailer. Needless to say my respect and admiration for Phil on that day knew no bounds.

This willingness of Phil’s to assist other Club members, saw him being recognised by  being awarded with Life Membership of our Club.

Phil will be sorely missed by Club Members, and all who knew him.

by Ken Hartland, former president.

REMEMBERING PHILIPPE REEVES

Red was Phil’s favourite colour by a mile. His Alfa Romeo cars were all crimson, bar one. During his Ducati-racing days he had red leathers and scarlet bike. His wind cheaters were red. His trademark baseball cap was red. Red drew Phil like a flower attracts a bee.

He was passionate about all aspects of motorcycles, whether racing, restoring, or collecting them. His specialty was Ducatis and he spent much of his working life employed as a mechanic for them.

As a young adult he battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a kind of blood cancer which is often fatal. Phil was rescued from a fatal outcome, but at the cost of permanent injury to his heart and lungs. He tragically lost his battle with longstanding complications on Sunday March 28^th, at the relatively tender age of 62. Phil was a stalwart member of the Classic Owners Club. Only illness kept him away from meetings.

I first met Phil about 35 years ago through our mutual interest in motorcycles. At a Classic Owners’ display at the Birdwood Mill, we struck up a conversation about BSA Bantams and a lasting rapport was established. My friendship with Phil was long but my wife, Diana, met him 55 years ago, when he was a child of seven and her grandfather was teaching Phil’s sister, Ann, horse-riding skills. Diana’s father and Phil’s discovered their mutual interest in motorcycles and their respective sons became firm friends too. I had no idea, when I met my wife-to-be, that she was also a friend of Phil, but soon he and we were doing rides together and sharing pleasant meals.

Phil enjoyed competing, especially in motorcycle racing. He loved nothing more than speeding around a race-track. He was seriously successful in car and bike shows too. His cabinets groan under the weight of all his trophies, some for racing, most for his vehicles’ impressive presentation at shows.  

Phil was always ready to help out when that involved a vehicle. When I hit a road-block in my recent restoration of a Ducati 750GT, Phil was more than happy to spend days on end working with me in my shed to complete the project. On another occasion, Phil sold me an MV Agusta basket-case, then did the whole rebuild of its engine, for no charge, at my place.

Phil’s knowledge of Ducatis, and motorcycles generally, was awesome. It seemed limitless! A wealth of knowledge will have been lost with his passing. He will be greatly missed.

by Rob Elliott and Diana Waters

Ray joined our Club in 1977 (member no.180). Ray was always active in the Club in one form or another. He served on the Committee as Vice President, 1993-1995, and 2007-2010. Machine Registrar. 1993-2001 and 2003-2004. He also welcomed new members to our Club from 1997-2001. Ray was also active in assisting in other facets of the Club’s activities, for which combined with his committee activities, he was awarded Life Membership. Ray was always an ideas man, and was largely responsible for the introduction of the Tuesday mid-week club ride. Ray was interested in all things motorcycling, but in particular he considered himself to be a motorcycle/sidecar aficionado. He will be remembered for giving sidecar rides to the children present at various Club functions, including a display at the Strathmont Centre. Ray also dabbled  in sidecar competition events, competing at Mac Park on his BMW R series outfit. He featured on the Classic Courier cover of the 1997 Jan-Feb  edition with fellow club member Julia Lake as passenger in the sidecar.

In his later Club life Ray would attend Club rides on his BMW K1100  outfit.

Ken Hartland.

It is my sad duty to report that COMCC member, Malcolm Gray, has passed away. Malcolm has been a member since 2005. Malcolm was an enthusiastic member and participant in many of our events, he will be sadly missed. Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.

Classic Owners member Andrew McDonald AKA Hagrid or Macca, has passed away. He attended Club meetings and a couple of weekend rides, but hasn’t been seen over the last few months.

He has been described as a gentle giant, anyone who met him or stood next to him can attest to this description. Over the past few years, he was active in the Sellicks Beach Races, riding his 1938 Harley Davidson W model at the event and at the Mill to Mill 2017. Many of the promotional posters for Sellicks featured a photo of him riding his Harley. I think this is what he’ll be remembered for, from those with a passing acquaintance with the man. Others may remember his Suzuki GT750, which he rode from his Yankalilla home to our club meetings.

Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.

It is with great sadness I advise that ex COMCC member Joe (Graeme Murray) Frost passed away yesterday the 18^th November at Lyell McEwin Hospital aged 88yrs. Joe was a close colleague of mine for many years,

A keen motorcyclist and for a considerable period he was club photographer . That was back in the days where every club event was recorded in pictures which built up in piles of albums over the years. Initially Joe used his own camera and later on he was provided with both camera and film by the club. Joe was a true bushy, grew up on a property near Yongala, worked on KI, and returned to Adelaide to educate his  children.  He will be missed.

Warren Duncan.