NEWS AND VIEWS

President's Report | Membership Mutterings | The Rear Guard

President's Report

I don't know if you have noticed that the older you get the shorter the years become. It only seems like it was last month that we were in Cromwell and I am sure it was only last week that I finished the monthly report. I don't now how T.C. manages to write all that he does. Ours is not the only newsletter he contributes to. Well, retirement came and went and I have not managed to escape the clutches of the boss. I have, however, managed to reduce the hours quite considerably. So it is with anticipation that I approach the shed. Locally, there is some movement in sheds other than mine, with a 350 light weight (who ever coined that was a comedian, as light it is most defiantly not). Also a compy of some distinction is being readied for the vin and registration process.

As I write this an Aussie air force Dc10 has just gone over on final approach and brought to mind T.C's question about what had happened to the New Zealand Air force. In short, Helen B@#$% Clark is what happened! But, on the up side, T.C if you would like to acquire a well maintained Sky Hawk or a very low hours Aermacchi we have several all nicely packaged in large plastic bags. In fact we still have the lot in open storage as after several years in maintained storage and no takers, out they went. I doubt that the Sky Hawks will ever fly again #$%&*$! Not only have we lost the fight wing, we have also lost one of the finest - if not the finest- training facilities in the country. For every man in the air there is a considerable number of highly skilled personnel on the ground from engineers to cooks! Sorry about the soap box but it does tend to push my button. At the time of writing it is quiet, register wise, but now that spring is officially here we tend to turn to affairs of the heart, namely man and his bike. So, I hope you have all got the maintenance sorted and are able to take advantage of fine weather to come. I personally brought the c.s.r. out of hibernation and gave it an airing, always pleasant when you get it to start in 3 kick's after the winter lay over, which is just as well as after 4 kick's I need an oxygen bottle. I must be getting too used to the electric foot on the B.M.W. Unfortunately, none of the bikes pictured in front of "the shed" have an electric boot, so I guess I will have to get a lot fitter. Not all of these mouth watering goodie's are mine. The A.J.S 18cs belongs to Terry Farmer and the P11 is my son's, but as he is now a new Australian I guess its mine by default.

Keep the wheels turning,
John

Membership Mutterings

This month we welcome new members Neil Wallinger, Gary Wendt and Alex Stevens. As at 30 September we have 270 members.

This month I need to bring to your attention (that is if you have not heard of this proposal from other quarters) is the intention of the NZLTSA - now called the NZTA, to bring in compulsory daytime headlights for motorcycles. If you have access to the website go to the link below and check out the proposal. It is buried deep in the document as proposal 20. Search it out and read. What it boils down to is that it is calling for the rules to be amended that will require All motorcycles to travel with the headlights on. During the day (as well as night).

The Draft Land Transport Rule: Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule [2009] has just been released for public consultation. This amendment rule includes the proposal to require drivers of mopeds and motorcycles to use headlamps or, if fitted, daytime running lamps, during daylight hours.

The deadline for submissions is 16 October 2008. Refer to the below link for further information, including a draft copy of the rule. http://www.nzta.govt.nz/consultation/road-user-amendment/ index.html

Please note that the Draft Land Transport Rule: Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule [2009], which contains the rest of the motorcycle safety proposals announced in March, is still being drafted. The above is taken from the website.

So what's the issue??. Well the safety of bike riders cant be really questioned when you are faced with rabid car and truck drivers who seem to have the sole intent of eliminating you from this planet.

Points to Ponder. Many smaller or older motorcycles are not able to run at commuting speeds with continuous lights on. Mr Lucas just does not produce enough of the electric stuff for the lights to be on continuously. If your lighting system fails (even new bikes blow bulbs) & you ride home, you will be stopped by every Police Officer that sees you. If you forget to turn your lights on (easy to do in daylight) you will be stopped. If you are involved in an accident with your lights not working will it be a defence for the motorist "not seeing" you? Will your insurance be invalid? In 1997 the Australians rescinded their Lights-On legislation after only five years. Are compulsory flouro vests next on the list?

Putting the onus on us to be seen is applying the logic the wrong way round. As well as motorcyclists wanting to be seen, the onus should be on motorists to ensure they keep a look out ie in the words of gun safety "identify your target". It must not be the fault of the motorcyclist for not being seen and being missiled by an inattentive motorist. Motorists see you, they just don't notice you. It is all to do with perception of danger / harm / annoyance to them, the motorist.

I have lifted and amended some of the above from an email doing the rounds. If this proposal concerns you and knowing our bikes would struggle to comply, then I suggest you write in a submission. Note the deadline. Still send it in even if you may be late. The more the better. (Working in the govt. as I do I know that late submissions wont be discounted. The deadlines is just to scare you).

If you think this rule is daft (insert stronger word of you wish) have a look at proposal 13. That one will allow buses to stop at bus stops. Evidently when the law was set many years ago the turkey who drafted the law (and this includes those who passed the law) forgot to allow bus stops to be used by buses. There are more gems like this in the proposals. Have a look.

Send your submission to
Road User Rule Amendment
Rules Team
NZ Transport Agency
Private Bag 6995
WELLINGTON 6141
By 16th October.

Enough of that. I was recently in Taranaki on the VCC Rubber Duckie run and caught up with several members enjoying the run. A great weekend and for me it was an 800 mile 4 day ride there and back. Great to be back on the bike after a very dank and dark winter. Hope you all get the chance to get the bikes out now that the weather (hopefully) has turned for the better. That's all from me. Keep the rubber side down.

Peter Simpson Membership Secretary

The Rear Guard

Although I'd like to say they were, the bikes below are not mine but our President's fine collection as mentioned in his report (very nice too). The front cover is a 1955 G80s Rigid also very nice and original. This photo was taken recently at Founders Park at a Nelson Rotary Club fundraiser for St Johns Ambulance. There was a huge variety of bikes on display and a great turn out of classic machines, many of them AJS & Matchless.

This weekend we are heading to Christchurch for the annual McLean's Island swap meet, hopefully catch up with the Christchurch Mafia and snap up a bargain or two. Have finally mounted the latest project of the pre-war variety on the bench. At the moment its just a collection of parts waiting to be bolted together. I may have a photo for the next edition, and if any one has a surplus of pre-war parts drop me a line. Thanks.

Hope you're all enjoying the warmer weather and looking forward to some early summer riding. Take note of Peter Simpson's article with the changes to the new motorcycle driving regulations soon coming into effect.

Regards,
Grant