Who’s News                April   2007

At the AGM, a motion will be moved to change the Club name from "Motorcycle Sports Touring Club of Victoria" to "Melbourne Sportsbike Riders".

This name was decided on by the Committee on your behalf after debating four other names and some key words like Victoria and Touring. The idea is that our name better represents who we are and what we do. We hope you agree. Note: name changing is not a precedent as the Club has changed its name many times before as the members, riding styles and political climates have changed with the passing years. We think it is that time again. The last change was in 2000.

The MSTCV Home Page accumulated 512 hits during March, down 100 from last month. Total visits are 35,207 since April 1996.  No changes to web page last month. Yes, I must put up more photos.

Seen at the Social Sip at the Mark’s Place on Thursday 5th April: Ben and Julie Warden, Ian Payne, Dave Ward and Bronwyn Manifold, Trevor Harris and Barbara Rolfe, Ron Johnston, Breht Emmerson and Libby O’Neil, Jacinta Thomas, Stoimen Stojanov. 12 people

The Club Participant of the Year is based on aggregate points accumulated at 1 point per ride, an extra point for leading or being rear rider, and 1 point per magazine article (maximum 2 per magazine). Attending one or more days of a weekend event scores 3 points for leading, 3 for rear riding duties and 2 points for participating.

The Top 10 point scores at the completion of the 2006/7 count are: Ben Warden (105), Ian Payne (76.5), Paul Southwell (61), Ron Johnston (52.5), Cameron Stevens (49.5), Lyn Duncan (42), Dave Ward (39.5), Breht Emmerson (37), Ern Reeders (34) and Trevor Harris (34). Dave Ward moved another place up the rankings over the last month, his first time in the top 10 due to him now working regular daylight hours, instead of shift work. Good to see more of him. Similarly, Ern managed to hang in there, despite not riding for months, doing it hard. Otherwise the status quo was maintained. Honourable mention to Geoff Jones who finished on 33.  Cameron Stevens was the big mover throughout the year, having joined the Club part way. He goes on almost every ride and contributes at least one article to every monthly magazine which is an exceptional effort for a first year rider. Congratulations to all.

See elsewhere for the spreadsheet with your score. Any corrections gladly accepted. I added another count to the stats – total points added altogether comes to 853 for the year, and 281 for the last third of the year. The top 10 contributed 27.6% (236/853x100). We have 64 members. Now to get the other 44 members motivated and out riding more. 

Front Cover:  Thompson’s Dam, 15th April. Back row: Matt Brice, Cliff Peters, Paul Southwell, Cameron Stevens (leader), Paul Stavrakas (1st ride), Robert Langer and ZX10 rider (1st ride). Front row: Shane Hindle, Renzo Cunico, Peter Feistl, Mirko (1st ride), and Trevor Harris.  Missing: Andy Widhibrata (1st ride), Mark (1st ride, crashed Hayabusa), Craig Morley (left early in search of keys), Ben Warden behind the lens.

Life Member Peter Philferan has been out of action and not seen for quite a while, missing Social Sips and General Meetings, not to mention catching up with his Ulysses mates Saturday mornings at James Squire Brewery, Docklands, the new Elizabeth St.  He has been in and out of Box Hill Hospital since before Xmas with severe leg pains.  His previous issues with twisted bowels seem rectified and now they are looking at circulation issues, performing numerous tests and scans.  Life is slowly returning to normal and he is doing small rides on his scooter, including getting back to the James Squire.  Peter would welcome calls and visits from members. He can be reached on 9836-0770.

Paul Southwell borrowed Peter Feistl’s GSXR750 to lead the Mt Donna Buang ride while his Honda waited in the shop for a complete set of fairing panels resulting in a change of colour. Paul now rides a black CBR1000. (It was red, for you non-riding members.)

Misho Zrakic bought Danny Hawker’s crashed Suzuki GSXR750 (hit the snake on the Towong weekend) from Fowles auctions. He is in the process of rebuilding it. Danny has given him the second key and all the owner’s manuals. Look out for Misho when he gets it on the road!

Stoimen Stojanov is racing this weekend at Broadford. He has got down into the 1:43s at Phillip Island.

Ben and Julie Warden were involved in a minor altercation with a Lexus car door on their way home from work a few weeks ago. The door was realigned, making the car unlockable. The bike suffered minor cosmetic damage ($3.5K) resulting in various new panels, blinker, mirror and exhaust can, all under his insurance. Expect to see new shiny bits soon.

Email from Darryn Webster:  (forwarded to members on Mon 30th April. If you didn’t receive it, send me your email address.)  Ben, I have a few different things I need to move out of the garage. Can you please advertise these items in the next club mag. Darryn can be reached on mobile number 0408 402 588 or email dwebster@lexicon.net.

·        Dainese leathers size 50 White and Grey, an old suit complete with bitumen scars $50.00

·        Dainese leathers size 54 Black and Red, a few scuff marks, $150.00

·        Michelin Pilot Powers 120x70 and 180x55 brand new, purchased through club bulk buy, $410.00 (purchase price)

·        Ducati Monster 620Sie 2002 9500Kms Just spent $900 on 10,000km service including belts comes with bikini fairing, seat cowl, ducati performance pipes and various carbon fibre bits. 6 months reg and RWC. $9,700 ONO Julianne needs to feed her Vespa habit.

Email from former member Dave Delahoy: Ben, Just wondering if you know anyone interested in a near new red and black CBR 954 Fireblade 2002 model. I have upgraded my 4WD to a more economical Commodore station wagon and need to make up the difference. Sadly, the CBR has to go. I don’t ride it any more and work is just 5 minutes away, so it’s not worth riding. Most of the mileage on the bike was commuting from Rowville to Lara. I have had the bike since new. It’s done about 23,000 km. It’s got about 10-11 months rego. Price is $8,200 with road worthy. I can be contacted on (03) 5282 6855 after 6pm most nights. Cheers, Dave Delahoy.

Email from Marty Thompson: Hey mate, forgot to mention that I am no longer looking for a shaft tourer.I bought an R1100RS Beemer on Friday. It should do the job nicely. I will still have the ZX9 for Club rides and shorter trips! The R is the interstater! Marty Thompson

Last month I wrote: “Dave Ward has purchased the latest (and greatest) Ducati 1098 – in Tasmania. He expects to take delivery after Easter which may require a trip over to collect.” Well, he did go to Tassy to collect, rode it around for a couple of days on a trade plate accumulating 800 km two up with Bronwyn on the back, then getting back to Vic and having to wait 8 or 9 days to get it registered by Vic Roads during which time he couldn’t ride it! But he could spend time polishing it! It looks fantastic and goes like stink, as our fathers would say, as expected from a modern 1100cc v-twin.  But don’t expect to see much of it over winter, especially if it looks like rain.

Welcome to three recent new members: Matt Brice riding a Suzuki GSXR1000, Roger Cowie riding a Honda CBR1000 (late model) and Tim Emons who has been riding so long with us on his Suzuki SV650, albeit a long time between rides, he felt shamed into joining, the guilt too much. We wish them all many happy and safe rides and look forward to seeing them at social events.