It may surprise readers that contrary to hearsay, motorcycles and motorcycling are far from dead, in fact, proliferating quite appreciably.
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Reading in a current motorcycle magazine, it stated there are at least 38 different makes of motorcycle available to Australian riders, some with only a few models, others boasting a multiplicity of power range and uses.
In the mid 1960s, there was an attempt by the then Department of Road Transport to register high powered machines off the road to curb the high fatality rate from inexperienced young riders and without consultation, increased registration fees by over 500 per cent.
This had limited effect as it only compelled riders to use smaller capacity bikes with affordable registration. The writer was included.
In that era when Britain ruled the riding world, the choice was limited but changed dramatically with the Asian invasion.
They seized the manufacturing opportunity to produce a motorcycle for almost any conceivable use and power range.
According to this motorcycle magazine the four big Asian manufacturers met the markets – Honda, with 36 different models, Kawasaki boasting 39 models, Suzuki displaying 36 models and Yamaha with no less than 45 different model choices for sale.
Not to be left behind, European makes like Ducati has 34 models, Triumph has 36 models and BMW has a 27 model range.
The American marque, Harley Davidson not far behind with 28 models, has an extensive range also.
It isn’t hard to see that the manufacturers build a motorcycle for every age and purpose, a case of supply on demand and perhaps if more commuters were on two wheels, there wouldn’t be so much congestion on the roads.
Have you ever seen a motorcycle gridlock?
Taree and District Vintage and Classic Motorcycle Club
Calendar of club events
Sunday, July 23: Queens Lake Sailing Club, morning tea supplied, leaving 9.30am at the Taree visitors information centre.
Wednesday, July 26: Riders’ choice, three venues, 9.30am start.
Saturday-Sunday, July 29-20: Nabiac swap meet, club stall available.
Wednesday, August 2: Ride to Moorland, three venues, 9.30am start.
Saturday, August 5: Coalfields combined rally at Luskintyre, early start 7am at Taree visitor information centre.
Sunday, August 6: Sculpture at the Jail, South Wesy Rocks, static display, combined event with Coffs Harbour, Port and Kempsey, earlier start 9am.
Wednesday, August 9: Riders’ choice, three venues, 9.30am start.
Saturday-Sunday, August 19-20: Newcastle rally, Stockton, TBC.
Sunday, August 20: Bombah Point via Bulahdelah, some gravel, down by Lakes Way, freturn via Wootton, 9.30am at Taree visitor information centre.
Monday, August 21: Monthly club meeting, Airport Tavern, Cundletown at 7.30pm.