OzVMX Forum

Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: Wasp on October 20, 2023, 09:46:51 am

Title: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Wasp on October 20, 2023, 09:46:51 am
When this forum started , there were lots of riders on here that have ridden around 75-85 . Things have gone very quiet. Anyone still around and active?
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: John Orchard on October 20, 2023, 09:48:31 am
When did the forum start?
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: PeterC on October 20, 2023, 10:07:12 am
Some of us old boys are still around and remember the days when we raced twinshocks and Chairs. some of us have slowed down and joined other clubs such as VERI
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Hoony on October 20, 2023, 06:44:13 pm
still here
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: skypig on October 21, 2023, 06:24:14 pm
I was racing a YZ80D in 1977
An RM125X in 1981

A 1990 Honda VFR400 in 2023
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: grouty on November 02, 2023, 01:58:16 am
Still here. Still racing the '73 CCM.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: TT5 Matt on November 10, 2023, 10:51:23 pm
me i still throw a leg over my ol dr400 and ts185A bombed out racer i saved from going out the dump yrs ago but im waiting on the old half mile long track speedway to open up as i loved buzzing around it when young and would like another crack at it on a it175/dt175c framed tracker i'll build up just for it
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Wasp on November 16, 2023, 03:59:04 pm
The forum started mid 2007  . By the end of that year there were about 350 members and we all knew each other or have heard of each other from racing .The only one I still know personally is Hoony, I believe. Not many left .
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Hoony on November 16, 2023, 05:01:48 pm
yes Walter we raced together a few times in 1983 i swung for Bernard on his WASP Norton 850 a few times in that year and then Grant Dargue on an ex Ian Smith WASP Yamaha 880 twin, i then i raced solo for a few years returning in 1987 to Ride on the KTM540 with Dukey swinging for me but i think you were in Europe then, that was why i got the gig with Dukey. i then started racing Dirt Track and then 5 seasons of Speedway on a Weslake 500 Solo.

I spoke to Dukey a few weeks back he is slowly restoring that VMC/KTM 540.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: John Orchard on November 17, 2023, 10:31:45 am
I first came here in 2010, when I retired from serious roadracing, but still have connections with a few from my motocross days, from 1974 to 1986.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Wasp on November 17, 2023, 02:53:15 pm
yes Walter we raced together a few times in 1983 i swung for Bernard on his WASP Norton 850 a few times in that year and then Grant Dargue on an ex Ian Smith WASP Yamaha 880 twin, i then i raced solo for a few years returning in 1987 to Ride on the KTM540 with Dukey swinging for me but i think you were in Europe then, that was why i got the gig with Dukey. i then started racing Dirt Track and then 5 seasons of Speedway on a Weslake 500 Solo.

I spoke to Dukey a few weeks back he is slowly restoring that VMC/KTM 540.

Yes Hooney 86,87,88 and 89 I raced in europe. Two years on the KTM540 and then on the Jumbo (820 twin watercooled ) I havent seen or heard from Ian smith since 85 . Is he still around?
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Hoony on November 20, 2023, 07:51:44 am

Yes Hooney 86,87,88 and 89 I raced in europe. Two years on the KTM540 and then on the Jumbo (820 twin watercooled ) I havent seen or heard from Ian smith since 85 . Is he still around?

Ian Smith was racing speedway sidecars with Craig Fordham swinging when i was racing Speedway solo so that was 1988-1994 era. not sure what he is doing now.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: oz555ktm on November 23, 2023, 08:48:43 pm
Yes still look but dont post use to do lots of photo but no one every looked .

Ozvmx started my Graeme Mc  on July 2007
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Hoony on November 25, 2023, 12:34:12 pm
Yes still look but dont post use to do lots of photo but no one every looked .

Ozvmx started my Graeme Mc  on July 2007

yes i always looked at your pics.

 from memory the original forum started before 2007, it got hacked by some Turkish clowns and Graeme had to start again and we all had to sign up again.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: pokey on November 25, 2023, 10:26:54 pm
Going via the Internet Archive Wayback machine you can see some topics dated from sept 12 2005. I think i found the site not long after.

Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: PeterC on November 26, 2023, 12:06:47 pm
To qualify as an Old boy, does one have to be old or an old membet of the Forum or both?
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Wasp on November 26, 2023, 12:37:23 pm
 :) It could mean many things. Maybe I should have been more specific. My personal conception of the post ,is people that we met around the tracks 75-85. Racers , spectators or officials from that era and are still active on this forum.There were many of them in the early stages of the forum and I sometimes wonder how they are going.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: skypig on November 26, 2023, 02:01:07 pm
A valuable and unique resource.

The “historic” “thing”is fascinating. I believe it’s mainly older guys (hardly any females) living out “glory years”

Reflected in the value of GTHOs and XU1s, etc.
The people who remember them from their youth, covet them, and some can pay huge bucks for them and do!

I predict the values will fall in the future as the people who remember them; “fall off the perch”.
Most people born in the ‘90’s, for eg, have little interest in the hot cars from the ‘70’s, and even less interest in the ground breaking ’73 CR250 Elsinore. Also kids these days are generally less interested in cars/bikes. I think it’s unlikely that someone, in 50yrs time is paying $50m for a Kia Stinger saying “these were a fast car, and used by the cops, when I was 13yo!”

This forum is likely to die, with the current members.

Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Wasp on November 26, 2023, 09:27:40 pm
A valuable and unique resource.


This forum is likely to die, with the current members.


Funny you say that , yes in the days we tried to be first over the line , now we try to be last over the line.  ;)
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: SUZUKI311 on January 21, 2024, 07:15:08 pm
still around just super busy.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: LWC82PE on February 02, 2024, 11:44:23 pm
Quote
I spoke to Dukey a few weeks back he is slowly restoring that VMC/KTM 540.

Nice, please post pics if you can when done. I have got an article from Aus MC news that was a feature on Dukes own custom made sidecar kit for the KTM.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Hoony on February 03, 2024, 10:43:51 am
Quote
I spoke to Dukey a few weeks back he is slowly restoring that VMC/KTM 540.

Nice, please post pics if you can when done. I have got an article from Aus MC news that was a feature on Dukes own custom made sidecar kit for the KTM.

i have asked him multiple time for pics of progress, i don't think he wants me to see it until its finished.
some years back i gave him contact details of LBR (Lewis brothers Racing) and he purchased a new clutch cover for the the engine (corrosion around water pump issue).

i will post pics if i get any.

can you post that article, i think i have possibly seen it posted before by yourself maybe.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Wasp on February 03, 2024, 02:44:02 pm
Hoony that bike frame was built for me I think it was 1986 (VMC copy with a extension at the head stem that I requested for more stability) . I hand luggaged a complete 540 without a frame from Zurich to Melbourne , after the last race in Spain. Two or three nights of marrying the pieces to the new frame at Wayne Mankins garage in Moorabbin , a spin up and down the bitumen road a couple pics for AMCN   and then off in the HR Holden to Raymond Terrace NSW for the ozzi titles with little sleep. Imagine hand luggaing this today ....Tank , Swingarm Engine , Seat and Radiators.     We still had ashtrays in the plane then and the service with food and beverages was generous. A packet of Winfield Blue was 95 cents and a pot of beer a 1$
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Hoony on February 05, 2024, 12:52:30 pm
Hoony that bike frame was built for me I think it was 1986 (VMC copy with a extension at the head stem that I requested for more stability) . I hand luggaged a complete 540 without a frame from Zurich to Melbourne , after the last race in Spain. Two or three nights of marrying the pieces to the new frame at Wayne Mankins garage in Moorabbin , a spin up and down the bitumen road a couple pics for AMCN   and then off in the HR Holden to Raymond Terrace NSW for the ozzi titles with little sleep. Imagine hand luggaing this today ....Tank , Swingarm Engine , Seat and Radiators.     We still had ashtrays in the plane then and the service with food and beverages was generous. A packet of Winfield Blue was 95 cents and a pot of beer a 1$

 i didn't know this or i had forgotten (too many beers ago  ::)  )

much simpler and better times indeed back then. and yes  i remember that workshop where Dukey operated out of back then. how did you go at the Oz titles that year ?

that one was probably the only frame he made do you think ?
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: vmxrider on February 05, 2024, 09:49:17 pm
Been a while. Once a daily ritual to check what was going on in the forum. Still riding old dirt bikes, mainly historic regoed 70's trail bikes around the streets and occasionally a trail ride at Menai. I seem to remember Ozvmx evolved from the Petshop forum from the early 2000's . ?Long time ago. Went quick.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Wasp on February 06, 2024, 03:10:29 pm


 i didn't know this or i had forgotten (too many beers ago  ::)  )

much simpler and better times indeed back then. and yes  i remember that workshop where Dukey operated out of back then. how did you go at the Oz titles that year ?

that one was probably the only frame he made do you think ?
[/quote]

Hoony , not sure if he made one or two . My frame was blue instead of the orange VMC color. With no time left for jetting we had to run the standard 800 Meter sea level setting from Europe and that was a bit rich . So the starts were miserable and we had to fight our way from the back on the one line narrow track . I think we ended up 5th overall .It was hard work .I then sold the frame for $100 to Steve Truscott and he and his Husband used it for the local 24 hr trails for a few years. I swapped back to EML Jumbo 820 Watercooled next year and it was much more fun . I still have a funny memory of that event at Raymond Terrace . A over eagerly official in a white coat requested us to do a noise test ( in the middle of the bush LOL. I asked him if I could inspect his device . I looked at it closely and handed it back to him , telling him that this was a four stroke device . LOL . He took it and put his toy  back in his car  . LOL
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: PeterC on February 07, 2024, 08:22:43 am
Interesting observation re scrutineering and sound levels. Some of us may remember times when there were no sound limits and no mufflers on 2 strokes.
We often did our own scrutineering in Victoria for "Chairs" as the solo guys weren't interested in us. Even now scrutineering needs some thought prior to entry.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Wasp on February 07, 2024, 11:10:06 am
Interesting observation re scrutineering and sound levels. Some of us may remember times when there were no sound limits and no mufflers on 2 strokes.
We often did our own scrutineering in Victoria for "Chairs" as the solo guys weren't interested in us. Even now scrutineering needs some thought prior to entry.

Raymond Terrace is (was then )a long way away from built up areas.  This clown just wanted to use his authority and new toy . Just to clear it up , two strokes , for strokes or rotary engines use the same unit . I just made that up on day to move the man on LOL.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Hoony on February 07, 2024, 05:23:33 pm
Interesting observation re scrutineering and sound levels. Some of us may remember times when there were no sound limits and no mufflers on 2 strokes.
We often did our own scrutineering in Victoria for "Chairs" as the solo guys weren't interested in us. Even now scrutineering needs some thought prior to entry.

Raymond Terrace is (was then )a long way away from built up areas.  This clown just wanted to use his authority and new toy . Just to clear it up , two strokes , for strokes or rotary engines use the same unit . I just made that up on day to move the man on LOL.

Ha nice bluff  8)    ;D   
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Graeme M on February 18, 2024, 04:44:08 pm
Quote
from memory the original forum started before 2007, it got hacked by some Turkish clowns and Graeme had to start again and we all had to sign up again.

From memory I started the forum in about September 2004, not long after Ray Ryan passed. At the time, we didn't know if VMX magazine would continue so I came up with the forum to allow everyone to keep in touch and share the passion. I did lose the original forum as mentioned, but don't recall when that was. 2007 sounds about right. I still have backups and content from way back then.

It's odd to see I still have the Admin role - I passed all of that on to Kenneth maybe 10 years ago.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Wasp on February 21, 2024, 01:52:12 pm
Great see you are still around Graeme, still playing with bikes ?
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: crash n bern on February 23, 2024, 01:07:30 pm
I’m old, and I’m still here from time to time.
 I’ve never raced or moved in those circles.  I’ve always been a lone trail hack and moved to moderns as time evolved, but love old bikes and tinkering on them. This forum has always been a wealth of knowledge, I poke my head in occasionally but there’s not much traffic anymore, but that seems the same for most forums. I think the instant phone access to social media seems to have caused that.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: PeterC on February 24, 2024, 04:32:55 pm
As a relative newcomer to the forum, it is great to knpw some of the forum history. I joined to gain proper information which is difficult to find. Social media sites are full of incorrect information and advice from "Knuckle heads". I believe well administeted forums are the modern day encyclopaedias with the correct information.

I see no value in expousing rubbish information and theories.

Peter
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: skypig on February 25, 2024, 01:32:36 pm
I also find these forums one of the best sources of information.
Many experienced experts, willing to help.

A valuable resource, where often answers can be found by searching the archives.

Facebook has too many idiots “contributing”, and I find, even recent posts impossible to find once the algorithm decides you should be interested in something else.

My thanks to the people running, and those contributing to, this forum.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: holeshot buddy on June 21, 2024, 08:16:32 pm
Just checked in been a long time loved this forum so much information would be nice to see it back how it was ????????
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: skypig on June 22, 2024, 09:05:24 am
There is still lots of interest in VMX, and the bikes.
The recent event at Conondale sold out weeks in advance (500 riders I believe.)
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: LWC82PE on June 24, 2024, 10:05:36 pm
Quote
can you post that article, i think i have possibly seen it posted before by yourself maybe.

Yeah i will get it out. I think i have 2 articles. I think one i may have posted before.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: GMC on January 07, 2025, 08:15:02 pm
Haven't looked in here for quite a while
If I'm looking for info on something I still search here
As mentioned the info was always pretty good here, I conceded and joined facebook and there are a lot of people will try to give advice but you can tell they don't know shit and the guy asking the question doesn't know who to beleive
Also facebook has a group for everything, 83 CR 125s only etc whereas I have an interest in most brands and models
Was good to see a few old names still hanging around here
More time poor that keeps me away
Cheers
Title: Dating for Sex.
Post by: Josha on February 17, 2025, 02:58:10 pm
 Dating for Sex.  (https://best.datingx.live)
 
 Best realistic sex game (https://adultgame.life)
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: Big Kid on March 28, 2025, 02:55:29 pm

Yes still around, still racing and still restoring old bikes, member since 2007. Drop in from time to time for information which over the years has been absolutely in valuable.

Cheers
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: brent j on April 21, 2025, 09:37:54 pm
I still look in here occasionally but there's so much online stuff now that never used to around.
I started off following Graeme Mc when he had the "PETSHOP" site as I had an XT500 I was building up for VMX.
He had a VMX group page on YAHOO which was where I heard about Ray Ryan's passing. I joined this site as soon as it started and living in the top of nowhere this was my VMX lifeline.
The Turkish hackers had their go, and most people rejoined.

This site gave me the opportunity to find interstate events and when the chances arrived to travel to compete. I battled for last place up and down the East coast for 10 years or so and met a lot of people and was shown some great hospitality.
The trips have stopped (10-15,000km trips with accom and cost soon add up) but I still ride every chance I get.
The priority moved from VMX to Vintage enduros and now vintage trials.

I'll be cheeky here and say I must be one of the longest, continuously standing members. A lot had enough over time and left the forum but did return.
Title: Re: Any old boys still here ?
Post by: crossedup2 on April 23, 2025, 04:22:54 pm
Brett

You beat me by a month. ( You started in June 2007, me in August). Not the oldest but certainly close to it. And yes at our age we can all be cheeky.

We have crossed paths somewhere, possibly a Classic Dirt I think. You were on your way North if I remember correctly for some action in QLD, then home.

I still check in to see if there is any new / old stuff happening.

It's still a great reference for knowledge and wisdom. Any Google search on old bikes brings up links to this information.

I'm hoping to make it to the world MX at Hidden Valley in Darwin later this year. Possibly riding up there to watch but we will see.

Keep the chats coming. Never boring!

Peter B