OzVMX Forum

Clubroom => General Discussion => Topic started by: jerry on September 11, 2009, 07:34:15 am

Title: Gaston Rahier
Post by: jerry on September 11, 2009, 07:34:15 am: Does anybody remember seeing Gaston Rahier ride out at Wallan about 1975 I think. If I remember there was Vic Allen and Ivan Miller as well. Might have been the meeting that Mal Fraser rolled up to. Jerry
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: JC on September 11, 2009, 07:56:08 am: I remember seeing him at Tivoli. He & Vic Allen were miles ahead of Oz's best. Don't recall Ivan Miller being there, but I'd have loved to have seen him too.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Canam370 on September 11, 2009, 08:27:52 am: I remember watching Rahier on the 125 but I can't recall whether it was Wallan or Christmas Hills. It was so many beers ago...........
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: vmxrider on September 11, 2009, 09:28:56 am: When Gaston was out here in '76 he ran a moto x school at Jilliby, NSW. I took a day off school to go along. I still remember his accent, he was very much into doing everything smooozzley. First thing he did was get everyone to tilt their handlebars back. I crashed my Elsinore big time in the first 15mins trying to do a mid air turn, he made that look so easy. I was out for the rest of the day. I still hear his instuctions when I'm racing even to this day. Nice bloke. Shame he's gone.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: motomaniac on September 11, 2009, 09:57:25 am: Quote from: jerry on September 11, 2009, 07:34:15 am
Does anybody remember seeing Gaston Rahier ride out at Wallan about 1975 I think. If I remember there was Vic Allen and Ivan Miller as well. Might have been the meeting that Mal Fraser rolled up to. Jerry

Yes I was there.That was the day that I decided that I wanted to do Moto.
Anton Alers holeshot and lead for a few laps but eventually Rahier, Allen and Angolotti (spelling) on th eSWN got past.Anton was on an M1 with the GP kit and layed down Koni's for about"6 travel.
After the race Gaston told Anton that he was glad that hw wasn't on his (Anton's)bike.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: number8 on September 11, 2009, 09:59:30 am: Yes,I was there but it was'nt the meeting Malcolm Fraser was at,he came to another meeting at Wallan,the first time that Vic Allen came to Australia

#8
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: firko on September 11, 2009, 11:22:39 am: I remember Gaston at Amaroo Park in late '76. He was definitely with Vic Allen who I had a great conversation with. Ivan Miller was also on the program and he and Vic had some great dices, hamming it up for the crowd, making a race of it. There were some other Internationals racing as well, perhaps Michel Combes from France on a Cappra....the memory's a tad fuzzy.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: TooFastTim on September 11, 2009, 11:37:26 am: Quote from: firko on September 11, 2009, 11:22:39 am
Vic Allen who I had a great conversation with.

You mean somebody other than Billy Connelly could understand what Vic Allen was saying?
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: 211kawasaki on September 11, 2009, 03:43:36 pm: Yes I remember the 76 meeting at Amaroo, I remember the oiled dirt more - had a lot of it in my face.

211
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: jerry on September 11, 2009, 05:42:03 pm: I remember the meeting at Wallan. I was a 16 year old flaggie down the arse end of the track just after a drop away jump. No one there but me. Every time Gaston went by he eyeballed me and crossed it up. To say I was rapt was an understatement!!
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: dave on September 11, 2009, 06:56:29 pm: Ooohhh Amaroo with oiled dirt. So nice to ride on. And that ski jump on the main straight was so much fun!
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: MX? on September 11, 2009, 07:15:50 pm: I also saw GR at Jilliby - Wyong, way back when......was it one of the Mister MX series rounds?? Mate and I were track marshall volunteers. I do rember him making it look soooo easy to win.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: matcho mick on September 11, 2009, 08:50:02 pm: i remember Michael Coombes at Jilliby on a Montesa,& Levo 's CCM,(it's bloody gearlever snapped off) ::)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: maicoman18 on September 12, 2009, 10:01:59 am: I am getting confused, did Rahier race at Jilliby on two different occassions? I was at Jilliby and Neil Hudson was beating him on his 250cc Maico. Don't think Rahier completed a race as his rear brake broke and he parked it for the day.

Ed
If I can get my wife motivated, will post some video of Jilliby and the Ameroo race, which he did win easily.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: firko on September 12, 2009, 10:47:24 am: Quote
You mean somebody other than Billy Connelly could understand what Vic Allen was saying?
Yeah, Vic Allen was quite the Scotsman, was wee Vic! I had plenty of experience with the Scottish accent from my Glaswegian grandparents and a childhood mate who I'd met on his first day of school in Oz. I was the only person who could understand him, even the teachers looked to me to translate so they sat me next to him. He ended up the drummer in the Ted Mulry Gang (hows that for a blast from the past, Baby Boomers?)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: pirie593 on September 12, 2009, 11:00:07 am: I am getting confused, did Rahier race at Jilliby on two different occassions?

I seem to remember him coming over to Oz on two separate occasions ??? ???
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: motomaniac on September 12, 2009, 11:02:59 am: Quote from: firko on September 12, 2009, 10:47:24 am
Quote
You mean somebody other than Billy Connelly could understand what Vic Allen was saying?
Yeah, Vic Allen was quite the Scotsman, was wee Vic! I had plenty of experience with the Scottish accent from my Glaswegian grandparents and a childhood mate who I'd met on his first day of school in Oz. I was the only person who could understand him, even the teachers looked to me to translate so they sat me next to him. He ended up the drummer in the Ted Mulry Gang (hows that for a blast from the past, Baby Boomers?)

That explains alot :)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: pirie593 on September 12, 2009, 11:05:35 am: He ended up the drummer in the Ted Mulry Gang (hows that for a blast from the past, Baby Boomers?)

Herman Kovacs.......Scottish ??? ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: JohnnyO on September 12, 2009, 11:10:50 am: Quote from: pirie593 on September 12, 2009, 11:00:07 am
I am getting confused, did Rahier race at Jilliby on two different occassions?

I seem to remember him coming over to Oz on two separate occasions ??? ???
Yeah i think he came over twice. I saw him on his second visit at Tivoli with Neil Hudson on a 400 Maico. Hudson won that day but Rahier had problems with his wrist which was in a brace.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: motomaniac on September 12, 2009, 11:24:40 am: I saw Gaston in nov 75 at wallan and Neil Hudson in nov 76 at wonthaggi .I think Gaston came in 76 as well but not too Vic.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: albrid-3 on September 12, 2009, 11:34:06 am: I saw Gaston Rahier and Vic Allen at Wallan. Michael Coombe was a member of the Colac Motorcycle Club, while he was staying here with Lyall O`Brien. My brother raced with Ivan Miller could that fellow rider., great to watch. Now here is a rider, if l can spell his name, Gunna Linstrum now he was a very quick rider.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: firko on September 12, 2009, 11:54:48 am: Quote
Herman Kovacs.......Scottish
That's Herman Mac Kovaks to you! ;D
I just checked with my mate and her reckons Ian was in a late version of Ray Brown and the Whispers but I don't think that's right either! Ian Fisher was his name for what it's worth. My mate reckons he went to America with some band in the mid 70s and stayed. Memory is a funky thing.....anyway back to Gaston.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: firko on September 12, 2009, 12:02:53 pm: Quote
Michael Coombe was a member of the Colac Motorcycle Club
Michel was also a very naughty boy and went to gaol in France for drug smuggling. That kind of f**ked his career. I saw him at Jilliby and he blew the best we had into the weeds. He's the fastest rider I ever saw on a Montesa.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: motomaniac on September 12, 2009, 12:41:39 pm: Quote from: albrid-3 on September 12, 2009, 11:34:06 am
I saw Gaston Rahier and Vic Allen at Wallan. Michael Coombe was a member of the Colac Motorcycle Club, while he was staying here with Lyall O`Brien. My brother raced with Ivan Miller could that fellow rider., great to watch. Now here is a rider, if l can spell his name, Gunna Linstrum now he was a very quick rider.

I think its spelt Gunnar Lindstrum
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: GD66 on September 12, 2009, 01:30:31 pm: Lindstrom. ;)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: number8 on September 12, 2009, 01:37:00 pm: Trying to re call Gunnar Lindstrom,ever coming to Australia,I may be wrong but I dont recall him here when Rahier and crew was here Coombs I think came at a different time once again may be wrong

#8
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: KB171 on September 12, 2009, 04:37:35 pm: Gunnar Lindstrom raced here in 1968 along with welshman John Lewis ,Kiwi;s Morley Sherriths, Ivan Miller, Gorden Holland,and yank J N Roberts in an International Moto Cross series Mat Daley and Ray Fisher were the fastest of the Aussies, they done one round at Christmas Hills in VIC one in Adelaide an two in NSW
(http://i27.tinypic.com/4id9g3.jpg)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: GD66 on September 12, 2009, 05:02:13 pm: Maicoman 18 is correct, Gaston did visit Australasia on two occasions, however his assertion that the rear brake broke and he parked it is incorrect, my understanding is that he retired due to an infection on the top of his head of a scab that he got from walking under a chair.... ;)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: number8 on September 12, 2009, 05:26:33 pm: Quote from: KB171 on September 12, 2009, 04:37:35 pm
Gunnar Lindstrom raced here in 1968 along with welshman John Lewis ,Kiwi;s Morley Sherriths, Ivan Miller, Gorden Holland,and yank J N Roberts in an International Moto Cross series Mat Daley and Ray Fisher were the fastest of the Aussies, they done one round at Christmas Hills in VIC one in Adelaide an two in NSW
(http://i27.tinypic.com/4id9g3.jpg)

Thats Cool,I can recall JN Roberts riding a Grand National at Xmas Hills unless I have both these events confused

#8
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: KB171 on September 12, 2009, 05:44:37 pm: This is the only pic of J N Roberts i've got, love the chin gaurd ;)
(http://i27.tinypic.com/24vl16f.jpg)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: number8 on September 12, 2009, 06:13:38 pm: KB,

I see,in you first report the say JN stood up a lot more than everybody else,they must not have realized he was a Desert racer and not a regular Motocrosser,

#8
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: bazza on September 13, 2009, 06:27:47 pm: Any one have a photo of gastons 125??
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: MX125B on September 13, 2009, 07:47:51 pm: i saw Gaston at Amaroo the first time when he came out and beat everyone on his 125, Vic Allan was there as well, he got into punch up with some one,
he king hit Ivan Miller? He got cut off in the esses and got up swinging.
A couple of years later he got smoked, like everybody else by the up and coming Neil Hudson on the Maico at Jilliby Park
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Tim37 on September 15, 2009, 07:48:04 pm: I saw Raheir ride in the first 125 gp at Hawkstone part 1976 he was in a class of his own leaving Marty Smith miles behind just behind Marty were a gaggle of czs and tgms I think Babaroski and Velky ?they out jumped everyone and could have close to Rahier if they had the power of the Jap works bikes !They rode the wheels off those zeds .....
45 minutes flat out at Hawkstone was tough on a 125 remember getting into the pits watching teams and poor priviteers doing a quick top end rebuild between motos .
Saw Rahier on a works 125 Gilera in the early eighties ...that was the quickest 125 I ever saw , pity Gaston was injured and dropped back in both motos but while he was on -it was devisating for everyone else
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: DR on September 16, 2009, 02:36:36 pm: Bazza, Rahier's bikes never looked that spectacular. It was this era that Suzuki really vamped up the production bikes and whilst the RA125's may have been super trick the production bikes really did look like the real deal. Supposedly one of Gaston's '76 RA125's pictured below but I don't remember RA's haviing sidestands ;) if not for the forks and swingarm 1 could easily mistake it for a '76 RM125A. (I don't imagine Gastons bikes ever had yellow frames but I've been wrong on many occassions ;))

(http://jb4oia.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pMTyfW8R3ZDbV3nW3nShIMwDRulMiOO4GeQeMCrM7jEcC2v2fd-53VppMO5MTVfQymlhvJhdj04ZRTyB9o4RvTg/1976%20RA125%20Gaston%20Rahier%201.jpg)

(http://jb4oia.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pz1zSa_T-sTAfn9VaMZdNDBsCRWqbqKa0MxD7B5qF6ei4kgXKJPC_HTWnlria2AkPMwmbmL9jDOtv2avaK6ypQw/1976%20RA125%20Gaston%20Rahier%202.jpg)

'77 didn't appear a great deal different..

(http://jb4oia.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pZaDIbbkGOoePZCMkLzbZmUK511uuAM1xZ99CtJeoICz78CCaP1EuGIDh2_TG69EbkWnl4CATWUAWOObZAy1H8w/Gaston%20Rahier%201977%20RA125.JPG)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: KB171 on September 16, 2009, 04:12:33 pm: I think this may have been taken at Wallen :-\
(http://i32.tinypic.com/1cbop.jpg)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: motomaniac on September 16, 2009, 04:22:04 pm: Def Wallan Kev . nov 75 .
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: KB171 on September 16, 2009, 04:27:40 pm: One more.
(http://i26.tinypic.com/wo9jl.jpg)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: motomaniac on September 16, 2009, 04:29:25 pm: I used to have that T&T also , maybe still have -somewhere around here.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: TT on September 16, 2009, 04:30:19 pm: Here's how I like to remember the little tough man. ;D
(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-8/1063360/Big6.jpg)

And when he got back on his bike with a broken collarbone and 3 broken ribs in the Dakar in the 80's.
He finished and I reckon it was close to 2 weeks that he still had to ride for. :o
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: number8 on September 16, 2009, 04:39:54 pm: Quote from: Doc on September 16, 2009, 02:36:36 pm
Bazza, Rahier's bikes never looked that spectacular. It was this era that Suzuki really vamped up the production bikes and whilst the RA125's may have been super trick the production bikes really did look like the real deal. Supposedly one of Gaston's '76 RA125's pictured below but I don't remember RA's haviing sidestands ;) if not for the forks and swingarm 1 could easily mistake it for a '76 RM125A. (I don't imagine Gastons bikes ever had yellow frames but I've been wrong on many occassions ;))

(http://jb4oia.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pMTyfW8R3ZDbV3nW3nShIMwDRulMiOO4GeQeMCrM7jEcC2v2fd-53VppMO5MTVfQymlhvJhdj04ZRTyB9o4RvTg/1976%20RA125%20Gaston%20Rahier%201.jpg)

(http://jb4oia.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pz1zSa_T-sTAfn9VaMZdNDBsCRWqbqKa0MxD7B5qF6ei4kgXKJPC_HTWnlria2AkPMwmbmL9jDOtv2avaK6ypQw/1976%20RA125%20Gaston%20Rahier%202.jpg)

'77 didn't appear a great deal different..

(http://jb4oia.bay.livefilestore.com/y1pZaDIbbkGOoePZCMkLzbZmUK511uuAM1xZ99CtJeoICz78CCaP1EuGIDh2_TG69EbkWnl4CATWUAWOObZAy1H8w/Gaston%20Rahier%201977%20RA125.JPG)

I dont think your wrong this time,"te'll em there dreamin"

#8
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: firko on September 16, 2009, 05:18:34 pm: I recieved this email from a friend, Paul Neilson aluding to Gaston Rahiers bike..........
After Rahier was here I ended up owning one of his 125s. I think it must have been the first time he was here when he raced at Amaroo with Vic Allen ( awsome rider on an absolute rocket ) and ran a school at Jilliby. The bike I owned was the one he rode with the RM100 seat. Funny thing was that it also had RM100 on the cases but from memory had an odd number of cylinder fins - different to either RM100 or RM125. It had a beautiful box section aluminium swingarm when the production bikes still had the pressed steel ones and also had titanium fasteners everywhere. When I got the bike Frank Pons put it on methanol and fitted Fox Airshocks before I rode it and it was an absolute missile - quicker than any 250 I lined up against and faster than most open bikes. I only raced it a few times, crashed alot like I normally did back then, but I do remember winning the 125 class at an Amaroo Mister Motocross round. ( Al least I think I remember -I do see the trophy now and again ) I think they called it the Eldorado Spectacular. I can remember having a coming together with Murray Wicks and passing Stephen Gall going into the big berm at the end of the straight. ( Probably the high light of my racing life.) That little Suzuki was unbelievably fast. I have a couple of photographs of the bike and I'll see if I can find them. I ended up selling it to a guy called Geoff Sparrow who sold it on to another guy that used it for a trail bike. I've been trying to track it down ever since I got involved in VMX with no success. Graham Boyd rang me once and asked lots of questions about the bike and later claimed that he had come across bits and pieces of the bike including the swingarm. But I'm not really sure. best regards, Paul

The swingarm mentioned has a bit of a story. I aquired it amidst a pile of Maico stuff when I bought old Karl Kremers Maico stash a few years ago. I believe he'd aquired the swingarm from Anthony Gunter. I differ from Pauls description in that I believe the swingarm was titanium. I kept it for a few years, waiting to find a bike to use it on but eventually Graeme Boyd found out that I had it and wanted it by hook or by crook. At the same time HEAVEN founder Mark Cotterill showed some interest in it as well for his very trick RM125B (VMX#15 page 57). I told both of them that I'd swap it for a set of Fox Airshox and quick as a flash Mark had found a set and the deal was done. Poor old Boydy wasn't impressed as he was certain he'd get it, after all how could I refuse the great Boydy! He hasn't spoken to me since, much to my eternal distress :'(.

Graeme's not a man to be spurned when he wants something though, so it wasn't long before had made an offer to Mark for the whole RM and the deal was done and Graeme Boyd finally had his swingarm. I'm sure the bike is packed away in a box along with the rest of Boyds huge collection, never to be seen again by us mere mortals. More's the shame, the bike is the prettiest and trickest RM I've seen to date.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: jerry on September 16, 2009, 06:26:23 pm: Gee I opened a can of worms didn't I!
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: JohnnyO on September 16, 2009, 07:11:58 pm: Doc that yellow frame bike appears to be a production bike with factory suspension. The works 125's had a different shaped tank(more like a 250), different subframe/seat similar to a N/T model as well as different sidecovers, etc. I'm sure they never had yellow frames either.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: number8 on September 16, 2009, 07:23:45 pm: And they never had SIDE STANDS,

#8
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: JohnnyO on September 16, 2009, 07:27:21 pm: Firko i was bidding on an alloy Suzuki swingarm on ebay last year that i was sure was a '76/'77 works arm so i bid pretty high and thought i would win it but was outbid. I rang the owner to find out a bit more and was told i was outbid by Graeme Boyd and it was definately a works swingarm! It was in a Sydney wreckers.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: firko on September 18, 2009, 11:04:37 am: Iwouldn't doubt that John,you've got to have deep pockets if you want the same thing as Graeme Boyd does.The sad thing is that everything he buys disappears into his personal stash pit, never to be seen again. A number of interesting bikes have gone from the local scene to Boydys warehouse.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Rosco86 on September 18, 2009, 12:35:51 pm: Not 100% sure but just before I left Victoria I thought John Selva had Michel Coombe's "works", "semi works'" 125 montesa. Would be intersted to know where it ended up. The meeting at Wallan which Malcolm Fraser attended was either 1973 or 74. He was matey with Bert Flood at the time and Gary had returned home from England I think and was riding at the meeting. he had his chauffer driven white LTD parked in the pits. I was riding sub junior back then with Anton Alers, Ron Dinsdale, Grant Cramer and co and couldn't understand what the fuss was all about with this big bloke in the pits and getting shooed away from leaning on the LTD in my muddy motocrosss gear. Malcolm's grandson is a fairly elite swimmer and he is often at the National Title meetings. Looks a little frail nowadays but very similar to what I remebered as when I was about 15/16.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: EML on September 18, 2009, 02:17:27 pm: Shit Firko talk about 6 degrees of seperation, is their no one you know!.
I recall gaston at Tivoli, must have been 75 or 76. I spoke a little to him after the races and watched him eat an orange- not peel it and pull it apart like we do, just ate it like an apple-biting bits out and chewing away- I tried it but I'm still not as quick as he was.
RIP Gasson Gaston
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: firko on September 18, 2009, 02:28:49 pm: Quote
Shit Firko talk about 6 degrees of seperation, is their no one you know
I've been around a bit longer than most of you I guess.......... ;D
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: maicoman18 on October 05, 2009, 06:43:47 pm: For your viewing pleasure, (I hope) Mr Rahier at Amaroo. Be patient, first 30 seconds is crap. Haven't mastered the gizmos yet to cut out the unwanted bits.
Overall quallity is poor, sorry about that chief.

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa255/maicoman18/?action=view&current=RahieratAmaroo.flv (http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa255/maicoman18/?action=view&current=RahieratAmaroo.flv)

Ed
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: jerry on October 05, 2009, 08:48:41 pm: Thanks Maicoman. Brings back great memories.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: DR on October 06, 2009, 01:55:43 pm: yup thanks maicoman, that's a great clip and very rare nowdays with little else on offer when searching 8)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: maicoman18 on October 06, 2009, 07:13:43 pm: Part two will be posted soon, I hope!!!
Title: King Suzi Moto
Post by: BJJ on October 06, 2009, 09:15:19 pm: King Suzi Moto also came to Christchurch, NZ, also back in about 75. I was all of about 10.
Fortunately I was receiving my first bike from Dad, (Don McNeill). A TM75, and hence the first Christchurch MX Juniors class was born. Had like about 8 riders around this time.

I guess Tommy Mcleary (Tommy's Suzuki in Manchester St, then Moorhouse Ave) brought him in, and/or Rod Coleman)/ Remember receiving some frizzy Suzuki racing jersey at the time as a sort of momento. Luckily, at that young age I was sponsored by Tommy's.

It was a big deal for Christchurch to have such an international visiting, and from memory, he did not dissapoint. No photos yet, will keep looking.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: GD66 on October 06, 2009, 09:47:49 pm: Good memories, BJJ. Tommy McCleary had a reunion party a couple of weeks back and Stu Avant, Mike Sinclair and Warren Willing went over : quite a throng assembled for the occasion but unfortunately Tommy had a heart problem and couldn't attend the party...probably took a look at the guest list and started to feel faint ! He is a good guy and used to help visiting racers to Christchurch regardless of nationality or bike brand. Hopefully he is fully fit again now.
Also a photo of your dad popped up on a forum a few months back but I can't recall if it was here or on the CMA website.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: BJJ on October 06, 2009, 10:23:35 pm: Yeah, still not sure who brought out GR to New Zealand.

Tommy, October, 1959, Blenheim, NZ, Riding Don McNeill's 1959 AJS 350

(http://www.donmcneill.co.nz/images/NZ_Road/Tommy_1959.JPG)

Tommy and Kevin McCleary

(http://www.donmcneill.co.nz/images/NZ_Road/tommy_and_kevin_1959.JPG)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: maicoman18 on October 07, 2009, 05:54:40 pm: Rahier at Amaroo Part 2

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa255/maicoman18/?action=view&current=RahierAmarooPt2.flv (http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa255/maicoman18/?action=view&current=RahierAmarooPt2.flv)

Ed
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: DR on October 08, 2009, 08:47:11 pm: thanks again maicoman great stuff, who is number 'B' on the 125 Suzuki in the second vid at 1:43? am I missing the obvious??
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: GD66 on October 08, 2009, 09:11:57 pm: Quote from: billjackjane on October 06, 2009, 10:23:35 pm
Yeah, still not sure who brought out GR to New Zealand.

Pretty sure Gaston was brought out to NZ and Australia by the Suzuki factory itself, BJJ, as he was accompanied by Masanori "Jimmy" Ozaki, who was a domestic Suzuki-sponsored rider. Certainly Colemans were involved as well, so no doubt Tommy looked after the South Island leg. BTW I have sent the two pics to Stu Avant, who was stoked ! Regards GD.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: oldfart on October 08, 2009, 09:14:29 pm: Love how they do mono's up to jump with ease :) they make it look easy
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: maicoman18 on October 09, 2009, 01:35:10 pm: Quote
Posted on: Yesterday at 07:47:11 PMPosted by: Doc
Insert Quote
thanks again maicoman great stuff, who is number 'B' on the 125 Suzuki in the second vid at 1:43? am I missing the obvious??

Doc, old memory is fading but believe that when Rahier came out, they also sent out the guy from Japan and a guy from Finland (No.B). I don't remember his name though, sorry.

Ed
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: maicoman18 on October 09, 2009, 04:26:38 pm: Last bit to finish off Rahier (so to speak). Only 30 seconds worth.

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa255/maicoman18/?action=view&current=RahieratAmaroolast-1.flv (http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa255/maicoman18/?action=view&current=RahieratAmaroolast-1.flv)

Ed
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: motomaniac on November 15, 2009, 07:23:18 pm: Quote from: maicoman18 on October 09, 2009, 04:26:38 pm
Last bit to finish off Rahier (so to speak). Only 30 seconds worth.

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa255/maicoman18/?action=view&current=RahieratAmaroolast-1.flv (http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa255/maicoman18/?action=view&current=RahieratAmaroolast-1.flv)

Ed

Great stuf.Who's the girl? Its not his missus.

The other vids are great too. Are they converted from super8 film?
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: maicoman18 on November 16, 2009, 05:21:49 pm: No idea who the girl is.
Super8 film to VCR to CD to computer then finally onto here. Original quality wasn't much better but got a bit worse in its journey to the big screen.

Ed
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: bazza on November 16, 2009, 07:37:35 pm: onehunga united M/C club ran a mx riding school for Colemans with Gaston at jeffersons farm helensville,Auckland.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: murray on March 05, 2010, 09:09:18 pm: WOW!
Yes the old days.
Quick memories-- When Gaston (rip) raced at JILLIBY our club WDMCC called it the "BIG 60" some of us have the programe.
Gaston was accompanied by a guy called FRAN LOGNEY. I rode a can am (big mistake) and Gally ran second.
Gaston had some hybrid practice proddie Suzukies with hell high footpegs. I had one of the 250`s for a while.Gaston took a liking to the late RON FORDHAMS daughter, Pam, after the Jilliby race.
Geoff Warrell (rip) really showed how aggressively fast he was at Jilliby on that day!
Vic Allen gave Gaston a run for his money and I believe won a moto at the Aussie champs in Tasmania in `75?
Great memories. I have some old video(somewhere) that needs TLC if someone has the expertise.
Alan Hurt from our club may have more `70`s clips too?

Muz Wicks
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: albrid-3 on March 05, 2010, 09:33:31 pm: The SWM 125 works bike Sachs engine was ridden by the Italian ride at Wallan, that same bike was found by John Mills in Lilydale at Chris oldfield Motorcycle Shop Vic, l believe it went to a collector in NSW.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: albrid-3 on March 05, 2010, 09:40:39 pm: Gaston, Suzuki 125 was one quick bike.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: MX? on March 05, 2010, 09:52:33 pm: Quote from: murray on March 05, 2010, 09:09:18 pm
WOW!
Yes the old days.
Quick memories-- When Gaston (rip) raced at JILLIBY our club WDMCC called it the "BIG 60" some of us have the programe.
Gaston was accompanied by a guy called FRAN LOGNEY. I rode a can am (big mistake) and Gally ran second.
Gaston had some hybrid practice proddie Suzukies with hell high footpegs. I had one of the 250`s for a while.Gaston took a liking to the late RON FORDHAMS daughter, Pam, after the Jilliby race.

Muz Wicks
Hmmm, Ron Fordam Honda....spent far too much money in there as a young fella! Had Phil Hiscock rebuild my Z motor recently.
I was, I think, 1 year behind you at good ole Erina High. A couple of us did the flag marshall thing at that Jilliby meet.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: PB20 on March 06, 2010, 09:39:26 am: Quote from: maicoman18 on October 05, 2009, 06:43:47 pm
For your viewing pleasure, (I hope) Mr Rahier at Amaroo. Be patient, first 30 seconds is crap. Haven't mastered the gizmos yet to cut out the unwanted bits.
Overall quallity is poor, sorry about that chief.

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa255/maicoman18/?action=view&current=RahieratAmaroo.flv (http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa255/maicoman18/?action=view&current=RahieratAmaroo.flv)

Ed

Holy crap thats awesome!! Loved the first bit at Canberra's Karma Gutza track too.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Stan S on March 06, 2010, 10:29:29 am: Gaston was a fabulous 125 rider and I had the privilege of racing him at the 75 Aussie Titles in Tassie but I missed the oportunity of racing him the next week at Wallan as the crew of the Princess of Tasmania decided to go on strike for a week and we had to camp in the parking area at the boat terminal and didn't get back in time for the Wallan meeting. It's amazing how you can make time pass with nothing to do and no money to do it with. We couldn't leave the terminal for long in case they called the strike off. I was travelling with Mick Nicol so we opened the back of my van and had a sale of tyres and parts etc to fund our week of boozing etc. Mike Landman and the Armstrongs were also stuck there and missed the Wallan meeting. I remember a couple of nights before the Tassie meeting Jack Pengelly, Gary Flood, Mick Nicol and myself went to a pub for a meal and Gaston came and joined us. After the meal and a number of refreshments Gaston got up and stated " No wonder you Australians will never do any good, you drink too much". I remember thinking was that a compliment or not as we had only had about 6 bottles of Matues Rose and some benedictines at that stage. Anyway great memories and R.I.P Gaston.

Stan
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: PB20 on March 06, 2010, 06:16:49 pm: Quote from: maicoman18 on October 09, 2009, 01:35:10 pm
Quote
Posted on: Yesterday at 07:47:11 PMPosted by: Doc
Insert Quote
thanks again maicoman great stuff, who is number 'B' on the 125 Suzuki in the second vid at 1:43? am I missing the obvious??

Doc, old memory is fading but believe that when Rahier came out, they also sent out the guy from Japan and a guy from Finland (No.B). I don't remember his name though, sorry.

Ed

I believe the Jp guy was Koji Masuda... I was 11 at that Amaroo meeting. I remember Vic Allen and Gaston coming together on the back section of the track and Vic throwing a punch..LOL..good stuff Maicoman!
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Stan S on March 06, 2010, 08:27:47 pm: Quote from: PB20 on March 06, 2010, 06:16:49 pm
Quote from: maicoman18 on October 09, 2009, 01:35:10 pm
Quote
Posted on: Yesterday at 07:47:11 PMPosted by: Doc
Insert Quote
thanks again maicoman great stuff, who is number 'B' on the 125 Suzuki in the second vid at 1:43? am I missing the obvious??

Doc, old memory is fading but believe that when Rahier came out, they also sent out the guy from Japan and a guy from Finland (No.B). I don't remember his name though, sorry.

Ed
I believe the Jp guy was Koji Masuda... I was 11 at that Amaroo meeting. I remember Vic Allen and Gaston coming together on the back section of the track and Vic throwing a punch..LOL..good stuff Maicoman!

Gaston and Vic Allen after a coming together at Amaroo in 1975

Stan

(http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af39/gf079/Old%20pictures/GastonRahierVicAllan.jpg)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: VMX247 on January 31, 2013, 06:50:49 pm: Quote from: Stan S on March 06, 2010, 10:29:29 am
Gaston was a fabulous 125 rider and I had the privilege of racing him at the 75 Aussie Titles in Tassie but I missed the oportunity of racing him the next week at Wallan as the crew of the Princess of Tasmania decided to go on strike for a week and we had to camp in the parking area at the boat terminal and didn't get back in time for the Wallan meeting. It's amazing how you can make time pass with nothing to do and no money to do it with. We couldn't leave the terminal for long in case they called the strike off. I was travelling with Mick Nicol so we opened the back of my van and had a sale of tyres and parts etc to fund our week of boozing etc. Mike Landman and the Armstrongs were also stuck there and missed the Wallan meeting. I remember a couple of nights before the Tassie meeting Jack Pengelly, Gary Flood, Mick Nicol and myself went to a pub for a meal and Gaston came and joined us. After the meal and a number of refreshments Gaston got up and stated " No wonder you Australians will never do any good, you drink too much". I remember thinking was that a compliment or not as we had only had about 6 bottles of Matues Rose and some benedictines at that stage. Anyway great memories and R.I.P Gaston.
Stan

I realise its an old topic Stan,but having a coffee with Rogers "Scrambling Downunder" and see the results of Tasmania with Michael Landmans fantastic results in 500cc Solo of 3rd.
Got me thinking how these OS riders got back to the mainland before you -??- to take more trophys at Wallan ,or should I not ask, how you missed the Walllan event before the dam strike.
Seems the strikes still abound even at the last Nats there.
cheers A
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: crs-and-rms on January 31, 2013, 08:05:34 pm: any one got any pic of gastons bike when he was here in 76
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: bazza on January 31, 2013, 08:43:19 pm: pictures posted in past
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: GD66 on January 31, 2013, 08:50:18 pm: http://imageshack.us/a/img708/5691/gastonrahierwallan1975.jpg
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Stan S on January 31, 2013, 08:52:39 pm: Quote from: VMX247 on January 31, 2013, 06:50:49 pm

I realise its an old topic Stan,but having a coffee with Rogers "Scrambling Downunder" and see the results of Tasmania with Michael Landmans fantastic results in 500cc Solo of 3rd.
Got me thinking how these OS riders got back to the mainland before you -??- to take more trophys at Wallan ,or should I not ask, how you missed the Walllan event before the dam strike.
Seems the strikes still abound even at the last Nats there.
cheers A

Well Alison, it was 38 years ago so my memory is a bit vague, I assume they all flew back ( and yes they did have airplanes back then ;D )
but I don't know how they got their bikes back in time. Come to think of it Mike Landman also got back in time to race but I think his dad was stuck in Tassie waiting for the strike to finish with us.

Stan.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Stan S on January 31, 2013, 09:01:12 pm: Quote from: crs-and-rms on January 31, 2013, 08:05:34 pm
any one got any pic of gastons bike when he was here in 76

Here's a few from 1975.

Stan.

(http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af39/gf079/Tasmania%201975/1975AustralianChampsinTasmaniapic3.jpg)

(http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af39/gf079/Tasmania%201975/1975AustralianChampsinTasmaniapic1.jpg)

(http://i991.photobucket.com/albums/af39/gf079/Tasmania%201975/1975AustralianChampsinTasmaniapic4.jpg)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Rosco on January 31, 2013, 09:15:13 pm: What a great read, yep I was there in 75 ,as a 16 yr old kid dreaming,and to see the Rahier Show on the non weight limited Factory 125.
Rumours were and Im not sure and for sure going to be corrected due to Old Age, but his factory bike weighed under 80kg,and Ozeki's was next.
Vic Allen and Rahier were not buying each other a can of VB after the event. Amaroo proved that.
As we are all getting these old memories these things stick in my mind, Rahiers lay down handle bars, so called double footpegs for the short man,how fast he and that Factory Suzook was and he lapped up to 4th place in the all powers. Impressive for a 16 yr old mx dreamer.
I have af ew great photos of that day, and ofcourse my best in the pits with Rahier Kodak, when fell of the man cave gargage wall in heat , was a meal everythinh but his shoulders and name by my 2 new 4 legged pups, that were nearly meeting god after 2 days in my food nest. Shit I was pissed and still am,but still got the remains in the new man cave.

Great days and just recently visited the Old Owen Park Wallan,and sad to say 25% just got burnt out 2 weeks ago.

One day I will learn how to post photos , but to much for this braind dead biscuit.

Hope you are all well and had a great festive holiday season, 2 wheels Rule.

Regards Rosco
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: crs-and-rms on January 31, 2013, 09:37:37 pm: thank you great pics
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Mike52 on January 31, 2013, 09:45:46 pm: Saw him at Tivoli around then on his 125.
Lapped the field if I recall correctly.
The things he was doing with that bike were unheard of back then.
Landing on the front wheel and turning into a corner with the back wheel still in the air.

Just Brilliant
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: John Orchard on January 31, 2013, 09:48:37 pm: Check this, Warren Reid talks about his time with Gaston :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7-PL5-dDHk
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: crs-and-rms on February 01, 2013, 07:03:34 am: any one else have some pics i know some have been posted before but most of them arent in the old posts anymore looking for mor detaled pics of his bike thanks all
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: jerry on February 01, 2013, 08:26:14 am: Warren Reid natural yarn teller he should have his own show. J
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Rusty on February 01, 2013, 09:02:58 am: Warren is a really great guy and I would love to see him working a moto show as a preview or after race deal on TV.

However, if Gaston heard Warren refer to him as being French - I hate to think what Gaston would say or do .... he was a bit on the fiery side and a VERY proud Belgian.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: TooFastTim on February 01, 2013, 09:14:03 am: Quote from: Rusty on February 01, 2013, 09:02:58 am
However, if Gaston heard Warren refer to him as being French

The Walloons hate the French. I have worked with some in the past and relations ain't what you might call rosy.
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: firko on February 01, 2013, 10:51:47 am: Quote
The Walloons hate the French. I have worked with some in the past and relations ain't what you might call rosy.
Too true Tim.....it's kinda like calling a Canadian an American, a Zimbabwean a Seth Efrican or god forbid....a Kiwi an Aussie. ;D
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: IT400C on February 01, 2013, 12:14:14 pm: (http://i374.photobucket.com/albums/oo184/IT400C/Mr%20MX/Gaston2.jpg)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: mposs on February 15, 2013, 08:24:28 pm: (http://i574.photobucket.com/albums/ss185/mposs/Image0144_zps5293e2b7.jpg)
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: crs-and-rms on February 15, 2013, 08:41:20 pm: thanks to all who posted pics of gastons bike
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: VMX247 on October 27, 2013, 12:06:20 pm: Not sure if this link has been posted up before.
Thanks goes to maicoman18 for clip :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VqmNO2mVuk
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: crs-and-rms on October 30, 2013, 07:42:58 pm: great to see the jiliby track was one of my favourites
Title: Re: Gaston Rahier
Post by: Mick D on February 25, 2015, 02:27:49 am: Quote from: Stan S on March 06, 2010, 10:29:29 am
Gaston was a fabulous 125 rider and I had the privilege of racing him at the 75 Aussie Titles in Tassie but I missed the oportunity of racing him the next week at Wallan as the crew of the Princess of Tasmania decided to go on strike for a week and we had to camp in the parking area at the boat terminal and didn't get back in time for the Wallan meeting. It's amazing how you can make time pass with nothing to do and no money to do it with. We couldn't leave the terminal for long in case they called the strike off. I was travelling with Mick Nicol so we opened the back of my van and had a sale of tyres and parts etc to fund our week of boozing etc. Mike Landman and the Armstrongs were also stuck there and missed the Wallan meeting. I remember a couple of nights before the Tassie meeting Jack Pengelly, Gary Flood, Mick Nicol and myself went to a pub for a meal and Gaston came and joined us. After the meal and a number of refreshments Gaston got up and stated " No wonder you Australians will never do any good, you drink too much". I remember thinking was that a compliment or not as we had only had about 6 bottles of Matues Rose and some benedictines at that stage. Anyway great memories and R.I.P Gaston.

Stan

What a classic ;D ;D ;D makes me proud to be an Aussie ;D