Tanunda Nats '94

[firko]

I know this is a big ask considering that most forum members weren't involved in the sport in '94 but I'll give it a go . Does anybody remember the name of the Swedish rider who rode an ex Works 500 Monark at the Tanunda, South Australia Nats in 1994? The Elizabeth club had something to do with bringing him and his bike out here for the event and I'm hoping that someone has a program stored away. I'm researching Monark GP bikes at the moment and this Swedish bloke is an integral part of the story. They only made 20 Monark 500 GP bikes and I would like to know where that particular bike (and rider) fits in to the history.

 

[Hoony]

is this of any help Firko or do you have this allready?

http://www.vintagemonark.com/

[Tony T]

I was there and did have a program, but a fire in 2000 would have taken care of that.
I'll ring around a few blokes in the club. Surely someone will have one.

[Tony T]

A bloke called Barry Kirk organised it apparently. I'm getting a call back later today with his contact details.
He will no doubt have a program and probably remember the bloke in question.
I'll let you know when I've found out.

[firko]

Thanks Tony

[Tony T]

I got his number and have left a message.
If he doesn't ring back, I know another bloke who religiously collects programs and he was at that meeting too.

[LWC82PE]

i went there but only watched for a bit, outside the actual venue near the main staight so i dont have a program either

[Tony T]

OK. I've got his name and contact details so you can speak to him first hand.
I'll send you another pm.

[Hoony]

G'day  Tony,

at least let us all know his name. 

[firko]

Thanks Tony, Walter and everybody who PM'd me with information regarding the mystery Monark rider. His name was Kurt Gustaffson from Sweden and he bought his Monark with him to the Tanunda Nats in '95. Four stroke Monarks are very rare, supposedly only 20 original bikes made. Alan Jones in Sydney has just imported an ex works Monark 500 engine and has ordered a new replica frame/tank and oil tank from the guy who made the original works items. He's pretty excited by the project and if it turns out half as good as Black Betty and his other bikes it'll be a gem. I'm researching the Monark story for a possible story later on.
Below:Here's a shot of Jonsey's new Monark engine and below that is the Monark that Gustaffson rode at the Tanunda Nats in '95.

[090]

Has that motor just been slapped together for the photo? I ask this as the head is on backwards compared to the bike in the photo. While Im here, what a gorgeous bike!

[firko]

Brad...The motor is slapped together for the photo but the head is the right way around. look at the exhaust port.
Below is Per-Arne Westlings unrestored Monark in Sweden. Per -Arne sold Alan his engine and is organising the parts for his replica. Also shown is a replica Monark frame identical to the one Alan will use. If you think that these bikes are a dime a dozen, have a look at the Lito that Terry Good just paid $75000 for. (1960's Lito, Husqvarnas and Monarks are virtually identical)
http://www.mxworksbike.com/Lito_page_1.htm

[paul]

firko what the difference between this and the one on ebay  2 or so weeks ago  (frame)

[Hoony]

If you think that these bikes are a dime a dozen, have a look at the Lito that Terry Good just paid $75000 for. (1960's Lito, Husqvarnas and Monarks are virtually identical)
http://www.mxworksbike.com/Lito_page_1.htm

is that because they were all designed/build by Nisse Hedlund ?

[firko]

Paul....The one on eBay with the Jawa speedway engine is a locally made frame made by a Swedish bloke who lives in Melbourne named Kell Amberndson. I have a mate, Edgar Phipps who owns one and the welding is pretty piss poor. I've seen one break in half at the Ravenswood Nats in '98 as well. Not having seen a genuine Monark next to it to compare I couldn't tell you how close they are but the one photographed is made by the same bloke who made the works frames for Lito, Husky and Monark back in the day, Roland Gummesson so I'd be going with the real deal if I had a choice.
Below:Klub Kevlar's Edgar Phipp's Monark Triumph at Rockley.