finke desert race 1985

[noisy toy]

Hi, would anyone have any pics of Stephen Galls yz490 from 1985 Finke? ADB article says he had a practice bike then a different one for the race. I bought a bike recently that the owner said was one of his Finke bikes(weren't they all? ) so just interesting to chase it up. It probably is not, and would be difficult to prove, but some of the stickers and stuff look like his 85 bike. Dean Gall Steering for example. maybe the practice bike? I sent him some details and he said it sounds like one of his bikes, but.....    I wonder if anyone knows who the supplying dealer was? I have some pics and the vin, will try to post soon. If anyone can shed any light on this would be awesome. Cheers and merry xmas!

[noisy toy]

I got a heap of parts with this bike, and an old 1994 parts invoice from Stoney Creek Motorcycles in Sydney. The customer was Mike Gowanlock. Has anyone heard of him? Might help fill in some blanks. I got it as a road racer with lowered suspension and slicks, maybe he raced it? Cheers.

[Rookie#1]

I think I may have video footage of this on DVD, I shall have a look and get back to you. If I find I'll send a copy your way 

Cheers, Brendan

[noisy toy]

Thanks Brendan, may be another piece to the puzzle.
Cheers,
Shane

[firko]

The customer was Mike Gowanlock. Has anyone heard of him? 

http://ducati-gowanloch.com/ These guys might know something.

[noisy toy]

Thanks, Firko. This makes more sense. they are near stoney creek too. Mike at Gowanloch sounds better. I just sent them a msg.
will keep you posted if it works out.
cheers, shane

[noisy toy]

Turns out it could be Mike Berry who may have been at Gowanloch Ducati. He left and had Desmoclinic in Sydney but recently moved to Qld. Trail has gone a bit cold now. Will try Gowanloch on Monday to see if they have a contact number.
cheers.

[noisy toy]

Well, some progress! I spoke to the guys at Gowanloch and they do remember the bike. They said it was Galls Finke bike and it was set up for roadracing by them and then sold later. They had purchased it from Stoney Creek Motorcycles, who were a Yamaha dealer back in the day. The business has since changed hands a few times, but the guys involved back then were Trevor,Tim and Michael Hunter. Would anyone know these guys or how I might get in touch? Might have some old pics or info that could help.
Good tip, thanks Firko. 
Cheers.

[piney]

good chance TH will be at Bankstown trots long track on Saturday

[noisy toy]

Thanks piney. A bit far from Cairns! and wrong kind of horsepower.... 
Maybe someone could get in touch with him or a contact number? mine is 0407161734
cheers, shane

[Boyracer]

Just wondering what Gally was up to these days? The man stuck by Yamaha like nothing else, would love to know what his favorite YZ was?  YZ250L ?

[VMX247]

Just wondering what Gally was up to these days? The man stuck by Yamaha like nothing else, would love to know what his favorite YZ was?  YZ250L ?

Gally selling knee braces and along with Geoff Ballard they are pretty dedicated people. You could catch both at this event below in Victoria or Classic Dirt 9.
cheers
http://forum.ozvmx.com/index.php?topic=31415.0

[noisy toy]

I spoke to Geoff Soderland today. He bought the bike from Dave Lee, who got it from Steve Gall. Turns out Stoney Creek were a parts supplier only. Makes more sense now. It was raced by Gall in dirt track, who fitted the different rims. The suspension was lowered by Gowanloch for Geoff before he sold it on. Hasn't done much since then. Geoff confirmed it was the 85 Finke bike. He has some old pics he will send, I will post when I get then. Cool! 

[noisy toy]

This is the bike. I have the proper forks and front wheel for it, got the tt600 forks and yz wheel to hold the front up for now.

[noisy toy]