Old Bike Australasia

Old Bike magazine is a must for those who ride as well as the dedicated enthusiast and rebuilder, covering everything from Vintage to early 1980s bikes - marvel at the restoration of machines that could still sit proudly on the showroom floor. Each issue brings you the latest news and results from recent events, race reports and Rally Roundup, along with new and old bike news and reviews, readers letters, Club Directory, What’s On and much, much more.

EDITOR’S LETTER

Old Bike Australasia • NUMBER 128

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

BUILT TO REBEL • Unleash your passion for the different. We celebrate the personal journey of turning an ordinary motorcycle into an extraordinary masterpiece. Whether you love, hate, build, or ride café racers, scramblers, brats, choppers, or something entirely unique, this is a space where we share that untamed spirit.

The 2026 Triumph Daytona 660 Arrives

‘60s Speed. The Golden Age of Motorcycle Grand Prix Racing

Benda Motorcycles Unveils Stylish and Powerful Lineup

Andy Strapz closes shop

GREAT GIFT IDEA

Under the Chequered Flag

Join the VRMAV 60th Anniversary Celebration • Welcome to Old Bike Australasia Out'n'about – a forum of people, places, history and happenings.

THE SCOUT'S HONOUR BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO A 1923 INDIAN • There are some motorcycles that are more than just machines. They are rolling pieces of history, mechanical time capsules linking us to a bygone era of innovation, adventure and style. Few machines embody this spirit quite like the Indian Scout. Just the name conjures images of board-track racers, long-distance pioneers and the dawn of a new age of personal freedom on two wheels.

FUEL FOR THE SOUL: INSIDE RUTHERGLEN’S CAFFEINE N MACHINE • Over the years, we have seen plenty of motorbike-themed cafes come and go. Many struggle to maintain the midweek momentum, relying entirely on weekend warriors to fill the car park. But there is a brilliant exception nestled in the heart of Victoria’s world-renowned wine district. Situated just a stone’s throw from the sweeping roads of the Australian Alps, Caffeine N Machine in Rutherglen is a destination that captures the true essence of motorcycle culture.

THE DAY TRIP RECORD-SETTER VINCENT-HRD SERIES A RAPIDE • Even in today’s world, where you can walk into a showroom and buy a MotoGP racer with lights, the achievements of London lad Jim Kentish in the summer of 1938 are nothing short of breathtaking. They demand our attention and our admiration.

PURE BLOOD THE BULTACO PURSANG STORY • Born from a 175, the Pursang subsequently became a range of five capacities, but it was the 250 that always led the way for a generation of motocross riders, from weekend warriors to World Championship Grands Prix.

1971 HONDA SL70 THE TOUGH LITTLE BIKE THAT COULD • For so many of us who grew up in the early 1970s, the Honda SL70 was more than just a motorbike; it was our golden ticket to freedom. Before the SL70, minibikes were a heady mix of backyard specials, farm paddock roughies, and the first wave of nimble Japanese machines starting to make their mark. Honda, ever the innovator, saw where things were headed and set out to create a machine that would inspire a generation of young riders. When the SL70 launched in 1970, they absolutely nailed it.

THE SPANISH DANCER HISTORY & RESTORATION OF A DUCATI 24 HORAS • In the world of classic motorcycling, some bikes are famous for their beauty, others for their speed. A rare few, however, are forged in the heat of a single, legendary event, their very name a tribute to the crucible that created them. The Ducati 24 Horas is one such machine. It’s not just another gorgeous Italian single; it’s a fascinating Spanish legend, a motorcycle born in Italy but raised and toughened in Barcelona, its identity forever...