Racing HD Downunder

[Piemonte]

2019 and 2020 INTERNATIONAL ISLAND CLASSIC

For the past six years I have attended the annual International Island Classic. Held at Phillip Island every January, this is the largest historic motorcycle race event in the southern hemisphere.

I’ll focus on several magnificent HD race bikes that were bellowing around this iconic circuit back in 2019 and 2020. These machines compete in either the Period 3 (Classic) or Period 4 (Post Classic) classification, depending on their date of manufacture. The classification also determines permissible upgrades:

Period 3 (Classic) from January 1, 1946 to December 31, 1962. Wheel rims minimum diameter of 18 inches and no wider than WM3 (2.15 inches). Brakes must be manufactured in the period (or replicas). Methanol fuel permitted, treaded tyres only, Amal and Dellorto carbs limited to 38mm, Keihin round-bore carbs up to 30mm, toothed belt drive and electronic ignition are all permitted but must be hidden.

Period 4 (Post Classic) from January 1, 1963 to December 31, 1972. Minimum wheel diameter of 18 inches, and maximum width of WM4 (2.50 inches). Prohibited items include rear disc brakes (unless factory fitment), electronic fuel injection, air-assisted forks, power-jet carburettors, monoshock rear-ends and cast alloy wheels. Treaded tyres only, and methanol is permitted.

In 2019 the bikes were ridden by Craig Hemsworth and William Mooney. In 2020 the riders were Steve Majernik, Andrew Majernik, and William Mooney. All riders sponsored by Fat City Racing, Victoria. In previous years Cam (Cameron) Donald, an Australian Isle of Man TT legend, has also piloted some of these bikes around the Phillip Island. These riders sure knew how to get the most from each bike, impressing the crowd with their enthusiasm to push an ancient racing steed to its limit. Best lap times and top speed from the 3-day event:

#36 1958 KRTT 750cc- 2:27 and 160kmh
#61 1961 XLH 900cc- 2:07 and 182kmh
#93 1961 XLR 1300cc- 1:58 and 217kmh
#93 1971 XR 1270cc- 2:00 and 218kmh
#98 1958 KR 900cc- 2:27 and 157kmh

Enjoy the photos

UPDATE January 6. More photos added, including something newer than the KR and IH...
Photos now hosted at 3rd party due to quota restriction.
https://imgur.com/a/wNB1KDE

[decman]

Thanks for posting and Welcome.
Would love to see those races one day.

[needspeed]

Thanks for the pictures of some great looking bikes.

That's a clever way to maintain the required rear drum brake and have the ability to change rear sprocket size.

[ChinCactus]

Thanks for sharing. I bet it SOUNDS wonderful on race day!

[sportsterpaul]

Thank you for sharing, those are awesome. I like the terminology “ thundering” and I might add that the several open track days that Greg,(sprink), and I have done, over at Grattan Raceway, we were quite a hit as we were the only H.D.’s they’ve seen or heard running that circuit. Fact is everyone in the pits would migrate to the back rail as we ran the esses then switch to the front wall as we entered the front straight. Seems we had a sound all to ourselves, thundering by.

[Ferrous Head]

Sorry Mate,

Missed this post and your first.

Welcome to the forum. I'm in Brisvegas.

I've stopped going to the Island. Used to but they treat sidecar racers like third class citizens. P# Solo guys are second class as well. If your not riding P5 or P^ they don't really want you there.

The "FASY" Sportster that Cam rode was not so much Sportster as a John Trease Special. (RIP John) Very little on that bike was HD, not even the cases. But it sure was a wake up call to the Norton Guys !

The bikes Craig rides are owned by the the big shy bear always beside the bike. An extremely nice man. He's the sponsor and builder and you will not find a more knowledgeable man on the bikes anywhere. Anywhere.

The real Mecca for P3 bikes has been the Southern Classic at Broadford. A much better experience all around.

[Piemonte]

Cheers, and thanks for the welcome. I’m down Canberra way, about 40km to the south.

Yes, Broadford is awesome...will it go ahead in 2021?

Re your other post, perhaps I should shift this thread to the Racing section, because as you point out there’s more than IH in those photos.

The Island Classic has really changed over recent years...and I don’t mean that in a positive way. Sorry to see the sidecars vanish.