Wizards Of Oz | Antique Harleys Take a Lap Around Australia

Shaun Wilson, who runs the spares in Tony’s Redfern Motor Parts business, which caters to these old Harleys, brought the shop van and a trailer. The van contained a small workshop of tools and spare parts, but it wasn’t the Harleys that gave trouble. The biggest mechanical issue on the long ride was the backup trailer. Shaun had to rebuild the trailer axle after cannibalizing parts off a wrecked car found in the Outback. Bill MacNamara’s wife Dianne and the family dog Bella followed in another van.

Shaun Wilson, who runs the spares in Tony’s Redfern Motor Parts business, which caters to

“The really hard part was when we made it back to the start at the Sydney Harbour Bridge,” Tony said. “We could have all fueled up again and gone off on another lap. None of the bikes broke down, and none of us felt like we needed to do anything to them to continue. They covered this 10,000-mile trip with ease.”

It may seem surprising that the Harleys were unbreakable but they were designed for steady cruising at 55 mph. These early models are largely unstressed in the engine department for reliability and over-engineered in the chassis and running gear for durability. All the bikes were unexpectedly comfortable to ride, largely due to the tractor-like seat, which supports the upper thighs. The riding position can be adjusted, and the fact that the sprung seatpost moves under suspension means the rider’s lower torso and legs get constant movement, rather than being locked into one position. But there is a lot to think about when you arrive at a corner or intersection. They all have a foot-operated clutch, hand gear-change and a throttle with a non-return spring. It takes time to feel really comfortable on them.

Tony spoke of the vastness of the adventure: “On this trip we rode along all the oceans surrounding Australia (there are seven seas and oceans). For an easterner used to seeing the sun set over the Great Dividing Range, it’s quite an experience to see the sun set over the ocean night after night. They were long days, but I’d do it again in a flash. It’s the smells of the Outback, the change in air pressure like you get sailing out on the ocean, you can only get these on a motorcycle.”

Peter had some words of encouragement for those considering doing a similar trip: “You think you’ve seen all Australia has to offer, but there’s just so much left to do. Go around your own country first before anywhere else in the world.” HB