It was made in Melbourne by one of the Chopper manufacturers that were in business in the late 60’s and 70’s.
“Cyclegear” operated from a factory in Brunswick and sold their bikes from a shop in Elizabeth Street, still today, the Mecca of motorcycling in Melbourne.
It was made, and first registered’ in 1978 and I believe I am the fifth owner, having contacted all but one of the original owners. I am very lucky to own such an original and un-restored bike.
The rigid frame, fuel tank, oil tank, electrical box, and handlebars were all made by Cyclegear. Cyclegear also made the Springer front end.
The engine is a standard 750/4 Honda, which I think, is of 1976 vintage. I believe the engine is original and has not been reconditioned, but still goes well and is very reliable. The gearbox unfortunately does have a problem of jumping out of first gear. This doesn’t seem to be much of a problem being that the bike is much lighter than a standard road bike and it seems to pull away quite easily in second, it’s just no drag bike!!
The bike is on full reg and is ridden regularly; I have covered about 7000kms since buying it. This was the first rigid springer that I have ridden and I was quite surprised at how easy it was to ride, other people that have ridden it have made the same comment. It corners very well (it’s no sports bike!!) and I have comfortably cruised at 110kph.
At my age (59) and with a dodgy back the rigid doesn’t seem to give me much trouble although you do have to read the road ahead fairly carefully and lift my bum when a big bump comes. This works fine in daylight but I have been caught out a few times in the dark.
The only change I have made is to add homemade forward controls. At 6’2” tall I couldn’t comfortably ride it with the pegs in the standard position.
The only shortcoming of the bike is the size of the fuel tank, at 5½ litres and a range of about 100kms, I have to check my route to make sure there are plenty of fuel stops. It is no fun riding in the rain especially with no front guard; the water just seems to end up in my lap.
So don’t let anybody put you off owning a rigid springer chopper, they are a lot of fun to ride and it’s not often that a Japanese bike gets a second look from Harley riders.
