Australian & NZ Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Australian Motorcycles (R)

R8

Built in 2005, the prototype tilting trike achieved over 22000 trouble-free kilometres.

Website: r8ttw.com ✝

Sources: OTTW, et al


Rathmore

There was a Rathmore Cycle Works in Victoria in 1906. It is possible that they are responsible for the brand listed by Simon Fleming.

See Australian Motorcycle Dealers


Regnis 1912-1920


Relay 1905 (NSW)


Rhodes

Rhodes Motor Cycle Co of 109-113 Russell Street, Melbourne, were the agents for Indian from 1915 into the 1930s. They moved to Elizabeth St in 1925.

Harold Parsons took the Australian 24 hour record, along with numerous others, riding an Indian.

It may be this machine which is referred to by Simon Fleming as the Rhodes Record.

Sources: Trove NLA, collections.museumsvictoria.com.au, oldbikemag.com.au, et al


Richards

Assembled by P. Richards of Adelaide using a Peugeot engine. Advertised 1906 to 1911.

Source: Howard Burrows


Rival

A 3½ h.p. racing machine built by N. Saunders in 1905.

Saunders, the winner, thoroughly deserved his luck. He rode a Rival motor, manufactured by himself, and by his victory last Saturday, has the unique record of annexing four first prizes and one second out of five attempts...

The following is the result, with the start and riding time of the successful competitors:
N. Saunders, 3½ Rival, start 3m, riding time 50m 30s... 1
J. Jarman, 2¾ Jarman, start 11m, time 1h 15m 10s... 2
J. Doherty, 4½ Buchet, scratch, time lh 17m... 3
A. J .Powell, 4 h.p. Surrey, 8m start, time lh 18m 22s... 4

The Sydney Morning Herald Mon 27 Nov 1905
Motorcycle Racing NSW (1905)

Source: Trove NLA


Rock Sidecars

Melbourne firm imported Milford sidecar components. The were assembled and marketed as Rock sidecars.

Source: The Sidecar - A History by Geoff Brazendale, via Dictionnaire du side-car.
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Rolfe 1914-1915 (Vic.)


Roma

CANBERRA CLUB'S OPEN HILL CLIMB
L. V. Palmer (6 Roma)
Sunday Times (Sydney) Sun 22 Jun 1913

Source: Trove


Rollert (Vic.)


The Rose (Shepparton, Vic.)


Rosenthal
Built in Renmark, South Australia. Advertised in 1913 only.

"COME WATCH IT BEING BUILT.
Your ROSENTHAL Cycle
Or your ROSENTHAL Motor Cycle.
ROSENTHAL, the Cycle & Motor Manufacturer."
Renmark Pioneer, Fri 30 May 1913
Source: Trove NLA


Roulette

16520.- C. A. Balleine, Cairns street, Adelaide,
2¼ (h.p.) Roulette.
Registered SA April 1920

Probably a homebuilt one-off. No mention of this marque elsewhere.

Source: Trove


Rush

Manufactured 1901 to 1905 using Minerva engines.

Source: OTTW
Other marques with this name: Disambiguation


Rarer Australian Marques