Welcome to the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Website

Welcome to the VJMC, the UK’s premier club for Japanese bikes fifteen years old and over. The club was founded in 1982 by a small group of like minded enthusiasts, who appreciated early Japanese bikes, their style, reliability, practicality and technological achievements. At the time of the club’s inception air-cooled 4 cylinder bikes still ruled the roost, twin shock absorbers were still in vogue and a middleweight bike was probably 350-500cc and almost certainly a two stroke. How time’s change; the very bikes that were new back then are now collectable and as prized as any early 60’s Japanese offering.

The club’s number one aim is to promote the enjoyment of Japanese motorcycles … … … … … pure and simple. You don’t even need to own a bike to be a member! How open-minded is that? All we ask is that members share the club’s passion for some of the most amazing mass produced bikes ever to come out of a factory. It really isn’t possible to stereotype a VJMC member; some own big bikes, others are moped mad. Some are passionate about one particular marque, others have wide ranging eclectic tastes. It takes all sorts to make a club and that is what the VJMC is all about; enjoying the bikes for what they are.

We aim to support our members with a range of services and are looking to expand on this side of membership in the next few years. Please have a look at the pages on this website and see what we can offer; if what you need is not there please ask and we’ll try to improve on what we’re doing. 2007 sees us moving into the world of running shows and we hope you can join us as a member or at our shows as we begin to increase our visible presence on the classic biking scene. The UK division of the VJMC has approximately 6000 members yet we seem to be the biggest club no one has heard about!

Outside the world of shows there are a large number of local sections where people from an area or locale meet on a monthly basis to discuss bikes and socialise. For many this is an important part of club membership and it’s a chance to swap knowledge, access help or pass on your hard gained expertise.  Members receive six copies of our award winning magazine (Tansha) each year all packed with the articles, features and stunning pictures of the cream of classic Japanese bikes. Included with the magazine is a Club Directory crammed with specialist services, details of local sections, bikes and parts for sale plus club merchandise. For members needing help with parts there’s a wanted section where you can advertise for that elusive part you need. Via selected specialists the club has secured some very good deals on classic bike insurance. A year’s membership is normally easily recouped the first time you renew your cover. No catches, just join, get a membership card and enjoy another club benefit.

With ever tightening automotive legislation the concerns and requirements of anyone associated with classic vehicles needs to be addressed. The VJMC is an affiliated member of the FHBVC (Federation of Historic British Vehicle Clubs) and this organisation looks to voice our concerns when ill informed decisions are about to be taken that could impact upon our bikes and pastime. Although not directly involved in political lobbying the club is looking at other ways it can progress its members concerns and rights within European transport policies and plans.

Thanks for taking time out to read this front page. We hope it’s given you a flavour of what we are about and represent. Remember, the club is for all Japanese bikes 15 years and older; from a Fizzy moped to the first Fireblade the VJMC is YOUR club.

Run by motorcyclists for motorcyclists!

Thanks,

The VJMC