The AMCN International Island Classic is in it's 22nd consecutive year and is Australia's largest historic motorcycle race and the third largest motorcycling event on the Australian calendar behind the MotoGP and World Superbike events.

The event features the International Challenge fiercely contested between Australia, UK and New Zealand along with a points score challenge for the perpetual Phil Irving trophy and not forgetting the Shannons Parade Lap where you can have the chance to showcase your pride and joy on the track.

Breaking records with 522 entries, the International Island Classic is shaping up to be an event you do not want to miss. 342 riders are registered to race, in what is now an annual pilgrimage for bike lovers of all ages.

Solo classes will be held for bikes dating back to pre-WWI, right through to Vintage (1920-1945), Classic (1946-1962), Post Classic (1963-1972), Forgotten Era (1973-1982) and New Era (1983-1990) division.

Champions from past and present converge on the Famous Phillip Island Circuit from all over the world for the classic so you never know who you might bump into.

Theres a few live timing sites for this event for the insomniacs amongst you

Not sure about commentary, cant find any, certainly no live TV though.

Mmmmm,,,
This is one of the biggest events in Oz at this time of year,
Next to the Moto Gp and F1, The next best attended event ?
Correct me if iam wrong,
But if you cant get the live timings up and no coverage,
What hope has the New world Series got,,,,

Just my thoughts,
Getting withdrawal symptoms with no Bikes on the TV here !!!

Yes the paddock is pretty packed -  and that’s because there’s so many of you!! Want to know who is competing in your class?  


The Island Classic is a celebration of history; a nod to two-wheel engineering feats all the way back to the turn of the 20th century. Racing is held across classes ranging from pre-war to period 6 (up to 1990), and marques to be represented include AJS, Ariel, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Norton, Velocette, BSA, Bultaco, Matchless, Triumph, Vincent, Aermacchi, Bultaco, Laverda, Norton, Ducati and the four Japanese brands, as well as fare from specialist engine and chassis manufacturers.


Teams have landed from the UK, USA and New Zealand to take on Australia in the Tahbilk International Challenge and the locals are wary!

NZ great, Graham Crosby has stepped up and taken over as captain of the Kiwi squad so get ready for some revving up of the “black caps” in typical Croz style.

Jeremy McWilliams has got his British squad in order, the USA is making the most of Thursday practice to bed down their team, and Australia is planning their eleventh straight defence of the crown.

Held over four races, with the top five point scorers from each team going towards the final tally, International Challenge rules allow for machines manufactured between 1973 -1984 to compete, and for capacities ranging from 350-1300cc. Four stroke engines must be air-cooled; two strokes can be either air or water cooled.


Historic racing in Australia (as defined in Motorcycling Australia’s Manual of Motorcycle Sport) is divided into six main categories, dating from the very beginning of motorcycling through to the end of 1990. Within these categories there are numerous capacity classes, from 125cc (Ultra Lightweight) through to 250cc (Lightweight), 350cc (Junior), 500cc (Senior) to an upper limit of 1300cc (Unlimited) for Periods 1 to 5, and 1000cc for the newly introduced Period 6. Each category has specific rules governing what can and can’t be used, with the aim being that motorcycles should reflect the 'look and feel' of their respective eras. Here are the categories:
 
Period 1 Veteran (up to December 31, 1919) and Period 2 Vintage (January 1, 1920 to December 31, 1945)
Typical models: AJS, Ariel, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Norton, Rudge and Velocette.

Period 3 Classic (January 1, 1946 to December 31, 1962)
Typical models: BSA Goldstar, Bultaco, Honda, Matchless G50, Manx Norton, Triumph, Velocette and Vincent.  

Period 4 Post Classic (January 1, 1963 to December 31, 1972)
Typical models: Aermacchi, Bultaco TSS, Honda CB750, Kawasaki H1 500 and H2 750,  Laverda SFC, Norton Commando;, Suzuki T500;, Triumph Trident and Yamaha TR3
 
Period 5 Forgotten Era (January 1, 1973 to December 31, 1982)
Typical models: Ducati 900SS, Honda CB900F and CB1100R, Kawasaki Z1 and Z1R, Suzuki GS1000, GSX1100 and RG500, Yamaha TZ350 and TZ750.  

Period 6 New Era (January 1, 1983 to December 31, 1990)
Typical models: Ducati 851, Yamaha TZ250, Suzuki RGV250, Honda VFR400, Suzuki GSXR750 and 1100, Yamaha FZ750, FZR750 and 1000, Kawasaki ZXR750, Honda VFR750, VF1000 and RS125, Kawasaki KR1-S, Yamaha RZ500 and Suzuki RG500.