The second-generation owners of Rochester Motorcycles, following in the footsteps of Brian’s father Ron, celebrated a 50-year association with the traditionally green Kawasaki motorcycles last year.
Together with sons, Darcy and Rodney, and daughter Grace, they have never faltered in their support of the brand, offering both rural and recreational products to the region’s bikers.
"This is the first time we’ve done this,” Brian said.
“We’ve been talking about it for the past couple of years, but only recently decided to do it.
“Considering the short notice, we’ve had a good response. They’ve come from everywhere.”
The Rochester businessman contributed significantly to the display of classic motorcycles on the roadside outside the bike shop, with 30 of Brian’s own collection featuring in the line-up.
Among his bikes on display were 10 Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) motorcycles from the 1950s. BSA was the world’s largest motorcycle maker, with one in every four motorcycles sold worldwide sporting the BSA badge. The company also produced 1.5 million rifles, the world’s first folding bicycle, ambulances, cars and buses.
Brian and Kate, married for 34 years, took over the store from Ron (who died 17 years ago) and continued the family theme.
Darcy is a motorbike mechanic, Rodney does graphic designs for motorbikes through his Elite design business and Grace fits neatly within the high-achieving framework of the family — a Melbourne University Fine Arts graduate who has staged multiple exhibitions.
Brian said he would like to make the event an annual attraction, allowing people to “get their bikes out of the shed’’ and talk about old times.
Brian grew up in Rochester with two brothers, one moving into trucking and the other now living in Melbourne, neither inheriting Ron Murphy’s passion for motorcycles.
Fittingly, Kate Murphy is also a motorcycle enthusiast and has her licence.
Rodney and Brian have both raced with the Melbourne-based Hartwell Motorcycle Club.
Brian said Rochester used to have its own dirt bike club, but that folded many years ago.
His one grandchild, a nine-month-old boy named Harvey, could take the passion for motorcycles into a fourth generation.
No doubting the brand he will be encouraged to ride if indeed he does have an interest in the two-wheeled transportation device — it will be green and have a Kawasaki label.
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