THE OSBORNE dynasty

THE OSBORNE NAME goes back a long way in the annals of Australian motorcycle racing. Norm Osborne, who in his early days raced under the pseudonym of Reg East, won Australian titles pre-war and in 1948 formed a partnership with Frank Pratt to establish the long-running dealership Pratt & Osborne at Geelong. Norm’s sons Alan and Graeme were both accomplished racers; Graeme is still competing in Historic events at the age of 77 and has a fleet of well presented bikes. Alan rose to fame riding what was known as the Egan Velocette in the early ‘sixties, and after graduating to Yamahas was always a front runner. He competed in several Castrol Six Hour races, riding with Graeme, in the early ‘seventies. Alan’s son Donny followed in his father’s wheel tracks, winning the 250cc Australian Road Racing Championship in 1987.

ABOVE A young Graeme Osborne on his father’s KTT Velocette at Ballarat in 1947. CENTRE RIGHT Don Osborne on his Honda RS500 triple at Calder in 1986. RIGHT Graeme Osborne on his Manx Norton at Darley.