It is with great sadness that we learn of the death of ex-Kawasaki supremo Alec Wright (77), who sadly passed away at his home in Scothern nr Lincoln following a heart attack on the 4 January 2010.
Alec who was a top sidecar trials exponent for Greeves back in the 60s will be best remembered as the ‘Team Green’ boss who nurtured the early careers of so many top motocross stars including World Champion David Thorpe. He devoted much of his life to helping youth riders in off-road sport and will be sadly missed.
I had the undoubted pleasure of travelling with Alec to many Grand Prix’s back in the 80s as he went in search of his and Kawasaki’s first world crown through his young protégé Dave Thorpe. I can say without hesitation our trips were never dull, as Alec had a wicked sense of humour while also remaining the consummate professional. 'Thanks for the memories' and 'Goodnight Ace and rest in peace' writes photographer Nick Haskell.
Someone else with fond memories of Alec is Dave Thorpe, who said this of the great man:
“Alec was always really good with me, from the early days at the Team Green Training Schools to my first taste of Grand Prix, even when I 'defected to the other side' his private letter's of encouragement were greatly received.
“It’s a shame I couldn't give Alec the World Championship he really deserved, a fantastic character, a real inspiration for so many of my generation.
“He will be sadly missed but for me personally never forgotten.
“As a boy learning the ropes I made many mistakes, Alec was always keen on his memo's summing you to his office!! At which point you would sit there while he did his customary cough to clear his throat!! and then begin with the words 'its like this Ace', all the time moving his cigarette packet around along with the ash tray!”
Tributes have also come in from all across the off-road scene including Belgian Georges Jobe who rode for Team Green back in the 80s. Alec is survived by his wife Violet, sons Colin and Ian and grandson Jason. The funeral was held at St Germain’s Church, Scothern, Lincoln at 12:45pm Tuesday 19 January.
The family have requested that all donations go to Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance Trust via www.keepusflying.co.uk or through the funeral director, Lincolnshire Co-operative Funeral Services, 12 Portland Street, Lincoln LN5 7JX.
Sammy Miller Products series
08 February 2010
While this issue (CDB) carries the report and results from the final round of the Sammy Miller Products trials series it won’t be long before the new series kicks off. If you’re looking for information on the popular trials rounds then here’s the list.
Contact details will be published as soon as we have them but, in the meantime if you email Richard or Jackie at sales@sammymillerproducts.co.uk or surf the new Sammy Miller products website (www.sammymillerproducts.co.uk) then you’ll get the up-to-date information.
Richard also tells us that well known south western rider Paul Ansty – winner of the series in '07 and '09, will be out on the fabulous Sammy Miller Products' TLR recently featured in CDB.
Vic Ashford Trial – 28 March
Harry Perrey Trial – 17 April
Sam Cooper Union Jack Trial – 23 May
Crabtree Cup Trial – 4 July
Yorkshire Dales Trial – 25 July
Frank Jones Trial – 15 August
Greensmith Trial – 17 October
Perce Simon Trial – 20 November
Downland Trial – 21 November
Classic MX des Nations
08 February 2010
Giving ‘our’ teams the best possible chance at the Classic MX des Nations – near Milan, Italy for 2010 – takes a shilling or two and Peter Jerred took the matter in hand a year or two back and began a fundraising campaign to help defray the costs.
It’s a rolling campaign, anything in the kitty goes to the next year, and the campaign for 2010’s event – launched at Alan Wright's Classic Off-Road Show at Telford on 13-14 February – is gathering pace.
The event last year held in Holland was extremely well supported by classic fans and it is quite clear that the event is becoming a ‘must do’ for an increasing number of supporters who are willing the team to even greater success. Chip in, help the team, buy the T-shirt at Peter’s stand at one of the classic events he’ll be at. Or contact him on pjerred@uk2.net or 07836 504683.
JOINT SUCCESS BY AMERICAN AND UK CBX CLUBS
08 February 2010
Geoff Smale who is one of the technical advisors for the CBX riders club (UK) and ex early stocks racing champion and sometime sidecar racer, recently visited his friend Jan Ringnalda who is originally from Holland and now lives in the USA and is the National President of the American CBX club (ICOA). Jan was aware Geoff had won the 1300cc class of the early Stocks Championship a few years ago in the UK on a cbx1000Z and put an idea to Geoff.
Would he be prepared to help Jan put together a racing special from parts Jan had lying about in his garage and race it at the upcoming Mid Ohio race meeting? Would he! Geoff being the man he is jumped at the chance and so after much burning of midnight oil in Jan’s garage the bike was ready for the race meeting. What to name the bike? They decided on 'Sweepings' as built from odds and ends in Jan’s garage!
On the Friday the practice day for the meeting they did have a bit of a problem with the carbs and dealt with the issues as best they could. Well, even with the bike not running as sweet as they hoped Geoff managed a podium finish (3rd) in race one and sixth in the other. A very good effort first time out. Well done to Geoff for flying the flag for both the UK and American CBX clubs and to Jan for coming up with the idea. Hope you have further success on Geoff’s next visit to the states lads. Thanks also to Roger Smith one of the Riders Club US members. Mel
Save Donington Park
08 February 2010
After last year’s ill-timed Formula One fiasco we thought that Donington Park was dead. Pictures of a ripped up circuit, looking nothing like the place we’ve been making our twice-annual pilgrimage to (whaddya mean you never went to Monsters of Rock?) were depressing. But a collection of clubs, supporters and motorsport lovers are getting together to try and help save the circuit by holding a classic car and bike show on 7 March (no sign of support from AC/DC or Guns and Roses yet though).
The organisers are hoping to get a big crowd to the show and the circuit’s owners – the Wheatcroft family – are offering discounted admission of just £5 to the museum on the day. There’s also an autojumble being organised by Penny Farthing Fairs (the people behind the Newark autojumble). Entry to the jumble is also £5.
If you want to know more there’s a website (www.savedoningtonpark.co.uk) and a Facebook group too.
Rideout from Stafford
04 February 2010
As well as all the usual high-class attractions (the UK’s finest classic concours display, national club stands, a vast, sprawling in and outdoor autojumble, laden trade stalls, trials demonstrations, a road race paddock, the list goes on...) this year at the Classic MotorCycle Show, held over the 24-25 April at the Staffordshire County Showground, there’s an enhanced rideout section of the show too. The rideout element was added last season and proved an immediate hit; for 2010 there promises to be even more on offer – more makers, more machines and, consequently, more opportunities.
Around 50 motorcycles are confirmed to be there, with manufacturers Honda, Triumph and Royal Enfield having so far signed up and pledged to bring along a range of models. At least a couple more makers are expected, so there could be more than 60 brand new motorcycles available for demonstration rides – and it’s all free.
Those on the rideouts will be accompanied by experienced IAM outriders, with prospective riders needing to bring along their full motorcycle licence (both parts if you have a photocard licence) and a crash helmet, though it’s advisable to have gloves, boots and a jacket too. So, if you’d like to have a go on a new EFi Bullet, experience a Thruxton Bonneville or swing a leg over the new VFR1200, why not book to have a go. Many of us might not fancy buying a Fireblade – but then again, it’d be great to say you’d ridden one and it may change your mind, so why not make the most of the opportunity? Likewise, a Rocket III might seem an extravagance – but wouldn’t you like a go? You never know, you might just like it...
Perhaps a Bullet Café Racer or a CBR600 seems extreme – but you won’t know, unless you try... All these models and more will be available for you to sample. On the days (the scheme will be running on Saturday and Sunday), a first come, first served basis operates – but you can go to www.classicbikeshows.com and download a form to pre-book, to avoid disappointment (and queues).
As for other show offers – news will follow next month about special discounts, both to do with pre-booked tickets and on discounts available in the show halls to those who have bought their tickets in advance of the show.
Classic off-road Show
04 February 2010
Superstars from the competition world will congregate at Alan Wright’s Off-Road and Road racing Show at Telford on
13-14 February.
Now accepted to be Europe’s largest classic competition show, over 300 machines of yesteryear will grace the International Centre at Telford, just 25 minutes north of Birmingham, where 1981 world motocross champion Neil Hudson will join illustrious road racer John ‘Mooneyes’ Cooper as the show’s joint guests of honour.
Other guests will include Chris Horsfield and Dave Bickers, while rare machinery will include Dick Mann’s 1962 G50, a CZ-engined Dot, a 1935 ex-Guthrie Norton and ex-Anderson and Read title winning
racing Yamahas.
Public entry is £9. The show starts at 10am each day. The show is located 15 miles from the M6, postcode TF3 4JH. Arrivals before 9.45am exit M54 at junction four, while later arrivals go to junction five and follow signs to Cherry pink car park right opposite the centre. See www.classicoffroadshow.com for more information.
Early Stafford sale news
04 February 2010
Though there’s still a long time to go before the Stafford show in April (over the weekend of 24-25), Bonhams has confirmed the inclusion of one of the most exciting machines to come up for auction in a long time – a Hildebrand and Wolfmuller. The 19th century motorcycle is a real barn find and has not been run since the 1930s, it’s believed. Competition is expected to be fierce, with many of the world’s foremost collectors fancying owning an example of what was the world’s first production motorcycle. Between 800-2000 are thought to have been built 1894-97, with around half a dozen known to survive. Other exciting machines already inked in include a 1938 Matchless-engined SS100 Brough Superior, a pair of veteran twins, a 1914 6hp Royal Enfield combination and a 1912 23⁄4hp Douglas and two quality 1930s barn finds in the forms of a 1938 Square Four and a 1937 KTS Velocette.
Motorcycles and scooters represent only about 1% of vehicle usage on our roads but the riders represent about 21% of those who are killed or seriously injured. Small motorcycles and scooters are particularly susceptible to being overlooked by other road users and the riders are prone to suffer injury if a collision does occur. Riders of larger motorcycles often wear dark clothing, which can also make them harder to see.
Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP), together with one of our key partners, the Highways Agency, is trialing an initiative in Lincolnshire to reduce collisions by making motorcyclists more visible to other road users.
We are providing 2000 high visibility over jackets and rucksacks free to riders who reside in Lincolnshire. LRSP keep the county collision data base and will be measuring the effectiveness of the initiative. To get a true measurement it is essential the high-visibility kit is always used by the riders who receive it.
You will be asked to show your driving licence and V5 registration document to prove entitlement for the scheme. This trial initiative is limited in number, therefore when our current stock has gone it may not be replaced. Be quick to avoid disappointment.
The items can be collected from the LRSP office, Witham House, Canwick Road, Lincoln and the following Fire & Rescue stations, Lincoln ( South Park ), Gainsborough, Louth, Skegness, Boston, Spalding, Grantham.
Please Note : For operational reasons some of these offices may close during certain hours. Please make sure you are aware of the opening times to avoid a needless journey. Call Fire H.Q. 01522 582222
Terms and Conditions apply to the supply of this equipment. Remember to take along your driving licence and V5 registration document of a motorcycle / scooter in your name. If you own 2 or more machines you are still only entitled to 1 set of high-vis kit, conversely if 2 or more people share 1 machine still just 1 set will be issued. We want as many people to benefit from this initiative as possible.
Andrew Trevithick
Lincolnshire Police Casualty Reduction Officer
Rare race machines recovered
18 January 2010
The original ex Fred Stevens 1967 500 Paton and the 1961 G50 Matchless, stolen from Northampton just before Christmas, have been recovered.
A delighted Alistair Wager told Classic Racer, who were first to make the public aware of the theft via the magazines busy website, that he was over the moon to have the bikes back.
Both bikes, which belong to collector Joaquin Folch, were returned complete and undamaged. It is believed that a reward was paid for their safe return.
Press and Trade Motorcycle Trials 2010
13 January 2010
Are you part of the motorcycle trade or press paternity and fancy a day where tom foolery, bribery, rule breaking and good old fashioned cheating is not just covered up but is in fact encouraged and rewarded? If so, courtesy of the Classic Bike Shows Team, this is the perfect event for you, The Press and Trade Motorcycle Trials.
Back by overwhelming demand, the annual Press and Trade Trials day is once more being held in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside at Biscarthorpe Quarry on Friday 18th June 2010.
With a competitive scoring system, high climbs, tricky turns, and of course quite a lot of mud and water ,this event is a real crowd pleaser limited to 60 competitors who are willing to have a laugh, sometimes at their own expense, and raise money for the worthy charities of the TTRA and the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance.
The day finishes off with a barbeque and charity auction where hopefully with your generous donations we can beat last year’s total of a huge £1500!
Taking part will cost a mere £20 and this entry fee also entitles you to a limited edition Press Trials T-shirt to commemorate the day with.
For more information on this great day out, please contact Glynis Roberts on 01507 529431 at Mortons Media Group Ltd
Rare race bike stolen
07 January 2010
An original, ex Fred Stevens 1967 500 Paton, along with a genuine 1961 G50 Matchless, was stolen from Northampton just before Christmas.
The bikes, which belong to Joaquin Folch, were in a van outside Alistair Wager’s Northampton workshop, when the raid took place overnight on the 17-18 December. The van has since been recovered from a different part of Northampton, but the bikes and a substantial quantity of tools were missing.
The Paton, which was the bike raced with success in Grands Prix by Fred Stevens, was raced at the Goodwood Revival last September and is in original Paton green. The G50 is in original specification with the exception of a high level exhaust and Bob Newby belt drive.
A substantial reward is on offer for information leading to the return of the two bikes.
Alistair Wager can be contacted on 01604 643446 or Northampton Police crime desk on 01604 703772
ISLE OF MAN TT LEGEND STARS AT STAFFORD
07 January 2010
The 30th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, held over the weekend of 24-25th April 2010 at Stafford County Showground, will give a unique opportunity to meet a road racing legend who fought hard to become one of the very best, Phillip McCallen.
McCallen, arguably one of the all time greatest TT competitors will be taking centre stage at the show, giving interviews throughout the course of the weekend. From the living nightmare of coming out of a coma to find he was blind with crippling injuries, to his astonishing recovery and comeback – visitors to the show will hear it all. Fans will also get the chance to learn the inside story on some of the best road races ever seen at Ireland’s North West 200 road circuit and the world famous Isle of Man TT races.
McCallen’s uncompromising and fearless approach to road racing is what made him one of the most revered racers of all time. With such fantastic achievements including an unequalled four TT race wins in one week and the only rider to win five North West 200 races in a day, the crowds are sure to flock to Stafford to hear his tales of grit, courage, tragedy and triumph.
Show Manager Nick Mowbray said: “We are thrilled to be able to confirm Phillip McCallen as our guest of honour this April. Ticket requests have already begun to pour in since announcing the news and it promises to be one of our biggest shows to date – we are all very excited.”
Hard to believe, but fast approaching is the ‘season opener,’ the Bristol Classic show. Dates for 2010 are 20-21 February. Tickets are priced at £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for senior citizens and £3.50 for children. So, if you’re looking for something to blow away those winter blues, then look no further than the 30th Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show.
The Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, will play host to the show once more, incorporating some of the south-west’s best classic machines, as well as concours displays, and more than 60 clubs and traders covering all aspects of classic wares in its five large heated exhibition halls. The Rudge Club will be making a special effort, celebrating 100 years of the marque – among the machines will be one each from 1911, 1912 and 1913, plus several 1920s and 30s examples. It’ll be a precursor to the extravaganza promised for Stafford. The Vincent OC is also planning something special too.
Giving showgoers even more for their money, Classic Bike Shows have also provided a new element to the show for 2010. The Edmund marquee will be over 60 metres long and will be positioned between two of the busy halls, packed with classic offerings and sure to impress the 18,000-strong crowd expected to attend.
The VMCC Ltd has announced the date for the VMCC Banbury Run; the prestigious event takes place on 20 June at the Motor Heritage Centre, Gaydon, Warks.
The format of the 62nd run will be similar to 2009 but with new routes and checkpoints. Indeed, with 600 entrants the VMCC Banbury Run is the biggest gathering and run in the world for machines manufactured before 1931. Operating over three different routes which all converge back on Gaydon, the Banbury Run caters for those who wish to enter a timed event or those just enjoying the thrill of riding with so many other vintage, veteran and pioneer motorcycles.
All 600 places are filled before the closing date of 28 February 2010, so it’s important entry forms, available from VMCC HQ on 4 January 2010, are returned as quickly as possible.
Additional, exciting news for 2010 is for an all inclusive price of £6 spectators can enjoy the day’s event, park for free and also access the fascinating Motor Heritage Museum at Gaydon. As in 2009, parking is close by the main entrance to the site which allows those visiting the autojumble to carry their purchases back to their vehicles without too much of a hike. Supported by Old Bike Mart, the famous Banbury Run autojumble is always a favourite as one of the best sources of veteran and vintage motorcycle spares. If you are interested in an autojumble pitch, contact Vicky Frost at VMCC HQ or email members@vmcc.net
There will also be space for club displays so the VMCC welcomes applications from clubs both big and small which would like to have a presence at this event.
In 2010, the event is being administered from VMCC HQ but the club still relies on dozens of volunteers. Marshals to help at the checkpoints on the various routes or on the site itself are always required – you not only get a great day out but also a packed lunch! If you would like to help please contact Helen Bensley at VMCC HQ helenbensley@vmcc.net
The dedicated event website is available at www.banbury-run.co.uk which not only has all the latest event information, but also has all the entry forms etc to download in a PDF format as from 4 January.
Following on from the enormous success of the first auction run in conjunction with the run, VMCC event partner Bonhams are having a sale of Pioneer, Veteran and Vintage motorcycles the day before, on Saturday 19 June 2010. The venue for the auction will be Bonhams prestigious saleroom in Kidlington, Oxford.
Spanish collection
29 December 2009
Bonhams has announced an exciting fixture for the 2010 Motorcycle Sales calendar – a private Spanish collection which spans almost a century of motorcycle development and comprises over 100 machines, including a 1931 Brough Superior SS100 with JAP V-twin engine, 1937 Böhmerland 603cc, 1931 four-cylinder Excelsior and no fewer than a dozen pioneer machines. Following the successful sale of The Professor Fritz Ehn Motorcycle Museum Collection in June 2008, Bonhams is looking forward to returning to the magnificent setting of the RAF Museum for this sale.
The sale will take place on 27 February; details from 08700 273616.
Scrapbook Series: BSA - Limited copies now back in stock
23 December 2009
The first edition of this bookazine was so popular it sold out in just two months, now by popular demand we now have a limited supply of 500 coming back in stock on January 4th, order yours before they are all gone for good.
Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) was the largest motorcycle maker in the world. The firm enjoyed a reputation for building quality, affordable machines, aimed at riders of all types, from the commuter to the sportsman. BSA was a byword for good, honest motorcycles, for generations of riders.
Mortons Media Group has the old archive of both Motor Cycle and Motor Cycling, the two weekly motorcycle magazines that their were in their pomp at the same time as ‘the BSA’ and so, naturally, there is a wealth of BSA pictures and related items in the Mortons’ archive. The bookazine will provide the opportunity for some of this material – of which a lot is previously unpublished – to finally get a deserved airing.
Favoured by everyone from the Post Office to international motocross riders, BSA manufactured a wide range of machines to suit all needs, from Bantams to Gold Stars, from ‘Round Tanks’ to Road Rockets – this appealing diversity will be celebrated in the second of The Scrapbook Series.
Despite the world’s new motorcycle
market shrinking by a not inconsiderate
31 per cent over the past year, Triumph have continued their successful march onward and upward. They have sold more new bikes than ever before, increased
their market share in every country in which they trade and opened no less
than 39 new dealerships across the globe. They even have an astounding 51 dealerships in Japan!
As any Triumph owner will concur, it’s obviously just not a patriotism thing, for after all there’s a generation, if not two,
who have no recollection of Triumph in
its previous incarnation, the sales are
on the back of quality built machines which perform as well, if not better than their rivals. Simple as that. The Street
Triple variations are going like hot cakes and winning accolades and awards wherever they go, likewise the Daytona
675 continues to carve huge chunks out
of the Supersport market.
Sales figures are interesting. The 675, Street Triple, Tiger, Sprint ST, Street
Triple R are the top five sellers, well into the 700s, the stock Bonneville comes in sixth on 632. However, if all the Bonneville family is added together, the figure
exceeds 1700. What’s more Bonneville
sales in the UK alone have doubled in
the last year, UK market share is up
from 9.2 per cent to 12.8 per cent, 90
per cent of sales were export and company profits rose by 16 per cent to£14.5 million.
The company is owned wholly by John Bloor, who is still foremost in key decisions, so no time wasting committee meetings etc, an example to many such businesses. In all, a jolly good flag
waving exercise and one in which we
should all be exceedingly proud.
Licence problem solved
18 December 2009
It looks as though the potential for losing your motorcycle riding entitlement from your licence, courtesy of some spiteful, careless or just plain dumb operative at the DVLA could now be a thing of the past. For after sustained pressure from the BMF and other lobbyists, the DVLA will now – if you request and include a stamped addressed envelope – return your original licence when a replacement is required. The new procedure (with a hole punched through the original licence to invalidate it), has been introduced because disputed entitlements over licence categories
have meant that many riders have been forced to take another driving test simply because they were unable to prove previously held entitlements.
The decision to return the defaced original licence follows months of lobbying over the issuing of replacement driving licences to motorcyclists applying for a replacement licence due to change of address, loss, renewal etc., who have then found that their replacement licence has not included the all-important ‘Category A’ motorcycle entitlement. Because photocopies or other written evidence of entitlements have always proved unacceptable to the DVLA, the BMF have lobbied for the solution, whereby, similar
to passport renewal, cutting the corner
off the old licence and returning the old with its replacement would provide proof
of entitlement.
Geoffrey Greenham (1957-2009)
15 December 2009
Regular Classic Racer advertiser Geoff Greenham died suddenly, following a heart attack, on 5 October 2009.
He had a lifelong connection with motorcycles, and raced vintage machines, choosing the popular 250 Single cylinder club championships.
In the late 70s and early 80s he won quite a few club championships, with countless race wins and lap records. His favourite circuit was Cadwell Park and he would be often seen there on his LCR 250 Cotton.
After several seasons he moved up to a 350 TZ Yamaha. It was on his TZ that he had his last race, when he fell at Greeba Castle on the first lap of the Manx GP, and as a result had a ride in the helicopter to Nobles Hospital.
Geoff hung up his leathers and as the bike was quite badly damaged he decided to sell it for spares. This was the start of his and wife Dawn’s business, Geoff Greenham Racing, specialising in 250/350 Yamaha TZ spares. Many readers will have purchased spares from Geoff. 26 years have passed since the business was founded.
Geoff loved being involved with the F2 sidecars and had several trips to the IoM TT, helping out several sidecar teams. He also had two seasons working in the Grands Prix, on YZR500 Yamahas for World Championship Motorsports Team.
Geoff and I ran a YZR500 ROC Yamaha at the IoM TT and selected pure road race events. He got a great buzz from this, especially when the 500 went quickest through the speed trap at the Ulster GP.
Geoff’s wealth of knowledge on the TZ Yamaha has passed with him, as well as his quick wit and dry sense of humour.
Geoff's wife Dawn is carrying on the business, keeping the much needed supply of TZ spares going. He is survived by his wife Dawn, daughters Emma, Michelle and Rachel. He also has a grandson Taylon.
Dave
Fast Fred eases back
15 December 2009
On the back of winning both classes of the 2009 Lansdowne series, with riders Glen English and Colin Dally, Fred Walmsley has decided to take things slightly easier in 2010.
Fred will continue to build engines and offer support to customers racing his bikes but has no wish to attend as many meetings or run his own bikes next season.
“Goodwood Revival will always be on my calendar and
over and above that I will go to meetings that I want to go
to,” said Fred, announcing the G50 that won Goodwood,
the Lansdowne – still the fastest single around the
TT Mountain circuit – was up for sale. Check out Fred’s ad in this issue.
Mal Carter
15 December 2009
After a long battle with illness, Mal Carter, 70, one of the sport's great characters, passed away in September.
I first met big Mal during my first meeting as a club racer in the early 70s; I say met, he ran me off the track at the top of Charlie’s at Cadwell Park after I had the cheek to outbrake him into the Hairpin. He sort of, almost, apologised in the paddock later.
Although Mal was a handy rider it will be as a sponsor that he will be best remembered. The list of riders that benefited from rides aboard his Pharaoh Yamahas reads like a who’s who of road racing. Without doubt it was Mal’s commitment to the Haslam clan that set them on the road to success. Even the tragic deaths of first Phil and then Terry Haslam, aboard Pharaoh machinery, didn’t deter him from the sport he loved.
Mal also supported his sons the late Kenny, who was at the very top of the speedway world and road racer Alan.
His straight talking style didn’t suit everyone, but you always knew where you stood with Mal. And eccentric to the end he bought a farm when he retired from the motor trade and filled the fields with llamas, wallabies and bison.
Malc Wheeler
FS1E with a twist
15 December 2009
It’s all well and good building bikes back to original, but this little Yamaha FS1-E stands out from the crowd for its ingenuity.
Owner, John Phillips, bought this bike way back in 1984, just before his 17th birthday. He had intended to use it as a donor bike for his existing Fizzy, but instead, it somehow ended up being thrown in the back of garage for years on end.
Some years later, John got back into the moped scene and decided to bring the banished FS1-E back to life. Of course, the simple method of rejuvenation was too easy, so he set about a plan to make his bike a bit special. And this is what he came up with.
We don’t want to go into too much detail just now, as we prefer to tease you. Needless to say, the bike has been given a new lease of life in a water-cooled format.
We intend to cover the bike in a future issue [of Classic Mechanics], so keep your eyes peeled; you definitely don’t want to miss out on this story.
Cylinder Head Shop
03 December 2009
Though you may have heard differently, The Cylinder Head Shop is not actually closing down. Having returned to mainland England from the Irish Republic, the lease on proprietor Len Paterson’s premises is up for renewal at the end of January and for numerous reasons he does not intend to renew it. As such he will have to move the business out. The business is presently up for sale and there are interested parties, so by the end of January, The Cylinder Head Shop will probably be based elsewhere. Len said, “I’m 60 now, so I’m hoping the new owners will employ me for a while at least.” Len has not taken on any work for a good while now and all work in hand will be finished and returned in time, so there is no need to panic over the whereabouts of anyone’s cylinder head. The website will be kept up to date with proceedings and people can still call Len on the telephone up to the second week of January. www.cylinderheadshop.co.uk. Tel 01428 685883.
Lansdowne for British Superbikes
03 December 2009
At the recent Lansdowne Cup race series presentation dinner, series organiser and driving force Richard Thirkell had some exciting news to convey. Following the recent running of a non-championship round of ‘the Lansdowne’ at the final round of the British Superbike (BSB) championship, MotorSport Vision (MSV, organisers of BSB) boss Jonathan Palmer contacted Richard to request the Lansdowners appearance at more rounds of BSB next year. Indeed, there will be Lansdowne action at four rounds of BSB in 2010; the two at Brands Hatch (3-5 April and 6-8 August), Cadwell Park (28-30 August) and Oulton Park (8-10 October). Those are in addition to five other rounds – 17 April Oulton, 5-6 June Snetterton, 26-27 June Cadwell, 11 September Castle Combe and 17 October Thruxton. It all means the Lansdowne series visits some of the biggest and most famous circuits in the UK.
The Classic MotorCycle has long been associated with the series, which sees 1950s and early 60s (for the most part) grand prix-type machinery racing; that means grids full of Manx Nortons, Matchless G50s and AJS 7Rs, plus a few KTT Velos and the like too. Racing is tough and competitive right through the field, with the 500cc and 350cc classes run concurrently. Obviously, the quick men on the 500s take the overall victories, but the fastest 350s normally get up well among them. It’s a tremendous spectacle, as well as making a great noise!
During the presentation evening, at the Manor Hotel in Meriden, 1960s GP star Stuart Graham entertained guests with an interesting talk on his career, then Richard Thirkell oversaw the presentation of the championship prizes, with Fred Walmsley celebrating a double as his riders, Glen English and Colin Dally, scooped the 500cc and 350cc categories respectively.
Welsh weekend
03 December 2009
The Ponthir British Motorcycle Club believes that its annual classic bike show, which celebrated its 30th anniversary at the end of September, is the oldest event of its kind in the UK. Recently, its scope was expanded to include Japanese classics, which now fill a separate hall. The show has contributed significantly over the years to its enthusiastic host, Caerleon Comprehensive School, near Newport in Gwent.
Sunny weather saw a full entry of 125 machines displayed over the weekend, with a trophy presentation ceremony plus an outdoor autojumble on the Sunday. The Visitors’ Choice Award, chosen by ballot and presented by club chairman Dave Hollyman, went to the oldest machine present, the 1911 Bradbury owned by Wiltshire restorer Pete Sole and featured in this issue. Pete had made a determined effort to attend the show despite serious illness and was a popular recipient of this coveted award.
Mike Lewis
KillSpills is heard
24 November 2009
Thanks to the efforts of the KillSpills anti-diesel spill campaign, the Department for Transport is to undertake a two-year study into the problem of diesel spillages and the most effective way of cleaning them up.
The KillSpills campaign, founded in 2003 to counter the menace of diesel spillage and particularly, the danger it presents to motorcyclists, say that this major step forward means that as an integral part of the DfT’s business plan, the project will produce guidance for Local Authorities and the Highways Agency to follow, so ending the confusing array of procedures and solutions currently adopted across the UK.
The culmination of six years campaigning by KillSpills in raising the profile of the diesel spill menace, the DfT study was finally agreed in October following a commitment from the BMF and the IAM to offer to ‘pump-prime’ the research project with a £10,000 joint donation. In practice however, such was the case presented by the KillSpills team that the DfT will now be funding the project entirely from their budget.
Stephen Edwards, the leader of the KillSpills campaign, said “This is a fantastic outcome and another step closer to ridding the roads of diesel contamination. It is only through the long-term help of the BMF and more recently the IAM, plus the support of our dedicated volunteers, that we have been able to get this far.”
For the BMF Foundation, Peter Laidlaw said: “The BMF Foundation was founded to support safety related projects in the interest of motorcycling and what could be better than this?”
Tom Wheatcroft - Obituary
24 November 2009
Tom Wheatcroft, the man who revived Donington Park as a motorsport venue died on 31 October, following a long illness.
A lifelong motor racing enthusiast, he was a regular spectator at the pre-war Donington circuit and after making his fortune in the construction and property industry, he acquired the park in 1971 and set about returning it to its former glory. The circuit had closed in 1939 and was used by the Ministry of Defence during WWII, after which it was not fit for racing. He established his racing car collection on the campus, where it still resides, and on 27 May 1977, racing returned in anger, albeit with many facilities still to be built. In 1985 the addition of the Melbourne Loop, increased the circuit length to 2.5 miles, making it eligible for the motorcycle GP series, which was held for the first time there just two years later.
He passed away peacefully at home with his family.
Bristol’s round the corner
24 November 2009
Despite the long build-up, Christmas and the New Year celebrations are over in no time and we’re left staring at the bleak, grey days which are January and February. Fret not though because there is a little light within those short days and that is the 30th Carole Nash Bristol Show, at the Shepton Mallet Showground, over the weekend of 20-21 February. Open from 10am to 5pm both days, entry is £9.50, old £7.50 and young £3.50.
Once that’s out of the way it’s head down all the way to the big one – The 30th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, at Stafford, over 24-25 April – and then it’s summer time!
For motorsport fans everywhere and fresh from his first Formula One World Drivers’ Championship, the story that everyone has been waiting for is finally here in a quality ‘bookazine’ format… Just Jenson.
Charting Jenson Button’s life story from the tough and unforgiving circuits of the karting world to his defining moment this season when he took the crown as Formula 1 World Champion, Just Jenson is the perfect companion to the motor sport racing year.
This insightful and appropriate tribute to Jenson Button is brought to you by renowned magazine publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd. Written by David Addison, motorsport journalist and commentator with Bob Constanduros, F1 fanatic and auto correspondent; they have brought a wealth of knowledge to the title.
Jenson’s career has had many highs and lows, having been fighting for the F1 championship for 10 years, but through it all, and in particular through the adversity, sheer graft has seen fortune favour, particularly in 2009. His decision to stick with his former BAR Honda Team principal Ross Brawn in a new team paid off, wrapping up the title with even a race to spare. Just Jenson encapsulates all of this magic and much more within its 132 pages.
Editor, David Addison said: “Jenson Button’s season has been quite extraordinary after a disappointing few. To be staring the end of his career in the face last December to being World Champion in less than 11 months is unprecedented in Formula 1 and is a story worth telling. The Button tale is one of successes and disappointments, but culminates with biggest high of them all, all of which are featured within this bookazine.”
For every motorsport fan, this will be the must-have read of the year and will be on sale at WHSmith across the country from 24 November priced £6.99 or can be brought direct from Mortons Media Group Ltd on 01507 529529 and by visiting www.mortonsbooks.co.uk.
The Marconi Bike Only Jumble on Sunday November 29th has been established in Chelmsford, Essex, ( Sat Nav: CM2 9RX ) for over 20 years with a long tradition of having a club atmosphere amongst friends. Both inside and outside pitches & stalls have in the past displayed the unusual. This time we have a Book Signing by celebrated author Reg Everett with his latest book “ From Rocker to Racer” accompanied by friend & fellow author, Mike Walker.
Come along and dig amongst a display of Literature, New & Used British & Japanese Bike Parts, Restoration Projects, Polishing / Plating Equipment, Carburettor/ Ally Parts Ultrasonic Cleaning Services, New & Used Tools, Nuts, Bolts & Fixings, Decal Transfers, Garage Clearouts & much more besides. For full details with directions please visit our website at: www.woodclass.com
Olga Kevelos - Obituary
16 November 2009
Olga Kevelos, the lady who first put femininity into competition motorcycling, died last week. She was 88.
A charismatic and accomplished competitor who rode 18 SSDTs and numerous ISDTs in the late 40s through to the early 60s was an extremely well known face throughout Europe.
Even the publicity conscious CZ factory once invited her over for intensive training just so they could give her one of their bikes to ride after she had won her second ISDT gold medal.
The daughter of a Greek restaurateur in Cannon Street, Birmingham – which quickly became a second home for postwar trials riders – was a renowned story teller who, in later years became president of the Birmingham Motorcycle Club and was heavily involved in running the British Experts trial.
She was also a TV personality, featuring twice on Mastermind and on a documentary on her wartime life of moving prefabricated houses on massive barges up the Grand Union canal.
Until six years ago she was the entertaining publican at the Three Tuns, at Kings Sutton, nr Banbury, the village where her funeral was to be.
Mortons Acquire Classic American Magazine
12 November 2009
Lincolnshire publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd have purchased Classic American magazine from the Trader Media Group. The magazine is the market-leading title for all things relating to classic American cars.
Mortons are one of the largest family-owned independent publishing companies in the UK with a portfolio of magazine titles of a similar size to Classic American. They are probably most famous for their classic motorcycle titles, including Classic Bike Guide, a former stable mate of Classic American when both titles were owned by Myatt-Macfarlane Publishing. Their expertise is very much in publishing specialist titles and most recently they acquired Kitchen Garden magazine, the UK’s leading title for those who grow their own produce.
Managing Director of Mortons Media Group Ltd Brian Hill commented: ‘We are delighted to be taking on Classic American. It is well placed to sit alongside our growing portfolio of specialist heritage transport titles and we have exciting plans to maintain the title at the forefront of the classic American car scene.’
Editor Ben Klemenzson will be staying with the title which will be published from Morton’s centre of operations in Horncastle. Ben commented ‘The move to Mortons can only be good news and I’m looking forward to the next successful chapter in the Classic American story with our loyal readers, subscribers and advertisers’.
The famous Neutkens collection offered by UK auction house.
Bonhams has announced it will be handling the dispersal sale of the Willy Neutkens Collection of BMW Motorcycles, which will be held at the BMW Museum in Munich on 28 November 2009.
Legendary BMW Willy Neutkens, who died last year, amassed an astonishing collection of the Bavarian marque’s motorcycles in a career spanning several decades, earning him an entry in the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 for owning the most examples of a single make. His collection consists of almost every model built since BMW commenced motorcycle production in 1923.
Once he had handed over to his son the day-to-day running of the family business, MotoPort Neutkens, Willy was able to devote himself full-time to his collection, scouring the world looking for rare BMW models and missing components.
Every motorcycle in the collection has been painstakingly and lovingly restored by
Willy with the help of BMW,
which gave him access to its archives in Munich.
By the time BMW Netherlands organised an exhibition of the Neutkens Collection in 1998 to mark BMW’s 75th anniversary as a motorcycle manufacturer, it comprised some 73 motorcycles; by the turn of the century, this had grown to more than 100, almost all of which will
be offered for sale by Bonhams
in November.
Romsey in Hampshire will pay host to the 8th Annual Boxing Day Classic Car and Bike Meet. The aim, as always, is for the event to be a fun get together for classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts. It’s a free event for both classic vehicle owners and public alike, all that is asked is people give whatever they can to the organiser’s chosen charity: The prostate cancer charity.
In 2008 there were approximately 500 cars, 250 motorcycles and around 2000 members of the public, no mean feat for the middle of winter. The event is open to pre-1973 European classics, commercials and motorcycles and all American cars and hot-rods.
It takes place in Romsey
Town Centre in Aldi, Crosfield Hall and Broadwater Road Car Parks. Action commences at 9am and folds upat around 1pm. More
information on www.romsey-classiccarandbikemeet.co.uk
London Model Engineering Exhibition
12 November 2009
The annual London Model Engineering Exhibition returns to Alexandra Palace over 22-24 January 2010 and organisers promise ‘an Aladdin’s cave of specialist equipment’.
Over 60 suppliers of machinery, kits, components and tools will be in attendance with ranges rarely seen on the high street.
The exhibition offers all sorts of refurbishment tools including
taps and dies, lathes, milling machines, slip rolls, folders and grinding machines.
Mortons Archive - Motorcycle card collections announced
9 November 2009
Sourced from the massive 4-million photo archive at Mortons, we have put together a collection of greeting cards that inspire motorcyclists and brings back fond memories from the past.
Each pack is themed, and the images carefully selected from our archive to capture the essence of motorcycling past and present. These cards are professionally produced on a digital press for a stunning high quality card print.
The cards are blank inside with a caption printed on the back - and a list of captions for each set can be found on the Old Bike Shop site.
Present in a pack of 4, the cards are A5 on high quality card and thick, white envelopes.
The original images used on these cards are also available in print format from www.mortonsarchive.com
Classic Motorcycle Mechanics needs a new editor
4 November 2009
We are looking for an experienced journalist with an encyclopedic knowledge of Japanese motorcycles, an enthusiasm for taking them to bits and the organisational skills of a military planner to turn Classic Motorcycle Mechanics into the best bike magazine on the planet.
This is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of the Japanese classics scene, to find and ride the best examples of the bikes that matter to Britain’s fastest growing biking sector.
The job will include:
Being the creative powerhouse behind the magazine and teasing brilliant ideas from freelance writers
Planning, commissioning and managing each issue
Managing a team of freelance feature writers
Briefing writers with a detailed summary of what’s needed, deadlines, word count and fees
Editing features to the required standard – this may include sending work back to the writer with queries or a request for a rewrite
Having a clear vision for magazine’s design
Proofreading all pages before going to press
Maintaining and raising the profile of the magazine
Networking with others in the industry
Attending and organising photo shoots.
The successful applicant will ideally have a strong track record in journalism, backed up with the proven ability to adhere to deadlines.
If this is you, please send a CV, a detailed description (in no more than 500 words) of who you think the typical mechanics reader is and a list of contents for your first issue as editor to…
Ref ED19
Staff Recruitment, Mortons Media Group, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6JR
The closing date for applicants is 30th November 2009.
Miller’s new exhibits
28 October 2009
The Sammy Miller Museum has just received on loan from Dieter Mutschler this wonderful 1000cc Neander. This rare German machine has a 1000cc V-twin JAP engine. The Neander was the creation of multi talented Ernst Neumann, who was born in the Prussian city of Kassel – also birth place of the Brothers Grimm – in 1871. A natural inventor, Neumann built prototype tricycles powered by steam and internal combustion engines before embarking on a career as a commercial artist in Munich and then Paris, where he designed his first motorcycle for the Griffon Company. Returning to Germany, Neumann adopted the nomme de plume ‘Neander’, styling motor cars in Berlin before embarking on his career as a motorcycle manufacturer in the early 1920s. Neander Motorfahrzeug GmbH became a casualty of the worldwide economic downturn at the end of the 1920s.
The second new exhibit, belonging to the Museum Trust, is a 21⁄2hp two-stroke 1922 Ladies Model Radco. This model has an open frame mount and adequate dress guards, a neat design of frame and by inclining the engine it is kept well out of the way of the rider’s skirts without being inaccessible. A metal shield extends downward from the tank in the rear of the engine, and both belt and primary chain are similarly adequately protected. A Burman lightweight gearbox is fitted.
Ajay centenary
28 October 2009
Saturday 14 November marks the centenary of the formation of AJS Motor Cycles in Wolverhampton in 1909.
During a recent guided heritage tour of surviving factory buildings from Wolverhampton’s early motor manufacturing era, many of those attending asked if anything was planned to commemorate the occasion.
In the apparent absence of anything else a few enthusiasts intend to gather at the surviving AJS Retreat Street works in Wolverhampton – the original home of the fledgling company and the site where their 1914 TT winning bikes were produced.
Bikes of any age are welcome from 10am onwards, especially British vintage and classic machines. Retreat Street is just off the A449 Penn Road heading into Wolverhampton from Stourbridge and Kidderminster. It is on the left, almost immediately before the A449 joins the city’s ring road, and near a drive-through McDonald’s restaurant.
Organisers at www.sunbeamsidevalve.com would be pleased to hear if you intend to bring an interesting bike along – especially AJS machines of any age. Contact details on the website.
Stafford a success
28 October 2009
Motorcycle race ace Freddie Spencer enjoyed a starring role at the record-breaking 16th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show, at Stafford over 17/18 October, while Paul Scanlon (left, with wife Allyson) claimed the Best in Show prize with his superb 1968 Kawasaki W2SS.
The sun shone as more than 30,000 visitors – a new record attendance for this October event – thronged Stafford County Showground, feasting their eyes on an array of classic motorcycles. The VJMC took home the best club stand prize of £1000 for their imaginative ‘Pirate’ themed stand. There’ll be a full report and pictures in next month’s Classic Motorcycle magazine.
In its detailed submission of evidence to the Transport Select Committee on the introduction of the new European motorcycle test, the BMF say that with fewer people now taking their test than at any time in the past five years, the Driving Standards Agency’s interpretation and implementation of the test Directive has been a disaster for British motorcycling.
With training schools reporting downturns in business and income dropping by a third (and winter still to come), many businesses will not survive the additional seasonal drop in business, trained professionals will find themselves unemployed and many of these small businesses will go to the wall.
The inadequate provision of the new Multi-Purpose Test Centres (MPTCs) now required for testing has also meant that even if they fail their test, some trainees literally face a 220 mile round trip for a Module One motorcycle test. Riding such distances when a rider is deemed not up to standard makes a mockery of the test.
The test’s content also comes in for criticism from the BMF because of the way that the DSA have implemented the swerve and brake manoeuvres as a swerve and then a controlled stop as one manoeuvre. They point out that the directive does not specify that these have to be tested as one manoeuvre, simply that an obstacle has to be avoided at 50kph and braking should be from 50kph. By combining braking and swerving the DSA have exceeded the EU Directive’s requirements and made it a more difficult and hazardous manoeuvre, so much so that several learners have crashed trying to complete the sequence.
The DSA also decided to introduce specific distances and dimensions for the manoeuvre whereas the directive does not specify any minimum elements, except for that of speed.
On the speed issue, the BMF maintains that not enough was done by the UK government to allow a derogation. Sticking rigidly to a 50kph speed requirement (31mph) means that the braking test can no longer be carried out on UK roads as speed limits would be exceeded. A derogation allowing braking from 30mph (48kph) would have meant that many of the manoeuvres now requiring special areas could have been part of the on-road test. The BMF also point out that the motorcycle test now includes at least four low speed manoeuvres as opposed to the two mandated by the Directive.
The BMF is also critical of a system whereby DSA examiners make no allowances for low-powered machines struggling to reach the required speed in
the distance specified, or for any adverse weather conditions. Manoeuvring areas are rigidly adhered to even though advice on riding and driving in adverse weather conditions recommends allowing a greater stopping distance says the BMF. (NB: Prior to the new test, emergency braking tests conducted on UK roads had no specific stopping distance).
Extra test requirements, such as that of executing a figure-of-eight manoeuvre, are of dubious benefit, as they take valuable training time away from learning how to interact with traffic.
On the provision of the MPTCs now required, the BMF reiterate that it has always maintained that provision
would be inadequate. For example, if a learner from say the small town of Portree, in Scotland, needed to take their test, the nearest centre is 110 miles away in Inverness, a round-trip of some 220 miles! In Wales someone from Aberystwyth
would need to ride 70 miles to Swansea
or a learner from Kendal would face a 55-mile ride to Blackburn. If on the other hand, they were to be learner car drivers,
all of them could take a car test in their home town!
The BMF has been campaigning on this issue for eight years and it appears that everything prophesied has come true.
OBITUARY – Harry Whitehouse
23 October 2009
Harry Whitehouse was one of the most helpful yet modest men you could meet. He was a prolific sponsor of historic racing, and the late Doug Jones won several Vintage MCC championships on Harry’s bikes.
He served in the Royal Engineers during WWII, joining Onions Ltd, manufacturers of heavy plant and machinery, on cessation of hostilities. He started Midlands Earth Moving in 1959, based in Dudley, West Mids, paying for supplies up front because most people didn’t give contractors credit. Then Morris Lubricants offered him a proper business account and from that day, as his business expanded, he only used their products in all his plant machinery, his own cars and his racing bikes; that was typical Harry, faithful to his friends.
He had a lifelong love of Norton, though he also had competition machines from Royal Enfield, Yamaha, Honda, Triumph and AJS. As he became more prosperous he would pick up old race bikes that were beyond a competitive life. The collection was eventually to include such Norton gems as the Frank Cope factory 250, the Tony Norris FAN and the Norris Special, plus an ex-Rudi Allison works outside flywheel Manx that the South African
rode to a top six TT finish. When his son David was 21, Harry bought him a Velocette Mark 8 KTT to ride; it’s still in the family collection.
For many years he was behind Doug Jones’s success in Historic Racing, that partnership ending when Doug suddenly passed away. Though it’s fair to say that Doug’s death knocked the stuffing out of him, Harry continued to help others such as Phil Jobborn, Stuart Tonge and Mike Russell, as well as supplying Manx Nortons for guests at the Goodwood Revival to ride, including Stan Woods and ex-Ferrari Formula One driver Gerhard Berger.
Born in 1921, he handed in his final paddock pass on 7 August, a month after his 88th birthday. His funeral took place at Gornal Wood Crematorium, attended by many. He leaves a wife, daughter, son and two grandchildren. Everyone who met this quietly spoken man will know that the sport has lost one of the best.
Jim Reynolds
SYDNEY TO LONDON MOPED
23 October 2009
Mansfield, Notts based Nathan Millward has undertaken a 23,000 mile trip on a 100cc moped he calls Dorothy.
Normally used for mail deliveries in Brisbane, the semi auto scooter – already with 25,000 miles on board and ready for pensioning off – was deemed as ideal to get back to Blighty.
Nathan said: “I was in Oz chasing a woman I’d met speed dating the year before when immigration reckoned I’d been there long enough, so seeing as I’m scared of flying, I packed and planned in two days and hit the road.”
Nathan and Dorothy crossed 18 countries, took a clobbering from an Indonesian bus, travelled in vegetable boats, almost froze on the Himalayan climbs, slept in hedge bottoms and rode 14 hours a day at no more than 35mph. The trip is to be compiled in book form, which it is hoped will clear the £8000 debt run up and raise some profit for Comic Relief. For further details of the trip see www.thepostman.org.uk
STAFFORD BREAKS ALL RECORDS
20 October 2009
Freddie Spencer wows the huge crowds - in conversation with resident compere Dave Craggs
Motorcycle race ace Freddie Spencer enjoyed a starring role at the record-breaking 16th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show.
The sun shone as more than 30,000 visitors thronged Stafford County Showground, feasting their eyes on an array of 70s and 80s classic motorcycle machinery.
A racing legend, Spencer began his career at the age of four, winning three Grand Prix Championships. His trip to Stafford brought the crowds in their masses creating a new record attendance for this October event. Wowing fans with his tales of podium finishes and racing rivalry with a litany of stars, he gave show-goers a weekend they will never forget.
For the first time at this show, ‘ride-outs’ were the order of the day, as top manufacturer Triumph offered the enthusiastic crowd the opportunity to go for test ride and sample their range of motorcycles.
The Classic Racer Grand Prix Paddock hummed to the sound of vintage and classic race bikes, as they revved to the delight of the crowd. Also a key part of the paddock was the eclectic mix of club and trade stands which provided the spectacularly authentic road race atmosphere.
Another of the event’s highlights was the sought-after ‘best in show’ trophies, with once more the VJMC taking home the best club stand prize of £1000 for their imaginative ‘Pirate’ themed stand. Meanwhile Paul Scanlon also from the VJMC was the proud winner of the ‘Best in Show’ for his Kawasaki W2SS.
Classic Motorcycle Mechanics editor, John Carroll said: "The variety of bikes at the 16th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show was incredible and the standard of restoration is reaching ever higher standards which made the judging hard than ever. Everything from restored 70s Yamahas FS1E mopeds to Kawasaki Z900s was there to be seen while for those looking for a winter project there was no shortage of bikes for sale in the autojumble and some of those bargains will no doubt be restored in time for next year's Classic Mechanics Magazine show."
Guest of honour Freddie Spencer recounts racing tales to a captive show audience
One of Europe's leading oil companies has enlisted the support of its local MP to fight a punitive tenfold increase in packaging waste tax that will have a big impact on the business.
Morris Lubricants, who employ 130 people in Shrewsbury, is set to see its bill for producing steel, wood and plastic waste rise from £5000 in 2008 to £35,000 this year and £60,000 in 2010. The levy per tonne of steel has risen from £9.70 to £97 in just over a year.
The company, which is calling on the Government to have a rethink, says the tenfold increase is totally unreasonable at a time when the country is still in the grip of recession.
MotorbikeBuddy.com continues to grow
20 October 2009
The free social network website for motorcyclists all over the globe, www.motorbikebuddy.com, has been growing at such a rate that it has outgrown its website capability. The website that launched only 12 months ago has attracted members from all over the world including, UK, USA, Canada, South Africa
and Australia.
They are now redesigning their website to cope with increasing demand, and the new website will have new features including one that will enable members to find like-minded bikers living near to them, a list of biker-friendly hotels and a function that will allow members to advertise their motorbikes for free.
History made
09 October 2009
Exactly 20 years on from females being allowed in the Manx Grand Prix 37-year-old Caroline Sells made history by being the first female solo racer to stand on the top step of the TT Mountain Course podium when she won the Tower Insurance Ultra Lightweight on a 400 Yamaha.
By lap two of the four lap race Sells looked set for a podium, in a safe third place, and with a non-stop strategy she took the lead on the third lap and was never headed. In fact her winning margin of over a minute would have allowed her to pit for a splash of fuel and still take victory.
Putting something back
09 October 2009
The oft criticised ACU, governing body of motorcycle sport in the UK has a little recognised benevolent side to it.
The ACU Benevolent Fund, which is a registered charity and run by a committee of trustees, does much behind the scenes work to assist past and present ACU members (riders) and their families.
This help is also available to ACU officials, without whom there would be no sport, and their dependants. Obviously the work that the fund carries out has to be totally confidential, which is one reason so little is heard about it.
The sale of TT Badges is the fund's main source of income, along with donations and bequests from ACU centres, clubs and individuals. However, in difficult financial times the fund needs help. Up to the end of June 2009 it had received a generous £16308 in donations, but the grants paid out amounted to £27025!
You can help the fund, and with it the riders who have given you so much pleasure, by purchasing a TT badge, at just £2.50 or one of the limited edition prints of Mike Hailwood riding the Honda 6 in the 1967 Junior TT for £50 (including delivery). Both of these are available from the ACU Benevolent Fund, Wood Street, Rugby, Warks CV21 2YX
IHRO 2010 changes
09 October 2009
There are to be two new classes introduced the IHRO for the new season, IHRO 1 and IHRO 2.
IHRO 1 will accommodate single cylinder machines and will not have any rule changes from those currently in force. They will also have the current capacity class awards for 250, 350 and 500 machines. It is hoped that this will fill grids.
As some riders with two single cylinder machines will potentially loose a ride IHRO 2 will allow all IHRO 1 machines to compete as well. It is also hoped that riders who have stopped using their single because of the multi-cylinder domination will return.
IHRO 2 will be for multi-cylinder machines and will be opened up to allow any 500cc Grand Prix machine up to 1972. Until this class is established, there will be only one set of awards, with no different capacity classes. This class allows in two stroke twins and multis, but only GP machines or faithful replicas and is limited to air-cooled, twin shock, drum braked machines only. Exceptions such as the Konig, which was running in GP’s during the period, will be allowed.
The class is likely to see the Paton, Honda 450, in any chassis used in a GP or a accurate copy of, MV 3/4 cylinder replicas, and Yamaha TR2, TR3, pitched against TR500 Suzukis, and Kawasaki 500 3 cylinder machines.
Jeff Clew 1928-2009
1 October 2009
Author and enthusiast Jeff Clew passed away on Thursday 20 August 2009, aged 81.
Originally from the south-east, in his early career Jeff handled technical writing and publicity for an instrument manufacturing company, before joining the Sparkford-based Haynes organisation in 1972, rising to executive editorial director by his retirement in 1991. At Haynes he oversaw the launch of its famous motorcycle manuals and commissioned many books for the company.
Jeff was an established author in his own right, with an impressive track record of biographies, marque histories and restoration books to his name – indeed, he was awarded the prestigious Montagu Trophy in 1985.
Jeff’s motorcycling began in 1946 with a 1930 Velocette GTP, which was followed by nearly 60 motorcycles of all types. An early attendance at a race meeting sowed the seeds of a competition career and he began vintage racing on a 1927 flat tank Norton in 1951. His motorcycle sport spanned more than road racing though and he was active in many disciplines especially grass track and sprinting.
Jeff remained an active club man long after his competing days were over, being at various times Pioneer Machine Registrar for the Sunbeam MCC, former president of the Association of Pioneer Motorcyclists and founder member of the Surrey and Sussex section of the Vintage MCC. A life member of the London Douglas MCC and the Kickstart Club of Torbay, Jeff was also a member of the LE Velo Club. He was also chief judge at the Bristol Classic Show for many years.
He is survived by wife Audrey and daughters Pippa and Ali, to whom we offer our condolences. Should anyone like to send a card, message or a donation to the Queen Camel Health Centre in Yeovil then please send them to us and we’ll forward them on.
OBITUARY – ALLAN NASH
22 September 2009
Allan Nash, one of the founding fathers of British sprinting, died on 25 August. He was the sport’s premier timekeeper for many years, the bearded, stocky man in the background of many pictures. When Alf Hagon took the British standing start times below ten seconds for the first time, at Duxford airfield in 1967, it was Allan in charge of the clocks. When the American drag racers came across the Atlantic, he’d be there too. Likewise when this naïve fool of an organiser wanted to give World Record contenders their quarter-mile times split to every 110 yards, at a sprint before the official meeting, it was Allan who worked out how to do it on Fulbeck airfield in Lincolnshire.
He was unflappable, and could handle the all day job of timing more than 200 bikes in the golden days of sprinting, as well as checking that the runway was clear and contributing to crowd control. At one busy Duxford meeting the spectators were encroaching on the runway and ignoring PA appeals to move back; Allan had a word with Bill Bragg, who lined up his 650 Triumph sidecar at an angle and blasted off in a wide sweep that took him to the very edge of the Tarmac. The spectators stayed where they should after that.
His time keeping work included the Bruce Main-Smith race tests of Motor Cycling including the 500cc DMW at Silverstone. The bike used two of the company’s successful 250cc single cylinder Villiers Starmaker engines linked at the crankshaft. Main-Smith told factory boss Harold Nock that it was the worst bike he’d ever ridden. Nock’s reply was that if he wrote a word, he’d be sued.
Allan raced his Vincent – Steib roadster outfit in his younger days, but when he and son Graham developed their own NCK Racing business in Coventry, specialising in big drag bikes, he made a racing comeback on a 1340cc Pro Stock GSX Suzuki, painted to match his distinctive green leathers. Known all over Europe as Grandad Nash, his famous beard now showing grey streaks, he was a popular figure, capable of nine-second runs and beating many years his junior. Only when the business grew to become part of the TVR car empire did pressure on time stop him competing.
Sprinting has lost one of its leading lights, a man who contributed much more than he ever spoke of. He leaves a widow, Wendy, son and two daughters.
Jim Reynolds
BRITBITS AT 50
22 September 2009
Leaving a secure job to go it alone is always a big step, but that’s just what Ray Fisher did in 1959, turning his back on dealers Grays and Craze Brothers to set himself up in Barrack Road, Christchurch, on 7 September undertaking repairs and servicing, selling a few spares and the odd second-hand machine. Over the next few years he grew the business, expanded into two adjoining properties, became a multi franchised dealer, first with BSA and Triumph, then Honda and Suzuki and pioneered the ‘separate’ shop for motorcycle clothing. Recognising the imminent growth of the classic scene, he devoted six days per week to the business and built up a comprehensive spares department, buying up stock from other dealerships as they turned away from British iron. Eventually, this took over the business and clothing and motorcycle sales were sold off to concentrate on post war British bike spares. The rest, as is said, is history.
On Sunday 6 September, the Bournemouth and New Forest Section VMCC arranged the Ray Fisher Celebration Run in celebration. It may say Britbits over the door but to thousands of satisfied customers, it’s just Ray’s.
ANOTHER KNOCK OUT NETLEY!
17 September 2009
With the sun shining down, the 16th Carole Nash Eurojumble held at Netley Marsh over the 11-12 September was once more a huge success for the Classic Bike Show Team with record crowds filing in to take part in the well-established jumble event.
Motorcyclists from all over Europe travelled to the New Forest to find that elusive bargain. With attendance up by 12 per cent Exhibition Manager Nick Mowbray had reason to celebrate. Nick said: “We are incredibly happy that the 16th Carole Nash Eurojumble was such a success for traders and visitors alike. The standard and amount of classic bike parts for sale reached a new high, including one bike which sold for £11,000 just on set-up day. We look forward to seeing how the show now develops in 2010.”
The Eurojumble, as usual, attracted an impressive display of motorcycles from both classic clubs and private entries. This year the competitive Best Club Award was won by Suzuki Katana, while other highly coveted prizes, such as The Classic Motorcycle award was presented to Sid Wilkinson, for his impressive 1925 Matador, while the Classic Bike Guide award went to Ian Thorougood for his 1960 Bonneville, for the best motorcycle from 1951-1960.
Bookings are already flooding in for next year’s event and with trade plots from a bargain price of only £50, The 17th Carole Nash Eurojumble promises to be even bigger and better.
Future Shows
The 16th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show at The Stafford County Showground 17 – 18 October 2009
The 30th Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle show at Bath & West Showground 20 – 21 February 2010
The 30th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle show at The Stafford County Showground 24 – 25 April 2010
The 17th Carole Nash Eurojumble at Netley Marsh, Near Southampton, 10 – 11 September 2010
Pre-order hotline on 01507 529529 or book online at www.classicbikeshows.com to receive a great discount off the advertised price of tickets.
For more information on stand space please contact the Classic Bike Shows team on 01507 529430 or email info@classicbikeshows.com
Be adventurous in 2010
3 September 2009
Following on from the success of the first motorcycle tour permitted into Tibet since the border was reopened (on Royal Enfields), H-C Travel has launched four more adventure tours for motorcyclists for 2010.
There are two new tours to Thailand and Laos this winter, adding to the H-C Travel’s long-established off-road adventures. First up, a one-week road tour on 400cc supermotards, plus there is a new light adventure tour to Laos, keeping to roads wherever possible and using enduro bikes.
After a two-year break, H-C Travel is also returning to Peru, re-launching the Inca Adventure tour, a mix of desert, mountains, cloud forest, Inca civilisation (Nazca, Macchu Picchu) and that unmistakable Latin American vibe. “We will be running 10- and 13-day tours twice a year, in May and September, with other dates available for custom or club tours throughout the season”, says David Grist, Director of H-C Travel.
“However, if Asia and South America don’t entice you, we have revamped and expanded our self-guided tour programme in Australia, and have been delighted with the increasing popularity of South Africa. And finally, we are delighted to report that our Ted Simon, ‘Ride with a Legend’ tour of New Zealand in January 2010 is a sell out.”
For details of all H-C Travel’s tours worldwide visit www.hctravel.com or call 01256 770775.
IN STOCK NOW: Encyclopaedia of Classic Motorcycles
2 September 2009
Highly detailed hardbacked book covering over 850 classic marques, in a clear A-Z format
• 420-page book
• Hardback with dust cover
• Size: 12" x 10"
• Over 850 marques covered
• Limited print run Order on-line today>>
This book is the culmination of hours of painstaking work by author Richard Rosenthal who has, over a number of years, developed a passion for old motorcycles.
The Encyclopaedia of Classic Motorcycles will become the definitive guide to classic motorcycles, from the very earliest attempts to motorise pedal cycles to the latest technology seen in more modern-day machinery.
It lists in alphabetical order all the machines you are ever likely to see from the dawn of two-wheeled power right up to the mid 1980’s.
Due to massive number of enquiries we are now pleased to announce the next in our scrapbook series: BSA.
• On sale now >>
Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) was the largest motorcycle maker in the world. The firm enjoyed a reputation for building quality, affordable machines, aimed at riders of all types, from the commuter to the sportsman. BSA was a byword for good, honest motorcycles, for generations of riders.
Favoured by everyone from the Post Office to international motocross riders, BSA manufactured a wide range of machines to suit all needs, from Bantams to Gold Stars, from ‘Round Tanks’ to Road Rockets – this appealing diversity will be celebrated in the second of The Scrapbook Series, in stock now.
Harley hits the skids
24 August 2009
Ironically, as we feature the superb Crossbones model, Harley Davidson announce they are closing down production of their Sportster and V-Rod models for 14 weeks, from the middle of September. Likewise all other model production will cease for a minimum of five weeks. This move follows a 91 per cent dive in net profits for the second quarter of this financial year.
Apart from a 27.6 per cent reduction in shipment of machines to dealers, the Harley Davidson Financial Services – the in house finance arm – has run into serious trouble to the tune of tens of millions of pounds.
World-wide sales were down over 30 per cent, falling over 35 per cent in the US domestic market and 18 per cent internationally. For the first six months of the year, revenue was down by more than 15 per cent, to £1.49 billion, with a net profit slump of 65.6 per cent to £83.7million. Harley have reduced their planned shipments from 25 per cent to 30 per cent. 700 production workers and 300 white collars will be made redundant and the factory in York, Pennsylvania, is to close. International cost cutting exercises including pulling the plug on the NEC Show in November.
675 keeps on winning
24 August 2009
Triumph’s nimble 675cc Daytona triple has taken the prestigious Supertest King of Supersports award for an unprecedented fourth year running. The world’s leading modern motorcycle magazines, send their top riders to the Almeria race track, in Spain, for a back to back test of the current crop of machines all on a standard specification tyre. It defeated all its Japanese rivals in all its tasks. In addition, after a gruelling 2000 mile test in the Isle of Man, the 675 was judged to be superior to offerings from Aprilia, KTM and Yamaha. Of the machines, it was the one which the testers reckoned they would actually buy and was awarded sports bike of the year.
Norton Day – dirt section
19 August 2009
Norton may not be the name you first think of when seeking out off-roaders but the marque has an excellent pedigree in all areas of dirt sport and it was much in evidence during Norton Day at Donington Park in June. Naturally enough the 500T trials model has a load of wins at all levels from club to national and international trials. Top all-rounder Ron Langston had one of his 500Ts on display – incidentally the first bike he ever rode.
Do you remember the feature we did on Les Archer’s Manx Norton based scrambler in CDB 10? Of course you do and it’s a fascinating bike. Les was kind enough to put up with a load of questioning as we put the feature together and it was a pleasure to meet up with him during Norton Day, where he was reunited with his massive Manx and there were audible gasps, to the effect of ‘someone scrambled that?, from those inspecting it. One other area of outstanding Norton excellence has been in sidecar MX with the Commando engine showing conduct above and beyond the call of duty.
We caught Neil Shoosmith’s ex- John Elliot outfit ‘resting’ near the NOC club stand.
Dakar on a Bulto
19 August 2009
Chance conversations play a major part in the gathering of news in our off-road world and such a chance conversation arose on our press day when CDB contributor Carlos Bosch mentioned someone who was drumming up support for an attempt at the Dakar-Chile-Argentina Rally – on a Classic Bultaco.
Madness you may think, except the rider Ignacio Chivite has already successfully finished the Classic class of the Paris Dakar in 2008 and several other long distance Dakar style rallies too.
Using a 1977 Bultaco Pursang as the basis for his machine, Ignacio and his team – all of them experienced motocross, enduro and rally raid riders and competitors – have built a superb looking bike that has already proved it’s strong enough for the task.
Other information is sketchy at the moment, as the words came over in Spanish, the editorial department is light on fluent Spanish speakers, and there wasn’t enough time to find someone to translate it to get all the relevant information.
However, as soon as Ignacio responds to us we’ll do a bigger piece. But if you want to support this intrepid chap then let us know and we’ll put you all in touch.
‘GET SKILLED’ – WIN AN ADVANCED RIDING COURSE PLACE
23 July 2009
Motorcyclists who test out their riding knowledge on a new online portal could win the chance to upgrade their skills with a four-day advanced riding course.
Motorcycle Sport and Leisure has teamed up with Road Safety Scotland and Safer Scotland to offer one rider and two friends places on the course run by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
To enter, riders just need to visit the new portal at www.dontriskit.info/motorbikes and answer the competition question.
The portal is a one-stop shop for all things motorcycling-related and offers expert tips on upgrading riding skills and road safety knowledge as well as links to the latest news from the biking community, motorcycle associations and touring information.
The advanced riding course will put the winning rider and two friends through the ultimate motorcycling test, and also equip them with additional knowledge to help reduce the risk of being involved in an accident, injury or bike damage.
Riders who undertake the course may be put forward for the RoSPA Advanced Test and may emerge as advanced motorcyclists. The test is recognised by EDEXCEL as a prior achievement in applying for a BTEC award.
Closing date for entries is on the 13th January 2010, and winners will be notified shortly after.
Bonhams the torque of the town with £1. 4m motorcycle sale
26 May 2009
There was plenty to get revved up about with over 90 per cent of lots sold at Bonhams’ Sale of Pioneer, Vintage and Collectors' Motorcycles at The 29th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show on Sunday 26 April 26th in Stafford.
As well as the sheer quantity – some 385 successful sales – there were also some hefty bids. Top price went to a 1957 Gilera 500cc replica, going down at an impressive £76,300. Other significant success included a £30,475 1934 Brough Superior and a £47,000 1951 Vincent that smashed its upper estimate by no less than £17,000.
Caistor, Lincs, based VMCC stalwart, Charlie Balmforth – well known at Founder’s Day and other vintage gatherings for his antics aboard his combinations, ably mastered despite his lack of one arm – sent a good number of said combinations through the sale, all of which sold well. For example, his 1919 AJS 748cc V twin Model D, going under the gavel for £14,950. His 1924 798cc Model 13 Raleigh combo’ made £13,800 but star turn was his lovely 1941 1200cc Indian Chief Model 344 which topped out at £19,550 – all plus buyer’s commission and vat of course. Add to that a few tasty solos, like a 1936 Rudge Ulster and a 1963 Venom and Charlie went home with a tidy six figure sum.
Ben Walker, Head of the Motorcycle Department for the company said: “I’m thrilled with the results of the sale. The motorcycle market is more than holding its own. This was a great sale which showed just how much interest there is in classic bikes.”
Pope and Browning are Kings of the Hill
26 May 2009
Carl Pope fired his 600cc Cheney BSA up the Red Marley Hill in fastest time of the day – 19.56s – to win the Silver Helmet and set a new hill record. The Freak Hill Climb weekend kicked off with a pre 65 trial on Easter Sunday 12 April but the main action began the day after as the likes of Arthur Browning (500cc Jawa Metisse), Piers Dowell (600cc Cheney BSA), Pope and Terry Challinor (650cc Triumph Metisse) slugged it out for supremacy. At the top of the final climb, just one second separated all four, with Browning taking the overall win and the £500. Will Priestley took his 1948 Norton to a 25.52s win in the Pre 50 rigid class, Tim Dallaway won the pre 73 to 350cc class in 21.56s on his 350cc BSA. Piers Dowell took his Cheney BSA to the top of the pre 71 over 350cc class, in 19.59s.
Motorcyclists urged to be more vigilant of potholes
8 April 2009
Safety organisation TyreSafe is advising motorcyclists to stay aware of potholes in the road in order to avoid accidents caused by sudden loss of control
Motorcyclists are being urged to be particularly vigilant of potholes this spring as the country’s road surfaces suffer following one of the harshest winters on record. With AA Insurance reporting a 300 percent increase in accident claims due to pothole damage in February 2009, TyreSafe is advising motorcyclists to keep a close watch on the condition of the road as many gear up for long trips over the Easter bank holiday.
“The contact patch between a motorcycle tyre and the road is smaller than a car tyre’s contact patch, meaning that optimal grip is critical,” comments TyreSafe chairman, Stuart Jackson. “Bikers rely more on the condition of the roads than car drivers, as any uneven surfaces can be felt directly by the rider when steering and cornering. A deflection caused by a pothole could easily result in the biker losing control of the bike and falling onto the road.”
The ‘freeze and thaw’ effect experienced during periods of cold weather accelerates the deterioration of road surfaces and the creation of potholes. When the temperature drops, rainwater contained within cracks in the tarmac expands and breaks up the bitumen. Riding over potholes can cause significant handling problems for motorcyclists, as the resulting loss of grip reduces their ability to maintain control of the bike, particularly as they lean into corners, when stability is crucial. The impact caused by a tyre hitting a pothole could also cause damage to their tyre, potentially resulting in a bulge on the tyre sidewall as the structural integrity of the tyre is compromised.
“Any motorcyclists who are concerned about potential damage to their tyres caused by potholes or poor road surfaces should visit their local tyre dealer for professional advice,” says Jackson. “Many dealers will be offering free tyre checks as part of Bike Tyre Safety Month, which will run throughout April.”
For further information about motorcycle tyre safety or Bike Tyre Safety Month, please visit www.tyresafe.org.
Safety top of the agenda for new riders
2 April 2009
As thousands of riders take to the roads for their first ride of the spring, TyreSafe and the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) advise motorcycling newcomers to boost their knowledge of tyre safety New rider proficiency and safety are top of the agenda as TyreSafe and the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) encourage motorcycling newcomers to learn more about tyre safety this spring.
Lighter evenings, warmer weather and the long Easter weekend will see riding surge by almost one quarter* in April compared to March’s total. In order to help riders stay safe on the roads, TyreSafe is running a Bike Tyre Safety Month campaign throughout April to advise both new and experienced riders to check their the pressure, tread depth and condition of their tyres before taking to the roads. Motorcycling is recognised as a vulnerable means of transport, however, by promoting a higher level of rider proficiency and increasing awareness of safety issues, TyreSafe and the MCI aim to inspire a new generation of more savvy riders. “Tyre safety is critical to the bike’s stability when accelerating, braking or cornering,” comments Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “The contact patch between the tyre and the road is only the size of a credit card, and therefore riders should ensure that their tyres are maintained correctly to help improve their safety on the roads. We also recommend that bikers take care to look ahead when riding and take measures to avoid any road hazards such as potholes, grit, drain covers and diesel spillages that could potentially damage their tyres.” During April’s Bike Tyre Safety campaign, TyreSafe will seek to raise awareness of the importance of tyres in motorcycle safety. TyreSafe has many top tips for motorcycle tyre maintenance and encourages bikers to pay particular attention to tyre pressure, tread depth and the condition of their tyres. “We are pleased to support Bike Tyre Safety Month as we seek to promote safer motorcycling, as learning how to control a bike effectively should go hand in hand with correct bike maintenance. Tyre safety is crucial to rider safety and we recommend that new riders learn how to take care of their tyres before setting off for their first ride of the spring,” explains Karen Cooke, motorcycle safety manager, MCI. For further information about Bike Tyre Safety Month or to download a motorcycle tyre safety leaflet, please visit www.tyresafe.org.
To learn more about the MCI, please visit www.mcia.co.uk.
Top tips for motorcycle tyre safety
¤ Check your tyre pressures from cold at least once a week using an accurate gauge
¤ Inflate tyres to the level recommended in the manufacturer’s handbook
¤ Inspect tyres for cuts, bulges, uneven wear or objects embedded into the tread pattern and replace if necessary
¤ Use dust caps to keep dirt away from the valve core and to act as a secondary air seal
¤ If your rims are cracked or bent they should be replaced immediately
¤ Check that your tread depth is not below the legal minimum of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc)
¤ Replace old or damaged valve stems
¤ Select the correct type of tyre for your machine and riding style
¤ Check that both tyres fitted to the bike are made by the same manufacturer and have the same tread pattern
¤ Make sure that your tyre has been fitted the right way round by checking the directional arrows on the sidewall
¤ When replacing tube type tyres always use a new inner tube
¤ Make sure your tyre/wheel assembly is balanced correctly
¤ Keep oil and grease off your tyres using detergent if necessary
¤ If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your bike to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.
Classic Mechanics news
Build your own concept bike
Added: 20 January 2010
Last year Honda said their gorgeous CB1100R concept bike could be a 2010 model. Unfortunately it isn’t. But fear not CMM has worked out how to build our own.
Honda’s concept bike shown at 2008’s NEC show looked suspiciously production-ready to us. In fact, earlier this year, one of the grey import dealers showed us a catalogue of 2010 models with the Honda in it – 12 months on and there’s still no sign.
But in between winter jump starts and bruised knuckles, the CMM team got chatting and Scottie, a man who knows a thing or two about motorcycle bitsas has a plan. Over to you Scottie.
“Achieving the less is more look is actually very tricky. Suzuki’s Bandit 1200 frame is perfect. Get it refinished in red powder coat for that purposeful Harris Magnum III look. Being steel makes it easier to cut to accept an engine. After contemplating the aircooled XJR1300 and Zephyr 1100 engines, I opt for cubes. Suzuki's GSX1400 is perfect and because it shares the same crankcases as a Bandit 1200, the engine will pop straight in.
Honda’s CB is no budget special (which is probably why it’s not being built) The cycle parts are top quality. Honda used upside down forks, but they look too modern for me. Yamaha Thunderace forks, with 46mm stanchions would be man enough for the job, but look a tad conservative, so I go for some Triumph T595 Daytona forks; plentiful, nice fat stanchions and nobbly bobbly castings on the lower legs. The swingarm is a no brainer, Kawasaki’s Lawson-rep ZRX1100 arm is beautiful. Once the two lugs have been welded to the Bandit frame, a pair of Ohlins piggy backs from an XJR1200SP would prop the arse end up.
Brakes need to be good. This is going to be heavy despite the minimalist look. Tokico six pots were fitted to everything from ZX-7R's to Hayabusa's and will fit straight onto the Triumph forks. Then we need some wheels. Aprilia’s RSV1000 Mille used five spoke wheels that to the untrained eye look rather like the Marchesinis Kevin Schwantz used to win the world championship on
Bodywork. I fancy the fairing from a Paul Smart replica Ducati with big round headlamp, but I’ll make do with a bandit 400S version (looks very similar or maybe even a race-item for an NC30 with a couple of Cibies bolted to the front. The Bandit 1200 tank can stay, but we’ll fit an alloy aircraft style filler to replace the key operated man hole cover. And the 2007 R6 seat was made for this project. Its simple stumpy look is good enough to eat.
And this being a CMM project (however imaginary) one thing is bugging me, I don't want to use the GSX’s injection system. Real bikes use carbs. So the injectors are tossed aside and I'm going to replace them with some Keihin FCR 40mm flat slides, I’d better fit a pingle hi flow fuel tap too, thinking about it.
The finishing touches will be a Yoshimura 4-1 exhaust that was originally destined to fit a GSXR1100. It will help to coax every bhp out the 1400cc of Suzuki grunt and some heavy duty Goodridge lines to feed the Earls oil cooler.
Seeing as the heart of this bike is Suzuki, the paintjob must reflect this, it's got to be obvious to the passer by, so we'll paint in the ultimate Suzuki 80s Pepsi paintjob. Full fat of course.
Thanks Scottie. There’s a free mechanics mince pie (sell by date 05-01-2010) to the first person who builds one.
NEC show 2009 better than expected
Added: 16 December 2009
No Honda, no Harley-Davidson and a Ducati stand so small you probably missed it too (despite the high tech new Multistrada being the most interesting 2010 model by miles). We thought the NEC show would be a bit dull this year, but we were wrong.
OK, so there might not be as many new models to sit on as previous years, but the reappearance of ‘Kawasaki Brown’ on the new Z1000 was worth a look (let’s not mention the optional snakeskin seat), The BMW Concept six was very right and hopelessly wrong at the same time, but the S1000RR sports bike was beautiful in red, white and blue. Funnily enough, as BMW finally give in and build a Fireblade, Honda have apparently (we’re guessing because it wasn’t there) turned the new VFR1200 into a BMW. Confused? Us too. Best stick to the classics.
There were some lovely old 70s and 80s road and race bikes dotted around the place, not to mention some classic 70s and 80s sandwiches on sale in the canteen (sadly at 2009 prices) and lots of 70s and 80s era riders hanging round the Norton stand, wondering if those trick right way up Ohlins forks are available for a GS1000.
Thankfully, a picture, as they say is worth a thousand words. So that’s enough from me. Same time next year?
What’s going on out there?
Added: 16 December 2009
This year’s show was apparently bigger than ever. But somehow it took less time to get round. The NEC organisers gave a huge amount of space to an off-road hall and Supercross racing, but for many of us road riders, that didn’t quite make up for not having Honda, Harley-Davidson or a proper Ducati stand at the show.
But have a look at the figures and it’s easy to understand why. Honda are predicting their revenues to be down by 16 per cent this year, Yamaha will be 27 per cent down, Suzuki are close to 50 per cent and Kawasaki down almost 40 per cent. Times are hard out there but the interesting question we keep asking ourselves is whether this is just economics or are the manufacturers suffering because they keep building bikes that fewer and fewer of us want to buy. Triumph, for example, seem to be building bikes that plenty of people want. Their sales in the UK are up by almost 25 per cent, which is mostly down to the Bonnevilles and Street Triple variants.
Interestingly, the high-spec new Norton 961, at its first public showing, also got a lot of interest, despite being almost twice the price of a Bonneville.
Bronson’s steed
Added: 18 November 2009
Recently offered for sale on eBay, was an unrestored 1972 Honda XL250 Motorsport. Nice, but nothing too special you’d maybe think – however, there was something ‘magnificent’ about this one…It was formerly the property of legendary Hollywood actor Charles Bronson and was owned, registered and ridden regularly by the silver screen icon.
It was consigned by the Bronson estate (after the actor’s death) to the 2007 Bonhams auction at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles where the current owner purchased it. Still registered in Bronson’s name, the Honda’s not been modified in any respect since it was purchased. It was put in dry storage after the auction and not registered or started.
It goes to prove Charles Bronson’s character in The Magnificent Seven would’ve preferred to be riding a two-wheeled iron horse had he been given the choice…As the auction finished after we went to print, go to eBay (www.ebay.com) and put item number 250524818113 into the search facility to find out what it sold for, you may just find yourself a little surprised.
Vintage days 2010
Added: 18 November 2009
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced the 2010 dates of the country’s premier annual celebration of motorcycling heritage, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. The show will take place next year on 9-11 July 2010, at the world-class Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio.
Tickets will go on sale 30 November. Please visit MidOhio.com or call (800) MID-OHIO for more information or to order tickets.
The 19th Annual AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features classic motorcycles of all makes and styles, and honours the riders who made them famous. Activities include the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, which feature road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and dirt-track racing; North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet; bike shows and awards; a Marque of the Year display that showcases the history of a unique brand; a Grand Marshal; a new-product vendor midway; stunt shows; demo rides of current production bikes; and seminars on a number of topics by noted motorcycling experts.
The International Laverda Owners’ Club (ILOC) held its main annual rally of 2009 over the weekend of 11-13 September at The Marlbank Inn, near Malvern, Worcestershire. Traditionally this event is held at a pub with good camping facilities and excellent food and beer and this year was no exception. The pub provided a warm and relaxed feel to the weekend and those not so hardy souls (a growing number in the club!), booked rooms in the pub or at the hotel next door. As expected, an impressive array of machines turned up, mostly finely fettled Laverdas. The weather was dry and very warm so those bikes which had been polished shone in the sun. As members looked the bikes over, the barbecue was churning out hot breakfasts and a new range of regalia was on display.
Peter Holden from Clitheroe was riding an orange Laverda 3C which was converted in 1976 to Difazio hub steering. In the 2 1/2 years he’s owned it, Peter has done 17 1/2 thousand miles on this fine machine. A 1979 Laverda Mirage 1200 owned by long-standing club member, Dennis Hiller, was one of five similar paint jobs done by Dream Machine. Dennis has owned this reliable bike for the last five or six years. David Davies has owned his 1982 RGS 1000 since 1989 and it still has only 60,000 miles on the clock. Another distinctive red RGS 1000 was ridden by Alex Sarbinowski. He’s owned it for 14 years and has installed cast iron compression rings and a Witt ignition system to smooth out power delivery.
Peter Craig from Shropshire has owned lots of twins in the past. His first triple is a smart black RGS 1000 Corsa. Peter is only the second owner – he bought it from a 70-year-old who was changing to a Honda Blackbird! Peter thinks Laverdas are “lovely, lovely bikes”. Beautiful weather on Saturday saw 18 machines on a rideout through the superb Worcestershire countryside, into Herefordshire and across the border into Wales. First stop was Tintern Abbey for refreshments. A wonderful place but the gravel car park caused one machine to topple, fortunately without too much damage being done. Lunch was taken in the garden of The George at St Briavels, located right next to the ancient castle, now a youth hostel, where stocks were supplied for the more unruly members and a photoshoot took place.
A good time was had by all in the pub on Saturday night, singing along to live band, The Dublin Jacks. The room was packed with club members and locals alike, with ‘Happy Birthday’ being sung at full volume at one point in the evening to a hugely embarrassed Alice, a 16-year-old out celebrating with family and friends. A wonderful camaraderie exists within the club and everyone has a story to tell and can offer advice on the best way of overcoming any mechanical problems with the bikes. With spare parts becoming ever rarer there’s often a heated debate on where to source a part, or advice on what could be adapted to do the job. The ILOC awards were presented to worthy winners on Sunday by club chairman, Phil Trotter. In conclusion, a very successful, fun weekend was had, largely thanks to the efforts of Gavin and Ruth Spencer, plus willing helpers and The Marlbank Inn, not forgetting to mention of course, all club members who came along.
Birds on Bikes
Added: 21 October 2009
Led by their founder, Kim Robinson, fundraisers Birds on Bikes completed their epic 2009 motorbike ride over the first weekend in September, raising yet more much-needed cash for Help for Heroes.
Despite the weather only improving on the last day, all the ladies managed to maintain their enthusiasm and sense of achievement and this was reflected in the amount of donations they collected as they travelled down the country.
The Army barracks in Edinburgh saw over 30 motorcyclists set off on the Friday morning on their fundraising journey towards Pembrokeshire. Stops on their way included Ulverston, Matlock and Chesterfield, before the group travelled down the length of Wales, pausing at Devil’s Bridge and then on to end the ride on Sunday evening at Gariand’s Motorcycles in Haverford West.
The girls would like to thank everyone who supported them at the various locations along their journey, as they battled tirelessly to complete over 1000 miles against the elements. They will announce how much money this trip raised in October but it’s not too late to make a donation to Help for Heroes via the Birds on Bikes website. Moreover, the birds are always looking for new members to join them. Visit www.birdsonbikes.com for information or to view photographs of this year’s ride.
Really ace day out at The Classic Motor Show
Added: 21 October 2009
This year’s Classic Bikes at the Classic Motor Show sees the Ace Cafe Racer Concours, supported by Meguiar’s, which is open to motorcycles from all countries and of all ages – as long as they’ve been built in a cafe racer-style. The winner receives VIP tickets and hotel accommodation for next year’s Ace Cafe Reunion, a host of Meguiar’s products together with further special prizes.
Alongside the finalists of the Cafe Racer Concours will be the winning motorcycles from Ace’s Triumph and Harley-Davidson Bike of the Year competition.
Keeping the spirit of Ace Cafe London alive is an Ace-themed catering area, which brings the spirit of the cafe up the M1 from London to the NEC. Accompanying the eating area is a rockabilly DJ who’s promising to be spinning swing, rock and roll and surfing tunes from the 40s through to the early 60s.
On the Live Stage, Ace Cafe London founder Mark Wilsmore will be joining Mike Brewer to alk about the Cafe’s history. Also making a stage appearance is Grand Prix road racer, motorcycle engineer and designer Peter Williams, who is a guest of the Norton Owners Club, as well as a selection of amazing and rare motorcycles.
Ace Cafe London will also host Rockit Tatu, who will be showing off his inking skills in a mobile tattoo parlour, fitted inside a custom American Airstream caravan. And there’s a range of Ace Cafe London merchandising on sale – including T-shirts and tea mugs – so anyone can buy a little part of the Ace Cafe London experience at this year’s Classic Motor Show.
For more information on Classic Bikes at the Classic Motor Show, the latest show updates and to book tickets, visit www.classicbiker.co.uk
Goodridge Open Day - Goodridge 40th Anniversary
Added: 16 September 2009
In these recessionary times it is heartening to hear of a British company celebrating not only 40 years in business, but also record years in 2008 and 2009. Exeter-based Goodridge, who manufacture all kinds of reinforced braided hoses and couplings for the automotive and motorsport industries, also took the opportunity to open a new half-million-pound extension to its Exeter Business Park facility.
The opening ceremony was performed by Sir Stirling Moss OBE who 20 years before had presided over the opening of Goodridge’s earlier headquarters. This is still a family run business, founded by Stuart Goodridge in a potting shed in Totnes. Out of these modest beginnings grew a global company which today boasts divisions in Japan, Europe, USA and Mexico and distributors worldwide.
Goodridge developed its products in the demanding world of motorsport and continues to do so today with involvement in NASCAR, Formula 1, Drag racing, World Rally Car and Sports bike racing, supplying companies such as Aston Martin and its racing division as an Aston Martin Le Mans endurance race car parked nearby demonstrated.
Goodridge is as heavily involved in both the road and race bike scene offering the widest range of high performance hose and fittings in the world. The company can supply a complete range of pre-assembled stainless steel brakeline kits to fit every make of motorcycle and is currently working with US cruiser manufacturers Victory Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson.
Simply put, Goodridge brakelines offer sharper firmer braking than standard rubber hoses and more importantly reduce overall stopping distances. As well as producing lines for modern bikes, the company also produces lines suitable for most classic bikes. Goodridge has recently launched a new line of hoses, the shadow range, specifically designed to recreate the guise of a classic rubber hose, while its cutting edge stainless steel technology lies underneath its skin. The new line of hoses will no doubt prove a big success for CMM readers wanting to recreate the
look of yesteryear, without jeopardising the best in braking technology.
One race bike displayed at the opening ceremony was the ultra hi-tech Alto, which is raced in the UK Thunderbike series by Phil Read Junior. The creator
of this prototype, Ben Shaughnessy, was on hand to demonstrate where he had used Goodridge hoses
on this futuristic machine. Other Goodridge equipped bikes at the opening ceremony were an MV Agusta
by David Jorge of Vision Moto, the Crescent Suzuki race bike by Jack Valentine, and an Arlen Ness designed Victory supplied by PGH Motorcycles.
Goodridge is determined to develop its products
at the cutting edge of technology, which is why one guest, Richard Noble of Thrust 2 land speed
record projects, was in attendance representing
the Bloodhound SSC Engineering Adventure
which is developing a car to break the 1000mph barrier in 2011.
Cassington Bike Night
Added: 19 August 2009
Cassington is a typical small Oxfordshire village consisting of honey-coloured stone cottages, a couple of pubs, a village green, and little else where the pace of life runs at a very low RPM except that is, on the last Monday evening of June each year, when the rural idyll is broken by the sound of motorcycles pouring in from all directions.
The first bikes start to trickle in mid afternoon, but by 5pm this turns into a full on flood of bikes, trikes and sidecars, which keep on coming for approximately two hours. The village road and its offshoots were full by 5pm, and bikes were then guided into the schoolyard and playing fields, soon becoming jammed with row upon row of every bike imaginable. Soon all of the cul-de-sacs and outlying housing estates were hosting hundreds upon hundreds of bikes, and still they kept on coming. How this annual swarm grew so large is not entirely clear.
It began as an annual summer get together organised by the British Motorcycle Riders Club (Oxford) and indeed they do continue to be at the heart of the event as its organisers 31 years later. There is still a large British Classic Bike Show arranged in the centre of the village on the green under the shade of the leafy lime trees just across from the Red Lion pub. Both the Red Lion and Chequers Inn soon fill up and overspill onto the pavements and grass banks. Thankfully an outdoor bar is now provided delivering real ale and lemonade to thirsty bikers. What prompted other bikers of every genre to flood in as they do each year, no one knows but everyone seems to have embraced and accepted it along with the villagers of Cassington.
All evening the main through road was thronged with onlookers enjoying the continual motorcycle cavalcade passing by. The crowd was very good natured and laid back, the pleasant atmosphere enhanced by the warm evening sunshine, and this reporter at least witnessed no antisocial behaviour, no wheelies or burnouts. There was a feeling that if anyone began any tomfoolery they would have been quickly put in their place by the majority of bikers who were enjoying a superb summer motorcycle festival where Vincent owners rubbed shoulders with Rat Trike riders and sports bike enthusiasts sat down with cruiser riders.
Cassington Bike Night has grown in size year on year and it would seem to be reaching the full capacity of the village with estimates of between 5-10,000 bikes in attendance. Hopefully this event will retain its gentle laid back nature and continue to exist as one of the more idiosyncratic biker gatherings in the UK. (GS)
NEC Classic bike show heaven
Added: 19 August 2009
This years Classic Motor Show is set to be something very special with the attendance of nearly 30 different classic motorcycle clubs. The show that takes places at Birmingham’s NEC showground from the 13-15 November, will play host to an array of motorcycling history stretching back over the past 60 years. All the great motorcycle marques will be flying their flags with presence from the affiliated owners clubs. The Kettle and Kawasaki triples owners clubs are just a couple of the classic Jap displays confirmed in the line up, among an array of classic British bike stands.
To top things off there’s also trade stands on site selling everything from memorabilia to helmets, with an ever popular bike jumble thrown in the mix.
For more information, the latest show updates and to book
tickets, visit the website – www.classicbiker.co.uk
Superbike hire
Added: 19 August 2009
Back in 1980 David Smith set the World Distance Wheelie Record at Aintree when he covered 14.76 miles on 1975 Kawasaki KX400 (he would have gone farther but was called in as the Formula Ford race was waiting to go out on the circuit). The stunt raised money for Jimmy Savile’s Stoke Mandeville Hospital Charity Appeal.
He brought the KX400 out of retirement in 2006 to set the Under 500cc speed wheelie record at Elvington Raceway near York of 79.9mph. Changing tack slightly, he set up The Superbike Club in 2007 with his own personal collection of motorbikes that included a streetfighter Yamaha YZF-R1, a Colin Edwards Laguna Seca Replica Honda VTR1000SP2, a Buell XB12R Firebolt, an MV-Agusta 750 F4, a streetfighter Suzuki GSXR1300 Hayabusa among others.
The club is the north-west’s premier motorcycle hire club, known as The Superbike Club Ltd and based in Oldham. Prices for hiring bikes range from £65-£95 including fully comprehensive insurance. Bikes currently available to hire include a Yamaha R1, Suzuki Hayabusa, Honda VTR SP2 and the MV Augusta 750 F4.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) have been taken to task by the British Motorcyclists Federation for their persistent failures in the issuing of inaccurate replacement licences to motorcyclists and, as a solution, have been asked to follow the same procedure as that for passport replacement. Several cases have come to light (some being featured on the BBC Watchdog programme including a long-serving police motorcycle mechanic who had had his entitlement for a category A, motorcycle licence removed. Despite having held a licence for 28 years and written support from his police superiors, he still had to take a new driving test.) where, when motorcyclists have applied for a replacement licence for whatever reason, renewal, loss, change of address etc., have found that their replacement licence has not included the ‘category A’ motorcycle entitlement.
Complaints have been met with denial by the DVLA and without proof to the contrary, many riders have been forced to take another driving test. Photocopies and other written evidence, where available, have not been accepted as valid proof of entitlement by the DVLA. The solution says the BMF is to return the original licence (with its corner cut off), along with the new replacement licence, as is done with replacement passports.
This procedure, as raised in the programme and with the DVLA by the weekly newspaper, Motorcycle News, renders the old licence unusable but still available to the licence holder and DVLA for crosschecking. Writing to Noel Shanahan, Chief Executive of the DVLA, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive, Chris Hodder said: “I can see no logical reason why this plan should not be implemented. There is virtually no cost involved, the DVLA would no longer have to destroy old licences and if there are any errors, they could be quickly resolved by comparing old with new.” Motorcyclists affected by this situation should contact administration@bmf.co.uk
Gary Routledge Run in the sun
Added: 15 July 2009
More than 100 bikers took part in the second Gary Routledge Ride starting from The Dyke Neuk pub at Meldon, Northumberland, on 25 May and following a 90-mile route along the county’s picturesque castle trail, writes Nicky Robson.
Before the bikes got away, Steve and Daz of The Dyke Neuk were kept busy serving tea, coffee and bacon sandwiches galore as participants and onlookers wandered about looking at the impressive variety of bikes on display.
Much interest was aroused by the sight of 6ft 6in Stephen Sharp riding a Francis-Barnett autocycle – just how did he fit onto it?
A staggered start was planned, but those taking part were enjoying each other’s company so much that they ended up leaving en masse. In a fitting tribute to Gary, the Northumbrian hills and country lanes echoed to a cacophony of exhaust sounds ranging from screaming expansion chambers to full-cone megaphones as the bikes progressed around the course in scenes reminiscent of the 70s at their best.
Dave Mather, who rode a YZF1000, said: “I’ve never been overtaken by so many different bikes – what a mad mix of machines. The lads on the classics are having a ball.”
Other bikers who had just set out on ordinary Sunday runs joined in along the way, swelling numbers for the scenic 40-mile ride along the heritage coastline from Morpeth to the Bamburgh Castle car park where Jackie, Jo and Maisie were knocking out free cups of warmish tea from an ad hoc tea dispenser at the back of their Berlingo van.
From Bamburgh, the run headed inland to Belford and then through the hills to Wooler for the final 20-mile leg, along which the pace picked up to ensure good spots for the Gary Routledge Bike Show at the Burgham Park Golf Club that started at 1pm.
At the final count there were over 200 bikes, including two Z1Rs, four CBXs, three early CB750s, two mint Norton Commandos and at least 15 smoking RDs.
After the difficult task of judging by Aubrey, George and Jo, the best in show award went to Steve Park’s superbly restored 1976 Kawasaki Z900.
Judged by Gary’s parents, sisters, nephews and nieces, the ‘family favourite’ class was won by Alan Robinson for his Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce.
100mph plus in electric TT
Added: 15 July 2009
During the very year in which Honda celebrated half a century of competing on the Isle of Man, the very first TTXGP for zero carbon emission bikes took place around the world-famous 37 3⁄4-mile mountain circuit on Friday 12 June.
With an amazing lap average of 87.43mph, it was won in convincing style by Rob Barber, 29, from Bury, Lancs, riding in the Pro class for the Anglo-Indian team Agni.
Rob dominated both practice sessions for the single-lap race, reaching a top speed of 102mph, and it was eerie to see his machine silently rocketing across the Snaefell Mountain Railway tracks at the Bungalow, then hear the quiet whine as he gunned it up Hailwood’s Rise.
The shape of things to come
for all of us? Who knows? The event certainly added interest to the
TT programme, and if it continues,
it will be only a matter of time before the first electric 100mph lap will be recorded.
North-East’s ‘all
in’ bike venture
Added: 15 July 2009
Specialising in Japanese bikes and situated just off the A19, about three miles north of the Tyne Tunnel, BDS Motorcycles Ltd offers a host of services to north-eastern motorcyclists ranging from routine servicing, aqua blasting and ultrasonic cleaning to all kinds of restoration work including paintwork, powder coating and metal polishing. Bikes can be sourced and restored to all conditions, from straightforward ‘tidy-ups’ to show standard turn-outs.
‘BDS’ stands for Brian David Suddes, who started off by doing up bikes on a farm in Co Durham. He went on to design and fabricate farm machinery before becoming a fleet engineer and then operations director in the transport industry.
He decided to start BDS because bikes remain so close to his heart, and his full business address is Unit 3, Cumberland Rd, North Balkwell Industrial Estate, North Shields, Tyne & Wear NE29 8RD (01912 577116; bdsmotorcyclesltd@btconnect.com)
Big bike entry
at Kemble show
Added: 15 July 2009
An impressive motorcycle section is expected at the Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza at Kemble Airfield from 31 July until 2 August. Last year’s show raised more than £45,500 for the Cobalt Appeal Fund, County Air Ambulance and Diabetes UK.
Triple celebration at the Ace
Added: 12 June 2009
Three golden jubilees will be celebrated at London’s Ace Café over the weekend of 11-13 September – 50 years of the 59 Club, 50 years of the Triumph Bonneville and 50 years of Metisse.
The café’s 16th annual Reunion Weekend kicks off with the regular Friday bike night, with live performances by hard, fast rockers The Twang Bangers from Germany.
The Saturday starts with breakfast at the Ace from 7am, and the second annual Café Racer & Rockers’ rideout will leave at 10.30am for a special service and blessing of the bikes at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, starting at noon.
Organised by 59 Club chairman Father Scott Anderson, along with the club’s leaders and volunteer helpers, the service will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the club by the late Father Bill Shergold.
Riders will arrive back at the Ace by 2.30pm for the second annual Café Racer Review, with awards and prizes for best bike and runners-up presented by special guests including Mike Cook, Dave Degens, Norman White, Oliver Tobias, Derek Harris, Colin Campbell and members of the 59 Club management team.
As the occasion also marks the Triumph and Metisse anniversaries, there will be prizes for the best examples of the respective marques by courtesy of Gerry Lisi of Metisse, Triumph of Hinckley and Dave Lilley of the West London Triumph dealership Jack Lilley Ltd, that is also celebrating 50 years in business.
Bonneville Golden Jubilee event is not to be missed
Added: 12 June 2009
The Triumph Owners’ Motorcycle Club invites all motorcyclists, no matter what their favourite marque, to the three-day rally celebrating 50 years of the Triumph Bonneville at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warks, from 21-23 August.
£16 discount tickets (£13 concessions and £12 children) remain available until the end of July, after which the cost rises to £25. Each entrance ticket constitutes a free entry into the raffle for a brand new Bonneville, as well as access to the Heritage Motor Centre itself (normal admission £9) on the Saturday and Sunday. All kinds of British bikes will be on display in the Avenue of Clubs, and trade stands will add to the interest.
Plenty of caravan and camping space is available for visitors planning to make a weekend of it. After a Friday evening enlivened by The Back Street Blues Band, the event proper will open in a blaze of glory on the Saturday morning, when a tribute display of Triumph Bonnevilles from 1959 to 2009 will underline the timeless appeal of the popular parallel twins.
The Mortons Media Group, publisher of this and many other fine motorcycling and heritage titles, has donated three trophies to the event, and others will come from Bonhams, Veloce Publishing, Shropshire Classics and others. The judging will start after the official opening on the Saturday.
The organisers want to hear from the owners of Bonneville-engined specials such as Tritons, Tribsas, Trifields, Rickmans and Bonneville sidecar outfits from both roadgoing and racing spheres.
There will be a special display for these machines, so if you have one to show, or even a normal Bonneville, get in touch with Martin on 07956 289743. Saturday night features rock and roll band The Flames, and a special celebration real ale from the Slaughter House Brewery will be available all weekend.
Exotic sounds at Mallory festival
Added: 12 June 2009
No fewer than 18 RC163 250cc Honda fours (all genuine, we hope!), comprising the biggest-ever collection of these amazing-sounding machines and led by Tommy Robb, David Hailwood and Malc Wheeler of sister title Classic Racer, will be just one of the highlights of the Vintage Motorcycle Club’s Festival of 1000 bikes at Mallory Park from 10-12 July.
For British bike fans there will be a star-studded turn-out in the Past Masters Parade on Sunday 12 July, with Manx Nortons, the Norton lowboy prototype and JPS Norton RCW rotaries, a Vincent Grey Flash, Triumph GP500, two works BSA Rocket Threes, the Velocette ‘Roarer’ KSS and other works racers, and even a Morgan three-wheeler.
Throw in the sounds of a 250 Yamaha V4, 500 Gilera four and REG 250 to name but three, and the event has all the makings of a weekend to remember. Stars taking part in the Past Masters Parade include Carl Fogarty, Phil Read, Jim Redman, Ron Chandler, John Cooper, Mick Grant, Sammy Miller, Michael Dunlop, Trevor Nation, Terry Rymer, Frank Perris, Tony Rutter, Colin Seeley…well, you get the picture.
More than 40 clubs have already confirmed their participation in the Avenue of Clubs, including the AJS & Matchless Owners’ Club, TZ OC, Italian Motorcycle OC, Moto Guzzi Club of Great Britain, Moto Morini Riders’ Club and Norton OC. On both days of the event, there will be a large autojumble and trade display area including the event’s partners Footman James, Mortons’ Media Group Ltd, Bonham’s and Norton Motorcycles.
At the centre of the off-track action will be the entertainment marquee and Ace Café rock ‘n’ roll stage, with great live action and a bar with three real ales to choose from. There will also be track sessions for visitors on the Saturday and Sunday, a pre-65 motorcycle trial on the Saturday and a grass-track event and sprint demonstration on the Sunday.
Former police officer is new MAG chairman
Added: 19 May 2009
Paul Turner, a former police officer and Honda Pan European rider from Cumbria, has become the new chairman of the Motorcycle Action Group following the group’s 37th Annual Group Conference in Darlington.
The post became vacant after former chairman Jane Chisholm stood down after three years in the position. Paul, who recently retired from the police force, said: “I’m excited by the challenges of this new role. MAG is a dynamic organisation that is more relevant than ever to the future of motorcycling, and I intend to build on the work of my predecessors and help steer MAG to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
“There’s some scary stuff ahead, but MAG has the connections, the experience and the determination to face these threats and protect the interests of all riders. “MAG has been through a lot of internal changes lately, and I find myself at the helm of a ship that has been thoroughly refitted and is ready for its most ambitious voyage. We’re looking to all who ride to come aboard.”
Morini club’s Cadwell date
Added: 19 May 2009
One of the friendliest and most laid back track days on the calendar, the Moto Morini Riders’ Club’s annual event at Cadwell Park, will take place for the 27th time on Thursday 18 June. Proud to be hosting the longest-running such event organised by any motorcycle club, the MRC invites all interesting bikes. Last year’s entry included Manx Nortons, KTT Velocettes, MVs and Seeleys as well as the usual Morinis and other classic Italian bikes. Entry fees are £100 for MRC members and £120 for others.
The camping venue has changed to the Waggon and Horses at South Reston, and for more information check the www.morini-riders-club.com or contact club secretary Dave Mason on 0116 267 5653. After the track day, club activities continue with the annual rally at the Waggon and Horses, with rideouts, including a green lane run, on the Friday. After Saturday’s club AGM and bike show, there will be the usual silly games and an evening barbecue, and visitors and participants making their way home on the Sunday.
Licensing
made easier
Added: 15 April 2009
In a new deal struck between
the DVLA and the Post Office Ltd, road users will find it easier and more convenient to renew the photographs on their photocard driving licences, something that has to be done every 10 years.
The ‘one-stop’ facility, available at 750 post offices around the country, will allow each rider or driver to have an application scanned, a picture taken and a signature captured electronically at the counter. After that, the updated information will be sent straight away via secure electronic link to the DVLA, which will then post
out a new photocard licence to
the customer.
The new service, to be introduced from April 2010, will be more efficient and provide better value for money for the DVLA. Until its introduction, however, customers should continue to send photocard renewal applications to the DVLA by post.
Shiny bikes at
The Plough
Added: 15 April 2009
Wednesday 17 June will be shiny bike night at The Plough, Cadsden, Princes Risborough, Bucks – a lovely village pub in a great country setting.
Classic bikes will be displayed at their sparkling best, and there will be prizes, a barbecue and raffle.
More bad news from Japan comes in the motorcycle production and export figures for February 2009. The 72,719 units produced were 54,326 down (or 42.8 per cent) on February 2008, when 127,045 units were made.
Motorcycle exports fell from 122,085 to 74,439, a loss of 47,646 units, or 39 per cent down on February 2008.
Bristol Classic Show escapes the big freeze
Added: 18 March 2009
WORDS & PHOTOS: Derek Freegard
Derek Freegard reports from a west country season-opener with big appeal.
The 29th International Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show at the Bath & West Showground, near Shepton Mallet, went ahead as planned on 14-15 February, escaping the wintry weather that had forced the cancellation of the previous weekend’s Japanese Bike Show & Autojumble at Donington Park.
All space was taken as the west country season-opener boasted 60 club stands and more than 300 trade stands, and the guest of honour, eight-times world champion Phil Read MBE, was on hand all weekend to chat to visitors before handing out the trophies on the Sunday afternoon
Talk at the show varied between the effects of the credit crunch and the weather, many bikers hoping that the exceptional cold snap might herald a long-awaited decent summer.
The growing number of Japanese and Italian classics belonging to members of the clubs taking part was reflected in the stands, with colourful Japanese machinery from the 70s mixed in with the old British bikes.
The Bath Classic Motorcycle Club’s stand boasted a superb British-looking retro 1976 Yamaha XS650 belonging to Sarah Fogden, and along with a Kawasaki Z900, it shared space with British machines dating from the 40s.
Another interesting display featured Difazio centre-hub steering creations including a 1974 Suzuki GT550 two-stroke triple-powered version belonging to Andy Westlake of Buckfastleigh, the only one of its kind built.
The best Japanese bike was Robert Davies-Evans’ 1969 250 Kawasaki Samurai that had been the runner-up in 2007, and Robert also showed an older 250 Samurai that looked just as good on the Bridgwater VJMC’s stand.
Steve Aldworth’s 80cc 1970 Yamaha G5 was adjudged the second best Japanese bike, and Steve, from Poole, said: “The bike was imported from the USA, and was the forerunner of the FS1-E. It’s cost me about £1500 to get it like this”. As well as carrying out superb restorations, Steve creates some stunning specials, and was also showing his 1976 FS1-E that had started life as a Baja brown Fizzy, but is now fitted with a YB100 engine.
Race machinery on display included Terry Morgan’s 1972 Suzuki T500 on the National Sprint Association stand. Tuned to TR500 specification, it sports 36mm Lectron Powerjet flat-side carburettors and a pair of Swarbrick pipes.
The autojumble was the source of many bargain restoration projects, and this year the Suzuki GS range seemed quite abundant, with GS1000 prices starting at around £1000.
New Classic Jap Bike Show at Uttoxeter
Added: 18 March 2009
Uttoxeter Racecourse will be the venue for a brand new classic Japanese-only bike event on Sunday 7 February 2010. The Classic Japanese Bike Show & Autojumble will be sponsored jointly by Footman James and the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, with support from leading industry names.
Featuring Japanese classics with marque, single model and specialist clubs along with individual concours entries, trade stands and an autojumble, this is a fresh event that will help to kick-start the new biking season.
All the displays will be in bright, modern heated halls with bar and catering facilities on hand, and there will be ample free parking on the site.
The autojumble plots will be indoors and outdoors, the latter on good Tarmac surfaces, and all trader plots will be good-sized.
Each entrant who books in advance will receive
two free passes, and public opening will be from
9am until 4pm. Admission will cost £6 per person
(£5 concession for VJMC members holding a
current membership card) and display and trader
set-up access will be available from 6am on the day.
This will be a great new year opportunity to
find those elusive spares for a stalled project, f
ind a bike to restore or simply seek inspiration.
For more details, call 01324 410519 or
contact coordinator_vjmc@yahoo.co.uk).
113mph laps at
new Silverstone?
Added: 18 March 2009
When the British round of the FIM MotoGP World Championship moves from Donington Park to Silverstone next year, the circuit will feature a spectacular new section of track running from the approach at Abbey corner to a tightening ‘arrowhead’ hairpin on the inside of Becketts.
The new circuit will measure 5.67km (0.53km longer than the present GP one) and mathematical simulations predict that the average lap time for MotoGP riders will be 1min 51.456sec, or 113mph. This will make it 3kph faster than Phillip Island, currently the fastest circuit in MotoGP.
Sales lifts for BMW & Royal Enfield
Added: 18 February 2009
Although total UK motorcycle registrations fell by somewhere between 3.4 and 5.3 per cent last year, depending on which version you believe, both BMW Motorrad UK and Royal Enfield enjoyed big year-on-year improvements.
There was a good reason why sales of the Royal Enfield Bullet went up by 30 per cent in 2008, for the tough Euro 3 emissions regulations brought an end to UK sales of the original iron-barrel 350cc and 500cc Bullets after 31 December, and there was a strong demand from customers taking advantage of the final chance to buy one of the ‘oldies’ that had remained virtually unchanged in almost half a century.
All new Royal Enfields sold in Europe this year will be fitted with the new and more powerful 500cc unit-construction fuel-injected engine whose 84 x 90mm bore and stroke still delivers an authentic ‘British single’ experience. Prices start at £3910 on the road for the new Electra EF1.
With 5850 bikes sold in the UK in 2008, BMW Motorrad enjoyed a 15 per cent year-on-year boost. Particularly impressive was the combined sale of 2411 for the R1200GS and its Adventure variant, the standard GS finishing slightly ahead at 1280.
BMW’s plans to appeal to a wider audience get a boost with four new models this year – the K1300R super naked, the K1300GT tourer, the sport touring K1300S and the F800R roadster.
Welcome 'comeback' for Moto Guzzi V7 classic
Added: 21 January 2009
The perfect pairing - V7 classic plus Watsonian GP Jubile
Four decades after sparking Italian enthusiasm for big-displacement V twin engines, Moto Guzzi has added a new chapter with the V7 Classic.
The 1967 V7 got its elegant looks from legendary designer Giulio Cesare Carcano, and after being first commissioned by the Italian police force, it quickly inspired a legion of new fans so production was stepped
up accordingly.
The 744cc V7 Classic features special graphite low-wear pistons and an electronic Weber Marelli fuel injection system. The engine body and transmission are finished in black, and chrome rocker covers accentuate the aluminium alloy cylinders.
Braking is by a single 320mm Brembo floating disc at the front and a 260mm disc at the rear, and the V7 Classic’s 18in front and 17in rear wheel are fitted with high-profile tyres.
Although the engine has the same displacement as the last Moto Guzzi to bear the V7 badge, the 1972-74 750cc V7 Sport, the new machine has been styled to honour several variants from the model line of the 60s and 70s.
Although the instrumentation panel looks traditional, a modern digital display unit gives the time, external temperature and mileage readouts, while the chrome speedometer and rev counter maintain the classic style.
The exclusive body colour is Moon White, a lustrous pearl white accented with Moto Guzzi tank decals.
Following the announcement of the retro-styled V7 Classic, Watsonian-Squire has come up with a fitting kit to attach its GP range of sidecars to the 744cc V twin.
Quickly realising that the shaft-drive newcomer, with its tubular steel frame and torquey engine, would be ideally suited to sidecar work (just like its predecessor of over 40 years ago) the Blockley, Gloucestershire firm has wasted no time in providing the vital attachments, believing its GP sports sidecars are perfectly matched to the simple lines of the Italian bike.
Featuring glass-fibre body shells, MIG-welded perimeter steel frames, large spoked wheels and swinging arm suspension with hydraulic damping, the GP range retains the traditional octagonal nose shape dating from the 1920s, with hand-cut and polished alloy trim.
Demand for Watsonian sidecars, that have been in continuous production since 1912, has remained constant despite the worldwide credit crunch, with retro models proving the most popular. Prices for the GP range start at £2995 for the Manx.
Heidi Cockerton’s 1959 125cc Suzuki Colleda was adjudged the best Japanese bike at the Classic & Motorcycle Mechanics Show at the Stafford Showground over the weekend of 18-19 October, and the best British bike was Graham Bowen’s 1965 Triumph TR6 SR – but it was a diminutive 1955 98cc Ducati of C Stocton that took the top Continental honours.
£1.1m Stafford sale
Added: 17 December 2008
Vincent record-breaker that never was makes £221,500
Well over £1-million was realised at the Bonhams-conducted annual sale at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford on Sunday 19 October – and at a world record £221,500 the star was undoubtedly the supercharged Vincent Black Lightning that was commissioned by Reg Dearden
in 1949 to challenge the then world record speed
of 173.54mph.
The fabled Black Lightning (of which only 30 or so were ever made) was returned to the factory for extensive modifications including the fitting of a purpose-built supercharger, and the machine was then stored awaiting the right opportunity to lift the record. Sadly, this never happened, and the bike passed unridden through the hands of two enthusiasts to the vendor, a Texan collector, who entered it into the Bonhams sale in totally original condition.
A trio of racing motorcycles also sold well – an ex-Johnny Lockett 1936 350cc Norton International that went for £36,700, way above the 24,000-£28,000 estimate; an ex-Derek Powell 1961 AJS 7R that realised £26,450; and a 1962 495cc Marsh MR4 that shattered its £15,000-£18,000 estimate with a sale price of £26,450.
Other sales successes included a 1902 2hp Raleigh (£29,900); 1926 490cc Norton Model 18 (£21,850); 1938 499cc BSA Gold Star KM24 (£21,850); 1938 998cc Ariel Square Four Model G (£18,975); 1939 597cc BMW R66 (£14,950); 1947 500cc Moto Guzzi Dondolino Replica (£21,275); 1961 500cc Manx Norton ‘Special’ (£12,650); 1977 MV Agusta 750S America (£23,000); 1977 Honda CB400F2 (£4830); 1997 500cc Bimota V-Due (£6900) and 2007 Confederate B120 Wraith (£38,900).
Royal Enfield’s Green Machine
Added: 15 October 2008
Unit construction fuel-injected engines for Royal Enfield in 2009
Royal Enfield has developed a brand new fuel-injected engine that will be fitted to all new models for 2009.
Tough Euro 3 regulations require reduced carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon and nitrogen emissions, so Royal Enfield designed a completely new unit construction engine, with electronic fuel injection and a catalytic converter in the silencer.
Until now Royal Enfield motorcycles had a separate gearbox, but the new design combines it in the engine casing, which makes it lighter and more efficient. Power is increased to 27.5 BHP in standard form with 41.3Nm of torque at 4000rpm, and the pushrod construction, with a bore of 84mm and 90mm stroke, still delivers an authentic-feeling ‘British Single’ experience.
First to appear in the UK will be the Electra EFI, which will be similar in appearance to the previous Electra model, but with UCE engine and a catalytic converter in the exhaust. The 500cc single-cylinder motor already has a formidable reputation for low fuel consumption and now with reduced emissions it becomes an even greener transport choice.
British riders will have an opportunity to view the new Electra EFI up close at the NEC Bike Show (28 November-7 December) and initial shipments are expected to arrive in the UK to coincide with the show launch.
Mike Hailwood is one of the true greats of motorcycle racing and his exploits at the Isle of Man TT are the stuff of legend.
Now you can relive two of his greatest Senior TT victories, complete with roaring engine notes and rare interviews, in the latest CD releases from Duke.
Each of these new titles, TT 1963 and TT 1964, features digitally remastered recordings of highlights from the world-famous Isle of Man racing festival. Originally released on vinyl as part of the Stanley Schofield Sound Stories collection, these wonderful recordings – the latest additions to the collectable series of classic TT reviews on CD – capture the evocative sounds, atmosphere and magic of this unique event.
The now legendary 'Voice of Motorsport' Murray Walker interviews the stars of the day and provides the commentary as the drama and action of each race is brought into your home.
You can close your eyes and let the roaring engines transport you back to the 1960s, with the fabulous sounds of four cylinder Hondas, MVs and Gileras, two stroke Suzukis, single cylinder AJSs, Nortons and Matchless, twin cylinder Jawas, BMW sidecars and many more conjuring up images of a golden era of motorcycle racing. You’ll hear these marvellous machines at full chat as they pass the landmarks of the world-famous TT circuit, with Walker charting the race action as it unfolds.
Among the historic moments captured are the incredible Hailwood’s awesome MV victory in 1963 and his race-winning performance one year later, despite being on his sickbed with a fever just two days before the race.
In addition to the amazing Senior TT success of Hailwood, who went on to notch up 14 TT wins, you will experience Jim Redman’s extraordinary victories, record-breaking races, the dramatic return of Gilera, the ongoing battle between Suzuki and Honda and much, much more. Among the sporting legends interviewed are Hailwood, Redman, Phil Read, Hugh Anderson, Luigi Taveri, Tommy Robb, John Hartle, Max Deubel, Derek Minter and many others. The wonderful exhaust notes, commentary and interviews are not only a vintage treat, but bring you all the drama and action of a festival of truly thrilling racing.
TT 1963 and 1964 CDs are available now, priced at £14.99, from leading video outlets or direct from Duke Video:
Tel 01624 640000,
fax 01624 640001 or
email mail@dukevideo.com
Visit www.dukevideo.com online.
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Motorcycles and scooters represent only about 1% of vehicle usage on our roads but the riders represent about 21% of those who are killed or seriously injured. Small motorcycles and scooters are particularly susceptible to being overlooked by other road users and the riders are prone to suffer injury if a collision does occur. Riders of larger motorcycles often wear dark clothing, which can also make them harder to see.
We are looking for an experienced journalist with an encyclopedic knowledge of Japanese motorcycles, an enthusiasm for taking them to bits and the organisational skills of a military planner to turn Classic Motorcycle Mechanics into the best bike magazine on the planet.
Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) was the largest motorcycle maker in the world. The firm enjoyed a reputation for building quality, affordable machines, aimed at riders of all types, from the commuter to the sportsman. BSA was a byword for good, honest motorcycles, for generations of riders. 
Triumph’s nimble 675cc Daytona triple has taken the prestigious Supertest King of Supersports award for an unprecedented fourth year running. The world’s leading modern motorcycle magazines, send their top riders to the Almeria race track, in Spain, for a back to back test of the current crop of machines all on a standard specification tyre. It defeated all its Japanese rivals in all its tasks. In addition, after a gruelling 2000 mile test in the Isle of Man, the 675 was judged to be superior to offerings from Aprilia, KTM and Yamaha. Of the machines, it was the one which the testers reckoned they would actually buy and was awarded sports bike of the year.
Norton may not be the name you first think of when seeking out off-roaders but the marque has an excellent pedigree in all areas of dirt sport and it was much in evidence during Norton Day at Donington Park in June. Naturally enough the 500T trials model has a load of wins at all levels from club to national and international trials. Top all-rounder Ron Langston had one of his 500Ts on display – incidentally the first bike he ever rode. 
Chance conversations play a major part in the gathering of news in our off-road world and such a chance conversation arose on our press day when CDB contributor Carlos Bosch mentioned someone who was drumming up support for an attempt at the Dakar-Chile-Argentina Rally – on a Classic Bultaco.
Last year Honda said their gorgeous CB1100R concept bike could be a 2010 model. Unfortunately it isn’t. But fear not CMM has worked out how to build our own.
The International Laverda Owners’ Club (ILOC) held its main annual rally of 2009 over the weekend of 11-13 September at The Marlbank Inn, near Malvern, Worcestershire. Traditionally this event is held at a pub with good camping facilities and excellent food and beer and this year was no exception. The pub provided a warm and relaxed feel to the weekend and those not so hardy souls (a growing number in the club!), booked rooms in the pub or at the hotel next door. As expected, an impressive array of machines turned up, mostly finely fettled Laverdas. The weather was dry and very warm so those bikes which had been polished shone in the sun. As members looked the bikes over, the barbecue was churning out hot breakfasts and a new range of regalia was on display.
Led by their founder, Kim Robinson, fundraisers Birds on Bikes completed their epic 2009 motorbike ride over the first weekend in September, raising yet more much-needed cash for Help for Heroes. 
This year’s Classic Bikes at the Classic Motor Show sees the Ace Cafe Racer Concours, supported by Meguiar’s, which is open to motorcycles from all countries and of all ages – as long as they’ve been built in a cafe racer-style. The winner receives VIP tickets and hotel accommodation for next year’s Ace Cafe Reunion, a host of Meguiar’s products together with further special prizes. 
In these recessionary times it is heartening to hear of a British company celebrating not only 40 years in business, but also record years in 2008 and 2009. Exeter-based Goodridge, who manufacture all kinds of reinforced braided hoses and couplings for the automotive and motorsport industries, also took the opportunity to open a new half-million-pound extension to its Exeter Business Park facility.
Cassington is a typical small Oxfordshire village consisting of honey-coloured stone cottages, a couple of pubs, a village green, and little else where the pace of life runs at a very low RPM except that is, on the last Monday evening of June each year, when the rural idyll is broken by the sound of motorcycles pouring in from all directions. 
More than 100 bikers took part in the second Gary Routledge Ride starting from The Dyke Neuk pub at Meldon, Northumberland, on 25 May and following a 90-mile route along the county’s picturesque castle trail, writes Nicky Robson.
Derek Freegard reports from a west country season-opener with big appeal.
Unit construction fuel-injected engines for Royal Enfield in 2009
