YOUR INVITATION TO AN EXCLUSIVE DINNER DATE WITH KEVIN SCHWANTZ

30 July 2008

To celebrate racing legend, Revvin’ Kevin Schwantz as guest of honour to the 15th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show, Classic Bike Shows are offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 34 super fans to enjoy a special evening with their racing hero.

‘Schwantz’s 34’ is set to be an exclusive ticket-only evening, confirmed for Friday 17 October 2008, set at the idyllic 16th century Weston Hall, just two miles from the Stafford Showground.

Schwantz’s special 34 guests can expect the star treatment themselves, as they are guided through to a private bar area and invited to enjoy a pre-dinner drink with Kevin, before sitting down to a beautiful, intimate three-course meal, cooked by a Michelin-starred chef.

However, there is even more… not only will you, the public, get the chance to listen first hand to Kevin’s tales of triumph, you will also get to take away with you a collection of goodies given especially to celebrate your evening with Kevin Schwantz, donated by famous brands in the motorcycling industry! To top this off, each guest will also have their own individual photo taken with the man, as a lasting memento of the night they spent with their racing hero.
‘Schwantz’s 34’ does not even stop there! An exclusive, free, ‘Schwantz’s 34’, raffle will take place that very night! With a one-in-34 chance of walking away with superb prizes, such as an Arai replica Schwantz helmet, personally signed, and much, much more this certainly is a night racing fans cannot miss. 

Tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity are priced at £200 and also include one day entry into the 15th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show and are already selling fast! To ensure you’re one of ‘Schwantz’s 34’ call Tina Peacock at Mortons Media Group on: 01507 529529, visit: www.classicmechanics.com/34 or email: tpeacock@mortons.co.uk

 

Long way over on hold

21 July 2008

The Long Way Over charity ride has been put on hold for a year following the recurrence of an illness which has sidelined its driving force, Classic and Motorcycle Mechanics editor Rod Gibson.

He was due to be joined by Phil Turner, Motorcycle Sport and Leisure editor, and editor of Classic Racer Malc Wheeler, the intrepid trio riding from the east coast of Lincolnshire to Ireland on Honda 70s and 90s in an bid to raise funds for the Lymphoma Association.

Speaking for the team behind the stunt Malc Wheeler said: “The important thing is to get Rod back on song. It’s quite a major service he needs, so the chances of him being fit enough to enjoy, if enjoy is the right word,  the ride by the October deadline look slim, so the whole team have decided to put the run on hold for a year until the old lad can join us.”

The raffle which is being run as a build-up to the fund raising and which has an impressive and growing list of  big prizes, will continue and be drawn by star guest Kevin Schwantz at The Classic and Motorcycle Mechanics Show over the weekend of 18-19 October, with all funds raised going to the Lymphoma Association.

More details of the raffle can be found on www.longwayover.org.uk or by calling Sarah or Charlotte on 01507 529342

 

WIN One of Five tickets to the Leicester Buell Experience Day...

7 July 2008

Leicestershire’s motorcyclists are being invited to take part in a different riding experience this month at Mallory Park. The Buell Experience Day on 25 July will be the third of four in 2008, following the success of similar events last year. The remaining event of 2008 will take place on the 19 August at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire.

The Buell Experience days encompass: on-track activity; an off-road Ulysses adventure; hot pillion laps* with former British Superbike rider Matt Llewellyn; the opportunity to beat the clock on the skills course; and a ride-out led by Buell UK’s professional riding team.

The full range of Buell motorcycles will be available at each event incorporating the infamous trilogy of technology design principles. The low unsprung weight, mass centralisation and frame rigidity will add to rider enjoyment across all of the action-packed activities.

Track riding at Experience Days can be enjoyed on models from the current Buell range, including the new 1125R. The sports bike combines cutting edge design with top quality performance by utilising the all-new Intuitive Response Chassis combined with a brand new 72-degree V-Twin 1125cc liquid-cooled dual overhead cam engine producing 146bhp.

The off-road trek can be experienced with the versatile and functional Buell Ulysses XB12X and the ride-out can be enjoyed aboard its new adventure sport touring counterpart, the Ulysses XB12XT .This model features fully adjustable Showa front and rear suspension for a superior ride, comfort and agility.

Lunch and refreshments are included ? all for just £129. For further details, availability and to book a place, please contact the Buell Performance Academy on 01652 688410.

Details of all Buell motorcycles and dealerships can be found by visiting www.buell.co.uk

For further information please contact Jenna Lakhdari on 01652 688410. Email jenna@rbplimited.co.uk

Enter for FREE by answering the simple question..

 

Are you the next Editor of Motorcycle Sport and Leisure?

24 June 2008

Do you have an unrivalled passion for motorcycles, contacts within the motorcycle industry and sound knowledge of bikes?

We are looking for an Editor to head up Motorcycle Sport & Leisure magazine the UK’s longest running motorcycle publication which offers quality journalism on the world of bikes.

The job will include:

  • Generating topics for articles and encouraging a team of freelance staff to do the same
  • Deciding which feature will appear in which issue
  • Managing a team of freelance feature writers
  • Commissioning features
  • Sending out briefs for work to writers (with a detailed summary of what is needed, the deadline, word count and fee, etc)
  • Editing features and ensuring they are good enough to print – this may include sending work back to the writer with queries or a request for a rewrite
  • Occasionally, researching and rewriting features/sections
  • Contributing to production desk discussions around format and illustrations
  • Proofreading all pages after the production team has set them out 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 you feel you have what it takes then please send your CV and covering note explaining how you will make Motorcycle Sport & Leisure the essential read to motorcyclists.

Send all applications to:

Ref  ED5,

Staff Recruitment, Mortons Media Group, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6JR

The closing date for applicants is 30th July 2008.

 

Schwantz set to star at Stafford

6 June 2008

The 15th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show held at Stafford Showground over the weekend of 18-19 October 2008 is to host the 1993 500cc World Champion as Guest of Honour; racing’s Mr 100 per cent, Kevin Schwantz.
Although his 1993 victory was the gregarious Texan’s only World Championship, it did not matter. His win or die attitude over the preceding eight years endeared him to thousands of fans the World over; his gutsy riding style was typified when he won a Donington Park round of the 500cc World Championship with a broken wrist. His commitment to racing could never be questioned.
Kevin will be joining us at the World’s largest classic Japanese motorcycle show for both days. Allowing his legions of fans to get their Schwantz memorabilia signed and listen to the many interviews he will do over the weekend and to enjoy tales of one of the most competitive racers to ever race on the International stage.
Show Manager Nick Mowbray said “We are thrilled to be able to confirm the great Kevin Schwantz as our Guest of Honour this October. Since we have announced the news ticket sales have already started to pour in – it promises to be our biggest show to date and we are all very excited.”

So make sure you get to come and reminisce about the two-stroke era again, with the icon of the times ‘Revvin Kevin’ Schwantz… The People’s Champion.

• www.classicbikeshows.com

 

All systems go for the VJMC’s second annual show

6 June 2008

The VJMC’s Classic Bike Show and Autojumble goes from strength to strength.
Although only in its second year, trade stands confirmed for 2008 already exceed 2007 bookings and there’s still a month to go! In fact all numbers are up on last year’s inaugural event. The number of bike clubs attending now exceeds 75 and more than 900 individual bikes are so far entered. A number of classic clubs are holding their annual rallies at the event – further adding to the appeal of the event.
With 90 air-cooled Yamahas, 40 BSA Goldstars, 20 Ariel Arrows/Leaders and more than 30 BSA Bantams there’ll be a lot see. Some front line names from the classic world are sponsoring the event and will have a significant presence – so look out for Footman James, Bikesure, Z-power, Governors Bridge and Crooks Suzuki. Last year’s popular Sights and Sounds display will be reprised on the Sunday morning giving show goers an opportunity to see and hear some the most interesting classic machinery in the country; while ‘Uncle’ Jim Reynolds will on hand to give a commentary in his own inimitable style. So, for all that’s best in the classic motorcycle world, visit Uttoxeter race course on 5 and 6 July 2008!

Café culture

6 June 2008

Not content with maintaining the legend that is the Ace Café on London’s North Circular Road, Ace boss Mark Wilsmore has teamed up with Ace eoperations director George Tsuchnikas and custom bike builder Nick Gale, to build a limited run of 100 Ace Café Racers to help celebrate both the 70th anniversary of the Ace Café and 50 years of the S&S Cycle Company – an American manufacturer of traditional V-twin engines.

The trio have formed the Stonebridge Motor Company to produce and market the bikes, which will be sold in Europe, the USA and Japan. The new bike is to be a traditional British style café racer with a big 100 cu in V-twin engine from S&S. To find out more about this exciting project, contact the Stonebridge Motor Company on 020 8998 6775 or visit their website www.acecaferacer.com

Reynolds tells his own tale

6 June 2008

John Reynolds spent 35 years racing motorcycles, winning six British Championship titles and making his mark in World Superbikes and 500cc Grand Prix racing along the way. He retired in October 2005 after suffering serious injuries in a horrific 140mph crash. Now fully recovered, he says that he wouldn't change a thing in his life, not even the injuries.
Now a new publication – John Reynolds, The Autobiography – written in collaboration with Jason McClean, tells the inspirational story of JR’s personal battle against adversity, and how he kept his feet firmly on the ground to become one of the most popular motorcycle racers of the modern era. John talks candidly about every aspect of growing up to become a motorcycle superstar, from boyhood stunts on his pushbike to teenage motocross, road-racing, through to his rollercoaster track career.
From the high-points of life as a racer and as a loving husband and father, to the desperate lows of his final season and the life-threatening crash that ended his career, John Reynolds gives the reader a fascinating insight into competing in one of the hardest and most unforgiving sports in the world.

The book is out now and costs £8.99. Format: Paperback, ISBN: 978 1 84425 534 4

 

Spring Eurojumble enjoys a surge

23 May 2008

The Spring Eurojumble at Netley Marsh over 16-17 May 2008 saw motorcycle enthusiasts from all over Europe travel to the idyllic New Forest to find that elusive bike bargain. Returning for its third successful year, traders and visitors alike left happy with crowds in record numbers pouring through the gates.

The Eurojumble, as usual, attracted an impressive display of motorcycles from both classic clubs and private entries. To name just a few of the highly coveted prizes, The Classic MotorCycle award, presented to the best motorcycle from 1900-1940 went to Peter Miller’s 1926 Royal Enfield, while the Old Bike Mart award for the best motorcycle from 1941-1950 went to the Vincent Comet owned by Ron Axon. Classic Bike Guide, Classic Motorcycle Mechanics and Classic Racer, along with a range of other popular classic and modern motorcycle titles offered class awards too, while the Best Club award went to the Christian Motorcycle Association. 

Show Manager, Nick Mowbray said: “The ClassicBikeShow Team are thrilled with the weekend’s success. Not only were we lucky with the weather, we saw a rise in traders taking part and also a huge nine per cent increase in visitor numbers through the gate.”

Future show dates:

Eurojumble Netley Marsh September 12/13h 2008 Netley Marsh, near Southampton Hants.
Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show October 18/19 2008 Stafford County Showground, Stafford.
Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show February 14/15 2009 Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet.
International Classic Motorcycle Show April 25/26 2009 Stafford County Showground, Stafford.

Cancer Charity Trial

23 May 2008

Frank Bourne will be running his annual pre-1970 British Bike Trial, in aid of Cancer Research UK, on Sunday 15 June. It’s at his farm, at Mucklestone, near Market Drayton, Staffs, and it starts at 11am. There will be a barbecue, raffle, tombola and blind auction. Last year, Frank and the team raised £1400. Donations or prizes would be most welcome. Entries from AMC office 01543 466282, all other enquiries from Frank on 01630 672124.

Triumph back Nostalgia Week

23 May 2008

Triumph motorcycles, through their Cumbria dealership in Carlisle, are to sponsor the Nostalgia Off Road Week. Greeves motorcycles will continue to sponsor the Saturday pre-65/twin shock trial, along with Coniston Brewery – producers of the excellent Blue Bird Bitter. Test rides of the new Triumph range will be available by appointment, contact Frank at Triumph Cumbria 01228 596003 to book your ride.

Star-studded Stafford!

16 May 2008

The 28th International Classic MotorCycle Show attracted a record-breaking 30,000 visitors to Stafford County Showground.
With Giacomo Agostini, the Italian multi-time world champion and Grand Prix ace Kork Ballington in attendance, the event sponsored by Carole Nash and Central Wheel Components on 26-27 April, was always going to be bigger and better than ever. Glorious sunshine on the Saturday and an eclectic array of motorcycles topped a fantastic weekend.

Agostini formally opened the show wowing the crowds with stories of his 122 Grand Prix and 15 World Championship title victories. Visitors flocked to hear this motorcycling icon’s tales and never has the show seen a more popular star guest.
The return of the Classic Racer Grand Prix Paddock, sponsored by Footman James was another huge success. The impressive and diverse line-up of race ware on display was not only a striking spectacle but it brought all the sights, sounds and smells of road racing to life at the show. A new addition for 2008 was the Classic Competition Hall, again sponsored by Footman James and supported by Classic Dirt Bike Magazine and Classic Racer. Full of competition clubs, both road racing and off-road and with the many traders all very busy, its debut was one of the highlights of the show.
As usual, a focal point to the weekend was the club stand competition, in which clubs vote for one another as they try to win one of the many coveted awards and with it a cash prize. Competition was fierce to see who would take this year’s £1000 star prize but it was the Rudge Enthusiasts who scooped the award in the end, closely followed by the Malmesbury Motorcycle Club and in third place the Gold Star Owners Club. 
With the record breaking event now over for another year, a tired but delighted Show Manager Nick Mowbray said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed with the achievements of the 28th International Classic MotorCycle Show. With Ago and Kork Ballington as our guests of honour the crowd attendance was just unbelievable and traders are already re-booking for next year; all of the classic bike shows team are exhausted but very, very happy.”

Award winners at the 28th International Classic MotorCycle Show, 26/27 April 2008

Club Stand third plus £250: Gold Star Owners Club
Club Stand second plus £500: Malmesbury CMCC
Club Stand first plus £1000: Rudge Enthusiasts
British Clubstand plus £100: Triumph owners Club
Non British Clubstand plus £100: CBX Riders Club
Mixed Make Clubstand plus £100: Wolverhampton and District MCC
Local Area Clubstand plus £100: Malmesbury CMCC
Veteran (manufactured prior to 1915): third 1914 JES, David Spruce
Veteran second: 1912 New Hudson, Mark Greening
Veteran first: 1911 Royal Enfield, Pete Sole
Vintage (manufactured prior to 1931) third: 1930 Scott, Richard Duffin
Vintage second: 1924 Norton, J Goodall
Vintage first: 1928 BSA, Alan Smith
Post Vintage (manufactured prior to 1946) third: 1933 Vincent, FBHVC
Post Vintage second: 1939 AJS, Tony Trueman
Post Vintage first: 1932 Ariel, Bob Oakes
Post War (Manufactured prior to 1965) third: 1957 Greeves 25D, Peter Pluck
Post War second: 1952 Douglas 90 Plus, Bill Bewley
Post War first: 1961 Norton Navigator, Terry Brock
Classic (manufactured since 1965) third: 1972 BSA Hurricane, George Poole
Classic second: BSA Firebird, Barry Harper
Classic first: 1965 BSA Lightning, Mrs J Smith
Best Japanese Machine: 1969 Yamaha AS1, M Nettleship
Best Three Wheeler: The Syke, Sykes Engineering
Best Military Machine: WD Welbike, A Longstaff
Best Autocycle: 1940 Rudge, Val Sowerby
Best Scooter: MV, A Elderton
Best Sidecar Combination: 1929 Rudge, Mr Eastwick
Best Continental Machine: 1956 MV Agusta, Ron Crumpler
Best Junior Entrant: 1935 Jawa, Parklane College
Best Competition Machine: 1967 BSA, Mick Beech
Most Original Machine: 1928 VELOCETTE TT, Joan Rhodes
Best Presented Private Display: 1947/48 EMC, Dennis Millington
Best Trade Stand Exhibit: George Cohen Nortons
Best Trade Stand Display: Hailwood Motorcycle Restorations
Best Racing Machine: 1972 BSA Rocket, Malcolm Preston
Best Oldest Machine: 1908 Ariel, Paul Jamieson
The UBG Practical Classic: 1989 Yamaha FZR1000, Steve Gaff
Best Classic Racer Grand Prix Display: Tony Salt
Best Villiers-Engined Machine (Villiers Services Trophy, perpetual): 1938 SOS DA Model, Olive Guy
Best Machine of Technical Interest, (Bob Currie Trophy, perpetual): 1934 Scott Racing Special, Roger Moss
Best Lady Entrant, (Tracy Tools Trophy, perpetual): 1932 BMW, Glenys Barr
Best Ex-TT Machine, (Hailwood Trophy, perpetual): 1954 BSA GS, Dave Webber
Best Indian, (Motordrome Trophy, perpetual): 1942 Indian Scout Bobber, Nigel Rowell
Best Triton, (Tony Carabine Trophy, perpetual): 1954 Triton, S Robinson
Award For Engineering Excellence, (Kay Engineering, perpetual): 1953 Norton JAP Thor, Derek Fox
Best Classic Special, (Greg Roberts Motorcycles Trophy, perpetual): 1960 Velocette Valiant special, Brian Day
Best in show, perpetual, (Overall Show Winner) plus £100: Matchless G45, Dennis Bunting

Standing room only at Bonhams & Butterfields’ Second Annual Legends of the Motorcycle Auction

16 May 2008

Motorcycle enthusiasts assembled in the ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay, CA on Saturday, 3 May 2008 for Bonhams & Butterfields’ second annual sale of exceptional motorcycles and automobilia, held in conjunction with the Legends of the Motorcycle Concours d’Elegance. More than $1.9-million was paid for rare and desirable motorbikes, collectibles and artwork from private and corporate collections, including a Steve McQueen “bobber style” Indian Sport Scout and an Evel Knievel Harley, each hammer followed by a hearty round of applause from the standing-room-only crowd.
Bidders onsite for the auction included an international pool of collectors and self-described “petrol heads” from France, England, Australia, Japan and all parts of the US. A contingent of Hollywood celebs included actors from the big and small screens and their required entourages. Telephone bidders were successful for several lots as competitive bidding pushed prices to record setting levels for several lots.

Having had one owner since new, a 1975 Ducati 750SS ‘Round Case’ drew much attention, bidders closely inspecting it throughout the day-long preview, until the point when Bonhams staff rolled it before the auctioneer’s podium. CEO and auctioneer Malcolm Barber sold the well-maintained, original condition 750 for $117,000, setting a new auction world record.

Steve McQueen’s 1940 Indian Sport Scout was offered with a certificate signed by Terry and Chad McQueen and was part of the McQueen Estate auction in Las Vegas in 1984 before becoming a centerpiece of the Michael Corbin Collection in 2000. The Scout sold for $52,650. Twenty bikes and 70-lots of automobilia from the Corbin Collection were of great interest to bidders, three of the auctions top ten lots stemming from that $667,000 collection.
Seven bikes formerly on exhibit within the museum onsite at the Santa Cruz Harley-Davidson dealership also brought strong collector interest, highlighted by the collection’s earliest gas-powered model, the dealership’s 1929 Harley-Davidson 74ci JDH (sold for $67,860). This motorbike has appeared in magazines and toured in museum exhibitions. A peddle-powered Harley on sale was a 1918 Harley-Davidson bicycle, which sold within estimate for $4,095. 

The 2004 red, white and blue Harley-Davidson 88ci Heritage Softail formerly in the collection of Evel Knievel, an icon considered one of the world’s greatest stuntmen and member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame as of 1999, sold for $46,800. 

The legend returns

16 May 2008

Kevin Schwantz, the 1993 500cc GP champion and MotoGP Legend, is to return to the competition scene next year. He hopes to play an active role with either Suzuki’s main Moto GP team, or a satellite team with rider Ben Spies.

Schwantz, 43, claims Spies – a double AMA Superbike Champion already – would be an asset to Suzuki’s Moto GP campaign, but says that he would be happy with any involvement in the MotoGP scene with long time employers, Suzuki. Still immensely popular witht the fans, Kevin would surely be a welcome addition to the Moto GP paddock next season and he hopes to be able to confirm details of his new role by October this year.

Harley and Buell up Irish input

16 May 2008

Ireland’s Harley-Davidson and Buell dealer network is set to triple in the space of 12 months – growing from just one dealership to three, thanks to an increase in Irish regional sales.

In addition to the existing Waterford showroom, a new purpose-built facility is now open for business in Dublin and a third dealership in Cork is due for completion in June this year. The two new dealerships alone represent an inward investment of more than Euro7,000,000.
Harley-Davidson and Buell UK and Ireland Managing Director Paul Stroud said: “To treble our presence in Ireland within a year is serious growth, and it demonstrates the strong commitment that our dealers have in working with us to achieve sales growth and improving the accessibility of our brands to our customers. We are dedicated to our long term objective of ensuring that all Harley-Davidson and Buell enthusiasts have a local dealer within a 90 minute ride of home.”

Life in the fast lane at Bennetts BSB

16 May 2008

Original winner of TV’s The Apprentice series, Tim Campbell continued his life in the fast lane yesterday with a high-speed pillion aboard the Bennetts Buell with former triple Superbike Champion Niall Mackenzie. The businessman who managed to stay cool under pressure from Sir Alan Sugar was unable to contain his excitement at the experience with Mackenzie – who he described as “a God”.
The Bennetts policyholder – who rides a Suzuki GSXR 750 – enjoyed a flying lap at the Brands Hatch circuit in Kent in glorious sunshine, which left him speechless for a few seconds before exclaiming that the experience was “unbelievable”. He said: “I started out by trying to be really cool at first by putting my hands on the tank of the Bennetts Buell, but before we’d even made it half way round the track I was clinging on to Niall and had my arms wrapped around him.”

Tim was previously quoted as saying that he had learnt from Sir Alan how to take risks and his nerves of steel were confirmed when he stepped off the Bennetts Buell with his helmet hiding a huge grin.
The action at the re-run of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship season opener was also witnessed by celebrity motorcyclist Jodie Marsh, who rode to the event aboard a Harley-Davidson. She was unable to experience the Bennetts Buell pillion due to her recent surgery but declared that a previous pillion experience with Ron Haslam was “better than sex.” She met Haslam’s son and championship contender Leon on the grid yesterday as well as other British contenders Leon Camier and Tom Sykes.

The nation’s favourite bike insurance provider invited Tim and Jodie to the event as personal guests after a new date was set for the event. The bright sunshine was in stark contrast to the thick snow that cancelled the first event just five weeks ago at the same circuit.

Greater use of PTWs

16 May 2008

As the news of the jump in PTW registrations arrives, the Department for Transport (DfT) has released new figures on road transport use in 2007. The DfT says that at the end of last year, 1.133 million motorcycles were registered for road use, up 3.2 per cent on 2006 and the biggest total since 1985. An additional 392,000 were declared stored or off the road – a normal occurrence during December and winter months. Around one third of all bikes were of less than 125cc and legal for use by learners. The average motorcycle engine size was 510cc.

Spring surge in bike sales

16 May 2008

Registrations of motorcycles, scooters and mopeds last month were 10.2 per cent up on the same month last year, according to figures issued by the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA).
Powered two wheeler (PTW) registrations of 13,747 were 1,269 up on April, 2007, taking the total market this year to 44,441 – up 1.3 per cent on the same period last year. Increases were seen across almost all engine sizes and bike categories with mopeds up 49.7 per cent and scooters up 42.3 per cent.

Motorcycle registrations gained 4.8 per cent with most styles showing increases. Adventure sport bikes continued their upward trend with a 27.8 per cent increase, with the BMW R1200 GS the top seller. Supersport bike sales dipped 10.8 per cent. The biggest-selling make in April was Honda with 1,990 registrations.

Network for nowt…

16 May 2008

There’s a new networking website for motorcyclists – and it’s free. Log on to share pictures – or even videos – of your bike and check out the motorcycle action in your part of the world. To get in on the action, log on to www.cycleworldnetwork.com and receive exclusive member benefits, full access to the site and other registered members, and the opportunity to post your own articles and content.

Now’s the time to get on two wheels

10 May 2008

Record numbers of people are expected to take scooter and motorcycle tests this year ahead of changes in test procedures that will make it more complex to pass the test from October this year.
Launching its Now’s the Time campaign to raise awareness of the test changes, the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) is predicting a surge in people applying for theory, compulsory basic tests (CBT), full tests and direct access tests before the changes come into force in just five months. 
In a typical year, there are around 80,000 powered two wheeler (PTW) test applications with more than 50,000 passes. Last year saw an increase in the number of motorcycle tests taken and passed and the MCIA says that we are likely to see a further big increase in 2008. 
In compliance with an EU directive, PTW licence legislation takes a new turn in October. Applicants will face longer waiting times and testing will be more expensive and demanding. There will also be fewer test centres where tests can be taken – down from about 200 to just 60, although the MCIA says that fewer than that will be ready by October. 

Those who already have a motorcycle CBT certificate and people looking to get into biking for the first time, are being urged not to delay and to go for their full licence tests as soon a possible. The MCIA has set up a special web site to provide guidance at www.takeyourtestnow.com.
The MCIA’s Craig Carey-Clinch said: “PTW riders are probably already our best-trained road users, and the new test elements will help riders understand more about the capabilities of their machines, but there is concern about the additional expense of training and taking tests, and that the number of test centres around the country is being slashed. 

“The last time major changes to test procedures were brought in back in 1997, we saw a huge rise in test applications as people tried to beat the deadline. We expect history to repeat itself. For these and many other reasons, now’s the time to take your bike test.” 
But it’s not just changes in test legislation that’s making people think about switching to PTWs. Rising costs of living, expensive and inefficient public transport and record fuel and motoring costs are making people reassess their transport needs. 
“Interest in mopeds, scooters and motorcycles as viable means of transport is increasing,” says Craig Carey-Clinch. “Higher taxation, household bills and economic uncertainty are making people think. Add to that the expense and poor experience of public transport and of course, road congestion, punitive taxes and costs of motoring, and it’s no surprise that people are looking at alternative ways of commuting and getting around. 
“PTWs are part of the solution to road congestion. They take up minimal space and journey times can easily be up to 60 per cent quicker than in a car. They are not hit with congestion charges and are easy or cheap to park. Running costs are low and so are CO2 emissions. Above all, they are fun to ride and instil a sense of freedom that a car and public transport can never offer. There’s never been a better time to get on a bike.”

Infinity’s expanding

10 May 2008

Infinity Motorcycles are set to open up two new clothing clearance centres, one at their Farnborough store, the other at Infinity York.
The Infinity chain offer the latest ranges from top manufactures on offer, but inevitably this means that there is always a stock of perfectly sound but superseded stock on hand to dispose of – and that’s where the new clearance centres come in. With nine branches country wide, the new clearance centres will act as hubs for the other Infinity branches to feed in their surplus stock.

Stuart Long of Infinity is enthusiastic over this new venture. “We are not a ‘stack ‘em high and sell ‘em cheap’ company but with a buoyant market and strong sales, we do need to keep our stock tuned to the market and this means we do have perfectly sound back-catalogue products that have to be sold to make way for the latest ranges, hence our new clearance centres.”

As stockists of all the major brands, including Dainese, Rukka, Ixon, Frank Thomas and Teknic; helmets from Arai, Shoei, Schuberth, HJC, Caberg, HJC and a range of gloves and boots from Alpinestars, Sidi, Gaerne etc, there should be something to suit just about everyone at one of the new centres.

Records tumble in Bonhams’ £2 million motorcycle sale

1 May 2008

Bonhams celebrated its best ever motorcycle sale at the Stafford Show, achieving several world record prices in a storming sale that realised £2,112,099. This is the highest ever sale total for any UK motorcycle sale, emphatically confirming Bonhams’ position as clear market leader for collectors’ motorcycles.
This was the first of four dedicated motorcycle sales at Bonhams this year, and  launched the 2008 calendar in commanding fashion, with 88 per cent of all lots selling and the top three bikes each realising over £100,000 – all three selling to UK private collectors.

A 1934 Brough Superior 996cc SS100 made top price of £166,500 – a world record price for the model and the highest price ever paid for a British motorcycle at auction. This beat the previous record of £163,600 for a 1954 AJS Porcupine also sold by Bonhams at Stafford in 2000.
The Brough Superior, a rare example of this legendary pre-war superbike, represented the JAP-engined SS100 in its ultimate form. Incorporating ‘two of everything’ (carburettors, magnetos, oil pumps), it was one of only six made to this specification in 1934 and retained its original frame, engine and registration mark. The machine formed part of the Murray Motorcycle Museum Collection in the Isle of Man from 1973 to 2005.

Other highlights included:

• 1928 Coventry-Eagle 980cc Flying-8 – sold for £100,500 (estimate £50,000 – 60,000). One of only a relative handful of overhead-valve-engined Flying-8s known to survive, this 1928 example was in highly original ‘oily rag’ condition and was offered for sale for the first time in 25 years.

• 1928 Windhoff 746cc Four – sold for £100,500. A rare survivor of this innovative German marque, this unique and imposing machine had undergone a complete restoration prior to the sale.

• 1953 Vincent 998cc Series-C Black Shadow – sold £58,700 (estimate £30,000 – 40,000). This highly sought-after Vincent – owned by two brothers for the first 50 years of its life – was sold by the third owner who undertook a sympathetic restoration of the remarkably original machine.

• Vincent and Brough models were very much in demand and were 100 per cent sellers in the Bonhams’ sale. These included a 1950 Vincent 998cc Series-C Shadow (£41,100), the Vincent Owners Club Spares Company 2007 998cc Black Shadow (£34,500) and the 1935 Brough Superior 982cc SS80 (£36,700).

• The ex-Geoff Dodkin, Barcelona 24 Hours, Brands Hatch 500 miles, Isle of Man TT class-winning 1964 Velocette Thruxton 498cc Production Racing Motorcycle sold for £37,800 (estimate £19,500 – 22,000).

• Two helmets sold for well above pre-sale estimates: the Barry Sheene Bell racing helmet, worn during the 1974 season and the first to carry his famous number 7, sold for £5,520 (estimate £1,500 – 2,000), and the Premier racing helmet worn by Phil Read to win his final 500cc World Championship, sold for £6,210 (estimate £1,000 – 1,500).

Ben Walker, Head of Bonhams’ Motorcycle Department said:

“We were naturally delighted with the results we achieved for our vendors. We attracted worldwide interest and the depth of competitive bidding on some motorcycles was extraordinary. We have a list of many customers still anxious to acquire various models and this all bodes well for the special single owner collections that Bonhams will be handling later this year: The Professor Fritz Ehn Museum Collection in June and the Brian Verrall Collection in September.”

A champion read

1 May 2008

A new book to hit the market, Motorcycle World Champions is a fabulous series of character studies of the premier motorcycle racers - from bomber pilot Les Graham, the first 500cc World Champion in 1949, to Casey Stoner, boasting the Number 1 plate in 2008. Memorable heroes like Mike Hailwood, Giacomo Agostini, Kenny Roberts, Mick Doohan and Valentino Rossi are studied in depth, but so are the lesser-known champions who rode the storm to glory.
In motorbike racing, there is one prize above all others.

The crown of crowns is every racer's dream. From the dawn of modern Grand Prix racing to MotoGP of the new millennium, the series has picked out the best of the best. Just one man each year earns the right to call himself World Champion and there have been only 24.  This book celebrates six decades of these champions, with the vivid life stories of every one. Lavishly illustrated pen portraits bring to life the great names of the 500cc class: Geoff Duke, John Surtees, Barry Sheene...  And there are also the half-forgotten heroes, like tragic genius Gary Hocking.

In this redesigned and greatly expanded new edition, the expert analysis puts the championship in context and highlights the glamorous and powerful machines, while personal anecdotes and insights recall the exploits of the winners, and the losers. Illustrated with more than 250 dramatic and historic photographs, many published here for the first time, this book is a fitting tribute to six decades of personal achievement in the most exciting motorsport of all.
Author Michael Scott has covered motorcycle GP racing first-hand for more than 20 years, and written about racing for years before that. Author of more than 15 books including Haynes's highly successful biographies of Barry Sheene and Wayne Rainey, he is the Editor of the prestigious annual Motocourse, and is on first-name terms with most of people in this book.
Motorcycle World Champions is out Now, RRP: £25.00, Format: Hardback, ISBN: 978 1 84425 454 5

Take death off the road

1 May 2008

Kent Police and its road safety partners are about to begin a campaign to reduce death and serious injury on the county’s roads involving motorcycles.
The education and enforcement initiative kick starts Kent Police’s Safer Summer campaign. The weather is improving, the evenings are lighter for longer and consequently more riders are on the road.
While only one in 100 road users is a motorcyclist, a quarter of serious road collisions involve riders.
Inspector Alex Jones said: “Kent Police and its partners want to work with motorcyclists to ensure that they can enjoy riding their bikes safely all year round. It is not about spoiling their fun and fining them for speeding. It is about keeping them, and other road users, alive and making sure their families grow up with a husband, partner, father, brother or uncle.
“In a concerted push to reduce the number of riders who are killed or hurt, and the trauma their family and friends suffer, Kent Police and its road safety partners will pool their expertise and resources to reduce casualties.
“We will educate, enforce the law and talk to motorcyclists at major events – giving  them advice that could save their lives.”

The campaign will focus on:

• Four major motorcycling events where Kent Police and its partners will mingle with riders, offering them help and advice (May Day Run from London to Hastings; British Superbike Championship at Brands Hatch; ACE Café Bank Holiday Run to Margate and the BMF Garden of England Motorbike Show at Detling)
• Speeding riders. Safety cameras will be set up on roads where motorcyclists have been killed or injured in the past and at sites associated with anti social or dangerous riding
• Anti social riders who put other motorists at risk
• Other road users who will be asked to report anti social riders by calling Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

RIDE ROUND THE TOP

1 May 2008

On 28 June 2008, two long-time members of the Norton Owners Club (NOC) set off on an 1800 mile, eight-day trip around the top of Scotland. Their objective is to raise money for Gutjwa School in the Republic of South Africa, where Lorraine Hird, a Kiwi motorcycling friend who has clocked up over 150,000 miles covering more than 50 countries in the past decade, is heavily involved in supporting the impoverished school: over half of the pupils are AIDS orphans, many of whose only meal of the day is the school-provided dollop of mealie-maize porridge.

Support for their ride has come from several well-known motorcycle writers. Peter Scatchard, Vice-President of the NOC, will be riding a 1959 600cc twin-cylinder 99 Dominator he bought in 1966 and restored in 2006. Neil Stafford, fellow-NOC member, will be on his 1967-acquired 1960 ES2 500cc single, restored in 2008. “We’d talked for years about doing this ride on our boyhood-bikes; once we heard about Lorraine’s charity work, we decided here was a great opportunity to combine our long-time ambitions with raising money for this really good cause,” says Peter. “It’ll make an interesting change from my Honda Fireblade” comments Neil. “Probably more comfortable, too – we’ll just take it easy on ourselves and the old bikes, and hope to make a significant difference to Gutjwa School during our summer holiday.” The full stories of Peter and Neil, their bikes, the Ride Round the Top (RRTT) and Gutjwa School are all accessible via the Ride Round the Top website, www.rideroundthetop.org, where support pledges can be made. “Just a pound makes a real difference, and it all ends up at Gutjwa School, no overheads, no kick-backs, no administration costs,” assures Lorraine.

For further information, please contact Peter Scatchard, on 07775 631 044 (day) or 01235 751 751 (evening), pscatchard@yew-tree-house.co.uk,

Bonhams to sell Brian Verrall collection

24 April 2008

A very special collection of motorcycles, cycles and related automobilia is to be sold by Bonhams at its flagship New Bond Street Saleroom in London on 1 September 2008. This highly-prized selection of veteran, vintage and classic machines was the personal collection of the late Brian Verrall, a well-known and highly respected motorcycle dealer. This bespoke hand-picked Collection features over 25 important motorcycles, to include:

• 1938 Brough Superior SS100, estimate £90,000 – 110,000
• 1939 HRD Series A Rapide, estimate £125,000 – 150,000
• 1914 Matchless 990cc Model 8B Combination, estimate £18,000 – 22,000
• 1927 Zenith 8/45hp KTOR Brooklands racing motorcycle, estimate £120,000 – 150,000

Also included will be cycles and related motoring memorabilia, such as superb lighting equipment, spares, enamel signs and literature.

Brian Verrall started collecting motorcycles in the late 1940s, establishing the London showroom ‘Youngs of Tooting’ in the 1960s, which soon gained a worldwide reputation as the first and finest dealers in veteran, vintage and classic motorcycles. It later became known as the eponymous Verralls of Tooting. In 1991 Brian moved to Handcross in West Sussex and continued his business in larger premises – a range of 18th century buildings comprising showrooms and workshops.

Brian Verrall died earlier this year, having handed over the business in 2004 to Ian Hatton, his workshop manager of over 20 years. Brian and his wife Margaret continued to live – literally - above the shop and in recent years Brian said he kept a watching brief on the business from the pillion seat!

Verralls continue to trade under the management of Ian Hatton.

James Knight, International Head of the Bonhams Motoring Department, commented: “We are delighted to have been selected by Margaret to handle Brian’s Collection. Brian was a long standing client and friend of us all at Bonhams and we shall take great pride in conducting a Sale that will be remembered as one of the great motorcycle auctions.”

Margaret Verrall added: “Brian held great affection and respect for the Bonhams team and I had no hesitation in appointing them to handle the Sale. Brian was very particular as to what items went into his special collection and the auction will provide a wonderful opportunity for other collectors to take on the ownership.”

The Professor Fritz Ehn motorcycle museum collection

Added: 16 July 2008

The biggest single-owner collection of motorcycles ever to come to auction made £1,122,044 on Monday 30 June 2008 when 276 machines from the renowned Austrian museum were sold by Bonhams at the Royal Air Force Museum in Hendon, UK.

The unrivalled and comprehensive collection – featuring some rarely seen European marques and models – drew interest from around the world, and collectors registered to bid from as far afield as the US, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Holland, Italy, France, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and the UK.

The £1.1-million sale total reflected the strong prices achieved across the range of motorcycles on offer. Over 88 per cent of the 349 lots sold, with many prices exceeding the pre-sale estimates, as bidders fought over a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own some of the very rare models on offer.

The highest price in the sale was £38,900 for a 1904 Laurin & Klement CCR (estimate £20,000-25,000) Made by one of Europe’s leading motorcycle manufacturers in the early years of the 20th century, this ‘Pioneer’ was a rare surviving example. Professor Ehn bought the machine in 1969 from the daughter of the original owner. Of particular interest to CMM readers is the 1976 MV Agusta 750S America that went for £32,200 quite a way over its guide price of £18,000-22,000) Presented in ready-to-ride condition, this Agusta had covered less than 3500 miles from new.

Ben Walker, Head of Bonhams’ motorcycle department, said: “This was a very special collection and we are delighted the results achieved for Professor Ehn have reflected this, both for the top bikes and the more modestly priced lots. The auction attracted many new buyers and it is gratifying that the logistics of putting on such a sale – photographing, researching and transporting 349 machines, cycles and memorabilia from Austria, and marketing the sale through our international network of offices – have paid off.”

Professor Fritz Ehn said: “I am very impressed with the results that Bonhams have achieved – both the strong prices and the high rate that was sold. It was good to see such an international crowd here. Whenever I have any other good motorcycles to sell, I will definitely come back to Bonhams!”

Biggest two-stroke rally

Added: 16 July 2008

The Aircooled RD Owners Club, North East Branch are hosting their fourth Biggest Two-Stroke Rally In The Country. It’s at the Cumby Arms, Heighington village, near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, off J58 A1 along the A6072, over 15-17 August. All two strokes are welcome, from the 1920s through to present day. There are prizes, trophies, bouncy castles for the kids. See all the details at www.nerdoc.co.uk. or call Martin Bell on 07834751413.

Morini track day

Added: 16 July 2008

The Moto Morini Riders Club have their annual track day scheduled for Thursday 24 July, at Cadwell Park. Prices from £100 to £120. Entry forms from www.morini-riders-club.com or write to The Morini Riders Club, 98 Burghfield Road, Reading, Berks RG30 3LP. You don’t have to ride a Morini, all are welcome. In the past there has been a varied selection of machines ranging from KTT Velocettes and Manx Nortons, to MV Agustas etc.

No leaded fuel for now

Added: 16 July 2008

Bayford, the only UK distributor of BS 4040 leaded petrol, wrote to all their outlets recently to explain that they had lost their storage and blending facility at Harwich earlier this year and have not been able to make alternative arrangements. They have now distributed the last of their leaded petrol in stock but were talking to suppliers as far away as Russia and Israel with a view to importing by the tanker load.

A record 100 years at Brooklands

Added: 21 May 2008

The Brooklands Motorcycle Centenary Meeting attracted a record entry of 254 machines. A crowd of over 6000 enjoyed the sight and sound of 214 rare and historic machines ranging from 1902 to 2007. The opportunity to see Phil Read roar up the famous Test Hill on his Moto-Paton was matched by the sight of Steve Parrish giving a masterclass demonstration around the Mercedes-Benz track on the ex-Hailwood Honda RC161 from the National Motor Museum. After the event Steve said: "I had a ball! At one point I thought I had gone to heaven and Mike had loaned me his bike!"

The afternoon parades produced a unique spectacle, racing motorcycles of all ages parading between the undercarriage of Concorde ‘Delta Golf’ on their way to and from the Campbell Circuit in Mercedes Benz World. One rider commented that the experience… "was surreal, I’ll never be able to do anything like that again!"

There were 14 One-Make club stands ranged around and under the museum’s large airliners and visitors’ bikes by the hundred lined up on the famous banking.

Two holders of the famous Brooklands Gold Star for laps at over 100mph joined in the event. Denis Loveday recalled his winning ways on his Ariel and Col Ronnie Borradaile explained how he rode only once at Brooklands and set a 100mph lap in the process.

The mix of machines, personalities and parades will never be matched in quite the same way. The Centenary Meeting was a fitting tribute to 100 years of the historic Surrey track and once again lived up to the Brooklands adage of ‘The right crowd and no crowding’.

Forty-one counties for Macmillan

Added: 21 May 2008

Steve Freemantle from the Boston group of the IAM along with nine other riders is planning on riding around all 41 counties in England in 48 travelling hours. The event is for the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity and takes place between 26 June and 1 July. All donations would be gratefully received by Steve and the team. Full information is at:

http://www.justgiving.com/
over_40s_ride

Checked and approved for charity ride

Added: 21 May 2008

Plans are well under way for the Long Way Over charity ride by three Mortons editors in October. Malc Wheeler, Phil Turner and Rod Gibson from Classic Racer, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure and Classic Motorcycle Mechanics will be riding the 400 miles from Mortons base in Lincolnshire to Cavan in Southern Ireland to raise money for the Lymphoma Association. The ride is timed to coincide with Ireland’s annual Culchie Festival and the Great Honda 50 Run, and the intrepid trio will be riding a raggle-taggle collection of old Honda step-thrus and an ST70 Dax.

To make sure the ageing bikes (and their riders!) met the stringent safety standards required, Paddy Rock and Brendan Morrissey from the Culchie Festival visited Mortons to give the bikes and riders the once over. “It’s the first time we’ve had international visitors to the Festival,” said Paddy, “and we’re really looking forward to a great weekend on 25-26 October. The Honda 50 Run just seems to get bigger every year!”

More details about the charity ride are at www.longwayover.org.uk

Brisk business at H&H’s inaugural Harrogate auction

Added: 21 May 2008

Despite the doom and gloom pervading the current economic climate, H&H enjoyed a notably successful sale on its first visit to Harrogate. With the motorcycle section crammed full of racing machinery including four ex-works bikes, department head George Beale knew the chances of a 100 per cent sales rate were slim (though, he did achieve this for the road bike entries). Nevertheless the highly strung thoroughbreds that did change hands made respectable prices including a Suzuki RG500 Mk2 (£12,650), Triumph Trident (£12,650) and Honda RS250 (£8000).

Highest price achieved in the automobilia section was £2025 for a well-restored Austin J40 pedal car. While, a Nash ‘Authorised Service’ enamel sign (£1406), ‘Gilbert & Barker’ hand-operated petrol pump (£731) and Louis Stanley’s BRDC Car Badge (£618) also performed strongly.

Suzuki GSX-R1000 Vermeulen replica

Added: 20 March 2008

For the 2007 Australian MotoGP, Rizla Suzuki’s Chris Vermeulen paid homage to his hero and mentor, the late great Barry Sheene, with a stunning one-off colour scheme on his GSV-R. Now, thanks to this limited edition GSX-R1000 you can own the closest thing to it for the road.

Taking style cues from Barry’s mid-1970s 500cc two-stroke RG500s, the Vermeulen replica GSX-R1000 is in essence a replica of a replica, right down to the all-important crossed no.7 of the 1976 and 1977 world champion within Vermeulen’s own number 71.
Now available from Stamford Superbikes, each one of these six limited edition bikes is individually numbered on the airbox cover and offer many extra features to the already incredible 170bhp flagship superbike. Priced at £9599 the Vermeulen replica comes with twin titanium Arrow silencers (as used by the Alstare Corona WSB team) hung from carbon fibre hangers, the option of a single or dual seats, a headlight cover with the no.71 on and 10 per cent off any additional accessories or free fitting of further extras.
More information from Stamford Superbikes on 01733 235213 or visit www.stamfordsuperbikes.co.uk

Spitfire Over Northwich Town Centre

Added: 20 March 2008

Spitfire fans will have the chance to see this magnificent aircraft display in a unique setting right on the edge of Northwich, Cheshire, on Sunday 11 May.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire will perform at Thundersprint 2008 – a unique mix of motorcycle racing, street entertainment and fine food which takes over this pretty market town during the second weekend in May.
The Thundersprint attracts an incredible entry ranging from classic icons such as 15 times World Champion Giacomo Agostini and six times World Champion Jim Redman to current British Superbike star Leon Haslam, Top Gear’s James May and Stuart Manning – better known as Russ from TV series Hollyoaks. Backing this galaxy of stars will be over 100 top British and European racers.

The Thundersprint offers free admission, free parking and provides a packed day’s entertainment for the whole family. Turn one corner and there’s a 1960s Grand Prix star munching on a home made wild boar pie. Walk round the next and find thoroughbred classic race bikes mingling with Morris Dancers and Jazz bands: there’s nowhere like the Thundersprint!
Arriving early is recommended though, because Northwich gets very busy. For more information visit www.thundersprint.com or 01928 740 498.

Day of 100 Fizzies

Added: 15 February 2008

The 4th Annual Bolney to Brighton Run will take place on Sunday 18 May 2008. All classic peds and bikes are welcome.

 

The pack will leave the Motorcycle Workshop in Bolney at 10.30am sharp and head south. Once some piston holing steep hills have been conquered the pack will reform for a pit stop at the car park at the top of Devil’s Dyke. At 12 noon the final push into Brighton will take place to Brighton’s main Pier where the London and South East Mini Club will be ending their London to Brighton Run at the same time!
The pack will head off back to Bolney at 3pm.
For further information contact Andy Naughton-Doe (fs1eweb) on 07962 027307 or email him on andy@fs1e.co.uk
Link: www.fs1e.co.uk

An Elsie for Papworth

Added: 15 February 2008

For the past year, members of The LC Club have been building a classic Yamaha RD350LC from donated parts, with the intention of raising money for the Papworth Hospital.

"Club member Graeme Fox received a heart transplant in August 2006 and we decided to try and give something back because Papworth saved his life," commented club events co-ordinator Tony Webb. "We now intend to raffle the bike to raise money for the hospital. The bike will be on show at some of the largest classic motorcycle shows in the country. The bike has had its own heart transplant in the shape of a YPVS motor, and is painted in bright red; a limited edition colour only available in Japan. To our knowledge it's the only one in the country in these colours and very appropriate."

VMCC Comet winner

Added: 15 February 2008

Dave Lee, from Warrington, won the first prize – a 1952 Vincent 500 Comet in the VMCC’s July-Dec 2007 raffle drawn on December 21. Second prize went to Gary Phillips from South Glamorgan, who bagged a Davida ‘Ninety 1’ crash helmet, courtesy of Davida UK. Third prize was one year’s subscription to Old Bike Mart & The Classic Motorcycle, courtesy of Mortons Motorcycle Media, which went to Mr F Burrell of Norfolk, while fourth prize, one year’s subscription to Classic Racer, went to F Edgeley of Lincolnshire.

Prizes for the Jan-June 2008 raffle will be a 1969 Norton Commando S750, a 1962 AJS Model 14 CSR250, a Davida ‘Ninety 1’ helmet, a year’s subscription to ‘Old Bike Mart’ & ‘The Classic Motorcycle’ and a year’s subscription to Classic Racer. Tickets may be obtained via VMCC HQ on 01283 540557 e-mail hq@vmcc.net, or on line at www.vmcc.net. The draw will take place on June 27.

Moped giveaway

Added: 15 February 2008

Reader Brent Fielder from Goole, Yorkshire, is pictured with the remnants of the Garelli sports moped unearthed by Classic Bike Guide editor Tim Britton (reported in last month’s news pages).

"I have actually appeared in Mechanics a couple of times before," said Brent. "In the April and May 2000 editions I was restoring a Garelli Rekord, obviously I haven't progressed far since then! This one certainly has lots of missing parts. Never mind, onwards and upwards, I'll give it a go!"

Good luck with the restoration Brent – and we want to see it when it's rebuilt!

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