STAFFORD SHOW: ‘The Classic Dirt Bike Experience’.

9 March 2010

The 30th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, held over the weekend of the 24-25th April at Stafford County Showground, is now fast approaching and this year an extra special spectacle is being added to the show, ‘The Classic Dirt Bike Experience’.
Over the last few years the off-road side of the event has been growing at a fantastic rate, from the tentative step of introducing a live-action trials demonstration area, where pre-65 and twinshock riders prove just how agile a motorcycle can be, to a dedicated competition hall where the best of off-road bikes can be seen.
Building on this already successful part of the weekend, new for 2010 we introduce ‘The Classic Dirt Bike Experience’.

With tech clinics from experts such as Hagon Shocks and Amal Carburettors on how to best care for your machine, and interviews on stage with stars of the off-road world such as Mick Andrews and 11 times successive British Champion, Sammy Miller. The public will also be able to chat to the very people who use bikes in trials, scrambles and enduros every weekend. Combine this with plenty of traders and stands to cater for everybody’s off-road needs, and visitors to this area of the show are in for a great weekend.

• Web links: Classic Dirt Bike Magazine | Classic Bike Shows
 

Magnificent Macmillan motorcyclists

3 March 2010

The Macmillan Magnificent Seven will set off on the seventh minute of the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month to visit seven European capital cities in less than seven days travelling through 14 countries.
Departing from the Angel of the North, Newcastle upon Tyne, they will visit seven capital cities while travelling through France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Rep, Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, England and finish back at the Angel of the North.
This means a trip of around 3000 miles and seven aching rumps!
As you can see this is not a Sunday afternoon ride out, with days that will require riders to be on their bikes for 6-8 hours but there will be some fantastic roads and scenery to make up for it.
Macmillan has been chosen to benefit from the trip as a tribute to rider Trevor Atkinson's wife Carol, who died in 2004. Mr Atkinson says the challenge is a thank you to the charity and could become an annual event.
The Seven already have some support/sponsors helping them but would like to have more, so they can raise as much as possible for Macmillan.
All sponsors names/logos will be on the bikes and also appear on the website (www.macmillanmagnificent7.co.uk) with links to individual sponsors.

PRIME MINISTER ACKNOWLEDGES IMPORTANCE OF MOTORCYCLING IN THE UK

1 March 2010

The House of Commons heard Gordon Brown announce yesterday: “It is important that we have a strong motorcycling industry in this country.”

As an industry that directly employs 62,000 people and contributes significant gross added value of £2.7 billion, the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) is delighted to hear this public support from the Prime Minister.

During Prime Minister’s Questions Mr Brown was quizzed by the Conservative MP for St Albans, Anne Main. She asked him specifically about the issue of motorcycle testing, which has been fundamentally changed since the introduction of European legislation in October 2008.

Anne Main highlighted to Mr Brown the drastic effects the last piece of European legislation has had on the industry since the changes came into effect. Main revealed that there has been a 62% decline in the number of tests taken since the introduction of the multi-purpose test centres which saw the number of bike test centres drop massively from over 200 to around 60.

Mr Brown commented on the importance of ensuring that the specific questions raised by Anne Main MP on tests be answered and assured the House that the Transport Minister would look at the reported figures.

The MCI looks forward to hearing the further responses on this issue and its political lobbying team will continue to work diligently for the benefit of the whole UK motorcycle industry. With a further piece of European legislation due to be implemented in 2013 it is vital that the motorcycle industry as a whole unites with one voice to work with the Government to help ensure smooth implementation of the Directive and to minimise any possible negative outcomes for the UK.

Steve Kenward MCIAs CEO said: “The MCI is pleased to hear the motorcycle industry is getting its much needed recognition from the highest quarters. We work tirelessly with Government to create an environment in which motorcycling can flourish and welcome the Prime Minister’s support.

“The MCI’s political lobbying is fundamentally important to its activities and it hopes this positive announcement will pave the way for greater Government support and understanding of the critical issues that we need to manage to ensure the growth and sustainability of this financially important industry.”
 

Stafford celebrates triple racing

24 February 2010

An impressive list of legendary machines and equally famous riders has been gathered together for the 30th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show, held at Stafford County Showground, over the weekend of the 24-25 April, offering a celebration of the racing successes of the BSA/Triumph triples.

With the help of Malcolm Preston of the TR3OC, in attendance will be Slippery Sam, the Paul Smart Rob North Triumph and Mike Hailwood’s Daytona ‘hi-boy’ Rob North BSA, all from the National Motorcycle Museum. Plus, Ron Chandler will be bringing his Rouen winning Rob North and the ex-Jim Rice Daytona Rob North BSA.

Mick Fletcher will be bringing the ex-Charlie Sanby BSA Rob North, Mike Morris the two Rob North BSAs paraded by John Cooper and Joe Johnson (the man behind the plan for the celebration) the Beebee brothers’ BSA. There’ll be plenty of others too, as well as some of the men – including John Cooper – who enjoyed ‘triple success.’

Another addition to the show will be the all new Classic Dirt Bike Experience, situated alongside the GP Paddock. With technical talks over both days, off-road traders and the popular Pre-65 demonstration, it’s another new element added to the show.

Elsewhere, star guest is Phil McCallen, the 1990s multi TT winner, while the show promises the usual array of top class concours line-up, club stands, sprawling autojumble, trade stalls and rideout opportunities, plus of course the wonderful Bonhams auction on the Sunday. There’s also the opportunity to win a pair of tickets for the show via our website (www.classicmotorcycle.co.uk) or buy them in advance from 01507 529529.

www.classicbikeshows.com
 

Vic Reeves’ big bike out

24 February 2010

Jim Moir, better known by his stage name of Vic Reeves, is back in the saddle, riding a brand new Royal Enfield Classic 500cc motorcycle.

The TV entertainer and host of Shooting Stars has been a keen motorcyclist since his youth and previously owned a 1960s Royal Enfield Continental GT.

Moir saw the latest Royal Enfield when the company supplied a couple of Bullets as props for a sketch during filming for the recent series of Shooting Stars and was attracted by the classic appearance, evocative of British bikes from the 1950s.

The new Royal Enfield classic is powered by a fuel-injected 500cc engine, returning 80mpg. The Classic EFI sells for £4590 on the road; contact 01386 700907 or visit www.royalenfield.com for details.
 

Easter cheer for the troops

24 February 2010

Thousands of motorcyclists from across the United Kingdom will join together for a massive ‘Ride Out’ in support of the Armed Forces. The ‘RAF Wings Appeal Easter Egg Run’ will take place on Sunday 28 March and funds raised will go to the RAF Wings Appeal, providing help for past and present members of the RAF, including troops currently serving in Afghanistan.

The riders will set out from a huge variety of points across England and Wales, meeting up with thousands of others at the Meole Brace, Park and Ride in Shropshire, before finally going on to RAF Cosford.

Last year’s event proved to be an incredible visual spectacle with hundreds of members of the public lining the bridges of the M54 to watch almost 3000 participants make their way to the RAF base.

Funds raised will go to the RAF Association’s Wings Appeal 2010 and its ‘Miles More Minutes’ campaign. Currently, RAF personnel who are deployed overseas in theatres such as Afghanistan receive 30 minutes of government funded phone calls to their families at home per week. This is the equivalent of 41⁄2 minutes per day. Miles More Minutes aims to fund more time for them to speak to their loved ones.

Entry is £5 – to take part, or find out where your nearest starting point is, visit www.rafa.org.uk
 

SUN SHINES ON SHEPTON!

22 February 2010

The classic bike show season kicked off with an almighty start at the 30th Carole Nash Classic MotorCycle Show.  With the sun bathing down on the Bath & West Showground, thousands of eager motorcycle enthusiasts pitched up early to ensure their place amid the bustling hub of classic motorcycle activity.

Renowned as the opener to the season, the ever-popular event matched last year’s record-breaking crowds, with more than 17,000 show-goers in attendance, all lapping up the classic atmosphere, the unexpected sunshine and that all important part from the autojumble!
The weekend always presents some of the South West’s best privately owned and restored motorcycles with the highly coveted ‘Best in Show’ prize going to John Guy and his 1929 Magnat Debon 350. The fiercely competitive £750 prize for the ‘Best Club Stand’, went to a delighted Wells Classic Motorcycle Club with their 60s themed transport café stand.

Speaking after the show, Exhibition Manager Nick Mowbray said: “The weekend was a fitting way to celebrate the show’s 30th birthday.  Stand space for the 20ll event has already started to sell – a sure mark of success  – and exciting plans to up the ante next year are already in place!”

James Robinson introduces some rare machines that appeared over the weekend.

A walk around some of the many excellent club stands at the show.

Next in the classic bike show calendar is the 30th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show held at Stafford County Showground over the weekend of the 24-25 April 2010 which is sure to be another real showstopper! Don’t miss out on those advance tickets now by calling 01507 529529 - or book secure on-line today from www.classicbikeshows.com
 

Regulations for CRMC-ACU National announced

11 February 2010

What promises to be the best ever National Classic Championship, thanks to the joint efforts of the CRMC and the ACU, has announced the rules for the series and a massive prize fund.

The championship will be open to pre-1973 four-stroke machines and pre-1968 two-strokes up to 500cc, which comply with CRMC eligibility rules. All Group 1 machines must be fitted with CRMC eligible drum brakes. Group 2 machines may use CRMC eligible disc brakes, but will only score half points and receive half prize money.

The series will also carry a machine weight limit and will be weighed at each round. The prize purse at each round will be £500 for first and £250, £100, £50, £35, £30, £25, £20 down to eighth. The first three on 350cc machines will receive £100, £50, and £25.

The Championship will run over eight rounds, with two races at the CRMC meetings at Knockhill, 12-13 June, Anglesey, 10-11 July, Donington Park, 13-15 August, and Snetterton, 11-12 September. Points will be scored as per MotoGP.

For more information check the CRMC website or call Gordon Russell on 01953 850677.
 

Keith Heckles 1934-2010

11 February 2010

The world of motorcycling lost one of its most popular characters with the passing of Liverpudlian ace Keith Heckles on 16 January.

Although Keith was known as a Liverpool lad he was born in Crawley, Surrey and it was only thanks to Mr Hitler’s blitz his family relocated to Merseyside, just in time for the Luftwaffe to turn their attention to that area.

With a motorcycling father it was almost inevitable that young Keith would take to two wheels, but early rides on dad’s Autocycle could have given no hint of the racing success that Keith would later enjoy.

By 1959 the road-going Heckles Gold Star was stripped for racing and he made his debut on the long Aintree circuit and before the end of that season he had his first taste of the Manx Grand Prix.

That first Manx didn’t go quite to plan – a lost sump plug and sticking throttle being just a couple of the problems – Keith made the start but a close encounter with Sulby Bridge ended his race.

However, success in the Island followed, with a runner-up spot in the 1967 Production TT being a high point. But lady luck always seemed to desert Keith in the September races and he was without doubt the best rider never to win a Manx.

Keith was an all-round motorcyclist and was quietly proud of the small collection of bikes that graced his workshop, especially his Beart Norton, on which he came so close to that elusive MGP victory.

Life wasn’t always kind to Keith, but through personal tragedy and illness he never lost his sense of humour or his zest for fun. He leaves two sons, Paul and Mark, both of whom he was very proud.

I am pleased to have been able to call Keith a good friend – without him the world of motorcycling will be the poorer. God speed old mate.

Malc Wheeler
 

Vincent Davey 1926-2010

11 February 2010

Vincent, who was known to his friends as Dave, was born in Edlington, Yorkshire.

Leaving the Army in 1948 as a commissioned officer in the Paratroop Regiment, Vincent joined Norton Motors at Bracebridge Street, a year later moving to BSA, before joining the long established Gus Kuhn Motors based in Clapham, South London. Gus Kuhn, a racing star in his own right, put Vincent in charge of the workshop.

Vincent tried his hand at road racing, competing on a 250 Rudge at the Brands Hatch inaugural road race meeting in March 1950. In the meantime he married Gus Kuhn’s daughter Marian, and was subsequently offered a directorship in the company.

With the passing of Gus Kuhn, in 1966, Vincent took over as managing director, bringing in a fresh and enthusiastic approach to the business. My first dealings with Vincent came in 1968, when encouraged by his good friend and rival Stan Shenton of Boyers of Bromley to go racing.

A Seeley G50 was supplied for up and coming Mick Andrew. This was the start of an excellent association, and a feather in our cap, for the 1969 season, with a brace of 350 and 500 machines for the Gus Kuhn team of Mick Andrew and Dave Croxford. Croxford won the 1969 500 Championship with young Andrew in third place, listed as the Grovewood’s most promising rider of the year.

Vincent Davey was an action man, known on the golf course as Tarzan, for the length he could hit the ball. The same dedication and application took place in the race team supported by mechanics Dave Sleat and Frank Kateley. The 1970 Gus Kuhn Team of 350, 500 and the 750cc Gus Kuhn Norton Commandos was impressive, as was the rider line-up of Mick Andrew, Charlie Sanby, Pat Mahoney, and Tom Dickie.

Vincent’s huge contribution and financial commitment in supporting road racing in the 1960s and 70s and the signing of Dave Potter to the Gus Kuhn Team should never be forgotten.

A great man, in great times, Vincent Davey will be sadly missed. Pre-deceased by his wife Marian in May 2003, he succumbed to his illness on 5 January 2010, aged 83, leaving a daughter Valerie and a son Vincent Junior.

Colin Seeley
 

Alec Wright

08 February 2010

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.
 

‘Be Seen’ - Motorcycle Safety Initiative Free High-Vis Rider’s Kit

27 January 2010

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

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.”

www.classicbikeshows.com

Banbury news

29 December 2009

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.

Hats off for Triumph

18 December 2009

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

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.

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.

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.

• Visit our micro site for more details, digital sample, introduction from the editor and the A-Z list of motorcycles marques covered in this title.

• The book is only available on-line, from our classic bike shows, or from the VMCC

Scrapbook series: BSA

2 September 2009

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.

Bullet Thruxton from Classic Farm

Added: 25 February 2010

Now doesn’t this look the Mutt’s Nuts – A Velocette Thruxton lookalike built around a Royal Enfield Bullet. It’s built by Classic Farm Motorcycles over in Italy – wwww.classicfarmmotorcycles.com. Fabrizio Di Bella is the proprietor and has been in business restoring Italian and British motorcycles for the past dozen years or so.

All the alloy bodywork is fabricated in-house, as are associated frame alterations, exhaust systems and engine tuning. Specification is dependant on customer requirements, the original Bullet engine can be taken out to 612cc and has seen an impressive 54bhp – the new EFI can be enlarged to 540cc with a much smoother and quicker character.

A subsidiary company is called McDeeb and made up of a team of seven, Fabrizio as team leader and R&D head, co-operator is Salvo Balli, an ex-Yamaha race mechanic and ace welder. They do complete machines, conversions to customer machines or simply the parts to do your own. Other versions include a more standard looking Clubman, plus various takes on the Bonneville Scrambler – see www.mcdeeb.it

The Six Days sports alloy guards, special footrests, sump guard, bars, tyres etc and the Johnny Brittain replica has the full treatment for a complete competition machine.

The Clubman is a semi café racer, electric start, dual seat etc.

Prices depend on specification, naturally, starting at around 10,500 Euros for the Six Days, around 12,000 Euros for the Clubman and up to 17,000 Euros for the Thruxton.

CBG backs Aviation Wolds Run

Added: 25 February 2010

The Lincs Aviation Heritage Wolds Run, scheduled for Saturday 1 May, is already gathering pace with entries rolling in and the big news is that Classic Bike Guide has put its full weight behind what is one of the most looked forward to events on the classic motorcycle calendar. As last year it will be based at the East Kirkby Aviation Heritage Centre (www.lincsaviation.co.uk) and Just Jane, the Panton brothers’ Lancaster will be on show and doing a few taxi runs. The route has been amended and improved and will feature brightly coloured arrow direction markers at junctions, to avoid any confusion and having to look down onto a route map. There will also be a stop-off comfort-cuppa-fag break at the Green Man PH, Scamblesby, mid run. Entry forms are available from David Steele, Woodlands, School Lane, Harmston, Lincs LN5 9SP. Proceeds will again go to the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance. Alternatively if you look on www.skellingthorpe-motorcycleclub.org.uk you can find the forms to download.

Swedish T’bird Boy Racer

Added: 25 February 2010

Sivert Raask, over in snowbound Sweden, has been manufacturing accessories for a host of motorcycles, since 1969. He began with clip-ons and rear-sets and the rest, as is said, is history. Exhaust pipes, big-bore pipes, tanks, seats, fairings, chrome mudguards and a host of smaller parts. His latest offering is this café racer version of Triumph’s top selling 1600cc Thunderbird Cruiser twin. Come on now, how many of you have stared in awe at the cruiser’s engine and said something like ‘I wish they’d put this engine in a proper bike’... Well, Sivert decided he couldn’t wait and so he acquired himself a Thunderbird and set about doing it himself – and the result is pretty impressive, I’m sure you’ll agree. He says, “I got the standard bike last August but once I had built the 16R Boy Racer, it began to snow and I am now waiting day and night for the snow to go, it’s coming down now and is about 40cm (16in) deep.” Hence, presently at least we have no action shots! To have a closer look see www.raask.se

Vintage deflowering times three

Added: 25 February 2010

The ever popular VMCC Training Days have been expanded to three for 2010 – one in the north, one in the midlands and one in the south. South is at Arborfield Barracks, near Reading, on Sunday 2 May, North is at the Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, Aberdeenshire, on Sunday 23 May and the Midlands day is Monday 31 May (bank holiday) at Curborough’s twisty sprint circuit, near Lichfield, Staffordshire.

These training days give members and non members the opportunity to sample genuine vintage machines in a safe environment with no pressure – or traffic!

So, if you know someone who’s only ever ridden modern motorcycles and fancies the idea of popping his or her vintage cherry with a ride around on any number of such machines, then book them in quick.

Benevolent club members bring along machines such as Douglas, Scott, BSA Sloper, Vincent Rapide, Ner-a- Car, flat tank Triumphs, Rudge, Ariel and even, as last year, an early Morgan tri-car. The owners give you a full low down on how to ride them and use the controls and everyone leaves with an enormous grin on their faces. If past experience is anything to go by, it’s the modern sports bike riders who enjoy it the most!

The day costs £26 but places are limited and popular, no entries on the day, though you can go along to watch. Closing date for entries is 31 March, and one day membership costs an extra £3. Contact the VMCC on 01283 540557 or email, events@vmcc.net. If you’ve never done it, do it, you’ll love it!

PAMPLONA COLLECTION

Added: 28 January 2010

A sensational Spanish collection of highly desirable machines will go under the gavel, on 27 February, at the Royal Air Force Museum, Hendon, courtesy of Bonhams. There are in excess of 100 fantastic machines ranging from an 1897 380cc De Dion Bouton, through to 1951 Vincent Rapide and a 1977 500cc Ossa Yankee.

The Spanish owner of the collection wishes to remain anonymous but it is plain to see that the collection is a lifetime’s work. Brough, Douglas, Benelli, BMW, BSA, Triumph, NSU, HD, Indian, Ace, AJS – the list is quite amazing. Many have been restored, many others are in original condition and in no need of restoration, maintaining that amazing patina of age and use.

There are so many worthy of mention but what about a 1942 Rikuo V-twin combination – a Japanese built Harley-Davidson copy, then there’s a 1923 Mabeco 600 Six V-twin – a copy of the Indian Scout, or the 1937 600cc Bohmerland, or the 1938 PMZ 750cc V-twin, it just goes on and on. Fantastic stuff that’s sure to make equally fantastic money. For a catalogue (£20) contact Bonhams on 01666 502200.

ACE CAFÉ’S ALLY PALLY

Added: 28 January 2010

The Ace Café London, in association with show organiser Andrew Greenwood, has now included the Ally Pally Motorcycle Show as part of its schedule of events. The show runs over the weekend of 26-28 February. The West Hall will be centre of attention for custom bike enthusiasts, featuring builders from around the world. Harley-Davidson UK is sponsoring the custom show with a £5000 prize of H-D parts. There will be live stage action, plus of course sports, race, cruiser, classics, street fighters and custom superbikes, together with clubs. Stunt rider Steve Colley will be performing cunning stunts and tricks, including his world famous mono bike, which has no front wheel! The chosen charity for the Ally Pally 2010 show is the London Air Ambulance who will also be in attendance.

Enquiries: acecafe1@aol.com Ticket hotline: 08452 305177.

NO THOUGHT OF MOTORCYCLES

Added: 28 January 2010

Angered by the Chancellor’s pre-budget report, which confirms that motorcycle road tax is to increase, the BMF has set up a petition asking the Prime Minister to intervene and stop the proposed increases. The BMF says that at a time of economic hardship and when sales of motorcycles are generally down some 27 per cent from last year, it makes no sense to increase the tax burden. Due to a weak pound, foreign machine prices have rocketed and a duty increase of up to six per cent is out of step with the Consumer Prices Index of 1.9 per cent.

The petition can be found at: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/motorcycleved

Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Holidays

Added: 18 Decembers 2009

Rocky Mountain reckon the best way to see a new country is from the saddle of a motorcycle. As you can imagine, there’s an awful lot of Canada and America to see, but Rocky let you ride at your own pace and the experienced guides provide an unprecedented level of care, right down to cleaning your visor for you. The mountain roads are well maintained yet traffic is sparse – indeed compare Canada’s nine people per square mile to Britain’s 998 people per square mile – so you can ride for hours without seeing another vehicle. There is also a ‘chase’ vehicle to carry luggage, spare bikes etc. You’ll see ocean, desert, rain forest, lakes, hills and mountains as the routes include American Rockies, Yellowstone National Park, the Pacific coast to San Francisco and the sunny California ‘Sea to Sky’ route, plus for Autumn 2010 there’s a new San Diego to Las Vegas run. Having been loyal to Triumph for the past eight years, Rocky Mountain have now moved to BMW.

Come the evening, relaxation is courtesy of the finest inns and hotels in the area, first class cuisine and service, plus alternative attractions such as golf, fishing, river rafting, helicopter tours, water biking and parasailing or you can just chill out, shoot a game of pool, take a smooch on the dance floor or just enjoy a leisurely beer.

Rocky Mountain are based in Whistler, BC, Canada. See the full low down at www.rockymtnmoto.com

Cylinder Head Shop

Added: 18 Decembers 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.

Woody and Lewis at the NEC

Added: 18 Decembers 2009

Two new additions to the Royal Enfield range appeared for the first time at the NEC Show in November, the EFI Woodsman and the Lewis Leathers Bullet. The new Woodsman right features a solo seat, handy mini luggage rack, rear set footrests and an alloy bash plate. Routed around the machine’s left side (standard exhausts run along the right side) the high level system is lighter than the original part and has been re-engineered to work in harmony with the engine management unit, allowing the engine to breathe more freely and creating the classic ‘British single’ exhaust note.

Introduced to comply with tough new European emissions regulations, the all-new 499cc engine retains bore and stroke of 84mm x 90mm, but with Keihin electronic fuel injection and a five speed gearbox. This is operated via a seven plate wet clutch, so it is both light and accurate. Power output is 28bhp in standard form with 41.3 Nm of torque at 4000rpm and tested under Euro 3 conditions the engine returns just under 80mpg, which means an impressive range of over 200 miles before switching to reserve. It’s due in the showrooms anytime now, and will retail at £4699 on the road.

The Lewis Leathers Bullet is an idea spawned from the fertile imagination of vintage style aficionado Nick Clements, of the Royal College of Art (London).

It’s a celebration of the many years that the likes of Royal Enfield and Lewis Leathers have been inextricably linked and announces a new range of Lewis gear dedicated to the Royal Enfield brand.

British Iron steals the show

Added: 18 Decembers 2009

Though obviously staged for the maximum effect, the two stands at the forefront of the NEC Show’s motorcycle hall was Triumph – and for the first time in many a year, Norton. Naturally, the Triumph stand was considerably more spacious with all their range of classics, cruisers and sportsters, but it was Norton that was causing the intrigue with a selection of their 961 Commando models. There was a super looking version finished in traditional Norton silver with red and black coachlines, one in yellow, one in red and a black one. The red machine was the base model SE, which according to Bob Holt, ‘Head of Prototypes and Purchasing’ was the first of a limited run of 200, all of which had already been sold, via a 10 per cent deposit on each of the £12,000 machines. The stand was compact but impressive with a good deal of the company’s merchandise on sale, T-shirts, leather jackets, helmets etc. Plus the rotary engined race bike was on display aboard a high level plinth.

Unlike the Triumph machines adjacent, which were all available for show goers to climb on, the Nortons were all roped off.

The latest Bonneville 60 – available in May – was on show, which is based on the style and colour scheme of the 1960 Meriden version. There was also a superb looking SE Bonneville with single seat, a rear carrier replacing the pillion facility. The Thruxton was resplendent in red complete with Arrow exhaust system, as was the olive green Scrambler.

Vin’ tops the bill at Bonhams’ Stafford

Added: 26 November 2009

Bonhams celebrated its third major collectors’ motorcycle sale of 2009 in a typically commanding fashion at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford, with most of the 470 lots sold, just short of the million pound mark.

A truly international audience packed the sale room with buyers from the EU, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India and the USA. 

The highlight of the sale was the 1948 Vincent Rapide (right) ridden by Arthur Merrett at that year’s ISDT, in Italy. Recently restored, it sold for an impressive £57,600.

Other Vincents included a 1951 Series-C Rapide (£35,600), a rebuilt 1949 Black Lightning Replica (£23,000), a restored 1951 Comet with odd engine and frame numbers made £14,375, and two Egli-Vincents made £25,300 and £18,400 respectively.

Top models from other factories sold well too, such as the 1936 and 1952 Norton Internationals, which sold for £23,000 and £22,138 respectively, each a good £5000 over estimate, a restored 1960 Bonneville fetched £12,650 and a 1962 Velocette Venom, made £8050.

Race-ware fared well, for example an ex-Francis Williams 1930 Cotton-Blackburne, also known as ‘The Village Fire Engine’, went to Mumbai, India for £34,500, while a modern Cotton, the Rotax-engined 250cc V-twin, which was ridden by Derek Huxley at Oulton Park and which frightened world champion Kork Ballington into a host of new lap records, found a new owner for £15,525 and a Velocette KTT MkVIII, realised £34,500. 

Original ‘barn finds’ offered for restoration generated considerable excitement: a 1949 Ariel Red Hunter (£2703), 1930 Matchless Silver Arrow (£9890), 1955 Triumph T110 (£4830) and circa 1911 FN Four (£13,800), all well above their top estimate.

A little different, the 1974 Kawasaki Z1A, restored by the late Rod Gibson, editor of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, fetched £9430, a circa 1949 Gilera Saturno, for restoration, made £5750 against a top estimate of £2500. Top performing flat tankers were the 1923 Douglas 2 3⁄4hp Model TS (£7103), 1913 New Hudson 6hp Big Six V-twin, (£17,825) and the 1912 Premier 3 1⁄2hp (£14,375) all three exceeding their pre-sale upper estimate.

Buell – Harley pull the plug. MV to go.

Added: 26 November 2009

Prompted by the disastrous financial results noted in the October issue, Harley-Davidson has closed down its Buell marque and has put MV Agusta up for sale. This follows a 21 per cent drop in sales and an 84 per cent drop in income compared to a year ago.

Harley’s vast York, Pennsylvania, factory is also under threat of closure and talks with the unions are ongoing with a decision on the plant expected before the end of the year. It is hoped the closures and restructuring will save up to $150 million.

It is unlikely however that no matter how bad things could become, Harley-Davidson would not be allowed to go under as the government would step in to prop it up. The problems began two fold, an expansion of production just as the recession took hold and machines being sold to people with insufficient money to pay for them. Buell became a wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson in 2003.

MV has only been under the Milwaukee brand for just over a year and millions have been pumped into it, so in theory at least they are in a reasonably strong position to continue manufacture of their high end market superbikes. Rumours are already rife over potential buyers with Italian venture capitalists and even car maker VW being mentioned, though as we went to press no one had come forward publicly.

27th Annual Rockers’ Reunion

Added: 26 November 2009

The RR Winter Party is scheduled for Saturday 23 January, from 5pm to 1am, at the Rivermead Leisure Complex, Richfield Avenue, Reading RG1 8EQ. Topping the bill is one of the original Texan rock ‘n’ rollers, Gene Summers, whose hits include School of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Straight Skirt and Alabama Shake. Support acts include the legendary Crazy Cavan and the Rhythm Rockers – the number one Teddy Boy band, the Jets, Porky’s Hot Rockin’ and the Lonesome Valley Boys, plus special guest Johnnie Fox.

As ever resident jocks Pete Bruce and Wild Cat Pete will be spinnin’ the grooves and there will be a host of stalls selling records and CDs, T-shirts etc, a tattooist, plus plenty of dance floor and good ale. What’s more, ticket prices are unchanged from last year, at £23 advance or £26 on the door – but the word is buy quickly to avoid disappointment. Cheques made to Dixie Fried Music with sae to Ian Wallis, 111 Worlds End Lane, Orpington, Kent BR6 6AW. Tickets also available from Rivermead Box Office 0118 901 5000. Callers between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday 01689 860980. Stall enquiries to Wild Willie Jeffery on 01883 714289.

OUR ALAN’S A RIGHT FAST LAD

Added: 29 Otober 2009

CBG contributor Alan Cathcart (right) set no less than four new FIM World Speed Records, at the 2009 BUB Bonneville Speed Trials, on the famous salt flats. To add the icing on the cake, he did it on a Triumph Bonneville, in the 50th anniversary year of the model.

Riding a road legal Thruxton, prepared by Matt Capri (left), of South Bay Triumph, Lomita, California – the leading tuning house for British motorcycles, the highly respected motorcycle journalist broke the 150mph barrier to set a new two way world record for the flying mile at 152.689mph and another for the flying kilometre at 152.77mph, with a best one way speed of 153.15mph. These records were set in the 1000cc normally aspirated twin cylinder unstreamlined class.

Jumping onto the turbocharged version, Alan went on to set two more records in the 1000cc forced induction twin unstreamlined class with a two way flying mile of 165.41mph, flying kilometrerat 165.67mph and a best one way of 171.62mph.

Alan said: “We’ve been preparing for this, the 50th anniversary attempt, since 2007 and breaking the 150mph barrier was the target – when the FIM established the twin cylinder class, it was great that we could claim the world record by doing so. The turbo is for sure a 180mph machine and with a fairing it’ll be faster still. Maybe we’ll come back next year and try to join the 200mph club.”

ACE COMES TO BRUM

Added: 29 Otober 2009

The Ace Cafe, the legendary motorcyclists’ meeting place of the 50s and 60s, is upping sticks and coming to Birmingham for the Classic Motor Show over 13-15 November. Well, not exactly but they are bringing their mobile unit to oversee the Ace Cafe Concours, sponsored by Meguiar's, which is open to motorcycles of all ages and creeds, as long as they’re built in the café racer style.

The winner takes home VIP tickets and hotel accommodation for next year’s event plus Meguiar's goodies and more besides. Alongside will be the winning machines from the Ace’s Triumph and Harley Machine of the Year Competition. The Ace catering area will be entertained by a rockabilly DJ spinning the wax on swing, rock ’n’ roll and surf from the 40s through to the early 60s.

Special guest on stage to join Ace proprietor Mark Wilsmore and MC Mike Brewer will be Norton legend Peter Williams, who will be guest of the Norton OC. Also present will be Rockit Tatu, showing off his unique inking skills in Europe’s only mobile tattoo parlour, based in a custom American airstream caravan. There will also be all the range of Ace Cafe regalia and merchandise on sale, from T-shirts to mugs. For the full story see www.classicbiker.co.uk

Jeff Clew

Added: 29 Otober 2009

Regular readers of my former publication Old Bike Mart will be familiar with the workings of Jeff Clew, who passed away on 20 August. Seemingly having been around forever, Jeff penned the monthly features ‘Now when was it that’ and ‘It happened in’. His knowledge and experience stretched back to the heady days when Britain had a motorcycle industry and he knew the factories and many of the people who worked in them.

He travelled extensively on behalf of Haynes, in his role as Director of Technical Editing and he was well respected in the USA. He compiled many books, on
subjects as diverse as JAP, Scott and Douglas motorcycles, Edward Turner and Sammy Miller.

In his early years he was instrumental in organising events in speedway and at Brooklands and he rode many miles on many machines, his favourites being Douglas and Velocette. He also did a bit of vintage road racing with a flat tank Norton, plus grass track and sprinting.

In retirement he was still actively writing, for OBM, the Association of Pioneer Motorcyclists, VMCC and others as well as judging the concours at the Bristol Show. He was 81. He is survived by wife Audrey and daughters Pippa and Ali.

Yamaha feel the pinch

Added: 24 September 2009

Despite outselling Honda for the first time, in the UK, Yamaha sales fell globally by a third during the first six months of this year, resulting in an operating loss of £210 million, against last year’s operating profit of £390 million. The net loss was more than double however, £446 million, compared to last year’s £161 million profit. Motorcycle sales revenue fell by 24 per cent in the USA and 36 per cent in Europe. Marine products were down 42 per cent and power products down 51 per cent. The company’s annual sales revenue is now expected to fall 31 per cent to £6.82 billion, producing a net loss of £1.13 billion, far greater than the originally estimated £261 million.

Scum strike again

Added: 24 September 2009

An incident marred the otherwise excellent Bonneville celebration, at Gaydon, in August, and that was the stealing, on Saturday, of two A4 sized photographs, one signed by Tom Cruise and the other by Steve McQueen, from the BS Bikes – Staffordshire Triumph stand. These were the personal property of BS Bikes owner Bob Sheldon. Any information to Bob Sheldon 653-657 High Street, Sandyford, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 5PL tel 01782 813866

Calne Bike Meet

Added: 27 August 2009

Excellent weather brought out over 4000 visitors to this year’s gathering event. As usual Calne was packed with a grand array of motorcycles of all ages and designs coupled with live bands playing all day. Many commented that it was the best yet with over 30 marque clubs taking part. A real surprise was a Quasar, believed to be the last one built but in need of restoration. Owner Mike Alexander knew of the designers Mike Newall and Ken Leaman, who started production in 1976, just down the road from Calne, in Headington. The first models had Reliant 850cc engines of which, 25 were completed and could exceed 100mph. A further 20 were produced in Bristol but not all completed and had a variety of engines. Mike is looking for a Honda Pan European engine so that he can complete the project. Next year will be the 10th anniversary of the event so anyone who would like to feature should contact
calnemotorcycleevent@tiscali.co.uk

Lovers reunited through CBG

Added: 27 August 2009

Everyone loves a happy ending, so how about this for a tale. A few years ago, Essex based Eddie Owers put a piece in CBG to see if anyone still had his 1954 Triumph Speed Twin, reg NXB 722. No one came forward about the bike but, having printed Eddie’s details and address, it was spotted by one Edie Outen who, in 1954 was just 17 years old and going steady with Eddie and also recalled the Triumph.

At the time Edie had been widowed for a few years and so tentatively made contact with Eddie, whose marriage was over. Edie was living in Essex and Eddie in Sussex, they met up and have lived happily ever after. In the 50s, they worked at the same south London factory and though they drifted apart, they never forgot each other, though neither could recall the other’s surname. Edie said, “It certainly looked like the Eddie I’d known in Streatham and when we met I recognised him immediately.” They plan to marry soon.

Incidentally, the Triumph was purchased from Elite Motors, Garret Lane, Tooting Broadway, London.

Classics star at Cassington

Added: 27 August 2009

Organised by the British Motorcycle Riders Club of Oxford, the 21st Cassington Bike Night in late June, saw a huge turnout. Held on the village green, classics of all shapes and sizes more than held their own with thousands of modern-riding visitors.

Warren Leach and six-year-old son Lucas attended on their unrestored 1925 Raleigh – (one owner from 1925 to 2005, taken off the road in 1938. Warren even has the original owner’s insurance certificate and licence.)

Warren’s father Les rode in on the famous Horne Rudge. This 250cc racer was used by Scotsman Jackie Horne in various TTs.

Vincents were legion. 22-year-old Gwilym Davies has just finished a mechanical engineering degree and rebuilt his dad’s Comet. Then he decided he wanted one himself. He bought a basket case in Yorkshire and restored it on his student budget, using the rims rejected for dad’s Comet, painting them black.

Also present were a European-registered long distance Rapide and a Black Shadow with a 4LS front brake, Brough Superiors and practically every other household name classic.

Rod Gibson 1955-2009

Added: 30 July 2009

Editor of our sister magazine Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, Rod Gibson, passed away on 28 June after a long and debilitating illness. He had enjoyed a lifetime on motorcycles, working in various dealerships, his own customising and restoration business, plus a spell on satellite television with his own rather comical, low budget series Doctor Rod’s Bike Surgery. He had been at the helm of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics for some four years or so. A devout atheist, a non religious gathering was held at Alford Crematorium, Lincolnshire, and then at his home village of Tetford, on 8 July.

Bonhams debut sale success

Added: 30 July 2009

Bonhams’ Motorcycle Dept celebrated its debut sale at the company’s new Oxford Regional Saleroom in late June, with 98 per cent of lots moving. Held in conjunction with the Banbury Run, there were over 1000 enthusiasts present with over 400 registering to bid. Top lot was a 1922 Brough Superior Mk1 at a premium inclusive £35,050, plus a 1947 Vincent Rapide at £26,450, 1971 Egli Vincent at £23,000 and a 1903 Excelsior combination at £21,850 to name but a few.

EFI Royal Enfield recall

Added: 30 July 2009

To scotch any outlandish rumours which may be circulating regarding the recall of the unit construction EFI Bullets, this is the truth of the situation.

Watsonian Squire has identified a possible safety related issue on a batch of machines where upon there is insufficient clearance between the shaft and certain gears that could cause a failure in the gearbox.

The factory is taking a ‘belt and braces’ approach, so all EFI model motorcycles are being recalled. Machines manufactured after June 2009 will not be affected.

All affected machines will be returned to the Watsonian Squire factory, where the necessary work will be carried out to rectify the problem by authorised technicians. Royal Enfield are sending the parts required to perform this operation and work is already well under way.

Advice is that affected machines should not be ridden in the meantime as in extreme circumstances the gearbox could possibly seize. Customers will not be charged for any parts or labour involved in correcting this issue.

Prince gets the royal treatment

Added: 25 June 2009

Prince of Speed, multi world champion Phil Read was guest of honour at Midlands Royal Enfield Open Day on 17 May. Not only that but it was the official launch of the new EFI unit engined Clubman, brought along by RE Sales Director Ben Mathews.

Miserable, wet weather blighted the morning and kept many away, at least until just after noon when the skies brightened and some 50 or so riders turned up!

Phil led the procession of some 40 motorcycles around a 50 mile route, with a comfort stop at the Midway Truckstop – of Big Breakfast fame. He said of the new Enfield: “It’s fantastic around the lanes and the handling is excellent. If Midlands Royal Enfield ever produce a super tuned version then I shall seriously have to have one. For normal road use though, it really is a complete joy to ride.”

On returning to base, he continued to mingle and talk to all present in true ambassadorial fashion and drew the raffle in hilarious style – to which incidentally he had generously contributed – raising £250 for Operation Smile.

The EFI Clubman is £4999 on the road. Midlands Royal Enfield are at 2b Vernon Drive, Battlefield Enterprise Park, Shrewsbury SY1 3TF. Tel 01743 467746. www.midlandsroyalenfield.com

BMF – insurance scheme spells trouble

Added: 25 June 2009

Government plans to introduce Continuous Enforcement of Insurance (CEI) are premature and will only serve to highlight the inadequacies of the current insurance database says the BMF. This is because the insurance database on which legislation will be based, fails to take account of the different ways in which motorcyclists, especially those with more than one machine, buy and use insurance.

As CEI will operate by identifying those vehicles that appear to be kept uninsured, from a comparison of the DVLA’s vehicle register and Motor Insurance Database, held by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, this is bound to cause errors and introduce a new offence of ‘being a registered keeper of a vehicle, which does not meet statutory insurance requirements’ – as such false accusations will result.

A recent survey of BMF members found that not all their insured vehicles were listed on the MID, most likely because with multiple machines on one policy, it is only the principal machine which is recognised. Though as classic multi-bike owners know, while one machine is being ridden, the others are still covered for theft, fire etc while in the garage.

Crazy clear-out

Added: 28 May 2009

If you weren’t present, then you’ll just have to take my word that you will have never seen anything quite like it. The late Brian Ayre had, for many years, laid out house clearance, farm and any other kind of auctions you can think of for Market Rasen, Lincs, based auctioneers Perkins, George Mawer and others. At the conclusion of these sales, anything that hadn’t been sold or collected, Mr Ayre took home. Fortunately he had a lot of land and several big old buildings into which this swag could be stored up. It’s almost impossible to imagine the scene but on his twice-yearly open days the public would have to fight their ways past, over and under piles of junk, as such it took PGM staff several weeks to sort it all out in order to make it at least half safe for sale goers to inspect. Dozens of old typewriters, sewing machines, radiograms, record players, tape recorders, uniforms, printing equipment, bottles, tools, bed warmers, shoes, pictures, photographs, furniture, farm equipment, timber, ice cream equipment, records, hat boxes, milk churns, dozens of lawn mowers, bicycles, stationary engines, the list could go on and on, indeed there was some 3000 lots sold over three hectic days – and every single lot sold, including myriad failed electrical equipment, which had to go to museums or trade! Only one lot was withdrawn and that was a collection of wild birds’ eggs – apparently not allowed to be sold by law. There was a colossal amount of stuff, much of which the likes of any normal person would bonfire, yet everything made sensational money.

There were a few old vehicles, Hillman, Ford and Morris cars, an old Bedford lorry, tractor etc, most of which were beyond the abilities of all but the most dedicated and talented restorer, but it was the handful of motorcycles that attracted the most interest.

A host of scruffy, partly dismantled mopeds came first, most of which had no documentation yet still managed to sell for between £20 and £200. The likes of a Cymota powered bicycle made £620 and a Cyclemaster £520. Of the motorcycles, a tidy 1957 Excelsior Villiers single made £520, a 1956 C12 BSA reached £890, 1966 175cc Bantam reached £740 and an R45 BMW made £600.

A Royal Enfield 692cc Super Meteor with registration LEE 58, caused much initial interest until the auctioneer explained that the number was non transferable, things then settled down and it finally went for £3200. A non original but fun looking 1959 500cc AJS model 20 made £1500 and a nice 1957 Model 19S Norton reached a healthy £4600. The two star turns however were a 1926 Norton 16H, reg PW 6564, in smart oily rag order and a nice but unexceptional 1950 500cc Vincent Comet. Both lots attracted much attention including that of one James Robinson, esteemed editor of The Classic MotorCycle – who went to £10,500 for the former, but saw it go for £100 more. He gave chase for the Vincent too but dropped out a bid previous to the hammer going down at £10,000. The same buyer bought both machines and was obviously determined to have them at any cost – with commission plus vat, he spent around £23k on these two machines.

At that the marquee practically emptied, though we hung around to watch a 350cc flat twin Douglas stationary engine – minus carbs and magneto – make £60.

Mr Ayres’ estate – widow and two daughters – could never have imagined just how much his years of hoarding would return. PGM were under instructions not to divulge the final figure but it must have reached into six figures. Quite incredible.

80 years of two strokes

Added: 30 April 2009

All two-stroke clubs and two-stroke owners are invited to attend the British Two Stroke Club’s celebration rally, on Sunday 14 June, at Market Harborough RFC. Though a two-stroke gathering if anyone should arrive on a four-stroke, they too will be made welcome. Bob Cornes and Richard Tanner are behind the details on 0509 551732 and 01604 244456 respectively.

DVLA and your licence

Added: 30 April 2009

You may have read about this elsewhere by now but over the past few years there has been an ever increasing number of people who have sent their licence to the DVLA for one reason or another, only to find, on its return, that their entitlement to a full motorcycle licence has been removed.

On complaint they have been told that the DVLA records are spot on and the complainant must never have had a bike licence in the first place and have been forced to re-take their test.

The DVLA have said that they will reinstate the entitlement should valid evidence be forthcoming. However, a motorcyclist involved with the West Midlands Police has had his entitlement removed and despite having confirmation from his superiors that they have seen his licence, the DVLA will not accept this and as such the individual is presently unable to do his job.

A DVLA spokesman is reported to have said that even possession of a motorcycle licence would not be accepted as automatic proof of entitlement to ride one. An examination of the driving licence and comparison with the driver record would be necessary together with any other evidence the driver can provide.

Have you suffered this licence fate of late? Have you found a way of satisfying the DVLA that you actually have a motorcycle entitlement before you let them loose with your licence? Let us know what you think please.

Thundersprint under orders

Added: 30 April 2009

Held in the pretty market town of Northwich, over 9-10 May, this year’s Thundersprint has attracted a fantastic entry of classic motorcycle racers. The sprint races take place in West Cheshire Council’s car park, in the town centre, which has been brought up to race standards and can now boast a quarter mile, twisty sprint circuit.

Leading the entry is six times World Champion, Jim Redman on a CR750 Honda. Jim says: “I have ridden at many events in 50 years of competition, but none are better than the Thundersprint. The town centre is transformed into a race circuit overnight and it’s the nearest thing to a Grand Prix that exists in terms of the sheer excitement and scale. There is literally nothing else like the Thundersprint anywhere.”

Another superstar is Sammy Miller MBE who will be out on his latest museum addition, a replica 500cc four cylinder Honda, which sounds just like the real thing. Others include Keith Heckles with his Manx Norton and Peter Kent (TZ 750).

Graeme Hardy, aka ‘Forge Formby’ will have his Shuttleworth Snap lined up, plus there will be Mike Wainwright’s ex-works 350 CZ – complete with dustbin fairing and Myles Raymond and his 1954 Daytona Gold Star. Later classics are also well represented – Jerry Ashton with a lovely 350cc MV Agusta; Polish visitor Tomasz Holubowicz and his 350 Junak; Paul Rushton’s mighty Rickman Commando and Wolds Run organiser David Steele on his gleaming Egli Vincent. Then there’s Joerg Trautvetter’s MZ based disc valved racer. He built the engine in his garden shed and intends riding the 800 miles to the Thundersprint, racing, and then riding home. Add to that the sidecars, plus all the trade stands and it makes for a grand day out.

Norton OC Golden Jubilee

Added: 26 March 2009

The Norton Owners Club celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and its premier gathering is the ‘Donington Park Revival featuring The Unapproachable Norton’ gathering over 19-21 June.

There’s a full programme catering for all interests, both on and off the track.

The NOC will display what is hoped to be the largest ever collection of Nortons in one place – from the replica 1907 TT winning V-twin to the new 2009 rotary racer. Most Norton models ever produced for road and track over a 100-plus-year period will be there. Anyone who joins the NOC and pre-registers a Norton for the event will have the opportunity to ride it on the circuit over the weekend.

Additionally the NOC has acquired a pristine 1975 850cc Commando Interstate, in candy apple red that will be the prize in a members’ golden jubilee draw. The lucky winner will be picked from a list of all Norton Owners Club members at the Classic Motor Show in November. An exclusive test of this machine is in the next issue.

There is a full range of merchandise to celebrate the year, including shirts, fleeces, caps and badges and topping the bill is a ‘made to measure’ NOC Golden Jubilee leather jacket!

Club Chairman Chris Grimmett said: “We’re very proud of having hit the 50 year mark, successfully representing the interests of Norton riders over the past five decades. We hope that everyone with an interest in this quintessential British marque will attend at least one of our Golden Jubilee events.”

Further details of the events ahead will be announced shortly.

Thundersprint News

Added: 26 March 2009

Held in the pretty market town of Northwich, over 9-10 May, this year’s Thundersprint has attracted a fantastic entry of classic motorcycle racers. The sprint races take place in West Cheshire Council’s car park, in the town centre, which has been brought up to race standards and can now boast a quarter mile, twisty sprint circuit.

Leading the entry is six times World Champion, Jim Redman on a CR750 Honda. Jim says: “I have ridden at many events in 50 years of competition, but none are better than the Thundersprint. The town centre is transformed into a race circuit overnight and it’s the nearest thing to a Grand Prix that exists in terms of the sheer excitement and scale. There is literally nothing else like the Thundersprint anywhere.

Another superstar is Sammy Miller MBE who will be out on his latest museum addition, a replica 500cc four cylinder Honda, which sounds just like the real thing. Others include Keith Heckles with his Manx Norton and Peter Kent (TZ 750).

Graeme Hardy, aka ‘Forge Formby’ will have his Shuttleworth Snap lined up, plus there will be Mike Wainwright’s ex-works 350 CZ – complete with dustbin fairing and Myles Raymond and his 1954 Daytona Gold Star. Later classics are also well represented – Jerry Ashton with a lovely 350cc MV Agusta; Polish visitor Tomasz Holubowicz and his 350 Junak; Paul Rushton’s mighty Rickman Commando and Wolds Run organiser David Steele on his gleaming Egli Vincent. Then there’s Joerg Trautvetter’s MZ based disc valved racer. He built the engine in his garden shed and intends riding the 800 miles to the Thundersprint, racing, and then riding home. Add to that the sidecars, plus all the trade stands and it makes for a grand day out.

Aviation Wolds Run

Added: 26 March 2009

Contrary to prior opinion, the rescued Wolds Run of 2008 proved to not only be an outstanding success but also as popular as ever and what’s more, with more time to get things organised, David Steele and his team from the Skellingthorpe MCC reckon the 2009 event, planned for Saturday 2 May, should be even bigger and better.

As last year the run will be held at the Lincs Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby, courtesy of the brothers Panton and the run out will be a little longer and more interesting. The brothers’ Lancaster ‘Just Jane’ will once again be on display and will be undertaking taxi runs. Footman James will be supporting the event, along with Classic Bike Guide, Old Bike Mart, The Classic MotorCycle and Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, so there will be classes for old, not so old, young and new machines, plus outfits and three wheelers.

The Aviation Heritage Centre is the perfect venue for the event with plenty of space, seating, grassed areas, plus the NAAFI canteen et al. Entry details are now available. Send your cheque for £5 (payable to Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance to ‘Wolds Run’ c/o Woodlands, School Lane, Harmston, Lincoln LN5 9SP. The £5 donation covers rider and machine only. This will go in full to the named charity (Registered No 1017501). Numbers, route and receipts will be issued on the day. Special admission price for motorcycle passengers £5, payable at the gate. Other persons will be expected to pay the normal admission at the gate. (Currently… adults £6.75; children £2.75; children under 6 free.) There is an entry form downloadable on www.oldbikemart.co.uk

Please note, as per last year this is nothing to do with Mortons or any director or staff member thereof.

Croft under threat

Added: 26 February 2009

A judge has awarded three residents, local to Croft race circuit, near Darlington, £150,000 in compensation for noise issues. The three residents, Derek and Julia Watson and their daughter Jill Wilson, live at Vince Moor East, Dalton on Tees, about 300 metres from the circuit. They have moved there recently due to a former relative gaining employment at the circuit, who has since left. In recent years they have claimed that excessive noise has inconvenienced them, despite Corft having some of the most stringent noise laws and operating restrictions of any circuit in the country. The circuit, which has been operating on and off since 1928, has appealed against the decision. If they are not successful this could have disastrous effects on the circuit plus it sets a precedence for any other resident local to a circuit to sue.

Race Retro revs up

Added: 26 February 2009

It’s fair to say that the Race Retro Show, at Stoneleigh’s National Agricultural Centre, over 13-15 March is primarily a car event, which in itself is magnificent, but there’s also a goodly input of competition motorcycles, which, this year includes a tribute to the 50 years of the Triumph Bonneville. All sorts of racing Triumphs will be on show including the spectacular Texas Cee-Gar streamliner. There’s an indoor pre 65 trials demonstration with some quite spectacular sections created by ace riders Mick Grant and Neil Gaunt. TT fast man Guy Martin will be having a go along with Steve Parrish and others. Ken Fox’s Wall of Death will be packing ‘em in and the Ace Café Concours will be as cut-throat as ever. Add to that trade stands with spares, memorabilia, clothing, tools et al – plus of course some breath taking cars, test drives, live rally stages with a tribute to the Mini, the H&H auction and more, it all adds up to splendid day out. Entry is reduced to £20 on Friday, £15 Saturday and Sunday, when booked in advance. Gates open from 9.30am to 5.30pm (4.30pm Sunday). Full details www.raceretro.com

Win a Velo with the VMCC

Added: 26 February 2009

Following on from the above raffle the VMCC is pleased to announce the details of the Jan-June 2009 Raffle.

1st Prize 1964 500cc Velocette Venom (see below).

2nd Prize Davida “Jet” Helmet.

3rd Prize One Years subscription to “Old Bike Mart” & “The Classic Motorcycle”.

4th Prize One Years Subscription to Classic Racer.

5th Prize One Years Subscription to Bonhams Motorcycle Auction Catalogues.

The draw will take place on Friday 26 June with the winners informed immediately. Tickets may also be obtained via VMCC HQ on 01283 540557 e-mail hq@vmcc.net. Tickets may also be ordered on line at www.vmcc.net

Our Alan makes number one

Added: 27 January 2009

Alan Cathcart has been voted Journalist of the Year, by the world’s most prestigious association of press and media correspondents covering the automotive, motorcycle and commercial vehicle sectors, the Guild of Motoring Writers.
Founded 64 years ago, the UK based Guild is represented in 32 countries. At an awards ceremony on 12 December, at the RAC Club in Pall Mall, Alan was adjudged to have made the most outstanding journalistic achievement in any medium.

Sponsored by Renault, Alan took home the Pierre Dreyfus Trophy and a cheque for £2500. Alan was cited for his 2007 achievement of becoming the first and so far only journalist to have tested every single factory MotoGP and World Superbike motorcycle in one season.

Alan said: “I am extremely honoured to be recognised in this way by my journalistic colleagues. I am also very grateful to the race teams and factories for having entrusted me with their exotic, ultra expensive machines for so many years. I also appreciate the support of the magazines around the world who publish my articles and the readers who read them and make it all possible.”

Norton back at the TT

Added: 23 December 2008

It was announced at the NEC Show, by Norton’s new boss Stuart Garner, that the rotary racer will compete at the 2009 Isle of Man TT, in the hands of Michael Dunlop, son of the late Robert Dunlop, who piloted the rotary Norton to several victories under JPS colours and finished third in the 1990 TT.

The last time a rotary Norton raced at the TT as a semi-works effort was in 1992 when the late Steve Hislop took the Abus backed Norton to victory.

Police are wrong – BMF

Added: 23 December 2008

Revealed recently in a House of Commons Transport Committee report entitled ‘Ending the scandal of complacency:

Road Safety beyond 2010’ the Association of Chief Police Officers’ submission referred to the detection of motorcycling offences being problematic because there was Vehicle Excise Duty evasion on a massive scale.

The BMF said this was totally erroneous, having been based on discredited dated, since retracted by the DVLA, where an incorrect 38 per cent avoidance figure was later corrected to just six per cent.

ACPO also suggested that there was a need for radical thinking in respect of motorcycles, including consideration of engine capability and creation of protection zones where all motorcycles other than those specifically permitted would be prohibited.

ACPO said that production motorcycles are readily available with top speeds in excess of 200mph and that motorcycles are vehicles of choice rather than necessity and suggested that UK roads are no longer fit for purpose for these motorised toys. Untrue said the BMF, there is no correlation between engine size, power and accidents, no machines can reach said speeds and while many machines are used for leisure, they are often used for commuting and work purposes too.

Enter the electric TT

Added: 23 December 2008

Imagine this, a grid full of superbikes, all pointing down the Glencrutchery Road, the hearts of their riders pounding with adrenalin as they blast off in a crescendo of….silence!

Well, that’s effectively what the TTXGP is all about. In a nutshell it’s a one lap race of the TT circuit on electric powered motorcycles. The rules are many and varied but here’s the main frame – bikes are prohibited from using a carbon based propulsion fuel, must not emit any toxic or noxious emission, the lap must be run without stopping in under 50 minutes otherwise they are disqualified, the bikes must be min 100kg, max 300kg, wheels min 16in, one brake per wheel, riders must have all the regular protective gear and in the Open Class, all machines will be offered for sale for £20k for 75 minutes after the race. Payment is guaranteed by TTXGP and teams refusing to sell will be disqualified. More than one bidder for the same machine will be drawn by lottery. This takes place on 12 June, with practice 8 and 10 June. An interesting concept, but a motorcycle race with no sound? Full details on www.ttxgp.com

Lightning strikes at Bonhams’ million-plus Stafford

Added: 27 November 2008

Lightning strikes at Bonhams’ million-plus Stafford

Bonhams’ year continues to produce new records and strong results for their motorcycle sales. The Classic Mechanics Show auction realised over £1.1-million, with many machines going well over their estimate. The star turn was the only supercharged Vincent Black Lightning ever made, which sold for £221,500 to an anonymous bidder, the highest price paid for a British motorcycle at auction and the third time that Bonhams have broken their own world record this year. This takes their four dedicated motorcycle auctions to a total of £5.4-million.

Other surprises at Stafford included a 1967 Piaggio Vespa 89cc Super Sprint, with an estimate of £1800 to £2000, which went for £7820. Obviously someone knew their scooters!

The ex Johnny Lockett 1936 International Norton made £36,700,the ex Derek Powell 1961 7R made £26,450, as did the 1962 495cc Marsh MR4.

A 1926 Model 18 Norton reached £21,850, the same price as a 1938 BSA Gold Star (below). A 1977 MV America sold for £23,000 and a 2007 Confederate B120 Wraith (left) reached £38,900. These prices do not include the premium and VAT.

Boris keeps his promise

Added: 27 November 2008

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, has kept his promise to allow motorcycles use of the city’s bus lanes. The decision follows a three-year TfL study of trial routes in which, despite the number of motorcycle collisions falling by 42 per cent, the previous Mayor, Ken Livingstone, had dismissed the trials as unsound.

BMF spokesman Jeff Stone said: “We now have 14 towns and cities successfully and safely operating such systems. We look forward to London joining them.”

Motorcycle Test – a ticking time bomb says BMF

Added: 30 October 2008

For those unfortunate enough not to already have a full licence, the Driving Standards Agency are planning to make the test even more difficult. However, news that they have agreed to delay the introduction of a new practical test by six months, according to the BMF, must be seen as only a respite, not a victory. The BMF supported representation made by the Motorcycle Industry Association and the Motorcycle Rider Training Association, but the new test manoeuvres required under the European Directive have not gone away and neither has the requirement for expensive, massive new testing centres and the winding down of the existing network.

The 260 current centres will be closed to be replaced by 66 Multi Purpose mega-centres. BMF’s Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder said, “We appreciate that £71 million has already been invested in this project but we really need to get real here. We didn’t need these purpose built centres, merely a slight change of use of existing facilities. This is all because of an anomaly whereby the required 50kph on minor roads equates to 31mph. Amend that and testing, with minor mods, could have been accommodated within the existing infrastructure.”

Read tops Bristol bill

Added: 25 September 2008

Read tops Bristol bill

Britain’s most successful motorcycle road racer, Phil Read, will be guest of honour at the Carole Nash sponsored 29th Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show, held at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, over the weekend of 14-15 February 2009.

The Prince of Speed has raced in an unbelievable six decades and even now while qualifying for his bus pass, maintains that magnificent style – not to mention speed – which took him to no less than eight world championships. Few have ridden as many works machines, his Yamaha and MV Agusta days arguably being his most famous, but he has also ridden for Benelli, Gilera, Honda, Norton and many more. He is the first man to have won world championships in 125cc, 250cc and 500cc classes, with 52 wins, a genuine home-grown legend. He still campaigns competitively at classic level latterly on one of the new 500cc Cammy Paton twins.

Tickets for the show are £9 adults, £7.50 for oldies and under 15s £3.50, but you can save yourself a whole 50p if you book in advance on 01507 529529. Gates open at 10am and close at 5pm both days.

Donington gets F1 GP extension

Added: 25 September 2008

Following the news that Donington Park, in Derbyshire, will host the 2010 F1 GP, the owners have announced a £100-million upgrade programme, starting any time now. Most of the circuit in general will remain as is but with the addition of a new infield loop which will add a further half mile onto the circuit length. F1 has no stipulation on circuit length but the new loop will effectively get rid of the second hairpin, which is presently Goddards. From Coppice corner the circuit will run more or less straight to the Melbourne Hairpin, with the Foggy Esses no more. From Melbourne the circuit will then follow the new loop before rejoining the original layout at the head of the start-finish straight. There are to be more grandstands built too.

BMF say motorcycle shows must go on

Added: 25 September 2008

Following the motorway shooting incident last year, the police have forced the closure of 10 key motorcycle events, as well as many smaller events, on the grounds of, but no actual evidence of, gang violence.

The BMF have written to Home Secretary Jacqui Smith MP, the Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy MP and the president of the Association of Chief Police Officers, Ken Jones QPM, objecting to this heavy handed treatment, saying that the cancellations are both unjustified and discriminatory. They point out that fair and reasonably minded motorcyclists are incensed that their events are being cancelled while music festivals and football matches, with a history of drugs and violence are allowed to go ahead unhindered.

BMF Chairman Anna Zee, said: “It is extraordinary that the authorities (and the general public – Ed) seem to assume that a motorcycle gathering must mean trouble. The BMF runs some very large shows with attendances up to 85,000 with never a hint of trouble. Nor are we aware of any previous history of problems at the events actually cancelled this year.”

World record set at Monterey

Added: 28 August 2008

A new milestone was reached in the motorcycle market on 12 July, when the first American motorcycle sold for over half a million dollars and a world record was set for a motorcycle sold at auction. MidAmerica Auctions, from St Paul, Minnesota, offered up one of the rarest, most coveted motorcycles at their inaugural Monterey Motorcycle Auction, a 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer, which sold for $520,000.

The Cyclone was made by the Joerns Motor Manufacturing Co of St Paul, Minnesota, and featured shaft and bevel driven overhead cams, a near hemispherical combustion chamber, proper caged ball and roller bearings throughout and recessed mounting faces on crank case halves, barrels and cylinder heads. Even with a modest 5.5:1 compression ratio, the estimated output was a healthy 45bhp – and with no brakes! Few Board Track Racers were made during Cyclone’s short production life as it was expensive to build and further development was necessary for longer track events. Unfortunately Cyclone did not have the resources and in 1915 the company ceased trading.

Only 12 Cyclone motorcycles have been found and some of those are roadsters. This one was the real deal, with correct and original parts. It was thought to have the correct engine internals. Bidding was brisk and fierce, the rarity value making the half million mark without hesitation.

Capital emissions

Added: 28 August 2008

There are two separate emissions related initiatives in London which have been causing concern for different groups of historic vehicle owners: the low emission zone (LEZ) and the proposed emissions related congestion charge (ERC). The LEZ exists and targets diesel commercials made after 1972, and is soon to include vans and utility vehicles.

The Federation of British Historic Vehicles Club is collecting information about historic commercials who are directly affected by LEZ , especially those living inside the zone. According to an announcement by new Mayor Boris Johnson, on 8 July, ERC will now not happen. Although the obvious worry about the ERC proposal was how it might affect owners of large capacity cars, there was a much more fundamental objection to it and nothing to do with countering congestion or improving air quality.

The higher rate ERC would have been levied on the basis of CO2 emissions. Air quality depends on limiting pollutants such as unburned hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen. These lead to city centre problems. CO2 however is not a pollutant in the conventional sense. It is a greenhouse gas and thus it doesn’t matter whether it is emitted in London, from your back garden or from the other side of the world. Therefore the inevitable conclusion is that the idea to make a charge for high CO2 emissions in London – and other city centres – was nothing more than a tax raising ploy, so congratulations to Johnson for honouring his pre-election pledge not to introduce the scheme.

Harley buy MV

Added: 31 July 2008

MV Agusta Chairman Castioglioni is confident that H-D’s passion for two wheels will benefit MV.

Harley-Davidson has announced the signing of an agreement to purchase the Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group (MVAG).

Under the agreement, Harley-Davidson will acquire 100 percent of MV Agusta Group shares for total consideration of approximately 70 million euros ($109 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($70 million).

In addition, the agreement provides for a contingent payment to Claudio Castiglioni in 2016, if certain financial targets are met.

MV Agusta Group is privately held, with the Castiglioni family owning 95 percent of MVAG shares.

Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson Inc Jim Ziemer said: “The acquisition of MV Agusta Group will enhance Harley-Davidson Inc's position as a global leader in fulfilling customer dreams and providing extraordinary customer experiences. We look forward to a long relationship with the MV Agusta and Cagiva families of customers and employees.”

Harley-Davidson plans to continue to operate MV Agusta Group from MV's current headquarters in Varese, Italy. Current MV Agusta Group chairman Claudio Castiglioni will continue in a leadership role as chairman and design chief. Massimo Tamburini will continue his leadership of MV Agusta Group's sport-bike design studio.

“We take enormous pride in MV Agusta and Cagiva motorcycles,” said Castiglioni. “Our riders seek an uncompromising experience in premium performance motorcycles. And with Harley-Davidson’s deep understanding of the emotional as well as the business side of motorcycling, I have great confidence that our motorcycles will excite customers for generations to come.”