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

Rare race machines recovered

18 January 2010

The original ex Fred Stevens 1967 500 Paton and the 1961 G50 Matchless, stolen from Northampton just before Christmas, have been recovered.

A delighted Alistair Wager told Classic Racer, who were first to make the public aware of the theft via the magazines busy website, that he was over the moon to have the bikes back.

Both bikes, which belong to collector Joaquin Folch, were returned complete and undamaged. It is believed that a reward was paid for their safe return.

Press and Trade Motorcycle Trials 2010

13 January 2010

Are you part of the motorcycle trade or press paternity and fancy a day where tom foolery, bribery, rule breaking and good old fashioned cheating is not just covered up but is in fact encouraged and rewarded? If so, courtesy of the Classic Bike Shows Team, this is the perfect event for you, The Press and Trade Motorcycle Trials.

Back by overwhelming demand, the annual Press and Trade Trials day is once more being held in the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside at Biscarthorpe Quarry on Friday 18th June 2010.

With a competitive scoring system, high climbs, tricky turns, and of course quite a lot of mud and water ,this event is a real crowd pleaser limited to 60 competitors who are willing to have a laugh, sometimes at their own expense, and raise money for the worthy charities of the TTRA and the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance.

The day finishes off with a barbeque and charity auction where hopefully with your generous donations we can beat last year’s total of a huge £1500!

Taking part will cost a mere £20 and this entry fee also entitles you to a limited edition Press Trials T-shirt to commemorate the day with.

For more information on this great day out, please contact Glynis Roberts on 01507 529431 at Mortons Media Group Ltd

Rare race bike stolen

07 January 2010

An original, ex Fred Stevens 1967 500 Paton, along with a genuine 1961 G50 Matchless, was stolen from Northampton just before Christmas.

The bikes, which belong to Joaquin Folch, were in a van outside Alistair Wager’s Northampton workshop, when the raid took place overnight on the 17-18 December. The van has since been recovered from a different part of Northampton, but the bikes and a substantial quantity of tools were missing.

The Paton, which was the bike raced with success in Grands Prix by Fred Stevens, was raced at the Goodwood Revival last September and is in original Paton green. The G50 is in original specification with the exception of a high level exhaust and Bob Newby belt drive.

A substantial reward is on offer for information leading to the return of the two bikes.

Alistair Wager can be contacted on 01604 643446 or Northampton Police crime desk on 01604 703772

ISLE OF MAN TT LEGEND STARS AT STAFFORD

07 January 2010

The 30th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, held over the weekend of 24-25th April 2010 at Stafford County Showground, will give a unique opportunity to meet a road racing legend who fought hard to become one of the very best, Phillip McCallen.

McCallen, arguably one of the all time greatest TT competitors will be taking centre stage at the show, giving interviews throughout the course of the weekend. From the living nightmare of coming out of a coma to find he was blind with crippling injuries, to his astonishing recovery and comeback – visitors to the show will hear it all. Fans will also get the chance to learn the inside story on some of the best road races ever seen at Ireland’s North West 200 road circuit and the world famous Isle of Man TT races.

McCallen’s uncompromising and fearless approach to road racing is what made him one of the most revered racers of all time. With such fantastic achievements including an unequalled four TT race wins in one week and the only rider to win five North West 200 races in a day, the crowds are sure to flock to Stafford to hear his tales of grit, courage, tragedy and triumph.

Show Manager Nick Mowbray said: “We are thrilled to be able to confirm Phillip McCallen as our guest of honour this April. Ticket requests have already begun to pour in since announcing the news and it promises to be one of our biggest shows to date – we are all very excited.”

www.classicbikeshows.com

Bristol show

29 December 2009

Hard to believe, but fast approaching is the ‘season opener,’ the Bristol Classic show. Dates for 2010 are 20-21 February. Tickets are priced at £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for senior citizens and £3.50 for children. So, if you’re looking for something to blow away those winter blues, then look no further than the 30th Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show.

The Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, will play host to the show once more, incorporating some of the south-west’s best classic machines, as well as concours displays, and more than 60 clubs and traders covering all aspects of classic wares in its five large heated exhibition halls. The Rudge Club will be making a special effort, celebrating 100 years of the marque – among the machines will be one each from 1911, 1912 and 1913, plus several 1920s and 30s examples. It’ll be a precursor to the extravaganza promised for Stafford. The Vincent OC is also planning something special too.

Giving showgoers even more for their money, Classic Bike Shows have also provided a new element to the show for 2010. The Edmund marquee will be over 60 metres long and will be positioned between two of the busy halls, packed with classic offerings and sure to impress the 18,000-strong crowd expected to attend.

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.

Spanish collection

29 December 2009

Bonhams has announced an exciting fixture for the 2010 Motorcycle Sales calendar – a private Spanish collection which spans almost a century of motorcycle development and comprises over 100 machines, including a 1931 Brough Superior SS100 with JAP V-twin engine, 1937 Böhmerland 603cc, 1931 four-cylinder Excelsior and no fewer than a dozen pioneer machines. Following the successful sale of The Professor Fritz Ehn Motorcycle Museum Collection in June 2008, Bonhams is looking forward to returning to the magnificent setting of the RAF Museum for this sale.

The sale will take place on 27 February; details from 08700 273616.

Scrapbook Series: BSA - Limited copies now back in stock

23 December 2009

The first edition of this bookazine was so popular it sold out in just two months, now by popular demand we now have a limited supply of 500 coming back in stock on January 4th, order yours before they are all gone for good.

Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) was the largest motorcycle maker in the world. The firm enjoyed a reputation for building quality, affordable machines, aimed at riders of all types, from the commuter to the sportsman. BSA was a byword for good, honest motorcycles, for generations of riders.

Mortons Media Group has the old archive of both Motor Cycle and Motor Cycling, the two weekly motorcycle magazines that their were in their pomp at the same time as ‘the BSA’ and so, naturally, there is a wealth of BSA pictures and related items in the Mortons’ archive. The bookazine will provide the opportunity for some of this material – of which a lot is previously unpublished – to finally get a deserved airing.

Favoured by everyone from the Post Office to international motocross riders, BSA manufactured a wide range of machines to suit all needs, from Bantams to Gold Stars, from ‘Round Tanks’ to Road Rockets – this appealing diversity will be celebrated in the second of The Scrapbook Series.

Order on-line now from Classic Magazines>>
Go to Mortons Books to view this and many more titles>>

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

Fast Fred eases back

15 December 2009

On the back of winning both classes of the 2009 Lansdowne series, with riders Glen English and Colin Dally, Fred Walmsley has decided to take things slightly easier in 2010.

Fred will continue to build engines and offer support to customers racing his bikes but has no wish to attend as many meetings or run his own bikes next season.
“Goodwood Revival will always be on my calendar and over and above that I will go to meetings that I want to go to,” said Fred, announcing the G50 that won Goodwood, the Lansdowne – still the fastest single around the TT Mountain circuit – was up for sale. Check out Fred’s ad in this issue.

Mal Carter

15 December 2009

After a long battle with illness, Mal Carter, 70, one of the sport's great characters, passed away in September.

I first met big Mal during my first meeting as a club racer in the early 70s; I say met, he ran me off the track at the top of Charlie’s at Cadwell Park after I had the cheek to outbrake him into the Hairpin. He sort of, almost, apologised in the paddock later.

Although Mal was a handy rider it will be as a sponsor that he will be best remembered. The list of riders that benefited from rides aboard his Pharaoh Yamahas reads like a who’s who of road racing. Without doubt it was Mal’s commitment to the Haslam clan that set them on the road to success. Even the tragic deaths of first Phil and then Terry Haslam, aboard Pharaoh machinery, didn’t deter him from the sport he loved.

Mal also supported his sons the late Kenny, who was at the very top of the speedway world and road racer Alan.

His straight talking style didn’t suit everyone, but you always knew where you stood with Mal. And eccentric to the end he bought a farm when he retired from the motor trade and filled the fields with llamas, wallabies and bison.

Malc Wheeler

FS1E with a twist

15 December 2009

It’s all well and good building bikes back to original, but this little Yamaha FS1-E stands out from the crowd for its ingenuity.

Owner, John Phillips, bought this bike way back in 1984, just before his 17th birthday. He had intended to use it as a donor bike for his existing Fizzy, but instead, it somehow ended up being thrown in the back of garage for years on end.

Some years later, John got back into the moped scene and decided to bring the banished FS1-E back to life. Of course, the simple method of rejuvenation was too easy, so he set about a plan to make his bike a bit special. And this is what he came up with.

We don’t want to go into too much detail just now, as we prefer to tease you. Needless to say, the bike has been given a new lease of life in a water-cooled format.

We intend to cover the bike in a future issue [of Classic Mechanics], so keep your eyes peeled; you definitely don’t want to miss out on this story.

Cylinder Head Shop

03 December 2009

Though you may have heard differently, The Cylinder Head Shop is not actually closing down. Having returned to mainland England from the Irish Republic, the lease on proprietor Len Paterson’s premises is up for renewal at the end of January and for numerous reasons he does not intend to renew it. As such he will have to move the business out. The business is presently up for sale and there are interested parties, so by the end of January, The Cylinder Head Shop will probably be based elsewhere. Len said, “I’m 60 now, so I’m hoping the new owners will employ me for a while at least.” Len has not taken on any work for a good while now and all work in hand will be finished and returned in time, so there is no need to panic over the whereabouts of anyone’s cylinder head. The website will be kept up to date with proceedings and people can still call Len on the telephone up to the second week of January. www.cylinderheadshop.co.uk. Tel 01428 685883.

Lansdowne for British Superbikes

03 December 2009

At the recent Lansdowne Cup race series presentation dinner, series organiser and driving force Richard Thirkell had some exciting news to convey. Following the recent running of a non-championship round of ‘the Lansdowne’ at the final round of the British Superbike (BSB) championship, MotorSport Vision (MSV, organisers of BSB) boss Jonathan Palmer contacted Richard to request the Lansdowners appearance at more rounds of BSB next year. Indeed, there will be Lansdowne action at four rounds of BSB in 2010; the two at Brands Hatch (3-5 April and 6-8 August), Cadwell Park (28-30 August) and Oulton Park (8-10 October). Those are in addition to five other rounds – 17 April Oulton, 5-6 June Snetterton, 26-27 June Cadwell, 11 September Castle Combe and 17 October Thruxton. It all means the Lansdowne series visits some of the biggest and most famous circuits in the UK.

The Classic MotorCycle has long been associated with the series, which sees 1950s and early 60s (for the most part) grand prix-type machinery racing; that means grids full of Manx Nortons, Matchless G50s and AJS 7Rs, plus a few KTT Velos and the like too. Racing is tough and competitive right through the field, with the 500cc and 350cc classes run concurrently. Obviously, the quick men on the 500s take the overall victories, but the fastest 350s normally get up well among them. It’s a tremendous spectacle, as well as making a great noise!

During the presentation evening, at the Manor Hotel in Meriden, 1960s GP star Stuart Graham entertained guests with an interesting talk on his career, then Richard Thirkell oversaw the presentation of the championship prizes, with Fred Walmsley celebrating a double as his riders, Glen English and Colin Dally, scooped the 500cc and 350cc categories respectively.

Welsh weekend

03 December 2009

The Ponthir British Motorcycle Club believes that its annual classic bike show, which celebrated its 30th anniversary at the end of September, is the oldest event of its kind in the UK. Recently, its scope was expanded to include Japanese classics, which now fill a separate hall. The show has contributed significantly over the years to its enthusiastic host, Caerleon Comprehensive School, near Newport in Gwent.

Sunny weather saw a full entry of 125 machines displayed over the weekend, with a trophy presentation ceremony plus an outdoor autojumble on the Sunday. The Visitors’ Choice Award, chosen by ballot and presented by club chairman Dave Hollyman, went to the oldest machine present, the 1911 Bradbury owned by Wiltshire restorer Pete Sole and featured in this issue. Pete had made a determined effort to attend the show despite serious illness and was a popular recipient of this coveted award.

Mike Lewis

KillSpills is heard

24 November 2009

Thanks to the efforts of the KillSpills anti-diesel spill campaign, the Department for Transport is to undertake a two-year study into the problem of diesel spillages and the most effective way of cleaning them up.

The KillSpills campaign, founded in 2003 to counter the menace of diesel spillage and particularly, the danger it presents to motorcyclists, say that this major step forward means that as an integral part of the DfT’s business plan, the project will produce guidance for Local Authorities and the Highways Agency to follow, so ending the confusing array of procedures and solutions currently adopted across the UK.

The culmination of six years campaigning by KillSpills in raising the profile of the diesel spill menace, the DfT study was finally agreed in October following a commitment from the BMF and the IAM to offer to ‘pump-prime’ the research project with a £10,000 joint donation. In practice however, such was the case presented by the KillSpills team that the DfT will now be funding the project entirely from their budget.

Stephen Edwards, the leader of the KillSpills campaign, said “This is a fantastic outcome and another step closer to ridding the roads of diesel contamination. It is only through the long-term help of the BMF and more recently the IAM, plus the support of our dedicated volunteers, that we have been able to get this far.”

For the BMF Foundation, Peter Laidlaw said: “The BMF Foundation was founded to support safety related projects in the interest of motorcycling and what could be better than this?”

Tom Wheatcroft - Obituary

24 November 2009

Tom Wheatcroft, the man who revived Donington Park as a motorsport venue died on 31 October, following a long illness.

A lifelong motor racing enthusiast, he was a regular spectator at the pre-war Donington circuit and after making his fortune in the construction and property industry, he acquired the park in 1971 and set about returning it to its former glory. The circuit had closed in 1939 and was used by the Ministry of Defence during WWII, after which it was not fit for racing. He established his racing car collection on the campus, where it still resides, and on 27 May 1977, racing returned in anger, albeit with many facilities still to be built. In 1985 the addition of the Melbourne Loop, increased the circuit length to 2.5 miles, making it eligible for the motorcycle GP series, which was held for the first time there just two years later.

He passed away peacefully at home with his family.

Bristol’s round the corner

24 November 2009

Despite the long build-up, Christmas and the New Year celebrations are over in no time and we’re left staring at the bleak, grey days which are January and February. Fret not though because there is a little light within those short days and that is the 30th Carole Nash Bristol Show, at the Shepton Mallet Showground, over the weekend of 20-21 February. Open from 10am to 5pm both days, entry is £9.50, old £7.50 and young £3.50.

Ticket hotline is 1507 529529, www.classicbikeshows.com

Once that’s out of the way it’s head down all the way to the big one – The 30th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, at Stafford, over 24-25 April – and then it’s summer time!

JUST JENSON!
THE MUST-HAVE BUTTON BOOK…

18 November 2009

Buy now for just £6.99 incl. p&p >>

For motorsport fans everywhere and fresh from his first Formula One World Drivers’ Championship, the story that everyone has been waiting for is finally here in a quality ‘bookazine’ format… Just Jenson.

Charting Jenson Button’s life story from the tough and unforgiving circuits of the karting world to his defining moment this season when he took the crown as Formula 1 World Champion, Just Jenson is the perfect companion to the motor sport racing year.

This insightful and appropriate tribute to Jenson Button is brought to you by renowned magazine publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd. Written by David Addison, motorsport journalist and commentator with Bob Constanduros, F1 fanatic and auto correspondent; they have brought a wealth of knowledge to the title.

Jenson’s career has had many highs and lows, having been fighting for the F1 championship for 10 years, but through it all, and in particular through the adversity, sheer graft has seen fortune favour, particularly in 2009. His decision to stick with his former BAR Honda Team principal Ross Brawn in a new team paid off, wrapping up the title with even a race to spare. Just Jenson encapsulates all of this magic and much more within its 132 pages.

Editor, David Addison said: “Jenson Button’s season has been quite extraordinary after a disappointing few. To be staring the end of his career in the face last December to being World Champion in less than 11 months is unprecedented in Formula 1 and is a story worth telling. The Button tale is one of successes and disappointments, but culminates with biggest high of them all, all of which are featured within this bookazine.”

For every motorsport fan, this will be the must-have read of the year and will be on sale at WHSmith across the country from 24 November priced £6.99 or can be brought direct from Mortons Media Group Ltd on 01507 529529 and by visiting www.mortonsbooks.co.uk.

Buy now for just £6.99 incl. p&p >>

Marconi Bike Only Jumble

17 November 2009

The Marconi Bike Only Jumble on Sunday November 29th has been established in Chelmsford, Essex, ( Sat Nav: CM2 9RX ) for over 20 years with a long tradition of having a club atmosphere amongst friends. Both inside and outside pitches & stalls have in the past displayed the unusual. This time we have a Book Signing by celebrated author Reg Everett with his latest book “ From Rocker to Racer” accompanied by friend & fellow author, Mike Walker.

Come along and dig amongst a display of Literature, New & Used British & Japanese Bike Parts, Restoration Projects, Polishing / Plating Equipment, Carburettor/ Ally Parts Ultrasonic Cleaning Services, New & Used Tools, Nuts, Bolts & Fixings, Decal Transfers, Garage Clearouts & much more besides. For full details with directions please visit our website at: www.woodclass.com 

Olga Kevelos - Obituary

16 November 2009

Olga Kevelos, the lady who first put femininity into competition motorcycling, died last week. She was 88.

A charismatic and accomplished competitor who rode 18 SSDTs and numerous ISDTs in the late 40s through to the early 60s was an extremely well known face throughout Europe.

Even the publicity conscious CZ factory once invited her over for intensive training just so they could give her one of their bikes to ride after she had won her second ISDT gold medal.

The daughter of a Greek restaurateur in Cannon Street, Birmingham – which quickly became a second home for postwar trials riders – was a renowned story teller who, in later years became president of the Birmingham Motorcycle Club and was heavily involved in running the British Experts trial.

She was also a TV personality, featuring twice on Mastermind and on a documentary on her wartime life of moving prefabricated houses on massive barges up the Grand Union canal.

Until six years ago she was the entertaining publican at the Three Tuns, at Kings Sutton, nr Banbury, the village where her funeral was to be.

Mortons Acquire Classic American Magazine

12 November 2009

Lincolnshire publishers Mortons Media Group Ltd have purchased Classic American magazine from the Trader Media Group. The magazine is the market-leading title for all things relating to classic American cars.

Mortons are one of the largest family-owned independent publishing companies in the UK with a portfolio of magazine titles of a similar size to Classic American. They are probably most famous for their classic motorcycle titles, including Classic Bike Guide, a former stable mate of Classic American when both titles were owned by Myatt-Macfarlane Publishing. Their expertise is very much in publishing specialist titles and most recently they acquired Kitchen Garden magazine, the UK’s leading title for those who grow their own produce.

Managing Director of Mortons Media Group Ltd Brian Hill commented: ‘We are delighted to be taking on Classic American. It is well placed to sit alongside our growing portfolio of specialist heritage transport titles and we have exciting plans to maintain the title at the forefront of the classic American car scene.’

Editor Ben Klemenzson will be staying with the title which will be published from Morton’s centre of operations in Horncastle. Ben commented ‘The move to Mortons can only be good news and I’m looking forward to the next successful chapter in the Classic American story with our loyal readers, subscribers and advertisers’.

www.classic-american.com

Bonhams’ BMW bonanza

12 November 2009

The famous Neutkens collection offered by UK auction house.

Bonhams has announced it will be handling the dispersal sale of the Willy Neutkens Collection of BMW Motorcycles, which will be held at the BMW Museum in Munich on 28 November 2009.

Legendary BMW Willy Neutkens, who died last year, amassed an astonishing collection of the Bavarian marque’s motorcycles in a career spanning several decades, earning him an entry in the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 for owning the most examples of a single make. His collection consists of almost every model built since BMW commenced motorcycle production in 1923.

Once he had handed over to his son the day-to-day running of the family business, MotoPort Neutkens, Willy was able to devote himself full-time to his collection, scouring the world looking for rare BMW models and missing components.

Every motorcycle in the collection has been painstakingly and lovingly restored by Willy with the help of BMW, which gave him access to its archives in Munich.

By the time BMW Netherlands organised an exhibition of the Neutkens Collection in 1998 to mark BMW’s 75th anniversary as a motorcycle manufacturer, it comprised some 73 motorcycles; by the turn of the century, this had grown to more than 100, almost all of which will be offered for sale by Bonhams in November.

Details from Bonhams on 08700 273616 or www.bonhams.com

Cold meet on Boxing Day

12 November 2009

Romsey in Hampshire will pay host to the 8th Annual Boxing Day Classic Car and Bike Meet. The aim, as always, is for the event to be a fun get together for classic car and motorcycle enthusiasts. It’s a free event for both classic vehicle owners and public alike, all that is asked is people give whatever they can to the organiser’s chosen charity: The prostate cancer charity. In 2008 there were approximately 500 cars, 250 motorcycles and around 2000 members of the public, no mean feat for the middle of winter. The event is open to pre-1973 European classics, commercials and motorcycles and all American cars and hot-rods.

It takes place in Romsey Town Centre in Aldi, Crosfield Hall and Broadwater Road Car Parks. Action commences at 9am and folds upat around 1pm. More
information on www.romsey-classiccarandbikemeet.co.uk

London Model Engineering Exhibition

12 November 2009

The annual London Model Engineering Exhibition returns to Alexandra Palace over 22-24 January 2010 and organisers promise ‘an Aladdin’s cave of specialist equipment’.

Over 60 suppliers of machinery, kits, components and tools will be in attendance with ranges rarely seen on the high street.

The exhibition offers all sorts of refurbishment tools including taps and dies, lathes, milling machines, slip rolls, folders and grinding machines.

Mortons Archive - Motorcycle card collections announced

9 November 2009

Sourced from the massive 4-million photo archive at Mortons, we have put together a collection of greeting cards that inspire motorcyclists and brings back fond memories from the past.
Each pack is themed, and the images carefully selected from our archive to capture the essence of motorcycling past and present. These cards are professionally produced on a digital press for a stunning high quality card print.

The cards are blank inside with a caption printed on the back - and a list of captions for each set can be found on the Old Bike Shop site.
Present in a pack of 4, the cards are A5 on high quality card and thick, white envelopes.

Themed packs available: Modern greats - the 60's - Scenic - Memories

The original images used on these cards are also available in print format from www.mortonsarchive.com

Classic Motorcycle Mechanics needs a new editor

4 November 2009

We are looking for an experienced journalist with an encyclopedic knowledge of Japanese motorcycles, an enthusiasm for taking them to bits and the organisational skills of a military planner to turn Classic Motorcycle Mechanics into the best bike magazine on the planet.
This is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of the Japanese classics scene, to find and ride the best examples of the bikes that matter to Britain’s fastest growing biking sector.

The job will include:

• Being the creative powerhouse behind the magazine and teasing brilliant ideas from freelance writers
• Planning, commissioning and managing each issue
• Managing a team of freelance feature writers
• Briefing writers with a detailed summary of what’s needed, deadlines, word count and fees
• Editing features to the required standard – this may include sending work back to the writer with queries or a request for a rewrite
• Having a clear vision for magazine’s design
• Proofreading all pages before going to press
• Maintaining and raising the profile of the magazine
• Networking with others in the industry
• Attending and organising photo shoots.

The successful applicant will ideally have a strong track record in journalism, backed up with the proven ability to adhere to deadlines.
If this is you, please send a CV, a detailed description (in no more than 500 words) of who you think the typical mechanics reader is and a list of contents for your first issue as editor to…
Ref  ED19
Staff Recruitment, Mortons Media Group, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6JR

Miller’s new exhibits

28 October 2009

The Sammy Miller Museum has just received on loan from Dieter Mutschler this wonderful 1000cc Neander. This rare German machine has a 1000cc V-twin JAP engine. The Neander was the creation of multi talented Ernst Neumann, who was born in the Prussian city of Kassel – also birth place of the Brothers Grimm – in 1871. A natural inventor, Neumann built prototype tricycles powered by steam and internal combustion engines before embarking on a career as a commercial artist in Munich and then Paris, where he designed his first motorcycle for the Griffon Company. Returning to Germany, Neumann adopted the nomme de plume ‘Neander’, styling motor cars in Berlin before embarking on his career as a motorcycle manufacturer in the early 1920s. Neander Motorfahrzeug GmbH became a casualty of the worldwide economic downturn at the end of the 1920s.

The second new exhibit, belonging to the Museum Trust, is a 21⁄2hp two-stroke 1922 Ladies Model Radco. This model has an open frame mount and adequate dress guards, a neat design of frame and by inclining the engine it is kept well out of the way of the rider’s skirts without being inaccessible. A metal shield extends downward from the tank in the rear of the engine, and both belt and primary chain are similarly adequately protected. A Burman lightweight gearbox is fitted.

Ajay centenary

28 October 2009

Saturday 14 November marks the centenary of the formation of AJS Motor Cycles in Wolverhampton in 1909.

During a recent guided heritage tour of surviving factory buildings from Wolverhampton’s early motor manufacturing era, many of those attending asked if anything was planned to commemorate the occasion.

In the apparent absence of anything else a few enthusiasts intend to gather at the surviving AJS Retreat Street works in Wolverhampton – the original home of the fledgling company and the site where their 1914 TT winning bikes were produced.

Bikes of any age are welcome from 10am onwards, especially British vintage and classic machines. Retreat Street is just off the A449 Penn Road heading into Wolverhampton from Stourbridge and Kidderminster. It is on the left, almost immediately before the A449 joins the city’s ring road, and near a drive-through McDonald’s restaurant.

Organisers at www.sunbeamsidevalve.com would be pleased to hear if you intend to bring an interesting bike along – especially AJS machines of any age. Contact details on the website.

Stafford a success

28 October 2009

Motorcycle race ace Freddie Spencer enjoyed a starring role at the record-breaking 16th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show, at Stafford over 17/18 October, while Paul Scanlon (left, with wife Allyson) claimed the Best in Show prize with his superb 1968 Kawasaki W2SS.

The sun shone as more than 30,000 visitors – a new record attendance for this October event – thronged Stafford County Showground, feasting their eyes on an array of classic motorcycles. The VJMC took home the best club stand prize of £1000 for their imaginative ‘Pirate’ themed stand. There’ll be a full report and pictures in next month’s Classic Motorcycle magazine.

Also see www.classicmechanics.com for more reports and galleries.

NEW MOTORCYCLE REGIME A DISASTER

23 October 2009

In its detailed submission of evidence to the Transport Select Committee on the introduction of the new European motorcycle test, the BMF say that with fewer people now taking their test than at any time in the past five years, the Driving Standards Agency’s interpretation and implementation of the test Directive has been a disaster for British motorcycling.

With training schools reporting downturns in business and income dropping by a third (and winter still to come), many businesses will not survive the additional seasonal drop in business, trained professionals will find themselves unemployed and many of these small businesses will go to the wall.

The inadequate provision of the new Multi-Purpose Test Centres (MPTCs) now required for testing has also meant that even if they fail their test, some trainees literally face a 220 mile round trip for a Module One motorcycle test. Riding such distances when a rider is deemed not up to standard makes a mockery of the test.

The test’s content also comes in for criticism from the BMF because of the way that the DSA have implemented the swerve and brake manoeuvres as a swerve and then a controlled stop as one manoeuvre. They point out that the directive does not specify that these have to be tested as one manoeuvre, simply that an obstacle has to be avoided at 50kph and braking should be from 50kph. By combining braking and swerving the DSA have exceeded the EU Directive’s requirements and made it a more difficult and hazardous manoeuvre, so much so that several learners have crashed trying to complete the sequence.

The DSA also decided to introduce specific distances and dimensions for the manoeuvre whereas the directive does not specify any minimum elements, except for that of speed.

On the speed issue, the BMF maintains that not enough was done by the UK government to allow a derogation. Sticking rigidly to a 50kph speed requirement (31mph) means that the braking test can no longer be carried out on UK roads as speed limits would be exceeded. A derogation allowing braking from 30mph (48kph) would have meant that many of the manoeuvres now requiring special areas could have been part of the on-road test. The BMF also point out that the motorcycle test now includes at least four low speed manoeuvres as opposed to the two mandated by the Directive.

The BMF is also critical of a system whereby DSA examiners make no allowances for low-powered machines struggling to reach the required speed in the distance specified, or for any adverse weather conditions. Manoeuvring areas are rigidly adhered to even though advice on riding and driving in adverse weather conditions recommends allowing a greater stopping distance says the BMF. (NB: Prior to the new test, emergency braking tests conducted on UK roads had no specific stopping distance).

Extra test requirements, such as that of executing a figure-of-eight manoeuvre, are of dubious benefit, as they take valuable training time away from learning how to interact with traffic.

On the provision of the MPTCs now required, the BMF reiterate that it has always maintained that provision would be inadequate. For example, if a learner from say the small town of Portree, in Scotland, needed to take their test, the nearest centre is 110 miles away in Inverness, a round-trip of some 220 miles! In Wales someone from Aberystwyth would need to ride 70 miles to Swansea or a learner from Kendal would face a 55-mile ride to Blackburn. If on the other hand, they were to be learner car drivers, all of them could take a car test in their home town!

The BMF has been campaigning on this issue for eight years and it appears that everything prophesied has come true.

OBITUARY – Harry Whitehouse

23 October 2009

Harry Whitehouse was one of the most helpful yet modest men you could meet. He was a prolific sponsor of historic racing, and the late Doug Jones won several Vintage MCC championships on Harry’s bikes.

He served in the Royal Engineers during WWII, joining Onions Ltd, manufacturers of heavy plant and machinery, on cessation of hostilities. He started Midlands Earth Moving in 1959, based in Dudley, West Mids, paying for supplies up front because most people didn’t give contractors credit. Then Morris Lubricants offered him a proper business account and from that day, as his business expanded, he only used their products in all his plant machinery, his own cars and his racing bikes; that was typical Harry, faithful to his friends.

He had a lifelong love of Norton, though he also had competition machines from Royal Enfield, Yamaha, Honda, Triumph and AJS. As he became more prosperous he would pick up old race bikes that were beyond a competitive life. The collection was eventually to include such Norton gems as the Frank Cope factory 250, the Tony Norris FAN and the Norris Special, plus an ex-Rudi Allison works outside flywheel Manx that the South African rode to a top six TT finish. When his son David was 21, Harry bought him a Velocette Mark 8 KTT to ride; it’s still in the family collection.

For many years he was behind Doug Jones’s success in Historic Racing, that partnership ending when Doug suddenly passed away. Though it’s fair to say that Doug’s death knocked the stuffing out of him, Harry continued to help others such as Phil Jobborn, Stuart Tonge and Mike Russell, as well as supplying Manx Nortons for guests at the Goodwood Revival to ride, including Stan Woods and ex-Ferrari Formula One driver Gerhard Berger.

Born in 1921, he handed in his final paddock pass on 7 August, a month after his 88th birthday. His funeral took place at Gornal Wood Crematorium, attended by many. He leaves a wife, daughter, son and two grandchildren. Everyone who met this quietly spoken man will know that the sport has lost one of the best.
Jim Reynolds

SYDNEY TO LONDON MOPED

23 October 2009

Mansfield, Notts based Nathan Millward has undertaken a 23,000 mile trip on a 100cc moped he calls Dorothy.

Normally used for mail deliveries in Brisbane, the semi auto scooter – already with 25,000 miles on board and ready for pensioning off – was deemed as ideal to get back to Blighty.

Nathan said: “I was in Oz chasing a woman I’d met speed dating the year before when immigration reckoned I’d been there long enough, so seeing as I’m scared of flying, I packed and planned in two days and hit the road.”

Nathan and Dorothy crossed 18 countries, took a clobbering from an Indonesian bus, travelled in vegetable boats, almost froze on the Himalayan climbs, slept in hedge bottoms and rode 14 hours a day at no more than 35mph. The trip is to be compiled in book form, which it is hoped will clear the £8000 debt run up and raise some profit for Comic Relief. For further details of the trip see www.thepostman.org.uk

STAFFORD BREAKS ALL RECORDS

20 October 2009

Freddie Spencer wows the huge crowds - in conversation with resident compere Dave Craggs

Motorcycle race ace Freddie Spencer enjoyed a starring role at the record-breaking 16th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show.
The sun shone as more than 30,000 visitors thronged Stafford County Showground, feasting their eyes on an array of 70s and 80s classic motorcycle machinery.

A racing legend, Spencer began his career at the age of four, winning three Grand Prix Championships. His trip to Stafford brought the crowds in their masses creating a new record attendance for this October event. Wowing fans with his tales of podium finishes and racing rivalry with a litany of stars, he gave show-goers a weekend they will never forget.
For the first time at this show, ‘ride-outs’ were the order of the day, as top manufacturer Triumph offered the enthusiastic crowd the opportunity to go for test ride and sample their range of motorcycles. 

The Classic Racer Grand Prix Paddock hummed to the sound of vintage and classic race bikes, as they revved to the delight of the crowd. Also a key part of the paddock was the eclectic mix of club and trade stands which provided the spectacularly authentic road race atmosphere.
Another of the event’s highlights was the sought-after ‘best in show’ trophies, with once more the VJMC taking home the best club stand prize of £1000 for their imaginative ‘Pirate’ themed stand. Meanwhile Paul Scanlon also from the VJMC was the proud winner of the ‘Best in Show’ for his Kawasaki W2SS.

Classic Motorcycle Mechanics editor, John Carroll said:
"The variety of bikes at the 16th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show was incredible and the standard of restoration is reaching ever higher standards which made the judging hard than ever. Everything from restored 70s Yamahas FS1E mopeds to Kawasaki Z900s was there to be seen while for those looking for a winter project there was no shortage of bikes for sale in the autojumble and some of those bargains will no doubt be restored in time for next year's Classic Mechanics Magazine show."

Guest of honour Freddie Spencer recounts racing tales to a captive show audience

For more great classic bike shows: www.classicbikeshows.com
 

Oil company opposes waste tax

20 October 2009

One of Europe's leading oil companies has enlisted the support of its local MP to fight a punitive tenfold increase in packaging waste tax that will have a big impact on the business.

Morris Lubricants, who employ 130 people in Shrewsbury, is set to see its bill for producing steel, wood and plastic waste rise from £5000 in 2008 to £35,000 this year and £60,000 in 2010. The levy per tonne of steel has risen from £9.70 to £97 in just over a year.

The company, which is calling on the Government to have a rethink, says the tenfold increase is totally unreasonable at a time when the country is still in the grip of recession.

MotorbikeBuddy.com continues to grow

20 October 2009

The free social network website for motorcyclists all over the globe, www.motorbikebuddy.com, has been growing at such a rate that it has outgrown its website capability. The website that launched only 12 months ago has attracted members from all over the world including, UK, USA, Canada, South Africa
and Australia.

They are now redesigning their website to cope with increasing demand, and the new website will have new features including one that will enable members to find like-minded bikers living near to them, a list of biker-friendly hotels and a function that will allow members to advertise their motorbikes for free.

History made

09 October 2009

Exactly 20 years on from females being allowed in the Manx Grand Prix 37-year-old Caroline Sells made history by being the first female solo racer to stand on the top step of the TT Mountain Course podium when she won the Tower Insurance Ultra Lightweight on a 400 Yamaha.

By lap two of the four lap race Sells looked set for a podium, in a safe third place, and with a non-stop strategy she took the lead on the third lap and was never headed. In fact her winning margin of over a minute would have allowed her to pit for a splash of fuel and still take victory.

Putting something back

09 October 2009

The oft criticised ACU, governing body of motorcycle sport in the UK has a little recognised benevolent side to it.

The ACU Benevolent Fund, which is a registered charity and run by a committee of trustees, does much behind the scenes work to assist past and present ACU members (riders) and their families.

This help is also available to ACU officials, without whom there would be no sport, and their dependants. Obviously the work that the fund carries out has to be totally confidential, which is one reason so little is heard about it.

The sale of TT Badges is the fund's main source of income, along with donations and bequests from ACU centres, clubs and individuals. However, in difficult financial times the fund needs help. Up to the end of June 2009 it had received a generous £16308 in donations, but the grants paid out amounted to £27025!

You can help the fund, and with it the riders who have given you so much pleasure, by purchasing a TT badge, at just £2.50 or one of the limited edition prints of Mike Hailwood riding the Honda 6 in the 1967 Junior TT for £50 (including delivery). Both of these are available from the ACU Benevolent Fund, Wood Street, Rugby, Warks CV21 2YX

IHRO 2010 changes

09 October 2009

There are to be two new classes introduced the IHRO for the new season, IHRO 1 and IHRO 2.

IHRO 1 will accommodate single cylinder machines and will not have any rule changes from those currently in force. They will also have the current capacity class awards for 250, 350 and 500 machines. It is hoped that this will fill grids.

As some riders with two single cylinder machines will potentially loose a ride IHRO 2 will allow all IHRO 1 machines to compete as well. It is also hoped that riders who have stopped using their single because of the multi-cylinder domination will return.

IHRO 2 will be for multi-cylinder machines and will be opened up to allow any 500cc Grand Prix machine up to 1972. Until this class is established, there will be only one set of awards, with no different capacity classes. This class allows in two stroke twins and multis, but only GP machines or faithful replicas and is limited to air-cooled, twin shock, drum braked machines only. Exceptions such as the Konig, which was running in GP’s during the period, will be allowed.

The class is likely to see the Paton, Honda 450, in any chassis used in a GP or a accurate copy of, MV 3/4 cylinder replicas, and Yamaha TR2, TR3, pitched against TR500 Suzukis, and Kawasaki 500 3 cylinder machines.

Jeff Clew 1928-2009

1 October 2009

Author and enthusiast Jeff Clew passed away on Thursday 20 August 2009, aged 81.

Originally from the south-east, in his early career Jeff handled technical writing and publicity for an instrument manufacturing company, before joining the Sparkford-based Haynes organisation in 1972, rising to executive editorial director by his retirement in 1991. At Haynes he oversaw the launch of its famous motorcycle manuals and commissioned many books for the company.

Jeff was an established author in his own right, with an impressive track record of biographies, marque histories and restoration books to his name – indeed, he was awarded the prestigious Montagu Trophy in 1985.

Jeff’s motorcycling began in 1946 with a 1930 Velocette GTP, which was followed by nearly 60 motorcycles of all types. An early attendance at a race meeting sowed the seeds of a competition career and he began vintage racing on a 1927 flat tank Norton in 1951. His motorcycle sport spanned more than road racing though and he was active in many disciplines especially grass track and sprinting.

Jeff remained an active club man long after his competing days were over, being at various times Pioneer Machine Registrar for the Sunbeam MCC, former president of the Association of Pioneer Motorcyclists and founder member of the Surrey and Sussex section of the Vintage MCC. A life member of the London Douglas MCC and the Kickstart Club of Torbay, Jeff was also a member of the LE Velo Club. He was also chief judge at the Bristol Classic Show for many years.

He is survived by wife Audrey and daughters Pippa and Ali, to whom we offer our condolences. Should anyone like to send a card, message or a donation to the Queen Camel Health Centre in Yeovil then please send them to us and we’ll forward them on.

OBITUARY – ALLAN NASH

22 September 2009

Allan Nash, one of the founding fathers of British sprinting, died on 25 August. He was the sport’s premier timekeeper for many years, the bearded, stocky man in the background of many pictures. When Alf Hagon took the British standing start times below ten seconds for the first time, at Duxford airfield in 1967, it was Allan in charge of the clocks. When the American drag racers came across the Atlantic, he’d be there too. Likewise when this naïve fool of an organiser wanted to give World Record contenders their quarter-mile times split to every 110 yards, at a sprint before the official meeting, it was Allan who worked out how to do it on Fulbeck airfield in Lincolnshire.

He was unflappable, and could handle the all day job of timing more than 200 bikes in the golden days of sprinting, as well as checking that the runway was clear and contributing to crowd control. At one busy Duxford meeting the spectators were encroaching on the runway and ignoring PA appeals to move back; Allan had a word with Bill Bragg, who lined up his 650 Triumph sidecar at an angle and blasted off in a wide sweep that took him to the very edge of the Tarmac. The spectators stayed where they should after that.

His time keeping work included the Bruce Main-Smith race tests of Motor Cycling including the 500cc DMW at Silverstone. The bike used two of the company’s successful 250cc single cylinder Villiers Starmaker engines linked at the crankshaft. Main-Smith told factory boss Harold Nock that it was the worst bike he’d ever ridden. Nock’s reply was that if he wrote a word, he’d be sued.

Allan raced his Vincent – Steib roadster outfit in his younger days, but when he and son Graham developed their own NCK Racing business in Coventry, specialising in big drag bikes, he made a racing comeback on a 1340cc Pro Stock GSX Suzuki, painted to match his distinctive green leathers. Known all over Europe as Grandad Nash, his famous beard now showing grey streaks, he was a popular figure, capable of nine-second runs and beating many years his junior. Only when the business grew to become part of the TVR car empire did pressure on time stop him competing.

Sprinting has lost one of its leading lights, a man who contributed much more than he ever spoke of. He leaves a widow, Wendy, son and two daughters.

Jim Reynolds

BRITBITS AT 50

22 September 2009

Leaving a secure job to go it alone is always a big step, but that’s just what Ray Fisher did in 1959, turning his back on dealers Grays and Craze Brothers to set himself up in Barrack Road, Christchurch, on 7 September undertaking repairs and servicing, selling a few spares and the odd second-hand machine. Over the next few years he grew the business, expanded into two adjoining properties, became a multi franchised dealer, first with BSA and Triumph, then Honda and Suzuki and pioneered the ‘separate’ shop for motorcycle clothing. Recognising the imminent growth of the classic scene, he devoted six days per week to the business and built up a comprehensive spares department, buying up stock from other dealerships as they turned away from British iron. Eventually, this took over the business and clothing and motorcycle sales were sold off to concentrate on post war British bike spares. The rest, as is said, is history.

On Sunday 6 September, the Bournemouth and New Forest Section VMCC arranged the Ray Fisher Celebration Run in celebration. It may say Britbits over the door but to thousands of satisfied customers, it’s just Ray’s.

ANOTHER KNOCK OUT NETLEY!

17 September 2009

With the sun shining down, the 16th Carole Nash Eurojumble held at Netley Marsh over the 11-12 September was once more a huge success for the Classic Bike Show Team with record crowds filing in to take part in the well-established jumble event.

Motorcyclists from all over Europe travelled to the New Forest to find that elusive bargain. With attendance up by 12 per cent Exhibition Manager Nick Mowbray had reason to celebrate. Nick said: “We are incredibly happy that the 16th Carole Nash Eurojumble was such a success for traders and visitors alike. The standard and amount of classic bike parts for sale reached a new high, including one bike which sold for £11,000 just on set-up day. We look forward to seeing how the show now develops in 2010.”

The Eurojumble, as usual, attracted an impressive display of motorcycles from both classic clubs and private entries. This year the competitive Best Club Award was won by Suzuki Katana, while other highly coveted prizes, such as The Classic Motorcycle award was presented to Sid Wilkinson, for his impressive 1925 Matador, while the Classic Bike Guide award went to Ian Thorougood for his 1960 Bonneville, for the best motorcycle from 1951-1960.
Bookings are already flooding in for next year’s event and with trade plots from a bargain price of only £50, The 17th Carole Nash Eurojumble promises to be even bigger and better.

Future Shows

The 16th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show at The Stafford County Showground 17 – 18 October 2009
The 30th Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle show at Bath & West Showground 20 – 21 February 2010
The 30th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle show at The Stafford County Showground 24 – 25 April 2010

Pre-order hotline on 01507 529529 or book online at www.classicbikeshows.com to receive a great discount off the advertised price of tickets.

For more information on stand space please contact the Classic Bike Shows team on 01507 529430 or email info@classicbikeshows.com

Be adventurous in 2010

3 September 2009

Following on from the success of the first motorcycle tour permitted into Tibet since the border was reopened (on Royal Enfields), H-C Travel has launched four more adventure tours for motorcyclists for 2010.

There are two new tours to Thailand and Laos this winter, adding to the H-C Travel’s long-established off-road adventures. First up, a one-week road tour on 400cc supermotards, plus there is a new light adventure tour to Laos, keeping to roads wherever possible and using enduro bikes.

After a two-year break, H-C Travel is also returning to Peru, re-launching the Inca Adventure tour, a mix of desert, mountains, cloud forest, Inca civilisation (Nazca, Macchu Picchu) and that unmistakable Latin American vibe. “We will be running 10- and 13-day tours twice a year, in May and September, with other dates available for custom or club tours throughout the season”, says David Grist, Director of H-C Travel.

“However, if Asia and South America don’t entice you, we have revamped and expanded our self-guided tour programme in Australia, and have been delighted with the increasing popularity of South Africa. And finally, we are delighted to report that our Ted Simon, ‘Ride with a Legend’ tour of New Zealand in January 2010 is a sell out.”
For details of all H-C Travel’s tours worldwide visit www.hctravel.com or call 01256 770775.

IN STOCK NOW: Encyclopaedia of Classic Motorcycles

2 September 2009

Highly detailed hardbacked book covering over 850 classic marques, in a clear A-Z format

• 420-page book
• Hardback with dust cover
• Size: 12" x 10"
• Over 850 marques covered
• Limited print run
Order on-line today>>

This book is the culmination of hours of painstaking work by author Richard Rosenthal who has, over a number of years, developed a passion for old motorcycles.

The Encyclopaedia of Classic Motorcycles will become the definitive guide to classic motorcycles, from the very earliest attempts to motorise pedal cycles to the latest technology seen in more modern-day machinery.
It lists in alphabetical order all the machines you are ever likely to see from the dawn of two-wheeled power right up to the mid 1980’s.

• 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.

Harley hits the skids

24 August 2009

Ironically, as we feature the superb Crossbones model, Harley Davidson announce they are closing down production of their Sportster and V-Rod models for 14 weeks, from the middle of September. Likewise all other model production will cease for a minimum of five weeks. This move follows a 91 per cent dive in net profits for the second quarter of this financial year.

Apart from a 27.6 per cent reduction in shipment of machines to dealers, the Harley Davidson Financial Services – the in house finance arm – has run into serious trouble to the tune of tens of millions of pounds.

World-wide sales were down over 30 per cent, falling over 35 per cent in the US domestic market and 18 per cent internationally. For the first six months of the year, revenue was down by more than 15 per cent, to £1.49 billion, with a net profit slump of 65.6 per cent to £83.7million. Harley have reduced their planned shipments from 25 per cent to 30 per cent. 700 production workers and 300 white collars will be made redundant and the factory in York, Pennsylvania, is to close. International cost cutting exercises including pulling the plug on the NEC Show in November.

675 keeps on winning

24 August 2009

Triumph’s nimble 675cc Daytona triple has taken the prestigious Supertest King of Supersports award for an unprecedented fourth year running. The world’s leading modern motorcycle magazines, send their top riders to the Almeria race track, in Spain, for a back to back test of the current crop of machines all on a standard specification tyre. It defeated all its Japanese rivals in all its tasks. In addition, after a gruelling 2000 mile test in the Isle of Man, the 675 was judged to be superior to offerings from Aprilia, KTM and Yamaha. Of the machines, it was the one which the testers reckoned they would actually buy and was awarded sports bike of the year.

Norton Day – dirt section

19 August 2009

Norton may not be the name you first think of when seeking out off-roaders but the marque has an excellent pedigree in all areas of dirt sport and it was much in evidence during Norton Day at Donington Park in June. Naturally enough the 500T trials model has a load of wins at all levels from club to national and international trials. Top all-rounder Ron Langston had one of his 500Ts on display – incidentally the first bike he ever rode.

Do you remember the feature we did on Les Archer’s Manx Norton based scrambler in CDB 10? Of course you do and it’s a fascinating bike. Les was kind enough to put up with a load of questioning as we put the feature together and it was a pleasure to meet up with him during Norton Day, where he was reunited with his massive Manx and there were audible gasps, to the effect of ‘someone scrambled that?, from those inspecting it. One other area of outstanding Norton excellence has been in sidecar MX with the Commando engine showing conduct above and beyond the call of duty.

We caught Neil Shoosmith’s ex- John Elliot outfit ‘resting’ near the NOC club stand.

Dakar on a Bulto

19 August 2009

Chance conversations play a major part in the gathering of news in our off-road world and such a chance conversation arose on our press day when CDB contributor Carlos Bosch mentioned someone who was drumming up support for an attempt at the Dakar-Chile-Argentina Rally – on a Classic Bultaco.

Madness you may think, except the rider Ignacio Chivite has already successfully finished the Classic class of the Paris Dakar in 2008 and several other long distance Dakar style rallies too.

Using a 1977 Bultaco Pursang as the basis for his machine, Ignacio and his team – all of them experienced motocross, enduro and rally raid riders and competitors – have built a superb looking bike that has already proved it’s strong enough for the task.

Other information is sketchy at the moment, as the words came over in Spanish, the editorial department is light on fluent Spanish speakers, and there wasn’t enough time to find someone to translate it to get all the relevant information.

However, as soon as Ignacio responds to us we’ll do a bigger piece. But if you want to support this intrepid chap then let us know and we’ll put you all in touch.

‘GET SKILLED’ – WIN AN ADVANCED RIDING COURSE PLACE

23 July 2009

Motorcyclists who test out their riding knowledge on a new online portal could win the chance to upgrade their skills with a four-day advanced riding course.

Motorcycle Sport and Leisure has teamed up with Road Safety Scotland and Safer Scotland to offer one rider and two friends places on the course run by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).

To enter, riders just need to visit the new portal at www.dontriskit.info/motorbikes and answer the competition question.

The portal is a one-stop shop for all things motorcycling-related and offers expert tips on upgrading riding skills and road safety knowledge as well as links to the latest news from the biking community, motorcycle associations and touring information.

The advanced riding course will put the winning rider and two friends through the ultimate motorcycling test, and also equip them with additional knowledge to help reduce the risk of being involved in an accident, injury or bike damage.

Riders who undertake the course may be put forward for the RoSPA Advanced Test and may emerge as advanced motorcyclists. The test is recognised by EDEXCEL as a prior achievement in applying for a BTEC award.

Bonhams the torque of the town with £1. 4m motorcycle sale

26 May 2009

There was plenty to get revved up about with over 90 per cent of lots sold at Bonhams’ Sale of Pioneer, Vintage and Collectors' Motorcycles at The 29th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show on Sunday 26 April 26th in Stafford.

As well as the sheer quantity – some 385 successful sales – there were also some hefty bids. Top price went to a 1957 Gilera 500cc replica, going down at an impressive £76,300. Other significant success included a £30,475 1934 Brough Superior and a £47,000 1951 Vincent that smashed its upper estimate by no less than £17,000.

Caistor, Lincs, based VMCC stalwart, Charlie Balmforth – well known at Founder’s Day and other vintage gatherings for his antics aboard his combinations, ably mastered despite his lack of one arm – sent a good number of said combinations through the sale, all of which sold well. For example, his 1919 AJS 748cc V twin Model D, going under the gavel for £14,950. His 1924 798cc Model 13 Raleigh combo’ made £13,800 but star turn was his lovely 1941 1200cc Indian Chief Model 344 which topped out at £19,550 – all plus buyer’s commission and vat of course. Add to that a few tasty solos, like a 1936 Rudge Ulster and a 1963 Venom and Charlie went home with a tidy six figure sum.

Ben Walker, Head of the Motorcycle Department for the company said: “I’m thrilled with the results of the sale. The motorcycle market is more than holding its own. This was a great sale which showed just how much interest there is in classic bikes.”

Pope and Browning are Kings of the Hill

26 May 2009

Carl Pope fired his 600cc Cheney BSA up the Red Marley Hill in fastest time of the day – 19.56s – to win the Silver Helmet and set a new hill record. The Freak Hill Climb weekend kicked off with a pre 65 trial on Easter Sunday 12 April but the main action began the day after as the likes of Arthur Browning (500cc Jawa Metisse), Piers Dowell (600cc Cheney BSA), Pope and Terry Challinor (650cc Triumph Metisse) slugged it out for supremacy. At the top of the final climb, just one second separated all four, with Browning taking the overall win and the £500. Will Priestley took his 1948 Norton to a 25.52s win in the Pre 50 rigid class, Tim Dallaway won the pre 73 to 350cc class in 21.56s on his 350cc BSA. Piers Dowell took his Cheney BSA to the top of the pre 71 over 350cc class, in 19.59s.

Motorcyclists urged to be more vigilant of potholes

8 April 2009

Safety organisation TyreSafe is advising motorcyclists to stay aware of potholes in the road in order to avoid accidents caused by sudden loss of control

Motorcyclists are being urged to be particularly vigilant of potholes this spring as the country’s road surfaces suffer following one of the harshest winters on record. With AA Insurance reporting a 300 percent increase in accident claims due to pothole damage in February 2009, TyreSafe is advising motorcyclists to keep a close watch on the condition of the road as many gear up for long trips over the Easter bank holiday.

“The contact patch between a motorcycle tyre and the road is smaller than a car tyre’s contact patch, meaning that optimal grip is critical,” comments TyreSafe chairman, Stuart Jackson. “Bikers rely more on the condition of the roads than car drivers, as any uneven surfaces can be felt directly by the rider when steering and cornering. A deflection caused by a pothole could easily result in the biker losing control of the bike and falling onto the road.”

The ‘freeze and thaw’ effect experienced during periods of cold weather accelerates the deterioration of road surfaces and the creation of potholes. When the temperature drops, rainwater contained within cracks in the tarmac expands and breaks up the bitumen. Riding over potholes can cause significant handling problems for motorcyclists, as the resulting loss of grip reduces their ability to maintain control of the bike, particularly as they lean into corners, when stability is crucial. The impact caused by a tyre hitting a pothole could also cause damage to their tyre, potentially resulting in a bulge on the tyre sidewall as the structural integrity of the tyre is compromised.

“Any motorcyclists who are concerned about potential damage to their tyres caused by potholes or poor road surfaces should visit their local tyre dealer for professional advice,” says Jackson. “Many dealers will be offering free tyre checks as part of Bike Tyre Safety Month, which will run throughout April.”

For further information about motorcycle tyre safety or Bike Tyre Safety Month, please visit www.tyresafe.org.

Safety top of the agenda for new riders

2 April 2009

As thousands of riders take to the roads for their first ride of the spring, TyreSafe and the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) advise motorcycling newcomers to boost their knowledge of tyre safety New rider proficiency and safety are top of the agenda as TyreSafe and the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) encourage motorcycling newcomers to learn more about tyre safety this spring.

Lighter evenings, warmer weather and the long Easter weekend will see riding surge by almost one quarter* in April compared to March’s total. In order to help riders stay safe on the roads, TyreSafe is running a Bike Tyre Safety Month campaign throughout April to advise both new and experienced riders to check their the pressure, tread depth and condition of their tyres before taking to the roads. Motorcycling is recognised as a vulnerable means of transport, however, by promoting a higher level of rider proficiency and increasing awareness of safety issues, TyreSafe and the MCI aim to inspire a new generation of more savvy riders. “Tyre safety is critical to the bike’s stability when accelerating, braking or cornering,” comments Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. “The contact patch between the tyre and the road is only the size of a credit card, and therefore riders should ensure that their tyres are maintained correctly to help improve their safety on the roads. We also recommend that bikers take care to look ahead when riding and take measures to avoid any road hazards such as potholes, grit, drain covers and diesel spillages that could potentially damage their tyres.” During April’s Bike Tyre Safety campaign, TyreSafe will seek to raise awareness of the importance of tyres in motorcycle safety. TyreSafe has many top tips for motorcycle tyre maintenance and encourages bikers to pay particular attention to tyre pressure, tread depth and the condition of their tyres. “We are pleased to support Bike Tyre Safety Month as we seek to promote safer motorcycling, as learning how to control a bike effectively should go hand in hand with correct bike maintenance. Tyre safety is crucial to rider safety and we recommend that new riders learn how to take care of their tyres before setting off for their first ride of the spring,” explains Karen Cooke, motorcycle safety manager, MCI. For further information about Bike Tyre Safety Month or to download a motorcycle tyre safety leaflet, please visit www.tyresafe.org.
To learn more about the MCI, please visit www.mcia.co.uk.

Top tips for motorcycle tyre safety

¤ Check your tyre pressures from cold at least once a week using an accurate gauge
¤ Inflate tyres to the level recommended in the manufacturer’s handbook
¤ Inspect tyres for cuts, bulges, uneven wear or objects embedded into the tread pattern and replace if necessary
¤ Use dust caps to keep dirt away from the valve core and to act as a secondary air seal
¤ If your rims are cracked or bent they should be replaced immediately
¤ Check that your tread depth is not below the legal minimum of 1mm (for bikes over 50cc)
¤ Replace old or damaged valve stems
¤ Select the correct type of tyre for your machine and riding style
¤ Check that both tyres fitted to the bike are made by the same manufacturer and have the same tread pattern
¤ Make sure that your tyre has been fitted the right way round by checking the directional arrows on the sidewall
¤ When replacing tube type tyres always use a new inner tube
¤ Make sure your tyre/wheel assembly is balanced correctly
¤ Keep oil and grease off your tyres using detergent if necessary
¤ If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your bike to an approved fitting centre and speak to the experts.

Head for the Highlands

Added: 19 November 2009

All pre-65 trials riders will be aware by now that the entry forms for the Edinburgh & District Motor Club Ltd Pre-65 Scottish Two Day Trial 2010, which is on 30 April and 1 May 2010 – have been available to download from www.ssdt.org since the beginning of October 2009. The latest news – as of going to press on 3 November – from trial hq is that there have been 150 completed forms returned already and there’s still six weeks to go before the closing date of 11 December 2009. In case you’ve not embraced the cyber society, zip off a sae to Mrs Anne Gordon, Secretary Pre-65 Scottish Trial, Fairshiels, Blackshiels, Pathhead, Midlothian EH37 5SX or email anne@fairshiels.fsnet.co.uk to have one posted to you.

The entries are balloted in four capacity classes and not just 180 names drawn from the hat. Remember to get your entry in early to avoid delays due to the potential postal workers strikes. Clerk of the Course, Bill Emmerson has confirmed that there will be some changes made to the route to incorporate the new sections that have recently been secured to enhance the trial on both days.

Common sense view

Added: 19 November 2009

Footman James came to the rescue of Sage Savage last year when she was determined to keep her husband’s much loved Harley after he passed away. When she tried to insure it against fire and theft, she was repeatedly turned down for not having a motorcycle licence.

Luckily, Sage was put in touch with Footman James, who were happy to sort a laid-up policy. This is the sort of policy that could well be of use to us off-roadsters, especially if we’ve a bike or two laid up in the garage.

Laid-up cover will protect your motorcycle while it is off the road and stored away, including while it is garaged during the winter. It will also protect a vehicle while it is on static display or being towed to and from an event on a trailer. It provides cover for restoration projects, even if the vehicle is in pieces at the time of taking out the policy.

With Footman James, the value of the cover can be increased throughout the project, without incurring any extra administration fees. Contact Footman James on 0845 458 6735 or www.footmanjames.co.uk

The 2010 Classic Off-Road Show

Added: 19 November 2009

Possibly europe’s largest classic gathering of all things off-road – Alan Wright’s 2010 Off-Road Show – is once again at the International Centre, Telford in Shropshire. For 2010 though it avoids the Talmag by being on 13/14 February. The show is attracting a greater European presence each year with many visitors making a weekend of it. Guests of honour are 1981 world motocross champion Neil Hudson – who is hoping to bring along his title winning factory Yamaha – and Chris Horsefield. Chris rode for plenty of factories but had most success on CZ and Matchless, winning loads of televised scrambles and the 1964/5 BBC Grandstand TV series.

This year the event has three themes. Matchless motorcycles; all bikes Italian and sidecars. Says Wrighty “I’m looking to display a wide variety of these machines, please give me a ring on 01789 751422. Sidecars can be scrambles, trials or grass track. We already have Mike Guilford’s ’71 Norton Wasp, a close challenger in that year to Robert Grogg. For trials riders we’ve the original Frank Darrieulat Gold Star on which he won the ‘59 Colmore Cup. ”

Accommodation is available at the International Hotel and www.classicoffroadshow.com will keep you updated of the latest news. Access to the outside autojumble will be from 9am while the show proper opens at 10am. Admission prices are at last year’s level and the International Centre is a mile from
the M54 motorway and 15 miles from the M6.

Classic Japanese show

Added: 19 August 2009

Even though the 3rd Uttoxeter Classic Motorcycle Show was technically a roadster show for classic Japanese machinery there was a fair bit of interest for us off-roaders. Space precludes putting in more than the briefest of brief reports mentioning things like a lovely Cheney Ossa with a cantilever rear end built as an evaluation and tried out in events like the SSDT that will be coming in a future issue of CDB. Or the ultra rare Cheetah Cub, one of six built by Bob Gollner as an alternative to his Villiers Cheetahs and also to feature in a later CDB alongside the owner’s Villiers Cheetah. With a guest star famous in the racing world but not unknown to the feet-up world either – Yorkshireman Mick Grant – with a selection of his bikes too, it all added up to a great day.

Twinshock and EVO MXDN

Added: 19 August 2009

The problem with being quarterly is news often takes great jumps between each issue and what starts off as a taster progresses at a fabulous rate of knots into a real ‘biggie.’ Such is the case with the Twinshock and EVO MXDN we told you about last issue. The latest news from their HQ is Team USA will be headed by ex 500cc GP star Billy Liles, its just happened so no more news on his team-mates but they could be big names, Team Belgium Geboers will be Jan Geboers and ex 250 GP rider Werner de Witt, France will be headed by 1986 world 250cc champ Jacky Vimond who will be joining non-riding Guest of Honour, three times world 500cc champion, David Thorpe. The organisers hope that he may just do a lap on his 1989 world title winning RC500 Honda to celebrate his win at Farleigh 20 years ago.

It’s all happening at Farleigh Castle on 5-6 September 2009 and it won’t be just for experts either as clubmen are welcome to ride. Classes for competing, range from twinshock, Evo Vets on modern bikes and Pre- 65/74 machines. The event has been the brainchild of Dave King and Chris Stone who got together with Phil Steadman and John Truman to start the ball rolling. As an incentive for club riders entry fees have been pegged at £75 for one class or £100 for two classes for the weekend. Spectators will be charged just £5 to get in and camping is free for riders. Entry details from Phil Steadman on 01179 570997 or email pcm.steadman@homecall.co.uk or www.farleighcastle.co.uk

Highland Classic Two Day Trial

The Inverness and District are once again promoting a sporting trials weekend in the glorious Scottish Highlands. Gaining in popularity, the venue is the shooting estate of Alvie, just four miles south of the holiday town of Aviemore on 13/14 June 2009.
It’s a wonderful venue with a variety of sections and a generous lap through the Alvie forest which is amply supplied with good tracks to get the most out of your Pre-65 or twin-shock trials iron.
This year there will be dual routes – A route for twin-shocks and specials and an easier B route for the proper Pre-65 machinery. The Highland Classic is UEM accredited, so Europeans may compete provided they have the usual repatriation insurance and release papers from their FMN.
For those who didn’t get and entry in the Pre-65 Scottish, the Highland Classic is an excellent consolation event. Access to Alvie is just off the main A9 trunk road and there is a camping and caravan site not far from the trial start, called Dalraddy and it is operated by the Alvie Estate owners (www.alvie-estate.co.uk) and of course ample and varied accommodation in the nearby town of Aviemore. For regulations and entry forms contact: D MacKay, 01463 792775 or download from the club website: www.idmcc.co.uk

Gentlemen of the press…

… and trade, the event you’ve all been waiting for is back. Yes the Press and Trade Trial will be on again and is scheduled for Wednesday 17 June 2009. Revived by our sister publication The Classic MotorCycle in 2003 at Mallory Park, the venue is more than likely to be Biscathorpe Quarry in Lincolnshire for 2009, as it’s in June then there’s a fair chance of sunshine or at least warm rain.

The Press and Trade Trial is probably the only event where cheating, rule bending, bribery and corruption is actually allowed or even encouraged with the sole aim of raising money for charity. If you want to take part in this ridiculous event, it’ll cost you £20 and there are rumours of a T-shirt to prove how daft you were.
Luckily there’s a limit of 60 riders so you might be fortunate and not get an entry. Glynis Roberts is the Mortons volunteer who mis-understood the question and will handle entries, so all enquires to her on 01507 529430

Product review correction: Take a breather

Many a pre 65 trials bike is based around the 250cc Villiers engine, just like in the day it makes for a lightweight machine. These days, in the 40 years since Villiers stopped producing engines, most of the bikes built benefit from modern thinking and technology. It’s probably easier to put together a seriously competitive machine in 2009 than it was in 1969.

One of the biggest improvements is to the clutch and there are any number of modern clutches finding their way into Villiers primary cases. The problem is they often need a bit more room. Now, Thanks to John Bull at Rockshocks that room is available. It’s well made and designed for the 9E to 37A range of Villiers engines. They’re not too bad at £55 plus £4 P & P. Go on, get a bit more room.

Product review correction: Casing the joint

One for Yamaha TY250 twin shock owners now, especially if their airbox to carb connectors are a bit second-hand. Rubber parts perish after a while and once they’re gone then you’re stuck. You can make do with bits of hose but that’s exactly what they look like – bits of hose.

Far better too get the right thing and now, thanks to John Cane at Trail and Trials if the carb to airbox joint on your 75 and later TY250 twinshock is past it’s best you can buy a brand new one for £16.99 which includes VAT but not postage. It’s important to note though that the 74 and earlier hose is different – but don’t worry, John has those in hand and expect them to be announced soon.

Eurocup

The Golden Valley MCC’s Gerry Holdstock trial will be the British round of the Eurocup – formerly the Five Nations – series on 4/5 July. The start will be Cowcombe Woods, Chalford, Stroud, Gloucestershire. Classes will be for Pre 65 and Twinshock in solo, Pre 65 & modern sidecars. Matchless rider, Gerry Holdstock, was a stalwart of the series, it was fitting the club named this trial after him.

The emphasis is towards a social weekend and Saturday & Sunday start times will be 13:00 and 10:30. With free camping, a food wagon and entertainment on site. Regs will be available from Ian Hannam 01594 810997 or Deborah Smith, 01242 233315 or E-Mail D-Smith883@sky.com closing date of 05 June 2009.

Trials Museum Austria

There are many motorcycle museums that are well worth visiting and most of them have at least some off-road interest somewhere inside. But a museum devoted to off-road and trials riding particular is fairly rare. It was purely by chance that an internet surf brought up Hartwig Kamarad’s web site trialmuseum in Austria.

Packed full of trials bikes of all types it has to be worth a visit if you’re heading to Austria. Based near the town of Ohlsdorf the museum director, Herr Kamarad, is a regular competitor and also runs a trials school nearby. For full details on how to find the museum and an overview of what you’re likely to see – the exhibits do change now and again with guest bikes spending time there – go to www.trialgarten.at.tf and follow the link to the museum from there.

Silver Jubilee Guest

Yes, it’s anniversary time in the tiny town of Kinlochleven as the Serco Pre 65 Scottish Two Day Trial celebrates 25 years of classic trials riding on 1-2 May2009. The organising committee have a guest who is also celebrating an anniversary in 2009 as it is 40 years since Yorkshireman Bill Wilkinson rode his Greeves to victory in the SSDT.

The 1969 win marked the end of a long period of disappointment in the multi-day classic for Bill as his attempts in previous years were dogged by bad luck and misfortune. It also marked the last time a British machine has won the trial as the home industry had all but collapsed by then. Bill was to move on from the Greeves marque later the following year and joined the Ossa factory team. A regular visitor to the Scottish still, Bill won’t be the only Wilkinson from Kettlewell in Kinlochleven as his younger brother, Mick – also a Greeves and Ossa rider – has an entry for the two day.

See below for closing date for acceptance forms and payment to enter >>

New from Classic Dirt Bike

New from Classic Dirt Bike!

Our mate Mike has made up some very handy boot bags and hydrapacs bearing the logo of your favourite magazine. The hydrapac is a real boon when you’re riding all day – and an absolute must for events like the Pre-65 Scottish, Manx Two Day and any of those hot continental events.

The boot bag, on the other hand, is a must for wrapping round muddy boots before shoving them in your kit bag with all your clean stuff. The hydrapacs are a mere £18 and the boot bags an almost laughably reasonable £15. If you fancy one, give our lovely ladies in the office a bell on 01507 529529.

CDB: Show us what you’ve got!

If you’re in the business of supplying anything that might conceivably be of use to classic off-roaders – whether it’s rare NOS parts, clothing, tuning parts or whatever – we’ll be happy (subject to space) to bring it to a wider audience by featuring it on our product review pages.

All we ask is that you phone the editor (01507 529403), or complete our online contact form, to book space for your product and that you are happy to send the item for us to take a look at and photograph.

We’ll be happy to return your stuff after we’ve given it the once over and we do reserve the right to have the last word on what is and what isn’t suitable for product review.

We can also offer additional online promotion if you are willing to give sample products away to our beloved readers. Just mention this when getting in contact.