MODERN MO
Ijust love nostalgia and Igot along slug of it in this issue thanks to twoofthe bikes we have on test this time round.
My first-everroad test for the weekly motorcycle newspaper Ionceworked on was a Yamaha Virago –anXV535 to be fair,and not the 1100 we’ve got in our pages,but Istill can’t help but have alittle smile whenIsee one of any capacity.Theymay not have been the coolest choice of bike in the 1990s whenIwas cutting my teeth as abike scribe,but they’ve sure been popularinall their various cubic capacitiesfor those that wantacustom machine that fits their needs.
And then there has been the Honda CB1300. Ooh Ilovedmyone.Plenty of miles in the saddle in anumberofdifferent roles,this was one bike that had plenty of street presenceand Iusedtolove simply looking at it in my garage Comfy,fast enough and more flexible and practical than you’dthink,mytime withitwas special andI often think of getting another
There just seems to be something special about how anaked, ‘universal Japanese motorcycle’ looks. Unmasked, unpretentious (compared to the modernnaked Japanese bikes) and (I say again, pet hate coming up) with apillion seat that someone can actually siton. Big bikes should be comfytwo-up –Ireally don’t know why the modern bikedesigners of nakeds can’t see that. Ican get it with asports machine,but still…
Anyway,obviously I’m now scanning the adverts for aniceCB1300 or even ahalf-decent CB1000 Big One for the garage.Even though I should just get the ZRX1100R sorted first! But you can’t have too many projects,eh? Well, that’swhat Ithink,anyways...
Editor
BSimmonds@Mortons.co.uk
50 ❙ TOOL OF THE MONTH
Ralph Ferrandislooking after his handsthisissue!
56 ❙ Q&A
Mark Haycockwithmore tips
58 ❙ HONDASS50
Kev Raymond finishesthe bigbore tiddler andthensells it!
62 ❙ BAY-WATCH!
Kev Raymondlooks atwhat projects are outthere
66 ❙ SUZUKI TC120
Steve Cooper onSuzuki’s little ‘Trail Cat’
72 ❙ SUZUKI GSX-R750F
Jeff Ware is backonwiththe Slab-sider
80 ❙ YAMAHA SR500
Richard Farnish is scooting along with the SR
86 ❙ SHOW US YERSHED!
Another reader showsustheir shed –for a£50 Venhill voucher
88 ❙ KAWASAKI RDMZ1
Zed head Dave Marsdenmelds modern and oldwith this Z1000
92 ❙ YAMAHA FZS1000 FAZER
Andy Bolas makessome adjustments..
006 ARCHIVE
1975: Theyear that ‘made’ Sheene
008 CMMSTUFF
New kit, tools, tyres and tested stuff
012 NEWS
News and views for April 2025
018 EVENTS
What’shappeninginthe next few weeks on two wheels
020 FEEDBACK
What are you all talking about this month?
022 SHOW US YOURS
We want to see what’sinyour shed andsee what you looked like back in theday!
026 YAMAHA MT-350S
AndyBolas rides two modern Yam MTswith the heart of aYPVS
036 2003 HONDACB1300
Bertie Simmonds finally finds abike thatfits him!
044 1996 YAMAHA XV1100 VIRAGO
Steve Cooperfalls forthis big twin’s cruiser charms
050 DUCATI748
PaulBerryman’scheap centrefold!
052 SUBSCRIBE AND WIN! Lots of goodiesfor new subscribers!
097 NEXT MONTH
What’shappening in the May 2025 issue?
098 PIP HIGHAM
Any influencers out there?
Sheene 1975
WORDS: BERTIESIMMONDS PIC: MORTONSARCHIVE
Itcould well be argued that –50years ago in 1975 –things werefinally coming together for the 25-year-old Barry Sheene, but his most successful year to datewouldn’tcomewithout cost… Barry was one of the favourites for the Daytona 200 held in Florida,inMarch,a race that was atraditionalprecursor to the main grand prix season and arather prestigious one.
It was here that, perhaps, good andbad luck combined tosend Sheene’spopularity intothe stratosphere. Bad luck, because hissSuzuki TR750 would suffer the lock-up
of therear wheel at an 178mph; thebike was 180 on the Daytonac banking. Initially the rear tyre delaminated explanationshave be afailed chain tension thetyretread (see pa reason,Sheenewas onlookers feared he was
Thefact that thea camera was part of th Sheenewas being shadowed Television film crew,h
winning filmmaker Frank Cvitanovich, and they were on hand to chart Sheene’s miraculous recovery from his injuries. These included abrokenleft femur, broken right wrist, broken right forearmand collarbone as well as sixribs. On top of this were compressionfracturestoanumberof vertebrae, asplit kidney,and (as Sheene put it) “…losing enough skin on my back and arse to upholster asettee.”. Amazingly,Sheene wouldbeback racing within two months of thecrash and would
riders would receivethe same ultimate race time.Sheenealsowould win theSwedish grand prix at Anderstorp that year
The TV documentary,shown amonth after his Daytonacrash,saw thepopularity of Sheeneand bike racingitself in theUK especially take off. It set himuptobecome ahousehold name in the1970s and especially so thanks to hisback-to-back two world championships in 1976 and 1977. cmm
■ Do youloves tories aboutold racers andold race bikes? Then youneedtobuy Clas sicRac er. On sale ever yt wo months,it’s full of tall talesabout thebes t bikesand bike racers fr om 20 year stoac entury ago. Go to: www.classicracer.com
cmm Stuf f
Thelatestridingkit,top tools, tyres, retroclothingand more!
NEXX XLIFETOUR HELMET
The Nexx XLifetour flip-front helmetbrings unprecedented levelsofnoise reduction, comfort and convenience to touring, with innovative sound-dampening technology, and it comes set up forBluetooth comms
The soundproofing uses ‘Vortex Generators’ on the chin section to minimise aerodynamic drag, and the ‘Silent Travel Seal’ –adual rubber seal around both the visorand modular face section. Combined with integrated Anti-Noise cheek padsand neck roll,this comprehensive approach to noise reduction makes the helmet exceptionally quiet, even at motorwayspeeds
Comfort is enhanced by the sophisticated
LASER TOOLS MINIATURE PORTABLE SMOKEALARM
This new miniature portable smoke alarm from Laser Tools (part number 9018) is designed for use acrossarange of environments,including workshops, garages,homes andgarden sheds.
Compact and discreet, this smoke alarm can be easily mounted on ceilings, walls, workbenches or tool cabinets,providing essential fire safety.Its small size also makes it ideal for narrowboats,cabin cruisers,caravans and motorhomes, should you wanna take it places with you!
This is an 85dB stand-alone smoke alarm withnowiring required. Yousimply twist the base to activate.Itisvery smalland compact,only 45 x42mm, and ultralightweightatjust 50g. The alarm features an integrated lithium battery with a10-year
ventilation system,which includestwo closable air intakes andtwo exhaust ports. Meanwhile, X.MART Dry fabric technology wicks moisture twice as fast as traditional cotton linings. TheLifetour also comes ready to accept the NEXX X-COM3 Series communication systems
The range starts at £359.99 forthe Plain multi-composite version, rising to £399.99 for the Globe design. Thepremium carbon fibre models are priced at £469.99 for the PRO Mile and £509.99 for the range-topping Zero PRO.All versions come in sizes XS to XXXL across two shellsizes and include a Pinlock anti-fog shield.
https://nexx-helmet.co.uk/
lifespan.Withvery easy installation, the unit is suppliedwith 3M double-sided tape,as wellasscrews and rawl plugs for mounting CE, RoHS,and EN14605 certified www.lasertools.co.uk/Product/9018 £35.81
BRIDGESTONE BATTLAX T33 TYRES
TheBridgestone Battlax SportTouring T33 tyre is (according to Bridgestone) the ‘…next-generation sport touring tyre that maintains the necessary touring performance of itspredecessor,the T32, while improvingits mileage by 47 percent.’
That’s suprising, as we’ve used the T32s before and have been incredibly impressed with their performance and longevity. Thenew T33s also maintain the high-level wet performance of the Battlax T32 while giving better performance in the dry, too.Sounds like awin-win to us.The T33 employs a newly-designed compound together with an optimised tread pattern and construction to increase mileagewhile deliveringreliable handling performance https://grippingstories.com/motorcycletyres/
www.classicmechanics.com
www.facebook.com/ClassicMechanics/
HALFORDS TOOL SET
the (takes deep breath) Halfords nced 200 Piece Socket and RatchetSpannerSet (breathes…). ords saythat it has everything you for general everydayjobs across ide range of disciplines.
These are high-quality tools which ds saybenefitfrom someof latest advancements including their 100 tooth ratchetsystems and their 72 tooth ratchet spanner systems.Theyalso use ‘Surface Drive Plus’ (whatever that means) whichapparently 28 per cent more torque.The set comes with alifetime antee– which is nice. www.halfords.com
MERLINGABLE II AAA JACKET
This really is astylish, quality jacketfor all seasons: the Gable II AAAWaterproof Jacket.
This updated version hasimprovements to comfort, fit and better waterproofing/breathability,along with more durable waterproof YKK zips and all for the same price! Waterproofingislaminated and impregnated into theleatherouter.And –asthe name suggests –the Gable II hasthe highest AAA CE certification for protection, thanks to D3O shoulder, elbow andback protection.
Astylish garment, it’sfullofpractical features (reflective panels,manyinternal/external pockets), has adetachable thermal liner,isavailable in sizes 38-50-inch chest, and in black, brown or oxblood. www.merlinbikegear.com
www.twitter.com/cmmmag
SLINKYGLIDE FORK STANCHIONS ANDFORK KITS
New SlinkyGlide fork stanchions are the ideal way to upgrade your front suspension components when the time comes to replacethem –these are for the Yamaha MT-07/Tracer/XSR family (2012-2023) but do check out the website forother models –theydomany! As well as stanchions,Slinky Glide do fork kits which include two stanchions,two dust seals,two fluid seals,two seal retainerclips,two innerbushes and two outer bushes.Stanchions shown are £120.88, fork kits £245.07. www.wemoto.com
HALFORDS 5DRAWER TOOLCABINET
This here Halfords5Drawer TopChest should be perfect to keep your tools(Halfords or otherwise) safe andsound. Witha20kiloload rating in eachdrawer,you can load up with plenty of weighty tools.A bonus is that inside eachdrawer are non-slip,non-scratch drawer liners which help keep everything in placeand ensure that nothing gets damaged. Betterstill, each drawer is designed for the Halfords Advancedmodular tray sets which slip straight in. It’s also fully lockable for security.Welike it as it’sblack, too.Why are mosttool cabinets red, we wonder? www.halfords.com
LASER TOOLS MINI AIRDIE GRINDER
Laser Tools haverecently introduced their Mini Air Die Grinder (part number 9017) –acompact, high-speed airtool designedfor precision cutting, shaping, grinding and deburring tasks.
Suitable forboth professional and homeworkshop use,thisversatile grinder is compatible with both 3mm and 6mm shank burrs,making it
ideal for intricatemetalworking and finishingjobs
This minigrinder delivers impressive power. Its0.3hpmotor reaches speeds of up to 25,000rpm, yet its low air consumption of just 3cfmmakes it an ideal choice for use with smaller home workshop compressors.Itincludes a variable speed motor anda safety trigger lever,ensuring precise control and preventing accidentalactivation. Small enough to fit comfortably in the hand, it is perfect for tight spaces It comes suppliedready for use and compatiblewithLaser Tools’ range of tungstencarbide burrs (4-piece set, part number6988, and10-piece set, part number6989). The 9017 Mini Air Die Grinderisavailable now www.lasertools.co.uk/ Product/9017
Tested
Riding kitworn, tools
twirled&tyres turned
MOTOART MOTOFLATOR
Ilove things that are compact but still packabit of welly –like small bikes,terriers andcats –and this Motoflator is onesuch creature
While Idohave acouple of foot-pumps andtwo bicycle hand pumps forsorting outtyres on cars,motorcycles and push-bikes whenI’m feeling masochistic,for swift inflation with no fuss,the 12-volt ‘cigar socket’mini-pump is ideal.
Forafew quid youcan buy something from Halfords that storesinthe boot and in the garage,and it’salways there if you’re suddenly caughtshort of PSI in the old boots
And so it has always been thus: Ialways have one storedin the boot of the car andone in the garage –but I’ve never had one in the top-box of the motorcycle until now.
Space has always been of a premium when travelling on two wheels and often the pressing need to carry clothes,spare gloves (rain), visors (clear/ smoked) and other bits and bobs means that –despite the
proliferation of the 12V socket on motorcycles –aportable air-pump has never been carried, even on tours as they are simply too big.
Until now.This sturdy little pump measures just 105 x96x 36mmand weighs in at only 300 grams.Even in the handyzip-up bagand with the accessories, this fits in the palmofyourhand and will slip easilyunderthe seat of most 1980s-1990s/2000s motorcycles,let alone in a top-box, tank bag or pannier
Being old, Iloveanalogueand you’ve gotaclear 6bar/87psi analogue pressure gauge which clearly tells you what pressure your tyre is at.
In the pack you’ve also got a screw-on Schraeder valve connector,built-in brightwhite LED work light (which proved useful at 6am in the winter), standard automotive-type fuse, and acarabinertohang it on something
Ithas aremovable 50cm inflation tube whichinthe sixto eight months I’ve been using it, hasn’tfrayed or chamfered
despite much use, as well as athree-metre extension lead (I’ve found this vital) with aselection of pig-tail connectors.The zipper bag keepseverything together.
Three pigtailconnectors include acable with aset of crocodile clips for temporary connection to the battery,a separate cablefor permanent connection to the battery,and a cigarette lightercable with removableadapter for BMW/ Hella DIN sockets
all theyshould be in the handlingdepartment. Ihadn’t checkedtyrepressures.Idiot…
Ithenremembered that the Motoflator was in the top-box. I whipped it out, attached it and sorted the pressures which were alittle bit out. Problem solved.
TheMotoflator has a maximumcurrent draw of 4.6 Ampsand should operate from the accessory socket on CAN-BUS equipped motorcycles,asmost of them allow amaximum current draw of 5Amps.
Now,ordinarily this thing would stay with the bike,but recently it’sbeen in the car after the pumpI had in the boot failed spectacularly in apuff of smoke.For somereasonthe four-wheeled beast of burden had aslightslowpuncture (now sorted, pothole tweaked the rim) and, alliedtothe extension lead to get to the wheels(a must), Icouldpumpthe tyre up even quicker than with the knackered old one
Then,withareplacement pumpsortedfor the car,back went the Motoflator into the two-wheeler’stop-box.
Weekswentbyand idiot me didn’tfollowmyown advice of apre-winter lay-up checkover Instead,inmygleeful haste,I just saddled up and rodeoff Then –somemiles from home –Irealised thingsweren’t
Apparently,the kit now includesthree adaptersfor inflatingfootballs and(ahem) othersmall or human-sized inflatable items.And you get aspare fuse plus afive-year warranty
Since I’vestarted using this genius little device,they’ve released aversion in orange, which is,well, orange andyou can now get a120cm version of the inflation tube as an optional extraand aquick-release Schraeder valve connector
Forme, this is amust-have biking device which you can easily hide away on anyclassic or modern machine
Simply superb! Bertie Simmonds
https://motoartuk.com
£69.95
SEEOLD KING COLE!
There islotstosee at theInternational Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash, held over the weekend of April 26-27
Held once again at Stafford County Showground, this year’s special guest is TV biker and restorer Henry Cole. Henry (and friends) are well known, thanks to hisshows including ‘The MotorbikeShow’, ‘Shed andBuried’and ‘World’s GreatestMotorcycleRides’. Henry will be around being interviewed on themainstage during theweekend.
And that’snot all. The show’sbig theme is celebrating 100 yearssince thelaunchofthe Brough Superior SS100 andit’shoped the show will include the world’slargest-ever public displayofthese amazing machines –around20 in total, includingsomeofthe rarestand most famous Broughs ever made.
Among the iconic line-upwill be the1929
Keithatthe pub!
Following on from the successfulevening with multiple British champ John Reynolds, anotherstar will be at aKetteringpub being quizzed by Classic Motorcycle Mechanics editor Bertie Simmonds.
KeithHuewen is aformer superbike and grand prix racer; he took second place at the 1981 British 350ccgrandprix
Following the end of his race career in 1985, he’scarved out acareer as atop-notch commentator,most notably with BT Sports/ TNT where, until recently,hewas oneof the main anchors.He’sgot plenty of stories from his racingand commentatingcareer to keep you entertained!
The night is Monday,April 28 andtickets cost £15. The pub is at 48 WoodlandAvenue,
JTOR V-twin JAP-powered ‘George VI’, previously owned by T.E. Lawrence (‘LawrenceofArabia’) which was in hispossession until 1932. On the Sunday,Bonhams alsowill be auctioningtwo Brough Superior SS100s,expected to fetchover £300,000 each in their iconic sale.
Youcan also stock up on rare parts,spares and memorabilia from top tradestands and auto-jumble stalls from acrossthe UK Fortickets and more information, visit www.classicbikeshows.com
Barton Seagrave, Kettering NN15 6QP and for more information go to: www thestirrupcupbartonseagrave.co.uk or email: info@thestirrupcupbartonseagrave.co.uk.
LANGEN TURBOCOMING…
Last issue we had aClassic Ride on the saucy Langen Two-Stroke, but now there’sthis –the Langen LS12 Turbo!
Thefirm say this has been on the stocks since day one of the company and is based on their1190cc V-twin Lightspeed model. They also state they want this bike (AKA the Lightspeed Turbo) to (like their other machines) ‘…bringiconic designs and engineering from the past and applying the latest technology, materials and manufacturing processes.’
So, expect that –like theirTwoStroke –this bike willtake the super-cool ethos of bikes from the 1980s turbo era such as the GPZ750 Turbo/Z750T,CX500/650 Turboand XN85 Turbos, but meld it with thoroughly modern engineering principles andstyling.
The firm’spress release statesthat
withthe standard Lightspeed pumping out 185bhp andweighingonly185kg theTurbo –which shares 95 percent of the donor machine–shouldbegood for at least 250bhp in ‘road mode’ but also have ‘unmatched rideability and acceleration experience’. Fullpower could well be around300bhp andthey also claim to wantthe title ‘World’s fastest production motorcycle’. Expecttosee it jettingupand down Santa Pod this year sometime. Andif you want to put somelolly down on one, go to: www.langenmotorcycles. co.uk
PRE- ORDERYOURCMM
Want the next issue of CMM?Ofcourse you do!Then it’s simple. Subscribing is best but,failing that, why notpre-order? Simply scan the fuzzy circular thing with yoursmartphone (c’mon, we’ve all gotone) and off youpop! Alternatively,if you like what you see coming up in the next issue (see page 105 for more) then go to: www classicmagazines.co.uk/issue/ preorder where you can pre-order all of Mortons’ wonderful magazines. Even ones about trains, carsortowpaths… a y
The sunny side of the classicworld with the VJMC’s Steve Cooper
“Back in February oneofmycontacts hadbeen soliciting members of aWhatsApp group to ride with himtothe local café meet-up point.
Perhaps not too surprisingly thereweren’t many takers Some were working, others had grandkidduties,a few were bravelyupladders decorating, and the rest scrolled blithely past. Quite franklymost of thisgroup’sparticular generation are long past going out getting cold for no good reason.
They’vedone the winter riding thing when necessity required it and have now chosen to move on to abit of comfort. Forthose who rode in the 60s and 70s cars weren’t an option and only a (shameless?) few hadthe supposed luxury of a three-wheeled Reliant.
Back in the day many thought themselvestobe aspin-off from the kitsch film, The Wild One. This film was arguablywell past its sell-by date not long after release.However,a couple of decades on it was,frankly, naff beyond belief andyet it supposedly showed how rough/toughbikers behaved. If impressionable teenage bikers of the 70s took the hype as arolemodel,was that too surprising? When someone asked MarlonBrando, “Hey,Johnny,what are you rebelling against?”and he replies,“What’veyou got?” allhell was supposed to break loose.Back in Britain’spop/ glam/punk rock erathe most we had to rant about was ahalfpenny increase in apint of mildora badlycooked bendy sausage in the local Wimpy Biking back then was seen as amachothing for blokes and many were inspired by the iconic film On AnySunday.Shot mainly on America’sWest Coast deserts and race tracks,itportrayed a lifestyle many aspired to,but few could emulate Hard men riding fierce machines and‘living the life’.Inspirational but hardlytangiblefor most.
Times move on as do aspirations andabilities. Forsomeevenridingamotorcyclenow is beyond them as health issues overtake abilities.Yes, there’sacadre of the old guard that still ride regardless and good on them, but most of us have learnt to moderate expectations.We’re not as fast as we used to be,bike engines seem to weigh a lotmore,and our recovery times from any arduous activities are longer.And yet we still have theinterest, the passion and the fire to remain immersed in thebikes of our youth.
Long may it continue,but perhaps with aheated workshop and riding opportunities selectedtoour best advantages? Surely,it’sthe quality of our rides now that’simportant, not theirquantity? That we are still ableand keen to ride is hugely important for our mentalwell-being
www.vjmc.com ❙ 01454 501310
cmm News
HAIRYBIKER MACHINEAUCTION
The last bike ridden by Dave Myersof ‘The Hairy Bikers’fame is tobeauctioned for charity
Anyone who enjoyed The Hairy BikersTV shows will knowthat Dave –alongside mate Si King –appeared in the final series riding anew,retro BSA Gold Star.The touching final series ‘The HairyBikers Go West’was shown just prior to Dave’spassing from cancer
The very bikeused by Dave in the final series will be auctioned at theNational MotorcycleMuseuminSolihull on Wednesday,March 26. Proceeds from its sale willgoto CancerCare North Lancashire& South Cumbria and the NSPCC Childline charities.
Dave fought along battle againstcancer butsadly died in February last year.The auction of his beloved BSA Gold Star will be afitting tribute to his effervescent personality, together with his immense influence and passion for motorcycling
Ahead of the auction, the bike is in aspecial static display at the National Motorcycle Museum and featureslife-sizecut-outsof both Dave and Si, celebrating their enduring friendship, plus Dave’sleathers, helmet and boots. Speaking of her wish to support charitable causes
through Dave’slegacy,his widow,Liliana Myers, said: “The auction of Dave’sBSA Gold Star is afantastic way to supporttwo charities who do incredible work. We hope to raiseasmuchaspossible, so would encourage interested bidders to digdeep in theirpockets for thechancetoown atruly specialmotorbike.”
TheHairy Bikers series ran for two decades, turningDave Myers andSiKing intonational treasures. The hugeappeal of their warm andjovial personalities,coupled
with their love for motorcycling and foodie expertise, saw millionswatch them on TV, keen to see them on their travels.
H&H Classics is conducting the auction and all of theclassic motorcycles and vintage scooters appearinginthe sale can be viewed at themuseum from1pm on Tuesday,March 25 or on the sale day itself
Formore information on anyofthe lots, visit www.handh.co.uk
For more on themuseum, go to: www nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk
Cold WarWheelsneeds YOU!
Cold WarWheels returnstothe Yorkshire Air Museum for the third time –bigger and better than ever
It’sacelebration of bikes and cars from the 60s, 70s and 80s, atime when East and West were engaged in astalematethat neither side wanted to break, for fear of nuclear war.Against the backdrop of Mutually Assured Destruction, car and motorcycle manufacturersdesigned someof the most iconic two- and four-wheeled machineryofall time.Oh, and the Kawasaki GPz305 and the Morris Ital Cold WarWheels brings together two- and four-wheeled legends from that time, infront of theYorkshire Air Museum’s
collection of Cold Warjets, including the mighty Victor and Nimrod, and thelegendary Buccaneer low-level bomber
It’sagreat dayout (exhibitors get free entry)and afantastic opportunityfor visitors to reminisce aboutthe cars and bikes they owned, or their parentsdid
To make it another great show,they need great bikes. From the mundane to the extreme,ifit’sfrom that period they want tosee it! So, drop the museum alinetoget a booking-in form. Jerry Ibbotson is theman you need andhe’sat: pr@yorkshireairmuseum.org
PutColdWar Wheels in the subject line.
cmm events
Wanna get into CMM newevents section? Then contact us at: BSimmonds@mortons.co.uk. Youmay even become ‘Event of the Month’!
WORDS: BLUE MILLER PICS: MORTONSARCHIVE
19 APRIL ISSUE OF CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS
20 Big Bike Meet at the Jolly Miller, East Hill, South Darenth, Kent DA4 9AN. 6-9pm Tel: 01322860086. Email:info@ thejollymillerpub.co.uk.
22 VMCC Men of Kent’sVintage Motorcycle Jumble at Dunkirk Village Hall, Dunkirk, Faversham, Kent ME13 9LF.9am Earlybird entry £5. 10am-1pm. Entry by donation to Air Ambulance. Tel: 07789 606686. Email: redcherrycam@hotmail co.uk.
22 Birthday Bash at Guildford Harley-Davidson, Weyvern Park, PortsmouthRoad, Guildford GU3 1NA. Tel: 01483 207222.Email: info@ guildfordharleydavidson.co.uk. Web: www.lind.co.uk
22 Easter EggRun leaving theUnicorn Diner at 7 Hoddins Way, Long Sutton, Cambs PE12 9JB at 9.30am.Tel: 07498 738929.Email: faithpearson49@ icloud.com.
22 TTT Moped Mayhem Championship Round 1 at Four Marks MX Track, Common Road, Common Road, Four Marks, Hampshire GU34 5ET. Email: tttmopedatonentry@gmail.com.
23 Huddersfield Autojumble at the Old Market Building, Brook Street,Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD1 1RG. Entry £3. 9am start. Tel: 01773 819154 or 07795 505388. Email:jeffpff@ hotmail.co.uk. Web: www phoenixfairs.jimdo.com
23 Mono Motorcycles Open Day at Mono Motorcycles, Row C, New Barn Offices, Funtington, Chichester,West Sussex PO18 9DA. 10am-2pm. Tel: 01243
576212 or 07899 654446. Email: info@monomotorcycles.co. uk.Web:www.monomotorcycles co.uk
23 Custom and Cruiser Day at the Ace Café, Ace Corner,North Circular Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW10 7UD. Tel: 0208 961 1000. Web: London.acecafe. com
26 APRILISSUE OF CLASSIC BIKE GUIDEOUT NOW
25 Over-55sMotorbike Meet Up at the Sportsman,The Street, Sholden, Deal, Kent CT14 0AL 11amstart. Bookingessential for 11.30am brunch. Tel: 07958 518424. Email: karen.pattison@ ageukskc.org.uk.
25 Sugar Loaf BikeNight at the Old Sugar Loaf, 44 High Street, Dunstable, Beds LY61LA 6pm start. Tel: 01582 601326.
26 Gosport Motorbike Social at the Rolling Scones, Rowner Road, Gosport, Hampshire PO13 9UB. 6-8pm. Tel: 0239258 3226. Email: therollingsconesgosport@gmail. com.
27 Classic Bike Night at the Victoria Bikers Pub, Whitwick Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3FA. 6pm start. Tel: 01530 814718. Web: www.vicbikerspub.co.uk
27 Bike Night at the Hunters Inn, Cott Street, Swanmore, Hampshire SO32 2PZ. 6pm start. Tel: 01489 877721. Email: manager@ huntersinnpub. com. Web: www.huntersinnpub. com What3words:advancing. entitles.oatmeal
27 All AmericanBike Night at the Ace Café, AceCorner,North Circular Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW10 7UD. Tel: 0208 961 1000. Web: London.acecafe. com
27 VMCC SouthDorset’sClub Night at the Three Compasses, Charminster,Dorset DT29QT.Tel: 01935 83242.
29 David Silver SparesBikeMeet at Unit 14 Masterlord Industrial Estate, Station Road, Leiston, Suffolk IP16 4JD. Freeentry to museum. 9am-4pm. Tel: 01738 833020. Web: www. davidsilverspares.co.uk
29 VMCC Somerset Autojumble at Winchester Farm,Draycott Road, Cheddar, Cheshire BS27 3RP.9.30am-3pm. Tel: 01297 32853 or 07847 430741. Email: autojumble@vmccsomerset.co.uk.
29 Chopper Club Wales Autojumble/CustomShow at theSouth Wales CCW Clubhouse, Margam, Port Talbot SA13 2PA. Noon start. Tel: 07452 727227 or 07456 284948.
30 ’Normous Newark Carand Motorcycle Autojumble at Newark Showground, Lincoln Rd,Coddington, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY.Tel: 01507 529430. Email: info@ newarkautojumble.co.uk. Web: www.newarkautojumble.co.uk
30 Ardingly ClassicBike Show and Autojumble at theSouth of England Showground, Selsfield Road, Ardingly,HaywardsHeath, West Sussex RH17 6TL. 10amstart. Tel: 01797 344277. Email: events@elkpromotions.co.uk. Web: www.elkpromotions.co.uk
30 Mablethorpe Sand Racing on the main beach, Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire. Email: mablethorpesandracing@gmail. com. Web: www mablethorpesandracing.co.uk
31 APRILISSUE OF REAL CLASSIC OUT NOW
APRIL
1 Over-55s Motorbike Meet Up at the Sportsman, The Street, Sholden, Deal,Kent CT14 0AL. 11am start.Booking essential for 11.30am brunch. Tel: 07958 518424. Email: karen.pattison@ ageukskc.org.uk.
3 Classic Bike Night at theVictoriaBikers Pub, Whitwick Road, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 3FA. 6pm start.Tel: 01530 814718. Web: www.vicbikerspub.co.uk
3 Bike Night at theHunters Inn, CottStreet, Swanmore, HampshireSO32 2PZ. 6pm start. Tel: 01489 877721. Web: www.huntersinnpub.com
4 MAYISSUE OF THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE OUT
5 YOUR OLD BIKE MART WITH YOUTODAY
5-6 Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, DucatiBournemouth Roadshow, Bashley Cross Roads, New Milton, Hampshire, BH255SZ: https:// sammymiller.co.uk/event/ducatiuk-roadshow-2/
5 RufforthAutojumble at Rufforth Park, WetherbyRoad, Rufforth, North YorkshireYO23
3QH. 8am start. £2 entry.Tel: 01904 738620 or 07713 164848. Email: info@ rufforthautojumble.com. Web: www.rufforthautojumble.com
5 Biker Meet at the Black Horse, 123Main Road,Biggin Hill, KentTN163DX Midday start. Tel: 01959 928231 or 07440 549516.Web: blackhorsepl.uk
6 Suffolk ClassicMCShow at StourValley Business Park, Brundon Lane,Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 7GB. 10am start. Email: suffolkmotorcycleshow@gmail.com.
6 Veteranand Vintage Motorcycles Day at Brooklands Museum,Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL.10am-5pm.Tel: 01932 857381. Email: info@ brooklandsmuseum.com. Web: www.brooklandsmuseum.com
10 Italian Night at the Ace Café, AceCorner,North Circular Road, Stonebridge Park, London NW107UD. Tel: 0208 961 1000. Web: London.acecafe. com
10 NationalChopper Club South Downs’ Bike Night at the Wheatsheaf Inn, Broad Street, Cuckfield,West Sussex RH175DW.7pm start.
12
Triumph Easter Egg Run leaving from Triumph Factory Visitors Experience, Normandy Way, Hinckley,Leics LE10 3BZ at 10.30am to ride to Leicester General Hospital. Web: www triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
12 VMCC SouthDorset’s Breakfast Meet at the Three Compasses, Charminster, Dorset DT29QT.Tel: 01935 83242.
13
Kawasaki Sunday at the Ace Café, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, StonebridgePark, London NW10 7UD. Tel: 0208 961 1000. Web: London.acecafe. com
13 White HorseCustom and ClassicCharity Bikeshow at TTT Motorcycles, Bulmer Industrial Estate, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 7HJ. £3 entry.10am-2pm. Email: whitehorsecustomclassicshow@ btinternet.com
Post to Mechanics,POBox 99,Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email your picturesto editorial@classicmechanics.com
Star Letter
He’snot abore… Ihave just renewedmy subscription for another year.I have been reading CMM for a lot of years; my first issue was in 1968,with afast-back Commando on the front cover Iremember drooling over the picture and wishing Ihad the moneytobuy one. Iwas only an apprentice, so couldn’t! My first bike was a BSA Barracuda (Starfire). I really wanted aHondaCB72, but my father,alife-long biker, wouldn’t signupfor the hire purchase on aJapanese bike, as he had fought in the war, and emotions werestill strong!
Four-cylinder cruisers
Over the years Classic Motorcycle Mechanics has featured most of the 1970s and 1980s Japanese four-cylinder bikes, but I’m not sure if you have featured Japanese ‘factorycustom’ four-cylinder bikes.
It was auniqueperiod in the late 1970s/1980s and while Iknow alot of people don’t like to see fourcylinder bikes witha stepped seat, smallerfuel tank,and higher handlebars, Ithink it’spart of the rich history of motorcycles. I have owned a1980 Suzuki GS850 GL for 15 years and
Iamstill riding in my 70s andinremission from two nasty cancers, which Ithink the biking helped me to get over.Riding abiketakesyour mindoff all problems, as you need to concentrate on what you are doing! Iambooked into the Isle of Man for the Manx, which Inow like better than theTT. Iused to do trials and enjoy thetwo-day trial at thesametime as theManx. Beforemyfirst cancer I qualifiedtomarshal on the island but never got to do it.
At present Ihave two bikes: a1990 Suzuki VX800, of which therearen’tmanyabout;
Iget lots of commentsabout the bike, mostly good!If youwould like to feature my bikeatany time, I would be happy to let you feature it in ClassicMotorcycle Mechanics. Mike King
Bertie says:“We did aHonda Magna recently–we’ve gota big V-twin in this issue,but I’d liketosee somemore fours/ cruisersinCMM for sure. I had asoft spot for the Kawasaki Z900 Eliminator… Great name, great engine!”
We love to hearfromyou, so why not let us knowwhatyou like,or dislike, in YOUR magazine.Simply get in touch by sending emails to: letters@classicmechanics.com or directtothe editor at BSimmonds@ Mortons.co.uk or post your letters to the normal address. The best willwin oneof our lovely T-shirts!
other bike which Iamgoingto theManx on is a2002 Yamaha FJR1300, which is thefirststraight fourIhave ever ridden. Idolike the power! Ihave hadfour ST1100s in thepast and really enjoyed them! Sorry,Iget talking about bikes and Iturn
Steve Salmon
Bertie says: “You’re not a bore, Steve! We love talking bikes,too. I’ve always wanted agoona VX as Ilikehow they look. I’m afan of the FJR, too, andI agree, biking is the best tonic there is.”
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