Old Bike Mart - June 2019 - Preview

June 2019 £2.20 ISSUE

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The mention of motorcycle sport on the Isle of Man usually brings to mind the TT, but this pic shows the International Six Days Trial in September of 1971, with Ken Heanes, the British team captain, on a Cheney Triumph, checking on Jim Sandford’s puncture repair. Mortons Archive www.mortonsarchive.com

2 NEWS

June 2019

Editorial

www.oldbikemart.co.uk email: info@oldbikemart.co.uk

Editor Dave Manning OBMEditor@mortons.co.uk Designer Charlotte Fairman Production editors Pauline Hawkins, Sarah Spencer Picture desk Paul Fincham and Jonathan Schofield Group advertising manager Sue Keily Divisional advertising manager Billy Manning Advertising Team Leader (Classic Division) Leon Currie lcurrie@mortons.co.uk Advertising Matt Allen mallen@mortons.co.uk

01507 524004 Marketing manager Charlotte Park Circulation manager Steve O’Hara Publisher Tim Hartley Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole General queries Customer Service number: 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-6pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm and 24hr answerphone Archive enquiries Jane Skayman jskayman@mortons.co.uk 01507 529423 Founder Ken Hallworth OLD BIKE MART (ISSN:1756-9494) is published monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK. USA subscriptions are $48 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 City Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921.

Periodical Postage is paid at Bancroft, WI and additional entries. Postmaster: Send address changes to OLD BIKE MART, c/o Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 City Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921.

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T

aking a break from the monthly deadline panic and pressures, I decided to pop along to my local autojumble for a wander around and a look, with some spare change rattling in my pocket should a bargain appear.

I’m lucky in that, where I’m currently living, there are a decent number of autojumbles within easy reach, with an hour and a half travelling giving me the opportunity to attend an autojumble nigh on every other weekend during the summer. That’s not always been the case, of course, and previously I have had to commit to a three-hour journey to get to a decent-sized autojumble, with even the smallest event being in excess of an hour and a half away. But I’d still go and have a look, even if it was just as an excuse to get out and about. Indeed, the very first time I got my hands on a copy of Old Bike Mart, nigh on 30 years ago, was at a ‘jumble over an hour away, and the excuse (if ever one was needed) to go to that was simply because it was located in the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton, at the end of some fantastic riding roads through the beautiful Peak District.

But the one that I used for a ‘screen break’ is just 10 minutes down the lanes. It’s not an especially large autojumble, and it’s not bike specific, but as mentioned, it is local and it is free to get in!

While I’ve made a comment in my wafflings and witterings in a previous issue of OBM that autojumbles have, in my eyes, been making something of a comeback of late, I have had some feedback from a few readers whose view is rather different.

They’re stating that autojumbles have changed, and that the only place to get rare classic bike parts nowadays

is via the internet, as autojumbles are just a version of a Saturday market, selling all manner of wares, and little in the way of classic car and bike parts. There’s no doubt that the 21st century autojumble is a different beast to those operational back in the Eighties, but then what hasn’t changed in the last 40 years?

The comments that I’ve heard have, as a generalisation, being directed at the fact that the stuff for sale gives a mishmash of local market and WI fundraiser – being a mix of loaves, toilet rolls, LED lights, smoked meats and cheeses, disinfectant by the bucketload, and jam and honey…

But then, maybe ‘jumbles wouldn’t be doable without the cash injection brought by those folk selling market stall type produce? So why not support those folk who are supporting the things that we like?

Nothing better than returning to your better half with a peace offering of fresh-baked goods and a jar or two of locally made jam or honey, is there?

My pocket of cash wasn’t troubled by my Sunday morning escape from the keyboard, despite being tempted

by LED strip lights (you can never have too many lights in the garage), various workshop consumables and a number of old bike mags. And aside from the “market merchandise”, there was a fair selection of old stuff too – including one chap who had a surfeit of BSA C15 right-hand-side engine covers, but nothing else at all relating to the little Beezers – but the rest was a real mix of Brit parts, BMW and Harley spares and half-complete Chinese commuters that had probably had a harder life than a Victorian chimney sweep.

And were dirtier. It was a different kind of autojumble to, say, Stafford or ’Normous Newark, yet just as

fascinating, but for different reasons.

While this time I didn’t actually bump into any friends (yes, I have some), there were a number of faces that I recognised and a handful of interesting classic bikes to look at, as well as some very nice cars including a neighbour’s Jensen Interceptor and a deeply desirable Hillman Imp (I’m not a car fan, but one that I would actually keep is a rally-prepped Imp), and it was clear that many people were treating the autojumble in the same way as I was – as a sociable interlude on a busy Sunday.

Coincidentally, just a couple of days later, having started this editorial but needing another break to get some further inspiration, I once more added to my social activities by taking a trip into my local town for the annual bike night. There were a decent number of classics in attendance – several ubiquitous Bonnies, a Trident, a couple of smaller-capacity BSA singles and the inevitable Bantam or two, plus a Greeves trailie and a glut of Yamaha two-stroke twins and Fizzies – and they were all, without fail, getting more attention than the modern bikes in attendance. This, of course, was no great surprise, as we

all know that classic machinery has a magnetism that attracts bystanders like nothing else, but it did get me wondering. These folk who have spent thousands on pounds on brand new bikes, who take an occasional ride out to a local bike meet, only to seek out old machinery that they once had, or yearned after as a younger rider, are stood lusting and reminiscing. Why didn’t they just buy a classic bike instead of the new one?...

Sat back in front of my laptop, I’m now wondering if there is a connection between the two? Are the folks at the autojumble who are going for a social (and maybe to buy some pies, an electrical fitting or two and some young tomato plants) the same people who’re lusting after a classic in the local bike night, having ridden there on their new, 12 grand cruiser or tourer? And, if so, how do we convince them to join in with actual classic bike ownership?

Enjoy the issue,

June 2019

NEWS 3

Noel Clark Collection under the hammer For many years Noel and his father made Noel Clark was probably never a household an annual pilgrimage to the Isle of Man TT name, even among speedway fans, but ask anyone in grass track or among those whose and it was inevitable that he would soon favourite hobby has been restoring old bikes, try his hand at motorcycle racing of some description.He chose grass track, riding a and they will tell you he was very much in a machine which he and his father built in class of his own. the workshop at the back of the garage. He Noel, who passed away in hospital earlier this year aged 69 after a short illness, was the became a proficient and fearless competitor and was soon picking up trophies throughout man that world champions turned to when the 1960s and 70s and it was during this time they wanted advice about making sure they that he built his own Clarkcraft frames. were rebuilding an old machine with total Also at this time, and once again precision. He was, to put it succinctly, the encouraged by his father, he began his world authority on bike restoration. collection, and the old garage quickly Noel lived his whole life at the idyllic became an Aladdin’s cave full of interesting Bluntington Garage in Chaddesley Corbett, ‘stuff’. This included Austin 7 cars, flat tank Worcestershire, where his family ran the motorcycles, including Indians, American village garage and filling station along with Excelsior, BSA, one of the rare Fred Wooda car breaking yard and, for some time, they designed OEC Duplex machines and, of were agents for the ROP petrol company. course, a steadily growing collection of grass track and speedway bikes, signs and other automobilia which would form the basis of his superb collection.

As time went on, he became a superb selftaught engineer, capable of tackling any task on any machine. His welding skills became legendary and he could replicate or fabricate anything, including restoring stationary engines, tractors, early bicycles, including several penny farthings, and petrol pumps.

All his work was carried out in a simple lean-to workshop with no fancy modern tools or equipment. His pillar drill was one used by his grandfather and driven by a washing machine motor, and his prized possession was a huge vintage lathe on which he was an expert.

When he closed down the breakers yard he constructed a purpose-built museum to house his ever-expanding collection. It soon

became a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts and he shared his knowledge of the subject with enthusiasts from all over the world.

Visitors to his speedway wonderland included Ivan Mauger, Barry Briggs, Alf Hagon, Huck Fynn, Harry Bastable, Brian Maxted, Peter Collins and scores of others, all seeking and respecting his knowledge.

Noel was still restoring until the last, in fact he had not long ago replaced the engine in the wonderful mini tractor he had built for work in the breakers yard. His motto was always “It’s no good having just one of anything, you should have at least a dozen.”

Consequently, Noel’s estate has a few gems.

No, not just a few… The vast single-owner collection includes more than 50 speedway and grass track bikes, frames and engines, five complete vintage petrol pumps, more than 30 vintage enamel and tin signs, a huge collection of more than 100 vintage fuel and oil cans and a vast array of literature collected during a lifetime of passionate involvement in grass track and speedway.

The collection includes, but is not limited to, a 1929 James 750cc A10 V-twin motorcycle; Jawa long track motorcycle as ridden by Simon Wigg; a Rotrax JAP speedway motorcycle with a DOHC JAP engine; a 407cc 1965 Matchless G85 GS speedway motorcycle as ridden by Jack Emmet; an ex-Dick Tolley Royal Enfield motorcycle fitted with a JAP engine; an ex-Jo Seiol bike from the 1960s with a Hofmeister monoshock long track motorcycle and JAP engine; an early magnesium JAP engine; and even a pair of penny farthing cycles…

The sale will be held on August 17, 2019 at HJ Pugh & Co’s brand new Auction Centre at Hazle Meadows, Ledbury, Herefordshire and will be live and online at easyliveauction.com.

Full details can be found at www.hjpugh.com or by calling 01531 631122.

Norton Owners Club hits 60 The headline says it all really, that the club that caters specifically for owners of motorcycles built by the Norton concern is, this year, celebrating the fact that it is a full 60 years since it started way back in 1959.

At the time that Buddy Holly, Errol Flynn and Cecil B de Mille were beginning their journey to the other side, and the first of the BMC Minis were rolling off the production line, 65 Norton enthusiasts met at Eric Oliver’s showroom in Staines for the inaugural meetingg of the NOC. In attendance was Eric Oliver himself, former world sidecar champion who became the club’s chairman,, and he and a Mr VF Willis had d organised the gathering of Norrton fans after a discu ussion

at a wrestling match! He is quoted as saying at the meeting: “Let us hope we go from strength to strength and become better than the ‘one make, two banger’ clubs” – although it’s unlikely that even he would have envisaged the club would still be running strong and true, and publishing the impressive Roadholder magazine every month, 60 years later!

Membership details can be found at the website at www.nortonownersclub.org

Ace Cafe Bonnie In a further continuation of the expansion of the modern Bonneville range, Triumph has recently announced the Bonneville T120 Ace, teaming up with the iconic Ace Cafe in north London to create a limited edition model cafe racer that bears witness to the bikes that made the Ace Cafe so popular when it first opened its doors to motorcyclists.

With the water-cooled 1200cc ‘high torque’ engine, the new bike is limited to 1400 bikes worldwide, and has a unique matt Storm Grey paint job with a contrasting Ace Cafe

stripe, dedicated Ace Cafe and Bonneville T120 graphics and a host of unique technical specialities.

All of which, if the promo pic is anything to go by, make the bike virtually impossible to photograph…

Thanks to its popularity in the bike and car world, the Ace Cafe now has branches in Barcelona, Spain; Luzerne in Switzerland; the Chinese capital Beijing; Orlando in Florida and Lahti in Finland, and there is little doubt that the new model will also be globally popular.

The Bonneville T120 Ace Edition is now available to order from your local dealer.

4 NEWS

June 2019

Raising Dust In The Desert

Following the story of Alan Johnson, to incorporate Alan’s post-war involvement in the Bar-None MCC, a Salford lad with a passion for and the very unusual circumstances motorcycles and art, ‘Raising Dust’ in which he returned home. gives some behind-the-scenes While the story was recounted grit and grime tales of Alan’s life

by Alan himself, the book is edited as a ‘Don R’ – a despatch rider in

by Simon Warner, as many sharpthe forces. But it also reveals that minded readers may remember his passion for motorcycles began as having written an article in Old before his despatch riding career in Bike Mart about the Bar-None MCC, the desert campaign of the Second which had begun in 1944 in Egypt.

World War, as a mere four-year-old That article had prompted a letter aboard the pillion seat of his uncle’s from one of our loyal readers and bikes, taking trips to Rivington Pike author of the book The Sidecar; A and Blackpool.

History, Geoff Brazendale. Geoff A 250cc sidevalve Matchless told Simon about Alan Johnson, preceded a BSA Blue Star that and how he had been a founder carried him across hill and down despite the fact that he hasn’t member of the Bar-None, and dale (as far as to Devon, in fact) written the full book himself. the resulting introduction and before war was declared and A timely publication this, for next friendship has resulted in the book Alan, who by that point was a year sees not only Alan Johnson’s you see here. commercial artist, was suddenly 100th birthday, but also the As an account of social and out of work. Heading to Salford centenary of the Royal Corps of military history, this book is Docks, he signed on as a merchant Signals, for whom Alan rode as a DR. compelling, and truly brought seaman, sailing in the North to life by one man’s memories, Published by the author, the book Atlantic convoys, dodging U-boats knowledge and humour, and the is available for £12.50 (plus £2.50 and delivering much-needed food postage and packing for mainland ‘ghost stories’ included at the end and machinery back to England.

UK) by emailing the author at of the book that were originally That, in itself, is worthy of interest, smwarner@dsl.pipex or by asking written by Alan for The Classic but the book expands to cover your local book shop to order ISBN Motor Cycle give an indication not only the wartime seafaring 978-1-9160809-0-4. of the subject’s talent as a writer, and desert despatching, but also

Oldest Scottish VMCC rally gets relocated After more than 25 years based in the Perthshire country town of Blairgowrie, the Scottish National Rally for Classic and Vintage Motorcycles is on the move!

For this year, the 45th rally will be based in the Perthshire village of Guildtown over the weekend of August 9, 10 and 11, where a beautifully restored village hall with modern facilities and spacious sports ground will host this event, the oldest annual Scottish VMCC rally.

Entrants can arrive from Friday afternoon as there are camping and caravanning pitches available for the three nights. In the evening there is a reception for entrants so local members can welcome them to Guildtown with their traditional stovies, clootie dumplings and, most importantly, the bar.

On the Saturday there is judging of the motorcycles and the main rally, covering either 70 or 100 miles, with a lunch stop.

Catering is available both morning and afternoon on the campsite, so that spectators and entrants can enjoy a cuppa and a good chinwag!

In the evening there is a hot buffet-style meal, then

prize giving followed by musical entertainment in the hall.

On Sunday morning there is a 50-mile social run with coffee stop, which brings the weekend to a close.

More details can be had from snaeventsec@hotmail. com and there is also a Facebook page called Central Scottish VMCC.

East Sussex Concours, batting above average The East Sussex Section of the VMCC will be holding its Bike Show and Concours in July, this time at the cricket field in Ashburnham, rather than at the cricket bat factory, as in previous years.

This year it will be on Saturday, July 13, and the larger venue will make it a bigger and better event, with improved facilities and much more to see and do.

It will be open to all makes and models, built prior to 1988, with preference given to earlier machines.

Local sections of one-make clubs, the Sunbeam Club and other VMCC sections are invited to attend and to set up their own stands, at no cost, should they wish to do so.

There is the expectation of one or two non-motorcycle related stands and there will be a raffle during the afternoon.

Refreshments, hot and cold, will be available throughout the afternoon in the cricket pavilion and there will be an ice cream van on site too. Admission is £2 per head, although children and, of course, all those entering motorcycles in the show go free. This is a charity event, with all profits going to Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance and Ashburnham Village Hall Fund.

Bikes entered will be divided into four sections, according to age, and a concours award given to the winner of each section. In addition there is an award for the “least restored, most rideable pre1960 machine”. Also a public vote for the most coveted machine.

The emphasis is on it being a bike show, rather than a concours event, so whatever the condition of your bike, or bikes (the more the merrier) bring them along and enjoy the afternoon. VMCC direction signs will be in place to guide you from the A271 and the B2096 at Woods Corner.

This is an event for all the family to enjoy and will be open from 12pm until 5pm, with judging results announced at 4pm.

There’s no need to prebook, just turn up and sign on, non-club members also welcome.

Should you require further information, please contact Paul Rees at paulrees49@yahoo.co.uk or 07800 907093 (email preferred).

Ago all go at festival Hot news for this year’s Festival of 1000 Bikes at Mallory Park on July 13 and 14 is that ex-world champion and Italian motorcycling icon, Giacomo Agostini, will be in attendance, primarily thanks to the event also celebrating 75 years of the MV Agusta Club. Ago will be taking to the track both with the club, and in the Past Masters sessions with numerous other racing celebrities, yet to be announced! We’ll be letting you know what other famous ex-racers will be taking to the Mallory circuit in the next issue, but in the meantime more details about the festival can be found at www.festivalof1000bikes.co.uk

Giacomo Agostini riding the three cylinder MV Agusta at Brands Hatch in 1970 – could this be replicated at Mallory?

6 NEWS

Stinkwheel weekend

The Thames Valley Group section of the National Autocycle & Cyclemotor Club is holding a gala ‘stinkwheel’ weekend at The Four Horseshoes public house, in Long Sutton near Hook, Hampshire, RG29 1TA (just off the M3 at J5).

The ‘As It Was Buzz’ will run on Saturday, June 22 over a new route, followed by the Odiham Run over another route on Sunday, June 23. All NACC machines are welcome at both runs, which are cyclemotor-friendly runs. There will also be a machine display and overnight camping, with temporary memberships available for non-members. Start time for both of the runs is 10.30am, and more details can be had by calling 01252 624006.

June 2019

Stroud vintage show The first weekend in August will see the Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club (SVTEC) stage its annual show at South Cerney Airfield in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. Another show in its 45th year (like the Scottish VMCC Rally) the SVTEC is widely regarded as one of the biggest and best steam, vintage transport and countryside

Magnificent Motorcycles to hit Llandudno

The impressive Victorian seafront at Llandudno Promenade will resound to the rumble of classic motorcycles on Sunday, September 1, as the British Motorcycle Preservation Society presents its ‘Magnificent Motorcycles’ event – a display of classic bikes (up to 1980), displayed by the club and others, including the Whistle Stop Cafe, Goldwing Owners Club, Wirral Wobblers and others.

There’ll be talks by Blind Veterans UK’s Billy Baxter – ‘The Fastest Blind Man on a Bike’ (current Guinness World Record holder) – and Blood Bikes Wales, with access to the promenade opposite St George’s Hotel, LL30 2LG , and the event starts at 10am and will run through to 3pm.

For more information contact the event organiser, John Dean, on 07816 066465 or johnatsilvergate@ aol.com or via the website at www. bmpsnwales.org.uk

events in the UK. Set on an exwartime airfield, the sprawling show site covers around 200 acres, with surprises around every corner, to suit young and old alike.

One of the largest display areas is the motorcycle section, featuring more than 200 bikes from 1911 right up to 2005. Among the marques on display are Honda, Yamaha, Harley-Davidson, Moto Guzzi, AJS, James, Triumph, Royal Enfield, Rudge, Baker, BMW, Norton, Velocette, Panther, Francis Barnett, Matchless and Greeves and, with Cotton being a local brand, there’ll be a sizable showing from the Cotton Owners and Enthusiasts Club too. There will also be an abundance of Lambrettas to celebrate the Mods and Rockers era, plus the welcome return of the BSA Bantam Club.

And it’s not all static displays, as the Tigers children’s motorcycle display team will be in action, as will the Ken Fox Troupe Wall of Death.

Aside from the magnificent display of classic motorbikes and

scooters, visitors to the show can expect to see more than 1000 classic cars from pre and post war, 70 bicycles from between 1892 and 1980, 30 miniature steam engines, 80 stationary engines, 70 full-size steam engines, model engineering, 200 tractors, more than 70 buses and coaches, 130 military vehicles, 315 emergency and commercial vehicles, 70 industrial trucks and plant machinery, 50 vintage caravans and more than 50 model aircraft taking to the sky. There’ll also be a Glenn Miller tribute,

marking 75 years since Miller played in Cirencester in front of 7000 troops, shortly before his single-engine plane disappeared over the English Channel.

In addition, a vintage fair, a dog show, free vintage bus rides around the showground, more than 180 trade stands of all kinds, and the live action arena with traction engines of all sizes will combine to give a packed weekend for everyone. All contact details are available at www. glosvintageextravaganza.co.uk

Romney Marsh Classic June 23 is the day for Hamstreet, near Ashford, deep in the garden of England, to hold a classic bike show and autojumble, not only with a huge marquee with undercover stalls and a seating area, but also a large all-motorcycle show that has now been expanded to include bikes of up to 1990, due to popular demand.

Opening at 10am, the venue (Marsh Road, Hamstreet, near Ashford, Kent TN26 2JD, on the

A2070 just six miles from J10 of the M20) is close to cross-channel links as well as only being 15 minutes away from Ham Street railway station.

There’s also a bike display-tosell area for private vendors, and cheap garage clear-out stalls are available for just £10, although they must be pre-booked; visit www.elk-promotions.co.uk to download a booking form.

Unusually, for an autojumble, there is a beer tent and live music

from local rockers Tim Phillips & 1066 Rockitmen, and there’s free parking, and refreshments (previous events featured local

hog roast, toasty sandwiches and real coffee in addition to chips and burgers). And well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome too!

www.oldbikemart.co.uk

8 NEWS

June 2019

Rocket Goldie prototype to go under the hammer

The next H&H Classics auction at the National Motorcycle Museum will include, among the lots, a unique BSA Rocket Gold Star factory prototype.

Registered 985 FOC, it was built at the BSA factory in January 1962, subsequently being used for the development and evaluation of the Rocket Gold Star. Copies of the BSA factory despatch records show the bike was first used by “Press Road Test Motorcycle Sport” in

January 1962, and following this the factory replaced the frame. The bike was then used by BSA factory racer Chris Vincent as his personal transport at the Isle of Man TT! Other despatch entries show Worcester County Constabulary testing the bike for possible police use, and Mr G Harding (a BSA dealer) on the Isle of Man. Finally, the factory sold the bike to Aston Autos in Birmingham as a used bike in December 1963.

The picture here shows the bike with Chris Vincent, the former motorcycle sidecar road racer who was very successful in short-circuit racing in the 1960s and early 1970s. He was riding this bike to Liverpool to catch the ferry to the Isle of Man when he was stopped by a traffic policeman for speeding. Asked where he was headed so fast, he said he was off to the Isle of Man. The policeman said he was also heading that way as he was a fan of Chris Vincent whom he wanted to see compete.

Vincent then said: “Well you’d better let me go then or I will miss the ferry and my race!” He was let off and later won his race!

Rickman Enthusiasts’ Day

Gathering interest from around the world, the first ever Rickman Enthusiasts’ Day will be held at the famous Sammy Miller Museum in Hampshire on June 23.

With the Rickman brothers, Don and Derek, both attending, the idea is to gather as many Rickman motorcycles in one place as possible and to invite the family and local ex-factory workforce along too.

Trophies will be awarded by the brothers for various classes on the day, and there will be fundraising for two charities nominated

by Don and Derek – the Hampshire Air Ambulance and the local Oakhaven Hospice.

The event will run from 10am-4pm and the

museum will also be open to the public throughout the day.

Everyone is welcome, while Rickman motorcycles are welcomed on the forecourt of the museum and, to be eligible for judging, you can register your Rickman by contacting Russ Gannicott at triaxiom@btconnect. com. There will be a registration fee of £6 (proceeds to charities), although entry to the Rickman display will be free, while museum admission fees will apply.

There’ll be lots of space for parking, with food and refreshments available. For further information and updates, visit the Facebook page ‘Rickman Enthusiasts’ Day 2019’.

Taken off the road in 1972, the BSA Rocket was most recently bought by the current vendor in 2017 as a basket case, although complete. A sympathetic restoration was undertaken using as many of the original parts as possible and any parts deemed beyond repair are included with the bike.

Completed in 2018, and subsequently displayed at various shows, it is now up for

sale and ready to provide a new owner with many years of pleasure.

It comes complete with the original RF60 buff logbook, copies of the factory records, BSA Owners Club dating letter and other related paperwork. It is currently on display at the National Motorcycle Museum, prior to sale at the next auction on July 30 for an estimated £35,000 to £40,000.

10 NEWS

June 2019

Brake Masters brake caliper kits

While there are very few bikes more than 50 years old that were originally fitted with disc brakes, there is a rapidly increasing number of bikes becoming classics that are equipped so. And many of them won’t have been treated with kid gloves, nor maintained with the best of intentions.

One thing that you can virtually guarantee with any bike that has either been in storage for some time, or that has spent time outside in a Great British winter, is that it will have issues with its hydraulic brakes, invariably revolving around the caliper pistons and the seals. Now, seals aren’t particularly an issue, and neither are pistons,

but it is very handy to know that full rebuild kits are available that contain absolutely everything you’ll need for a full caliper overhaul.

The kit you see here is for a pair of Suzuki sliding calipers, and contains not only stainless steel caliper pistons, but also all the necessary seals and rubber boots, stainless steel bleed nipples and pad retaining pins, copper banjo washers and a little pot of red rubber grease as well!

Brake Masters’ seals are either genuine supplier, or of an equal quality (and they fit perfectly, which is more than can be said for some of the very cheap seals available on the internet!), and the replacement pistons are

stainless steel (thus helping to prevent any future issues), fine ground to be a perfect size.

Prices vary, according to the number and size of pistons and seals, although as an example, a seal and piston kit for a single twin-pot sliding caliper such as

Gentle Italian wind Packed with the sort of features that you normally only see on much higherpriced helmets, the Vemar Zephir is the brand’s topof-the-range road bike lid, available in a number of colourways aside from the three-tone monochrome you see here.

With an internal shaded visor, there’s no need for a legally restrictive tinted main visor, and the one fitted is also compatible with Pinlock inserts. There are vents on the chin, the crown and at the rear of the helmet, as well as a port to feed communication cables through to allow handsfree operation of phones, navigation devices etc.

The internal tinted visor slides a lot further down than many other similar systems, so doesn’t give any interference to line of sight from its bottom edge, and

Two Wheels South Documenting the trip of two friends from Brooklyn in New York to Ushuaia in Argentina, at the southernmost tip of South America, this is not your usual travel book.

Some are all about the images, with beautiful photography documenting the journey, while others are purely descriptive, letting your imagination make the pictures from flowery prose and detailed descriptions.

This 274-page, large-format book is both – it has the stunning pictures, backed up by interesting and informative commentary by the two Spanish high school friends who packed their bags and loaded their BMW R80s, built back

the Suzuki ones here would be £57.49 per caliper.

Brake Masters are at Unit 3A Broom Park, Bridge Way, Chesterfield, S41 9QG, while their kits can be found on eBay or on the website at www.powerhouse.uk

Middle England LDT

the large frontal aperture gives a superb field of view.

While I have had fitting issues with Italian helmets in the past, the Zephir proved incredibly comfortable, even for all-day use with no pressure points across my forehead, although keeping the visor open by just a smidge proved a little awkward to set, either slamming shut or staying open enough to let rain in, although a little bit of care solved that.

Priced at around £135 for this colour scheme, and rather less for solid colours, it’s certainly a lot of helmet for the money! in the Eighties, and headed across the Atlantic, seeking adventure and life-affirming experiences over 20,000 miles of heading south.

It’s not a guide to travelling the length of the Americas, yet it has plenty of useful information and detail, but is also written in such a manner as to not be as stale and formal as a guide might be, and has a lot of character and humour.

From the huge highways and plains of North America, to the uncharted roads of Colombia and the breathless heights of Peru, it makes for compulsive and interesting reading. Two Wheels South is published by Gestalten, and is available for mail order, priced $40, from www.us.gestalten.com

Entries are now open for the Middle-England Classic Vehicle Club’s bike-only long distance trial in July.

These events are designed for novice or experienced riders, so whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced trail rider, you will find them a good day out. So good, that folk are already returning from more than 200 miles away for these events and making a full weekend of them.

These events are no tougher than the Beamish Trophy and are held in a similar area – they really are a great introduction to off-road riding.

The area in question – Weardale – is underrated as a location. It’s interesting, beautiful and undiscovered, and it’s easily reached from either side of the country too.

MECVC have two more bike-only LDTs in Weardale this year, July 14 and October 6. Don’t miss out on either opportunity, as all you need is a trail bike (any age, but it suits old bikes) and an ACU registration card. Any queries please ring Graham on 07989 446131, while entry forms are available on the website (MECVC.org.uk) or from Graham Lampkin (glampkin@btinternet.com).

12 NEWS

Tony and bike back together Seventies motorcycle racing legend and TT winner Tony Jefferies will be reunited with a Triumph he built in the 1960s as an apprentice at the Triumph factory, on Sunday, June 30, at Big Bike Sunday at Skipton auction market.

After he built the machine, Tony raced the bike, including at the Isle of Man TT, and it has subsequently been restored and is owned by John Barker.

Organised by the Girder Fork and Classic Motorcycle clubs, Big Bike Sunday is open to owners of all two and three-wheeled vehicles and with more than 100 bikes on show last year, the organisers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year. Tony and his brother Nick (also a motorcycle racer) – part of the Jefferies motorcycling dynasty, who now run the BMW franchise in nearby Shipley – will be presenting the prizes to the show winners and any monies raised will go to the chosen charities – Manorlands, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and White Knights blood bikes.

Located at BD23 1UD, the show opens to the public at 11am and the presentation of prizes will be held at approximately 2.30pm, although exhibitors’ motorcycles should be in place by 10.30am.

There will be refreshments, live music and stalls, and the event can be under cover if the weather is inclement.

Further details can be obtained from John Hunter at j.hunter359@btinternet. com or 07960 917483.

Greetham Gatherings While the first gathering has been and gone (being on May 16) there are several more Greetham Gatherings on the calendar for 2019.

Located in the grounds of Greetham Community Centre – Great Lane, Greetham, Rutland, LE15 7NG – the events are open from about 5pm until dusk. Everyone is welcome, either with a classic vehicle or without, although the whole point is all about the classics, of course! Due to that, classics are separated from the modern stuff when they arrive, and while bikes are parked on hard-standing, any cars have to go on the grass. Parking is £1 per vehicle, there’s a licensed bar (far better than one that has no licence…) and hot food, cakes, teas, coffee and nonalcoholic beverages are also available.

All profits will be donated to the local Air Ambulance service and there is a raffle to further that cause. Last year a £2400 donation was made to the local Air Ambulance from the 2018 Gatherings – details of that are in the ‘Previous Gatherings’ section of the Gathering website (www.greethamgathering. co.uk). The website is also used to keep everyone informed of each event and any relevant information that may be needed, so please check before you travel.

The remaining dates for the 2019 Gatherings are – June 20, July 18, August 15, and September 19.

Sidecar Scrapbook In last month’s review of Matt Little’s publication focussing on motorcycle combinations – Sidecar Scrapbook – we inadvertently got his contact email address wrong! Apologies for that Matt, and those of you interested in the title need to know that his email address is actually matt_little1978@yahoo.co.uk

June 2019

Classic sprints Those of you with an interest in perhaps the purest form of motorcycle sport – sprinting – might like to put the following dates in your diary, as released by the National Sprint Association, the Manx Drag Racing Association, Santa Pod and Straightliners. All have an element of classic motorcycles and many are purely for older machinery.

June 22-23, NSA Summer Sprint, Westonzoyland Airfield, Somerset, TA7 0LZ, www.nationalsprintassociation.org June 22-23, Steam Packet Company Dragfest, Jurby Airfield, Isle of Man, IM7 3BD, www.straightlinersonline.co.uk July 20, Dakota Raceway South West, Smeatharpe Airfield, Devon, EX14 9RF, www.nationalsprintassociation.org August 3-4, NSA Mid-Summer Sprint, Westonzoyland Sprint Strip, Westonzoyland Airfield, Somerset, TA7 0LZ, www.nationalsprintassociation.org August 10/11, George Brown Memorial Sprint, Lancaster Raceway, East Kirkby Airfield, Lincolnshire, PE23 4BP,

www.nationalsprintassociation.org September 7/8, NSA sprint, Lancaster Raceway, East Kirkby Airfield, Lincolnshire, PE23 4BP, www.nationalsprintassociation.org September 21/22, NSA Autumn Sprint, Westonzoyland Sprint Strip, Westonzoyland Airfield, Somerset, TA7 0LZ, www. nationalsprintassociation.org October 5, NSA sprint, Dakota Raceway South West, Smeatharpe Airfield, Devon, EX14 9RF,

www.nationalsprintassociation.org October 9, Straightliners, Dakota Raceway South West, Smeatharpe Airfield, Devon, EX14 9RF October 13, NSA & Straightliners Sprintstalgia, Santa Pod Raceway, Poddington, Wellingborough, Northants, NN29 7XA, www.straightlinersonline.co.uk www.nationalsprintassociation.org

Updated version of BMW story Boots not made for walking

Ian Falloon’s second edition of his Bayerische Motoren Werke book has been updated to include the latest range of machinery from the Bavarian manufacturers. As such, it shows that the factory has now got as diverse a range of models as they ever have done, although for readers of this august journal, the interest will come in the earlier half of the book – before the water-cooled singles, and before the oil-cooled Boxer twins.

There’s some detailed reportage on the Boxer twins’ sports performances

in the Seventies, in Superbike and endurance racing, as well as references to off-road successes such as in the Paris-Dakar, but it’s the post-war twins, and the products made before the onset of the Second World War instigated by the very first model, the sidevalve flat-twin R32 built in 1923, that have the truly fascinating coverage.

With clear, full-colour images, as well as archive pictures of race and civilian models, this is yet another essential purchase from Veloce Publishing, and worthy of anyone’s £40.

Roadside refreshment While foodstuffs aren’t normally the nature of conversation within the news pages of Old Bike Mart, the problem of carrying easily manageable snacks while on a bike does, as the saying goes, give us food for thought…

Somewhat conveniently, as the weather broke into perfect riding conditions, we had a delivery in the OBM office of these handy little items. Super easy to eat with one hand (they don’t fall apart like some less-convenient snacks) and of a size and shape that fits perfectly into the pocket of a bike jacket, they’re also rather healthier than many alternatives, having a no ‘red traffic light’ nutritional policy, meaning each

185g serving falls within the recommended daily intake of fat, saturates, sugar and salt.

The Jake & Nayns’ Naansters (for that is their name) are available in four flavours, all ideal for the British taste buds; Beef Madras, Balti Chicken, Chickpea Curry and, of course, Chicken Tikka! The latter is, in case you didn’t know, Britain’s favourite meal, and I can testify that the Naansters are not only very convenient, but also rather tasty too. They can be eaten cold at a handy road-side stop, or quickly heated in a microwave, and are available from Sainsbury’s, Co-op, Spar, Londis, Costco and forecourts across the country, and are two quid each.

With classic trials, scrambles and long distance trails seemingly on the increase, along with an expanding interest in classicallystyled off-roaders such as the Triumph Street Scrambler (see page 36), there’s a corresponding interest in appropriate motorcycle riding gear.

While a lot of clothing designed for off-road motorcycle use is of a modern, garish style and colour, these Drifter WP boots from TCX are of a much more subdued nature. Made from a soft brown leather upper with added gear change protection, double stitching and intermediate footbed to make it robust, plus microfibre lining throughout, they’re not only comfortable but protective too. They have a waterproof lining and fasten using three wear-resistant, interchangeable aluminium buckles with an

Top prizes

The National Motorcycle Museum is now underway with this summer’s raffle, and once more has managed to uncover a classic bike that is as good as new. In fact, while the 1977 Triumph T160 that is the raffle’s top prize is an old bike, it is as unused, with a mere nine ‘push’ miles and has never been run or registered! While only one lucky ticket holder will get the Triumph when the raffle is drawn in October, there is also the second place prize of a new Sealey retro-style ten-drawer combination tool chest, with a stylish blue and white stripe, that’d be a handy addition to anyone’s garage, being a high quality piece with a retail price of £850. And there’s also a third prize of a luxury

ergonomic design. The soles have a deep tread to get grip on soft surfaces and there are inserts in the ankle area and polyurethane shinbone protection too. The Drifter WP is available in sizes 36-48 and has a recommended retail price of £259.99, and they’re available from TCX dealers countrywide, with more information from ww www ww.nevis.uk.com w

hotel break and dinner for two at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse in the Manor Hotel, Meriden, which is conveniently close to the museum (more details can be found at www. manorhotelmeriden.co.uk) Tickets cost £2 each, and will be available through subscription copies of the specialist press, at the museum itself or online at the museum’s website at www.thenmm.co.uk The draw will take place at the museum on Saturday, October 26 at the Museum Live event.

Remember, if you haven’t got a ticket, there’s no way you’ll win this fantastic prize, and just two quid to support the incredible collection at the museum is surelly a small price to pay?

June 2019

13

14 OBITUARY

June 2019

Gene Romero RIP

K

nown by many as a star of the epic and iconic documentary On Any Sunday, Gene Romero was so much more than one of the stars in Bruce Brown’s acclaimed film.

Born in 1948 in San Luis, California, he honed his riding skills racing in dirt track and hare scrambles, only taking to the tarmac in 1967 as a rookie in the Triumph team racing in the AMA Grand National championship, with his training for the road racing element of the championship incorporating 2000 miles on the road on a production Bonneville with no modifications other than a pair of clip-on handlebars. Racing in the Grand National series meant that Gene competed in flat track (both mile and half mile), TT (the American version, essentially flat track with more bumps and righthand bends as well as left) and road

racing, with his all-rounder abilities gaining him the AMA title in 1970.

That year was a particularly good one for Romero, as he also claimed pole position at that year’s Daytona 200 using some clever tricks, a lot of talent and a whole lot of bravery!

Back then, the Daytona course was just the oval, with no infield section, and Gene’s good friend and tyre supplier Bill Robertson suggested something extraordinary – fitting a front tyre on the rear of Romero’s Triumph triple, just for a handful of qualifying laps. With about 75psi in the tyre, Romero clocked an astounding average speed of 157.3mph, but after three laps of bucking and weaving, the tyre was completely shot. That lap was the fastest ever in road-racing history…

Later that year, Gene needed a third place or better finish at the Sacramento Mile in order to be crowned the 1970 AMA Grand

National Champion on a Triumph.

His remark when interviewed was: “I don’t want to hurt anybody – but I’ve got to get third no matter what… I’m going to get third or come see me in the hospital – I dig carnations.”

He competed in the Daytona 200 no less than 14 times, but it was only after he was signed for the Yamaha team, partnering Kenny Roberts,

that his luck at the East Coast resort improved, winning the prodigious Floridian race in 1975, beating Giacomo Agostini and Steve Baker in the process, and taking the lead when Steve McLaughlin crashed.

Romero was one of the first professional riders to bring in sponsorship from outside of the motorcycle industry, for one memorable season even being sponsored by Evel Knievel! Although Romero’s motorcycle race career ended in 1981, after a short period racing cars he moved to head up the Honda factory’s flat track racing team in the early to mid-1980s in their bid to beat the all-conquering Harley XR750. Gene later ran a flat track series on the West Coast.

Gene is survived by his wife Cheri and son Geno.

June 2019

15

16 BIT ON THE SIDE

June 2019

3 Wheels Better!

While Mick Payne was going to expand on last month’s piece on suitable tyres for sidecar combinations, he’s been distracted by a further two interesting books, and the temptation of a superb outfit-friendly holiday…

J

ust like buses, you wait for ages then two turn up together.

OBM reviewed Matt Little’s Sidecar Scrapbook last month and, by the time you are reading this, there will be a new publication for your interest. Rod Young, onetime owner of Three Wheels Better Sidecars, has published a brace of books covering everything you need to know. From the basics such as riding skills to constructing or modifying your own outfit, it promises to cover all aspects of sidecar life.

Rod, who now lives in Croatia, ran his sidecar business from 2009, until recently retiring to the Dalmatian

Coast. He built his most popular model, the Podd, from his own designs; he is trained in engineering design and software engineering, and fitted many other models as demanded by his “hundreds of customers and eight of my own”.

Even though living abroad, he still gets requests. “I still get about six to 10 enquiries a day about fitting or building sidecars. I always had more work than I could ever do”.

He did his own fabrication and engineering “although I subcontracted some work in the early years when I didn’t have much space”. He also subbed the glassfibre work but the committed

Rod’s own three wheels, out and about in Croatia.

Do you fancy a sidecar holiday here?

accumulated build knowledge. sidecar buff devised his own “I’ve written them since, otherwise, ‘leading legs’ to reduce the trail on what I’ve learned would be lost and standard motorcycle forks. “I made I want to continue encouraging the around 50 sets for various bikes. The use of sidecars. All my secrets are cost ranged from about £300 to £700 depending on complexity, finish etc”. in it!” This, The Sidecar Technical Guide, goes into the subject in Back to the books, however; they much greater depth and detail and are available to pre-order now includes building your own subon www.3wheelsbetter.uk/shop frames and even a complete sidecar at £20 apiece or both for £32. The with plans to help you on your way.

Sidecar Guide (book 1) covers As well as the books, he is running everything the sidecar rider needs ‘sidecar experience holidays’, and to know, including how to set up you don’t need to be a committed correctly, and gives solutions for sidecar buff to enjoy them. “I will handling problems. It also covers provide basic training if required the skills necessary to pilot an for non-sidecar riders”. Rod and outfit successfully and outlines the his partner, Cheryl, can tailor the maintenance requirements and tours to the individual even down to fitting accessories such as tow bars. accommodation and meals, many In addition, there are sections from of the rides being on local gravel contributors on disabled use, dogs roads. These cost around £150 for in chairs and carrying children. half-day hire of the outfit or £200 for The second book taps into Rod’s a full day. A week’s holiday including accommodation and food would work out at around £1160, not bad for two people!

On top of all this, Rod also hosts a sidecar-dedicated Facebook page, Three Wheels Better Sidecars, and a new tech sidecar group, www.facebook.com/groups/ thesidecarguide/ As a final question I asked Rod if there was anything he wouldn’t fit a sidecar to. “No! I always say yes. Any Another of Rod’s sidecar builds, this being an F2 unit fitted to a Triumph twin. bike can make a great outfit”.

A set of Rod’s leading leg forks, as fitted to a Jawa.

A Harley Davidson fitted with a Podd sidecar, as made by Rod himself.

A fully enclosed saloon sidecar, fitted

by Rod to a Ural flat twin.

Cadwell sidecar revival continues

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ith this year seeing the second running of this unique event at Lincolnshire’s Cadwell Park, the weekend of June 22-23 also marks the 70th anniversary of the FIM World Sidecar Championship, which is the longest surviving road racing championship that actually remains in the same format as it was in its year of introduction, 1949, and the weekend will also celebrate 40 years of LCR chassis success.

With sponsorship from the local Massingberd Mundy Lincoln Red Beef brand, a local product and initiative from the South Ormsby Estate, just eight miles from the Cadwell Park circuit, the weekend begins with a test, practice and publicity day on the Friday, followed by a VIP reception for celebrity guests that evening, before a full weekend of racing.

Championship racing comes from FSRA F2 outfits, as well as the thundering four-strokes of the Carmathias Cup (with classic outfits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s), while Louis Christen himself will be on hand to explain the theories behind his LCR chassis development, and how they became so successful with no less than 37 world titles captured within the 40-year time span!

The two most successful sidecar pilots of all time, Steve Webster MBE and Rolf Biland, are among

those former world champions who will be attending, and taking their machinery out to parade around the iconic Lincolnshire circuit.

They will also be on hand in a special marquee for autographs and general chat.

Filling out the race schedule are the classic GP Original two-stroke solos, plus the DFDS Yamaha Past Masters and the ACU/Kawasaki Team Green Junior Cup with the Senior Ninja Series too, so plenty of action for classic motorcycle fans and sidecar enthusiasts alike.

There will also be classic sidecar parades, and sidecar ‘taxi rides’

around the circuit will be available for just £30, with proceeds going towards the BMCRC Benevolent Fund and the Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance Service.

In addition, a special one-hour TV highlights show will be produced, with emphasis on the Molson British Sidecars, for Eurosport to include in its ongoing coverage of that championship.

Edited highlights will also be available on the website and other digital platforms post-event.

You can follow developments on social media, and on the website at www.rkb-f1-sidecars.com

Rolf Biland and his passenger, Kurt Waltisberger, rounding Braddan Bridge at the 1979 TT on his Yamaha-powered outfit.

Steve Webster, wearing the number 1 plate at the Bikers Classic in Spa, 2011.

A classic Cadwell image, as Chris Vincent powers his BMW through the righthander before the Mountain in September 1963.