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It’s September 15, 1958 at Oliver’s Mount in Scarborough, and Charlie Bruce is about to shift up a gear on his 248cc Velocette. The following two years, Bruce and his Velo became Scottish Champions, and the bike was acknowledged as being one of the fastest British 250cc machines. Photo: Mortons Archive www.mortonsarchive.com
2 NEWS
December 2018
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 Divisional advertising manager Billy Manning Advertising Leon Currie lcurrie@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 ansaphone 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. 715-572-4595 chris@classicbikebooks.com PUBLISHED BY
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eing regular readers of this monthly missive, you’ll know that the classic bike world has a lot of clubs. Look at Club Call on page 19 if you need that fact reaffirming. So many different clubs, there must be a suitable one for everyone? I’m not a ‘club person’, but I have learned that being a member of a club doesn’t necessarily mean committing yourself to anything – it can be more of a self-enlightened way of doing something to help yourself, and to help others. That sounds like a bit of a hippy attitude, or the script to a charity advertisement, but I’m referring to this with relation to the passion in which we are embroiled – classic bikes. Many of you are club members – some have joined for parts or insurance discount, some may simply like the social side, while others join a club to lobby against dangerous changes that may affect our ownership of classic bikes. Yes, while you may think that changes in legislation will only give cause for worry to those who’re buying new bikes, think again. There is much to be concerned about in the world of classic vehicles – times they are a-changin’… Old Bike Mart has already covered the introduction of ethanol into pump fuels, which may have deeper implications than the removal of lead from fuel in the last century. Time will tell what the side effects of ethanol really are, but it appears that they’re not insurmountable – fuel hoses, filters and seals can be changed, and fuel tanks can be sealed against the effects of the new fuels.
But what good is ensuring that your bike can still run when there’s nowhere to ride it? Many councils, of borough, city or town level, are closely watching the implementation of London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone – the area in central London in which vehicles have to meet tighter emissions standards or face a daily charge of £12.50, starting on April 8, 2019, and which expands to the North and South Circular roads after two years. Motorcycles produced post-2007 will pass (the standard being Euro 3 compliance), but this does mean that, after October 25, 2021, if you want to go to the Ace Cafe on the North Circular on your pre-’07 bike (regardless of its value, or fuel consumption), you’ll pay a charge that is exactly the same for a fuel-efficient motorcycle as it is for a gas-guzzling four-wheel drive – £12.50 – so there does seem to be a little imbalance in the regulation. There’s a gleaming gem hidden in the midden though, as bikes that are old enough to be tax exempt (i.e., 40 years) are exempt from the ULEZ, thanks to lobbying by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. The city of Birmingham is also due to be implementing a low emissions zone, although I can cheerfully say that motorcycles – of all kinds and all ages – will not be included, thanks to the political lobbying of the Motorcycle Action Group. There are more issues that need to be addressed. There’s the startling rate of motorcycle theft, seemingly ignored by the constabulary as a ‘victimless crime’ (after all, we’re covered by our insurance). Anyone who saw the online video of the stolen 1951 Triumph Thunderbird being held to ransom, and then
burnt to a wreck when the money wasn’t forthcoming, will be enraged at the police’s reasoning. And then there’s ‘Vision Zero’, the drive for zero road casualties that was instigated by Swede, Claes Tingvall, and adopted by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. This suggests that personal mobility should be sacrificed in the name of reduced casualties, in an Orwellian piece of legislature that beggars belief… I mentioned that I’m not a club type of person. I like owners’ clubs, and am friends with many, but not actually a member – if I was going to join one, I’d want to join them all! I am, however, a long-standing member of the Motorcycle Action Group, and after enjoying the training day at Curborough earlier this year, I joined the VMCC. As mentioned, both groups are doing sterling work in not only ensuring that we can continue to ride bikes in the future but also that classic motorcycles have a future too. To reiterate, the VMCC supported the FBHVC in removing classic vehicles from the London ULEZ, and MAG lobbied for the exclusion of bikes from Birmingham’s low emissions zone, and they’ll be fighting any further anti-bike legislation. And, for those reasons, I feel justified in paying my yearly subscriptions. But there are those that feel that the likes of MAG and the VMCC are little more than self-aggrandising fellows intent on little more than pretentious self-promotion and pomposity. And yes, I have heard those very words said, about those two groups, usually by people who haven’t got full knowledge of the two clubs in question. But, right now, there is good reason to support those
very two institutions, in much the same way as we should all support the people who advertise in this magazine, those who organise bike shows, and those who run your local bike shop/autojumble/race track/ bike pub or cafe. If we don’t support them, they’ll disappear, and we’ll be left alone, with nowhere to go and no one to turn to... In the same way as we’re urged to ‘buy local’ or, as the phraseology a couple of decades ago said ‘Buy British’, (although I have the feeling that doing either of these things is, somehow, not politically correct in the confusing modern political climate), then we should support those who are looking after us and our chosen lifestyle. Every single person reading this issue of OBM has an interest in classic motorcycles and, therefore, a vested interest in the survival of bikes, old and new. And every reader needs to support the very people who are ensuring that we can ride our bikes now, and in the future. Enjoy the issue,
December 2018
NEWS 3
Alpha Bearings lives on! While the last issue of OBM had a feature focusing on the powerplants created by West Midlands bearing and crank specialists Alpha Bearings, there was a little faux pas in that the company is actually still in operation, and hasn’t closed after the sad death of Max Nightingale earlier this year. While Max’s business – Alpha Automotive – did indeed close its doors, the staff have been re-employed to continue, in the same property with the same tools, now under the true umbrella name of Alpha Bearings. The same products and services are available as before – finetuned over the previous seven decades – ensuring that classic motorcycles get the love they need, wherever they may be located, and Alpha is sending parts all around the globe! Aside from the obvious bearings that the company provides, alongside valves and guides, small ends, speedo and tacho cables, piston kits and connecting rods, it also
undertakes crank rebuilds, flywheel reconditioning and fabricating, precision grinding and barrel reboring. All this for all manner of powerplants, from model aircraft engines to Brough Superior vee twins and even an ex-Mike Hailwood Honda 350 four! As just one example of the company’s development work, it has made a new big end bearing for the BSA B44 – a steel billet cage, slotted and heat-treated and given a grey finish that provides extra heat capacity, it is ideal as an upgrade to allow a B44 engine to endure the stresses and strains of competitive use, even in methanolburning high performance motors. They’re not BSA specialists, but they are engine and performance specialists, and are an essential contact to put in your little black book of ‘Important Classic Bike Contacts’. More details can be found at www.alpha-bearings.com or on 01384 255151.
National Motorcycle Museum’s Raffle As you may have already noticed, this issue of OBM brings with it a pack of raffle tickets for the National Motorcycle Museum’s first raffle of 2019, in which entrants gain the chance to win not only a luxury hotel break and dinner for two at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse at the Manor Hotel, Meriden, but also an electro-hydraulic Sealey bike lift and, as the top prize, a 1977 Norton Commando that is new/ old stock and, as such, has never been run or registered! Aside from the very few ‘push’ miles that the bike has recorded, it is effectively a brand new ’77 Interstate model, with the later 850cc parallel twin engine. As you can see from the tickets, each is £2, and they’re being distributed through subscriptions of the specialist press, so aren’t available to the general public except directly from the museum (on 01675 444123 or online @ www.thenmm.co.uk). The draw will take place on Sunday, April 28 2019 at the International Classic Motorcycle Show, Stafford. Meanwhile, the National Motorcycle Museum’s summer 2018 raffle was drawn by TT and road racing superstars John McGuinness, Mick Grant and Trevor Nation at the Museum’s LIVE open day in October. The winner of the 1969 Royal Enfield Interceptor Mk II 750cc was a lucky Craig Winter, while the James ML125 went to David Fallon, and a hotel break and dinner at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse went to Mr J Wilson.
Above: You could win this brand new, zero miles 1977 Norton Commando! Below: Craig Winter, the winner of the Enfield Interceptor, the top prize in the 2018 summer raffle.
Metisse Motorcycles – the next chapter On Tuesday, November 27, at 11.30am, brothers Don and Derek Rickman, who effectively started the Rickman brand back in 1960, will be ‘cutting the sod’ at a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of a new combined 20,000 sq ft production and museum facility, that will not only house the production line, but also display important machinery from the company’s heritage. Work is scheduled to start on the building early in the new year and the new facility will enable purchasers of new Metisse motorcycles to watch their machines being hand-built, while also enjoying a look around the museum, which will highlight the firm’s long and successful history both in competition and on the road. The current company owner, Gerry Lisi, has spearheaded the new production facility, which will allow the licensed McQueen replicas to be built alongside the newly-developed 1000cc parallel twin engine that has been built from scratch and is housed in the MK5 Metisse frame. There is something of an irony here, as ‘metisse’ translates as ‘mongrel’, yet the new Mk5 is very much a thoroughbred machine!
Gloves on for the Boxing Day gathering Once again, the South Cotswold Section of the VMCC has a December 26 Boxing Day gathering at the Whitminster Inn (GL2 7NY), located on the A38 south of Gloucester. From late morning onwards, there will be loads of hard-standing parking, a burger van and hot beverages, and toilets too. Everybody is welcome, new bikes or old, VMCC members or not. This could be the perfect antidote to overdoses of turkey and TV. For more details, not that you need them, contact John Oliver on 07968 302435, or johnno1348@gmail.com
And it’s goodbye from me…
After nearly three years as advertising sales rep on Old Bike Mart I have hung up my headset and retired (hopefully to warmer climes by the time you all read this). I have enjoyed every moment working on ‘The Bible’ and have made many friends during my spell in the hot seat. Pete Kelly, as editor, was an absolute dream to work with, as were all of you advertisers and readers, and I wish Dave Manning all the best as the new editor. I have left the old girl in the capable hands of Leon Currie, who will undoubtedly carry on the good work. Adios amigos, Al Green
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December 2018
GoXtreme Rebel camera With social media, and its attendant demands for content, becoming part of the daily ritual for such a large part of society – aside from the part it plays in modern business – so the demand has risen for decent quality video cameras like this GoXtreme Rebel. Much like another, very popular, type of camera that has become synonymous with ‘action cameras’, the Rebel is neatly packed in a protective shell (waterproof to 30m), 1080 pixel at 30 frames per second (with a 720 option for more recording time), built-in microphone, 140-degree view, Wi-Fi function (so you can effectively turn your smart phone
or tablet into a live view remote!), and unlike some cameras that have no screen (so you have no idea what it's pointed at) the Rebel has a two-inch colour display on the rear, so you can see exactly what your camera is pointed at! Priced at a very competitive £49 from Sainsburys, it comes with plenty of accessories, including a braided steel lanyard (to catch the unit if one of the very strong mounts happens to fail), tripod adaptor, helmet mount, bike mount (with a bar clamp), and USB cable, and supports microSD memory cards of up to 32GB capacity. Basically, it is very well equipped for a camera of this price, although the instruction book is
written in very small font! We have one on test here at OBM, and hope to get some interesting classic bike footage in the nottoo-distant future for our website and Facebook pages. Stay tuned at www.oldbikemart.com and www. facebook.com/OldBikeMart/
Brisk progress
Work shirts for bike use
Being the UK importer for Jawa motorcycles, F2 Motorcycles in Wisbech (as referred to in Mick Payne’s Bit On The Side article on page 14) has had very good experiences with Brisk spark plugs. If Brisk is a new name to you, it’s a company that was formed in Tabor, Czech Republic, back in 1935, being state-controlled until moving to private ownership in 1995, and it has been the spark plug supplier of choice for Volkswagen, Skoda and, in this case, Jawa motorcycles. These plugs have a wide working temperature range and recover very well from wetting due to over-flooding or overuse of the choke at start-up. The team at F2 report that they’ve tried many other makes of spark plugs from well-known suppliers, and have to conclude that Brisk has the edge in terms of reliability and service life when fitted to older bikes. It certainly appears that they work a little better with bikes that may run a little richer than the latest computer-controlled EFI offerings, and it does make you wonder if the design, manufacture and materials used in modern spark plugs have changed to suit modern powerplants? Although, having said that, Brisk also makes plugs for technologically advanced cars such as Lamborghinis… With these thoughts in mind, F2 contacted Brisk direct, and the Cambridgeshire dealer now stocks a large range of Brisk spark plugs to suit many older carb-equipped motorcycles including Triumph, BSA, Guzzi, MZ and BMW. More details can be found at www.f2motorcycles.ltd.uk/Brisk, and F2 Motorcycles Ltd can be contacted on 01945 410165.
Styled much like a heavy-duty short workshop jacket, this wax cotton shirt from City Of Leather is subtly styled yet has all the protective features that you’d expect from a well-spec’d motorcycle jacket. With shoulder, elbow and back protector all fitted, the lining is also lined with original DuPont Kevlar fabric, and there’s also a waterproof membrane lining to protect against water ingress as well as collisions and road friction. The durable metal zip is covered by a flap, secured by press studs, to stop water seeping through the zip, while the pockets (interior and exterior) are also zipped, as are the air vents on the body and sleeves. As a casual jacket, there are leather details on the pockets, and neat logos on all the buttons, while the safety features and comfort make this an ideal everyday jacket for the classic motorcyclist. What’s more, it’s available at the incredibly reasonable price of £149.99, and more details can be found at www.cityofleather. com – the website also has a convenient size guide, which shows all the dimensions needed for you to get the perfect fit!
Brass Monkey Run Popular motorcyclists’ haunt, The Victoria Bikers Pub, is giving reason to burn off some of your Yule fuel with the Brass Monkey Run for Rainbows Children’s Hospice. Meeting at The Vic in Coalville, Leicestershire (LE67 3FA) at noon on Sunday, January 6, the run starts at 1.30pm. Everyone on two or three wheels will be welcome, with the charge of £5 per bike all going to the hospice. The run has a maximum speed of 50mph, where possible, and on the return The Vic gives partakers free soup and a roll, and there’ll also be bin fires to warm them back up. There could be a band playing as well.... Please note, in case of severe weather – i.e., snow, icy roads, or
well below freezing conditions – as it is a fundraiser, it will be postponed to a more appropriate time, and any cancellation info will be posted on the Facebook
website (look for The Victoria Bikers Pub on Facebook) the previous day. More details can be had from www.vicbikerspub.co.uk or 01530 814718.
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6 NEWS
December 2018
Swedes in Vegas!
Rarities under the hammer in gambling capital of Nevada
It’s logical to think that any kind of museum will be going to hold on to all of its exhibits ad infinitum, but that’s not always strictly true. Sometimes it’s due to financial reasons, occasionally it’s thanks to local politics, but the most common reason – and the situation that we see here – is due to a relocation to a smaller venue. The collection in question is the MC Collection, in Stockholm, Sweden, and the curator and owner, Christer R Christensson, is editing the impressive stable of bikes that he owns at the moment down to 120 machines. This still sounds like a lot of bikes, but the fact is that there are no less than 235 motorcycles being taken out of the MC Collection! The remaining bikes will soon be on display at Tidö Castle, just outside of Västerås in Sweden (about 100km from Stockholm), and the new museum will be opening in the spring of 2019 (look at www.
tidoslott.se for more details). The impressive collection has been gathered by Christer over many years. Having first bought a Husqvarna in 1957, he started actually collecting with a silver Norton Dominator – which began a fascination with British bikes – in the Seventies. While clearly an avid motorcycle fan, it was the variety of design that truly fascinated Christer and during the following decade, while having a passion for Swedishbuilt bikes, he started looking further afield, at bike designs from around the globe, but his focus was still on interesting design. He then started a restoration shop, being helped by Ove Johansson for many years, with Ove lending a helping hand from just eight years of age! The primary objective was to find bikes that had been kept, long term, by families in Sweden. There are even rarities, such as 1900s Indians and Harleys, that have
With all of the factory’s go-faster goodies, this Velocette Venom Clubman hails from 1968.
The Crocker Big Tank, built in 1939 and just one of only 72 V-twin Crockers. Previously a resident of Indiana, will it return?
stayed in the same Swedish family for well over 100 years! Around 80% of the collection was of bikes that were originally sold in the Swedish market – not just home market machinery, but bikes from around the world too. Restoration was always back to original spec, if any restoration was undertaken at all. Christer collected many original sales brochures, to be able to learn the original finish of parts, whether they were nickel plated or whatever. As he points out, too many restorations are totally unlike the original, with modern
The 1929 Husqvarna Model A, built for dirt oval racing, uses a 250cc overhead valve JAP powerplant, Druid forks and a three-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox.
triple plate chrome instead of nickelplating, for example. The museum has been running for 20 years, and originally opened to the public when Christer realised that the bikes couldn’t just stay in a garage or basement, but had to be seen by the public. He bought them because the design fascinated him, and he wanted others to understand that fascination too. But, for now, you want to know about the bikes being sold. They’ve been shipped from Sweden to Las Vegas, and will be sold off in an auction coordinated by Mecum in January. Christer has kept many really rare, Swedish and European bikes, although some rarities, such as a 1939 Crocker Big Tank that was the only example of that model in Europe, have headed back across the Atlantic. As Christer said: “Sometimes bikes just need to be where they need to be!”, and you do have to wonder just how some bikes, like that Crocker, ended up in Sweden in the first place! Eighty-two of the bikes due to go to auction are now on show in Las Vegas, and the collection will be
Set to achieve a premium price, this Honda CB750 is one of the earlier models with ‘sandcast’ crankcases (actually permanent mould castings) before the die-cast cases of the later models.
A replica of the NCR race Ducatis of the Seventies, this Swedish bike was originally built using race components from the factory!
sold, in individual lots, at Mecum’s 28th annual Las Vegas Vintage and Antique Motorcycle Auction, scheduled for January 22-27. And, although the sale in Nevada will mean that many machines will remain in the States – Christer is hoping that is where the Crocker will stay – the international market that supports large auctions such as this dictates that potential bidders will be watching from around the world. Some of those bikes will certainly be coming to Britain! You can see the bikes due for auction at www. mecum.com/motorcycles
8 NEWS
December 2018
Clean MyRide, clean yours too
Laser T-handles
If you’ve not experienced the ease of using T-handled sockets and screwdrivers before, it’s probably way past time that you invested in a set. This kit from Laser Tools has a T-handle that accommodates any one of a number of double-ended bits, with the ergonomics of the handle not only allowing extra torque to be supplied to hard-to-shift fasteners, but also allowing you to quickly spin a fastener into place! They’re a joy to use when fitting multiple bolts to a single part, such as a camcover or primary cover, for example. The bits are flat, Philips and Posidrive screwdriver tips, in various sizes, while there are also Star tips, and a number of hex and ball hex tips too, all in metric sizes. Measuring a useful 175mm in length (that’s seven inches for those of a premetrification mind), perfect for difficult to
reach areas and, as an extra bonus for those inaccessible fasteners, the bit ends are magnetised as well. Priced at £58.42, plus the vatman’s cut, the set is available from all Laser Tools stockists, plus www.lasertools.co.uk (and remember, Laser stockists often have special offers!)
Stratford club visit Sammy Miller Museum Twenty members of the Stratford-upon-Avon Motorcycle Club visited the Sammy Miller Museum for a very special reason – to see their friend’s unique bike which had been restored by the museum workshop. The group had been friends with Bob Tait, engineer and innovator, and would meet with him on Thursday evenings to discuss motorcycles, motorcycles and motorcycles! Often the conversation revolved around Bob’s unusual three-cylinder prototype, that he designed himself, with its V3 750cc powerplant, five-speed gearbox, leading link front forks and a twin leading shoe front brake. When Bob Tait was diagnosed with terminal cancer he set about putting his affairs in order and sold his bike to the museum, knowing that his lifelong desire to have his three-cylinder racer completed could be realised. Sadly, Bob died in July 2017, but Sammy (pictured, right, with the completed bike) and Bob Stanley completed the restoration of the bike which is now on display in the museum. Bob Stanley fired up the bike for the club, and Alan Wright had the opportunity to ride the bike around the complex.
Some of us are content to ride dirty machinery, some are happy to clean with aggressive solutions such as diesel and paraffin, while others would rather choose the greenest possible option. The most environmentally friendly choice is probably plain water, but that won’t shift the sort of grease and grime that accumulates on our bikes. Clean MyRide is one of the expanding range of cleaning agents that won’t kill all wildlife within a square mile each time you get busy with bucket and sponge. And, while it doesn’t remove stubborn deposits such as chain lube quite as efficiently as something rather dangerous – like paraffin – it was surprisingly effective at getting brake dust off wheel rims, and a few sprays from the handy trigger did get stuck into the sticky chain lube on the back wheel. And, reassuringly, it is safe to use on painted surfaces, bare alloy and rubber and plastics. More impressively, there were no streaks or stains remaining after I’d washed the wheels with clean water, which is something that I’ve
Gifts from the museum
A treat indeed and something he said he can now cross off his bucket list! The Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum Trust is at Bashley, New Milton, Hampshire B25 5SZ. Tel 01425 620777/616644 or visit www.sammymiller. co.uk for further information and opening times.
Those of you who’re struggling to find suitable gifts for the classic bike fiend in your life (or who have spouses/offspring who’re struggling for ideas) may like to aim their digital cursor in the direction of the National Motorcycle Museum’s online shop, otherwise known as Museum Legends. Updated just in time for Christmas (how convenient!), the online shop features a comprehensive list of books and associated literature which includes the astounding array of photocopy sets of technical publications courtesy of the museum’s Bruce
not experienced with many other cleaners. And it worked really, really well with road grime and squashed bugs, it was only sticky lube that needed several applications. The 1000ml bottle is priced at £12.99, and can be found in bike shops or at www.clean-myride.com DM Main-Smith archive. But it’s not just reference material – there are clothes galore, including the museum’s own range of clothing, and some rather more obscure and bizarre items, even extending to such things as a Brough Superior replica table! The Museum Legends online shop can be found via the museum’s internet portal at www.thenmm. co.uk, where you can also find details of the Friends of The National Motorcycle Museum membership scheme which offers many unique opportunities that cannot be found anywhere else. Aside from the numerous items listed in the webshop, a ‘Friends’ membership could also make a good gift!
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December 2018
Central England Classic Trials A new trials series has been announced for 2019, based around four longestablished classic events, with the prime objective being to raise interest in the classic trials scene in the Midlands and south of England. With the four rounds being the Cotswold Cup in Stroud on March 24, The Sam Cooper Union Jack trial in Stratford-on-Avon in May, the Greensmith in Shropshire in October, and the Guy Fawkes trial, back in Stroud in November (final dates to be confirmed), there is actually scope in the calendar to add a fifth round.
The trials will cover seven classes on two different routes – easy and hard – covering rigids, pre-unit, unit, two stroke and twinshock, and sidecars being optional and up to the organising club. There is also potential for the organising clubs to add additional classes such as ‘modern’ or ‘trail’, if they so wish. Any clubs interested in running a fifth round can contact the organiser, Tim Fairbrother, on 01562 754827, bearing in mind that he hopes to run on a regional basis in 2019 and then progress to a British Championship in 2020!
John Holmes – an obituary
My ol’ blue jeans
Those of you who can remember as far back as the April issue of Old Bike Mart may remember the feature A Holmes-spun Triumph, focusing on John Holmes and his very rapid Triumph Tiger Cub trials bike. Sadly, John passed away at the start of October, aged a sprightly 79. The talented Cumbrian bike builder had been known in more recent years as the builder of successful specials which riders such as Tony Calvert took to victory in events as prestigious as the Pre-65 Scottish. Much of John’s work was accomplished in a quiet way, utilising materials sourced from such unlikely places as Hillman Imp or Volkswagen cars. His Cub engines utilised his own barrels and connecting rods, hand hewn from blocks of aluminium by hacksaw and file!
Actually, they’re not particularly old, although they have been used for a season of riding, and what a wonderful season it was. Thanks to the astounding summer we’ve had, these Lindstrands Macan jeans have seen plenty of use, with no need to revert to any kind of waterproof leg wear. Despite being of heavy, durable denim (being constructed with cotton and abrasion-resistant aramid fibres), they’re not stiflingly hot, and even the adjustable and removable CEapproved armour at knees and hips (required so that they can be sold as motorcycle trousers) don’t become clammy and uncomfortable. Yet, even on any surprisingly cool evenings, they’re warm, and the high back stops any nasty draughts around your kidneys. In a popular dark blue colour, with strong belt loops, they also have neat logos above the left pocket and on one of the belt loops, and on the
His talents didn’t stop there as he constructed frames from oval tubing, as did the Honda factory, when making his own version of an RTL Honda. This talent for making things had tended to overshadow his earlier riding career, which included winning three Scott spoons (a gold spoon is awarded to each of the top six finishers in the Scott, with the following 20 finishers receiving a silver spoon), and being counted as one of only nine British finishers from 77 starters in the super tough Manx ISDT of 1965, as seen in the accompanying pic.
A new route for the 80th Pioneer Run The Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club, as founded in 1924, inaugurated the First Pioneer Run for veteran motorcycles to Brighton in 1930. And the Run has been repeated every year since, except when prevented by war from 1940–‘45, in the fuel crisis of 1974, during the foot and mouth outbreak of 2001 and thanks to bad weather in 2013. Consequently, in 2019 the club will be celebrating the 80th running of the event, to be held on Sunday, March 24. Recognised internationally as a very special event in the world of veteran motorcycling, the Pioneer Run attracts the largest gathering of pre-1915 solos, sidecars and tricycles in the world, providing the public with the opportunity to see more than 300 early machines aged between 105 and 123 years old, in action on the road and on display at Brighton. Promoted by the Sunbeam MCC Ltd, and run under an ACU International Permit, the event attracts regular entries from France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Eastern Europe and the US. For some time the club has been concerned about the safety of riders, particularly where the traditional route rejoins the A23 at Pyecombe. Therefore, 2019 will see a new route avoiding this increasingly dangerous hazard, as follows: Starting at 8am from Tattenham Corner, Epsom Downs, the 49.7-mile revised route then follows the A217 through Reigate to join the A23 at Gatwick, diverting via Handcross and Lower Beeding to join the A281 through Cowfold, and Henfield, then
on to the A2037 through Small Dole and Upper Beeding, and on to the A283 to Shoreham, turning left on the Coast Road to Brighton and Madeira Drive. Arrivals will be expected at Madeira Drive from 10am onwards, while awards will be presented by the Mayor of the City of Brighton and Hove, together with the Mayor of Epsom and Ewell (who will set the bikes off at the start) at the Sunbeam MCC marquee at 2pm. The 2019 event is sponsored by Bonhams Auctioneers, The National Motorcycle Museum, Hagerty Classic Bike Insurance, The Classic MotorCycle magazine and Bascomb & Drew. Entry packs and other information will be available from the Sunbeam MCC website at www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk
inside and outside of the ‘kidney cover’. They have excellent deep rear pockets, although the pockets in the front are a little shallow, with the happy side effect that you’ll not put your house keys in the front pocket and then discover, after about five miles of riding, that your front door key is poking you somewhere tender… The Lindstrands jeans (also referred to as being Halvarssons, as the two names are the same company) are available from many dealers throughout the UK, and are priced at £199.99 a pair.
Jim Pickering – an obituary Further to the loss of John Holmes, the classic trials world was shocked by the loss, also in early October, of Jim Pickering, the man behind the famous Drayton frames, based in Kidderminster. Aside from producing the ground-breaking Drayton frames, Jim was also a rider, showing an infectious enthusiasm for the sport, and developing his frames so that he could continue riding as he battled against the cancer that he eventually succumbed to. The Drayton frames brought success to many riders of all ages. Jim may well be best remembered for not only his enthusiasm, but also for being an open-hearted rider who would always step forward to help a fellow competitor.
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12 NEWS
December 2018
Watsonian International Originally launched in 1938, Watsonian’s lightweight International was a sidecar outfit primarily designed to be used off-road and in long-distance trials. Thanks to the outbreak of war, production of the original International
The original International sidecar rig, affixed to a big Ariel single.
was delayed until 1950, when it was raced in the International Six Days Trial at Llandrindod Wells. The Watsonian management team of Ron Watson and Cliff Bennett also competed regularly on an International outfit in trials events in the early Fifties, as part of a campaign to promote a sportier image for sidecars. Watsonian have now developed a new version of the International, designed primarily for road use, which will have a glass fibre body, for ease of maintenance and durability, with aluminium panels to echo the styling of the trials sidecar, and an aluminium mudguard, fitted with indicator and tail light. Beneath the bench seat is a generously sized locker, where luggage can be carried.
Classic Dirt Bike Show 2019 Focusing on machinery from 50 years ago – 1969 being the year in question – the Classic Dirt Bike Show takes place at Telford’s International Centre over the weekend of February 16 and 17. The show’s headline sponsors are Hagon Shocks, who have themselves a great deal of historical involvement in classic off-road machinery – not just motocross (nee ‘scrambles’) but also speedway and grasstrack, and trials too, and still supply suitable shocks from their Essex workshops. Of course, the term ‘dirt bike’ covers many disciplines – green lanes, dirt tracks, scrambles, and beach, dirt and grass ovals – and heroes of two of those appear at the show, in the form of multiple world, indoor and British trials champion Dougie Lampkin and the mighty BSA warrior from
Bury St Edmunds, John Banks (shown below). Both stars will be interviewed on stage by race commentator Jack Burnicle. Additionally, there’ll be dozens of clubs and private owners displaying beautifully prepared off-road machines at the show, and loads of traders offering dirt biking kit – from new bikes, parts and accessories to riding gear and even project bikes if you’re up for a challenge! Plus, why not have a rumble in the ‘jumble, with a comprehensive autojumble opening an hour earlier than the show, at 9am! Further details of advance ticket sales can be found at www.classicbikeshows.com, advance tickets are £12 for adults (£14 on the day) or £15 with early autojumble entry, and the venue is close to Telford town centre, at TF3 4JH.
It is mounted on Watsonian’s proven platform chassis, which is made from tubular steel, with welded joints, and is epoxy powder-coated for durability. Hydraulic suspension, with a rising rate spring, ensures a smooth and stable ride. The 16-inch wheel has a powder-coated black steel rim with stainless spokes and is shod with a Bridgestone Trail Wing dual sport tyre. Watsonian showed a prototype of its International, fitted to a Royal Enfield Himalayan, at Motorcycle Live, at Birmingham’s NEC, alongside the rest of the Watsonian sidecar range. The International will be available in spring of 2019, priced at £3995, plus the cost of a fitting kit (for the Himalayan, the kit is £450). For more information call 01386 700907 or visit www.watsoniansquire.com.
The Racing Motorcycle, Volume 3 Being the third volume by John Bradley concerning the design and development of motorcycle chassis, don’t let the cover image of MotoGP rider Marc Marquez on his works Honda deceive you, as the content of the book is just as applicable to any other powered two wheelers, not merely race-derived vehicles producing well in excess of 240bhp! John’s first two editions were aimed at those folk who were building race-focused machines, but this third and final edition is all about the chassis set-up. While it is nigh impossible to provide specific set-up data for every single type of race machine, this tome provides an awareness and understanding of the physics involved, and brings an approach that can be applied to any bike, new or old. It’s also a fascinating read for anyone of a technical mind, regardless of whether they’re a current racer, have race intentions or are just an armchair engineer. With a comprehensive 416 full colour pages, 200 photographs and 167 diagrams, and no less than 60 comments from some of the world’s best riders, this is an essential book for every bike fan’s library. And just in time for Christmas too, even if it’s only as a present for yourself! Priced at £42 plus post, more details are available from www.broadlandleisure.com or 01684 833525.
Steve Goddard - an obituary
Monkey bike
John Banks and his Beeza get ‘big air’.
The new International, as fitted to a Royal Enfield Himalayan, ready for mudplugging on a global scale!
With the recent UK launch of the new Honda Monkey bike (as seen on pages 38 and 39), and its subsequent appearance at the Motorcycle Live show at Birmingham’s NEC, the company found a rather unusual way of promoting the bike… Small packages were being given away, looking very similar to a CD case, which was initially assumed to be a press release pack, full of information and images of the new bikes. But no, for within the outer wrapping was a neat box, containing a cast image of the new Monkey, made from chocolate! As you can see from the picture here, it didn’t last long...
The funeral of Stephen John Goddard – otherwise known as Herman – on Friday, November 16, 2018 was a major event in the old motorbike scene. Steve, who was about to go to the last Kempton Park autojumble with his stall the day he suddenly passed away, was cremated at Braintree. His funeral cortege was led by his wife Barbara on his favourite bike and about 50 other motorbikes followed. His bike, a lovely restored crimson Rocket III, was parked in the chapel beside Steve’s BSA emblazoned coffin. Afterwards a gathering was held at the Sudbury Delphi Club, hosted by Barbara with the marvellous refreshments provided by friends of the family.
Steve had grown up in the local bike scene in Sudbury in the ‘70s and was formerly a rep for the National Chopper Club. Did he chop any delectable classic bikes which he would later regret? As well as time racing with the pre-‘65 scrambling club he became more and more involved in the old bike world, trading as Steve’s Classics, spending time out in the country (and sometimes overseas) finding, fixing and rehoming bikes and parts for more than 20 years. The size of his send-off and the lovely stories that were told showed how much he meant to his family, his old-time biker friends and everyone else who knew him. Steve will be sorely missed.
December 2018
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14 BIT ON THE SIDE
December 2018
Sidecar manufacturers – F2 Motorcycles In a chance remark to our new editor, Mick Payne mentioned the remaining sidecar dealers in the UK, which prompted the reply “I thought there was only Watsonian left?”, a not unusual comment. This brought about the idea that it might be a good time to profile those companies still supporting our love of three wheels…
A
lphabetical order seemed fairest and I was dismayed to learn that my first subject, Ansons in Loughborough, has ceased the manufacture of sidecars, although still has the expertise to fit chairs and has built some magnificent outfits in the past (check out www.ansonclassic.co.uk or call 01509 502534). Checking on fingers and toes, F is the next letter to bring us a sidecar specialist, Wisbech-based F2 Motorcycles and David Angel. David is probably best known for his association with the Ural brand but said: “I sell very few Urals now. The quality has increased a huge amount in the last decade, although they are no longer cheap. But the decline has been matched by an increase in the sale of the Velorex UK range being fitted to customers’ bikes.” His love of East European bikes has led to him importing Jawa’s
increasing range, which includes the iconic two-stroke 350cc twin that is still available new! Known for its torque, it was the machine that I chose for a five-month sidecar roadtrip around Britain, with no regrets. They are also probably the cheapest way into sidecars that there is. How about a new bike and Velorex for £6995, on the road? The current available sidecars are the Sport at £2395 and the Sport GT with a tilting scuttle for £3795 (both these prices include full weather gear). Options include a nudge bar and braked wheel. If carrying a passenger isn’t required, David can supply his Cargo Adventure Box Sidecar with 200 litre capacity for £1995. He said: “My main business is supplying and fitting new Velorex UK sidecars – they are, after all, excellent value for money. However I also fit sidecars for people with other requirements. I was particularly
delighted to help out a customer who had limited use of his left leg but wanted to keep riding his Scott. He delivered the bike, along with a steel-bodied sidecar. I fitted it slightly further away from the bike than I normally would and then fabricated an infill panel between the two for his leg to rest on.” Sometimes home builds don’t always go to plan; “I had a Harley Glide arrive with a Monza attached, honestly I don’t know how it got here. I could lift the front of the sidecar three inches before the weight came off the motorcycle forks and move the rear side-to-side half an inch. I fabricated extra fittings and got all the triangulation correct so, when it left, the sidecar moved with the bike. “Occasionally I am asked to build something really special. An immaculate BMW was delivered and a few days later a brand new Steib arrived fresh from the factory. I have to say I was a little disappointed with the factory-supplied fittings, but I worked with them and modified
them until I was happy, and the end result was beautiful. “I also recently fitted an ownersupplied Manx to a Triumph, using five point fitting and threaded adjusters. The owner will colour match the sidecar at a later date. “I have never been a fan of telescopic pinch bolt arms so, in all cases, arms are supplied or modified to thread adjusters with locknuts. Professional fitting is expensive and I understand this. At Simply Sidecars (part of F2 Motorcycles) we have tried to demystify sidecar fitting with an online basic fitting guide. We stock a huge range of fittings covering most needs and I am happy to offer advice to people wishing to fit at home.” The website www.simplysidecars.co.uk is a great source of advice for fitting and riding sidecars that might just sway somebody interested in putting a toe into the waters of sidecar ownership. F2 is well known for delivering a quality, fettled product and has a very loyal customer base, and more details can be found at the aforementioned Simply Sidecars website, www.jawamotorcycles.
co.uk, www.f2motorcycles.co.uk, or on 01945 410165. We continue down our sidecar alphabet in the next issue.