THE SOUTHERN CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE SHOW Inc. The Kempton Park Motorcycle Autojumble
Saturday, May 20, 2017 Kempton Park Racecourse
m) OPENS 9.30am (early bird 7.45a Adult £7, OAP £6, early bird £10 kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk
Buy, sell and browse at
’Normous Newark Autojumble Upcoming dates… Sundays, June 4 and July 2, 2017
newarkautojumble.co.uk
May 2017 £2.10 ISSUE
383
OLD BIKE MART ’
SUBSCRIPTION ONLY
Available from the first Saturday of every month
NEXT ISSUE: JUNE 3
This year’s Senior will mark 60 years since the late Bob McIntyre recorded the first 100mph lap of the Mountain Circuit on the works 500cc Gilera four in 1957. This historic Mortons Archive image shows Bob, his Glasgow Mercury MCC Club badge proudly emblazoned on his helmet, during that historic event. Photo: www.mortonsarchive.com
2 NEWS
May 2017
Pete’s Prattle
www.oldbikemart.co.uk email: info@oldbikemart.co.uk
Editor Pete Kelly OBMEditor@mortons.co.uk Designers Charlotte Fairman Production editors Sarah Palmer, Sarah Wilkinson Picture Desk Paul Fincham, Jonathan Schofield Divisional Advertising Manager Sue Keily Advertising Tania Shaw tshaw@mortons.co.uk Alan Green agreen@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-7pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm and 24hr ansaphone Archive Enquiries Jane Skayman jskayman@mortons.co.uk 01507 529423
J
im McKillop’s letter this month about golden motorcycle eras, while clearly written tongue-incheek, does raise the interesting question of what constituted the ‘golden era’ for each and every one of us. I suppose it all depends on aspects such as our age, the bikes we rode (and hopefully still ride) and what the roads were like at the time. While my own ‘golden era’ was clearly the 1960s, I well remember as a child examining any motorcycle that happened to be parked in the cobbled streets where I lived – mostly, I suspect, prewar warriors with girder forks and what often seemed like huge headlamps. They smelled of hot oil and old leather, carried the grimy patina of daily use, and their riders wore
whatever riding garb they could find – mostly the ex-armed services stuff with which the country was awash at the time. I’ve never understood those who express complete disinterest in anything that happened ‘before their time’, though, and during my frequent searches among the Mortons Archive files I’m always enchanted by those pictures of 1920s and 30s motorcycles parked alongside idyllic country lanes, with never another vehicle in sight. What freedom they must have enjoyed! By the same token, I was just as excited about the ‘Superbike era’ as those whose motorcycling days came right in the thick of it, when screaming two-stroke triples and twins spawned a thriving expansion chamber aftermarket, and
Founder Ken Hallworth
Electric starting for a 1913 Rex
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
It’s all well and good owning and riding a beautiful old motorcycle like Larry Smith’s 1913 Rex, but as the years pass by – in human terms, that is – veteran machines can become extraordinarily difficult to start. Larry, from Brockenhurst, Hampshire and a friend of Sammy Miller, found the answer by fitting an electric start! “A brilliant piece of engineering,” said Sam, and the engine fires up at the first touch of the button!”
PUBLISHED BY
PRINTED BY
If you saw this 1913 Rex wafting by in a veteran or vintage run, would you notice anything unusual about it?
sophisticated high-performance four-stroke fours became the norm, offering performance, handling and brakes that we could only have dreamed about a few years previously. Instead of constantly reliving what just happened to be our own motorcycling eras, why don’t we simply go out there and enjoy the lot? Ingenuity and improvement in design can be seen throughout the history of motorcycling, from those 100-year-old veteran machines (and equally dogged riders) that take part in the Pioneer Run each year to the remarkable road and racing developments of the 1920s and 30s, the wonderful motorcycling resurgence of the 1950s and 60s, the birth of the Superbike era during the 1970s and 80s and on to the present day.
Why not let us know what you enjoyed most about your own particular era, and whether you think that motorcycling is still going in the right direction?
NEWS 3
May 2017
Chris’s Pendine Sands Tigger is raring to go Could this machine become the fastest Triumph Tiger Cub in the world when Chris Davies, of West Midlands Cub specialists Meriden Off Road, goes for two speed record attempts on Pendine Sands, South Wales, over the weekend of May 13/14? A description of the initial preparation on the red-hot Tigger appeared in the March issue of Old Bike Mart, but now at last we can see photos of the completed machine – utilising a plunger Terrier frame – which was finished in time for the Stafford Show on April 22/23. Note the heavily-wrapped exhaust, culminating in a tiny reverse-cone megaphone, and the Brough Superior-style fuel tank that was hand-beaten by Willgood Fabrications near Shrewsbury. The idea of going for a record or two began when Chris came across a special Tiger Cub-based racing engine in Nottinghamshire that had been hidden away for over 20 years. The special barrel takes a single piston
All complete and ready for Pendine Sands, Meriden Off Road’s fiery little Tigger makes an impressive sight.
from a 650cc Triumph twin, and the engine breathes through a 26mm Mikuni carburettor. The single-piece 1950s crankcase has been built up with strengthening ribs, and to raise the gearing to substantially crack the ‘ton’, a large front and small rear sprocket have been fitted along with a
close-ratio four-speed gearbox. At Pendine the machine will run on 100-octane Avgas fuel. Polished alloy wheels, clip-ons and rear sets have been fitted, and the finish is Firecracker Red and silver. Chris said: “I’ve been involved with Tiger Cubs for many years, but never in all my days have I heard anything like it. It’s phenomenal!”
Charlie and Zach preparing for 1000-mile charity ride on brace of Rudge Ulsters
Charlie Williams entertains his fans at Grappenhall, near Warrington, on April 20.
Multi-TT winner Charlie Williams entertained an enthusiastic audience at the Grappenhall Ex-Servicemen’s Club near Warrington with tales from his illustrious road racing career on April 20. He took along a Maxton Yamaha and a prewar racing Rudge, the latter to emphasise a 1000-mile Land’s End-John o’Groats charity ride entitled ‘The Long Way Up’ which he and Zach Burns will be undertaking from June 14-18 This superb Senior Maxton Yamaha was one of the with the aim of raising £5000 race-winning machines that Charlie took along. between them. Both will be riding Rudge machines from charity, which aims to bring better education to children who live in the Mike Farrall’s extensive collection, Charlie on a 1934 500cc Rudge Ulster and Zach, a remotest areas of Nepal, while Charlie will be doing his ride in support of the TT trainee fireman and the boyfriend of one Riders’ Association. of Eddie’s daughters, on a 1929 Ulster. Donations can be made via the Representing the Cheshire Fire and www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ Rescue Service, Zach will be raising rudgeride website. funds for the ‘Classrooms in the Clouds’
‘Box of bits’ Black Shadow in Shepton Mallet sale A 1949 HRD Vincent Black Shadow Series C, bought as a box of bits in 2008 before undergoing a year-long rebuild and restoration, is coming up for sale at a Charterhouse auction at The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, on Wednesday, May 10. The matching numbers Black Shadow, which had last been on the road in 1979, has covered only 200 miles since its restoration, and lived in the hallway of the owner’s home in Cambridge where he and his wife could appreciate it every day. Now that he’s 85 years old, however, he does not think he’ll be riding it again, and the machine is estimated to sell at between £70,000 and £80,000. Charterhouse is accepting late entries for this classic motorcycle auction, the viewing for which will take place on the sale day only from 9am, with the auction getting under way at noon. Catalogues are available from Charterhouse, and all the motorcycles can be seen on www.charterhouse-auction.com where live internet bidding will also be available.
Above: The Black Shadow that’s expected to sell for £70,000-£80,000. Left: These were the last two road tax discs that the Vincent carried before it was sold as a box of bits and restored in 2008-9.
4 NEWS
May 2017
H&H Classics switches bike auctions from Donington to National Motorcycle Museum H&H Classics is moving its motorcycle sales from Donington Park to the National Motorcycle Museum, and the first sale at the new venue will take place on June 1/2. The auction house will hold three sales at the museum this year, and a minimum of three per year in future. H&H chief executive officer Dominic Lyncker said: “The museum is bike central for anyone who loves motorcycling, and this wonderfully atmospheric venue will allow us to offer our clients the best.” NMM director James Hewing said: “We are delighted to welcome H&H Classics for their forthcoming motorcycle auctions, and all those attending will enjoy our world-class facilities as well as having the opportunity to see the museum collection.” H&H was founded by Simon Hope in 1993 as a specialist auction house dedicated solely to the sale of collectors’ cars and motorcycles, and has handled everything from 1890s London to Brighton runners to a large variety of iconic motorcycles,
Celebrating a new partnership at the National Motorcycle Museum are (from left) George Beale and Mark Bryan from H&H Classics’ Motorcycle Department, museum director James Hewing and the NMM’s conference and events planning manager Liz Webb.
with some world record prices along the way. With its head office near Warrington, Cheshire, and its private sales garage near Hindhead in Surrey, along with specialist
bases throughout the country, it conducts regular sales at the Imperial War Museum at Duxford, Cambridgeshire, Woodcote Park, Surrey and now the National Motorcycle Museum.
Andy Forsdick talks chains at Girder Fork & Classic Club
‘Chain man’ Andy Fosdick gives some good advice about which chains to choose in front of a Girder Fork & Classic Motorcycle Club audience at Steeton Hall, near Keighley, on Tuesday April 4.
Andy Forsdick, whose father was an engineer for Renolds and other chain manufacturers before setting up IWIS, gave a revealing insight into the chain industry to more than 50 members of the Girder Fork and Classic Motorcycle Club at their club night on Tuesday, April 4. Following in his father’s footsteps, Andy runs his own business supplying IWIS and Regina chains to bike enthusiasts as well as the likes of Cosworth, Aston Martin, Prodrive and Nicholson
McLaren for their performance car engines. “If you want a chain that lasts and doesn’t break, always buy quality,” he advised the appreciative audience, “and steer clear of the many cheap chains on the market.” The Girder Fork & Classic Motorcycle Club meets at Steeton Hall, Station Road, Steeton, Keighley, at 7.30 for 8pm on the first Tuesday of each month, and Brian Sanderson would be happy to hear from anyone who’d like to give a talk on 07931 312579.
Renowned motorcycling photographer Don Morley is APMC’s new President Don Morley, whose long career has included being a staff photographer for The Motor Cycle and Autocar as well as being a photographer and writer for Motor Cycle News from 1957, has become the 49th Hon President of the Association of Pioneer Motor Cyclists, founded in 1927. Now in his 80s, he said: “The appointment came as a complete surprise, and I regard it a massive honour for someone like myself, who comes from the journalistic profession, as I’m one of the very few who has not been a TT rider.” He did once compete in road racing, trials, motocross and grasstrack
events, though. The APMC offers life membership to anyone who’s held a motorcycle licence for 50 years and upwards, and Don definitely qualifies, having been caught for riding illegally at the age of 15! His amazing career includes being a chief photographer for the British Olympic Association and a staff photographer at Rolls-Royce, as well as being assistant chief photographer for United Newspapers and staff photographer and picture editor at The Guardian. He’s written 24 books, mostly about motorcycle marques, but six about
The smile says it all as Don Morley receives the APMC’s presidential chain of office from outgoing Hon President and new chairman Ken Blake. Photo: John Knight.
photography, and has won numerous awards including Motoring Photographer of the year three times, and that for Sports Picture of the Year. He was the founder, past chairman and
hon member of The Professional Sports Photographers’ Association, and cofounder and director of the All-Sports Photographic Agency (now Getty Images).
Peaks and Troughs vintage challenge A spectacular 600-mile preClassic TT Peaks and Troughs Rally is being organised by the Scarisbrick & District Armada Motor Cycle Club, in support of two charities, from August 3-6 (not 3-9 as stated in last month’s
advertisement in OBM). Open to all pre-1990 motorcycles, the rally will cover Northumbria, the north Lakes and Scottish borders, and there will be a choice of long and short routes. Bed, breakfast, lunch and evening
meals will be included in the entry fees, and there will be a special prize for pre-1945 machines. For more information, contact John Makinson (07710 607835 or john@sdarmada.co.uk) or Roy Atkinson (07706 925620).
May 2017
5
6 NEWS
Lind Group acquires Jack Lilley Triumph Operating dealerships in Ashford and Romford, Jack Lilley Triumph, one of the founding Hinckley Triumph dealerships that started with the brand in February 1991, has been acquired by the Lind Group. The purchase, which became effective on April 1, extends the Lind network to a total of nine dealerships in Berkshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk and Surrey. The group acquired Black Bear Harley-Davidson in 2013, opened Reading HarleyDavidson in 2015 and has also bought SBW Motorrad (Lind Motorrad Welwyn Garden City). Triumph, the largest British motorcycle manufacturer, builds around 60,000 bikes per year, has more than 750 dealers across the world, employs some 2000 personnel worldwide and has subsidiary operations in the UK, America, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Benelux, Brazil, India and Thailand. It has manufacturing facilities in Hinckley, Leicestershire, and Thailand along with CKD facilities in Brazil and India.
Dead phone line apology Tim Stockdale, of Norton Twin Parts and Repairs (01904 413612/348381, mobile 07950 822939) would like to apologise to customers who were unable to contact him recently, due to him experiencing landline problems.
May 2017
USA-style Rocket 3 Mk.2 draws admiring glances at Stafford It was one of the world’s first true Superbikes, but after a lengthy development period the 750cc BSA Rocket 3 had already been upstaged by Honda’s 750 Four by the time it hit the market in time for the 1969 season. While its performance was never in doubt, its squarish fuel tank and large side covers gave it something of a slab-sided appearance, and those ‘ray-gun’ silencers were probably a bit much for some enthusiasts as well. By 1971, a totally restyled Mk.2 Rocket 3 was being exported to the USA featuring a smaller and perhaps less practical tank together with a generally tidied-up appearance, and its lighter, leaner styling included revised mudguards, simpler side panels, tapered megaphone-style silencers, slimline forks excluding gaiters and shock absorbers with exposed springs. While engine and frame remained much the same, a smaller gearbox sprocket gave livelier performance and no doubt poorer fuel economy – but across the pond ‘gas’ cost peanuts anyway! One of these American-style Rockets, which came back to the UK around 2007, drew admiring glances from many visitors as it was displayed by the Stewart Miller & Peter James Insurance stand (M61 Bingley Hall) at the 37th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show at the Staffordshire County Showground over the weekend of April 22/23. Three years after landing back in the Britain, during which time it had been partially restored, the Mk.2 Rocket 3 was bought by John Abram, who owns a collection of classic machines including a Mk.1 Rocket, and brought up to its present condition. John and Michael W George are the founders of John’s Motorcycle News at www.johnsmotorcyclenews.co.uk .
With acres of polished metal, a stylish tank and trim-looking side covers, John Abram’s Mk.2 BSA Rocket 3 is a delight on the eye.
Big classic bike plans for Coventry Motofest The organisers of Coventry Motofest have forged a partnership with the Coventry Business Improvement District, representing the city’s retailers, to create a new ‘show within a show’, the Coventry BID Classic, that hopes to feature no fewer than 1000 classic cars and bikes in equal proportions over the weekend of June 3 and 4. With display space available each day for 500 bikes (including scooters) and 500 cars, classic vehicle enthusiasts, along with car
and bike clubs across the UK, are being encouraged to join the fun on the ring road by helping Coventry Motofest fill its full display allocation. A high-profile line-up of classic cars and bikes will show their paces on the ring road-based Bennett’s Sprint Circuit’ on both the Saturday and Sunday, and in a rousing end to each day’s programme, the Coventry BID Classic Cavalcade will see the static display vehicles leave their allocated slots to do parade laps of the circuit.
Cars, bikes and scooters over 20 years old can be displayed free of charge, and guaranteed display places for individuals and clubs can be booked online at coventrymotofest.com/getinvolved Alternatively, classic car and bike owners can turn up and display on the day, although places will be subject to availability. Lee Holt, the head of bike displays, can be contacted through the Coventry Motofest website.
Cambridge museum hosts classic and vintage show Organised by the Cambridge section of the Greeves Riders’ Association on behalf of Cambridge Museum of Technology, a Classic and Vintage Motorcycle Show will take place at the museum from 2pm until 5pm on Sunday, June 25. All bikes, scooters and mopeds over 25 years old will be welcome, with free entry for bike and rider. There’s no need to book – just turn up and enter via the Chedders Lane entrance. For directions, see the www. museumoftechnology.com website or call 01223 500652.
May 2017
7
8 NEWS
May 2017
South-east is Britain’s bike theft hotspot Hundreds of riders took to the streets of London on Saturday, April 1 when the UK Motorcycle Theft Protest (UKMTP) staged two rideouts, one starting at the Ace Café and the other at Greenwich Park, both travelling towards Parliament Square and Tower Bridge, to raise awareness of the increase in motorcycle thefts in the capital. Supporting the runs, insurance broker Carole Nash revealed that those living in the south-east of England were at the highest risk of having their bikes stolen, with Greater London, Brighton
and Southampton being the three main hotspots. Around 26,000 motorcycles are stolen each year, costing their owners, the industry and insurers an estimated £105 million, and to help deter such crimes Carole Nash provides its policyholders with a free ‘DNA+’ forensic kit that leaves a unique mark on the bike, making it easily detectable by the police. The kit also includes a warning sticker to help deter thieves. Right: Riders taking part in one of the UKMTP rideouts are seen on April 1.
Midsummer night’s dream in Bucks The Bucks British & Classic Motor Cycle Club’s annual classic concours event for bikes only will take place in the delightful country setting of The Plough at Cadsden, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27 0NB, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, June 21.
Old Tyme Run in Hampshire
With live music, good food and beer, and many trophies to be presented, it’s no surprise that the event is rapidly growing in popularity. To find out more, visit www.bbcmcc.freeuk.com or phone Dermot on 07940 492348.
Sandwiched between a couple of tasty Vincents at a previous bike concours event at The Plough, these two visitors were clearly having a great time.
Sun shines on brilliant Prescott Bike Festival More than 6000 motorcycle enthusiasts flocked to the sun-baked seventh annual Prescott Bike Festival on April 9, making it the most successful yet, and brought record-breaking funding to the Nationwide Association of Blood Bikes and regional blood bike group the Severn Freewheelers. Staged at the Prescott Hill Climb in Gloucestershire, and featuring large displays of historic, modern and race bikes, a Paddock Specials ‘Show ‘n’ Tell area, live music, stunt shows and chances for visitors to ‘run the hill’ or enjoy passenger ride experiences, the festival excelled in entertainment of all kinds. Bizarre machinery, including no fewer than eight of Allen Millyard’s amazing creations, Matt McKeown’s Chinook helicopter-engined shopping trolley and his latest project, the world’s fastest hearse Dead Quick (which might go for a
200mph record this summer) thrilled the crowds – and this time Tom (The Atom) Anable actually reached the top of the hill climb course in his record-breaking Monowheel. Among the VIPs at the festival was David Hailwood, with his late father Mike’s Honda RC174, and also adding immensely to the enjoyment of the day were the many stands taken by clubs, manufacturers and traders. The Mayor of Gloucester, Cllr Neil Hampson, said: “As a district qualified nurse, I’m delighted to support the work of the Blood Bikers, and well understand the importance of the voluntary service they provide moving vital medical supplies, blood, pathology samples and human milk from medical centres and hospitals throughout the UK.” Exciting plans are already being drawn up for next year’s Prescott Bike Festival, which will take place on Sunday, April 15.
The North Hants Motor Club’s 57th annual Old Tyme Run will start from the Crookham Street Social Club, The Street, Crookham village near Fleet, Hants GU51 5SJ at 11am on Monday, May 29, with signing-on from 9.30am. The 40-mile run around local roads will cater for machines up to 1950, from 1951 to 1960, 1961 to 1975, pre-1985 British and European classics, pre-1990 Japanese classics and sidecar combinations. When riders return to the start to await the class awards, ploughmen’s lunches will be available, the bar will be open and a raffle will be drawn. All proceeds will be donated to The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice in Farnham. The entry fee is £8, and for more details phone Gay and Ian Craddock on 01252 67614.
Sheene’s winning Suzukis at Oliver’s Mount festival After agreeing sponsorship terms with Suzuki, Scarborough’s Oliver’s Mount race circuit has retitled the Barry Sheene Festival on July 22/23 ‘The Barry Sheene Festival Powered by Suzuki’ – and Barry’s world championship-winning bikes from 1976 and 1977 will be on display for the whole weekend. The Cock O’ the North races will take place at the circuit on June 24/25, and the Steve Henshaw Gold Cup event on September 23/24.
May 2017
9
10 NEWS
May 2017
National Motorcycle Museum Friends get a taste of exotica After receiving an induction and off-road training, eight members of the National Motorcycle Museum’s Friends scheme experienced the delights of riding some of the most exotic machines from the museum’s collection, including a Brough Superior SS100 and a Norton Rotary F1, around the picturesque Warwickshire countryside on Saturday, March 25. They were escorted by ex-police motorcyclists and IAM instructors as they rode via Henley in Arden and other local beauty spots. The different ‘hire’ fees included insurance and lunch in the museum’s restaurant after the ride, and the next Classic Bike Tour day will be Saturday, June 17.
There’s a ‘Goldie’ to the fore as the Friends await their next rides during the ‘Ride a Classic’ weekend of April 1-2.
Members of the National Motorcycle Museum’s Friends scheme sample exotic machines including a Brough Superior SS100 on Saturday, March 25.
Over the weekend of April 1-2, no fewer than 100 museum Friends rode a diverse range of classic motorcycles from the NMM’s inventory, including a BSA Gold Star, Sunbeam Model 9, 650cc Ariel Cyclone and ex-WD 1940 Triumph, in the first ‘Ride a Classic’ sessions of 2017. Two sessions, each for 25 pre-booked riders, took place each day to give everyone the chance to sample the 10 machines on offer. The event cost fully paid-up Friends just an extra £10 for
Brighter lights for older bikes A 12V H4 LED headlamp bulb, consuming just 20W and giving a bright, long, pure white beam, has been added to Paul Goffs’ range of lighting upgrades. The bulbs fit most single bike headlamps from the mid-1970s onwards, including Japanese and European, and for older bikes they are ideal for dynamo systems converted to 12V. They work on positive or negative arrangements. The H4 LEDs cost £32.50, and if required, 7in Lucas or Wipac headlamps can be supplied to fit most British bikes from the 1950s-70s for £32.95. Smaller 5¾in versions are also available. For more details, call 01494 868218 or visit the www.norbsa02. freeuk.com website.
George Brown Memorial Run The George Brown Memorial Vintage Run will start from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on Sunday, July 9. Details are available from Mick Taylor on 07773 432738.
Clifford Arms classic bike club debut show
One of the new H4 LED bulbs, complete with plug.
Rose of Shires Run celebrates Albert’s epic 1911 marathon Starting and finishing at the picturesque Stoke Bruerne Canal Museum, this year’s Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club’s Rose of the Shires Run will take place on Sunday, June 11. The 50-mile event celebrates the amazing efforts of Mr Albert E Catt who, over 105 years ago in 1911, took his 3½hp Triumph for an endurance ride totalling 2200 miles in six days, averaging 400 miles per day and 23mph. While the route, including roads used for
insurance, and the next ‘Ride a Classic’ day is Saturday, May 13. If you wish to become a Friend of the National Motorcycle Museum and take advantage of events like these, membership costs £29.95 annually for adults (18 to 65), £27.45 for senior citizens, £19.95 for juniors and £49.95 for a family of two adults and two children. To find out more, call the NMM on 01675 443311 or join online at www.thenmm.co.uk , where a video of Friends’ events can also be viewed.
historic sprints and hill climbs, is designed for pre-1930s machines, this year there will also be a ‘guest’ class to ensure that pre-1940s bikes in the area also come out of their sheds. The run will be broken by a lunch stop (ploughman’s optional) and those wishing to make a week’s holiday of it could also take in the Banbury Run the following weekend. Entry forms can be found at www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk/ calendar/?view=2017-6
This New Hudson rider was pictured at a recent Sunbeam MCC Rose of the Shires Run.
The Clifford Arms Classic Bike & Car Club is organising its first charity motorcycle show in the car park of its namesake pub in Great Haywood, Staffordshire ST18 0SR from 11am until 3pm on Sunday, May 21. The pub does great food, and while there’s no admission charge to the show, visitors will be invited to throw what they can afford into the buckets for Blood Bikes, the local air ambulance and Crohn’s and Colitis UK – a refreshingly simple idea. Club chairman Barry Owen can give more information on 07791 239802 or at barry. owen573@ntlworld.com
Charity bike show at Ashtonunder-Lyne The SSAFA Armed Forces charity will benefit from a motorcycle gathering and show organised by the British Motorcycle Preservation Society (Manchester section) at the Sycamore Inn, Stamford Square, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6QX from 11am until 3.30pm on Sunday, June 25. The venue is on the A635. Admission is just £1, and 10 trophies will be awarded for classes including vintage Japanese. A live band will add to the atmosphere, and food will be available. Bob (07512 682984) or Alan (01457 834492) are the contacts if you wish to enter a machine or learn more.
May 2017
11
12 NEWS
May 2017
AJS pair scoops best in show award at sunkissed Stafford show Starting with the skeletons of Two rare AJS machines made two worn-out production racers, history at the International the show winners came together Classic MotorCycle Show at the with parts made in Australia, the Staffordshire County Showground UK and Europe, along with other over the weekend of April 22/23. components from around the globe. The identical 1928 AJS K10s, in the custodianship of restorer Alan Smith, The black-and-gold beauties are identical in every way. “Lots of work were immediate stand-outs for the has gone into the project,” said Alan. judging panel at the Carole Nash“It was a mammoth job.” sponsored exhibition, so it was no It was also a successful weekend surprise that they were revealed as for the Rudge Club, which the best motorcycles in the show. celebrated its 60th anniversary last Head judge Dennis Frost said: year. It won the £1000 Best Club “Just when you think you’ve seen it award for a superb display that all at the Stafford shows, we get this included stand members donning incredible pair of bikes, the like of 1940s period clothing. which we’ve never had before. They Glorious sunshine brought out the were contenders from minute one, and we had to treat them as one entry crowds in force, with many traders reporting busy and profitable given their fascinating story. They are a fantastic example of restoration, weekends at what remains the biggest show of its kind in the world. absolutely worthy winners.” Feedback on superstar guest Troy Alan brought the almost 80-yearBayliss was just as positive, and old duo to Wiltshire four-and-athe Australian three-times World half years ago and began a joint Superbike Champion was a major restoration with Australia-based hit with the packed crowds who Peter Robinson, who’d originally gathered to hear him interviewed by sourced the bikes down under.
The Rudge Enthusiasts’ Club took the award for the best club stand, with members dressed up in the old-fashioned way. Note Charlie Williams, in white overalls in the middle, who’ll soon be embarking on a Land’s End-John O’Groats charity run with Zach Burns, on two Rudge Ulsters.
compere and TT winner Steve Plater. It was Troy’s first appearance in the UK for nearly 10 years, and he caught a flight back to his homeland late on the Sunday night. That afternoon, the premier Stafford Spring Sale from auction house Bonhams generated excited bidding both in the room and from across the world via the internet and phone lines, and the event achieved a remarkable 90% sell-through rate with a total figure of more than £2 million. Bonhams’ co-chairman and auctioneer Malcolm Barber said: “Even after 30 years of Stafford sales, the auction continues to go from strength to strength.” Attention now turns to October, and the second of the two annual Stafford classic motorcycle shows backed by insurance giant Carole Nash. Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said: “The Stafford events have become the biggest classic bike shows on the planet, and I think it’s fair to say that we retained that crown this weekend with yet another superb
Rows of gleaming show bikes are enjoyed by early crowds in the main hall at the Staffordshire County Showground over the weekend of April 22/23.
offering. It’s a testament to everyone involved – including key partners, traders, clubs and private entrants – that the shows just keep getting better and better. Roll on October!” For information about the
The delight is clear on Alan Smith’s face as this immaculate matching pair of 1928 AJS K10s scoops the best in show award.
Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show in October visit staffordclassicbikeshows.com and for details of all Mortons Media Group’s coming events visit mortonsevents.co.uk .
With his infectious smile, World Superbike hero Troy Bayliss proved a great guest of honour as he shares a joke with the enthusiastic audience and compere Steve Plater.
White Shadow stored for 40 years makes £163,900 in Bonhams’ Spring Stafford Sale A ‘barn find’ 1949 998cc VincentHRD White Shadow Series-C project beat the pre-sale estimate by more than £100,000 when it went under the hammer for £163,900 (including premium) at the Bonhams’ Spring Stafford Sale on Sunday, April 23. The term ‘White Shadow’ applies to the few Black Shadow-spec machines that left the Stevenage factory without the normal black-finished engine casings, and these machines were distinguished by ‘1A’ engine number prefixes (Vincent Rapides were ‘1’ and Black Shadows ‘1B’). Acquired by the vendor in March 1973, KOD 476 boasts an old-style continuation logbook recording one previous owner, who’d registered it in May 1957, details of the Vincent’s prior owners not being known. The machine was ridden mostly by the vendor’s father, who was a lifelong motorcyclist who’d never experienced the joys of riding a Vinnie, but sadly he died in 1975, and by the following year the White Shadow had been put into storage, where it remained for almost 40 years. At the Bonhams’ sale, lots of interest was also shown in the 1948 ex-Freddie Frith Velocette KTT Mk.VIII works special that won the 1949 350cc FIM World Championship. Although works Velocettes were often dismantled and the
components sold on, the engine and frame from the Frith 350 were reunited and rebuilt using genuine works parts, and this beautiful machine was sold at Stafford for £135,900. A 1926 981cc Brough Superior SS80/100 fitted with a 1925 overhead-valve KTOR engine made a whacking £126,940, while a 1930 680cc ohv Brough Superior Black Alpine found a buyer prepared to part with £112,380. A 1929 650cc ohv Brough was sold for £68,700. Returning to Vincents, a 1950 498cc Comet brought £19,550 while a 1951 998cc Vincent-HRD Rapide Series-C made £42,550. Lots of attention is being paid to Velocette Venom Thruxton prices these days, and the hammer fell on a fine 1968 example (not literally, of course!) at £19,550. Even a ‘Thruxtonised’ Venom sold for £9430. Matchlesses with 21 years between them, a 1937 1000cc Model X V-twin and a 1958 592cc G11CSR, were bought for £50,600 and £4140 respectively. While a crated and unused 1998 750cc MV Agusta F4 ‘Serie Oro’ was auctioned for £36,800, no less than £66,460 was paid for a 1973 MV Agusta 750S. What’s a Manx Norton or an AJS 7R worth these days? Well, a mostly original 1956 7R was sold for £26,450
while the top-selling Manx, a 1962 350cc model, made £27,025. A 1947 500cc Manx went for £19,550. It’s nice to see the resurgence in classic trials events, and two mouthwatering lots were a 1954 500cc Ariel HT5 that fetched a top price of £24,725 and a 1945 490cc Norton 18T trials motorcycle that was sold for £14,950. Many of us, however, might be happy enough to aspire to a nice little Villiers-engined classic British lightweight, and there were plenty of fine examples to choose from. For instance a 1956 147cc Norman B1S went for £1725, a 1959 249cc Norman twin £2185, a 1960 249cc Norman B3 twin £2760 and a 1960 249cc B4 Sports £3220. A 1966 James M25S Sports Superswift was sold for £2875, its Francis-Barnett equivalent, a 1965 Cruiser 91 Sports, £2645, a 1957 197cc James Captain £1495 and a 1966 Royal Enfield Turbo Twin £3450. Into this same price bracket, at £1265, came a fine-looking 1966 246cc Yamaha YDS3. As for Honda Monkey Bikes, a 1964 49cc CZ100 example brought £5750 and a 1967 CZ50M £3220. In an interesting Nazi-era Teutonic comparison, a Zundapp KS600 ohv flat twin with a Felber petrol-tube sidecar made £35,650 and a 1941 745cc BMW R12 £19,550.
The top price paid at the Stafford sale was £163,900 for this 1949 998cc Vincent-HRD White Shadow Series-C project – more than £100,000 above the initial estimate.
This ex-Freddie Frith world championship-winning 348cc dohc Velocette KTT Mk.VIII Works Special was sold for £135,900 at the Bonhams’ Spring Stafford Sale on Sunday, April 23.