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In this issue we pay our respects to road racing legend Geoff Duke OBE, who died at the age of 92 on May 1. Here he flings a Gilera Four, sporting a full dustbin fairing, around the Spa Francorchamps circuit during the Belgian Grand Prix of 1956. Photo: Mortons Archive

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2 NEWS

June 2015

Pete’s Prattle www.oldbikemart.co.uk email: info@oldbikemart.co.uk

Editor Pete Kelly OBMEditor@mortons.co.uk Publisher Dan Savage Designer Tracey Barton Divisional advertising sales manager David England dengland@mortons.co.uk Advertising Ricky Nichols rnichols@mortons.co.uk Tania Shaw tshaw@mortons.co.uk 01507 524004 Marketing manager Charlotte Park Circulation manager Steve O’Hara Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Associate director Malcolm Wheeler General Queries 01507 529529 (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.

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A common admonishment to those of us who tore up the local streets in the 1960s with the reckless abandon of youth was: “Who do you think you are – Geoff Duke?”

Now that the legend, whose name many of us have known all our lives, has finally passed away – on May Day at the age of 92 — the world is suddenly a much emptier place.

Geoff’s story has been told so many times that anyone who was around during the classic years of motorcycle road racing will know it off by heart.

Born in St Helens, Lancashire, on March 29, 1923, he became a riding instructor in the Royal Corps of Signals in 1942, rising to

team sergeant with the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team.

After the war he worked for BSA then Norton, where he was a member of the trials team. In 1948 he made his Isle of Man road racing debut on a 350cc Norton, but a split oil tank put paid to a promising performance.

The following year he took the Senior Clubman’s TT and Senior Manx Grand Prix, and in 1950 he won the 1950 Senior TT on a Featherbed Manx Norton.

After taking three world championships for Norton – the 350/500cc ‘double’ in 1951 and the 350cc in 1952 — he won three 500cc world titles in a row for Gilera, but his hopes for a fourth were dashed when his

Norton Festival moves forward ■ The Norton Owners’ Club informs us that the Norton Festival at Coventry’s Museum of Transport has been moved forward to August 9 from August 16.

‘Vintage’ T-shirts from Vintage Tyres Vintage Tyre Supplies Ltd is running a website offer of a free limitededition T-shirt with any order for Avon tyres worth over £150. In sizes S, M, L, XL and 2XL, the black and white T-shirts are not available anywhere else. The website for the firm, whose registered office is at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst, Hampshire SO42 7ZN, is www.vintagetyres.com.

Although several exclusive T-shirt designs are available from Vintage Tyre Supplies Ltd, this is the one that naturally will appeal to most motorcyclists.

support for a riders’ strike brought him a six-month ban by the FIM. After being accredited with the first 100mph lap of the mountain circuit in 1955, he was dealt a crushing blow when this was downgraded to 99.97mph, and it was left to Bob Mac to take the glory two years later.

Geoff revolutionised road racing ‘fashion’ when local tailor Frank Barker made him a sleek black close-fitting one-piece leather suit in 1950.

My only tenuous link to Geoff was when I had my own leather racing suit made in the same shop in 1965, being measured up

by Frank in a ‘racing crouch’ on that very same stool! Unlike Geoff, however, my club road

racing career was short-lived and not very successful – but it was a great pose all the same!

A full tribute to Geoff Duke OBE appears elsewhere in this issue.

53rd Graham Walker Memorial Run Once again the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club Ltd is inviting entries for the long-running Graham Walker Memorial Run, and this year’s event will start and finish at the National Motor Museum at Beaulieau.

Hampshire, on Sunday, August 9.

The club is indebted to Lord Montagu for allowing it to use of this superb location for one of its longest-running veteran and vintage events, which is open to any person entering a motorcycle, tricycle or sidecar outfit manufactured before December 31, 1940.

Assembly will be from 10am, with a road safety run around the New Forest of 40 miles, or 22 miles for veterans and low-powered machines, starting

at 1.15pm. The route is well-signed and marshalled, and route sheets are supplied.

There are awards for all classes, with presentations at 4pm, usually by Lord Montagu and Murray Walker.

Entry passes give access to the museum, Palace House and grounds, and additional passes may be bought in advance from the secretary of the meeting at well under 50% of normal entry prices.

Entry forms and regulations can be downloaded from the club’s website, and should be sent to secretary of the meeting Ian D. McGill, The Oaktree, 13 Victoria Road, Horley, Surrey RH6 9BN by Thursday, July 16.

NEWS 3

June 2015

Now Harris Performance is acquired by Royal Enfield T

hings are moving fast at Royal Enfield, whose chief executive officer, Siddhartha Lal, has announced the firm’s acquisition of the UKbased Harris Performance Products Ltd. Harris Performance was responsible for the chassis development of the Continental GT café racer, and under the terms of the deal RE will acquire all assets, employees, trade names, technical expertise and intellectual property of the firm that was established more than 40 years ago by brothers Steve and Lester Harris and Stephen Bayford.

Siddhartha Lal said: “Royal Enfield is working on its new generation of products and platforms; to have the Harris Performance team dedicatedly working with us will clearly

enhance our engineering and product design capabilities.

“Their proven expertise, deep insight into and understanding of motorcycling and Royal Enfield will be invaluable. All the current staff at Harris Performance will now become employees of Royal Enfield, taking responsibility for the performance and development engineering for our new range of motorcycles.

“They will be part of Royal Enfield’s upcoming UK Tech Centre.”

Steve Harris said: “Having worked with Eicher Motors’ motorcycle brand, Royal Enfield, for a number of years as a technical partner, we have experienced at first-hand their capability, commitment and ambition for their motorcycles and accessories.

Harris Performance Products director Steve Harris (left) and Royal Enfield’s chief executive officer Siddhartha Lal sign the deal that will raise RE’s game considerably.

“We are proud to be integrated into the Eicher family, and the founders and staff of Harris

NMM says farewell to Dave Roach – after 31 years of service Dave Roach, the National Motorcycle Museum’s secondlongest serving member of staff, has retired after 31 years’ service. He started working as a driver for NMM founder Roy Richards before there was even a museum!

Dave, who lives at nearby Sheldon, said: “After I left Land Rover, Mr Richards asked me to join the museum in a general role which included driving. I was collecting machines from all over the UK before the museum opened, and I’ve also been responsible for helping to clean the 850-plus machines on display for the past 30 years.”

Museum director James Hewing said: “Dave had a huge knowledge of the collection and was brilliant at talking to people. We are looking to fill this full-time vacancy to help keep all the machines in the collection clean.

“However Dave’s shoes won’t be easy to fill because it’s also about having knowledge of the bikes in the collection to help assist visitors.”

Anyone interested in this unique vacancy should email james@thenmm.co.uk

An evening with Peter Williams

His boots won’t be easy to fill: Dave Roach is pictured at his leaving party before retiring from the National Motorcycle Museum after more than 30 years.

Barnsley Bikers support asbestos charity Barnsley Bikers’ annual charity event, the Barnsley Motorcycle Festival, will take place at Wombwell Go-Kart Stadium on Station Road S73 0BJ from 9am until 3.30pm on Sunday, June 28.

A 0.9-mile track is available for parades, and a static show will be judged and awards given.

This year’s charity is the South Yorkshire Asbestos Victim Support Group.

The club has been organising this

Performance look forward to contributing to Royal Enfield’s continuing success.”

‘show with go’ since 2000, and the prices have never been increased since. To parade and/or show a machine costs £5 pre-booked or £7.50 on the day, and normal admission costs just £2.50, children free. Hot and cold food and drinks will be available, and there are clean toilets.

For more information, call Phil Pearce on 07722 540786 or email phil.lyn@tiscali.co.uk.

Road racing legend Peter Williams will be talking to writer Jim Reynolds at Lacon Childe School in Love Lane, Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire DY14 8PE on Friday, July 3.

Starting at 7.30pm, Peter will recount his life around motorcycles, from his L-plate days to winning the 250cc class on an AJS at the Thruxton 500-mile endurance race and developing and winning on the legendary G50 Arter Matchless.

Peter went on to develop and ride Norton’s Formula 750 racer, including winning in the TT, before a near-fatal crash at Oulton Park ended his racing career in 1974.

Although the injuries sustained left him disabled, his ability to think originally was not affected, and he has since worked on development at Cosworth and Lotus as well as producing designs for motorcycle chassis that would be revolutionary.

Currently he is producing 25 replicas of the 1973 John Player Norton, using the same monocoque chassis design, and he is also working on design for a leading diesel engine manufacturer.

His capacity for self-criticism and his willingness to tell the simple ungarnished truth make him one of the best talkers about the British motorcycle industry as it headed for collapse.

There will be time for members of the audience to ask questions in what promises to be a fascinating evening.

There will be a licensed bar selling the award-winning local Hobson’s beers, including a rebottling of the renowned 2011 Peter Williams Beer.

To be sure of a place, it’s best to buy the £5 tickets in advance, although the same charge will be applied at the door. Contact Jim Reynolds on 01299 270642 or email uncle.jim@icloud.com.

Another NMM raffle prize dream comes true – and next time it’s a ‘Shadowised’ 1947 Vincent Rapide

What a prize! Winter Raffle winner Simon Hollingworth gets the feel for his Norton Commando 961 café racer at the National Motorcycle Museum.

Simon Hollingworth of Suffolk became the lucky winner of a brand new Norton Commando 961 café racer when the winning ticket in the National Motorcycle Museum’s Winter Raffle was drawn by Nick and Tony Jefferies at the Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show at Stafford on Sunday, April 26.

Second prize, a 1958 250cc BSA C12, went to Ken Hill, from the West Midlands, and Michael Rust from Northamptonshire won the third prize of a luxury ‘classic’ weekend break for two.

Museum director James Hewing has announced that a

beautiful 1947 998cc Vincent Rapide, built to Black Shadow specification in the museum’s workshops, will be the top prize in the May to October 2015 Summer Raffle.

A 1965 175cc BSA Bantam D7 will constitute the runnerup prize, and third prize will be another luxury ‘classic’ weekend break for two (www.thewindmillvillagehotel .co.uk).

The draw will take place on Saturday, October 31, at the NMM’s Museum Live open day, and tickets are being distributed via current subscription copies of the specialist press.

Some lucky person will be declared the winner of this fabulous ‘Shadowised’ 998cc 1947 Vincent Rapide when the winning ticket of the NMM’s Summer Raffle is drawn at the ‘Museum Live’ open day on Saturday, October 31.

They can also be obtained via the museum on 01675 444123, by emailing shop@ thenmm.co.uk or online at www.thenmmshop.co.uk.

want obm delivered to your door?

1 year subscriptions from £16. See page 55 for details

To advertise in the July issue of Old Bike Mart give Tania a call on 01507 529467

14 FROM OUR ARCHIVES

June 2015

A last brief glint of sunshine…

Produced under the auspices of the mighty BSA empire in the immediate postwar years, the shaftdrive Sunbeams were an attempt to perpetuate the standards of one of the most respected names in British motorcycling history – but sadly, after being produced for just one brief decade, they were suddenly no more.

D

esigned by Erling Poppe, a gifted engineer of Austrian descent, the radical shaftdrive, overhead-camshaft, Sunbeam S7 tandem parallel twin was one of the most outstanding British motorcycles of the early postwar years.

The glory of the stylish newcomer was shortlived, however, for the original S7s, born at a time of extreme austerity, were so over-engineered and expensive that only 2104 of them were sold between 1946 and 1948.

The S7 was replaced by the cheaper-to-produce S7 Deluxe and S8 in 1949, but they were in production for just a further eight years before BSA, which had owned the distinguished

A familiar location on the cover of an early post-war Sunbeam brochure.

Close-up on a beautiful piece of engineering.

Sunbeam name since 1943 and had even planned S9 and S10 models, quietly dropped them from its portfolio.

The sporting S8, featuring high-compression pistons, narrow tyres and boasting an increase in top speed from 75 to 85mph – yet retaining the plunger-type rear suspension — was the most successful of the trio, with 8530 being sold. Some 5554 S7 Deluxe models also left the factory.

The idea of the postwar Sunbeams is said to have resulted from a ‘Forum’ set up between BSA and a motorcycling magazine towards the end of 1944, inviting readers to submit their ideas for a ‘machine of the future’ — but research also indicates that the S7’s engine and transmission train were based firmly on BMW R75 designs that were acquired by BSA at the end of the war.

Let’s not forget that the popular little Bantam, too, had German origins.

If you can imagine a flat twin with its cylinders swivelled completely upright, one behind the other in a common block, you have the basis for the Sunbeam S7, and in a road test that appeared in The Motor Cycle of October 30, 1947, the reporter’s enthusiasm for the glossy black newcomer was apparent right from the start.

“The Sunbeam twin, with flexible engine mountings, is a machine which is outstanding in conception, as a product and in all-round performance,” he wrote. “When announced over 18 months ago, the S7 was hailed as one of the first true postwar designs. It is, however, more than that; it is a machine with so many advanced features that it constitutes a clearlymarked breakaway from the accepted standards of the day.”

In appearance, the Sunbeam differed so obviously from the average machine that, when encountered by motorcyclists and others with knowledge of then-current trends and technical features, it became an endless topic of conversation.

The crankshaft arrangement lent itself perfectly to the unit construction of the engine and gearbox and also, of course, to shaft drive.

The overhead camshaft was chain-driven, and light alloys were used for the one-piece cylinder block, crankcase and connecting rods.

Driven from the front of the crankshaft was a ‘pancake’-style Lucas dynamo with an output of 40W.

This full colour Sunbeam advertisement extolling the 57’s smooth, quiet luxury, appeared in a 1952 issue of Motor Cycling.

On wheels that were quickly-detachable and interchangeable, the S7’s 4.75in-section tyres were another distinguishing feature, but as their treads wore down, the machines tended to develop a slow weaving motion on the open road.

The fat tyres and wide, deep mudguards gave the Sunbeam a massive appearance, yet once astride the machine, the 1947 road tester found no sensation of heavy handling.

“Top weight would appear to be low relative to the total weight of the machine,” he wrote, “and manoeuvrability is good.”

The sportier S8 model had narrower tyres, a high compression engine and a top speed of 85mph rather than 75mph.

The saddle was quite a sophisticated affair, rubber being used at the nose and rear of its frame, which pivoted some inches behind the nose and operated a compression spring concealed in the top tube of the motorcycle frame (see sectioned diagram). “The result is a saddle which is entirely free from side play and which feels just as comfortable at the end of a day’s hard riding as it did at the start.”

Retained by clips mounted in rubber bushes in the top lug of the forks, the original S7 handlebars had old-fashioned inverted levers for the front brake and clutch, but the later S7 Deluxe and S8 models reverted to normal levers.

While the right-hand twistgrip was the normal throttle control, the left-hand grip operated the dip switch, with a neat, built-in horn push nearby. In fact there was no need for a single clip-on handlebar control because the Sunbeam’s coil ignition system included auto-advance, so an exhaust-valve lifter wasn’t necessary. As the carburettor was fitted with an accessible strangler rather than an air slide, a handlebar-mounted choke lever wasn’t needed either.

The road test writer enthused: “With the engine cold or hot, starting was ridiculously easy.

The kick starter gearing is such that the resistance of compression needs only slight effort to be overcome, so that with the ignition switched on and the throttle a fraction open, it was simply necessary to put one’s weight gently on the pedal to bring the engine into life.”

Even with a stone-cold engine, the same procedure was effective provided the strangler was used, and it could be opened again after the engine had been running for less than a minute.

FROM OUR ARCHIVES 15

June 2015

This sectioned drawing of a Sunbeam S7 was reproduced in a Sunbeam brochure by courtesy of Motor Cycling.

The clutch proved light in operation and freed readily, so that when the bike was stationary, bottom gear could be engaged noiselessly. In common with many shaft-drive machines, however, it was best to take one’s time over gear-changing at higher speeds to avoid clashing.

The Sunbeam’s low-speed handling and comfort made it a delight to ride in town, even over the most poorly-maintained of cobbles and rippled surfaces that remained rife in 1947.

It brought a chuckle to read how the tester deliberately rode the S7, with its big fat tyres, over wet and greasy tram lines, provoking a single skid over some unduly sunken rails!

“So good was the low-speed pulling that there was a tendency to hang on to a higher gear than one would with an average machine,” went the report. “It wasn’t uncommon to find oneself still in top gear at speeds of about 15mph. The Sunbeam didn’t seem to object to this treatment, and even if the throttle were opened quickly, the only reminder that a change down might well have been made was a slight flutter of the engine in its rubber mountings.”

There was no transmission snatch, and the engine was never heard to pink even when special efforts were made to make it do so.

On the open road, the 487cc Sunbeam would cruise effortlessly at around 65mph, and with the increased airflow around its in-line cylinders, it seemed to run cooler at this speed.

In an attempt to obtain extreme conditions, the machine was taken over heathland with gulleys and ditches across its path. The telescopic front forks bottomed, but never the rear plungers.

Over she goes! A Motor Cycling road tester leans a Sunbeam S7 into a right-hand corner.

The front wheel had a tendency to hop at speeds around 70mph, and experimenting with tyre pressures and wheel balancing failed to cure the phenomenon.

With much of the riding on wet and filthy roads, the test reporter was impressed by the excellent mudguards that kept muck off the completely oiltight engine.

While cornering was effortless and accurate in normal circumstances, a roll would set in if a rapid cornering style were adopted – another effect, perhaps, of those large tyres.

The chunky looking nature of the Sunbeam S7 comes over clearly in this photo by Joe Dick.

The headlamp shell carried the speedometer head along with ignition and oil pressure warning lights, and a road fund licence holder was neatly incorporated into the nearside lamp bracket.

“From stem to stern,” summed up the report, “the Sunbeam has been brilliantly conceived and designed. In all-round performance it reaches a very high standard indeed and is worthy of its illustrious name, for so many years associated with some of the finest products of the British motorcycle industry.”

A report on the lighter and sportier S8 in The Motor Cycle of January 5, 1950, praised particularly the smoothness of the engine and transmission, especially when revving in the higher ranges, although with its higher compression ratio, the engine would pink on pool petrol.

With the benefit of hindsight, however, the S7 and S8 Sunbeams were limited in their performance by design compromises that were never mentioned by those early road test reporters.

Far from being ultra-smooth, the production prototypes that were sent abroad suffered from excessive vibration, and prompted the use of those rubber mountings.

Instead of utilising BMW-style bevel gears, worm gears were used which, it has been suggested, could cause shaft drive problems and strip under stress. Whatever the truth of the matter, BSA kept the power output down to an adequate rather than outstanding 24bhp.

Respected Sunbeam parts specialists Stewart Engineering confirm that a Sports variant with a much higher compression ratio and different overhead-camshaft design was road-tested at 94mph in 1946, but never went into production.

The reason why was never officially disclosed, but rumour had it that it produced too much power for the wellbeing of its components, notably the rear drive unit.

Later evidence apparently proved this to be unfounded, and that high-speed handling problems lay behind the decision not to produce.

We might never know for sure, but in any case such speculation should not besmirch what was, after all, a genuine effort to perpetuate a coveted name with a machine that was intended to live up to all the quality standards Sunbeam riders had come to expect.

The final embers came with the BSA Sunbeam scooters that were produced alongside the badge-engineered Triumph Tigress versions in both 250cc four-stroke and 175cc two-stroke forms from the end of 1959 until the mid-1964/5 – an even shorter reign than the S7s and S8s.

A profile of the Sunbeam Owners’ Fellowship, catering for S7 and S8 enthusiasts, appears elsewhere in this issue.

34

June 2015

obmservices guide -FORK REPAIRS-

-HUBS-

-NUMBERPLATES-

-MACHINES FOR SALEYamaha XS250 1978, sold as spares or repair not used for a few years but in excellent condition, lots of new parts fitted, on Sorn, £725 ono. Tel. 07831 708960.

Kent. OB545560C

-CYCLEMOTORS-

Veteran Hub Gears

Repaired, reconditioned, parts supplied for Sturmey Archer, Armstrong, etc., etc.

2 sp, 3sp, also s/s hub clutch models.

Understanding attention from experienced rider of ‘Pioneer’ machines.

-FRAME REPAIRS-

Maidstone Motoliner Ltd

FRAME STRAIGHTENING

checking and repairs, forks, yokes and cast wheel repairs 30 years experience and same day service

Tel: 01622 790705 www.motoliner.com

FRA M E

BE N T?

OB545090C

OB545189C

Raleigh bicycle 1950s/60s sturmey archet dynohub, brooks saddle, Trojan minimotor engines, near complete, one part engine, petrol-oil tank, list of a number of spares, more 07773 621844. Yorks OB545489C

A L L M O TO R CYCL E N UM BE R PL ATE S M A N UF A CTUR E D

REG NUM BERS BO UGHT FO R CASH

Tel:0 1 5 1 924 6480

P O Box 333 Cros by, Liverpool L23 2W B

O rd eron lin e

w w w .chestn u t-registra tion s.co.u k

-NUTS & BOLTS-

Triumph 1949, sprung hub, for the real poser you will never see one like this or afford to have one made, immaculate, totally renovated years ago, all gold plated costing £1000s, top engineering job. Tel. 01706821801. OB545511C

Greeves 250 Trials sidecar outfit, 1962, TE/S, one previous owner from new, all numbers match, V5, taxed, MoT, engine rebuilt etc, genuine bike, ring £2995. Tel. 01205 820077 for more details.

Lincs. OB545420C

MILLING & TURNING

-MAGNETOS-

Honda CB750KZ, 1979, (dry stored 26 years), full service, investment or useable classic, 18,000 miles only with workshop manual, £3000. Tel. 01442 256400.

Hemel Hempstead, Herts. OB545111C Honda VFR750 F-5, 1995, silver, Sorned, 39k miles, very nice bike in original condition, must sell to thin collection, hence £900. Tel. 01233 339288. Kent.

-PAINTWORK-

Honda HRC RT250, early 1985 with sand cast rear hub, original except h/bar rubbers and recent paint, unused since, £3350. Tel. 07891 176999.

Bristol. OB545100C Honda TLM Mono-link, good useable condition, for sale due to my health and age, £920. Tel. Colin 01524 280015. Lancs.

OB545191C

All motorcycles wanted, modern or classic, any condition, garage clearance etc, nationwide collection. Tel. 07774 964386 or 01244 532443 (T). AC545129C

All pre war motorcycles, sidecar outfits, motorcars and three wheelers wanted, from basket cases to fully restored, collected anywhere in the UK. Please ring: 01257-271005 or 07980-036474, (T), email: andrew185@btinternet.com anytime 7 daysOB543033C

Kawasaki ER5 careful owner, only 1292 genuine miles, mint condition, bike on Sorn kept in dry garage, MoT till March 2016, £1850. Tel. 01142 817313.

Sheffield OB545543C

Suzuki GS500 EV 97, blue and silver, very nice condition, full working order, one years MoT, £585 ono. Tel. 01507 441904 or 07905 118653. OB544799C

Vmax 1200cc, 26 years old, only showing 26,000 miles, good condition with howling wolves artwork on tank, needs a little rubbing to some alloy parts, 11mths MoT, Sorn, would swap for modern tourer, £3500.

01217-898900 Birmingham.

For sale: Jawa Speedway bike with Weslake 500cc engine, magic box ignition, oil collector and sump guard fitted, £1600 ono. Tel. 01202 876480. Dorset.

OB545108C

-ROAD RACINGMolnar new Manx engine, built

by Andy Savage, £10,500. Burgess replica Manx frame, complete with swinging arm, £1100. R/M Manx 500 big/end, new, £125. Manx rear wheel, £800. Tel. 01992.613125.

OB544807C

-OFF ROAD COMP-

BSA Bantam C15 full machines or part spares any condition wanted plus any twin/shock pre-65 trials machines also any spares for all machines (British or foreign) fair price given distance no problem.

Tel. Dave 075053 28953 or 01282 6 1 4 4 4 3 .

E m a i l . djcaphooke@outlook.com BSA C15 wanted to ride/restore must be complete and prefer in running order, would prefer Hampshire/Sussex areas as would collect and pay cash up to £600 dependant on condition. Tel. Andrew 07794 786387. OB545250C

Francis-Barnett J/K45 (foot change) Cruiser wanted by younger(!) enthusiast as an introduction to pre-war motorcycling. Complete, running example preferred with originality more important than appearance but some fettling considered. Carl 01256 817055 or 07950 385407.

OB544918C

OB544916C

Honda CB500S Twin wanted, must be in excellent condition.

Please tel. 01228 543782.

Cumbria. OB545255C

Titanium components. Aircraft quality, Grade 5 titanium parts manufactured to your specificiation, spindles, spacers, studs, bolts, plates etc.

One off's a speciality. For discussion on your individual requirements phone Pete on: 01274-884419. (T).PE545133C

Honda XL600LMF Combo start, red engine, twin headlight model, your price paid for right bike.Tel. Ian 01624 878861. E-mail. johannaross@manx.net OB544920C

ISO Milano/Tempi 150cc scooter or parts required, please contct Mark on 07981 751086 or mail mark2770@icloud.com Worcester.

OB544919C

Kawasaki W650/ W800, wanted anything considered, will travel.

Tel. 07710 462667. OB545260C

-SIDECARS-

Antig Grasstrack frame complete with gas air forks, suit upright needs painting, £80. C15 Road bike petrol tank, clean no dents, £25. Tel. 01704 575800.

Southport OB545484C

BSA Bantam trials, D13 engine, trials modified engine, electronic ignition, modified forks, little used since built, £1500 ono. Tel. Mick 01246 862896. Chesterfield. OB545109C

SA532828C

British motorcycle wanted 500cc or over, pre or post war, anything considered but looking for an original machine.

Tel. 01270 842206.

(T).

Honda CB250 Nighthawk , late model, low mileage wanted.

Contact Mike 01507 622351or mike.mcr.ross@talk21.com

1970 Motori Minarelli, 50cc racer, excellent condition, runs well, genuine reason for sale, £3500. Tel. 07977 101456, South Wales. OB545513C

OB545432C

AN545529C

At Sammy Miller Museum Trust buys classic bikes and projects.

Tel. 01425 616644 (T), email: museum@sammymiller.co.uk

OB545257C

Tiger Cub T20B engine complete vgc, recent refresh and running, known history, offers. Cub sports subframe modified for inside frame exhaust and raised rear loop, painted ready to fit, £95. Tel. 01704 575800.

Southport

Yamaha FJ1200 1991, 27,000 miles, MoT, all original, £1550 ono.

BMW R1100S Sports extras plus luggage, pitstand, seatcover, 28,000 miles, silver, £2750 ono.

Tel. 01507 450453 or 07582 952832. OB545427C

Yamaha SR 250cc, OHC, single cylinder electric start, 1981, restored, European style, see photo, nice condition, new tyres, MoT, £1500. For more details tel. 01233 502099; 07970 640932.

Ashford, Kent.

Andy Tiernan buys all pre war BSA's especially v-twins. Tel. 01728 724321 (T) or email: andybuysbikes@hotmail.com

BSA 250 wanted C10 or C11 or C12 complete or not complete or spares. Tel. John 01737 813034.

Surrey. OB545252C

OB544803C

-NUMBERPLATES-

AA Box c.1940. Early clip-on engines 1900-1920. Also Werner complete bikes or parts. DeDion Bouton 2 3/4hp engines, air or watercooled. Tel. 01729 850411. (T).SM543044C

DA545371C

OB545483C

-PAINTWORK-

-MACHINES WNTA BSA to a Vincent. We are looking for classic bikes, restoration projects, single bikes or collections. Instant decision, cash paid. Anything considered. Tel. 01933-358888 (T).OB545141C

An Indian 350 Enfield pre-1990, might consider 500, any condition considered, would prefer a runner.

Tel. 0151 922 4212. Lancs.

OB545167C

-MUDGUARDS-

Watsonian Mid 1930s lightweight chassis, 4 point fittings, 19" wire wheel, good tyre, lamps on mudguard fitted, craftsman built sprung luggage carrying body, lockable lid and boot, all good, ready for use, £500. Tel. 01465 871273. OB545298C

OB545258C

w w w .a b b a re pa irs .c o.uk

-LOCKSMITHS-

NJ535389C

-EMERGING CLASSICS-

Fram e straightening specialistw ith over30 yearsexperience on classicm achines.

Fram e jigs,suitable forallm odels;ridged,plunger,sw ing-arm Fram e checking from £45.00 + VAT *Also fork and yoke straightening service

a b b a M otorc yc le E quipm e n t, Un it1, 29 Cutle rs Roa d , S a ltc oa te In d E s t, S outh W ood ha m fe rre rs , Che lm s ford CM 3 5W A Te l 01245 322331 Fa x 01245 322767

Clubman trials shocks, £67 pair inc VAT. Tel. NJB Shocks 01206 768392, mob. 07788 715163. (T). www.njbshocks.co.uk or email: norman@njbshocks.co.uk

DOT trials 1957 250cc full circle crank engine, new carb, piston, external coil etc but non runner, needs completing, No V5, age confirmed by DOT motorcycles, located in Somerset, £1400.

Contact Derek after 2 June 07941 9 7 8 8 0 3 .

E m a i l . derlyn2@gmail.com OB545266C

H A VE Y O U R FR A M E C H EC KED B EFO R E STA R TING R ESTO R A TIO N

FR AM E R EPAIR ER S TO THE N ATION AL M OTOR CYCLE M USEUM

BSA B50, OIF rolling chassis, new alloy rims, s/s spokes, sprocket, new alloy guards, bash plate, new rear shocks, handlebars, new tyres, tubes, levers, no cuts, no welds, £2250.

Tel. 07955 201913. Bangor.

Bultaco Sherpa 350T Trials outfit, needs finishing, £750 ono.

Tel. 0121 6801008. W Mids.

Tel: 01422 839736 Mobile: 07968 401170

K. Hellowell, 68 Industrial Road, Sowerby Bridge, W. Yorks HX6 2RB E-mail: kdhgear@aol.com www.motorcyclehubgears.com

Squire ST2 single seat, with fittings to suit Royal Enfield Bullet, black with hood and tonneau cover, £450. Can email photos. Tel. 01785 850629.

Staffs. OB545104C

1981 BMW 500cc, only 23,500 miles, service record, history, docs, old Steib chassis, home built sidecar, side door, reluctant sale to good home, can deliver, £2650. Club member, George Sutton, 07523 971861. Surrey. OB545112C Child Adult sidecar older type suitable for British bike, body only no chassis, reasonable offers please. Tel. 07833 720237.

OB545443C

Lambretta, Vespas, DKR, Phoenix, Maicomobil, etc.

Scooters and scooter sidecars/ toolboxes wanted, restored, as it is or in bits also original period accessories, anything considered. Tel 07790 766 805.

Email: hpoge@yahoo.com OB545353C

Norton Jubilee 250cc wanted project, pre 1960, any condition, also genuine Manx Norton five gallon petrol tank, with cash on collection, no problem I'm not a dealer. Please call Brian 01257 462973; 07928 268270.

OB545537C

35

June 2015

-MACHINES WNTNorton wanted, pre or post war, prefer an original spec machine.

(T).

01270 842206.

Tel. DA545374C

Royal Enfield 250 Continental GT wanted, dead or alive or parts wanted, prefer complete bike or restoration project. Please phone with details, tel. 07754 517115.

Derbys. OB545622C Suzuki GT500 wanted or T500, consider 380, 550 or similar.

Can collect. Cash paid. Similar bikes considered. Tel. Graeme on 07860 597909, Co Durham.

(T).GH543048C Triumph pre unit wanted by enthusiast to restore, basketcases, non runners, half done projects, any condition and parts for pre unit, will collect and pay cash. Tel. 02086 472394. OB539944C Velocette Valiant wanted: rough condition, project or box bits, frame/forks, engine, wheels only would do!! need lighter bike (old age creeping in!) Tel. 01978 842668. Wrexham. OB545256C

Velocette Viceroy scooter wanted in good useable condition, cash waiting for right machine. Tel. Chris Tiso 01278 789160. Somerset. OB545280C Vincent twin or single wanted, any model or condition, would consider Norvin too. Tel. 01270 842206. (T).DA545454C

Wanted any BSA WWii WM20 motorcycles and spares, from restored to basket cases. Will travel. Tel. Stuart Bray on 07979 906420, or email: stuartbray.bsa@btopenworld. com Overseas enquiries welcome. (T).ST545356C Wanted BSA ZB31 tele-rigid, also Norton model 18 tele-rigid or girder forks, other pre-war British bike, why? Need one soon. Ready cash. Phone Keith 01763 249960.

Herts. Thank you. OB544915C

Wanted BSA 1940, C12 350cc side-valve motorcycle, (not 195658 250cc C12), prefer complete bike but will consider incomplete as well. Contact via Email: bsa.stiles@btinternet.com OB544913C

Wanted Matchless H v-twin early 20's combination, prefer original machine will consider all.

Tel. mobile 07802 896114. (T).

AN545530C

Wanted pre war Royal Enfield Model D, 250cc SV, any condition, or incomplete.

Ron ronpier@talk21.com or pnone me on 07771 602236. OB544914C Wanted Triumph 500cc unit rev counter outer, cash, 1960-ish for cafe racer, pay cash. Tel. 0121 7077227; 078990 98747. B'ham.

OB545295C

Wanted two bikes Sparkbrook (any model) and a Scott openframe '3-Speed Super'. Please phone: 01298 872987 or email: tony@lathes.co.uk OB544917C

Ariel Square 4 Mk 1 short engine, 1947, rebored, new pistons, no broken fins, with other parts, £1150. Tel. 0191 2502475.

Cramlington, NE. OB545207C

Ariel. Manufacturers of stainless bar turned parts specialising in Ariel 4 strokes since 1990.

Comprehensive stock available. www.acmestainless.co.uk Free price list SAE to: Acme Stainless Ltd, PO Box 671, Billinghay, Lincoln. LN4 4XX. Email: acmeboltmaker@hotmail.com (T).

01526-861991.

Tel. AC532959C

B50 cycle parts.

Tel. 07955 201913. Bangor. OB545086C

BMW K75S circa 1986-87, non ABS model engine gearbox diff rear wheel damper with exhaust pipes and silencer, all ancillieries.

Appears to be complete, also extra bits for sale, details engine and gearbox is £495. BMW club member clearing out his bits. See my other add in bikes for sale. Tel. 07790 343607. South Devon OB545577C

BMW R100GS, 06, 1992, main frame sub frame and crash bars with VRD, powder coated, awaiting rebuild, £500; power lever swing arm with 4-stud output, rear drive unit converted to 2.9 TO1 gearing with adjustable talk arm, £350; pair of fork legs, £300; seat, £150; collector box, £100; silencer, £100; air box, £50; pair wheels to be rebuilt, £350; pair of carbs to be rebuilt, £100; pair of mudguards, £250; lower fairing piece, £100; large sump guard, £100; R100RF 1979 engine reconditioned with unleaded seats and new or very good parts including flywheel and clutch plates with timing chest and cam shaft for Canasta ignition, £750. Tel. Richard 01373 474849.

Somerset. OB545628C BMW R65, s/s exhaust, wheels, seat, tank, complete top half, bean cans, discs, s/motor, alternator, mudguards, coils, forks, calipers, sub-frame, gearbox etc, offers lot/ odds, also old show TT mags/ Mcsport cheap. Tel. Chris 079890 94355. Staffs. OB545202C B M W 1979 R100RS cylinders with pistons from a known good running engine, £200. Tel. Richard 01373 474849.

Somerset.

OB545447C

Bozier two speed gearbox for De Dion Bouton tricycle, excellent condition. Tel. Peter 01729 850411. (T).SM540724C

BSA A7 long stroke engine and gearbox, 1949, complete but in bits, no mag/dynamo/carb, crank reground, £500 ono. Tel. 01484 512946. West Yorks. OB545584C

BSA B31 engine £300. B31 Barrel, £50. B33 piston, £30. Lucas MCR2 regulator, £40. Matchless 1951 on G80 head, £80. G80 barrel piston resleeved, £120. + 020 piston, £30. H/weight single crank, £40. Tel. 01432 354960.

Hereford. OB545440C

Pre war v twin wanted, J.A.P. etc, any make considered. Tel. 01270 842206. (T).DA545453C

-SPARES FOR SALE001 Autojumbles: June 7, July 5, Normous Newark A/J, Newark Showground, NG24 2NY; See display ads. Tel. 01507 529430.

(T).CL545144C

7" TLS front brake and hub, new, £110 ono; 19 x 3.25 MITAS tyre and tube, new, £35 ono; Cereni 32mm complete fork assembly, very good condition, £130 ono.

Tel. 07986 735619. Bridgend.

OB545215C

AJS 1933/4 500cc OHC cylinder head part number/cast number J50748. AJS 1930 to 33 OHC 500cc, trophy petrol tank part number/pat number 215560?

Email for photos ajs26ss@yahoo.co.uk. Tel. 07508 657298. OB545475C

BSA B50 engine, new valves and springs and primary, £550.

Tel. 07955 201913. Bangor.

OB545088C

BSA C11G complete engine, four speed gearbox and clutch, C12 back frame loop and mudguard some tinware all been stood, £475 may exchange for anything Bantam. Tel. 01142 341011 or 07747 461276.

Sheffield OB545574C

BSA ex B34 500cc, 1947, engine complete EX works, £750; BSA A10 B33 S/A gearbox, overhauled, £235; B33 alternator chaincase inner, £40. Tel. 07765575184.

Denbighshire. OB545601C

AJS front wheel, fwh, complete, £35; p/tank, £35; rear crash bars, with f/rests, £15; Sunbeam gearbox S7/S8, A£45; centre stand, £25; brake pedal, link and cross-shaft, £30; BSA 250 girder forks, complete, swaps? Tel. 01384340807. W Mids. OB545200C

AJS Matchless 350 alloy head, 1 1/16", 1 1/2", very clean, good condition, no broken fins, but inlet carb stud threads pore and some pitting to fascia, £40 p&p inc as new condition Mikuni carb, 1 1/8", 28mm, jetted for above plus a few jets may suit 500, £356 inc p&p.

Tel. Kevin 01634 371664. Kent.

OB545013C

AJS Matchless 350 alloy head, 1 1/16", 1 1/2", very clean, good condition, no broken fins but inlet carb stud threads poor and some pitting to fascia, £40 plus p&p inc, as new condition, Mikuni carb 1 1/ 8", 28mm, jetted for above plus a few jets, may suit 500, £35 inc p&p.

Tel. Kevin 01634 371664. Kent.

OB545015C

AJS/Matchless. Manufacturers of stainless bar turned parts specialising in AJS/Matchless since 1990. Comprehensive stock available. www.acmestainless.co.uk Free price list SAE to: Acme Stainless Ltd, PO Box 671, Billinghay, Lincoln. LN4 4XX. Email: acmeboltmaker@hotmail.com 01526-861991.

(T).

Tel.

AC532969C

BSA Gold Star DBD34 500cc carburettor. Amal 10TT9 in excellent condition, and apart from age patina I would say as good as the day it was taken off the bike, originally fitted and used for road time trials, bike reg was 39 HEV. I still have the the front mudguard number plate too. Number on side 1 5/32 and 15 on the float chamber, offers please.

Email. robert.hartwell@ntlworld.com OB544835C

BSA Goldstar cams: exhaust 65.2436, inlet 65.2438, lightened inlet 65.2444, £55 each; BSA A10 RGS, 10.5/1 high comp pistons, + 0.60", new/old stock, ex Hap Jones USA, £60 plus p&p. Tel. 01937 842699. W Yorks. OB545214C BSA V twin petrol tank early 1920s, oil pump on RH5 light switch recess on LHS professional repainted, £350, restored magnetos square ML, £350. Bosch ZE1, £250 both £200 all a/c plus two unrestored square ML, £75 each. Contact Stuart Higgins for more information. Tel. 01189 423120. Reading OB545535C

Clear out BSA 8" twin leading shoe brake in complete wheel, tatty chrome. BSA UK spec tank A65/50 62 to 70. Large badges, not the best but useable. BSA tank A65/50 68 to 70 large badges flip cap.

Alloy tail lamp mount BSA/Triumph short full width type. Make me a sensible offer all must go. Can send pictures. Tel. Richard 07538 861634. Herts. OB544831C

obmservices guide -PETROL TANK REPAIRS-

Dealer Decals. J. Costin & Sons Ltd, Southend-on-Sea. Albert Clarke Motorcycles, Belfast 5.

Naylor & Root, Clapham Junction. Glanfield Lawrence, London, Cardiff, Bristol, Portsmouth & Swansea. Ray & Motorcycles Kempster Scooters, East Sheen. Bryants, Biggleswade; Miles Motors, Uxbridge; Ernest Cross, Rotherham; Alex Thorn, Cardiff; Duplex Darlington. Taylor Dow Goldstar Banbury, Ltd, specialist. Colmore Depot, Birmingham. Fron Purslow, Abbeygate, Shrewsbury. Decals can be made to order, one-offs not a problem. Tel. 01758( T ) , 6 1 3 7 8 8 www.dealerdecals.co.uk email: val@rocketgs.freeserve.co.uk OB545149C

Duplex Trophy sump guard, £30; T120, 1960, only head steady/float suspension, £25; Triumph rigid/ sprung hub gearbox adjuster plates, £20 pair; genuine Norton International fishtail silencer, needs chrome, £175. Tel. 01622 730595; 07762 719049. Maidstone area. OB545204C Dynamos, Dynamos, Dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos, dynamos. Paul Dunn 01782-856839. (T).PA544870C

-SHEET METAL WORK-

-POLISHING-

Garage clearance police handlebar fairing, fittings, screen with blue light, £65. FrancisBarnett / James 197cc exhaust (nos), £40. Smiths speedo 80mph suit Bantam C15/LE etc, £35.

Wanted CZ 125/175 for spares, whole bike if cheap. 01490440544. OB545467C Goldstar BSA spares. New/old stock, CB32 cylinder head, barrel, valves. Lucas replica racing mag dyne; 8" f/wheel, Dunlop 19" alloy rim. DB32 barrel, Amal "Grand Prix" 1 3/16 DB32 carburettor, Rocket Goldstar brake drum. used parts, first class primary cases (Goldy), 8" brake plate plus shoes, Feridax racing saddle, Lucas competition wader magneto twin cylinder 1966 stored since 1968, 1920s Andrew damper, 1928 Lucas TT magneto. Tel. 07810146392; 07783-017227. W Yorks.

OB545288C

Harley Davidson 1200cc, shovel head engine in good running order, recently removed from Morgan Special, complete with carb, clutch and ignition, make an offers. Tel. 01629 650933.

Derbyshire OB545547C Honda CB77, unfinished project, frame p/coated, no V5, assembled with rebuilt polished wheels, new tyres, no complete engine, £600; no offers. Tel. 01527 527990.

Berks. OB545203C

1982 Honda CG125 spares, exhaust, air filter, rear mudguard, c/ w light, dual seat, brake pedal, offers. Tel. 07910 720367. Powys.

-POLISHING & CHROMING-

CASTLE CHROME PLATING

Unit F1, Shaw Road, Dudley, West Midlands DY2 8TP

01384 214429

COPPER, NICKEL AND CHROME PLATING 30 years of experience on:

◆ Vintage and Classic Motorcycle parts ◆ All metals polished ◆ Large and small batches ◆ One-offs, alloy wheels, rocker covers, engine castings, exhausts etc.

ALL WORK UNDERTAKEN E-mail: info@castlechrome.co.uk

Contact Rob Smith on 01384 214429

OB545205C

Honda K2 250 engines, two frames, s/arms, f/rests, all p/coated plus spares, CB450 engines. Tel. 01424 721426; 07958 193694. E Sussex. OB545219C

Honda XBR forks with yokes, all threads good, good chrome, £125.

Tel. 07955 201913. Bangor.

OB545085C

Lucas 2MTT magneto, £1000. 1 9/32 GP carb £350. BTH mag TT £400. Featherbed frame £750.

Three ring Manx 500 piston new £200. 1 1/2" GP carb G50, £425. 6 speed sommerfield gearbox, £1400. Manx oil tank, 1958, £450.

Lyta 3 1/2 gallon tank, £500.

Triumph 5 speed cluster complete, £350. Manx rev counter £475.

Phone 01992 613125. OB544832C Lucas K2F and MO1 magnetos, all fully rebuilt, tested and guaranteed. Also spare parts and rebuilds.

Also E3L dynamos for sale and spares.

(T).

623687.

01462 Tel. OB545514C

Lucas magneto 1960, checked by traditional expert (clockwise CB end), £165. Tel. 01754 890282.

Lincs. OB545273C

Norton 500cc, 1938, Inter soldered petrol tank, knee pads, no dents, £900; Manx 8" front brake plate, complete, £300; genuine Norton, brand new, chromed 50ish foot change, kick-starter, levers, rubbers fitted, £90. Tel. 02392 375925. Hants. OB545217C Norton Commando one pair Amal carbs R35/L35 932, £90.

Chainguard good condition, £25.

Airbox used. £25. Tel. 02380 253181. Hants. OB544841C

Norton dolls-head gearbox rebuilt new bearings seals etc, £600, buyer collects. Large vintage saddle new cover, £30. New chain Duplex 1/2x5/16, 220 links, £75.

Norton Inter Iron cyl-head guides included, £200. Norton Single bits.

01865-244744. OB545465C

-RESTORATION-

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50 NEWS/DRAGON RALLY

June 2015

Chris Conn is special guest at two-day Bob Mac Classic Guest of honour at the two-day Bob Mac Classic road racing event at East Lothian’s East Fortune Raceway on June 20-21 will be Chris Conn, whose racing career began while he was posted to Singapore with the Royal Air Force.

In 1959 he became Motorsport Champion of Singapore, and when he returned home he bought a 1957 500 Manx Norton. After a fairly successful learning season, he won the Ecurie Sportive newcomers’ race at Brands Hatch.

In 1961, equipped with a new Manx, he took the best newcomer award at the Manx Grand Prix, and in 1962 he achieved eighth place in the TT. After suffering a major blow-up at Oliver’s Mount, he was sponsored

by Harry Middleton on the exDennis Pratt 500 Manx, which enabled him to sell his own 500 and buy a 350 Manx.

In 1963 he won the Southern 100, and through the next few years his

career included two third-place rides in the 1966 TT, behind Hailwood and Agostini in the Senior and behind Agostini and Peter Williams in the Junior. He also took a third place at the Ulster Grand Prix.

Chris retired after nine years of top-class racing to pursue various business interests, and has lived in Fife for many years.

The entry for the Bob Mac Classic is up to its usual high standard, with entries including Wattie Brown, Meredydd Owen, Arthur Browning, Rich Hawkins, John Davidson, Rob Walker, Tim Woolley, Andy Lawson, Tom Jackson, Colin Stockdale and Ewan Hamilton.

Sidecar entries include Colin Lewis, Alistair Lewis, Eddy Wright and Tony Banister, with Noel Bruno from France and Steve Dehoux from Belgium joining the fun.

Each day there will also be parades of classic road and racing motorcycles.

Honda Haslam Race School prizes for Llangollen air ambulance raffle Track experience prizes worth hundreds of pounds have been donated by the Honda Haslam Race School to a raffle in aid of the Wales Air Ambulance at LlanBikeFest 15, the Llangollen International Bike Festival, at the Llangollen Pavilion over the weekend of August 1 and 2.

The top prizes are a Premier Experience with intensive tuition on a Honda CBR600RR at Donington Park and an On Track Experience on smaller bikes, the latter open to riders aged from 12 upwards.

Show organiser Harry Edwards said: “Like many riders, I owe my life to an air ambulance after crashing in a supermoto event in Cumbria a few years ago. They do a fantastic job, and we are hoping to raise thousands of pounds to support them.”

The show will be opened by seven-times TT winner Mick Grant and Carl Fogarty MBE, the most successful World Superbike rider of all time.

On Sunday, August 2, more than 100 classic trials machines will compete in a stage of the Northern British Bike Pre-65 Trials Championships. All are at least 50 years old, and will be ridden on the show site from 11am until 2pm as part of a championship round hosted by the Llangollen & District Motorcycle Club.

Attractions will include displays, stunts, demonstrations, trade and club stands along with beer, bands and evening entertainment.

Tickets and stands can be booked online at www.llanbikefest.co.uk or by contacting the festival office on 07960 693398.

‘Big Bike Sunday’ – it’ll be a reet good Yorkshire do!

Organised to raise funds for the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice and local air ambulance, the Girder Fork & Classic Motorcycle Club’s annual Big Bike Sunday, a well-attended open event for all classes of motorcycles and three-wheelers, will take place at Skipton Auction Mart on June 28.

Last year’s record-breaking event was a huge success, and the club will be handing over substantial cheques this year. Everyone is invited to enter his or her pride and joy in the concours competition, with classes including prewar, postwar British (19451989), postwar foreign (1945-1989), two-stroke, modern (post1990), mopeds, scooters, three-wheelers and custom machines.

Last year’s winner of both the prewar class and best in show was Derek Saunders, who entered his 1937 250cc JAP-engined Montgomery.

Skipton Auction Mart is dead easy to find, just off the roundabout junction of the A59, A65 and A629 west of Skipton. The mart is on the right off Gargrave Road, BD23 1UD. For more details ring Brian Sanderson on 07931 312579 or see the Facebook site https://www.facebook.com/bigbikesunday .

First it was a trickle, then a stream, then a flood until, all told, no fewer than 2500 riders had poured through the main gate of Bryn Bras Castle during that very first Dragon Rally weekend.

Remembering that very first Dragon Rally

John Wallis’s report on this year’s Dragon Rally a few issues back reminded Eddie Steptoe of the bitterly cold morning he set off from Ilford with his late wife, Kit, on their Triumph sidecar outfit to attend the very first ‘Dragon’ at Bryn Bras Castle in February 1962.

O

rganised by the Conway Club in February 1962, the pioneering Dragon Rally had been heralded in the motorcycling press, particularly Motor Cycle, as a great international gathering of likeminded riders who would flock to North Wales in the spirit of Germany’s Elephant Rally no matter what the wintry weather might bring.

Eddie writes: “My late wife Kit and I were accompanied by one of her relatives, John, with brother Mick on the pillion of his Triumph twin, and one of the accompanying pictures

shows Kit and Mick looking frozen near the Dragon’s Lair.

“We arrived at the castle with only the most basic of camping gear – no sleeping bags, just blankets; a tent that was just bigger than a play tent, and only a small Camping Gaz stove for warmth.

Tent on fire

“During the evening, most of the campers huddled around the big bonfire, but there was plenty to eat and drink, and lots of friendly banter all round.

Eddie Steptoe’s late wife Kit has a blanket around her shoulders as she poses with Mick on the way to the bitterly cold Dragon Rally of 1962.

Ace Café Ton-Up Day – it’s a Snap This year marks the 80th anniversary of the George Formby TT comedy film No Limit – and to mark the occasion, the Ace Café’s Ton-Up Day on Sunday, July 5, will take place at Brooklands, the world’s first purpose-built motor racing track where the ‘Gold Star’ was awarded for achieving sustained speeds of at least 100mph.

The revered venue will come alive once again with the sights, sounds and smells of speed, including runs up the famous Test Hill and along the Members’ Banking. The 59 Club

will be among those taking club stands, and there will also be trade stands and historic bikes to ponder.

A ‘Brooklands Burn-Up’ ride-out will leave the Ace Café at 9.30am, following a route along the A406 west to Hanger Lane, the A40 west to the M25 south, exiting at Junction 11 for Chertsey and Woking and following the ‘Brooklands Museum’ brown heritage signs.

Normal entry fees to the museum will apply.

Clip-ons, rear-sets and sweptbacks – England Expects!

For some of the hardy souls, one night at Bryn Bras wasn’t enough. The first of the 30-strong German contingent, Ulrich Schwab of Stuttgart, arrived on this beautiful 50cc Kreidler Florett, and he described his two-day, 750-mile journey as “a very fine trip!”

“Snow was forecast, and we didn’t get much sleep because it was so cold. To add to it all, there was drama during the night when shouts and yells started coming from the next tent. Some young lad had been reading a magazine by candlelight when the candle fell over and set fire to the side of his tent. After the fire was put out, he slept in a sidecar!

“It was snowing hard next morning as we packed up to head home, and it still gives me the shivers to think of the German who, stripped to the waist, gave himself a good wash in icy water from a standpipe.

“The roads were very slippery, and Kit and I went in front of John and Mick on the outfit. I was amazed when a solo rider on an Ariel Square Four flew past us, slid around a bend and disappeared into the distance.

He must have been a moto-cross rider or something.

DRAGON RALLY 51

June 2015

An estimated 40% of those pioneering ‘Dragonists’ arrived on sidecar outfits.

Try repeating that today!

The catering arrangements were a bit primitive, but after a long ride in the cold, the hot soup and bread rolls went down a treat.

These boys made sure of soft beds, even if they were cold ones.

“Just after crossing the border into England, we called at a good roadside café we’d been told about for a hearty breakfast and a good warm. A police motorcyclist came in and asked where all the bikes were coming from. He didn’t even seem to know that the Dragon Rally was on.

“It continued to snow until we were almost home again. We were shattered, but the memories have stayed with me ever since. I’m 80 now, still riding, and have

just bought myself a Triumph Street Triple. I also have a 1968 Triumph Trophy.”

Time flies!

What a great letter, Eddie, and how it makes all the excitement of that first ‘Dragon’ seem as if it were only yesterday.

To remind readers of the great atmosphere that prevailed in 1962, we have searched our archives to find several other images of that first event. Hope you enjoy them!

Sidecar outfits are definitely in the majority in this picture as new arrivals pitch their tents on the frozen ground.

Brrr, it’s cold! This picture encapsulates the spirit of the ‘Dragon’ as a column of riders cautiously heads home through the ice and snow. Note the dustbin-faired BMW third from the front.

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