Classic Bike Guide | September, 2008 | Issue No: 209
8 OUR COMMUNIST COUSIN
Postwar, the Allies took the little DKW and turned it into everything from a Bantam, to a Harley and a Yamaha. The East Germans kept one back though, called it an MZ and with a bit of development it made it through to the 80s. Keith Fryer gets the low down.
38 BIRTH OF A LEGEND
While steadfastly maintaining it was work, Tim Britton took himself over to Florida and while he was there, he managed to beg the use of a 1959 Bonneville, the owner of which had such a model, as a callow, rebellious but optimistic youth in 1959. Here’s the full tale.
58 FAITHFUL SERVICE
A man can become as attached to his motorcycle as he can his dog, though the former usually lives a lot longer! Nevertheless, with a bit of love and affection they can both return loyal and faithful service. Jim Reynolds experiences one such relationship with a lot of memories too.
68 END OF THE ROAD
With less than 100 of the 350cc Royal Enfield Bullets left before emissions legislation kills them off, Jim Reynolds laments the loss of an old friend
Price: $7.00
Manufacturer: Mortons Media
Model Number: cbg200809
Added to Inventory on: Wednesday 12 November, 2008
8 REAL BAD BOY
Chin on the five gallon tank, backside up in the air, hands
lowdown, feet well back, it could only be one thing, the
archetypal hell raising Triton. Jim Reynolds samples the real
coffee bar steed.
36 THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
What’s better than an Empire Star? Two Empire Stars, albeit
on one crankcase. That’s more or less what this rather clever
Australian engineer has made. Jim Scaysbrook tells the tale
of what BSA should have made in the 30s, the Empire Twin.
58 A BALANCING ACT
The White Helmets motorcycle display team have thrilled
crowds for decades with their high speed antics. Keith Fryer
spent a fewhours with one of the stars from the troop’s
former stars.
72 MIDNIGHT RAMBLER
When government interferes it’s usually a recipe for
confusion and wasting money, that’s exactly what
happened with the last three giants of the British
motorcycle industry. The melting pot mixing of Norton,
Triumph and BSA was doomed to failure from the start but
from the ashes came not so much a phoenix, more an
amoeba. Nigel C. finds that one product of a capitulating
industry was really quite good.
REGULARS
7 CLARKY’S CORNER
More comment from him.
16 WE WERE THERE – 1
Not quite rain stop play but certainly rain
cocks things up. The annual Castleford
Cavalcade made the best of a bad job. Nigel
C. got his feet wet.
20 WE WERE THERE – 2
Sunshine, seaside, Rockers and bikes, it
could be the 60s. In fact it was the Rockers
Reunion down at Brighton for the Burn Up.
With his hair just so, the drainpipe jeans,
black leather and winkle-picker shoes (well
ok, perhaps not), Keith Fryer made the
pilgrimage
24 HOW TO…
Nigel C continues his novice’s guide to starting
a restoration. This month it’s time to get out the
spanners and prepare to get your hands dirty.
28 RESPONSE
Air your views why don’t you.
32 WIN WITH CBG
Another bag full of goodies for you, for free.
44 WE WERE THERE 3
Straight line,hi-speed, hi-jinx at North Weald. Alan Turner took along his stop watch.
48 BLUE MOVER, PART THREE
The ropey old CBG Thunderbird starts to make
a little progress, but it’s slow.
52 WE WERE THERE 4
Wall to wall BSA’s at the owners club
International Rally in the Isle of Man. It was
very wet at times but Andrew Wilson
enjoyed it nevertheless.
64 YOUR CLASSIC
One man’s virtual turning back of the clock
as he recreates the situation in which the
demobbed squaddie would have found
himself in 1946.
80 PLUGS AND LEADS
What’s happening in the world of classic
motorcycles.
86 BOOKS AND PRODUCTS
What’s new, what’s on offer and what’s
available to improve your classic.
90 FREE ADS
All the bargains for you to buy and it’s not cost
the sellers a penny.
110 POINT YOUR WHEELS
What’s on for when the clocks go back.
112 CLUB GUIDE
All the knowledge is in here.
114 NICK WARD
Another gem from the ink pot maestro.
8 Lightning the load
Nigel C tackles the VMCC’s latest raffle bike and reckons it’s well worthy of a book of tickets.
36 The currysader
A mix and match of English and Indian Royal Enfield bits makes
for a good all round trail bike. Jim Reynolds took the Currysader for a canter.
64
Split personality
When is a twin not a twin? When it’s a single of course. Confused? Well read how one AJS was born one thing and became another. Keith Fryer delves deep into the sex change.
70 Flowing free
Ever wondered what to do to make your wheezing old classic a bit more sprightly? Well, the least you can do is help it get its breath. John Hutchings guides us through the brutal world of gas flowing.
REGULARS
7 Clarky’s corner
Lotta torque again
14 We were there – 1
Turn the clock back at Goodwood with the all dressing up
weekend which is the Revival Meeting. Nick Haskell was there
with his camera.
20 We were there - 2
It doesn’t have to be a dedicated motorcycle event to enjoy a superb turnout of classics, as Keith Fryer found when he attended the Newhaven Show.
26 Response
Your chance to answer back.
30 We were there - 3
Classic motorcycles are playing an ever increasing part in
general vintage and steam extravaganzas, as Steve Minns discovered.
42 We were there - 4
The Hesketh is still in production and better that ever, and they threw open their doors to the public to prove it. Phil Turner went
to have a look.
48 Blue mover - part 4
The old Thunderbird has a few clean bits at last and one or two actually fit together too.
52 Mechanics show
The last of the season’s big ones, the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford. Good weather, good turnout, good do.
58 Your classic
This time we have a look in a workshop up in Yorkshire.
62 Take a break
A look at what’s available for a motorcycling holiday.
78 Plugs and leads
All the news, views and gossip from the classic motorcycle world.
86
Free ads
All that’s hot on the private market.
110 Point your wheels
What’s happening for the rest of this year and the start of next.
18 A right pair
Nigel C. shares the double delights of the two archetypal road burners, the Gold Star Clubman and Triumph’s Bonneville.
26 Modern classic
All alloy, fuel injection and unit construction, the Royal Enfield Bullet takes a leap into the 21st century. Phil Turner jumped with it.
34 Archive scrapbook
Looking at the good old days through those rose-tinted specs.
44 Titanium tiddler
Norton’s last 350cc single under review, but this is no ordinary Model 50. Keith Fryer samples a real lightweight.
50 It’s all yours
Readers send in their pictures for us all to enjoy.
64 Rockers recall
What was it like in the day? Old Rockers tell.
72 World’s fastest Trident
Air cheating triple on the salt.
78 Myatt on music
The Big O profiled and a chance to win a CD.
82 Auction review
What’s been happening on the bidding front.
84 Cycle-paedia
A beginner’s guide to
classic terminology.
88 Buyers guide
What to look for and how much to pay out.
The Imperial issue (as we like to think of it), boasts a beautiful BSA Empire Star on its cover; a story about a bike from the days of the Great Depression which might just cheer you up!
BSA Empire Star cover story
An extra special Down The Road, as Steve meets Jeff Clew and tells the tale of his life in motorcycling
The British Superbike (aka Triumph's T160) encounters Rowena Hoseason - and lives!
Smooth as Silk: the story of the Scott's 1970s descendent
Classic Racing: MayDay at Mallory and sunshine at Brands
*Claude Nomonet discovers the Royal Enfield twins that time forgot (Super Meteor, if you're interested)
The world's most expensive Tiger Cub?
Sorting out Bantam electrics
Where all those new bits for old Triumphs come from
Daisy's rebuild: all hail Tri-Supply!
In Classic Dynamics, Paul Friday explains why tyres get hot and bothered
HumberNut shows us How To make a clamp
RealMart gives a guide to basic servicing (he used a Morini but you can use any old bike that falls readily to hand)
The Boys At The Back: Minton, Westworth and Page, all present and almost correct
An issue so full of features and road tests and reports and Other Interesting Stuff that we had to leave out some admin bumf and (shock horror) TP Times. Got a story from RealMart, instead (although he doesn't strip down to his underwear quite as often as TP does...)
Jonathan Hoare meets a BSA B44 Victor
Steve Wilson rides Down the Road on Anneka the A10
A purring Panther gets the better of Frank Westworth
Classic racing at Cadwell: it rained. A lot!
RealMart goes rotary with the NMM's Norton racers
The Triumph twin this month (well, you've gotta have one...) is a T110
Graham Ham experiences Walking With Velocettes (scary!)
The Original & Best bike is a 1947 Matchless G80 this month
HumberNut completes his two-part How To
Daisy's winter rebuild seems to be going on until August
Paul Friday's Classic Dynamics series spins to its conclusion
Summer Fun at Kempton, Hoghton and the Isle of Wight
Plus free colour photos ads, events, et al
Details of the new Royal Enfield Army Bullet
Dave Minton's Bendswingin', Frank Westworth's Shed, and Tony's Page
And here's the one you can buy, just three weeks old (because we put the date on the cover when the magazine was actually published, not some made-up month which bears no relation to reality), three quid to you, Govn'r, and packed full of RealClassic reading...
Return of Smokey Joe: whatever happened to a certain T160?
Steve Wilson discovers pulling power with an Enfield on the farm
Emm gets it on with a herd of huge, handsome Hondas
Factory prototype: Frank rides Norton's unified twin
War-Stories I: a BSA WD B40
War-Stories II: FerG3 takes a military tour
Graham and Daisy meet up with the Beesa Boys
TP Times; the world's most famous Typing Person returns
Poachers! BMF man buys Vincent! Slippery Sam rebuilt!
Pride and Joy: Kate explains why her Norton 650 is so very special
Fuelish thinking: what to do now that LRP has gone from the pumps
Daisy's rebuild, the last installment. Finally. Fixed!
Drum brakes and how to adjust 'em
The controversy over Tony's Page continues
Dave Minton sends a Letter From America
Tony Page mourns the missing heroes
Frank Westworth endures unexpected success in The Big Shed
Nice skies you get in Cornwall, see; there's one on the cover. Not entirely appropriate for September because it yakked down with rain all month, but this issue contains enough sunshine to combat your SAD. And now you can get your paws on all this...
Tiger! Tiger! Actually, that should be a singular tiger, not a twin...
AJS 31 CSR. So shiny we had to put it on the cover.
Honda 400/4. Phwoar. Get a load of them pipes. Etc.
Down The Road: Steve-The-Wilson meets every sort of OiF Beesa going
Minton In America: And Dave does America. By BMW. To be different...
A Velocette Revisited: last seen 15 years ago, we meet this Venom Clubman once again
Daisy's Diary: What is WATOC? Tell us all about it, Mr Ham...
Supercharged Triton: No Triton, no supercharger in this first instalment (but we'll get there eventually)
How To with Humbernut: Bob gets creative in the workshop once again
RealDeals: How much? That bike sold for HOW much?
Dynamo fault-finding: Paul Friday does just that
Plus! News! Events! Frank's Big Shed! Tony's Page! Minton's Bend! Small ads with free photos! Entirely! Unnecessary! Exclamation! Marks!
Plus! Daisy's Diary, Minton in America Pt2, the Man Who Invented KneeDown Riding, Blow Your Own (Triton), Setting Ignition Timing, Shedding, Bending, Tony's Page and - what's all this about a Round Britain Ride then?
This magazine contains the sublime and the ridiculous, a sacred cow and a white elephant. No clich safe! You'll have to buy it to find out exactly what we mean, but these are the highlights:
Our special sepia issue is a bit of a Norton fest, but also features a hatful of Italians - and it's the very last issue to feature the 'Year One' version of the logo. (Why did we change it for the magazine? Cos the printers hated its complexity; T-Shirt printers hated it even more, and too many people asked us what we were using a musical scale for on a motorcycle magazine. Sigh).
SCOOP! The world's largest Commando breaks cover, and we rode it!
Pre-War Norton Single: Semi-sporting and totally handsome
BSA B31: An all-weather winter wonder
1911 Royal Enfield V-Twin: restored to glory
Italians In Action 1: Benelli 750 Sei
Italians In Action 2: MV Agusta 125
Italians In Action 3: Moto Giro d'Italia Ducati
PLUS:
Daisy gets metal fatigue, we go to the MOTO 1 races, Hamish McOakley rides some 30mph roads, the Blower Triton gets nowhere near completion, the Ariel Leader rebuild is still an unbuild, HumberNut makes precision valve gear (and you could too) and Tony's Page is so flamin' controversial that people actually cancel their subscriptions as a result (yes, really).
The first issue to feature the New! Spangly! RC logo also features the World's Worst Contents Pageich is entirely unreadable by humans. Sorry. Won't do that again. Well, we'll try not to do that again...
SCOOP! The first UK test of the all-new Dreer-built Norton Commando 952
SCOOP! The story behind PLUTO; AMC's oil-in-frame experimental prototype
250 Tearaway: a full test of the Royal Enfield Continental (see; we don't always feature Bullets)
Down The Road: Steve Wilson rides Anneka the A10 to the Hot Rod Rally
Brough Superior SS80: an owner's view by Goat Maison
Yamaha RD400: another owner's view - this time it's Anarchy who feels like he's 17 all over again
Riding Classics in Provence: Emm explores sun-soaked scenery on a classic bike tour
Classic Techniques on Smiths Chronometric speedos
How To make special bolts, by HumberNut
Ariel Leader rebuild; actually, we're still taking it apart!
Blower Triton project, part five; wiring
PLUS:
Plus! Daisy's Diary (in which Graisie meets a well-fettled M21), the Letter's Page (where everyone agrees at great lengths to stop talking about 4x4s for a while), some good gloves in the pile of products, Dave Minton's Bendswingin', J Bickerstaff on the two Phils (Irving and Vincent) and Frank Westworth's guide to successfully stopping a Commando.
Triumph Speed Twin; a full test of a 1946 rigid, plus the differences between it and the sprung hub version, and an owner's eye view
1917 Bard V-Twin; a vintage machine indeed, and survivor of two World Wars
Down The Road to meet a £5000 Tiger Cub (cwikey! HOW much?), and a super 750 Tiger
PLUTO Part Two; riding the rebuilt prototype
Big-Bore Bullet; Minton tries a 450 version of the ever-present Enfield and explains why it's better than a standard 500 (shhh; keep that bit quiet!)
Norton Commando Mk3; NVNL shares his experiences
with Norton's big twin, plus buying advice
Ariel Square Four; a 1939 machine which went from 'project' to 'show winner' in just two years
PLUS:
Daisy's Diary goes to the Legend Rally; the Blower Triton nearly runs; HumberNut makes some valve guides; PUB talks BHP; Tony goes back to the future and Agent Orange steals the show in Frank Westworth's Shed
We called this one 12a (instead of unlucky-for-some 13) for a bit of a joke, because it was the April issue, too, but everyone took it seriously and wanted to know when 12b was coming out. Sigh.
BSA A10 and Ariel Huntmaster giant double-test
Velocette Venom Thruxton roadtest
A 100,000-mile BSA A65 Lightning which has changed style considerably over the years
Brooklands Norton: rebuilding one of the bikes from the Museum fire
Royal Enfield Electra X: Frank Westworth's test ride of one of the bikes which the girls would be
using to ride around Britain
Over The Hills: scooting through Europe on an LE Velocette and a Moto Guzzi Galletto
Down the Road: Steve Wilson takes to the highway on a (shock!) modern (horror!) Honda
PLUS:
Daisy's Diary; a new starter for Norton Commandos; the Blower Triton rebuild; How To make valve guides; MIG welding on the Ariel Leader project; Minton, Page and Westworth, and Bickerstaff about Magnetos.
Another issue with a BSA on the cover. Well, we like the image. It's a normal bloke, riding his Beesa, wearing jeans, and with a big cheery grin all over his face. Did it for us (we don't care if it's a wee bit out of focus, even!). As well as him, the issue also contains:
Son of Sam: The T160 road-racer returns to life! And we got the full story. First. Again. Has anyone noticed that we get all these scoops? (Is it important? Discuss
Triumph Bonneville 2001 (and what Hinckley have added to the new T100)
Moto Guzzi V35 and Triumph 3TA, ridden side
by side (Impressive! RM) by Rowena Hoseason
Norton ES2 Mark 2; Frank Westworth demonstrates a Norton which is a bit of a Matchless really
Douglas 2-stroke; building this replica revealed an unusual pre-war puzzle
Yamaha RD350LC: Emm's new bike has a few teething troubles
A 1988 Harley-Davidson Evo needs workshop attention after 'nipping up' at 100mphLI>Graham Ham travels to the Britannia Rally and meets a purring Panther
Steve Wilson goes Down The Road to meet the Beezer Geezer from the cover
PLUS:
A new Triumph spares counter opens in Herefordshire, and work starts on the even-ohmigoodness-bigger Norvil Commando; the engine gets inspected on the Ariel Leader rebuild; HumberNut starts to make a cylinder; Minton goes Bendswingin'; Tony's Page; PUB talks, and Frank's From the Shed.
Published in the middle of June, because we don't understand why people publish the 'September' issue of a magazine sometime in the preceeding July. We're easily confused...
Vincent Comet: Frank Westworth rides and reviews a Vin 500
Seventies 750s let rip, when a T160 Trident takes on a Suzuki GS750
Finding a 1947 Norton Model 18, and why it ain't always easy to get a good 'un
Steve Wilson meets an AA man extraordinaire, who recalls his years with an M21 outfit
A 1979 Moto Guzzi T3 takes centre stage in Daisy's Diary
Scooting through Europe on an LE Velocette and a Moto Guzzi Galletto (the final installment, continued from RC13)
21st Century Classics: modified, upgrades and (gulp) even customised!
Classic racing: full report and pics of the season-opening race from Mallory Park
Bleeding brakes: PaulG80's hydraulic overhaul
PLUS:
Buying a Harley 1952 Panhead; how to relieve your BSAs pressure; new strides from DJs, HumberNut completes his cylinder project; Tony and Jacqueline go to a show; Minton proves he's a bit of a bounder, and Westworth gets his pipes cleaned. Allegedly
Published in the middle of July, so it's the July issue. But next month we're aiming to confuse everyone by calling RC17 our 'summer' issue (to cover up the fact that we'll be sneaking off on holiday and then there'll be a long gap to the next oneSo what did July bring?
Triumph T100C: Ozboy's Bush Tiger adventure
The Round Britain Ride: The full story of Rowena and Emm's Royal Enfield adventure
Honda CB750K6: Frank Westworth relives his youth with a four. Yes, he had a youth. And yes, he owned a Honda!
1911 Abingdon King Dick. Yes, that is a real name. No, it's no a wind up. It's a flat-tanker built in Birmingham which found its way to New Zealand
Norton Fastback: An owner's eye view of a 1969 Commando
Velocette Valiant: Nearly original, and owned by just one man since it first turned a wheel in 1959
Norton ES2 racer: and how to crash one (and then fix it, fast)
Down The Road: Steve Wilson takes a ride across Flanders Field to the John Bull Rally
Daisy's Diary: Graham gallops off to Holland
Classic racing: highlights (and high sides) from the CRMC round at Snetterton
Ariel Leader rebuild: preparing to paint
Testing Electrics: alternators and 6 to 12-volt conversions
PLUS:
The VMCC's vintage virgins, a top hat from Davida, heaps of Smalls, a TP Times 'toon, Dave Minton's Bendswingin', Tony's Page, Frank's From the Shed and Bickerstaff's PUB-talk.
The first issue to be printed on our new paper! How amazingly stunningly awesomelyt much different, really. Bit whiter. Ah well. Also our first issue to have a (new) Moto Guzzi on the cover. Oooh. Controversial! So what else is in it?
Moto Guzzi Breva 1100: full test, tech, and a quick guide to alternative Guzzis you can buy at half the price
Swift 500: A single-speed veteran dating from 1913
NorBSA custom one-off: a bike which took a decade to build
Greeves East Coaster: a nice little bike ridden by a great big bloke!
Onoto Autocycle: tracking down a lost marque in France
BSA Thunderbolt: rebuilding an A65, in case you thought it was all odd stuff this month
Honda 400/4 rebuild project, part one
A Sunbeam Abroad: on tour with AJSBSA and co
Daisy's Diary: the end of WATOC
Down The Road: Steve Wilson goes to Cassington Bike Night
Classic Racing: at Cadwell Park
How to make pistons, part two
PLUS:
Frank Westworth's From The Shed, Tony's Page, Bickerstaff's PUB Talk and a truly terrifying tale from Dave Minton about riding in really extreme weather conditions...
We're not really bi-monthly, but because we took a holiday in August, this issue didn't appear until halfway through September, which means the next one won't be out until the far end of Octobernce the two-month cover date. All clear? Excellent. Here's what's inside:
AJS 16 MCS: a test ride on the first of two AMC sporting singles
BMW R51/3: the bike and a brief history of BMW's postwar recovery
BSA A65 Lightning Rocket: Steve Wilson rides a very yellow 650
Douglas Dragonfly: a different viewpoint on the 350 twin
Honda 400/4: Fixing the front brake; getting an MoT, and inevitably running on threeLI>Matchless G80CS: the second of this issue's AMC single-cylinder scramblers
Norton Jubilee Racer: a classic with serious WOW factor
Royal Enfield Interceptor Mk1: a concours champ, ridden by PaulG80
PLUS:
The VMCC's 50th Coventry Parade, Daisy (new engine!) Diary, tons of controversy about last month's Guzzi, How To make pistons part 2, testing your dynamo, Tony on motorcycle magazines (ulp), PUB goes to Latvia, Minton hits the Dempster Highway (that's the Yukon to you), and Frank (mis)fits a silly tubby silencer in The Shed. Phew.
Just in case you're new to this game, here's a quick re-cap. RealClassic is a monthly magazine about old bikes (although the odd new one sneaks in now and then). It's published monthly by the Cosmic Bike Co Ltd (which is Rowena and Frank Westworth's own little business). It's not owned by any of the big publishers and it is, as a result, a bit wonky around the edges. However, it's a full 112-pages long, printed in our very best Smudgy Colour, and packed with plenty of reading and not too much advertising. You can only get the current issue by subscribing, but last month's mag is now up for grabs. So here's what's in it:
BSA Firebird Scrambler: Roland road-tests the most unusual A65 we could find
Ural Gear-Up: We sent Anarchy to Siberia, and he had a good time (Sigh) romping around on a modern bike built in the Russian tradition
Triumph Tiger Cub: Another oddity. Cubs may be common, but there aren't too many French Army military examples to be found
Velocette Venom Thruxton: Frank Westworth unearths an almost original special, once owned by marque specialist Geoff Dodkin
Francis-Barnett Boys: Steve Wilson takes a trip to meet up with the F-B club
Prince of Pembrey: ferocious racing in the CRMC series
How Toke a piston, part three
Ariel Leader Rebuild, part too many to remember. Featuring a plethora of paint
Honda 400/4 rebuild: nearly finished, and then the carb saga strikes
Daisy's Diary: Graham Ham chuffs off to a steam weekend
A Vintage Ride: Humbernut and StillJoe rides really old bikes around the post-industrial wilderness of England's north-east
PLUS:
Frank's From the Shed, Tony's Page, J Bickerstaff and PUBTalk, and heaps of old bikes for sale, news, events and all that jazz
And finally, Goodbye LJK: Mark Williams and Dave Minton bid farewell to one of motorcycling's most famous names
Not a bad way to finish our second year in print: a clutch of old Brits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, a pair of Italians, a revitalised Honda and an excursion into an old-fashioned motorcycle factory. It's going to be touch to beat this in 2006
Norton John Player Commando: From some angles it's handsomet from quite a few others it's a great white whale. Rowena Hoseason rides a really rare factory special
Ariel 350 1: Steve Wilson bought himself a cheap NH 350. He did this deliberately, too
Ducati 750 Sport: The original 1973 bevel-drive bike didn't use desmo heads, you know. But it does look gorgeous. And yellow.
Ducati 1000 SportClassic: The modern tribute to Seventies' style has loads more Go but somehow a lot less class. Considerably less handsome, but still yellow.
Royal Enfield Interceptor: Have you noticed how we don't see any of these bikes for ages and then loads of 'em turn up at once? An owner explains why he loves the breed so much
Daisy's Diary: Graham Ham and Daisy meet up with the Norton Owners' Club, and the Triumph's dynamo only gives Graham a little grief
Ural Factory Tour: Completing his Iron Curtain adventures, Anarchy takes a trip into the heart of Ural's factory and finds real people making motorcycles with their hands
Ariel 350 2: Frank Westworth set out to buy a road-going classic for a grand. He ended up with an NH 350 as well. This is one of those weird coincidences with which life abounds.
BSA B50: It's amazing what you can do with one photo and a brochure - we liked the idea of the NMM rebuilding a burned out Gold Star SS so wanted to show you more about it than a single paragraph of press release guff.
Triumph Trophy Top End Rebuild: Richard M starts spannering on his 1966 West Coaster. He didn't want to take its lid off, but needs must
Honda 400/4 Rebuild: Is it finished yet? Actually, we think it is. Hurrah.
PLUS:
Readers' views on 1933 Sunbeams, Urals, Normans, modern bikes, the Dreadnought and AMC gearboxes; the 2005 CRMC championship results; Ardingly show results; Bickerstaff on MoTs, the VOC and BMF; Minton on the most amazing ride of your life; Tony Page bows out for a while (he's off to Egypt) with taboo stuff, and Frank Westworth gets sparky.
The New Year kicked off with one of those mistakes which was just waiting to happen; who forgot to put the subscription page in, then? Eh? Tch. The rest of the issue was a bit of a corker, mind:
1958 Ariel Square Four Mk2, ridden and reviewed by Roland Brown
BSA B31/B33 Bitza: Odgie's own bike is a little bit special
1931 Brough Superior: Steve Wilson rides an SS100 just like TE Lawrence's
1978 Honda CB750 Seeley: what happen when you wrap a Japanese engine in slimline chassis?
Norton Commander: Frank Westworth explains his fascination with this rotary all-rounder
Panther to Horex: a convoluted continental adventure which involved swapping all sorts of odd old motorcycles
1903 Large: over a hundred years ago, bikes like this were raced between Paris and Madridd it wasn't a pretty sight!
Real Deals: We can all see how much sellers ask for their bikes, but what do people really pay?
Daisy's Diary: Graham Ham meets the Royal Enfield Owners' Club
Triumph TR6 rebuild: it's finished! Mind you, there's a helluva lot of oil dribbling out of the casesLI>How To set up your own workshop, Part One, which explains about lathes and what you should look for.
PLUS:
2006 Diary Dates, a special pull-out section; Readers' RealClassics; new cds with a mine of Triumph workshop info; a ghostly tale of Ariel riders; PUB talks about Brooklands, Frank's Shed fills up with Ariel spares, and Dave Minton rides a Morini through the desert.
A magazine with a 1970's colour scheme: pink and orange bikes on the cover and (urgh) a lime-green splash on page three. But never mind, by page five we're talking about the particularly fine Cumberland sausages you can buy at Bude Meat Supplies...
BSA 650 vs Suzuki 750: an unusual pair to run head-to-head, but back in 1972 you might well have found yourself pondering the merits of an A65 Lightning or a GT750 Kettle
AJS Model 31: Frank Westworth explains his affection for the AMC 650cc touring twins
1972 Triumph Tiger: No, not another road test about a Triumph twin - but instead an in depth, real life rider's report about living with one and riding miles on it
Velocette LE Mk3: NVNL takes a white-knuckle ride on Velocette's 192cc twin
Zundapp KS750: It's not a BMW, but these 1930s German twins were developed alongside the Beemers for military use, as Anarchy discovered
Daisy's Diary: the 1948 Triumph Speed Twin meets up with the Jawa Club (and takes Graham Ham along for the ride!) (And the Sporran!)
Classic Racing: the story behind the UK's fastest man on old wheels, Lea Gourlay, who scooped the CRMC's championships in 2005
Ariel NH350: Steve Wilson's 'bargain' buy gives him just a little bit of trouble
PLUS:
Remembering an autojumbler; How To set up a home workshop (part 2); the secrets of energy transfer ignition; why Dave Minton uses a flame-thrower to defrost his bikes, and why you should never leave Frank Westworth alone in The Shed with self-adhesive tank stickers...
If you had 0, which classic bike would you choose to buy? We picked three for 0 (each, not altogether!) and discussed their pros, cons and colour schemes, and there's the rest of the magazine, too
Velocette MAC: Rowena rides a 1969 rigid 350 single (and doesn't drop it or break it. Miracle), and explores how the MAC became Velocette's best-selling model
BSA trials twin: a really special mucky monster from Odgie which combines bits of Bantam with a Sunbeam scooter engine - and, because Odg is really bloody ace at building specials, it looks like it rolled out of a works competition shop. Cor
Triumph T140 / Sunbeam S8 / Norton ES2: our three for 0. It's one of those stories which demonstrates the variety of classic bikes you can buy on a fairly typical budget, and what you should look for when you're browsing
Ariel History: Steve Wilson examines the story of the House of the Horse, because he's become a bit fascinated by the breed since buying an NH350
Norton Commando: the show-winning one wot caused all the controversy - and it still hasn't turned a wheel in anger
Triumph 21 Rebuild: a new series starts as we strip a 350 twin
Meeting MZ Men: Graham Ham and Daisy join up with the MZ Club
Touring by MZ: and Phil Speakman roams abroad aboard a 250 tourer
Thrill Seeking: Ozboy meets a unusual lady with a Vin and a very tidy Adventurer
PLUS:
Electrical info on Lucas regulators and zener diodes; top shed tools and what RCers recommend; the Wooler beam-engined bike; what the motorcycle owes to its unpowered counterpart; and why fitting an AMC sidestand ain't as easy as it sounds. (Oh, and there's a diagram missing from the electrical feature which will be printed in RC25. Sorry
Issue 24 sees the return of Humbernut to his workshop, welcomes a new contributor (hello Jim!) and goes beyond endurance with a racing Jubilee in Spain
AJS 18S and sidecar: actually, it's really a history of outfits and how to live with them, as exemplified by owner Neil's experiences with his 1953 AJS and Watsonian sidecar
BSA A10 Super Rocket: Frank Westworth reports on 'the best A10 I've ever ridden' and manages not to buy it (but only cos it was already sold)
Honda GL1000: Jim Peace reveals how you can complete roadside repairs on Honda's first flat four with the aid of a secondhand cable tie
Panther Posse: Ozboy meets a pair of prowlers; a 1960 Panther M100 and a 1964 M120. One rigid; one sprung: one original and one restored. A good example of why bikes come in twosLI>Royal Enfield WDCO: Anarchy goes back to basics with a wartime 350; a bike with girder forks, rigid rear end and a sure foot across the fields
Triumph 350: our rebuild of a 3TA gallops on to its second installment. Only another 98 episodes to go, then..
Triumph Bonneville Scrambler: Full road test of the new Hinckley retro, which left us a bit underwhelmed. But it does look better in the metal than in the page
Triumph TR6 Trophy: and a glance back at a 1959 bike, to remind us what the Scrambler is attempting to emulate
PLUS:
Steve Wilson goes to the Bristol Show; the classic racing circus relocates to Spain, where it rains (snows and hails too); Graham Ham rides out with the VMCC; PUB goes all Woolery again; Frank gets his Interpol2 rebuilt, and Humbernut shows us How To make a gudgeon pin from scratch. And the Howler Count for this issue was pretty low, although one or two snafus did sneak through, to add to your (ahem) entertainment!
Norton Dominator De-luxe: It was a chillingly brisk day when we took the photos of this Dommi 88. You can tell that because the owner is wearing and scarf and he's a bit blurry from shivering! Smashing, near-original bike, mind
BSA B40: Ozboy reveals how he took a 350 Beesa in payment for a bad debt, and then spent lots of time and energy turning it into a working motorcycle
Harley-Davidson VL1200: RichardM fancied getting a pre-1931 motorcycle for vintage runs, and a basket case flathead fell conveniently to hand
Ducati 750 Sport: Ozboy meets a 1975 Italian bevel-driver which looks beautiful and which stirs the soul on every ride
Laverda Endurance Racer: Dave Minton remembers riding a Mead and Tomkinson special; an intimidating beast with hub-centre steering, parallelogram rear end, and no real frame to speak of
BSA Beagle vs Dunkley Whippet: two heroic failures go head to head, one built by the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer of the time, and the other built by a pram company!
BSA B50: a real life bike which has been through several incarnations. It's now restored to full street scrambler glory, but once upon a time it looked a lot like a cafcerLI>Daisy's Diary: Graham Ham signs off (for nowwith a grand outing to join the Brough Club. Goodbye, Daisy - you can be a lady of leisure for a while!
Down The Road: Steve Wilson comes over all miserable, but is saved from the glooms by a great ride on his Ariel NH
Triumph 350 Rebuild: The can of worms get wrigglier as the rebuild progresses. Actually, it's nowhere near the rebuild stage just yet. More like the; 'oh heck! Lookitthat!' stage
PLUS:
Humbernut tells us How To make some piston rings, while PUB goes on the Dragon Rally, and Frank Westworth goes round and round the garden (not in the least little bit like a teddy-bear).
1982 Triumph Royal: Frank Westworth discovers a very unusual 750 Bonneville, one which definitely isn't a Royal Wedding or a silver Jubilee, but it has got a nice crest on its sidepanelLI>1927 AJS 350: The full story of a 500cc ohv flat-tanker which has never been restored, and which as been in the same hands for nigh-on 40 years
Down The Road: Steve Wilson meets the AMC Team, who plan to strip and rebuild a 350 Matchless in just 12 hours. Can it possibly be done?
1949(ish) Triumph TR5: Jim Peace fell foul of the Originality Police when he tried to display his later-framed 500 twin
Honda CB350 Cafcer: Wow! Ozboy finds a truly startling little snapper, one so bright you're gonna need sunglasses just to open the pagesLI>1958 Matchless G2: a reader's tale of life with a 250 single.
Royal Enfield Outfit: how it feels to try three wheels for the first time!
Dave Minton in Canada: The first leg in Dave's trans-Canadian adventure nearly doesn't get going at all, due to tyre troubles. And then his BMW does the unthinkable, and packs up for the duration. Things can only get betterLI>Blacktop Heroes: Gordon Russell of the CRMC steps into the limelight, and we discover what classic racing means to him
Triumph 350 Rebuild: of pistons and pushrods and other things lurking within the cylinder head
PLUS:
Humbernut finishes making piston rings, while PUB rides in the Pioneer Run, and Frank Westworth re-coils a dodgy thread (which makes a change from recoiling in dodgy threads). Oh, and news, events, small ads, and all that jazz.
BMW R25/3: A special treat for Eurobike fans; two Continental 250s in this issue (and neither of them is a Royal Enfield! Boom boom). Ozboy meets the first, a 1954 BMW single
BSA BANTAM: Odgie's back, with a trick trials Bantam. None of his bikes are exactly normal, you knowLI>BSA ROCKET 3: The styling of Britain's superbike for the 1970s divided opinion when it was new, and it still causes consternation. Rowena Hoseason investigates why the Rocket 3 was re-styled three times in as many years
MOTO GUZZI AIRONE SPORT: The second of our Continental 250s goes for a road test; this one's a 1951 single. And it's very red
PANTHER REDWING: A prewar pussy, and how it was brought back to life over several years. Many components had to be completely restored or re-made from scratch to complete this girder-forked beauty
TRIUMPH TSS: It's a 750 Bonneville with an 8-valve head, and Frank Westworth wonders if he should've bought this type of T140 one instead of last issue's Royal
DOWN THE ROAD: Steve Wilson reports on the AJS & Matchless Club's epic rebuild-a-bike in no-time-flat marathon. The Army G3 comes back to life
DAVE MINTON IN CANADA: All sorts of things can happen when you ride an air-head Boxer alone through Canada. Dave encounters bears and wolves, and gets his BMW fixed by a Harley dealer
A LIFE IN LEATHERS: Phil Speakman investigates the background to one-piece racing leathers, and discovers that it all started in Lancashire
BLACKTOP HEROES: How does a young fella get into classic racing? Mike Smith the racer and dad John explain how Mike ended up on (and off) a 350 Manx at the track
CLASSIC TECHNIQUES: Inside a Smiths Chronometric speedo. How does it all work?
TRIUMPH 350 REBUILD: the engine isn't running yet so it must be time to sort out a set of wheels
BSA B40 v TRIUMPH T100: Not so much a head-to-head as a riding comparison, with each bike examined by our cross-generational road test team. Can you teach a new dog old tricks?
BSA ROCKET 3: last month we looked at the bike's beginnings; this month Frank Westworth rides one
DAVE MINTON IN CANADA: Part Three of the series, in which Dave's BMW R80 doesn't break down and instead DLM rescues a stranded Kawasaki rider
ELECTRICAL TESTING: how to check electrical components - in this episode, the horn and bridge-type rectifier
HOW TO with Humbernut: part one about making your own control cables. Cue jokes about getting fluxed, cats' arses and a variety of nipples
NORTON ROTARY RACER: The background to the rotor-racer project (you'll be able to read the rest of that story on here)
PANTHER 100: Steve Wilson rides a 1955 swinging arm Panther Model 100, one with wide bars and a slim saddle. Steve also stops off at the London Motorcycle Museum for their Ride It Day.
READERS RealClassics: Real classic bikes in real use; from a Montesta Impala to an A10 to an bright blue Continental to a Fastback LR and even an Ariel Arrow and a very unusual Velo.
ROYAL ENFIELD 350 BULLET: If you buy one of the new 350s at a knock-down price, just what are you letting yourself in for?
TRIUMPH 350 PROJECT: The engine rebuild. Hang on, haven't we already done the engine? How many times does it need to be taken apart and put back together?
TRIUMPH T120R: Buying a 1970 Bonneville, then riding it, then rebuilding it, then riding it to a show or two, and winning a prize or two, too
VELOCETTE MSS: This smart 1958 Velo 500 started swiftly enough - for its owner. Frank Westworth took it for a spin and enjoyed the experience but found himself perplexed by many of Veloce's engineering decisions
PLUS:
news about Beezumph, Beaulieu ticket giveaway, PUB rebuilds a dynamo, Dave Minton answers his own quiz questions, and Frank Westworth starts work on an Ariel, in The Shed.
ARIEL vs MOTO GUZZI: The first pair of wartime warriors stand back-to-back but decades apart. Ariel's W/NG was built in 1944 while Moto Guzzi's Nuovo Falcone is a relative newcomer
DAVE MINTON IN CANADA: Part Four of the series, in which Dave sets off on the last 500 mile leg of his journey, but gets slowed down somewhat by Moose Drool
HARLEY-DAVIDSON WLC 45: Steve Wilson rides down the road aboard another wartime warrior; one of Harley's 1942 740cc military machines
INDIAN V-TWIN: Things were frighteningly advanced in 1913 in the USA; this 60mph machine had front and rear suspension and variable gear ratios. Mind you, the following year they introduced one with electric start!
MATCHLESS -TRIUMPH SPECIAL: Worlds collide when a Triumph TRW and a Matchless G3 are mated together, to form the first of our specials
MZ ETS 250: So which MZ is the best of the breed? Phil Speakman chose the ISDT bike, and explains why
TriBSA SPECIAL: Frank Westworth discovers what happens when you turn a bread-and-butter B31 into an all-action Rickman Metisse
TRIUMPH 350 PROJECT: Bolting everything back together means that the end must be in sight (and presumably somewhere an MoT man is sobbing)
TRIUMPH TIGER 100: Real-life rider Stuart Thomson reviews his rebuild of two, near-identical Triumph twins
PLUS:
Showstoppers; the best bikes from this show season, some good reading about Speedway, How To make control cables, riding the Edinburgh trial in 1970, PUB says farewell to a dear friend, and Frank Westworth leaves The Shed and takes to the saddle
VINTAGE AJS: Fred Dibnah owned a 1927 AJS 350, and Phil Speakman found out all about it (and took a quick spin)
BSA M21: A very special 600cc single, artfully adapted to suit its enthusiast owner
DAVE MINTON IN CANADA: Part Five of the series, in which Dave's BMW R80 takes a trip in the back of a breakdown truck (oh, the ignominy) but also manages to travel 700 miles in a day
DNEPR 650: Ever fancied a Cossack? Odgie got to grips with a 650 twin, one of those new-but-old kinda bikes
KAWASAKI Z650: If what you really, really wanted was a Z1, then would you be happy with a Z650 instead? Choosing the smaller bike could save you thousands
MV AGUSTA REBUILD: If you owned an MV 750-4, then the last thing you'd want to tackle would be a top end rebuild. Richard McCann set to, trembling
NORTON NAVIGATOR: Roland Brown reviews the lightweights, and explains why the Navigator is so much better than the Jubilee
ROB NORTH RACING TRIPLES: The fast lads are on track and meet up with Tim Woolley and other stars of the CRMC scene
TRIUMPH TR5T ADVENTURER: The 1970's Trophy Trail is one of the most handsome motorcycles built by the original industry (discuss). Frank Westworth wonders what went on during its design phase
TRIUMPH TR7T TIGER TRAIL: It's big and it's yellow and it's one of Meriden's last shouts. Steve Wilson rode the big twin for the trail
TRIUMPH 350 PROJECT: So close, and yete project bike goes off for its MoT prior to being registered. If you plan to rebuild a wreck then there's useful info here on how to make it roadworthy and get the paperwork sorted
PLUS:
the return of TP Times, some poignant poems, Bickerstaff aboard a vintage Vincent on the Continent, Minton's memories of A65 twins in the 1960s, and Frank gets fettling his new (old) Ariel.
BMW R80: Dave Minton finishes his epic ride around Canada, after a month of traversing the mountain wilderness of the north American borderlands
1948 MATCHLESS G80C: Frank Westworth reports on a 500cc AMC single, and revels in the precise ride provided by this all-iron-engined, rigid off-roader
MOTO GUZZI V1000: Roland Brown tests a Convert with semi-automatic gearbox, and we take a look at the Hondamatic 750 and 400 models, too
NORTON COMMANDO: A true tale about making a dream come true and buying a 750 Fastback - and then taking it all apart and fixing it!
ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET: A walk in the woods with a 1959 MX Enfield - the kind of ride which should inspire you to stop reading and drag your own bike out for a spin
1928 TRIUMPH MODEL N: Just to prove that not all Triumphs are post-war twins, in this issue we feature two Triumphs which aren't twins - and this one is seriously pre-war, a sprightly, rigid/girder-forked saddle-tanker
TRIUMPH TIGER CUB: Real-life owners report on their experiences (good and bad) with Triumph's tiddler, with tech specs, timeline and info about Cubs you can buy
TRIUMPH 350 REBUILD: The inevitable twin rears its head, and this month we try to achieve something like stopping efficiency from its front drum brake
PLUS:
Steve Wilson rides with the TR3OC at this year's Beezumph Rally; Humbernut makes casings; PUB has problems on board the HRD, and Frank Westworth meets a BSA Goldiesque scrambler.
ARIEL RED HUNTER REUNITED: Back in 1975, David Bullivant bought an NH350. Then he bought it all over again in 2006 - and here's how it happened
BMW R65: Steve Wilson tries one for size and meets a man who has owned a 650 Boxer for nearly 25 years
BS A7: According to some, the 500cc parallel twin is the ultimate British bike of its era. But it might be just a little too nice…
MV AGUSTA 750: the second part of the bike's top end rebuild (the first has was in RC30, in case you didn't spot it!)
P&M 500: Before they were called Panthers, P&M built beefy sloper singles. This one's from 1921 and it needed a tip-to-toe restoration
SUNBEAM S8: Useful hints and tips about running a Beam, including an alternator conversion and fitting a Concentric carb
SUZUKI GS1100 REBUILD: part one, which involves a big pile of boxes and an awful lot of optimism
TRIUMPH 850 HURRICANE: This blue beauty is much more than 'just' an X-75; it's a big-bore 850 version of the must-have original triple
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T140ES: The classic bike for everyman; we take a spin on an oil-in-frame 750
TRIUMPH 350 REBUILD: nearly finished - apart from a couple of oil leaks and a weird misfire.
PLUS: a Moto Guzzi goes to Finland, How To make casings, PUB checks over a magneto, Dave Minton reviews the Malvern Show, and Frank Westworth makes some progress in The Shed.
ARIEL RED HUNTER vs SUNBEAM MODEL 9: Two vintage bikes from the 1930s go head-to-head. They're both single-cylinder machines with rigid rear ends and girder forks. But one has a twin-port head. Does it make a difference?
BSA OIL-IN-FRAME SINGLES: There's two new books out on the subject of BSA's B25s and B50s, which reminds Steve Wilson about his ties with a Triumph T25SS and a B50T
LAVERDA 750 SF: If you think that all the best parallel twins are British, then you've probably never ridden a Laverda twin. The drum-braked 750 of the early 70s is rated as 'best of the bunch' and 'ten times better than a Norton Commando!'
MV AGUSTA 125 GTL: Russ Gannicott's collection of little Italians just keep on growing. Another ohv single joins the gang
NORTON DOMINATOR: A Model 77 travels around the world.
SUZUKI GS1100 REBUILD: Part two. It lives!
TRIUMPH OFF-ROAD SPECIAL: Odgie builds a bike to go trials riding and opts for something unusual. It starts life as 350 twin but it doesn't stay that capacity for long…
TRIUMPH 350 REBUILD: part the last. The little 3TA is finally finished.
TRIUMPH METISSE PROJECT, part one. Nigel (aka Melbourne Metisse) starts his build of an MRD Metisse, using a TR6C engine and an awful lot of angst!
PLUS: classic racing with Honda's MT125 and Jerry Lodge; How To with Humbernut; PUB goes judging at Malvern; Dave Minton goes off-road with a Greeves, and Frank Westworth has a dream (no, not a Honda!).
AJS MODEL 30: An owner's eye view of his 1956 600cc Ajay twin
ARIEL LEADER V VELOCETTE LE: Giant head-to-head test of those commuter classics which time should have forgotten but we seem to have remembered
BMW R100 OUTFIT: Celia Walton tells us how she got back on the road and resurrected an old airhead
BSA GOLD STAR: Steve Wilson meets a man with a pre-65 Goldie trials bike, a man who has no fear of getting it properly muddy!
BSA GOLD STAR SPECIAL: Another beautiful Beesa, this time a ZB34 rebuilt as a scrambler special
INDIAN BIG CHIEF: An original and (mostly) unrestored 1925 American V-twin. Simply. Stunning.
MOTO GUZZI NUOVO FALCONE: The why, the how and the wherewithall of buying and owning a single-cylinder Guzzi
2007 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE BLACK SE: No, it's not a 'classic bike' as such, but it is a British bike which is likely to appeal to classic bike enthusiasts. And that's why we tested it!
TRIUMPH METISSE PROJECT, part two. Nigel (aka Melbourne Metisse) gets to grips with fibreglass, rocker boxes and a pain in the back
PLUS: Batteries and ammeters and other things electrical; welding and soldering and when to use bolts; PUB on motorcycle lighting and Frank Westworth attacks an Ariel clutch.
BSA BANTAM vs MZ ES150: Is this the ultimate battle of the titans? Er, no. Karl Bentley compares two solid little strokers, and decides he likes the blue one best
BSA M21: It's not fast and it's hardly furious, but Frank Westworth found this 1947 sidevalve single-cylinder slogger to be extremely entertaining
NORTON DOMINATOR ABROAD: RC reader John Powell took a 1961 Dommi 88 across Canada on a trip of a lifetime
NORTON MANX SCRAMBLER: Les Archer was a superstar of the scrambles scene in the 1950s and his most famous bike was a cammny Norton single. Here's how he tamed the bike which Norton themselves gave up on…
TRIALS TRIUMPHS: A huge amount of work goes into building D&C's pre-65 trials specials. Martin Peacock discovered just how much work goes into creating these TR5T-based machines
VINCENT RAPIDE: Peter Sprot found a one-owner-from-new Vin twin in a barn in need to just a little (OK, a lot) of TLC. One rebuild later…
YAMAHA XS750: It's a new project bike! It's horrible! It's also amazing what difference a good clean can make. Rod starts to restore an old Yam (and we wonder why…)
PLUS: Steve Wilson goes Down The Road to explore the history of the BSA Group in the 1950s; the Triumph Metisse project nears its end; Humbernut finishes making a cylinder from scratch; PUB looks at post-war lighting; Dave Minton remembers Rab Cook; and Frank Westworth celebrates his Ariel success
ARIEL 500 TRIALS BIKE: Six page feature about a rigid/girder forked single cylinder scrambler and how it has been developed over years for trialling
AJS & MATCHLESS 350 SINGLES: The lowdown on what it is like to own and live with a Model 16 or G3, with eight reports from actual owners plus recommended suppliers and specialists, a model development timeline and where to buy one and what to pay
1960 NORTON DOMINATOR 99: Frank Westworth rides a 600cc slimline featherbed Norton twin. Includes history, the secret of the featherbed frame, owner feedback and riding impressions
GOODMAN HDS 1200: Another featherbed frame but this time with a 1200 Harley-Davidson Sportster engine in it. Four page feature including details of the build from the owner, and riding impressions
PANTHER MODEL 35 ES: A very unusual little Panther twin, equipped with electric start.
TRIUMPH 650 BONNEVILLE: Steve Wilson takes a quick spin on a well sorted 1966/68/69 machine
TRIUMPH 3HW: Rebuilding a wartime Triumph single, with girder fork front end and rigid rear.
TRIUMPH T100 REBUILD: The first installment in a new project about rebuilding a unit Triumph twin, and why Humbernut (a vintagent if ever there was one) has suddenly bought a 'modern' bike
TRIUMPH METISSE REBUILD: Finally, a finished project! Another Triumph twin goes back on the road
YAMAHA XS750 REBUILD: Part two of Rod's rebuild majors on cleaning carbs and brakes
VELOCETTE VOGUE: Five page feature by Frank Westworth about one of the strange offshoots of Velocette's quest to build a bike for everyman
PLUS: Bickerstaff's travels, Dave Minton's troubled trip, Frank Westworth finds some NOS, reader ads, events, news and more.
The Four Square Issue includes the following articles:
1959 AJS MODEL 20CSR: This sporty 500cc twin started life as a CSR but now it's in CS trim. What's the difference? Frank Westworth reports
1928 ARIEL MODEL B: Before Ariel built red bikes, there were the black machines of the 1920s. This 557cc sidevalve single was pressed into service when the owner's Square Four went into a sulk!
1976 KAWASAKI KH400: It turns out that the last of the line of Kawasaki's famed two-stroke triples is a lot less exciting than a Mach II, but a considerably easier to live with
NORTON COMMANDO 750: What happens when you fit drop bars, rearsets, a huge alloy tank and a JPS fairing to a road-going Norton 750 twin? You get a Combat Cafe Racer, for course!
1962 ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET: One of the last 350cc singles built by Enfield in England, this Bullet was also a one-owner-from-new machine. Somehow, Rod Ker ended up getting it going again after a wee while off the road
TRIUMPH T100 REBUILD: Humbernut get into the engine rebuild on his project bike, and hardly ever welts things with a monster great hammer…
1982 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE 750: The Special Edition Royal finds a new owner, who immediately decides to convert it to a single-carb head. Just how do you do that, then?
1948 VELOCETTE MAC: Steve Wilson takes a spin on a 350cc single, with rigid rear end and ahead-of-their-time Dowty Oleomatic air forks
YAMAHA XS750 REBUILD: If you can't face tackling the mechanicals, then try repairing the seat…
PLUS: Readers' RealClassic including a T100C, a Rocket 3 and a free Beesa; PUB goes to the Vincent rally in Australia; Dave Minton meets up with the man behind Norton's isolastics, and Frank Westworth struggles with sparks and a Douglas Dragonfly.
This issue of RealClassic magazine contains everything from a 1920's flat-tanker to a 1980's old tank. If you buy a copy, our jokes might get better in future (but that's not a promise…)
BSA WD B40: Usually, the army tend to get stripped-back versions of commuter bikes. In the case of BSA's 350, the military machine is a beefed up version of the roadgoing bike. And it's sooooo much better!
Classic Racing: we meet Christine and Dennis Etheridge who race Gilera and Norton outfits in the CRMC series. Oh, and they have a combined age of 128…
Matchless-Triumph Special: Back in t'old days, people used to make specials out of bikes like a Matchless G80 and a Triumph Speed Twin. Here's one we did earlier… about 40 years earlier, in fact.
1928 Sunbeam Model 1: Flat-tank fun on a sidevalve 350 single with hand-change, hand oil pump and hand-some looks…
Triumph Bonneville Royal: Our intrepid reporter has hacked the head on his T140 around, to convert it to single carb. So what does it go like, mister?
Triumph T100 Project: Humbernut gets his engine back in the frame and comes close to finishing this rebuild
Vincent Comet: What could be more fun than rebuilding one Vincent 500 single? Why, rebuilding two of them, of course…
Yamaha XS750 Project: Rod Ker locates sidepanels and an ignition system but is nowhere near finishing this particular rebuild
This issue of the magazine includes two-strokes, four-strokes, singles and twins, a triple and an almost 'unquantifiable' * and we'll send you a copy if you ask us nicely (and pay for it!)
1953 BSA Golden Flash: How can you solve electrical hassle on an old A10. Frank Westworth investigates a Classic Solution…
1957 Greeves Fleetstar: Steve Wilson rides a 197cc two-stroke roadster, fitted with the Villiers 9E single cylinder engine
*1974 Hercules W2000: Paul Morgan-Knight rides a rotary-engined rarity and works out how that weird engine works
1937 Rudge Special 500: Rudge's famous racing motorcycles devoured most of the company's resources, but they put their expertise to good use on road bikes like this girder-forked beauty
Triumph T100 Rebuild: Humbernut's restoration project is finished. Was it worth all the effort?
1969 Triumph T120 Special: This unit 650 started out as a basic Bonneville, but its owner converted it to a tricksy flat-tracker
1961 Velocette Clubman: Originally a Viper, this Velo's been converted to Venom spec and then tweaked and fettled and … it's a work in progress!
Yamaha XS750 Project: Rod Ker fits a new mudguard (oh, the excitement) and faffs around with carbs. Again
PLUS: Anarchy goes to Rotary Day; we test different types of petrol tank sealant; news, letters and bikes for sale; Bickerstaff goes to the Classic Bike Club's Show; Minton wants to see all show entries running, and Frank Westworth suffers from rot...
This issue travels from a 1930's two-stroke to a 1990's Triumph triple, and pauses at Italian, Japanese and other British classics en route. And here's how you can buy a copy...
JAPSTER SPECIAL: Odgie built himself a vintage fake out of a 600cc 1930's JAP sidevalve engine which probably started life in a lawnmower. Looks great, too…
MOTO GUZZI V35: An owner's report of life with a 350 V-twin
ROYAL ENFIELD CONTINENTAL: the launch of a lifetime, when Britain's quickest 250 rode 1000 miles in 22 hours, recalled by Continental enthusiast James French
1973 ROYAL ENFIELD INTERCEPTOR: Steve Wilson has a ride on a bright orange Rickman Interceptor 750; 'a real rocker's machine'
1956 TRIUMPH T110: Rod Ker road tests a pre-unit Triumph 650 and discovers a smokey engine, slipping clutch and clunky gearchange. But it IS very shiny…
1998 TRIUMPH THUNDERBIRD SPORT: If you really must call any Hinckley Triumph a 'classic' then, argues Frank Westworth, this one might be worthy of the title
1930 VELOCETTE GTP: If you want a budget bike to ride in the Banbury Run, then a two-stroke Velo like this one might just do the job…
PLUS: Anarchy tries cut-price blasting and coating; Rod continues his rebuild of a Yamaha XS750; PUB reports on the Banbury Run and goes to Brooklands; Dave Minton 'enjoys' fettling his Laverda 3C; and Frank Westworth doesn't have a clue how to sell a classic motorcycle...
ARIEL RED HUNTER: A 1937 350cc sporting single goes to the seaside (and looks drop-dead gorgeous)
BSA A10 CAFÉ RACER: A new rebuild series starts, with a Beesa in big bits
NORMAN B2S 197cc: One for two-stroke fans; an owner's tale of rebuilding and upgrading a 1959 Norman
NORTON DOMINATORS: All sorts of reports on every kind of Dominator twin, from Model 7 to 77 to 88 to 99 to 650 SS (and from all around the world, too!)
TRIUMPH TIGER 750: Steve Wilson meets a man who rode his oil-in-frame Triumph 750 twin to Timbuktu
TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE T140ES: And here's an owner whose 750 twin has been has bought and sold and bought again
VINCENT BLACK SHADOW: Jacqueline Bickerstaff takes a brand new Vincent twin, built from spares by the VOC, for a spin. How does the modern machine live up to her experience of the marque?
BSA B25: After 21 years with BSA 250s, this owner has plenty of experience to share…
BSA A10: the rebuild continues, and starts to take shape as a café racer
DUCATI PASO: The 750 Paso of 1986 was one of the most unconventional Ducatis ever built and 20 years later it still looks remarkable. Over a full road test, we find that it's one of the most practical bikes of its breed
MATCHLESS G80ES & ROYAL ENFIELD Electra-X: Frank Westworth goes in search of big singles with electric starters, and finds one from 1987 which feels almost modern, and one nearly-new bike which feels really rather old
RALEIGH MODEL 23: Yes, Raleigh built bikes with engines as well as push-cycles. We find a 1928 overhead valve 500cc Raleigh single on the other side of the world
TECHNIQUES: The lowdown on using a digital meter to check your electrics
PLUS: Steve Wilson enjoys the Jampot Rally, we go behind the scenes with the VMCC, Humbernut starts making big ends, PUB spends a week in the Isle of Man, Dave Minton considers BMW fork design, and Frank Westworth starts fixing a bike he has no intention of using...
BSA TT RACER: The BSA 1921 TT team was the least lucky outfit you could ever hope to hear of. Their fast but fragile ohv single caused all sorts of chaos, and the last surviving bike still gets into trouble on a regular basis
BSA A10 REBUILD: It's nearly finished! Jon puts it all back together and then has to figure out why it don't wanna go…
GREEVES 32DC: A two-stroke roadster heads for the Isle of Man. Will it survive the Manx GP?
HONDA CBX1000: You've got to have grit if you're going to restore a six cylinder classic. David Towers' CBX has been through two (or is it three?) rebuilds, a rebore, and an awful lot of cash…
JAP SPECIAL: What do you get if you stick a 1000cc JAP engine into a Norton featherbed frame? Frank Westworth isn't entirely sure!
NORTON COMMANDO 750S: A big yellow beast from 1970, the S-type Commando is the one with the awesome high pipes which fetches a pretty penny when they come up for sale. But the S-type was never as popular as the Roadster when new. Wonder why?
TRIUMPH TRW: This wartime slogger was obsolete before it even went into production, but Jim Rendell has a soft spot for his rigid sidevalve
PLUS: Steve Wilson goes Down The Road to the Manx Grand Prix and the VMCC's Manx Rally; British Bike Bodging (some helpful hints and tips); How To make big end bearings with Humbernut; PUB on changing ratios; Dave Minton reviews the VMCC's festival of 1000 Bikes, and Frank Westworth narrowly avoids setting fire to The Big Shed...
BSA A10 Project: The café racer is finally finished, and Jon Warren clocks up 750 miles or so on it. Was it really worth all the effort?
Douglas Motorcycles: Douglas built their first bike in 1907 and members of the Douglas Club celebrated the marque's centenary by riding from Land's End to John O'Groats. The bikes they rode ranged from a 1914 TT machine, to a 1928 EW, Mark III, IV and V, 80 Plus and 90 Plus, and a Dragonfly - and there's details about all of them and how they fared on the journey
Matchless G11 CS: Frank Westworth uncovers the tale of an ISDT award-winner, a 600 twin which hasn't changed much since it competed back in 1960 and won a silver medal
Moto Guzzi 3T: If you want a California on the cheap, then an 850 T3 is an obvious starting place. Paul Morgan-Knight describes life with The Black Pig…
Triumph 3TA: The RC project 350 Triumph twin is back on the road, and just to prove it Rod Ker rode it home to Meriden
Val Page: Jacqueline Bickerstaff reflects upon the achievements of a great motorcycle designer; the Ariel and Triumph singles, and the first Triumph twin
Ariel Square Four The very first Squares used tricksy overhead cam engines, and Markus Nikot had all sorts of fun fettling his (part one of two)
BMW R60Roland Brown roadtests a restored 1960 Boxer 600cc twin
Greeves: The Prototype Revived The very first Greeves motorcycle has long since disappeared off the face of the planet, so marque enthusiasts from the Greeves Riders' Club set about building a faithful replica
Hobart 250 Hobart Bird of Coventry built bikes in the early part of the 20th century, and this JAP-engined two-speeder dates from 1919
Moto Guzzi Geezers Steve Wilson takes his Guzzi California for a once-over at Moto Corsa, and uncovers a tale of Italian enthusiasm (and a Power Commander chip…)
Norvil Commando 850 Norvil built a brand new 850 Commando Roadster, and then let Frank Westworth loose on it. You can see how well it starts here, which turned out to be a little tricky to demonstrate in print
Triumph Pre-Unit Twins One machine set the standard for the British post-war mass motorcycle market, and you can buy one for less than you think. A quick buyer's guide reveals a TR6 replica for under six grand, a slickshift-equipped 5T for £4000, a T110 for £5500 and Steve McQueen's Thunderbird
Ariel Square Four The concluding part of this two-episode tale reveals how a cammy 600 engine finally made it back into one piece
1927 BSA Model L The Model L was BSA’s first overhead valve production bike, and it was also one of the company’s final flat-tankers. Laurie Packer tells how he rebuilt one
Morini 350 Fascinated by the final ride of Aircraftman Shaw (that’s Lawrence of Arabia you!), Peter Barker took his Morini 3½ Strada on the route of Lawrence’s last ride across England
1955 Norton Manx Many people dream of finding an unrestored Manx tucked away somewhere. Peter Sprot discovered a 350 Manx stored in the back of a truck, where it had been parked since its last race in 1968
Norton & Triumph Police Bikes Frank Westworth currently owns a Norton Interpol 2 and has had the pleasure of an ex-police Atlas and a couple of retired Commando Interpols. Despite that, he tracked down a 1968 Triumph Saint and its 1972 descendent
Police Bikes at Hendon Back in 1966, John Wheater had a camera handy when the Met took to exercising their Triumph Speed Twins at the old RAF base at Hendon
Velocette LE: The Baby Bobby’s Bike And no review of police motorcycles could possibly be complete without a road test of Velocette’s 192cc noddy bike (which didn’t come with flashing lights, sadly)
PLUS: Steve Wilson remembers a gaggle of dead Americans (including Steve McQueen, Evel Knievel and Marlon Brando) who rode Triumph twins; Humbernut rebuilds girder forks; Odgie gets to grips with Project Speedster; PUB investigates JMB three-wheelers; Dave Minton remembers Charles Jarrot and Frank Westworth loses his sparks… (and there’s letters and news and product reviews and reader ads and all that sorta stuff too. Of course).
BSA B31 & B33 Long term owners of BSA’s 350 and 500cc singles reveal the highs and lows of living with these machines, including plenty of useful info about upgrading the (weedy) front brake, suspension, carb and so forth
BSA A10 Outfit What happens when you take a perfectly sound BSA Super Rocket 650 and attach a Garrard Grand Prix sidecar to it? Frank Westworth found out
Norton Dominator 99 Peter Scatchard has owned his 1959 600cc Dommi for 40 years, and after four decades of hard use he felt it deserved a bit of spit ‘n’ polish
Royal Enfield Trail Bullet Mark Williams gets to grips with a Hitchcock’s 350cc off-roader. It’s 60lb lighter than the standard machine and, despite his initial misgivings, MW finds he actually quite likes it…
Suzuki GT550 One of the most civilised strokers of the Rising Sun era, the GT550 nevertheless presents something of a challenge if you want to restore one today. And it still smokes, even when rebuilt and fully run in…
Triumph Speed Twin The unit construction 5TA Speed Twin was the perfect bike for Sue Blanchard, but she couldn’t get the hang of the right-foot gearchange. So husband Dave converted it to left-foot shift, and here’s how he did it
PLUS: Steve Wilson remembers a Girl On A Motorcycle and starts his Ariel-across-Africa project; Odgie cracks on with Project Speedster; Humbernut reconditions girder forks; PUB goes to Chicago; Dave Minton reflects on why Birmingham was the centre of the old industry, and Frank Westworth struggles to get his AJS snow-plough correctly registered…
Excelsior Manxman: A 1937 ohc Manxman is a really rare bird. This huge article explains the background to the marque and the model, with details of this bike’s restoration plus the exploits of Excelsior racers
Laverda Jota: Rod Ker rides something big and orange, and tells us about its history, while Roger Slater recalls the genesis of the Jota
Matchless Off-Roader: Odgie gets muddy with his 1954 G3L and comes home with a trophy. Wot. A. Dude.
Norton 500T: Another off-roader, this time Norton’s awesomely successful post-war slogger, created by the McCandless brothers before the featherbed frame had started twinkling in their eyes
Triumph Thunderbird: Steve Wilson rides a 6T, and meets a man with an eclectic collection including a 1930 Sunbeam Lion, a 1912 Triumph and a 1926 Norton 16H
Triumph T100: Frank Westworth is reunited with an unusual disc-braked 1974 Daytona, and compares it to the standard model; Project Speedster gets hack-sawed into shape; Humbernut machines gasket faces
Vincent’S 100th: If he were still around, Philip Vincent would be celebrating his hundredth birthday. Instead J Bickerstaff celebrates it on his behalf and recalls the high points of PCV’s motorcycling career
Plus: Tony Page takes us on a tragical history tour (very 1970s, naff-all to do with old motorcycles); Dave Minton’s BMW R80 undergoes long-distance repairs, and Frank Westworth attempts to start a rotary Norton with a new sprag clutch
AJS Model 16MS Grey porridge! You may yell. Indeed. Frank Westworth explains why AMC’s 350 singles sold so well, and why porridge turns out to be enduringly popular
BSA C15T Matt Vale has written a book about Beesa’s unit singles, and here’s the actual bike he used for inspiration. Has a Ceefer ever been an official muse before? We should be told
Indian Woodsman OK: we admit it. This isn’t some awesome American big twin. The Indian Woodsman is a marketing ploy from the late 1950s when Royal Enfield sold their Bullets in the USA with different badging. Anarchy explains…
Rudge-Whitworth Ulster This survivor from the 1930s originally raced on the Isle of Man, from thence it travelled to Canada and then onto California where RC’s American correspondent, Jim Algar, discovered it still being ridden today
Project Speedster Odgie’s ongoing quest to build a vintafake from a Triumph Tina engine and anything else which wasn’t nailed down reaches a stage of alloy bashing
1950 Sunbeam S7 Deluxe Just to be different, the S7 we rode was black (yes, that is an original colour; they weren’t all green). Why did BSA so despise their balloon-tyred gentleman’s tourer, and what’s it like to own today?
Triumph Trident T150 Never, ever buy an old bike which is missing its kickstarter. There’s always a good reason why its kickstarter is missing, as Brian Oakley discovered
Ural-BMW Special An owner explains why it isn’t at all straightforward to drop a Boxer engine into a Russian motorcycle chassis
Plus: Steve Wilson remembers a good friend with a Dayton Albatross; Humbernut goes on the VMCC’s Northumbrian Gathering and completes a job of reaming bushes; PUB goes on the 70th Pioneer Run; Dave Minton remembers life with a cammy Velo, and Frank Westworth considers the (lack of) progress on his spAriel rebuild.
BSA A50 Royal Star We asked Karl Bentley to write this story when he began the rebuild of his Beesa 500, always intending it to be in RC50. But it all got a bit touch-and-go towards the end: would it be done? Would it be a runner? Would Karl like what he’d built? Here are the answers…
1952 Douglas Mk V We tried to find a Douglas Mark 50, but they didn’t make one, so Rowena Hoseason took to the road on a 350cc Mark V instead
50 Miles Per Hour Another 50-themed story; following a route on a pair of Triumph triples, to travel 50 miles in an hour. Yes, we could get more contrived than this, but only by trying very hard!
Another 50 Mile Per Hour We originally asked Rod to do a similar ride on a Norton Model 50. But the bike he wanted to use was sold before he got out there and did it, so instead he dusted off his Yamaha XS750. (Well, there’s a ‘50’ in there somewhere). And he did ride 50 miles along the A50, so it turned out nice again
Gilera 50 RS Trial Back in the day, everyone want a sports moped. Didn’t they? Well, Frank Westworth didn’t actually want one, but we still made him ride the Gilera ’cos it’s not every day you get to celebrate your fiftieth issue. Oh no.
1931 Matchless 500 Back in pre-war days, road tax bands were calculated by mass, hence Matchless built their tax-beating Light 500. And Dave D has just finished restoring one to its former glory
Norton Commando Fastback 750 Andy Bone bought his Fastback and then applied his engineering skills to improve its reliability and performance. Here are his recommended (and no so useful) mods and upgrades
Speedster Project Odgie’s vintafake now needs things like electrics and a starter and such, and he doesn’t filch all of them from a Hoover Junior vacuum cleaner
New Triumph Bonneville T100 Steve Wilson needed to update the chapter of his Triumph book to include the most recent Hinckley model Bonnie, so we went along for a spin
Plus: Humbernut build a fork stem for a girder forked vintage machine; Steve Wilson looks back on the old days of the BSAOC’s Star magazine; PUB goes to Stafford and the VMCC’s Relay Rally; Dave Minton talks about gearing; and Frank Westworth gets his Norton ready for the road and flirts with Fertan.
Ariel Leader Rebuild A zillion years ago, we started restoring an Ariel Leader. Halfway through, the happy spannerman lost access to his garage. This is what’s happened since then…
BSA A50 Most folk opt for the A65, but Rod Ker considers instead the pros and cons of BSA’s 500cc unit twin
BSA A65 If you prefer a bigger capacity Beezer under your belt, then Steve Wilson reviews his experiences with a variety of A65s, including an oil-in-frame Lightning and a 1962 Star
Francis-Barnetts Abroad You don’t need a stonking great Beemer 1200 to go two-wheeled touring. Back in the day, Real Men rode massive mileages two-up on a Francis-Barnett Falcon
Norton Singles Real life riders reveal all about their long term experiences with Norton’s Model 16, 18 and 19, Big 4, ES2 and even a Model 50 or two
Panther 650 If you’re in search of a perfect Panther, then you might choose to fit a 650cc engine from a 120 Model into the rigid-rear end 100 Model chassis. Frank Westworth rode just such a beast
Triumph Unit 650 Twins If you prefer your trad Brit twin to be of the Trumpet type, author Matt Vale provides an exhaustive and in-depth guide to the 1963 to 1970 unit construction 650s
Triumph Hinckley Bonneville Our continuing series looks at tuning Triumph’s modern twin engine, including jetting theory, new exhausts, airbox alterations and more
Plus: Anarchy goggles at Halcyon; Odgie goes girder forking; Humbernut tackles silver brazing; PUB goes racing with a Dartela; Minton’s muses on motorcycle maintenance and Frank Westworth rides out to the Jampot rally
Hesketh V1000 Viewed as an heroic failure during their production run, the Hesketh V-twins have gathered a cult following since then. Frank Westworth rides one to find out if it really is as high, wide, slow and top-heavy as folklore suggests
Moto Guzzi California Evo Steve Wilson takes a trip to the south of France aboard his 1999 Cali Evo equipped with (oh, the excitement), an Airhawk accessory. You’ll have to read it to find out what-the-heck an Airhawk actually is
Royal Enfield Bullet Imagine what you’d do if you found your dad’s old motorbike on eBay. Clive Evans bought and restored the 1957 350 Bullet which, 40 years before, had belonged to his dad
Suzuki Katana GSX1000 Just to be odd, we didn’t opt to test the 1100 big Kat but instead went for the altogether less familiar 1000cc version. David Towers suggests it might need to go on a bit of a diet
1953 Triumph Thunderbird A pre-unit 650 Triumph twin, complete with sprung hub, revulator, and a neat SU carb. And it’s blue, too
Triumph Triple Prototype At the end of the 1950s, Bert Hopwood and Doug Hele first considered building a three-cylinder superbike. So why did it take an entire decade to get it into production? Rowena Hoseason investigates the origins and reconstruction of P1
Triumph Bonneville TuningThis episode looks at improving the suspension and wheels on modern Hinckley Bonnies
Plus: Emm investigates the state of the classic motorcycle market; Skye Classic Motorcycles settle in the west country, Humbernut makes a steering damper, PUB talks about dynamo electrics on 12-Volt systems, Dave Minton’s (air) head has a wobble, and Frank Westworth chases sparks around The Shed.
Max Schaaf:
Pro skateboarder, blog bohemian bike builder, hard rider. Shot by the Flying Dutchman.
XR1000:
Simply the finest Harley street tracker ever built. Ex-Joe Kopp wheels, Sundance flatslides, WP forks, British problem solving. Chug-a-lug
Oto Resu:
Fearless acing in jockey silks and armadillo gloves on bikes called grasshoppers. Tarmac banked oval beautiful weirdness from Japan.
Transplant:
Take one mid-80s KTM ‘crosser, one dog rough Honda Africa Twin, destined for the knacker’s yard, season with two 19in wheels, Flanders bars and one-off pipe and you have Captain Highside’s FULL THROCKLE DEVASTATOR.
Great Indoors I:
When built Houston Astrodome was an icon of American Optimism and civil engineering creativity. And it held national short track and TT races. Ray Ninness was there.
Great Indoors II:
Houston had the precaution of run-off & nice soft hay bales if you decide to highside.
This grim warehouse somewhere in Northern England has no run-off & steel RSJs to contend with. Riding the cheapest Chinese 'crossers, a rabble of die-hard flat trackers take to the shiny concrete over the winter months. Outside it’s so cold even dogs don't bark.
Kenny Roberts & His TZ750:
The legend talks exclusively to Sideburn about his favourite sport and the Tee Zee. The best archive photography and killer colour shots of the TZ too.
The Odyssey:
The inspirational tale of two lads, two scruffy Sportsters and a cross-Continental journey from Californira to Maine and back.
Wrench Monkees:
Cult Danish bike builders turn their attention to a Yam SR500 to build a sweet, budget street tracker.
Smokin':
That's not a pet sausage on Art's leg, its a meat hook to stop his methanol rocket ship careering off into the sideboards & killing innocent bystanders. An eBay collection of cigarette cards depicting men who were men that smoked.
Mutton Chops:
Mick Phillips paints a fuggy picture of our furry Speedway forefathers, whose facial hair is still an inspiration.
Fat Goodyears, skinny Harleys, vintage Yamahas, homebuilt KTMs, blue grooves, steel soles, fractured collarbones, broken dreams, big ideas, small budgets, clear thinking and dirty visors.
Killer flat track bikes from the last 40 years. Road legal street trackers from three continents. The heroes of flat track: Springsteen, Romero, Hayden. The noboies and the never-will-bes of small town short track club racing.
6 Archive
A walk in the park
8 Paddock Gossip
It’s what’s happening
15 Daytona 2009
The news from the USA
18 Readers Write
It’s your turn
20 Tech Inspection
Great stuff tested
22 Mr Perfect
Part one of Norm DeWitt’s Wayne Rainey story sets the scene; part two will blow you away
32 Jack Wood
Jack Wood succeeded as both poacher and gamekeeper. John Watterson tells us how
40 Still keeping it all in line
A feast for the techies starts with Alan Turner’s look behind the scene at Exactweld
48 Reg 250
Bob Geeson was a genius. Don’t believe me? Read Alan Cathcart’s story on the man and his machine
56 North West 200 at eighty
As the North West 200 turns 80 this year Alastair McCook charts its progress down the years
64 Moto Paton laid bare
A Classic Racer exclusive into what makes the Paton work. Malc Wheeler was on hand to share it
72 Kevin’s comeback
Schwantz goes classic
74 Classic racing down under
Hamish Cooper reports
75 South African classics
Mick Grant gets some sun
80 BHR awards
Vintage racers celebrate
81 Spa special
Enjoy the cartoon
18 Tech Inspection
Packed with things to buy
25 Honda race
boss gerald davison talks to Mike Jackson and lifts the lid
34 In part two
of wayne rainey, Norm Dewitt tells of the joy of victory and the end of a career
42 Tim Oliver
reunites old friends as he tells the tale of geoff tanners clubman’s tt norton
72 Thundersprint
Party in the park
73 Le Mans
ICGP kicks off
74 Stafford
Foggy becomes a classic
76 Jarama
Spanish Classic
80 Pembrey
CRMC starter
81 Mallory
BHR season on
82 Mettet
IHRO circus hits town
84 Brands Hatch
BMCRC centennial
85 Sport Down Under
Hamish has the news
86 Scarborough
It’s Ryan’s Mount
88 Darley Moor
CRMC round two
90 Three Sisters
BHR visit the girls
96 Spa cartoon
Great event, great artwork
CLASSIC RACER REGULARS
06 Archive shot
Rough and tumble at Thruxton
08 Paddock Gossip
What’s happening in your sport
18 Tech Inspection
Reading or riding, we test it
20 Readers Write
The postbag gets bigger
97 Next Issue
Can you wait that long?
CLASSIC RACER PEOPLE
24 Keith Heckles
For the love of the sport
32 Kel Carruthers
Star and star maker
40 Gerald Davison
Honda boss talks
68 On any Sunday
A film full of stars
CLASSIC RACER MACHINES
48 Sonauto TZ750
Alan Cathcart tames the beast
CLASSIC RACER EVENTS
56 Bikers Classics at Spa
62 Pre-TT Classic
74 Goodwood calls for Gareth Crew
86 Pageant of Power
88 Festival of 1000 Bikes
CLASSIC RACER SPORT
78 BHR Cadwell
80 CRMC Donington
82 ICGP Rijeka
83 BHR Mallory Park
84 IHRO Schleiz
85 CRMC Brands
90 IHRO Chimay
96 ICGP Spa
CLASSIC RACER REGULARS
06 Archive shot
Changing times at the UGP
08 Paddock Gossip
All the classic news
18 Tech Inspection
Tried and tested for you
22 Readers Write
Good to hear from you
46 Subscribe
Get it fast and cheap
CLASSIC RACER PEOPLE
32 Stuart Shenton
Four decades of tuning
40 Fast lady down under
Mandy Beales beats the boys
56 Ron Chandler
Sixties ace talks
64 Eric Saul
Hard charging Frenchman
72 Vin Duckett
The race to the top
CLASSIC RACER MACHINES
48 Butler and Smith BMW
Heavyweight boxer tested
CLASSIC RACER EVENTS
14 Beezumph
Triples celebrated
CLASSIC RACER SPORT
24 Classic Manx Grand Prix
The ultimate classic test
80 ICGP Brands
82 ICGP Cadwell
84 IHRO Gendine
86 Irish Scene
88 CRMC Snetterton
90 BHR Lydden
96 BHR Anglesey
CLASSIC RACER REGULARS
_03 Pole Position
Great moments past
_06 Archive shot
Tiddlers stateside
_08 Paddock Gossip
Classic happenings
_20 Tech Inspection
Hot products tested
_22 Readers Write
Another packed sack
_66 Subscribe
Get it fast and cheap
_81 What’s next?
Don’t miss out
CLASSIC RACER PEOPLE
_26 Scott Russell
Fast at home and abroad
_34 Alan Holmes
Fast Manxman profiled
_42 Clubman classic racing
Tim Oliver counts the cost
CLASSIC RACER MACHINES
_48 MV3 revealed - Classic Racer world exclusive
Mechanical marvel stripped
_54 Paton Bicilidrica
The first in line
_68 King Kenny’s TZ
The real deal analysed
CLASSIC RACER EVENTS
_16 Freddie’s show
Star turn at Stafford
_62 Goodwood Dream
Racing with the stars
CLASSIC RACER SPORT
_74 BHR Cadwell
Final curtain 2009
_76 CRMC Cadwell
Season’s end
CLASSIC RACER REGULARS
_06 Archive shot
Sliding to victory
_08 Paddock Gossip
Packed with classic news
_16 Tech Inspection
Tried and tested
_64 Subscribe
Save time and money
_81 What’s next?
Something to look forward to
CLASSIC RACER PEOPLE
_24 Cal Rayborn
A story of triumph and tragedy
_42 Chris Conn
One orderly corporal
_58 Gary Noel
European invader
_66 Dennis Jones
Tribute to a genius
_70 Who is the greatest?
You have spoken
CLASSIC RACER MACHINES
_50 Villa V-Four
Timeline tested
CLASSIC RACER EVENTS
_72 CRMC Dinner
Season’s heroes honoured
CLASSIC RACER SPORT
_74 Season’s Preview
Who’s hot on what?
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A down to earth practical - and sometimes irreverent magazine that gets right to the heart of the classic bike world. With a mixture of features, tests, reviews and events reports it is the title that has become a must for the active rider and restorer. Classic Bike Guide is also a must for anyone wanting to buy or sell a bike, having the largest reader free ad section in the world.
Classic Dirt Bike, the magazine for fans of classic and twinshock trials, motocross & enduros is now on sale.
Published quarterly and printed on high gloss art paper with sumptuous glossy covers, this is the one magazine no off road enthusiast will want to be without.
Classic Dirt Bike magazine: is about the bikes and the personalities of the sport, covering pre-65 machines, classic and twin shocks, trials as well as scrambling/motocross and enduros. There will be reader rebuilds from the UK/Europe and North America, event coverage, personality interviews/profiles, letters, products and so much more.
This is the magazine for the classic off road world, so make sure you get hold of your copy – it’s going to be far too good to lend to mates!
Please note: this is a quarterly magazine, coming out March, June, September & December
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Dedicated to the later classics and Japanese machines, Classic Motorcycle Mechanics has it all. .. Now 108 pages of road tests, rebuild guides, 'Street Specials' reviews and much much more.
Staff Bikes - Classic Motorcycle Mechanics is the only magazine that "Buys its own bikes, rebuilds 'em and rides 'em."
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The only magazine in the world devoted entirely to classic motorcycle racing. It is the favourite organ in the paddock and sits on the forefront of classic racing world wide. The bikes, the people and the races - full of news, reviews and features. With great archive pictures and stunning modern photos taken at the many classic racing events. Feel the buzz as you turn the pages; you can almost smell the Castrol R. It's the next best thing to the paddock itself. 6 bi-monthly magazines.
Britain's biggest monthly tabloid newspaper for the classic and vintage bike fan was established in 1985 and is known as 'The Auto-jumble in the Armchair' and 'The Restorer's Bible'. It is simply the who's who of the classic world, with informed articles, classifieds and event listings. For those interested in buying, selling or just riding classic motorcycles.With about half text and half advertising. 12 monthly issues.
RealClassic is an independent classic motorcycling magazine, published by the people who originally launched Classic Bike Guide. It
features the very best of British bikes from all eras, with a tight focus on postwar Britbikes and interesting European machines.
Select Japanese bikes are featured only occasionally.
Long term classic motorcycling enthusiasts will recognise many of the members
of the RealClassic team, which includes authors, historians and journalists like Steve Wilson, Dave Minton, J Bickerstaff and Frank
Westworth -- but the magazine's key feature is that it is firmly grounded in the real world. Many of the articles are written by
real life riders and reflect far more than a simple road test ever can.
Subscription to The Classic Motorcycle magazine, The Classic MotorCycle, celebrating our motorcycling heritage. A monthly magazine containing extensive features and regular reports, as well as vintage photographs from a huge archive. Imported from England, this monthly magazine is available in one-year or half-year subscriptions (select option below).
Over 4 million people enjoyed British superbike, World superbike and MotoGP racing coverage last year across a variety of terrestrial and satellite television stations, with hundreds of thousands of people braving the elements and enjoying the action live.
At Motorcycle Racer we aim to bring the excitement of the sport to the fans. In this personality driven industry, Motorcycle Racer gives the reader exclusive interviews with the top riders from across the globe. We have regular monthly columns from racers, giving an in-depth analysis of their life at the top. Extensive technical information about the top racing machinery is regularly featured, our team providing the specs, stunning photography and the inside track on racebike development.
The motorcycle Racer reader can enjoy intelligent and informed comment on the sport they love.
11 monthly issues. (Dec/Jan is a bumper combined issue)
This magazine has covered all aspects of worldwide motorcycling since 1962. It is highly regarded in the motorcycle industry and by readers as the thinking motorcyclist's magazine. Covering many aspects of motorcycling such as long term tests, product reviews, industry news, exclusive machine tests, worldwide coverage and much more. 12 monthly magazines.
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This magazine has covered all aspects of worldwide motorcycling since 1962. It is highly regarded in the motorcycle industry and by readers as the thinking motorcyclist's magazine. Covering many aspects of motorcycling such as long term tests, product reviews, industry news, exclusive machine tests, worldwide coverage and much more. 12 monthly magazines.
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Added to Inventory on: Saturday 27 September, 2008
Classic Dirt Bike, the magazine for fans of classic and twinshock trials, motocross & enduros is now on sale.
Published quarterly and printed on high gloss art paper with sumptuous glossy covers, this is the one magazine no off road enthusiast will want to be without.
Classic Dirt Bike magazine: is about the bikes and the personalities of the sport, covering pre-65 machines, classic and twin shocks, trials as well as scrambling/motocross and enduros. There will be reader rebuilds from the UK/Europe and North America, event coverage, personality interviews/profiles, letters, products and so much more.
This is the magazine for the classic off road world, so make sure you get hold of your copy – it’s going to be far too good to lend to mates!
Please note: this is a quarterly magazine, coming out March, June, September & December
The only magazine in the world devoted entirely to classic motorcycle racing. It is the favourite organ in the paddock and sits on the forefront of classic racing world wide. The bikes, the people and the races - full of news, reviews and features. With great archive pictures and stunning modern photos taken at the many classic racing events. Feel the buzz as you turn the pages; you can almost smell the Castrol R. It's the next best thing to the paddock itself. 6 bi-monthly magazines.
Over 4 million people enjoyed British superbike, World superbike and MotoGP racing coverage last year across a variety of terrestrial and satellite television stations, with hundreds of thousands of people braving the elements and enjoying the action live.
At Motorcycle Racer we aim to bring the excitement of the sport to the fans. In this personality driven industry, Motorcycle Racer gives the reader exclusive interviews with the top riders from across the globe. We have regular monthly columns from racers, giving an in-depth analysis of their life at the top. Extensive technical information about the top racing machinery is regularly featured, our team providing the specs, stunning photography and the inside track on racebike development.
The motorcycle Racer reader can enjoy intelligent and informed comment on the sport they love.
11 monthly issues. (Dec/Jan is a bumper combined issue)
Special for new subscribers - a one year subscription to Classic Dirt Bike (4 big issues) and a free copy of a commerative photo book of one of the greatest American racers of all time Jay Springsteen.
Special for new subscribers - a one year subscription to Classic Racer (6 issues) and a free copy of a commerative photo book of one of the greatest American racers of all time Jay Springsteen.
Special for new subscribers - a one year subscription to Motorcycle Racer (11 issues, including big double season-ending issue in January) and a free copy of a commerative photo book of one of the greatest American racers of all time Jay Springsteen.
The world's finest most glamorous, most colourful, most informative, global-reaching go fast, turn left magazine. All right, the worlds only go fast turn left magazine. The place where every weekend is a dirty weekend.
A highly stylized, beatiful digest-sized magazine dedicated to dirt track racing and racers. Published quarterly.
Classic Scooterist Scene has a classic and traditional approach to its editorial coverage striving well to retain its popular 'club' and 'grass roots' feel.
Scooterist Scene is aimed at those whose main interest lies in classic scootering and the nostalgia surrounding it. 6 bi-monthly issues.
Buy it from England - and it will set you back 32 quid a year (6 issues) ... that's around $64. Get it here for $30! How do we do that? We're the official North American subscription agent for Mortons Media, home of Scootering, TAG and Classic Scooterist Scene.
Current Cover:
Scootering is Britain's best selling title for the scooter fan - and no wonder! Everything from the scoots old and new to the music and events that make the scootering world go round are all in Scootering.
And with the best classified ads in the business, it's a must read for every scooterist; including a comprehensive club listing and diary of forthcoming events.
12 monthly magazines.
Buy it from England - and it will set you back 56 quid a year ... that's around $112. Get it here for $60! How do we do that? We're the official North American subscription agent for Mortons Media, home of Scootering, TAG and Classic Scooterist Scene.
There are few, if any other cultures out there with as much passion for their transport as the scooter scene. From its birth in the 1950s to today, scooterists have nurtured and ridden their favourite scooters the world over and beyond. During this journey many have chosen to personalise their machines and the result has been a scene that’s as vibrant today as it was when the Vespa and Lambretta first mobilised the post-war masses.
From custom paint to fine engraving; gold plating to engine tuning; heavy modifications to Mod inspired accessories; there’s enough here to keep the world’s art critics busy for years, and I’m proud to say that that some of the first, most innovative and the best, originated in Great Britain and are here in all their glorious colour!
Price: $15.00
Manufacturer: Mortons Media
Model Number: scootart
Added to Inventory on: Wednesday 03 September, 2008
TAG is fresh, feisty and suited to the fast moving world of the younger - or younger at heart - rider.
Also incorporating geared mopeds, learner legal motorbikes, quads, minimotos - in fact anything that's fun and funky on two wheels. New scooter launches, scooter racing, stunting and tuning your scoot. Buyer's guides & road tests. 6 bi-monthly magazines.
Buy it from England - and it will cost you 30 pounds sterling a year (6 issues) ... that's around $60. Get it here for $30! How do we pull that off? We're the official North American subscription agent for Mortons Media, home of Scootering, TAG and Classic Scooterist Scene.
Britian's biggest-selling magazine for aquartists. Whether you keep freshwater, marine or pond fish; are new to the fishkeeping scene or have years of experience there is something here for you. Don't miss it! Written for those interested in keeping fish and also willing to improve their knowledge. 13 magazines. $60. Best price available in the USA.
This book offers a worm's eye view of one of the least known and understood maladies of our age:
The Motorcycle Rust Junkie.
.....Rust Junkies are compelled to rescue derelict motorcycles in the hope of restoring them.
.....Although well-meaning, these Rust Junkie dreams are not always actualized.
A Practical Guide for Refurbishing BSA and Triumph Unit Twins By Mike Brown
This enjoyable, engagingly readable book provides a detailed roadmap for rebuilding and restoring unit-construction Triumph and BSA twins without spending a fortune. The book is organized just as you would a rebuilding project, starting with selecting a bike to work on and finishing with bringing all the pieces together to ride. It contains the practical, down-to-earth information you wish the factory manuals had, but don't. Brown passes along the tips, shortcuts, and money-saving advice he has acquired over a span of 20 years working with British motorcycles.
Every aspect of refurbishing unit-construction British twins is covered: engine work, transmissions, frame repairs, shocks and forks, brakes, tanks, and those pesky Amal carbs and Lucas electrical systems. The book also helps you choose a bike to buy, including how to spot bogus serial numbers and avoid stolen goods. Whether you want to build a concours quality restoration or simply put a good-looking, reliable British bike on the road, you will find plenty of helpful information here.
See a preview from the publisher, Whitehorse Press, by clicking here!
Keep those prized copies in one place and in tip-top condition! This smart burgundy binder, embellished with the Classic Mechanics logo, holds 12 issues easily and safely.
While most books on composites approach the subject from a very technical standpoint, beginning composites presents practical, hands-on information about these versatile materials. From explanations of what a composite is, to demonstrations on how to actually utilize them in various projects, this book provides a simple, concise perspective on molding and finishing techniques to empower even the most apprehensive beginner. Topics include: What is a composite, why use composites, general composite types and where composites are typically used. The basics section also includes information on choosing the best resin/fiber system and the different types of both resin and fiber. Health and safety is a major consideration for any composite book. Author John Wanberg covers threats to both breathing and skin contact and how those contacts can be avoided when working with modern composite materials. First-time composite workers will need a work space and this book describes how to setup a shop that is both composite-friendly and safe. Once the shop is established, its time to begin using typical wet- layup and molding techniques. Creating useful composite parts starts with a good design, a topic that must be mastered before useful parts can be manufactured. Among the useful parts demonstrated here are both motorcycle and automotive components. The construction of these parts is documented in step-by-step fashion with an abundance of photographs - no step is left out. Any part created in a mold must be first removed from the mold, and second, finished and trimmed. Surface sanding and finishing makes up an entire chapter, ensuring that the composite parts you manufacture are not only light and extremely strong, but good looking as well.
Format: Softbound
Pages: 144
Length: 8.5 x 11.0
ISBN-13: 9781929133765
A fascinating and nostalgic compilation of rider profiles written over a three year period, which originally appeared in Classic Motorcycle magazine, and is now accompanied by a new set of over 100 photographs. All of the riders featured became top achievers in their field, although, for some, it was their first interview. During the 1950s and 60s, scrambling especially drew huge crowds to meetings all across the country, and, thanks to TV coverage such as BBC Grandstand Trophy, and ITV’s World of Sport, many of the competitors featured in this book became household names. Each chapter includes the competition years of the riders, and also gives an overview of their careers, and conveys their enthusiasm for the sport.
"... liberally illustrated by very evocative period photos that bring the memories flooding back. The book clearly gives a flavour of the times when the sport was more important than money and riders rode more for fun than fame. Anybody who loved the 50s and 60s period of when off-road was as popular as tarmac racing will be totally absorbed and come away wanting more. As with any Veloce publication the quality is excellent and it is well worth the asking price." – inter-bike.co.uk
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"A fascinating and nostalgic compilation of 17 rider profiles written over a three-year period" - The Classic Motorcycle
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"The book is lavishly illustrated with well-chosen contemporary photographs, many previously unpublished." – realclassic.co.uk
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"Sixteen dirt demons profiled. The mud and mono action pics evoke the smell of Castrol R." – Classic Bike
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"The book is a marvellous compilation of affectionate profiles of riders from the golden age of motorcycle sport." – Blackmore Vale magazine
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"Andy's warm, affectionate but also sharp and fact-filled accounts are complemented by 100 or more crystal-clear action photographs quite superbly reproduced." – Western Daily Press
Hardback • 128 pages • 250 tall x 207mm • 126 period black and white pictures
RealClassic is an independent classic motorcycling magazine, published by the people who originally launched Classic Bike Guide. It
features the very best of British bikes from all eras, with a tight focus on postwar Britbikes and interesting European machines.
Select Japanese bikes are featured only occasionally.
Long term classic motorcycling enthusiasts will recognise many of the members
of the RealClassic team, which includes authors, historians and journalists like Steve Wilson, Dave Minton, J Bickerstaff and Frank
Westworth -- but the magazine's key feature is that it is firmly grounded in the real world. Many of the articles are written by
real life riders and reflect far more than a simple road test ever can.
Simply the best guide there is on how to read spark plugs to diagnose engine faults, and to select the correct grade of plug for your engine. It explains the differences between modern plugs and those from the classic period, and shows how to select modern plugs for use in older engines. This short booklet simply explains everything most classic owners need to know about spark plugs, the types available, the difference between hot and cold plugs, and the relationship to the ignition system such as coil or magneto. All the likely states of your spark plugs are illustrated, explained and remedies suggested and there is also a table of the common plug equivalents, showing hotter and colder plugs. Highly illustrated in full colour throughout - a must have for all owners of classic vehicles, cars or bikes.
Stan Dibben spent 25 years in the spark plug industry when many of today’s classics were still in everyday use. He gave spark plug application advice across the whole range of engines – cars, motorcycles and motor sport - to garages and owners. Before that Stan was a racing motorcyclist and Sidecar World Champion, worked for both BSA and Norton, and started life as a professional electrician and musician – he even found time to help Donald Campbell and Bluebird to a World Land Speed Record! All this and more is in Stan’s autobiography Hold On! - Also published by Panther Publishing Ltd.
This book is the culmination of hours of painstaking work by author Richard Rosenthal who has, over a number of years, developed a passion for old motorcycles.
The Encyclopaedia of Classic Motorcycles will become the definitive guide to motorcycles, from the very earliest attempts to motorise pedal cycles to the latest technology seen in more modern-day machinery.
We cannot confess to including every motorcycle manufactured. Nevertheless, this book is the most complete guide ever produced. It lists in alphabetical order all the machines you are ever likely to see from the dawn of two-wheeled power right up to the mid 1980’s. Machines falling within this period are generally accepted as classic motorcycles. This is a very generic term and it is impossible to make direct comparisons between a machine made before the First World War and one which, whilst still carrying a classic title, is capable over reaching over 150mph. We have viewed them all as classics in their own right.
Author Richard Rosenthal is a name known to thousands of classic fans around the world. He has ridden over 800 different motorcycles from a 25cc Cyclemaster to a Suzuki Hayabusa.
• Illustrates some of the sexiest motorcycle engines ever produced
• A MUST for every classic motorcycle enthusiast
• Features Daniel Peirce’s stunning photography from his popular UP-N-SMOKE Engine Project
• Jay Leno owns a print from the UP-N-SMOKE Engine Project
• A personal and candid journal of the project's creation
• Includes a special chapter on how the images were crafted
• Foreword by Dave Howe, head of Peckerhead Racing
Description
By tradition, the motorcycle is a naked beast, differing from other vehicles by the fact that its mechanical structure is also part of its aesthetic appearance. In The Fine Art of the Motorcycle Engine, photographer Daniel Peirce examines the graphic nature of historic engines with stunning and dramatic photography. Since the beginning of the motorbike, engine designers knew they had to design power plants that performed well and looked good. Peirce presents 64 stunning pictures from his popular UP-N-SMOKE Engine Project. In addition to his engine photography, the book also includes the story of the project and the years it took to take it from an inspired idea to a tangible reality.
Synopsis
The story of the Up-N-Smoke Engine Project journals how what started as an artistic outlet became an obsession and eventually a business. This is the project that Cycle World magazine called “pornography for gearheads.” A special chapter is included showing the process that each picture needed to go through in order to create the finished product.
Independent Reviews
"In addition to the immaculate panhead pictured on the cover, this book features nearly 100 rare, bizarre or otherwise interesting engine shots, and is well worth a look even if you aren’t as twisted as Dan." – V-Twin News
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"If ever there was a labour of love, this book is it. Containing more than 60 individual engine photos, the book is a visual treat that tells not only the story of the motorcycles and engines portrayed, but also the story of the project from start to finish." – motorcycleclassics.com
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"The images are stunning and have been cleverly retouched by using modern computer techniques, so the motor is viewed in its best light and from its most photogenic angle ... It is this totally different approach that for me makes this hardback coffee table book a must-have ... Highly recommended!" – inter-bike.co.uk
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"'... a photographic tribute to the essence of what many of us find so attractive about motorcycles in the first place, a tribute to the heart of the machine, the mechanical motive force ... the engine. If you are one of those who would rather see functional metal than decal covered plastic, this is definitely worth a look." – thekneeslider.com
Additional Information
Period covered:
Motorcycles 1903 to 1995
Models covered:
Harley Davidson Evolution, Harley Davidson XR750, Ducati F3 replica, Harley Davidson XR750, Matchless 500 Sgl, Norton Commando, Harley Davidson Sportster, Indian Scout, Honda CB750, Brough Superior SS100, The Sunbeam, BSA Rocket, Pierce Arrow, Ariel Red Hunter, Kawasaki H1, Indian Chief, Vincent Black Shadow, Harley Davidson Duo-Glide, BMW R2, Honda GL1000 GoldWing, Norton Commando, BMW R12, Indian 4, Indian Model 433, Triumph 1916, Ariel Square Four, Brough Superior SS80, BSA Blue Star, BSA Gold Star, Kawasaki Z1, Yamaha XS650, Ducati 900SS, Triumph T-120R, Bultaco Astro, Ducati 750SS, Norton Manx, Moto Guzzi LeMans, Indian Camelback, Honda CBX, Velocette KTT Mk VIII, FB Mondial 1957, Laverda Mirage, BMW R69, BSA Spitfire MkII, Triumph Tiger 110, Honda 400F, Yale Model 25, MV Agusta America 750, Scott Sprint Special, Norton Model 18, Benelli 900 Sei
Among the classic English motorcycles, the Triumph twins stand at the top. Many enthusiasts consider the Triumphs to be the fastest, the best looking, and the most popular then and now. Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit, takes a thorough look at what is required to restore a Triumph 650cc Twin built before 1963. The book includes two-start to finish restorations: one done on a 1959 and the other a 1962. The book provides additional information on the restoration of a 1948 Triumph. Hands-on sequences make up the heart of this book. Abundant color photographs show the complete assembly of both bikes, from installation of the swingarm and chassis parts to the attachment of the fenders and gas tank. Author and experienced Triumph mechanic, Garry Chitwood, explains the right and wrong way to assemble these bikes, and the little things that separate an amateur restoration from a proper and award winning Triumph restoration. More than just a motorcycle assembly manual, Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit, includes the overhaul and assembly of a 650cc twin engine, and the four-speed transmission. Both operations are explained in detail complete with photos and torque specifications. Rather than try and explain the minute differences that separate different models and years, Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit offers a series of color plates in the middle of the book that provide left and right side view of most of the significant models sold in the 1950s and early 1960s. Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit offers the Triumph motorcycle enthusiast 144 pages and over 450 photos explaining how to buy, build and restore a Triumph 650cc twin manufactured before 1963.
Format: Softbound Pages: 144 Length: 8.5 x 11.0 ISBN-13: 9781929133635
There are few, if any other cultures out there with as much passion for their transport as the scooter scene. From its birth in the 1950s to today, scooterists have nurtured and ridden their favourite scooters the world over and beyond. During this journey many have chosen to personalise their machines and the result has been a scene that’s as vibrant today as it was when the Vespa and Lambretta first mobilised the post-war masses.
From custom paint to fine engraving; gold plating to engine tuning; heavy modifications to Mod inspired accessories; there’s enough here to keep the world’s art critics busy for years, and I’m proud to say that that some of the first, most innovative and the best, originated in Great Britain and are here in all their glorious colour!
Price: $15.00
Manufacturer: Mortons Media
Model Number: scootart
Added to Inventory on: Wednesday 03 September, 2008
• Complete model history for each Italian machine
• New, previously unpublished photographs
• Frame number information
• Anecdotal information (where relevant)
• 1960s British dealer specials covered
• Coverage of specially prepared machines from Lambretta Concessionaires
• Full machine specifications and production changes
• Paint code information included
• Publicity & promotional material used where relevant
• Detailed information from dealer special staff and Lambretta Concessionaires staff
Description
An in-depth look at one of the world’s greatest scooter marques, including detailed information on the main Italian-built models, the Lambretta Concessionaires machines and British dealer specials.
Synopsis
An in-depth look at the world’s finest scooter, from the Model A to the GP 200. The Lambretta story doesn’t end there though, with the focus moving onto machines prepared and built by Lambretta Concessionaires. The book ends with a look at the main British dealer specials of the 1960s.
Independent Reviews
"Entertaining guide to 1947-1971 Italian-built Lambrettas with reference sections on paint, model changes, carburettor settings and frame numbers." – Classic Bike
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Review by Darrell Milnes for Jet Set, September 2008
Official magazine of the Lambretta Club of Great Britain
Finally after months of waiting and speculation on the LCGB lnternet Forum, Pete Davies' Iong-awaited 'Lambretta Bible' has hit the shelves.
First impressions are very favourable, the quality of the paper used is very high and the slip cover adorning the book as you can see from the above picture features a number of Lambrettas owned LCGB Members.
The book itself traces the history of our favourite form of 2-wheeled transport from the Model A right through to the GP200E, with some excellent photos, some of which I have never seen before. Of particular interest to me are the chapters dealing with the dealer specials, and these do not disappoint, with rarely seen photos, and comprehensive details about the machines. For the Lambretta owner and enthusiast, this book is an essential purchase, and should, when combined with Sticky's excellent workshop manual, provide the Lambretta owner with everything they need to know.
'The Lambretta Bible' may be seen as not perfect in some people's eyes, but Pete should be commended for producing a not only beautiful Iooking volume, but
an interesting, and factual read ... well done! My advice if you're thinking about buying a copy ... stop thinking and get one!
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Review from Scooter-forums.com, 2008
Veloce have done it again with another wonderful scooter publication. 'The Lambretta Bible' is a comprehensive look at the Lambretta marque, with a good deal of detail and some fantastic pictures, some of which I've not seen before. This one is hardback too, so will look just dandy on your coffee table to impress all your mates. With 160 pages, 'The Lambretta Bible' is sure to keep them – and you – entertained.
SF rating: 5* stars
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Review by Ian Kerr for www.inter-bike.co.uk, August 2008
You cannot help but think a book with such a title is only for the real enthusiast, but here you would be wrong, there is lot more behind this book. Yes, anybody who wants to know just about everything there is to know about the Italian Lambrettas built between 1947 and 1971 cannot afford to be without it. At the rear you can get carb settings, gear ratios, frame numbers, colour schemes – the DNA of these bikes is literally all there. Given that it has been written by Pete Davies, who was the vehicle registrar for the Lambretta Club and is now running the British Lambretta Archive in the UK, you would expect nothing less!
But, this hardback is much more than a Lambretta anoraks dream; it is a rattling good read. I picked it up to thumb through it and suddenly realised two hours had disappeared. This has got something to do with the way the text is given in each chapter on the specific models.
First you get the information on the model including the price when new. Then you get the production changes and this is then followed up by a ‘Did you know?’ section that has some fascinating facts about the model. Lastly there is information on ‘What the tester said!’ at the time in the various press reviews which really helps bring it all alive.
The text is well spaced and clearly readable in amongst some excellent period black and white images and modern shots and colour plates of restored bikes. Add in some advertising brochures, the odd line drawing and some sport, all pulled together by an easy going writing style and you have something well worth reading. Whatever your particular interest in two wheels you are guaranteed to learn something!
The author Davies and Veloce the publisher have done an excellent job over 160 pages and it is well worth £29.99, both as a definitive reference work, as well as a good general read.
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Review from SCTRCST Scooter Internet Radio – sctrcst.com, July 2008
So as our English friends might say, lets get to this week’s scooter shite. Pete Davies is one of those English fellows, like Nigel Cox whose name is synonymous with scooter history in Europe. Pete was around way back in the late 70s and heyday of the huge Scarborough rallies in England and has stayed true to the Lambretta badge since. Today he remains immersed in Lambrettas running the British Lambretta archives.
Being an admitted Lambretta neophyte, I am no expert, but I will go out on a limb and say that both the beginner and experienced Lambretta fans are going to love Pete’s new book, 'The Lambretta Bible'. The book outlines in great detail the production run of every Lambretta model from 1948 until 1971 and the book also includes extra details on non-production scooters including those modified by English dealers. This is one of those books that sucks you into the brand, even if you have had only a passing int
erest in the Lambretta scooters. Of course, now I find myself wondering if I am missing out not having a Series 2 LI in my stable. Pete has included model by model frame numbers, paint schemes, Lambretta’s Central Office notes on model by model changes with carburetor specs and gear ratios for every Lambretta model made.
The Lambretta Bible is published by Veloce Publishing in England, but as you might expect, it is available from all the major book outlets. With all the detail and hundreds of glossy color pictures of some of the best Lambrettas ever made, you won’t be disappointed.
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Review from The Daily Echo (Bournemouth), September 2008
A new publication takes an in-depth look at one of the 'world's greatest scooter marques – Lambretta. 'The Lambretta Bible' by Pete Davies (£29.99) includes detailed information on the main Italian-built models, the Lambretta Concessionaires machines and British dealer specials.
This ultimate reference to classic Lambretta scooters covers all Lambretta models built in Italy from 1947 to 1971 with a complete model-by-model record of each machine.
Included are: new, previously unpublished photographs, frame number information, full machine specifications and production changes, year-by-year, paint code information, original publicity and original promotional material and detailed information from ex-dealer and Lambretta Concessionaires staff.
Additional Information
Period covered: 1947-1971
Models covered: Model A, Model B, Model C, LC 125, Model D - 125, LD 125, Model E, Model F, LD 125 Electric Start, Model D – 150, LD 150, LD 150 Electric Start, TV 175 (Series 1), Li 125 (Series 1), Li 150 (Series 1), TV 175 (Series 2), Li 125 (Series 2), Li 150 (Series 2), Li 125 (Series 3), Li 150 (Series 3), TV 175 (Series 3), TV 200, Li 125 (Series 4), Cento, J125 (3 Speed), J50 , Li 150 Special, Li 125 Special, SX 150, J125 (4 Speed), SX 200, J50 De Luxe, Lui 50C, Lui 50CL, Vega 75S, Cometa 75SL, GP 125, GP 150, GP 200, J 50 Special
Bill Lomas - World Champion Road Racer is Bill ’s own story covering
the Golden Years of road racing, taking in the Continental Grands Prix,
the TT and a winter season in Australia. By the time he retired in 1958,
Bill had two World Championships and two TT wins to his name, as
well as numerous Grand Prix victories. This book tells it the way it was,
what happened behind the scenes at the various factories and races,
the highs and the lows of racing as part of the glamorous
Continental Circus, and the camaraderie that existed between
many of the riders.
Contents:
In the beginning
Royal Enfield days
Works Velocettes
James
ISDT
AJS works racers
Benelli
NSU
MV
JEL special
Moto Guzzi
Austrailian adventure
Record breaking and the V8
Size 230mm high x 210mm wide, hardback.
304 pages, black and white. ISBN: 09531311 9 X
Colin Seeley ... and the Rest: Volume 2 by Colin Seeley
This volume, the second half of Colin Seeley's autobiography, isn't just the story of one man's life and achievements, although the Seeley marquee is indeed an achievement.
Colin Seeley has worked with motorcycles since he was 18 years old. He raced sidecars in the 60s and developed and manufactured the famous Seeley racing motorcycle in 1965, which is still raced today.
In the 70s, Colin was joint MD at Brabham Cars with Bernie Ecclestone of F1 fame. In the 80s, he managed the Norton Rotary Race Team. Today, he is still involved in many aspects of the motorcycle world.
This book covers the development of the Mk3 and 4 Seeley, his involvement with Bernie Eccelstone, the Seeley Hondas, Seeley TL200 Trails Bike, Seeley Quickfit, his involvement with Brabham Cars and Formula One, and his involvement with The Norton Rotary Team and the demise of Norton.
This volume, the first half of Colin Seeley's autobiography, isn't just the story of one man's life and achievements, although the Seeley marque is indeed an achievement.
Colin recalls bending his very first frame using the most basic equipment in an outdoor workshop on a frosty December morning in 1965. Through sheer hard work and determination Colin built his reputation as a perfectionist in all things, respected by the rich and famous, the manufacturers and the fans within the motorcycling fraternity then and now. Packed with photos, news clippings and memorabilia, the book is also one man's vivid memories of the motorcycle racing scene, from the thrills and anxieties of sidecar racing in the 1960s with passenger "Gungy Wal' through the development of CSRD and the highly regarded sponsorship and service provided to racers lucky enough to have the friendship and professional interest of Colin Seeley.
Colin's book is filled with anecdotes, escapades, personalities and memorable descriptions on and off the track, giving a fantastic insight into the racing and technical achievements over three great decades in motorcycle history. If you were there you'll love reliving the moments. If you weren't, you'll wish you had been! Volume two of Colin's autobiography will be published in 2007.
the biography of the man, and Captain of British industry, who, in the words of Triumph's famous sales slogan, designed "The Best Motorcycle in the World." Over 160 color and black and white illustrations. including photographs from the Turner family album. PREVIOUSLY published in hardback as Turner's Triumph: Edward Turner & his Triumph motorcycles.
"A strange but fascinating story"..."an excellent story" Old Bike Mart
"The exploits of the legendary Fay Taylour have been chronicled before but this book seems to get closer to the truth than anything before" SpeedwayPlus
"Brian Belton has written a winner here.. a book like this should find a place on your bookshelf" Speedway Researcher
Fay Taylour was the most successful woman speedway rider - ever. Her short but meteoric career spanned just a few years in the late 1920s until women were banned from the Speedway in 1930. In these few years Fay made a name for herself first in Trials riding, in which she won several Gold Medals, and then in Speedway, one of the toughest of all sports on a motorcycle. Fay competed against, and beat, most of the well known male speedway riders in the UK, Australia and New Zealand and became something of a legend - the Queen of Speedway! This book is a biography of Fay and especially her motorcycle years in trials and speedway. It is a fascinating account of a truly remarkable woman and the early years of speedway in England, Australia and New Zealand.
Brian Belton has Speedway in his blood. His father and grandfather both worked at West Ham Stadium and knew many of the racers there. Brian is now an academic, a youth worker and a well known author of books such as West Ham Speedway, Hammering Round and Bluey Wilkinson - the Hammer’s first World Champion.
Contents
Forward, by Reg Fearman
Introduction
A Taste for Speed
The Big Bang of Speedway
Loves Labours
Cinder-Revver
Dirt-Track Queen
To Australia
Super Sig
Fay v Sig
Aussie Odyssey
And so to England
Wheels on Fire
Haere Mai Wahine Wehi
The Empire Strikes Back
Conclusion
Appendix: Fay Taylour - Major Achievements
Bibliography
Notes
Fay Taylour: Queen of Speedway - Brian Belton
July 2006, Hardcover, 240 x 162 mm, 224 pages, 18 photos and illustrations
ISBN 09547912 4 X
In the 1950s Geoff Duke was the greatest amongst equals in the world of motorcycle racing - riding to six world championship victories! In his own words, he tells the enthralling story of the machines, teams and triumphs.
the story of the man who set new standards and dominated the World Championship scene, first on British Nortons and later Italian Gileras, during the first half of the 1950s, gaining six titles in all. Duke was the first man to win three 500cc world titles in succession, the first motorcyclist to win the coveted Sportsman of the Year award and only the second motorcyclist to be honored with an OBE (knighted in the Order of the British Empire). Additionally he set new standards of smoothness, which remain unsurpassed to the present day and pioneered the use of a one-piece leather racing suit. He retired fom racing in 1959 but has remained closely involved with the sport in various aspects.
The incredible rags to riches story of one of the world's greatest motorcycle racers.
Independent Reviews
Review from the Classic MotorCycle, December 2008
A successful businessman and also a very good writer, Jim Redman was awarded the MBE in 1971. This is an excellent book and an unrivalled narrative of the life of a professional road racer.
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The extraordinary life story of the penniless orphan and colonial adventurer who, aboard the most glamorous racing motorcycles, roared to six hard-fought World Championships and won for himself the reputation of hard man of the race track and shrewd, steely professional of the paddock. Compared to Redman, modern G.P. riders are a bunch of adolescent softies.” — Andy Kershaw
Delivering never-seen-before pictures of the greatest motorcycle racer of all time, Just Rossi is an unofficial 132 page publication that combines amazing photography with the complete story of Valentino, from his humble beginnings as the son of a racer to one of the most revered sportsmen on the planet.
Just Rossi takes the reader from inside the Rossi family right through the past 13 years of top-flight competition and up to the current MotoGP racing season, one where Rossi takes his eighth world crown.
America has never produced a more accomplished and versatile professional motorcycle racer than Dick Mann. He held a position in the prestigious top ten in the American Motorcyclist Association Grand National Championship for 16 years, was the first man in history to win every category of AMA Grand National competition, was America's team captain at the Trans-Atlantic Match Races in Great Briatin in 1971, was twice AMA Grand National Champion, won the Daytona 200 twice and much more.
Edward Turner and his Triumph motorcycles by Jeff Clew The biography of the man who, in the words of Triumph's famous sales slogan, designed "The Best Motorcycle in the World." Over 140 illustrations, including photos from the Turner family's photograph albums. Includes coverage of all Edward Turner's motorcycle designs. 160 pages. Hardcover.
Arguably the world’s all-time greatest motorcycle road racing champion, Valentino Rossi is without a doubt the best--and the best-loved--in modern times. In What If I Had Never Tried It he tells his remarkable story for the first time. And as might be expected, the story he tells is fast-paced, full of surprises, action-packed, and always entertaining.
The son of 1970s racer Graziano Rossi (whose number, 46, he wears when racing), Valentino was born in Urbino, Italy in 1979. Here he relates how he started racing as a teenager, first with karts and minimotos (minibikes). He then traces his rapid and seemingly inexorable progress--from the 125 class to the 250 class to the 500s and finally on to 990 cc four-stroke, now known as MotoGP--to become a seven-time World Champion in Grand Prix racing by the time he was twenty-six. As he describes starting his career as a clownish upstart, only to emerge as “The Doctor” so famed for his precision, Rossi’s crowd-pleasing character comes through in abundance. One moment a charismatic jokester, the next an insightful analyst, he is finally the single-minded, focused, strategic racer with split-second skills the rest of us can only dream of, giving us a glimpse of how one man has forever changed the face of motorcycle road racing.
Price: $16.99
Manufacturer:
Model Number: rossi
Added to Inventory on: Saturday 26 September, 2009
This is a true account of Jerry Smith's trek diagonally across Africa on a motorcycle. It all begins at the northwestern point of Ceuta, through the Sahara Desert, Chad, The Congo, Rwanda and on out to Mombasa by the sea. Smith finds himself traveling across the most severe desert in the world, close to death in the wildest jungles, and making friends with the most intriguing tribal members.
"This is tale of a diagonal crossing of 'The Dark Continent of Africa'...will ignite the wanderlust in anyone." -- Dave Despain, Speedvision Commentator
At last the rapidly growing activity of touring by motorcycle has a detailed guide for its participants. This is not just a how-to guide, though. That necessary but hard-to-find advice is combined with an extensive travelogue compiled by two experienced, cross-continent, hardened, travel-stained photojournalists. Not only can this book tell you how to get there with few tears but where to go in the first place.
"If you see one film about biking this Summer, see this 'cos it really is that good!" 100% Biker
"A touching and inspiring story, well worth a watch" Real Classic
"A riveting read" Classic Bike Guide
"Truly enjoyed The Last hurrah, the pure challenge...they really experience the countries travelled through. Great story" Dal Smilie, Chairman, American Motorcyclist Association (AMA)
"Absolutely wonderful!" Peter Williams, Motorcycling Legend, 1970s Norton factory Racer.
"The Long Way Round ...eat yer heart out! If you haven't got it get it now, its brill!" Graham Sherbourne, Chairman, Panther Owners Club
Des Molloy and Dick Huurdeman look like the sort of guys who should be sedately steering a sleigh in a Santa parade, not riding old single-banger British bikes half way across the world through some of the most difficult and remote terrain imaginable. Des's son Steve joined this intrepid pair as cameraman and general factotum for the highs and lows of an incident-packed three-month trek from Beijing to Arnhem on ‘Penelope’, a 1965 Yorkshire-made 650cc Panther, and ‘Dutch Courage’, a 1954 Norton 600. The route took them across the Northern-most of the Old Silk Roads over the roof of the world through China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, the burning deserts in Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Germany and finally to Arnhem in Holland - over 10,000 miles. They did the last 3000 miles in about a week riding up to 12 hours a day! The journey was as traumatic as it was inspiring! Was this idiocy or odyssey? Decide for yourself as you read Des Molloy's account of their adventures and misadventures.
Des Molloy lives large in the annals of Panther heroes having taken the same bike the length of South and Central America in the 1970s. A career, wife, several children and numerous bikes later the plan was hatched for one last tilt at the world before it all becomes too accessible.
Contents
1. Gestation
2. Beijing and beyond
3. Across the Gobi
4. Stars in Mother Russia
5. The ‘stans’
6. Bummed out in Bishkek, cruelly cured in Kashgar
7. KKH triumph
8. Pakistan and Persian disappointments
9. Racing for home
10. Aftermath
The Last Hurrah! - Des Molloy
July 2006
Softcover, 234 x 156 mm, 224 pages, 70 colour pictures and maps
ISBN 09547912 5 8
Designed to fit into the map pocket of your tank bag, this guide will tell you how to go about getting there, where you can find things like fuel stations and cafes, the types of accommodation that's available and how to book it, and some great roads and some to avoid.
Designed to fit into the map pocket of your tank bag, this guide will tell you how to go about getting there, where you can find things like fuel stations and cafes, the types of accommodation that's available and how to book it, and some great roads and some to avoid.
London to Cape Town overland by Panther motorcycle and sidecare, pulling a trailer. No roads, no back up - just straight across the Sahara through equatorial Africa and South to the Cape - in 1935, without even a compass! This is quite simply the most amazing motorcycle journey ever told and a revelation to today's traveller. Undeterred by nomads, sand drifts, heat, rain, rivers, breakdowns and politics, Theresa Wallach and Florence Blenkiron completed the journey that might well defeat a modern machine today. From oasis to oasis arguing with the French Foreign Legion for permission to continue and winning; fashioning a tow hitch for the trailer when it broke in the desert; rebuilding the entire engine from scratch in Agadez; meeting gorillas, lions and snakes on the road, staying in African villages and meeting an amazing variety of friendly and helpful people.
Any motorcyclist who enjoys taking off with a bike into the distance will find this book fascinating. It is the account of a remarkable adventure by two women who had to overcome all the prejudices and problems of their day as well as the physically demanding task of riding across the Sahara and the length of Africa - 7500 miles. Not to be missed by any motorcyclist but especially a Panther enthusiast or women riders. An interestingly different story too for those whose passion is travel. 40 black & white photographs & maps in the 150 pages with the last two pages being an appendix of the video available of this trip. This appendix gives the only description available of the 35 minute silent cine of their trip.
Hardcover.
Please note, this is a rare book which is priced considerably above its original retail price.
Great commemorative picture book of the legendary Jay "Springer" Springsteen, AMA professional #9. This book was put together by Arai helmets in 2003, and in addition to a full chronicle of his career up to that point, it is packed cover to cover with outstanding color photos by Dan Mahony, Bert Shepard and Shogo Nakao.
20 track tests of postwar roadracing classics from Manx Norton to Ducati 600 TT2. Here is a careful compliation of test reports written by Cathcart who has become well known in the English speaking world for his magazine racer tests.
Each test has been selected so that it offers a full part of an overview of the past 30 years of roadracing, yet at the same time bearing in mind what machines are being raced today whether in current formula or so-called classic racing. It's very much intended that you, the reader, should be able to identify with each machine tested.
Find the answers to all your questions about the Daytona 200 in "The History of America's Premier Motorcycle Race". This two part book provides an indepth history of the race that goes beyond just the pure facts and figures. The author interviewed many former winners ranging from Ed Kretz and Dick Klamfoth to Wayne Rainey and Kevin Schwantz. Part one takes the reader on a decade by decade trip through time through words and pictures while part two contains the most complete statistics section ever on the Daytona 200.
Introduces us to some two dozen very special two-and three-wheelers selected from the multitude that the author has been fortunate to test, including the NSU Flying Hammock, Matchless Sports Twin, Nero, Vincent Black Knight, John Surtees' MV four, DKW three-cylinder, Ray Amm's Norton Manx, Desmo Ducati and factory BMW sidecar.
Stan lives life not just to the full, but right on the edge! There are no words to describe someone who has been a world champion sidecar rider – the one just barely in the sidecar, balancing the machine with his body at 150mph!
Even more amazingly, by then Stan had already been a professional trumpet player, electrician and sailor as well as a highly respected motorcycle racer on the GP circuit.
He worked with some of the well known names at both BSA and Norton, raced the first ever Dommie Racer, helped in the successful world land speed record set by Donald Campbell in Bluebird, and then became the man who did so much to introduce NGK spark plugs into the UK. He even designed supermarket trolleys that handled ‘like a Ferrari’!
This is the remarkable story of an amazing man who has managed to fit more fun and adventure into his years than most of us would even dream of. His story is uplifting, and a remarkable insight into the world of sidecar racing and British industry.
A book that will fill not just fill you with wonder, but one that will also open your eyes on a now rapidly fading era.
a compliation of the motorcycle racing legends of days-gone-by racing identically prepared BMW motorcycles at AHRMA vintage races at Daytona Beach (and later at Loudon, NH; Sears Point, CA; and Lexington OH) between 1992-1996. Profiles of each legend rider.
Once there was a time when virtually every manufacturer in Great Britian produced a racing motorcycle and for a long time British machines dominated the world racing scene. A chapter is even included on the many specials.
European Racing Motorcycles is the fourth in a series of books intended to cover the world's racing motorcycles in the fullest possible way, from the earliest pioneering days right through to the present time. Unlike the other volumes, which have concentrated upon a single nation to this European volume covers no less than twelve countries; all of which although gaining a fair level of success, didn't quite justify a whole book to themselves. The twelve nations comprise Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Finland, France, Holland, Portugal, the Soviet Union, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Yugoslavia.
Not only were German motorcycles often in the vangard of technical progress, but they were also good enough to win world titles both solor and sidecar.
To the casual observer, it might appear that the Japanese suddenly became proficient in the design and construction of motorcycles at the end of the 1950's. In fact nothing could be further from the truth for, as this book reveals , the technical expertise had been gathered over a time spans of several decades.
The world's leading Grand Prix Annual -Motocourse covers the season in words and photos, recording the action and behind-the-scenes drama in vivid detail.
Complete results, technical details and features supplement full Grand Prix reports and stunning photographs.
The world's leading Grand Prix Annual - 14th year of publication
it is all here, race by race, day by day. Words from Peter Clifford are certainly not enough to capture the season's excitement - that responsibility falls chiefly to the camera of Malcolm Bryan with the color content of Motocourse more complete than ever before.
Across Europe at speeds of up to 170mph, the works riders fight it out. Off the track, you could hardly hope to meet a nicer bunch of guys. On the track, the contest is ruthless and dangerous. And the winner's prize is the right, for one year, to wear the Wold Champion's crown.
Race by race MOTORCYCLE GRAND PRIX YEAR takes you to the tracks, inside the pits, you're trackside; from garages to inside the riders' luxury motorhomes. In depth coverage of the season's technical developments and analysis of the men who ride the machines are the background to the action on the track.
This book follows the grand prix circus race by race, from pit lane to trackside; from the garages to inside the riders' luxury motorhomes. In depth coverage of the season's technical developments and alysis of the men who ride the machines are the background to the action of the track.
1988 500cc World Champion Eddie Lawson says "There are a whole lot of people who write a whole bunch of words about racing but I know I can rely on Motorcycle Grand Prix to tell it like it really was. I'll be reading it over and over in the years to come".
Fifteen times, from Brno to Brazil and back, the world's best motorcycle racers met on a sunny Sunday afternoon. 1989 was a long dry season, with bitter feuding on and off the track, and all-out war for the top prizes in racing.
It was the year of the all-American Big Three - Steady Eddie Lawson, challenger Wayne Rainey and fearless Kevin Schwantz with a relenntless battle for supremacy that raged from the first race until the last. In depth, and in detail, this book follows their battle.
“Great stuff – it would have been pretty handy to read when I was starting out” Troy Corser, twice World Superbike Champion and current World Superbike Rider
“Wish I’d read this earlier – it might have saved me some pain” Tommy Hill, World Supersport and former British Superbike rider
“A good read for somebody who's not been on track before because your first time is always scary"Josh Brookes, World Supersport and former World Superbike rider
An absolutely ‘must have’ book for all wanting to improve their riding skills on the track. Track day virgins will value its straightforward and fun approach to what to expect on a track day, but just about any enthusiast will find the techniques and circuit guides described here invaluable, because if riding a bike is fun then riding it on the track is infinitely more! There is plenty of detail on how to get cornering speeds up, what’s safe and what’s not, regulations, flags and the do’s and don’ts of the track - and of course a complete guide to all the turns and twists on the circuits as well as some details on track day companies. Absolutely fascinating and a great guide for anyone – novice and even the more experienced - contemplating taking a bike on a racetrack whether it’s a modern powerful sports bike, a small lightweight machine or even a classic!
Contents
Introduction
Preparation
Trackday organizers
Rules and Regulations
On the day
On the track
Riding on the track
Advanced techniques
When it all goes wrong
Circuit guides:
Brands Hatch
Cadwell Park
Castle Combe
Donnington Park
Knockhill
Lydden
Mallory Park
Oulton Park
Rockingham
Silverstone
Snetterton
Thruxton
Checklist
Trackday companies
Author
Ex-racer, Simon Bradley, is a well known motorcycle journalist and editor of MotorbikesToday, the largest online bike magazine in Europe. Simon raced at club and international level until 1986, since when he has been an instructor on trackdays all over the UK and at the Nurburgring. Simon reckons to have ridden just about every type of bike at just about every circuit in the country and still manages to averages about 50,000 road miles a year!
Motorcycle Trackdays for Virgins - Simon Bradley
March/April 2008
Softcover, 234 x 156 mm, 128 pages, approx 50 colour illustrations and photos
ISBN 978-0-9556595-0-8
Riding a motorcycle successfully, competitively and safely in motocross events and enduros requires a considerable degree of skill. Special techniques of machine control must be learnt and Neil Bruce describes those techniques in detail. Dealing with corners, coping with ramp and table-top jumps, accelerating, braking, crossing ditches, riding over dead branches, crossing rivers - it's all here The authoritative and easily read text will entertain and instruct both the novice and experienced rider alike. Superbly illustrated with step by step photographs providing an excellent foundation for all aspects of off-road riding and competition.
A fascinating and nostalgic compilation of rider profiles written over a three year period, which originally appeared in Classic Motorcycle magazine, and is now accompanied by a new set of over 100 photographs. All of the riders featured became top achievers in their field, although, for some, it was their first interview. During the 1950s and 60s, scrambling especially drew huge crowds to meetings all across the country, and, thanks to TV coverage such as BBC Grandstand Trophy, and ITV’s World of Sport, many of the competitors featured in this book became household names. Each chapter includes the competition years of the riders, and also gives an overview of their careers, and conveys their enthusiasm for the sport.
"... liberally illustrated by very evocative period photos that bring the memories flooding back. The book clearly gives a flavour of the times when the sport was more important than money and riders rode more for fun than fame. Anybody who loved the 50s and 60s period of when off-road was as popular as tarmac racing will be totally absorbed and come away wanting more. As with any Veloce publication the quality is excellent and it is well worth the asking price." – inter-bike.co.uk
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"A fascinating and nostalgic compilation of 17 rider profiles written over a three-year period" - The Classic Motorcycle
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"The book is lavishly illustrated with well-chosen contemporary photographs, many previously unpublished." – realclassic.co.uk
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"Sixteen dirt demons profiled. The mud and mono action pics evoke the smell of Castrol R." – Classic Bike
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"The book is a marvellous compilation of affectionate profiles of riders from the golden age of motorcycle sport." – Blackmore Vale magazine
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"Andy's warm, affectionate but also sharp and fact-filled accounts are complemented by 100 or more crystal-clear action photographs quite superbly reproduced." – Western Daily Press
Hardback • 128 pages • 250 tall x 207mm • 126 period black and white pictures
Features motorcycles that raced in the Mallory Park and Brands Hatch vintage race meets: the more common racing Morgan, Norton, Triumph and Velocette racers along with the rarer AJW, Ariel, BMW, Douglas and Excelsiors.
This is the first book in the BMS series to feature pictures taken in the USA with Connie Schlemmer's SA Harley, Steve Tettaton's 841 Indian, LaRue Langguth's Nimbus included with other machines photographed in England. Being a 1978 publication, with the Vintage Motorcycle Club's rolling Post-Vintage cut off date of 25 years, motorcycles up to 1953 are featured.
Ray Knight writes with the authority of a competitor who has experienced road motorcycle racing at all levels. In more than thirty years he has always been with the leaders. He shows a committed beginner what makes a champion in circuit racing. And ultimately, what awards await those who are properly prepared for the challenge of the Isle of Man. Winning is a matter of the head as well as the heart. He covers costs, sponsorship, paperwork, entries, insurance, riding techniques,tracks,clothing and getting to the top.
In this book the ever popular former world champion recalls the triumph and tragedies of the past season. Collins tells how he won the British Championship for the first time and describes the nightmare engine troubles that threatened to destroy his season.
The incredible Ivan Mauger, world champion for a record-breaking 6th time at the age of 40, tells his own fascinating story and joining him as guest contributors are World Masters Champion Bruce Penhall and England's new team manager Ian Thomas and coach Eric Boocock.
Track Secrets of Champion Road Racers By Alan Cathcart
The track secrets of 14 world class roadracing champions including Agostini, "Rocket" Ron Haslam, Dick Mann, John Surtees, Phil Read, Barry Sheene and Kenny Roberts. each describe in their own words how they conquered circuits such as Monzo, Imola, Daytona and the Isle of Man.
Spanning 1902-1930 inclusive, this BMS photobook contains over 100 never-before-published photos of racers and roadsters, veteran and vintage, as in action and in the paddock at the 1976 Mallory Park/BP Vintage Race of the year.
France takes the laurels as the first country to promote road racing and long distance events - actually at the tail end of the last century - and the Bol d'Or, first run in 1922, remains the Blue Ribbon challenge. Today, motorcycle endurance racing across the globe provides a tremendous challenge to the rider and technology, and has contributed significantly to the development of production machines.
Mick Walker charts the progress of such radical designs as the Honda-Elf of the early 1980s and Mark Wernham's superb photography captures the efforts of the works teams alongside the unlikely triumphs of the privateers, such as the Phase One team at Spa, Belgium, 1993. Ride pillion from LeMans to Suzuka.
While most books on composites approach the subject from a very technical standpoint, beginning composites presents practical, hands-on information about these versatile materials. From explanations of what a composite is, to demonstrations on how to actually utilize them in various projects, this book provides a simple, concise perspective on molding and finishing techniques to empower even the most apprehensive beginner. Topics include: What is a composite, why use composites, general composite types and where composites are typically used. The basics section also includes information on choosing the best resin/fiber system and the different types of both resin and fiber. Health and safety is a major consideration for any composite book. Author John Wanberg covers threats to both breathing and skin contact and how those contacts can be avoided when working with modern composite materials. First-time composite workers will need a work space and this book describes how to setup a shop that is both composite-friendly and safe. Once the shop is established, its time to begin using typical wet- layup and molding techniques. Creating useful composite parts starts with a good design, a topic that must be mastered before useful parts can be manufactured. Among the useful parts demonstrated here are both motorcycle and automotive components. The construction of these parts is documented in step-by-step fashion with an abundance of photographs - no step is left out. Any part created in a mold must be first removed from the mold, and second, finished and trimmed. Surface sanding and finishing makes up an entire chapter, ensuring that the composite parts you manufacture are not only light and extremely strong, but good looking as well.
Format: Softbound
Pages: 144
Length: 8.5 x 11.0
ISBN-13: 9781929133765
There can be few motorcyclists who have not been confronted by carburation problems in one form or another. The number of symptoms which can be attributed to some sort of carburettor malfunction is just short of infinite and this often leads to some tentative screwdriver-twiddling on the part of the owner, in the vain hope that this will resolve the problem. Unfortunately, unless he is very lucky indeed, this will only add another discrepancy, and will often mask the true cause of the original problem. Given that many machines possess four or more carburettors, this can lead to a very interesting tangle, and can take hours to sort out.
This book sets out to overcome such problems, first by giving the reader a sound knowledge of the simple principles which govern the way a carburettor functions, and then by examining in detail the more practical aspects of tuning and the correction of maladjustments
Under his nom de plume, "Slide Rule", Phil Irving wrote a series of articles for the British weekly "Motor Cycling" which was entitled "In Search of Speed".
This series became so popular that in 1948 the articles dealing with the power unit were put into book form under the title of "TUNING FOR SPEED".
Over the years this book was updated with new material but in the process lost some of the original script and diagrams. This new book brings you all 25 chapters as written in the mid 1940s. Among the 10 chapters not included in the original book, but featured in this book, are material on gearboxes; frames and forks; etc.
Simply the best guide there is on how to read spark plugs to diagnose engine faults, and to select the correct grade of plug for your engine. It explains the differences between modern plugs and those from the classic period, and shows how to select modern plugs for use in older engines. This short booklet simply explains everything most classic owners need to know about spark plugs, the types available, the difference between hot and cold plugs, and the relationship to the ignition system such as coil or magneto. All the likely states of your spark plugs are illustrated, explained and remedies suggested and there is also a table of the common plug equivalents, showing hotter and colder plugs. Highly illustrated in full colour throughout - a must have for all owners of classic vehicles, cars or bikes.
Stan Dibben spent 25 years in the spark plug industry when many of today’s classics were still in everyday use. He gave spark plug application advice across the whole range of engines – cars, motorcycles and motor sport - to garages and owners. Before that Stan was a racing motorcyclist and Sidecar World Champion, worked for both BSA and Norton, and started life as a professional electrician and musician – he even found time to help Donald Campbell and Bluebird to a World Land Speed Record! All this and more is in Stan’s autobiography Hold On! - Also published by Panther Publishing Ltd.
As popular as the Triumph Twins were in the 60s and 70s, they are quite possibly more popular now. This book from Wolfgang Publications offers complete start-to-finish assembly and restoration sequences on two Triumph Twins, a 1963 Bonneville and a 1969 Bonneville. Also included is the start-to-finish assembly of the 1969 engine and transmission. Rather than try to describe the miniscule differences that often separated one year from another, this book offers a color gallery with left and right side views of all significant models from 1959 to 1970. With over 450 color photos, Triumph Motorcycle Restoration offers 144 pages of hard-core how-to help for anyone who wants to repair or restore their own Triumph twin.
Among the classic English motorcycles, the Triumph twins stand at the top. Many enthusiasts consider the Triumphs to be the fastest, the best looking, and the most popular then and now. Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit, takes a thorough look at what is required to restore a Triumph 650cc Twin built before 1963. The book includes two-start to finish restorations: one done on a 1959 and the other a 1962. The book provides additional information on the restoration of a 1948 Triumph. Hands-on sequences make up the heart of this book. Abundant color photographs show the complete assembly of both bikes, from installation of the swingarm and chassis parts to the attachment of the fenders and gas tank. Author and experienced Triumph mechanic, Garry Chitwood, explains the right and wrong way to assemble these bikes, and the little things that separate an amateur restoration from a proper and award winning Triumph restoration. More than just a motorcycle assembly manual, Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit, includes the overhaul and assembly of a 650cc twin engine, and the four-speed transmission. Both operations are explained in detail complete with photos and torque specifications. Rather than try and explain the minute differences that separate different models and years, Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit offers a series of color plates in the middle of the book that provide left and right side view of most of the significant models sold in the 1950s and early 1960s. Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit offers the Triumph motorcycle enthusiast 144 pages and over 450 photos explaining how to buy, build and restore a Triumph 650cc twin manufactured before 1963.
Format: Softbound Pages: 144 Length: 8.5 x 11.0 ISBN-13: 9781929133635
Almost everyone has a fascination with sidecars and trikes. Eccentric, even distinctly odd perhaps, but who hasn’t experienced the urge to take a closer look, possibly even to ride one - if only once! This book is a guide for those willing to take that plunge into the unknown and fit a sidecar or convert a bike to a trike. It takes the reader through the types of bike that are suitable, (old British singles to modern Japanese and US superbikes), the kinds of sidecar and trikes available and their advantages and disadvantages, how to fit them and set them up and how to ride and enjoy them for what they are – neither motorcycle nor car but something uniquely different, strangely practical and immense fun! There is also a very detailed guide to trike and sidecar suppliers, accessories and a myriad of websites for further help, advice and information. This is a perfect book for all sidecar and trike enthusiasts and all those just interested in these wonderfully eccentric vehicles. Complete with a great many photos from the earliest sidecars to today’s remarkable and luxurious three wheel machines.Simon Potter hails from the Channel Isles and is an accomplished author of academic audio books, poetry, technical works, a novel and articles for papers and magazines. He is a member of the Society of Authors. Simon is heavily involved with amateur dramatics and has directed nearly fifty plays and musicals. He piloted his first trike (a Villiers powered Barford) at the age of twelve and has seldom been without two- and three-wheelers of some sort since 1972, driving and riding solo all over Europe and North America. He is a long-term member of The Federation of Sidecar Clubs and the Hedingham Sidecar Owners’ Club. Simon perhaps rather wisely, is married to his earliest sidecar passenger and now lives in SW London.
Contents
Introduction
What bike for your chair?
What about a trike?
Trike manufacturers and suppliers
Which sidecar for your bike?
Sidecar manufacturers and suppliers
What and how much to modify
Preparing and driving your conversion
Conclusions;
Sideacr and trike contacts from the UK, Europe, USA and Asia
A Third Wheel - Simon Potter
2009
146 pages, 200 illustrations approx, 234x172mm, Softback, ISBN 978 0955659577
"Strangely addictive...a must-have for any classic bike enthusiasts" Daily Express
"Jam packed full of adventure!" Classic Bike Guide
"Highly readable" Nacelle (Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club magazine)
Give up the day job, buy an old bike and ride off into the sunset – a dream for most but reality for the author as he takes on the Landmark Challenge set by the Triumph Owners Club. But first build the bike, make peace with the family, then just go - meeting life head on. Often hilarious, always interesting this is a book which brings home the joys of classic motorcycling as Daisy, a 1948 Triumph Speed Twin puts in some 5,000 miles to win the Challenge – in spite of mechanical mayhem, fire, and just about everything else that can go wrong with an old bike. The author, armed with little more than a compass from a Christmas cracker, a dysfunctional map and a random selection of the wrong tools sets out to challenge life together with his young family. Great fun, just what classic motorcycling is all about and makes you itch to join him on the road!
Graham Ham is a journalist with a regular column, Daisy's Diary, in RealClassic and which forms the basis of this book. Graham is a well-known face to many classic motorcycle enthusiasts and rallyists, many of whom have been eagerly awaiting the publication of this book.
Contents
Prologue
The start of an obsession
The Landmark Challenge and into the fens
Back to the drawing board
Diversion to Le Mans
Practising on rabbits
Heading west
Fire in the shires
Northern Landmarks and punctured in Durham
Mountains, rain and perilous descents
The world strikes back
Wales, sheep and more trouble with Landmarks
The final frontier
Epilogue.
Challenging Life on a 1948 Triumph: Daisy's Diaries - Graham Ham
2005
Hardcover, 240 x 162 mm, 186 pages, 16 colour illustrations
ISBN 09547912 3 1
Mortons Motorcycle Media have what is probably the largest motorcycle archive in the world which includes over the two tons of glass plate negatives. The first in a series of captioned picture books features the IOM TT races.
The heady days when the pressmen always had the first sneak preview of new models from the motorcycle and scooter factories is the dateline chosen for this fourth book in the series. Indeed many had changed specification somewhat before they reached the dealer's showroom.
Original press photographs of over 70 new models reviewed by MOTOR CYCLING.
The heady days when the pressmen always had the first sneak preview of new models from the motorcycle and scooter factories is the dateline chosen for this fourth book in the series. Indeed many had changed specification somewhat before they reached the dealer's showroom.
Original press photographs of over 70 new models reviewed by MOTOR CYCLING.
"Here's everything you ever wanted to know about classic motorcycling, but didn't even know you should ask.... the most comprehensive book I've seen...you'll get good value from this book...may be the catalyst to filling your garage" Mick Matheson, AMCN Australia
"The section on the buying process is very good...clothing, maintenance and clssic bike riding, including very long distance rides, are treated with the same mixture of detailed scrutiny and pithy anecdote... you will learn something new and interesting, I know I did...a most engaging book" Steve Wilson, Real Classic
"A thoroughly worthy read... encouraging much thought for all" Dave Measures, Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club
“I gained a great deal from this book and expect every other reader will gain likewise” Hugh Anderson, MBE, World Champion 1963,’64 and ’65 writing in the Foreword.
A different and fascinating new look at classic motorcycling with an international flavour - sure to appeal to all owners (and intending owners) of classic bikes. Classic Motorcycling is about buying, riding and maintaining classic motorcycles. It comes complete with sections on survival rates of classics and their price appreciation over recent years with future predictions, and is literally packed full of advice for both aspiring and experienced owners. From choosing the right bike, training for today’s traffic, clothing, safety, maintenance, how and where to buy those all important spares, equipping a workshop, projects to improve most classics to simply experiencing the joy of ownership – its all here.
Contents Foreword, by Hugh Anderson MBE.
Why are classic bikes so popular
Choosing the right classic bike
Where and how to buy your first classic bike
Licensing, registration and insurance
Bonding with your bike
Global resources for classic motorcycles
Riding, survival and shibboleths
From waders to Kevlar
Maintenance at home and on the road
Wherever your classic bike takes you
Classic motorcycle survival
The Bonnie Index consumer price index for classic bikes
Improving perfection – projects for any classic
Some thoughts for the road
Classic Motorcycling: A Guide for the 21st Century - Rex Bunn
July 2007
Softcover, 234 x 172 mm, 277 pages, 125 photos, charts and tables
ISBN 978-0-9547912-8-5
Introduces us to some two dozen very special two-and three-wheelers selected from the multitude that the author has been fortunate to test, including the NSU Flying Hammock, Matchless Sports Twin, Nero, Vincent Black Knight, John Surtees' MV four, DKW three-cylinder, Ray Amm's Norton Manx, Desmo Ducati and factory BMW sidecar.
Introduces us to some two dozen very special two-and three-wheelers selected from the multitude that the author has been fortunate to test, including the NSU Flying Hammock, Matchless Sports Twin, Nero, Vincent Black Knight, John Surtees' MV four, DKW three-cylinder, Ray Amm's Norton Manx, Desmo Ducati and factory BMW sidecar.
The New Generation by Colin Schiller with a foreword by Barry Sheene
Back in 1967 motorcycles were still in the dark ages: noisy, smelly, dirty and thoroughly socially unacceptable. True 100 mph performance was still a fantasy, handling was more often than not like an airport trolley and stopping quickly meant having massive great soles on the bottom of your boots.
The influence of race bike design both in the 1970s and, more importantly, the early 1980s, revolutionized motorcycle engineering so completely that by 1983 1100cc road bikes were pushing out 120 bhp with the potential to top 150mph. FAST BIKES is a fascinating catalogue of the best in that development since 1983 and is the most authoritative directory currently available.
this book explores the development of the cyclecar and its derivatives thoughout the twentieth century through the medium of contemporary photographs and interesting captions.
A priceless historical reference book by a man who spent his life in the motorcycle industry covering 15 different marques of 4 cylinder motorcycles manufactured over the first 60 years of the 20th century.
A remarkable picture of one of Britain’s most prolific inventors. Granville Bradshaw was an engineer and inventor of extraordinary vision. His designs for early aeroplanes and engines (The Dragonfly), pioneering cars and motorcycles (ABC) quickly brought him fame. His gambling machines made him a fortune which he then managed to lose in a shares swindle! His life spanned the entire development of aviation and motor industries from the very early days right up until the classic era of the ’50s. This is a really detailed and absorbing book full of insight and careful research which places Bradshaw’s engineering genius into the context of his time.
Barry M Jones is a former industrial engineer and well known author and biographer on the history of British design and engineering. Previous publications have included The Panther Story: the story of Phelon & Moore; Editor of The Rugged Road by Theresa Wallach and her biographer; The Village Bus Remembered, and several works on the British tape-recorder industry.
Contents:
Introduction
Aviator
Aero engines
ABC Radial engines
ABC Powered aeroplanes
Post-war ABC aero-engines
ABC motorcycles
The Sopwith-ABC motorcycle
Skootamota
Oil cooled motorcycles
Bradshaw’s prophecies
Phelon & Moore
ABC cyclecar
Belsize-Bradshaw
Inventor extraordinaire
Bradshaw at war
Peoples car
Bradshaw pulsation motor
Toroidal engines – Project Omega
Wankel opposition engine
Twin-toroidal gas generator
Conclusions - patentee extraordinaire
Appendices: Walton Motors
Family
Addresses
Patents
Index
Granville Bradshaw: A Flawed Genius? - Barry M Jones
October 2008
Softcover, 189 x 246 mm, 288 pages, 200+ illustrations
ISBN 978-0-9556595-4-6
As the motorcycle approaches its centenary, this book reveals the vast scale of military production & is a reminder of some long forgotten manufacturing giants. Having proven its worth in the 1914-18 war, it was the second world war which marked the zenith of the "battle bike".
(The Olymipcs of motorcycling) by Mick Walker and Rob Carrick
The history of the ISDT and ISDE events begins in 1913 and continues to the present day. This grueling competition demands reliability and speed from the machines and courage, stamina and versatility from the riders.
The 1920s were an amazing decade in motorcycle development. Lost Motorcycles of the 1920s describes, in as much detail as possible, over 50 of these lesser known motorcycles, providing a wealth of information on makes from Abbotsford and Alwin to Turner, Weaver and the Xtra Car - not forgetting the many transient, but somewhat better known marques such as Blackburne, Radco and Raleigh for example. Each model and make is described in detail and accompanied by as many illustrations as possible. Lost Motorcycles also offers some fascinating and helpful insights into the many facets of motorcycling during the 1920s - the roads and garages, suspension, tyres and clothing for example - all of which helps set these motorcycles in their period and gives a real feel for what motorcycling must have been like some 80 years ago. Absolutely invaluable to restorers and historians of early British motorcycles.
Jack Bacon edited by Roger Fogg. During his life Jack Bacon assembled a vast collection of information on his great passion - 1920s motorcycles and motorcycling. Jack not only rode 1920s motorcycles throughout his life but also experienced the 1920s first hand as a motorcyclist, which gives his writing great authenticity and authority. Unfortunately Jack was not to complete his book before his death, but now, more than a decade later Roger Fogg has managed to assemble all the information into book form. Roger, like Jack, rides 1920s motorcycles himself and is a well known enthusiast and authority on these bikes.
Contents
Introduction
The British motorcycle industry in the 1920s
Roads and Garages
Clothing
Lighting
Belts
Forks and Dampers, Tools
Tyres
Lost Motorcycles of the 1920s (A-Z)
Lost Motorcycles of the 1920s - Jack Bacon
October 2008
Softcover, 172 x 234 mm, 288 pages, 100+ colour illustratons and photos
ISBN 978-0-9556595-8-4
The basic premise of this book is that for a capital outlay of 500 pounds, the would-be purchaser can acquire a machine that will provide good, reliable service and get it on to the road at modest expenditure without over-stepping the original 500 GBP target. The bonus lies in the ownership of a machine that will attract attention and will appreciate, rather than depreciate, in value.
Those who already have such a machine, or have a special interest in British lightweight two-strokes, will also find this book of absorbing interest in view of all the information it contains.
Recommendations are given on which makes and models to own, how to find a suitable machine, names and addresses of spare stockists and one-make clubs, how to select good quality but cheap riding gear and how to assemble a basic toolkit while keeping to a budget.
Roadtests originally published in the Blue'Un and the Green'Un with more photos added which were taken for the tests, but not in the original tests, showing the motorcycles when they were new.
• Illustrates some of the sexiest motorcycle engines ever produced
• A MUST for every classic motorcycle enthusiast
• Features Daniel Peirce’s stunning photography from his popular UP-N-SMOKE Engine Project
• Jay Leno owns a print from the UP-N-SMOKE Engine Project
• A personal and candid journal of the project's creation
• Includes a special chapter on how the images were crafted
• Foreword by Dave Howe, head of Peckerhead Racing
Description
By tradition, the motorcycle is a naked beast, differing from other vehicles by the fact that its mechanical structure is also part of its aesthetic appearance. In The Fine Art of the Motorcycle Engine, photographer Daniel Peirce examines the graphic nature of historic engines with stunning and dramatic photography. Since the beginning of the motorbike, engine designers knew they had to design power plants that performed well and looked good. Peirce presents 64 stunning pictures from his popular UP-N-SMOKE Engine Project. In addition to his engine photography, the book also includes the story of the project and the years it took to take it from an inspired idea to a tangible reality.
Synopsis
The story of the Up-N-Smoke Engine Project journals how what started as an artistic outlet became an obsession and eventually a business. This is the project that Cycle World magazine called “pornography for gearheads.” A special chapter is included showing the process that each picture needed to go through in order to create the finished product.
Independent Reviews
"In addition to the immaculate panhead pictured on the cover, this book features nearly 100 rare, bizarre or otherwise interesting engine shots, and is well worth a look even if you aren’t as twisted as Dan." – V-Twin News
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"If ever there was a labour of love, this book is it. Containing more than 60 individual engine photos, the book is a visual treat that tells not only the story of the motorcycles and engines portrayed, but also the story of the project from start to finish." – motorcycleclassics.com
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"The images are stunning and have been cleverly retouched by using modern computer techniques, so the motor is viewed in its best light and from its most photogenic angle ... It is this totally different approach that for me makes this hardback coffee table book a must-have ... Highly recommended!" – inter-bike.co.uk
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"'... a photographic tribute to the essence of what many of us find so attractive about motorcycles in the first place, a tribute to the heart of the machine, the mechanical motive force ... the engine. If you are one of those who would rather see functional metal than decal covered plastic, this is definitely worth a look." – thekneeslider.com
Additional Information
Period covered:
Motorcycles 1903 to 1995
Models covered:
Harley Davidson Evolution, Harley Davidson XR750, Ducati F3 replica, Harley Davidson XR750, Matchless 500 Sgl, Norton Commando, Harley Davidson Sportster, Indian Scout, Honda CB750, Brough Superior SS100, The Sunbeam, BSA Rocket, Pierce Arrow, Ariel Red Hunter, Kawasaki H1, Indian Chief, Vincent Black Shadow, Harley Davidson Duo-Glide, BMW R2, Honda GL1000 GoldWing, Norton Commando, BMW R12, Indian 4, Indian Model 433, Triumph 1916, Ariel Square Four, Brough Superior SS80, BSA Blue Star, BSA Gold Star, Kawasaki Z1, Yamaha XS650, Ducati 900SS, Triumph T-120R, Bultaco Astro, Ducati 750SS, Norton Manx, Moto Guzzi LeMans, Indian Camelback, Honda CBX, Velocette KTT Mk VIII, FB Mondial 1957, Laverda Mirage, BMW R69, BSA Spitfire MkII, Triumph Tiger 110, Honda 400F, Yale Model 25, MV Agusta America 750, Scott Sprint Special, Norton Model 18, Benelli 900 Sei
This collection of cartoons celebrates those magical moments when things don't go quite right - disasters in the garage, breakdowns and the many moments of acute embarrassment and guilt which seem to plague us all! Of course, these are moments that become stories told and retold until we,too, find ourselves in danger of becoming a character in one of Spider's cartoons.
Imagine a motorcycle that could talk. Not just any old motorcycle but a very special one, a BSA called Anneka that is nearly 50 years old and very much in need of some tender loving care. But Anneka only talks to Rosie as she ans her father struggle not only to restore the bike but also to find the answer to the age-old mystery of the 3,000 year old White Horse at Uffington in Oxfordshire - the one thing which can save her Dad's job at the local university archaeology department.
Interviews with the engineers who designed many of the legendary motorcycles that have triumphed on road and track, including the Ducati Pantah and Moto Guzzi V8.
Unlike the other books in this series that concentrate on the manufacturers, this one features the events. Chapters include Daytona Beach, Catalina Island, desert racing, dirt track, Bonneville Salt Flats, Daytona International Speedway and more. There is even a chapter on racing in South America.
Encouraged and helped by Bob Currie, then editor of THE CLASSIC MOTOR CYCLE, they collected advertisements, new model announcements, race results and road tests from when machines were new as well as general information from the period. Only 101 copies of each history were produced and all are numbered and signed by the author. They were reproduced by photo copy and are not up to our standards of today but they provide a great deal of information on the marques covered. approx.
Encouraged and helped by Bob Currie, then editor of THE CLASSIC MOTOR CYCLE, they collected advertisements, new model announcements, race results and road tests from when machines were new as well as general information from the period. Only 101 copies of each history were produced and all are numbered and signed by the author. They were reproduced by photo copy and are not up to our standards of today but they provide a great deal of information on the marques covered. approx.
From its earliest single cylinder "motorcycles" of 1901 through the better end of production in 1953 Indian inspired loyalty in its riders and with good reason. Indians were handsome, dependable, good handling and, in the right hands, plenty fast.
This book is the third in the Redline Books Enthusiasts Series. It tells the story of one of Italy ’s premiere post-war marques. With a history steeped in aviation including the MC72 World Speed Record and World War II fighters, Aermacchi began building motorcycles in 1950. At the 1956 Milan Show the futuristic Chimera, an ohv horizontal single with enclosed bodywork was launched. Later in the decade the Chimera was ’undressed ’ to create some of Italy ’s best sports and racing machines, including the Ala Verde and the Ala d ’Oro.
In 1960 Harley Davidson bought 50% of Aermacchi then in 1978 the Varese factory was sold to Cagiva. A number of Aermacchi personalities have contributed to this book, giving it additional authority.
Contents:
Before Bikes
Early Motorcycles
Chimera
Ala Rossa-Ala Verde
Wet-Clutch Racers
Transatlantic Partnership
Off-Road Competition
Dry-Clutch Racers
European Roadsters
The Linto Project
Two-stroke Racers
End of the Road
The Classic Rebirth
Size 220mm high x 193mm wide, softback with cover flaps.
144 pages, full colour throughout. ISBN: 09544357 6 1
Alongside the big V twins, the 45 cu. in. Harley-Davidsons have played a vital role in the company's 90 year history, providing essential revenue through the crisis of the Great Depression and serving Uncle Sam with honor during World War II.
45-powered Servi-cars were introduced in the thirties, three-wheelers utilized in the commercial sector and something like 80,000 WLAs and WLACs were on tour in Europe between 1941-45. The "little" V twins deserve their own pictorial tribute and this is it.
128 pages. Softcover.
Please note, this is a rare book priced above its original list price
Featuring 24 milestone H-D motorcycles with their distinct styling, new engines and progressive technology, these motorcycles have all figured significantly in the hstory of the company & the evolution of its product line.
Harley-Davidson was synonymous with raw power and speed in the early days of motorcycling. Those tremendous machines are chronicled here, from the early singles to the Panhead Big Twins and Sportsters. Each bike is covered year by year, with ratings for collectibility, smoothness of ride, passenger accommodations, reliability, and parts and service availability. Additionally, a maximum cruising speed is suggested.
This formidable group of data is supplanted with the author's riding impressions, which put you in the driver's seat of dozens of collectible Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
In 1965 (with the old panhead engine), Harley-Davidson introduced an electric starter to crank the two massive pistons of the FL. In 1966, the first artificial heart was implanted in a human and, more significantly for the H-D aficionados, the Electra Glide received the new shovelhead powerplant. Malcolm Birkitt has tracked down the numerous touring and sport versions of the legendary machine; and the admirable, almost universal customizing HOG habit ensures that this book is a visual tour de force.
Those who have read his earlier works on Milwaukee's finest will know that he has an in depth knowledge of these famous machines.
This book is dedicated to the people the world over who live, love and ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Chapters are entitled: Sturgis is .....;Biker art & jewelry;Battle of the Twins; Skin art; Harley people are characters; More bikes & trikes; Tee shirt mania; Military & antique; evolution & Overcoming.
(1995) - Their story here in words and pictures, showing how the Harley and Davidson partners had the machine for the time right from the start. Evolution has kept it there.
In 1903 four men built a motorcycle from scratch in a small wooden shed. One hundred years later that achievement and the company that grew from it is celebrated by the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum with its exhibit, "Heroes of Harley-Davidson."
Focusing on the men and women who brought recognition to Harley-Davidson, this exhibit is unlike any before it. In conjunction with the museum, former AMA President and Harley-Davidson expert, Ed Youngblood, has collected the photos and stories from this incredible exhibit to create the official book and exhibit catalog,Heroes of Harley-Davidson.
From the company's founders and the original Wrecking Crew racing team, to the creation of the Buell division and the successful women who have raced and traveled on Harley-Davidsons, this book presents their incredible stories. With over 200 historical photos and a color gallery of the motorcycles and artifacts featured in the exhibit, Youngblood brings to life a century of tales, careers and motorcycles.
The Restorer's Guide - every square inch of each production Knucklehead is covered, including correct schemes, bodywork, accessories, engine specifications, identification, production data and much more.
For over sixty years Ariel was one of the most important names in British motorcycling, producing many quality machines. These ranged from the legendary Square Four, a four-cylinder 1000cc superbike, to the 250cc Leader that was intended to beat off far-eastern competition and herald a new era for the industry. But the marque has never achieved quite the recognition of some of its rivals and Mick Walker sets out to redress the balance in this new appraisal.
Hughie started to work with Triumph Engineering Company and apart from a short break, as a "White Helmet", stayed with the company until its closure in 1974. This is the story of his life with Triumph motorcycles.
Although produced for a seven year period from 1968, the three cylinder 750cc BSA Rocket 3 and Triumph Trident are firmly acknowledged as classic motorcycles. Mick charts the full history from the earliest design ideas through road and racing models. Full specifications for all models.
Please note, this is a rare book of limited quantity, and is priced well above its original cover price.
The 649cc Bonneville was THE machine of the 1960s and the cafe racer era. It was also a very serious production racer and this title looks at the twin from its pre-unit introduction to its final year in 649cc form. The larger T140 of 744cc was to continue but it was the T120 that set the legend as recorded here in words and pictures.
Among the classic English motorcycles, the Triumph twins stand at the top. Many enthusiasts consider the Triumphs to be the fastest, the best looking, and the most popular then and now. Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit, takes a thorough look at what is required to restore a Triumph 650cc Twin built before 1963. The book includes two-start to finish restorations: one done on a 1959 and the other a 1962. The book provides additional information on the restoration of a 1948 Triumph. Hands-on sequences make up the heart of this book. Abundant color photographs show the complete assembly of both bikes, from installation of the swingarm and chassis parts to the attachment of the fenders and gas tank. Author and experienced Triumph mechanic, Garry Chitwood, explains the right and wrong way to assemble these bikes, and the little things that separate an amateur restoration from a proper and award winning Triumph restoration. More than just a motorcycle assembly manual, Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit, includes the overhaul and assembly of a 650cc twin engine, and the four-speed transmission. Both operations are explained in detail complete with photos and torque specifications. Rather than try and explain the minute differences that separate different models and years, Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit offers a series of color plates in the middle of the book that provide left and right side view of most of the significant models sold in the 1950s and early 1960s. Triumph Motorcycle Restoration: Pre-Unit offers the Triumph motorcycle enthusiast 144 pages and over 450 photos explaining how to buy, build and restore a Triumph 650cc twin manufactured before 1963.
Format: Softbound Pages: 144 Length: 8.5 x 11.0 ISBN-13: 9781929133635
Triumph Motorcycles in America by Lindsay Brooke and David Gaylin, with foreword by Gary Nixon.
**FIRST EDITION**
Triumph motorcycles were revered worldwide for their performance, handsome lines, and racing successes. In no
country was this more true than in the United States. Triumph may have been born in Britain, but it was bred in America.
From Bonneville to Daytona, America chose Edward Turner's vertical twins above all others. Whether Gary Nixon in a full-lock, flat track slide, or Marlon Brando in The Wild One, America's racers and riders put the Meriden marque on the map.
Triumph Motorcycles in America details Triumph's colorful history in the country that made it the world's dominant motorcycle in the 1950s and 1960s.
The authors have unearthed a wealth of untold history including special US-only models, internal company politics, racing lore, and Triumphriding celebrities, all accompanied by nearly 300 rare and previously unpublished photos.
From Triumph's tentative East Coast start in the 1930s through the company's demise fifty years later, Triumph Motorcycles in America guides you through Triumph's roller coaster US history.
Paperback, 192 pages.
Please note: this is a rare book priced above its original list price
From Timothy Remus and Wolfgang Publications comes a new look at some of the finest classic bikes ever manufactured. Triumph Motorcycles, is a new, all color, hardcover book focused entirely on Triumph twins and triples. Starting with Edward Turner's best-known design, the Speed-Twin, the book moves to the T100, TR5, Thunderbird, TR6, Bonneville and all the rest. Using a large format and deluxe paper, this anthology of classic triumphs covers all the significant models produced from 1938 to the early 1980s. The Triumph story doesn't stop there however. The 'new' Triumph corporation, under the guidance of John Bloor, took up the challenge of producing modern motorcycles, many of which are included in this same book. Whether your personal favorite is the ever-popular Bonneville from the late 1960s, or a more obscure TR5 with 'generator' top end, the Triumphs you remember and lust after are sure to be found between the hardcovers of this fine book.
This is the tale of a series of single-cylinder four-stroke motorcycles and two-stroke scooters. Starting with early prewar singles and then going into full detail with the 1937 2H, 2HC and T70, and on through the bigger 350, 500 and 600 OHV and SV machines. Postwar, there are the smaller 150 and 200 bikes best known in Tiger Cub form. The scooters came in 175 and 100, and the whole. finished with the BSA-clone 250 and 500. Make no mistake, these are important models in the history of the postwar British motorcycle.
127 pages. Hardcover.
Please note that due to its rareness, this book is priced significantly higher than original retail.
Please note, this is a rare book of limited quantity, and is priced well above its original cover price.
The Tiger name was an inspiration and the T100 the first twin to carry it. This title traces its story from the pre-war starting point, through the austere '40s and on the the '50s when it was joined by its big brother, the Tiger 110. Both had their adherents and their history is recorded here in words and pictures.
- Full international history of the popular Triumph Tiger Cub & Triumph Terrier motorcycles.
- Incredibly comprehensive, this book is the ultimate reference source to every aspect of these machines, including 22 very detailed model profiles and delivery details of 113,000 individual machines to 153 countries, colour schemes and much, much more.
- Technical and design specifications of engine and transmission components, lubrication, fuel and electrical systems.
Description
Full history of the popular Triumph Tiger Cub Motorcycle. The ultimate reference source book.
When Triumph rose from the ashes in the 1990s, the management had one aim in mind, to re-establish a reputation for reliable production machinery-no racing! But it didn't take long for the Triumph Super In motor derived from the Trident to be developed (with semi-works support) for BEARS competition. Quite rightly, remembering the 750cc triple's successes of the 1970s (before the roof fell in), the Trident has held its own in road tests against the likes of the BMW RI00R, just as the T160 had captured the imagination of an earlier generation.
In modern times with the well-established recognition that the Japanese motorcycle now has, most enthusiasts will tell you that there is only one British machine left.Some will even say that it is the only British machine worthy of any real acceptance. It's the Triumph. Since WWII the company has majored on twin cylinder machines with a sojourn into three cylinder derivatives in the late 60s & early 70s.
Obviously, because of survival alone, the Triumph Twin is worthy of its place in the history books. No one before has truly sorted out the vast diversity of models & their very complexity of manufacture. Thus, this book is an original work. It sorts one twin from another. From now on there can be no excuse for mistaking a Bonneville for a Thunderbird or a Daytona for a Tiger 100. Which machines had bathtubs & which Nacelles? The answers are here.
This book must surely be essential reading for every Triumph owner, rider, restorer or admirer. Part of the Osprey Collector's Library Series.
The name Triumph has now been among the most famous names in motorcycling for over a century and it has been involved in racing for nearly as long. Triumph motorcycles came second and third in the very first Isle of Man TT in 1907 and in 1908 a Triumph won the single-cylinder event.
Other sporting achievements and sporting machines followed but Triumph's real breakthrough came with the introduction of Edward Turner's magnificent Speed Twin launched in 1937. This modern, beautiful, fast bike laid the foundations for Triumph's success on and off the track for the next 30 or so years.
- A complete guide to buying both pre-unit and unit BSA Twins
- Just like having your own BSA Twin expert by your side
- Ownership advice – is it the right bike for you?
- 10 minute and 30 minute evaluation checklists
- How to check the bikes’ authenticity
- Which models are best?
- The implications of restoration
- Running cost details
- Auction guide
- How to get the paperwork right
- Lists of useful contacts in the BSA community
- Get the right bike at the right price!
Description
Sometimes living under the shadow of the flashier, high profile Triumph Twins, the equivalent BSAs were just as numerous, and were exported to the USA and all over the world. BSA was often seen as a less glamourous marque than Triumph or Norton, associated more with commuting and sidecars than coffee bar cowboys, but that doesn't detract from its collectibility today, as the bikes have become highly usable, enjoyable classics. This book is a practical guide to buying one of these bikes today. and covers the complete range, from the very first 1946 500cc A7 to the final 1973 650cc A65s. Photos and a unique scoring system smoothly guide you through the buying process without making expensive mistakes. One hundred colour photos, useful appendices and expert advice mean that this book could save you thousands!
Synopsis
Sometimes living under the shadow of the flashier, high profile Triumph twins, the equivalent BSAs were just as numerous, exported to the USA and all over the world. BSA was often seen as a less glamourous marque than Triumph or Norton, more associated with commuting and sidecars rather than coffee bar cowboys. But that doesn't detract from its collectibility today, and the bikes built are highly usable, enjoyable classics. Unlike the many marque histories, this book is a practical guide to buying one of these bikes today. It covers the complete range, from the very first 1946 500cc A7 to the final 1973 650cc A65s. Chapters include what to look for (10min and 30min evaluations); spares prices; guides to auctions and paperwork; lists of useful contacts in the BSA community; and just as important, consideration of whether it‚s the right bike for you. One hundred colour photos, useful appendices and expert advice mean this book could save you 1000’s
Independent Reviews
"... a very handy little gem." – Rapid Bikes
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"Photos and a unique scoring system smoothly guide you through the buying process without making expensive mistakes. One hundred colour photos, useful appendices and expert advice mean that this book could save you thousands." – NZ Motorcycle Trader & News
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"... after reading 'The Essential Buyer's Guide' you should be able to spot a Bonnie from a T'Bird or an A7 from an RGS." – Classic Bike Guide
Additional Information
Covers the complete range, from the very first 1946 A7 500cc, A10 650cc, A50 500cc, A65 650cc.
• Year-by-year, change-by-change evolution details
• A complete history of the Bantam
• How it came about – postwar reparations from Germany
• Bantam cousins – Harley and Russian ‘Bantams’
• Success! – the early years
• Growing up – the 148cc and 175cc Bantams
• Tragedy – lack of development leads to decline
• What might have been – could the Bantam have survived?
• Useful contacts
• Facts & figures
• What to look for when buying a secondhand Bantam
Description
Year-by-year evolution of the BSA Bantam, a simple commuter bike that thousands learnt to ride on. It became the standard GPO ‘telegram bike’ in the 1950s and was a huge success, with 100,000 built in the first four years of production. It’s a story with interesting asides, like the Hummer, Harley-Davidson’s version of the DKW that inspired the Bantam, and survived into the 1960s. But it’s a sad story too – BSA failed to follow up the Bantam’s early success by developing it, and by the mid-1960s it was looking outdated, especially next to the new breed of four-stroke Hondas. That the Bantam was allowed to fizzle out in 1971 symbolised the state of the industry that produced it, but today there’s a thriving community of Bantam owner/riders. The book ends with a guide to buying a secondhand Bantam, along with useful appendices on specifications, engine/frame numbers, and contacts among the clubs and Bantam specialists. Every Bantam owner, or would be owner, needs this book - the Bantam Bible!
Synopsis
The BSA Bantam is one of the definitive postwar British bikes, perhaps THE definitive British lightweight built after World War II. It was certainly the most popular, with over 400,000 built over a 23-year production run – in the first four years, production broke all records. Yet it would die a lingering death, production fizzling out in the early 1970s as a neglected model of a manufacturer more concerned with building big, fast road-burning bikes. The Bantam might never have happened without World War II. The prewar DKW RT125 was offered to the Allies as reparations, taken up and produced in the USA, USSR, even Japan! In East Germany, it was revived as the MZ, and it Britain, it surfaced publicly in 1948 as the BSA Bantam, a very simple little 123cc two-stroke, with rudimentary electrics, no rear suspension and a lot of charm.
The little bike became part of Britain’s social history. Thousands of people learnt to ride on a Bantam, or had their first pillion experience on one, or rode one delivering telegrams for what was the GPO. Although many of those learners progressed to bigger, faster bikes, then gave up two wheels for family life, they won’t have forgotten the Bantam, which explains why there’s such a thriving Bantam community to this day – the club, the racing club, the spares specialists, and restorers, owners and riders all over the country. This might not be Britain’s most glamorous motorcycle, its fastest or most flamboyant, but the Bantam is probably the most loved.
Independent Reviews
"As always it is well laid out and illustrated with the usual mix of modern and period images as well as advertising and period documentation, with the odd pencil drawing thrown in. 
The paper quality and general finish of this hardback is excellent and the whole book is an entertaining read about one of Britain's best loved machines ..." – inter-bike.co.uk
• No-nonsense, straightforward handbook to buying a Bantam
• Detailed, step-by-step guide to points to look for
• Restore, or pay more to start with?
• Spares prices
• Relative value when viewing each model
• Auction guide
• Problems that arise from lack of use
• Useful contacts – clubs, parts suppliers, restorers
• Facts & figures
• The reality of living with a Bantam
Description
A step-by-step guide to buying a secondhand BSA Bantam, with everything the buyer needs to know: assessment of engine, transmission, frame, paintwork and chrome, tinwork, wheels and tyres, brakes, electrics, and an explanation of engine and frame numbers. Includes a run-down of the various Bantam models and an assessment of which offers the best investment potential, plus advice on auctions, paperwork, lack of use problems and useful contacts. One hundred photos illustrate this practical, straightforward guide to buying a secondhand BSA Bantam.
Synopsis
There are lots of books about the BSA Bantam, about its history, performance, lineage and the minutae of its specification, but none of them will tell you what to look for when buying one secondhand. That's what this book is about – it aims at being a straightforward, practical guide to buying a used Bantam. It won't list all the correct colour combinations for each year, or analyse the bike's design philosophy, or consider its background as part of a troubled industry – there are excellent books listed at the end of this one which do all of that. But hopefully it will help you avoid buying a dud. Point by point, it takes the reader through everything that needs looking at when buying a Bantam, plus spares prices, which is the best model to buy for your needs, a look at auctions, restorations and paperwork. Over 23 years of production, the Bantam is for some the definitive postwar British lightweight, with all its strengths, weaknesses and character. Although there might seem to be a wide range of models and special editions, all are based around the same 123, 148 or 174cc two-stroke engine. There were plenty of changes over the years, but none of them altered the basic format of this classic British commuter. But aside from all the history, the Bantam remains a tremendous classic to own. It might not have the glamour of a big road-burning Bonneville or Gold Star, but the Bantam remains the most affordable route into classic bike ownership – better still, it's a lot of fun!
(1986) A written history of BSA participation in motorcycle competitions has been long overdue. No other British motorcycle manufacturer produced a greater variety of models and achieved the same degree of success for so long. Book is filled with B & W photos of BSAs in competition at trials, scrambles, moto cross and roadracing.
The post war single cylinder BSA is a short description of a multitude of different motorcycles. Highlighted by the exciting Gold Star, this book succeeds in analysing all the different models, loved or unloved, and concludes with easily read specifications and model recognition points. No BSA enthusiast can afford to ignore it. Here are some of the machines covered:
Gold Star - For the enthusiastic Clubman and competition rider this machine has no equal.
B31 - A flexible, fast cruising touring mount with superlative steering and good suspension
M20- for sheer dogged dependability there’s nothing to touch the BSA M20 and M21.
C11G - It sets a new high standard of motorcycle value.
Bantam No other machine in the history of motorcycling has achieved such world-wide popularity.
Victor Rugged durability and fine roadability add fresh laurels to this famous model.
As a companion volume to BSA TWINS And TRIPLES here is, at last, a worthy tribute to the postwar BSA, a once famous and familiar motorcycle.
What made the Gold Star so successful was its ability to perform in virtually every field - a feat never matched so convincingly by any other model. Whether it be as a roadster - in both touring and sporting guise - clubmans or endurance racing, scrambles(moto cross), trials, sprinting or the International Six Days Trial, the legendary Goldie performed with distinction. No only that, but a whole generation of postwar youth saw the Gold Star as the cafe racer supreme, featuring such icons as the RRT2 gearbox, Amal GP carburettor and the 190mm front brake. The Gold Star has been out of production for over 40 years but it lives on, a tribute to the bike itself and its dedicated enthusiastic owners.
Contents:
Origins
Brooklands and the Birth of the M24
Post War Small-fin Developments
Clubmans TT
Scrambles Star
Thruxton
Trials Activities
Café Racer Culture
Post War Big-fin Developments
Road Racing
Roland Pike
Stateside
Rocket Gold Star
The Classic SceneSize
205mm high x 210mm wide, hardback. 264 pages
full colour throughout. ISBN: 09544357 3 7
The most comprehensive guide to the renovation, restoration and development history of Gold Star and all postwar pre-unit B,M and C series plus unit four-strokes and Bantams.
250 illustrations; 100,000 words-extensive data plus how to recognize parts, improve specifications and maintain these classic motorcycles.
304 pages. Softcover.
Please note, this a a rare book priced higher than its original list price
Another in the Osprey Collector's Library series about the British bike beloved by "Mr. Everybody" right up to the early 1970s. This detailed development and production history included specifications, descriptions and illustrations for such romantic names as Golden Flash, Shooting Star, etc. Packed with information for the past owner, restorer and enthusiast alike.
"I recommend this book ..." The Star (BSA Owners Club magazine)
"Anyone embarking on a rebuild of a BSA unit single will get a wealth of tips from the Rupert Ratio Manual." Classic Bike
"If you have a sick or senile BSA, try this book." VMCC Magazine
"Bottom line is that if you are even thinking of wrenching on your BSA Unit Single, you need this book." BSA Southern California Magazine
Armed with this book even the least experienced 'spanner man' will be able to not only rebuild a BSA Unit Single, but make it go better and more reliably than even BSA thought possible! This book quite literally takes the BSA (and Triumph) Unit Single engine apart, then it shows how to rebuild the engine correctly. The book includes wiring diagrams, complete specifications, hundreds of illustrations, a wealth of invaluable advice and tuning tips to make your unit single perform!
The Rupert Ratio Unit Single Engine Manual will also be of interest to all BSA enthusiasts since it charts the development of one of the last and most successful machines to come out of Small Heath. Long after the factory closed Unit Singles were still a competitive force in trials and motocross riding and many are still used for that purpose today.
Rupert Ratio is a long time contributor to the journal of the BSA Owners Club, The Star, on technical matters relating to BSA Motorcycles. He is also one of the many 'Agony Uncles' for membes of the club, i.e. a technical consultant who can offer advice and assistance to club memebers when their beloved Beesas are beset by mechanical afflictions. He carries out the latter role under his real name, Dave Smith, who is a design technology teacher by profession.
Contents
Introduction
The Unit Single Saga
Unit single quick stripdown guide
Preparation of aluminium castings
Lubrication system
Main bearings
Crankshaft and conrod assembly
Timing side
Gearbox
Kick start mechanism and outer timing cover
Primary drive
Cylinder and piston
Pushrods
Cylinder head
Rockerbox
Engine breathing
Electrical system
Carburation
Life with a B40
Specifications
Exploded engine drawings
Appendix: Rupert Ratio engine stand
Index
Rupert Ratio Unit Single Engine Manual
August 2000
paperback, 171 x 248 mm, 262 pages, 300 illustratons
ISBN 09535098 1 8
Birmingham Small Arms (BSA) was the largest motorcycle maker in the world. The firm enjoyed a reputation for building quality, affordable machines, aimed at riders of all types, from the commuter to the sportsman. BSA was a byword for good, honest motorcycles, for generations of riders.
Mortons Media Group has the old archive of both Motor Cycle and Motor Cycling, the two weekly motorcycle magazines that their were in their pomp at the same time as ‘the BSA’ and so, naturally, there is a wealth of BSA pictures and related items in the Mortons’ archive. The bookazine will provide the opportunity for some of this material – of which a lot is previously unpublished – to finally get a deserved airing.
Favoured by everyone from the Post Office to international motocross riders, BSA manufactured a wide range of machines to suit all needs, from Bantams to Gold Stars, from ‘Round Tanks’ to Road Rockets – this appealing diversity will be celebrated in the second of The Scrapbook Series.
by Roy Bacon "The racebred motorcycle" for AJS & "The centre of attraction" for Matchless are but two sales slogans used regularly in the 1950s for machines of the AMC combine. Although unquestionably guilty of overt badge engineering for most of the join
This book could have been titled an AJS competition history as it starts pre WWII and covers not only the 7R but also the Porcupine, 3 valve, record breakers, Moto Cross, specials and even the Seeley and two stroke competition models.
This book could have been titled an AJS competition history as it starts pre WWII and covers not only the 7R but also the Porcupine, 3 valve, record breakers, Moto Cross, specials and even the Seeley and two stroke competition models.
In the early years after the war, the lack of 250cc racing motorcycles from Britain's 'head-in-the-sand' motorcycle manufacturers forced those privateer racers wanting to compete in this popular class of racing to create their own machines. Building such machines meant inventively mixing and matching parts from various manufacturers, and using imaginative tuning techniques to further improve performance.
This book is an illustrated tribute to the ingenuity of individual racing motorcycle builders, and a permanent record of the fascinating and amazingly competitive machine they built against the odds.
Perhaps the most far-reaching of many changes wrought on the military by the First World War was the mechanisation of the armed services. After many centuries of use by the Army for patrols and communications, the trusty horse was finally supplanted by the new-fangled motorcycle. The mechanisation process gathered pace during the interwar years and in particular with regard to the military motorcycle between 1925 and 1939.
By the outbreak of the Second World War, the motorcycle had become an important part of the military inventory and was deemed 'suitable for War Department requirements'.
First published in 1995, this fully illustrated book takes a unique look at all the military motorcycles known to have been tested mainly by the Mechanical Warfare Experimental Establishment.
The authors have consulted official War Department records as well as those of individual bike manufacturers to produce the most detailed reference work published on the subject. Plenty of illustrations & period photos as well as a 16 page color section featuring restored and 'as discovered' WD bikes.
A make by make description of 50 marques manufactured in England in the 1960s from the well known BSA, Norton and Triumph through the lesser known Bond, Sapphier & Viscount. Illustrated with photos of bikes when they were new.
This volume describes and illustrates a selection of classic machines from the National Motorcycle Museum at Bickenhill near Birmingham. Bob Currie turns his attention to the "big stuff" of over 500cc. These heavyweights not only include the high-powered glamour machines but also the prewar sidecar hauling family workhorses.
Spanning the year 1912-84 and with engines up to 1,000cc, the stories of more than 40 examples are told here, each illustrated in color and accompanied by full technical specifications. This is a book to delight everyone interested in the history of the British motorcycle industry.
Today, with Japanese motorcycles dominating road and track, it may be hard to appreciate that the situation was not always so. For a long time British motorcycles led the world in road and racing models. In this book we look at the best of the British racing bunch, the works machines, the production racers, the specials and sports roadsters that raced at Thruxton.
Panther were one of those legendary British makes of motorcycle who produced limited numbers of surprisingly good machines. They outlasted many of the better known bikes of their day, finally ceasing to trade in 1966. Their history is perhaps surprisingly little known to some, as it is replete with innovation and a strong reputation for reliability, durability and comfort. Few bikes are as untroubled by a long day on the road as a big Panther; and even fewer are as economical as the Panther lightweights.
The book starts with a short but comprehensive history of the company from its inception in the early 1900s, describing the business challenges and successes experienced by P&M. This small Yorkshire company grew to being a well known manufacturer of high speed touring machines and small commuter bikes in the pre-war years, to a company that perhaps has now become best known for its sidecar machines, although post-war Panthers also make excellent solo machines. The book describes in detail all the post-1950 models from the less well known and increasingly sought after lightweights, to the more familiar single cylinder heavyweights. Full information is given on specifications through the years, engine and frame numbers, and colour schemes. (Panther since 1950 is reprinted, with permission, from an earlier work by Steve Wilson, British Motorcycles since 1950 first published in 1992 by Patrick Stephens Ltd an imprint of Haynes Publishing Company, and now out of print.)
Steve Wilson is the author of British Motor Cycles since 1950, a six volume survey of British Motorcycles and also many other titles about classic bikes and the pleasure to be had from riding them. Steve is a full time journalist writing about classic bikes and cars and has a regular column in Real Classics. When he is not writing about classic bikes he is most likely to be found riding one of his BSAs.
Contents Phelon and Moore Ltd Panther Model 65 and Model 75 including dates and specifications Panther models 35, 35 sports, 45, 45 Sports, 50 Grand Sports, Model 35 Sports and ES Sports including dates and specifications Panther Model 100R, 100S, Model 100S De Luxe and Model 120S including dates and specifications
Panther Since 1950 - Steve Wilson Feb/March 2008 Softcover, 270 x 210 mm, 48 pages, 42 illustrations ISBN 978-0-9556595-2-2
The subject of this book is perhaps the most ambitious of any so far in the Osprey Collector's Library Series. Its scope is to cover the postwar Villiers-powered motorcycle but it is, in fact, wider than that; it includes all the British "look-alikes" as well. This means the revelant Excelsior, AMC, Anzani, JAP and Alpha-engined motorcycles are within its pages.
It offers some 38 manufacturers of motorcycles. For the very first time many of those familiar motorcycle names will come alive: Cotton, Sun, DMW, DOT, OEC, Panther, Tandon; even the forgotten Aberdale, HJH and Scorpion are included.
188 pages. Hardcover.
Please note - this is a rare book priced above its original list price
The most famous of all British racing motorcycles, with an ancestry dating back to the very dawn of the internal combustion engine, the "cammy" Norton is inseperable from the era of British domination in motorcycle racing.
The most famous of all British racing motorcycles, with an ancestry dating back to the very dawn of the internal combustion engine, the 'cammy' Norton is in separable from the era of British domination in motorcycle racing. It is linked with the legendary heroes of the sport, Jimmie Guthrie, Harold Daniell, Geoff Duke, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood and the age when Britain had the world's finest motorcycle industry.
This revised edition of the definitive history contains additional material and traces the design, development, the leading riders and tuners. It presents a superb collection of photographs, many previously unpublished. The Manx Norton covers not only the Manx itself but also features boardroom battles, Norton's early history, record breaking, sidecars, Formula 3 cars, scrambling (moto-cross), the Domiracer, racing at Daytona and today's classic scene.
The most famous of all British racing motorcycles, with an ancestry dating back to the very dawn of the internal combustion engine, the "cammy" Norton is inseperable from the era of British domination in motorcycle racing.
Every facet of the fascinating story is set out in this authorative, well-illustrated book: the Commando's original conception and launch, the 750cc and 850cc variants that appeared during its long and often turbulent production life, and recollections from key people involved. The Norton's impact in sport is also detailed, from road racing to sidecar motocross, and the story is brought right up to date by looking at how Commandos are kept running reliably today - and at the 21st century model that has been developed in America. Hardcover.
Please note, this is a rare book of limited quantity, and is priced well above its original cover price.
The postwar Norton twin engine enjoyed a long life, first to power the Dominator, and later the Commando. It is the first of these that is covered here, in words and pictures, and the tale includes the Featherbed twin, surely one of the most desirable machines of its time. The others, from Model 7 to final Mercury, are all here with the off-road variants.
Norton owners and enthusiasts and motorcycle connoisseurs in general will find in this book a large selection of Norton roadtests and features from the pages of "THE MOTOR CYCLE" & "MOTOR CYCLING", the two great journals of the heyday of motorcycling, spread over the period from 1946 to 1968.
With copies of the two magazines increasingly difficult and costly to obtain, the unique opportunity to own this wealth of rare and informative contemporary material in a single volume is definitely not to be missed.
One of the most exhilarating stories of technical achievement in the history of the motorcycle. The book starts with the first feasibility studies for a Norton rotary engine, and covers its new air-cooling technology benefitting the police, the excellent power to weight ratios giving rise to dune buggies and snowmobiles, and the production of the F1 Superbike that brought the British motorcycle industry to the fore. In-depth profiles of the managers, riders and designers complement an explanation of racing technology.
There can be no question as to the status of the Manx Norton. This book details the machine's development through the "works" bikes to the production customer versions. Nowhere else is it possible to trace each year's specific modifications. All the other Norton singles which were current with the Manx: 18,19.ES2,50,16H,Big 4 & 500T are covered too.
192 pages. Hardcover.
Please note - this is a rare book priced above its original list price
Please note, this is a rare book of limited quantity, and is priced well above its original cover price.
Norton Singles, with side or overhead-valves, go back to the earliest days of motorcycling. The marque was always famous for its singles, which kept their line thoughout their long life. In 1931, they underwent their last major engine change, which lasted them for over 30 years. The rest of the machine fell into place over this time, decade by decade, and the history, changes and model variations are all described here in words and pictures.
Norton - the very name suggests the power and sound of this classic British motorcycle marque. With their unique Isle of Man TT record, Nortons held the racing stage for over seventy years and are now enjoying a revival in the 1980s with the new Wankel-type rotary-piston engine.
The author of this book has, as a journalist, road-tested most types of Norton over the years and writes with the privilege of an 'insider' about the company's triumphs and tribulations, their successes on and off the race track, and the many personalities associated with these famous machines. With its many illustrations, this new-format 3rd edition is a book no admirer of great British motorcycles will want to miss.
The essential guide to the renovation, restoration and development history of all post-war Norton Twins including Commando, Featherbed, Dominator and Jubilee series. Plus how to recognize parts, improve specifications and maintain these classic motorcycles.
Here is a detailed development history of those lovely classic twins - model 7, 77, 88, 99, 650, Atlas, Commando plus lightweights, the Wulf, the Wankel, the Cosworth and the dressed up AMC-Nortons. There's a model by model, year by year detailing, specifications, colors, prices, and competition.
In Celebration of Norton's Centenary, the Oldest Motorcycle Marque in the World by Mick Woollett
This book charts the history of one of the oldest surviving marques in the world: both the glorious racing tradition and the production machines, from the first clip-on engines to the final F1 rotary superbike. Interviews with those closely involved (including James Norton's daughter Grace, who kindly provided original documents and photographs reproduced here for the first time) make this the definitive account of a key contribution to motorcycle history.
Unavailable for many years this book has been reprinted.
When Bert Greeves produced a motorcycle to test an invalid-carriage suspension, little did he realize that it would soon go on to dominate the offroad racing scene throughout the 1950s, 60s and on into the 1970s. But it did just that and provided the basis for lines of successful road racers and roadsters,too.
In this unique account, Rob Carrick and Mick Walker provide a detailed history of the company, its motorcycles and the victories that made Greeves one of the legendary names in British motorcycle sport.
The first Matchless motorcycle was made in 1899 and, with a commercial manufacturing history dating from 1901, Matchless is one of the senior marques of the late British motorcycle industry. Matchless produced a wide range of motorbikes to suit all purposes and pockets; their most famous machines are probably the innovative and impressive Silver Arrow and Silver Hawk multi-cylinder bikes of the 1930s.
Their wartime G3L was not only one of the most popular British service machines of the Second World War, but was also the first to feature telescopic front forks. In the 1950s Matchless's 'Jampot' rear shock absorbers helped define the marque.
- A unique record of an apprenticeship and working life in the British motorcycle industry
- Fascinating insight to the working practices of the motorcycle industry in the 1950s and 1960s
- Includes period photographs and rare documents relating to the Associated Motor Cycles Ltd factory at Plumstead
- Bill worked at the AMC factory from 1958 until 1966
- AMC manufactured Matchless and A.J.S. motorcycles
Description
A young Londoner had only one ambition in life – to work with motorcycles. That simple wish led to an apprenticeship that was to change Bill Cakebread's life forever as the training that Associated Motorcycles Limited provided enabled achievements that he never dreamed possible. This book gives a unique insight to the atmosphere and excitement of working in a motorcycle factory. It is an inspiring story, supported by a host of period photographs and rare documents, which provides a fascinating record of work within the British motorcycle industry in the final years of its decline into oblivion.
Synopsis
This is the inspiring story of how a young school-leaver with no academic qualifications and low expectations built a successful career based on an apprenticeship with Associated Motor Cycles Ltd, and eventually became Managing Director of his company.
It describes the very personal story of the ups and downs of factory life in the 1950s and 1960s. In particular, it conveys the unique atmosphere and excitement that surrounds the manufacture of motorcycles, an atmosphere that for those who have experienced it is like no other. The excellence of the training that was provided by the company enabled the writer to achieve far more than he ever anticipated.
The journey through the factory, starting with the lowliest of duties in the machine shops and ending as personal assistant to the top motorcycle designers of their time, is described in detail. It gives a rare insight into working practices within the different departments and the characters that were employed.
Supported by a host of period photographs and rare documents, it provides a unique record of work within the British motorcycle industry in the final years of its decline into oblivion.
Independent Reviews
"For anyone who has a fascination with the marques of AJS and Matchless, those fabled yarns from the days when the factory was in full swing serve to remind us of how our present day pride and joy was once created. The illustrations are a priceless record of the day ..." – AJS & Matchless Owners Club
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"A very interesting and easy read that I recommend to anyone with a sense of history and a passion for the British Motorcycle Industry." – VintageBike.co.uk
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"A really good read and a story long overdue in telling" – interbike.co.uk
Hardback • 128 pages • 250 tall x 207mm (97⁄8in tall x 81⁄8in) • 101 pictures, 30 in colour
ROYAL ENFIELD - The Postwar Models 125,150,250,350,500,700,750 Singles & Twins by Roy Bacon
"Made like a gun" is the slogan most often quoted for the Royal Enfield motorcycle. The company used it for many years, incorporating it with a drawing of a small field gun as their trademark. The truth is that it meant what it said - Enfields were a "standard" unglamorous machine, but built with quality in mind and with a job to do. Somewhere between BSA on the one hand and a Velo on the other.
Another sales line back in 1954 was "There's inbuilt quality throughout the Royal Enfield range..." No fuss, nothing too clever; just the universal postwar British motorcycle. This book also features Indian Enfields,too. Part of the Osprey Collector's Library Series.
The first Royal Enfield motorcycle was built in 1901. Today the company's most famous model, the Bullet, continues to be produced in India. There was a time when RE meant innovation.
For the first half of the 20th century, the then Redditch-based company, pioneered features such as dry sump lubrication, quickly detachable wheels, the countershaft gearbox, 3 and 4 valves per cylinder and swinging arm rear suspension.
The aim of each "super profile" book is to take one model and then to present every facet of its character to the reader by word and picture. A full portrait of the model is built up by describing its history, production changes and specifications.Then there are road tests (usually contemporary), endless photos, owners' views, details of what to look for when buying and information on relevant clubs and specialists.
Stan lives life not just to the full, but right on the edge! There are no words to describe someone who has been a world champion sidecar rider – the one just barely in the sidecar, balancing the machine with his body at 150mph!
Even more amazingly, by then Stan had already been a professional trumpet player, electrician and sailor as well as a highly respected motorcycle racer on the GP circuit.
He worked with some of the well known names at both BSA and Norton, raced the first ever Dommie Racer, helped in the successful world land speed record set by Donald Campbell in Bluebird, and then became the man who did so much to introduce NGK spark plugs into the UK. He even designed supermarket trolleys that handled ‘like a Ferrari’!
This is the remarkable story of an amazing man who has managed to fit more fun and adventure into his years than most of us would even dream of. His story is uplifting, and a remarkable insight into the world of sidecar racing and British industry.
A book that will fill not just fill you with wonder, but one that will also open your eyes on a now rapidly fading era.
In the years just after World War II, motorcycles were the third largest source of foreign exchange for the United Kingdom, lagging behind only automobiles and Scotch whiskey. And yet, the British motorcycle industry was essentially dead by 1975. This is the first comprehensive examination of the demise of what was once not only the largest motorcycle industry in the world, but something that virtually defined a nation for decades. With a critical look at business and trade practices, fresh information about the businessmen who built these companies and then ran them into the ground, as well as the engineers and designers who were brilliant and badly flawed, emerges alongside the full romance, beauty, and excitement of the machines and the top racers who rode them. Combining archival material and new interviews with industry insiders and living legends, this objective investigation will fascinate enthusiasts and is a cautionary tale for the currently declining American automotive industry.
Author Bio:
Abe Aamidor is a university lecturer, a life-long motorcycle enthusiast, and an award-winning journalist. He has been a reporter for the Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette, the Indianapolis Star, and the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, and has taught journalism at Indiana University, Georgia Southern University, and Southern Illinois University. He is the author of Chuck Taylor, All Star. He lives in Carmel, Indiana.
The classic inside story of its rise and fall which is given by a well-qualified person who was in the thick of things serving on the boards of both Norton Motors and BSA Motorcycles. The inside story will settle many an argument among those less well-informed about the reasons for the decline of this industry.
Velocette is one of the most respected names in the history of the motorcycle. Though not as numerous or successful as some machines, the motorbikes produced by the Veloce company in Birmingham command a special respect and an extremely loyal following, and machines such as the KTT and Thruxton are among the most desirable classic bikes you can buy today.
In this book motorcycle historian Mick Walker chronicles the history of the Veloce company and the bikes they produced between 1905 and the winding up of the company in 1971.
VELOCETTE FLAT TWINS All flat twins from LE of 1948 - plus LE MkII, Vogue, Valiant, Vee Line and Viceroy - to LE MkIII of 1971 by Roy Bacon
Much to many people's surprise the little Velocette flat twins were in production for over 20 years - for that very reason they cannot have been all bad. Between these covers is the whole story of these curious, technically interesting machines which now, like many black sheep, have been drawn into a family of enthusiasts who appreciate fine intention and considerable manufacturing courage.
Another of the Osprey Collector's Library series, this story is no less important than that of the company's glorious pushrod and cammy singles, for without a question a Velocette,often dubbed a "little BMW", is always a Velocette.
128pages. Hardcover.
Please note - this is a rare title priced above its original list price
Velocette is one of the legendary British motorcycle manufacturers. In their day few other machines of the period could go as fast for as long, or handle as well as a big Velocette single. It is a Velocette that holds the distinction of being the first bike to achieve 100 mph for 24 hours. This book provides detailed information on all of the large singles produced and how they changed over the years. It also gives a comprehensive description of the history of the company from 1950 until final closure in 1970. This is a fascinating and definitive account of Velocette which will interest all those who love old British bikes and one which no Velocette owner should be without.
Velocette Since 1950: The Big Singles is reprinted, with permission, from an earlier work by Steve Wilson, British Motorcycles since 1950 first published in 1992 by Patrick Stephens Ltd an imprint of Haynes Publishing Company, and now out of print.
Steve Wilson is the author of British Motor Cycles since 1950, a six volume survey of British Motorcycles and also many other titles about classic bikes and the pleasure to be had from riding them. Steve is a full time journalist writing about classic bikes and cars and has a regular column in Real Classics. When he is not writing about classic bikes he is most likely to be found riding one of his BSAs.
Contents
Velocette Ltd
MAC 350, ‘new’ MSS, Venom, Viper and Thruxton Venom singles
Production dates
Specifications, MAC, Viper, 1954 on MSS, Venom, Thruxton
Engine and frame numbers
Colour schemes
Publications
Appendix: Owners Clubs and Spares
Velocette Since 1950: The Big Singles - Steve Wilson
Softcover, 270 x 210 mm, 63 pages, 67 illustrations and tables
ISBN 09535098 8 5
Velocette: Technical Excellence Exemplified by Ivan Rhodes
Velocette is an icon of the classic British motorcycle scene. Engineering excellence mattered more than the whims of the market to the Goodman family, owners of Veloce, Ltd., manufacturer of the Velocette motorcycle.
This painstakingly assembled book details the history of the machines' development and competition successes, as well as the story of the family behind the marque. Run with honesty and integrity, the company gained a loyal following and a reputation for building quality machines before closing its doors in 1971, beset by the economic factors that caused the downfall of the whole of the British motorcycle industry.
- The GS has been in production for over 25 years, with many, many thousands sold
- Complete guide to buying a secondhand GS
- Ownership advice – is it the right bike for you?
- Where to look for problems
- 15min and 30min evaluation checklists
- Auction guide
- Spares prices
- Lists of useful contacts in the GS Community
- How to get the paperwork right
- Get the right bike at the right price!
Description
BMW’s GS series is one of the world’s milestone motorcycles and has been in production for over 25 years. It pioneered the ‘adventure sport’ category – big bikes that are capable of travelling off-road and, in many ways, it’s the Range Rover of motorcycling. It's now more popular than ever, thanks in part to the massive publicity surrounding the film Long Way Round starring Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.
Synopsis
Buying a classic bike is an expensive business and mistakes can prove costly financially and in time, effort and stress. Wouldn't it be great if you could take an expert with you? With the aid of this book's step-by-step guidance from a marque specialist, you can! BMW’s GS series is one of the world’s milestone motorcycles, in production for over 25 years. It pioneered the adventure sport‚ category big bikes that are capable of travelling off-road, in many ways, it’s the Range Rover of motorcycling. And it’s now more popular than ever, thanks in part to the massive publicity surrounding Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman’s round the world trip, on GS’s. This book is a complete guide to buying one of these iconic bikes secondhand: what to look for (10min and 30min evaluations); spares prices; guides to auctions and paperwork; lists of useful contacts in the GS community; and just as important, consideration of whether it’s the right bike for you.You'll discover all you need to know about the GS you want to buy… Working step-by-step through the bike’s strengths and weaknesses. This books unique points system will help you to place the bikes value in relation to condition whilst extensive photographs illustrate the problems to look out for. This is an important investment - STOP! don't buy a BMW GS without this book's help. One hundred colour photos, useful appendices and expert advice mean this book could save you 1000s
Independent Reviews
"... after reading 'The Essential Buyer's Guide' you should be able to spot a Bonnie from a T'Bird or an A7 from an RGS." – Classic Bike Guide
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"... an invaluable handy reference source when looking at a machine with the intention of buying it ... the book does exactly what it sets out to do at a very reasonable £9.99, which could be money well spent." – inter-bike.co.uk
The Postwar Range with 1,2,3 or 4 Cylinders by Roy Bacon.
This book is an essential for all who have an affection for the machines with the blue and white badge, and charts the models from the start. The early days are covered to set the scene and the background that governed the way the firm worked and built their machines; the story then majors on the postwar scene with ample description of the twins, the singles and the introduction of the fours.
Part of the Osprey Collector's Library Series it details competition history, special duties and then the highly detailed appendices.
The BMW racing story is an example to all of how patient development of basically sound design can achieve success. The famous German marque began racing during the early 1920s with machines fitted with the same configuration of horizontally opposed twin-cylinder engine that it still uses today. over eighty years later.
This history, both before and after World War II, is within but this book covers much more: the American scene, where BMW has had a major presence for many years, record-breaking and endurance racing; the K series 4-cylinder, the 4-valve twins, which arrived in the early 1990s and finally the great successes gained by the F650-based single in the European and British Supermono series.
(1994) The 1990s saw BMW once again push the frontiers out, using their age-old concept in a totally new package - as they did more than once in the past. Thier story of conservative progress linked to radical design is here in words and many color pictures enhancing the tale.
Right from the earliest postwar clip-on engines to the victorious world superbike Desmo v-twins of today, the Bologna marque has consistently built some of the finest and fastest. The Ducati story has involved stars such as Paul Smart, Bruno Spagglari, Tony Rutter, Raymond Roche & Mike Hailwood.
With insightful text by Jon F Thompson and stunning photographs by Joe Bonnello, DUCATI, provides a full-color gallery showcasing some of Italy's finest products, including exotic and beautiful little bikes from the early days, including 125 Gran Prix, Ducati 250 & Diana Mark III.
Whenever a book is published the frustrated author is left with a pile of material for which there was no room or that was uneconomical to reproduce or was incicental to the main story. Usually that material goes back into a file and is forgotten. But in the case of Ducati it was felt that there was enough enthusiastic interest, maybe obsession, with the marque to put together a second volume to follow Cathcart's original book, DUCATI MOTORCYCLES, which would include a host of factory prototypes, racers and specials which for various reasons could not be included the first time around. The story of prototypes never put into production, like the 1257cc pushrod ohv V4 of 1962; works racers like the 3 cylinder 350cc GP bike, some of which slipped through the security net into private hands; plus some unusual privately-built specials.
The Ducati 748, 851, 888 and 916 have brought a major Italian motorcycle manufacturer back into the spotlight both in commercial and racing terms. After the glory of its past history, with the spectacular performance of its small and medium displacement single-cylinder bikes and its bevel drive and belt drive L-2 bikes (750 and 900), Ducati has returned to major standing among motorcycle manufacturers.
All bevel and belt drive V-twins plus parallel twins-1970 onwards by Mick Walker
If there is one symbolic word associated with Ducati it is the word "desmo" and rightly so. And if there is one modern engine configuration that endorses that, it is their "L twin" more commonly known as the V-twin. Yet not all Ducati twins have been either desmo or vees. Here is the full production development story of all the Ducati twin-cylinder motorcycles both from Bologna and Barcelona, under Mototrans guise. Appropriately, the forward is by Paul Smart, the ebullient and multi-talented roadracing allrounder, the like of whom only really comes from Britain, for it was he who set the Ducati twin ball rolling with his unexpected victory in the 1972 Imola 200 aboard what we now recognize as the 750SS prototype.
Long term Ducati enthusiast and dealer Mick Walker takes us through the myriad of 750 models, the GT, Sport and SS and their specifications. The perhaps the two most important models, the 900SS and the 900GT and GTS following with the stylish Darmahs and onto the Pantahs. There are full technical data tables, recognition points for restorers, colors, prices and more. Part of the Osprey Collector's Library series.
Please note, this is a rare book of limited quantity, and is priced well above its original cover price.
Ducati desmo - one of the most evocative phrases in modern motorcycling - was first applied to the singles of the Sixties. For the Seventies, there came the V-twins in the same mould with a bevel-driven overhead camshaft for each cylinder. A desmo version followed, as day follows night, and became the dominant type in the later part of the 15-year life-span of the design. Its history and the machine variations are described here in words and pictures.
The Restorer's Guide 1972-1986 - complete text and stunning photography make this book the most comprehensive resource available for anyone interested in Ducati's classic bevel-drive sport bikes, whether you are a collector, a restorer, or just an admirer of these sublimely beautiful and historic motorcycles.
First full account of the development of the Ducati 750
Year-by-year description of each model
Changes in specification listed by engine and frame number
Photos of all detail changes and development
Complete racing history
Full description of prototypes
Brief history of Ducati until the 750
Complete Appendix of specifications and data
Description
The Ducati 750 was a pivotal model in the history of Ducati. With the 750 Ducati moved into the world of Superbikes, and set the stage for their current strength.
Before the 750, Ducati was a minor manufacturer known for small capacity single cylinder motorcycles. They decided to enter the world of Superbikes in 1970. While there was initially some skepticism, their stunning victory in the 1972 Imola 200 race silenced the critics and created a legend.
Synopsis
When Ducati’s great engineer Fabio Taglioni designed the 750 Ducati in 1970 there was no way he could comprehend how important this model would be. His design was unlike any other before or since; a 90-degree V-twin with single overhead camshafts driven by a train of bevel gears. Taglioni soon developed his 750 into a Formula 750 racer, and in 1972 beat the rest of what the world had to offer at the Imola 200. With this victory, the desmodromic 750 became a legend. Ducati responded by producing a hand-built limited production desmodromic Super Sport. They also continued to produce the touring 750 GT and sporting 750 Sport until legislation killed them at the end of 1974. Today, this triumvirate of 750s represents the end of an era; the era before cost accounting and government design requirements. These were amongst the last pure, unadulterated sporting motorcycles built and it is not surprising they have inspired a new generation of retro classics, the Sport Classic of 2005 and 2006.
Independent Reviews
Review by Ian Kerr for www.inter-bike.co.uk, 2007
When you mention the words ‘classic motorcycle’ and people begin to debate which bikes the term should apply to, there is always total agreement that the Ducati 750 is one bike that is correctly described by this terminology. When Fabio Taglioni designed the 90 degree twin back in 1970, his design was unlike anything before and in fact since!
The bike soon evolved into a racer and in 1972 the bike took one of the great wins in the history of motorcycling – the Imola 200 with Paul Smart on board. Unbelievably, the bike only continued another two years after this milestone, before legislation killed them off and consigned them to collector’s garages.
It was, and still is, one of the greatest bikes to leave any factory and they are the stuff of legends, even to the point of inspiring a whole range of modern Ducatis – the Sport Classic range!
As the title suggests, this book, written by well-known motorcycle historian Ian Falloon, tells you everything you need to know about these Desmodromic 750 twins backed up with extensive and comprehensive specification panels that will enable you to identify and restore any machine.
As you might expect, this hardback is well illustrated with period black and white plates as well as modern colour shots of restored or original machines for reference purposes. Although a specialised work aimed at aficionados, it is also a good read from a historical basis and helps you understand what makes a bike a classic!
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Review from Two Wheels magazine, August 2007
If you're lucky enough to own a bevel-drive 750, want to own a bevel-drive 750, or just dream about it, then Two Wheels contributor Ian Falloon's The Ducati 750 Bible is probably required – and certainly recommended – reading. Particularly if you're buying one.
During the '70s, Ducati's manufacturing processes left a lot to be desired in terms of consistency, so originality is an extremely vexed question. Falloon has done more than anyone else to sort through the evidence to come up with some answers.
This is now more valuable than ever, given the rising prices of bevel-drives and the surfacing of re-manufactured models that aren't quite what they to seem to be. Perhaps the most famous story concerns a fellow who bought Paul Smart's 1972 Imola-winning machine and, in an attempt to find out more, managed to get Smart's phone number. He asked Smart some technical questions about the machine and Smart answered in some depth. When asked how he could be so sure, Smart replied: "I'm looking at the bike now. It's in my loungeroom."
But then again, his teammate Bruno Spaggiari's bike did come to Australia and that's how legends start ...
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Review by John Aley for The Motor Cycling Club Ltd newsletter (MCC), April 2007
UK
This excellently produced large format hardback book is very well illustrated with many photographs as well as reproductions of some original Ing. Taglioni sketches and drawings. Ian Falloon’s research has been meticulous and his undying enthusiasm for the marque shines through all his writing. Although a 'must' for the Ducati enthusiast it is also an invaluable reference work for anyone interested in that period of motor cycle racing and development.
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Review from Motorcycle Trader & News, February 2007
This book focuses on the 750GT, 750 Sport and 750 Supersport of 1971-1978, starting with a short introduction and history of the whys and wherefores of the legendary V-Twin, moving onto the origins, dates design details. These are the bikes that put Ducati on the sporting map, then firmly entrenched them as artisans and engineers. The detailed last 30 pages review the glamorous racing history of the time.
Ian intends the bible "as a historical analysis and not a restoration guide...", but I'd say it will be an essential addition to the library for the latter. Seemingly, very tiny significant corner of the Ducati world, every file or microfiche and personality has been examined, checked behind the ears, dated and recorded here. Although far from a Ducati nerd, I enjoyed this book – true, there were bits about the east-west battery mount in the 74 750 GT that I lightly skipped – but it is beautifully illustrated and designed, with excellent photography.
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Review from Moto-Euro magazine, Winter 2006
Ian Falloon is a noted motorcycle historian and has written 10 books on Ducatis alone. Mr Falloon has owned several Ducati 750s and is lovingly enthusiastic for this model. The Ducati 750 was introduced in 1971 with a V-twin engine unlike anything before. Taglioni continued to develop his desmodromic valve train for a Formula 750 racer which in the hands of Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari, finished 1-2 at the inaugural Imola 200 in 1972. The victory immediately established the lmola 750 as the era's premier production racer.
Falloon traces the model from the non-desmo 750 GT and Sport, through the 1974 arrival of Taglioni's masterpiece, the Super Sport, and the ensuing transition to the 'square case' 900 and 750 SS models.
Hardback. 160 pages, 163 colour and black and white pictures, 250mm x 207mm.
The final volume in a series covering motorcycle roadracing from the end ofWWII until relatively recent times.
Featuring motorcycles from eight European nations including Austria (KTM, Puch, Rotax); Czechoslovakia (CZ & Jawa), France (Motobecane & Nougier), Holland (Eyesink & Jamathi), Soviet Union (Vostok & others), Spain (Bultaco, Derbi, Montesa, OSSA), Sweden (Husqvarna & MBC) and Yugoslavia (Tomas). The story of the underdogs who took on the world's dominant motorcycle nations and won.
German manufacturers have al¬ways used competition as a sure method of improving their machines and market penetration. This book includes the famous and the not-so-well-known characters, motorcycles and marques which battled to project Germany to the forefront.
Included in the narrative are descriptions of the fantastic supercharged machines which dominated racing on the eve of the Second World War, and includes marques such as MZ, which formerly were based in the DDR.
(1984)Gorgeous color photographs throughout this 126 page book. Chapters cover Benelli, Bimota, Cagiva, Ducati, Guzzi, Laverda, Morini and MV Agusta. Italian Motorcycles confines itself to modern Italian sports bikes in the main - most are over 500cc,too - but included are other interesting machines of either touring or road racing variety.
Based on extensive on-the-spot research, which could now never be repeated, the author covers the history of Spanish roadsters and racing motorcycles from the mid-1940s to the present day.
From their beginnings as a backshed industry in' the years immediately after World War Two, Spanish motorcycle manufacturers went from strength to strength to achieve extraordinary success at both national and international levels. Walker focuses particularly on the five leading manufacturers-Bultaco, Derbi, Montesa, Ossa and Sanglas-but also bring_ in the mass of smaller makes which contributed to the Spanish success, from Aleu to Yamaha-Semsa.
Please note, this is a rare book and is priced higher than its original list price.
German Motorcycles, Road & Racing Bikes by Mick Walker
Germany, once the mightiest motorcycling nation. Mick Walker's book is the definitive English language history of this country's two-wheel achievements.
Walker reveals the triumphs and the disasters behind the great marques. BMW, Adler, NSU, Kreidler, DKW and the pantheon of smaller, but no less innovative, companies who once dominated the racing circuits and the showrooms of the world.
Today, Japan has assumed Germany's motorcycling mantle. Undoubtedly the factory teams from the Orient were a threat, but Walker makes an overwhelming case that the German 'economic miracle' was an even greater force that the motorcycle manufacturers could not turn aside.
GERMAN MOTORCYCLES brings into three dimentions the characters of the riders and the engineers. The trackside sages are uniquely captured by Walker's sense of personality and period.
Zundapp KS 601, A Legend - the "Green Elephant" by Reiner Scharfenberg -
This book is a concise look into the German Zundapp firm's history within the framework of one of its most successful motorcycle designs: the KS 601. Over 100 b / w photographs.
Records in detail the history of one of motorcycle racing's most celebrated marques. Starting with the single cylinder machine built by Giuseppe Gilera in a humble workshop in Milan in 1909,every racing machine to emerge from his stable over the next six decades is cataloged.
A chapter is devoted to the murky but fascinating tale of the first transverse four cylinder racer, the OPRA, and its successor, the CNA Rondine - the products of the inspired Gianini-Remor-Taruffi collaboration. These machines spawned Serafini's 1939 European title-winning supercharged Gilera which is also accorded particular attention. The racer most readily associated with Gilera, the postwar aircooled 500cc multi, is the centerpiece of the history.
The other products of the Arcore factory are fully documented: the modest steeds of the 1920s, the twin-cylinder 125cc model, the 250cc & 350cc projects,the range of sidecar outfits & the record-breaking models. Part of the Osprey Collector's Library Series.
Born in 1920 on the shores of Lake Como, the great Italian marque was soon producing a range of single-cylinder four-strokes that took the racing world by storm. In the '30s Moto Guzzi pioneered the three-cylinder DOHC configuration that is nowadays the pride of Triumph. Mick Walker brings his intimate knowledge of Italian production history and racing involvement to the story, and analyzes the range of four-stroke V-twins-in roadster, custom, trail and racing form-which boast the famous Moto Guzzi name today.
The Italian firm of Moto Guzzi has one of the most distinguished racing reputations of all marques. Famous for its innovative and varied engine confirgurations, Moto Guzzi produced one of the most remarkable engines of all time - the V8 that, had Guzzi continued with it, could have dominated future racing.
Mick Walker's highly illustrated history of this great maker's racing exploits covers all the racing machines and all the most important personalities - riders and technicians - associated with these bikes.
The Bologna company ’s history goes back to the early 1920s and the MM factory, of which Alfonso Morini was a founding figure. In 1937, Morini struck out on his own and a new chapter in motorcycling history began. When Alfonso died in 1969 his daughter Gabriella took the reins of the family ’s business.
Then, in 1987, with the pressing need for a new model range, the company was acquired by the Cagiva Group. Although the basis for a new range of modular v-twin engines was built and bench-tested, it was never to become a reality; due in no small part to the huge success of Ducati, which had also become part of the Cagiva empire in 1985.In 1999 Moto Morini was acquired by Alfonso ’s nephew Franco Morini, then iconic designer Franco Lambertini rejoined the fold.
By the end of 2003 a new range of models was on the horizon. In Spring 2004 the famous stylist Luciano Marabese joined the Bologna marque, and the story continues…
Contents
Going it alone
Grand Prix glory
Turismo and Sport
ISDT
Enter the 31/2
Modern singles
V-twin developments
Dirt irons
Custom cruisers
Prototypes
From the ashes
Road Tests
Size 220mm high x 190mm wide, softback with cover flaps.
144 pages. 4 colour. ISBN: 09544357 2 9
MV Agusta 750S America and other 750/850 Fours - The aim of each "super profile" book is to take one model and then to present every facet of its character to the reader by word and picture. A full portrait of the model is built up by describing its history, production changes and specifications.Then there are road tests (usually contemporary), endless photos, owners' views, details of what to look for when buying and information on relevant clubs and specialists.
this book tells the story of the most desirable products of this legendary Italian company. Their first four-cylinder model was a racer and this set the standard for many machines that followed. Many of the great names in motorcycling have raced MV Agustas and the machines and riders have clocked up a truly impressive number of race wins.
Road bikes,too, have been eagerly sought by enthusiasts. The story of these superlative machines right up to the F4 is included as well as background history of the company; full specifications and fully illustrated with many rare color as well as b/w photos.
This book is the second in the Redline Books Enthusiasts Series. It was born out of the knowledge that MZ owners and riders are a special band of motorcyclists, with a great passion for their marque. MZ ’s reputation has been built upon ’value for money ’ for the road rider and success in motorcycle sport; notably road racing and long distance trials. The magic of MZ was largely due to the involvement of Dip. Ing. Walter Kaaden, who died on 3rd March 1996, aged 76. Kaaden must be the world ’s greatest ever 2-stroke engineer.
Of course, before MZ there was DKW, an equally famous name, and this is the story of both these two great marques from Zschopau in Southern Saxony. The book also covers Simson and the new era with the Skorpion.Author: Mick Walker
Contents:
DKW
IFA-post war revival
ES series
Six Days glory
Grand Prix Racing
ETS and TS series
Simson
Enter the ETZ
Road tests
The new era
Size 220mm high x 190mm wide, softback with cover flaps.
144 pages. 4 colour. ISBN: 09544357 4 5
Honda has become a giant amongst motorcycle manufacturers despite its humble beginnings. Constantly during its relatively short history it has won through daring technological change. Honda provides the world everything from practical everyday machines to race-bred exotica. In competition Honda has suprised the opposition and allowed Randy Momola, double world champion Freddie Spencer, Wayne Gardner & other outstanding riders to win an impressive number of Grand Prix victories.
The background to the revolutionary four's dramatic arrival in 1968, how it was designed and developed, the world-wide press and public reaction, variants of the original model and aftermarket equipment: all are covered here.
Apart from a workshop manual or a rider's handbook, this is the first book on a single model of Ja[anese motorcycle. Its publishing is as courageous as the concept of the Wing itself. Here is the story of the first Japanese motorcycle to become absorbed into American folklore. No longer is it necessary to precede "Gold Wing" with "Honda" - everyone's mother knows who made it.
It has become a cult motorcycle, a motorcycle for the American people, that has become a "Made in America" motorcycle,too; Japan imports them back!
Here is a motorcycle which shrinks coast-to-coast journeys, which creates a fellowship among owners like no other, which has always been the benchmark by which other long distance tourers are judged.
Cologne Motorcycle Show, 1994: 1000cc flat-four, shaft drive, water cooling-a setup that must have come as something of a shock to the two companies dominating the big touring market, BMW and Harley-Davidson. And then it just grew and grew, to 1l00cc (1981), 1200cc (1984) and in 1987 the ultimate gratification for big-bore lovers, the six-cylinder 1500cc Aspencade. Malcolm Birkitt's superb photographs ofthe Honda giant are a persuasive testimony to the old adage, "Big is beautiful."
This is a fascinating guide to Japanese bikes from the 1960s to the early 1990s, concentrating on mainstream, affordable models from the 'big four': Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha. Ker provides a brief history of the Japanese motorcycle industry, charting its postwar rise and displacement of traditional British, European and American marques.
Specific chapters on each of the big four manufacturers give a detailed model history in which the bikes are grouped and discussed in detail. Further chapters cover 'sixteener' sports mopeds, the new era bikes from 1984 onwards and classics of the future. 200 color photographs taken when the bikes were new makes this an essential reference guide for buyers and enthusiasts alike.
Smallest of the "Big Four" Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Kawasaki has always been the most independant. Renowned for its refined engineering the company has led with a brilliant array of triples. The 4 cylinder Z1 was undoubtedle the "King" of the 70s. Today's Zephyr gives riders modern m/c standards with traditional 750cc looks.
Grand Prix racing is pure drama¬tooth and nail, speed and courage, played out on the tracks for all to see. Behind the scenes there is an¬other drama, an insider's world of riders, technicians and machines. Team Lucky Strike Suzuki played a leading role in the drama of 1995. First, their reigning superstar, Kevin Schwantz, quit dramatically. The new boy, Daryl Beattie, was to take an early world championShip lead. Then the works team "poached" another factory's star rider, Scott Russell.
Photographer Chris Bennett spent a full year with the team, with privileged access behind the pit curtains and into the team's daily life. His photographs tell that story, from dazzling on-track action to behind-the-scenes technical details and private moments of raw emotion. Writer Michael Scott was also there at every GP, and his words provide a fascinating in¬sider's account of the ups and downs of a year of world championship racing.
Since its first 2-wheeled machines in 1952, Suzuki has produced some of the world's most interesting motorcycles. Taming the 2-stroke engine led to a range of free-revving, flexible multi-cylinder models - including liquid-cooled 750s. Barry Sheene's victories ensured the company's World M/C Championship honors & the revolutionary RE5 heralded the age of the practical rotary motorcycle.
Please note, this is a rare book of limited quantity, and is priced well above its original cover price.
All two stroke singles, twins and triples plus RE5/ 1952-1978 - Development story of the Suzuki 2-stroke starts with the first clip on and runs all the way through to the last of the mighty 750 liquid-cooled triples which pitched Suzuki well into the big league in 1972, only some three years after the launch of Honda's 750 four. Part of the Osprey Collector's Library Series.
For many years the world leader in the development of the two-stroke engine, Yamaha added the first four-strokes to its range during the 1970s. Today the super sport roadsters, including the TZR two-strokes and FZR serIes of four-cylinder four-strokes, are the successors to that impressive technological inheritance. Yamaha has won more world titles than any other marque in history.
Haynes motorcycle repair manuals are the very best guides you can have as you begin working on your motorcycle. Each book was written from practical experience. The editors actually purchase the motorcycle, tear it down and rebuild it while taking notes and photographs to detail the procedures.
These books contain helpful hints not found in the factory manuals. The descriptions and photos are excellent, allowing you to make repairs easily and with little frustration. Make a Haynes manual the first special tool you buy!
Clymer Motorcycle Repair Manuals provide step-by-step procedures based upon the complete disassembly of the motorcycle. This hands-on experience combined with extensive research results in a manual that is both detailed and user-friendly.
Each manual provides model specific information, plus hundreds of original photographs and illustrations to guide the reader through every job, making it easy to reduce repair costs. Whether it is routine maintenance, such as tune-ups and brake service, or more extensive repairs involving engine and transmission disassembly, Clymer manuals provide reliable information required to perform the job.
Introducing Aviation Classics - The Avro Lancaster
Welcome to Aviation Classics, a new series of high-quality glossy publications centred on the world’s greatest aircraft, the events in which they played crucial roles and those who flew, maintained and supported them. We begin with the Avro Lancaster, a type held in high regard by Bomber Command aircrew and an aircraft still admired by so many.
In this issue of Aviation Classics...
Enemy Coast Ahead
Wg Cdr Guy Gibson
Flying the ‘Lanc’
PA474’s return to flight
Wartime colour
Close call for the ‘Phantom’
Reap the Whirlwind
Inside the ‘Lanc’
The crew
Bomber base
Price: $15.00
Manufacturer: Mortons Media
Model Number: avclassic01
Added to Inventory on: Wednesday 04 November, 2009
*** note - not available to ship until Feb 1 2010 ***
Exclusive air-to-air photography of a three-ship Mustang formation, which was organised by Maurice Hammond to take his recently restored war veteran 339th Fighter Group P-51D Marinell back to Fowlmere – almost 65 years to the day that it took off from the Cambridgeshire airfield and was shot down over France.
This emotive inside story is not to be missed
339th FG fighter cover for D-Day – as told by the men who were there.
Mustangs in RAF service.
Plus much, much more!
ISSUE 2 will be on sale in the USA from February 2 2010 - order now to secure your copy.
Price: $15.00
Manufacturer: Mortons Media
Model Number: avclassic02
Added to Inventory on: Wednesday 04 November, 2009
A brand new, 13 page Ambassador-sized calendar showcasing classic 70s and 80s bikes from the huge Mortons Archive photo collection..
Step back in time with this wonderfully nostalgic 2010 calendar for Classic Mechanics. See some timeless classics from the fantastic 70s and 80s era. Each picture has been selected by the editor and captioned.
Every page contains a clear Monday to Sunday dateline with handy side space for daily appointments
Available now - limited stocks.
Calendar measurements are approximatly 9.5" deep x 13" wide - (Ambassador - landscape size) - printed on thick card paper and comes with a wire hanging loop and a card envelope should you wish to post the calendar on as a gift.
Price: $10.95
Manufacturer: Mortons Media
Model Number: CM2010
Added to Inventory on: Wednesday 16 September, 2009
LIMITED EDITION - CLASSIC RACER CALENDAR From Classic Racer Magazine: The official 2010 Classic Racer calendar is the only action packed motorcycle calendar that offers a unique and nostalgic look at over three exciting decades of racing, in a super-sized gallery style.
To match its impressive size, Classic Racer magazine editor - Malc Wheeler, has selected 13 emotive full colour images from Mortons Media Group’s vast and impressive archive, perfectly capturing racing legends such as Kenny Roberts, Barry Sheene, Jock Taylor and Randy Mamola to name but a few.
Printed in large format 520mm x 495mm on quality art paper with ring binding and loop for hanging. Please note; this calendar is limited supply
Price: $22.95
Manufacturer: Mortons Media
Model Number: CR2010
Added to Inventory on: Wednesday 16 September, 2009
LIMITED EDITION - 2010 From the The Classic Motorcycle Magazine: The Classic MotorCycle Calendar.
A brand new, 13 page Ambassador-sized calendar showcasing classic bikes from the huge Mortons Archive photo collection..
Step back in time with this wonderfully nostalgic 2010 calendar for The Classic MotorCycle. See some timeless classics of days gone by and reminisce, as the twelve specially selected black and white images evoke memories of the good old days. Each picture is described.
Every page contains a clear Monday to Sunday dateline with handy side space for daily appointments
Available now - limited stocks.
Calendar measurements are approximatly 9.5” deep x 13” wide - (Ambassador - landscape size) - printed on thick card paper and comes with a wire hanging loop and a card envelope should you wish to post the calendar on as a gift.
Price: $10.95
Manufacturer: Mortons Media
Model Number: TCM2009
Added to Inventory on: Wednesday 16 September, 2009
Keep those prized copies in one place and in tip-top condition! This smart burgundy binder, embellished with the Classic Mechanics logo, holds 12 issues easily and safely.
This hour-long DVD features interviews with some of the greatest riders of the 70's, as well as some extremely rare footage of great racing action from the era spanning 1972-1980.
English 101 is a full tune & service DVD that covers pre unit and unit Triumphs and unit BSAs. In this interactive shop manual, watch step-by-step as Wes White of Four Aces Cycle demonstrates everything you need to keep your British bike reliable, on the road and running great. This 4-hour DVD is broken down into easy-to-follow chapters and is designed to teach you how to maintain your British motorcycle
Lowbrow Customs & Four Aces Cycle have teamed up to release the new and improved Triumph 650 Rebuild DVD! This is a great tool for that next engine rebuild project:
"On this comprehensive four-hour dvd, show-winning bike builder and acclaimed British motorcycle expert Wes White of Four Aces Cycle teaches engine teardown and step-by-step cleaning, inspection and reassembly in concise, easy-to-follow chapters. Professional mechanics and enthusiasts alike will find Wes's hard-earned shop secrets invaluable."
Not only is this DVD perfect for your 650 c.c. or 750 c.c. Triumph motor, it is also very helpful for rebuilding your 500 c.c. or Pre Unit motor as well!
The Hesketh story, as told by Rowena Hoseason
TP Times and Surreal Classics
*Claude Nomonet discovers the Royal Enfield twins that time forgot (Super Meteor, if you're interested)
Issue Five: published July 2004
The Triumph twin this month (well, you've gotta have one...) is a T110
Issue Six: published August 2004
War-Stories I: a BSA WD B40
Issue Seven: published September 2004
Minton In America: And Dave does America. By BMW. To be different...
Issue Eight: Oct/Nov 2004
Nifty Norton: An old Model 50
Issue Nine: Dec 2004
Issue Ten: Jan 2005
Italians In Action 1: Benelli 750 Sei
Issue Eleven: Feb 2005
meets a well-fettled M21), the Letter's Page (where everyone agrees at great lengths to stop talking about 4x4s for a while), some good gloves in the pile of products, Dave Minton's Bendswingin', J Bickerstaff on the two Phils (Irving and Vincent) and Frank Westworth's guide to successfully stopping a Commando.
Issue Twelve: Mar 2005
with Norton's big twin, plus buying advice
Issue Thirteen: April 2005
using to ride around Britain
Issue Fourteen: April 2005
by side (Impressive! RM) by Rowena Hoseason
Published in the middle of June, because we don't understand why people publish the 'September' issue of a magazine sometime in the preceeding July. We're easily confused...
Published in the middle of July, so it's the July issue. But next month we're aiming to confuse everyone by calling RC17 our 'summer' issue (to cover up the fact that we'll be sneaking off on holiday and then there'll be a long gap to the next oneSo what did July bring?
The first issue to be printed on our new paper! How amazingly stunningly awesomelyt much different, really. Bit whiter. Ah well. Also our first issue to have a (new) Moto Guzzi on the cover. Oooh. Controversial! So what else is in it?
We're not really bi-monthly, but because we took a holiday in August, this issue didn't appear until halfway through September, which means the next one won't be out until the far end of Octobernce the two-month cover date. All clear? Excellent. Here's what's inside:
Just in case you're new to this game, here's a quick re-cap. RealClassic is a monthly magazine about old bikes (although the odd new one sneaks in now and then). It's published monthly by the Cosmic Bike Co Ltd (which is Rowena and Frank Westworth's own little business). It's not owned by any of the big publishers and it is, as a result, a bit wonky around the edges. However, it's a full 112-pages long, printed in our very best Smudgy Colour, and packed with plenty of reading and not too much advertising. You can only get the current issue by subscribing, but last month's mag is now up for grabs. So here's what's in it:
Not a bad way to finish our second year in print: a clutch of old Brits from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, a pair of Italians, a revitalised Honda and an excursion into an old-fashioned motorcycle factory. It's going to be touch to beat this in 2006
The New Year kicked off with one of those mistakes which was just waiting to happen; who forgot to put the subscription page in, then? Eh? Tch. The rest of the issue was a bit of a corker, mind:
A magazine with a 1970's colour scheme: pink and orange bikes on the cover and (urgh) a lime-green splash on page three. But never mind, by page five we're talking about the particularly fine Cumberland sausages you can buy at Bude Meat Supplies...
If you had 0, which classic bike would you choose to buy? We picked three for 0 (each, not altogether!) and discussed their pros, cons and colour schemes, and there's the rest of the magazine, too
Issue 24 sees the return of Humbernut to his workshop, welcomes a new contributor (hello Jim!) and goes beyond endurance with a racing Jubilee in Spain
Norton Dominator De-luxe: It was a chillingly brisk day when we took the photos of this Dommi 88. You can tell that because the owner is wearing and scarf and he's a bit blurry from shivering! Smashing, near-original bike, mind
Issue Twenty Six: June 2006
Issue Twenty Seven: August (not July...) 2006
Issue Twenty Eight: "Summer" 2006
Issue Twenty Nine: September 2006
Issue Thirty: October 2006
Issue Thirty One: Novembrrrrr 2006
Issue Thirty Two: December 2006
Issue Thirty Three: January 2007
Issue Thirty Four: February 2007
Issue Thirty Five: March 2007
Issue Thirty Six: April 2007
Issue Thirty Seven: May 2007
Issue Thirty Eight: June 2007
Issue Thirty Nine: July 2007
Issue Forty: August 2007
Issue Forty One: September 2007
Issue Forty Two: October 2007
Issue Forty Three: November 2007
Issue Forty Four: December 2007
Issue Forty Five: January 2008
Issue Forty Six: February 2008
Issue Forty Seven: March 2008
Issue Forty Eight: April 2008
Issue Forty Nine: May 2008
Issue Fifty: May 2008
Issue Fifty Three: September 2008
Issue Fifty Four: October 2008
Issue Sixty Three: July 2009
Issue Sixty Four: August 2009
Issue Sixty Five: September 2009
Issue Sixty Six: October 2009
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