WINNERS' Iii {li\s"' • , " mn "'' "'
SSH VIRTUAL CUSTOM CHAMPS - ALL THE
0
N' T:HAT :! "'
INSANE SUPERCHARGED KAWASAKI ROAD-TEST
8
CUSTOM PAINTS BYMAILORDER Asusedinourawardwinning paintshop ~U't
Z ;:>~
-
~ewe~~ 60feau ~ &~
& 1'4e7~ ;:>aue,a 'Dad
www.custompaints.bike Phone: 01143 490772
AVAILABLE
IN
• AEROSOLS• 250ML • SOOML • 1 LITRE • COMPLETEKITS
We can also mix any car or bike colour from the code
REGULARS
TO GET THE DIGITAL EDITIONSAPP,SIMPLY SEARCHFOR 'BACK S1REErHEROES' IN THEAPPLE APP STOREFOR iPAD OR ON GOOGLE PLAY FOR ANDROID CHECKOUTTHE BSHFACEBOOKPAGE (BACK STREETHEROES) AND THE BSHFACEBOOKGROUP AT BACK STREETHEROESTHE OFFICIAL GROUP
SO THAT'S IT,WE'RE INTO THEWINTER THEN ... FROMNOWUNTILABOUT 1LL MARCH,THEWORLD BE COLD,DARK,AND WETIER 1S POCKET THANAN OTIER IN A HOTTUB.
Christmas the lower the prices for such things drop so, if you're canny, keeping an eye on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Gumtree could be the best way to get yourself something groovy for summer 2021.
***************
Actually, having said that, I don't mind the winter really. No, I'm not a fan of being cold, of your fingers and toes feeling as though you've been sat with 'em in the fridge for five hours, but there're ways and means round that problem (I personally favour a Keis heated waistcoat, thick gloves an' big boots), and I'm not too keen on the hybrid slippery coating of leaves and earth from the fields that tractors drag out that we get round 'ere, but that's really only a case of looking where you're going, isn't it? (It's one of the things about people whinging on social media 'bout pot-holes in the roads - do these people not look where they're feckin' going? I try and ride round 'em, it's not rocket science ...) It is, I s'pose, a question of mental attitude - if you go about with a 'Oh no, bloody winter ... cold, dark, wet , whinge whinge' attitude , then you're going to have a less pleasant time than someone who thinks 'Oh well', and just gets on with it, aren't you? Besides which, since we've buggered the planet with global warming, winters're nowhere near as bad as they were even in my lifetime (unless you're one of those poor sods who lives in a flooding-prone area , in which case I really feel for you). I can remember riding my 'ped up and over huge frozen snowbanks on the sides of rural roads back in the early '80s, and I'm reliably informed by folk even more geriatric than I am that it was considerably worse in the '70s and, by the way they talk, in the '50s and '60s they were having to steer round woolly mammoths and fight off sabre-toothed tigers every time they set off for the pub once the sun'd dipped below the horizon after the autumn equinox . Winter, for a lot of us, is the time when we do stuff to our bikes, either building new ones or fettling the one(s) we've got, and with no end to the coronavirus in sight, this one's just going to be more so, so I expect, come the spring, that there're going to be another, even larger ruck of customs than there were this year. Winter's also, if you're a mercenary get, a great time to pick up a project, especially over the next month or so, 'cos the closer it gets to
One of the most frustrating things about this year's coronavirus outbreak 's been the fact that we haven't been able to get out/round to everyone who's sent in pies of their customs, and been asked if we can come and see them. We lost about three months of photographic time, and so there're about 40 folk out there we've not been able to get to this year, and I can only apologise for that . Thankfully,we've been able to get out and shoot enough to get through the winter and into the spring, and although it was a brief (two months or so) event season this year, we've got loads of cool stuff to show you (the Yorkshire Pudding Rally, the Malle Mile, Dirt Diggers, and more) in the next few issues too . We've also got a great new retro series starting next issue, using a host of old and very cool pies from the '80s and '90s taken by Mr Dave Batchelar of P&DCustoms, and they've been an absolute pleasure to look through as I scan them for the mag. It's funny, isn't it, how when you're younger, you kind o' snigger at older fork who constantly reminisce about the 'old days', but now, when you're older, you find yourself doing exactly the same thing, looking back with fondness at summers gone by? Joys of getting old, eh?
***************
I don't know if you know, but we have a BSH YouTube channel which we're always adding new videos to - search for Back Street Heroes on YouTube, and you can watch the 23 videos we have up there, and subscribe and you'll be notified as we add more.
***************
Just a word on the pie at the top of the page - it's an oldie (2001? 2002?) from the late, lamented Streetfighters magazine of me and Marcus T on an XS880 motocross sidecar outfit at what was then Elsworth Motoparc near Cambridge (it's now a fishing lake or some such). Rest assured , that's me riding - I don't think there's enough leather in the world to make me a one-piece leather suit ...
***************
Finally, and speaking of sidecars, I've just picked up a Bandit chop rolling chassis, and I have an almost overwhelming urge to put a sidecar chassis on it - someone talk me out of it! See you next month!
NIK
EDITORIALADDRESS:
nik@backstreetheroes .com
07884 052003
CIRCULATIONMANAGER:
STEVE O'HARA
STAFFWRITER:
MARKETINGMANAGER:
DAVE MANNING dave@backstreetheroes.com DESIGN:
GARETH WILLIAMS
CHARLOTTE PARK PUBLISHINGDIRECTOR:
DAN SAVAGE COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR:
PUBLISHER:
TIM HARTLEY
NIGEL HOLE DIVISIONALAD MANAGER:
BILLY'S BA&K!
BILLIE MANNING
bmanning@mortons .co.uk OFFICE HOURS:9-SPM01507
529414 OUT OF HOURS: 07775 753966
BACKSTREET DEL HICKEY, HEROES, MORTONS ROGER MATTHEWS, MEDIA,MORTONWAY, DAVE ATKINSON, HORNCASTLE LN96JR SIMON EVEREIT, SUBSCRIPTIONS: 01507 529529 ERIK STIGSSON, WEBSITE: LAUREN RADWELL, WWW.BACKSTREET ROBERT LEE, HEROES.COM GARRY STUART, MAX ENQUIRIESAND BACKISSUES: WHITELEGG, BOSUN, 01507 529529 24hr answerpho ne MR BRIDGES, THE ARCHIVEENQUIRIES: LATE JIM FOGG RIP, JANE SKAYMAN LOUISE LIMB, SELINA jskayman@mortons .co .uk LAVENDER, RICK HULSE I 01507 529423
MORTONS
MEDIAGROUPLTD
Independentpubllshersince1885 Having trouble finding a
copy of this magazine?
Whynot just ask your localnewsagentto reserveyou a copy each
PpaI
month?
ThePmfess;o,al
=rsAssociation
()recycle Whenyo1,1hovel,n1$hedw,th th11maga1m e pl110U1ntcyd e 1t
01stnbutionby MarketforceUKLtd,5 Churchill Place, CanaryWharf, LondonE14SHUTel 02037879001 Printedby WilliamGibbonsand Sons,WolverhamptonISSN02679841BSH1scopyrightto MortonsMediaLtd2020and allrightsare reserved No partof thispublicationmaybe reproducedor transmitted,inanyformor by anymeanselectronicor mechanical, mdudingphotocopying,recording,or any information storage or retrievalsystemwithoutpnor permissioninwritingfromthe publisher for unsohc1tedmanuscriptsor photographs If you send materialto us for publication,you are strongly advised to make copies and to includean SAE.Originalmaterial must be submitted and will The publishers accept no respons1b1hty be accepted solelyon the basis that the author accepts the assessment of the publisher as to its commercialvalue BSHUKsubscriptions £45 00, European subs £55 89, all other countnes £6789, from BSHSubs, Mortons MedraLtd, PO Box99, Horncastle LN96LZ USAsubs $60 per annum from Motorsport, 31757Honey LocustRoad,Jonesburg, MO63351 9600 and add1t1onalma1hngoffices Penod1calspostage 1spaid at Jones burg, Missouri,USA Postmaster send USAaddress changes to BSH,Motorsport, 550 Honey LocustRoad, Jonesburg, MO 63351-9600.
MOTORCYCLE LIVE ONLINE! Motorcycle Live at the NEC in Birmingham would've been held from 21-29th November but, like most events this year, it's been postponed until next year, but ... it's still going head online, and so you can enjoy an array of unique content, see the latest bikes, and enter exclusive competitions with Motorcycle Live Online. Managing Director Finlay McAllan said: "When we made the difficult decision to postpone Motorcycle Live this year, our thoughts instantly turned to how we could still offer our visitors a show experience, and we're looking forward to delivering motorcycle and scooter launches, exclusive competitions, bargains, and latest news to our fans over the course of the 'show'!" Want to get involved? Simply sign up, for free, at the Motorcycle Live website (www.motorcyclelive.co.uk), and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
CLICKHERETO FINDOUTMORE
LATESTNEWS
,;;re ~•riR>'
- 'I'- -----
MANUFACTURERS
BEAR'S BIKES CUSTOMS Bear (known to his mum as Rich) Brisland is an amateur builder who's built a tidy little streetcustom/flat-tracker from a Honda CB250T that he's plannng to sell off in the New Year to raise funds for the NHS. As you can see from the pie, it's a groovy little thing, and could make someone a great runabout next year. To get more info' on the build/be informed when the sale'II be held, keep an eye on his Facebook page (BB's Custom Bikes) or follow him on lnstagram or YouTube .
FIND THE ALIEN! Paul Waldron, the original owner and builder of this stunning Geoff Ridgeway-painted custom, is trying to get it back after selling it many years ago, and he'd like your help finding it. If you know where the bike is, please let him now via his Facebook page (you'll know which Paul Waldron it is on a search cos there's a wheelieing trike on his
6
l!CI ITIIIT 111811 DECEMBER2020
profile pie) or drop us a line here at nik@
backstreetheroes.com and we'll pass on the info.
TATCON BLACKPOOL The folk behind the respected Blackpool tattoo convention, Tatcon Blackpool, now in its eight year, would like you to know that, because of the ongoing Covid pandemic, the event has been rescheduled to February - the 19-21st February to be precise. Held at the Norbreck Castle Hotel in Blackpool, there'll be internationally famous artists and body piercers, live music and shows, trade stands, top-class catering and beer, and more, and you can get tickets and/or more info from their website at www.
tatconblackpool.co.uk
POWERBAND - RPM
TRIUMPH MOTORCYCLESLIFESTYLE Triumph Motorcycles Lifestyle is a premium new clothing brand from Triumph Motorcycles, drawing inspiration from 100 years of British history, engineering and culture, and providing clothing for those who appreciate quality of craftsmanship and iconic classics. Their new Autumn/Winter 20 collection offers a mix of reimagined wardrobe staples produced in the finest fabrics in a contemporary style . There're luxury leather and wax jackets, shirts, tees, hoodies, caps and hats, with new hand-drawn designs inspired by and based on '50s instructions manual and track racing . Prices range from £25-£650, and the collection'II be available from their website at www.triumphmotorcycles .eo.uk/ shop/lifestyle, and from 47 exclusively selected independent retailers across Europe.
OUR REGULAR,NOT TOO SERIOUS, LOOK AT SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR TERMSUSED IN THE MAGAZINE- THIS ISSUE, THE SECOND PARTOF THE LETTER'P' . PiL- Perverts in Leather, a
rally club whose members you wouldn't want to take home to meet your elderly relatives ... PILLION - person who can't
be arsed to get their own bike PINGEL - high-flow (and very expensive) American fuel taps for performance engines
PIPES - exhausts (you didn't know that? Really?) PISSPOT - open-face
helmet, not to be confused with a small bucket you keep in your tent for nocturnal urination
PLASTIC MAGGOT -
Honda CXSOO PLUNGER - rear suspension with limited travel, created by spring boxes in a stirrup -shaped extension to the rear frame loop . As the wheel spindle travels in a straight line (unlike an arc with a swinging arm), chain tension varies with wheel travel PMS - Parked Motorcycle Syndrome , a condition suffered by both male and female riders when they cannot ride their bikes ... POSTIE BIKE - single cylinder 90cc or 110cc step-through Honda made famous by the Australian postal service POTTER - the number of
pistons a brake caliper has (single/twin/four/six) ; also a literary wizard with a ginger mate POWDER-COATING -
electrostatically-applied polymer powder that's cured in an oven to give a more durable, thicker finish than paint
range of an engine where the most power's produced; young riders often want a stretchier one to make their bike go faster ... POWER RANGER-
derogatory term applied to owners of sports bikes who have one-piece leathers colour-matched to their bikes POWER WHEELIE -
wheelie performed using the engine's power to bring up the front wheel, rather than any skill or talent POWER SHOWER - riding in the rain in an open-face helmet (best said in a Northern Irish accent) PROP-STAND -American term for side -stand PRE-IGNITION (pinking)
- basically, your engine running too lean (too much air in the air/fuel mixture), and making an 'orrible noise that, left unchecked , will burn a hole in your piston(s) . Very well known among two-stroke owners back in the day ... PRE-UNIT - an engine with separate crank and transmission cases . Famously used on old British bikes, and now outdated, but still used on American vee•twins PRIMARY - on old Brits or Harleys, either a chain or belt that connects the engine to the gearbox, and transfers the power from one to t'other PROSPECT - a prospective member of a club PULLBACKS- handlebars that 'pull back ' towards the rider, most famously 'six bend pullbacks' which have, you guessed it, six bends ... unless you've crashed, then they 're seven bend pullbacks .... PUSHRODS - archaic rods , in tubes, from the camshaft to the rockers that activate the valves
IOM
STAMPS The Isle of Man Post Office has released a set of eight stamps to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 37%-mile Isle of Man TT course, providing a then and now look at the course, picturing the vantage points where fans've gathered in their thousands to witness the best in road racing . There are two First Class both depicting Signpost Corner, one (1930s superstar Stanley Woods, and Martin Finnegan on his Supersport machine in 2005); two £1.25 Value from Cronk-ny-Mona (Geoff Duke and his Gilera in 1955, and Bruce Anstey on his Suzuki in 2007); two EU value stamps from Governor's Bridge (Stanley
Woods' DKW in 1936, and John McGuinness and his Honda in 2008; and two Rest of the World value from the Grandstand (Jimmie Guthrie on his factory Norton in 1934, and Dave Molyneux, the most successful sidecar competitor in TT history, in 2008). Get yours and/or more info from www.iompost .com DECEMBER2020 IICI STIIIT 111811
7
IRON & LACECALENDAR ~ TheWO~~, TapCUSUlm Motorc~ Cle s &BeouU[Ulte ite,'f11 1dMo de~
The Iron & Lace wall calendar brings you custom motorcycles and sexy centrefold models showing the winning bikes of the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show. There are fifteen individual pies, and each is accompanied by information about the model and the bike . Get yours from anywhere that stocks the Zodiac range or
www.zodiac.nl
LS2 BOB HELMET
KELLERMANN ATTO LED LIGHTS
The LS2 Bob is a new open-face helmet that 's very light (just 1000g), and has a drop-down sun visor that's easily operated whilst wearing gloves. It comes with a removable '70s motocross-style peak , and has a retaining strap for goggles too, a reinforced chin strap, and D-ring fastening . Available in sizes XS-XXL(53-64 cm), the Bob comes in a choice of three solid colours (black , matt black and grey), or an eye-catching ' Lines' Black Jeans option, and prices start at ju st ÂŁ119.99. Visit www.ls2helmets .com for more information and to find your local stockist .
Kellermann's popular Atto LED lights are also available as build -in units . With a lens diameter of just 8.9mm, and 13mm length , they can be installed virtually anywhere, and with an input of between 1.SW to 3W they hardly require any power from the battery at all. They come as turn signals with clear or dark lenses, rear/brake lights with clear or dark lenses, and a combined clear lens turn signal/tail/brake light unit , and are available from your local Zodiac dealer or www.zodiac.nl
OXFORD RAINSEAL PRO JACKET RainSeal Pro is t he latest addition to Oxford's Advanced Rider Series, and incorporates their highest performing waterproof and breathable membrane in an ultra-lightweight jacket . It has a waterproof front zipper, fully taped waterproof seams, stretch panels in the upper back and sleeves, a hand-warmer pocket , and elasticated bindings to keep the weather out. It costs ÂŁ99.99 from anywhere that stocks the Oxford range or
www.oxfordproducts.com
8 l!CI
ITIIIT 111811 DECEMBER2020
KNOX RYDER RUCKSACK This very high quality rucksack has a huge 20-litre capacity, and three very roomy sections , all with secure locking zips for added security. The front pocket houses a really useful helmet carrier for use off the bike, and a waterproof cover's included (stored in a zipped pocket in the base of the rucksack), and can convert to an on-b ike tail-pack using the extra connecting straps provided . It's solidly constructed, and has a designed space for carrying laptop computers . Available in a stylish grey, it costs £89.99 from Planet Knox at
www.planetknox.com
KEIS G701 HEATEDGLOVES The most advanced heated motorcycle gloves Keis has ever made, the all-new G701 feature hydrophobic fabric so they won 't get waterlogged on rainy days, and have touch-screen capacitive pads on the index finger and thumb too . They have flexible soft armour across the knuckles, and scaphoid sliders on each palm, are designed to fit equally well over or under a jacket cuff, and the heater elements can be plugged into the bike, or can run on an optional battery pack, and provide reliable, controllable warmth, whilst still allowing plenty of feel of the controls . Keis G701 Heated Motorcycle Gloves are available in nine sizes, from XXXS-XXXL,and retail at £199.99 including VAT, and're covered by a two-year warranty, from anywhere that stocks the Keis range or 01256 704909 or www.keisapparel.com
OXFORDBEASTCHAIN & ANCHOR This heavy-duty combo from Oxford Products is their most substantial lock-set yet. Intended to be used with their Beast lock, but usable with any decent lock, it makes life REALLYdifficult for thieves by making your bike almost impossible to steal without attracting attention to themselves. The anchor goes into your garage floor, and the chain through it, and they'll really slow down the light-fingered bastards, and make them think twice. The Beast chain costs £149.99 for a 1.5 metre one, and £214.99 for a two metre, and the anchor costs £99.99, and you can get them from anywhere that stocks the Oxford range or
www.oxfordproducts.com
LETTERS Need to agree, or even disagree, with something you've seen in the mag? Heard a bloody awful joke you think we should groan at? Email nik@backstreetheroes.com or send it snailmail to the address in the front (somewhere) of the mag!
DEARSSH,
DEARSSH,
Seeing Laura on Neil's Harley (issue 435) in Readers' Lives inspired me to compose this for her.
Another poem, First Love:
OH LUCKYSADDLE Oh lovely Laura on your bicycle, Laddered stockings, without a care Silly boys chasing on bicycles Bathing in your windswept hair As time has passed, long gone that followed Those silly boys, without a care Young men now on motorcycles Still bathing in your windswept hair Now look at you on Neil's Harley Look how time has brought you beauty Those silly boys, are they forgotten? Was it Neil who was one of them? Oh lucky Neil Oh lucky saddle The lovely Laura sits upon I hope for you, oh lovely Laura Time will keep you forever young.
I saw you through the mesh of my landing net, Frog Island 76, on the bridge by Tommy Wadsworth's shop, You'd lit a fag, hair blowing absently in the breeze, Jeans, DM boots, leather jacket; took a long slow drag and smiled. Flicked the ash as I disgorged a flapping roach from my hook, Blew a smoke ring, turned, shook your hair, helmet on, and gone. Heart pounding, catching its own breath I heard your drone recede, Wanted you back, but was taunted by the gentle bobbing of my float . Left me wondering can love strike home from a single glance? Burned my soul so deep, a girl I'd never spoken to or met? Were you simply an image of all I'd hoped for? And yet, I still don't think so - you stopped and calmly returned my gaze,
STEVE WARREN (Chelsea pensioner)
You wanted to be noticed and somehow I was your catch, Caught by the lip, safely in your net, you'd surely return. You never did, of course, left me desperate wanting more, Drifted away from my life, but never my consciousness . MARK PINCHIN
DEARSSH, Just read Nik's editorial in the July issue of BSH (get 'em a bit later down under). It's been a bit bloody frustrating in the house of Guv - at the beginning of lockdown here, March 17th, one of Skippy's relatives decided that my Judge (Victory)and myself didn't really need to make it to work, and at about 60mph took a leap, hitting us front right. The impact snapped the brake lever clean off, ripping out the throttle cables, and my upper arm broke too, and the shoulder socket was shattered, the tendons torn off the bone (shoulder dislocated by approx . 2"!). Then as he dropped, all 5ft and 60kg of him, snapped off L the peg and rear brake pedal, and smashed
DEARSSH, Being a reader since issue 1, and a biker for almost 40 years, I've read Rick's many articles over the years, some funny, some informative, but all entertaining . His article in issue 439 though, whilst I respect his right to his views and opinions, made me want to offer a different perspective to some of his views. Face masks: as a chronic asthmatic I personally can't wear one. In a short space of time I find the breathing of my own increasingly stale air reduces me to sweating, coughing, wheezing and spluttering. Add to that the fact that, even after an operation, I don't breathe well through my nose either - not a combination conducive to breathing effectively behind a mask. On my bike I wear a half-face helmet and a face mask. The mask only really goes over my face when out on the open road as, at slow speeds and when doing the stop-start of town riding, I have the same breathing issue. I have never, and will never, remove my helmet at a petrol station as there's no need. My mask, however, is always lowered below my chin as I stop the bike. Do I whinge about masks? No. I do, however, get repeatedly asked to put one on. Do I have a problem with this? No. I do have a problem with a disrespectful way of being asked, and respond very strongly in these cases . The reality is, though, when you're one of the few people in a crowd not wearing one, it's not really that comfortable a feeling, even for someone as self-assured as me. It's certainly not the easier option under the current circumstances. Regarding the impact of closed schools on children, and their mental health, I can't speak about children in general, but I can about the impact on my grandkids. My fourteen-year-old grandson and a twelve-year-old granddaughter've struggled during the lockdown in very different ways; lack of confidence, self-worth, and increased anxiety in one, behavioural issues, and an anti-authority stance from the other (covering up a lack of self-confidence, methinks), all caused by the lack of social interaction they've grown up with. Does that make them brittle? No. They grew up in a different time from the
10 IICI
STIIIT 111811 DECEMBER2020
generations before - less struggles, more protected from the type of childhood that I had - one I wouldn't want for them under any circumstances . Maybe their supported and protected upbringing have left them less prepared for something like a Covid lockdown, but is supported and sheltered such a bad thing? I think not. I worked throughout the entire lockdown, supporting the elderly in ten very sheltered housing complexes, when I could have been shielding. I chose not to - not to be brave, it just seemed the right thing to do and, seeing the huge negative impact of this lockdown on the elderly, I think I made a good call. The first three or four months, masks weren't mandatory, go figure that one . The big plus was endlessly quiet country roads to take the bike to work on. I rode, also, to just get out and clear my head - I wasn't putting anyone at risk. I filled petrol cans for the bike when I filled my car to avoid going to petrol stations unnecessarily, and I didn't have runs out to places such as beaches and parks, where idiots were congregating, and I had a back-up plan for if I broke down, as I didn't want to put breakdown service drivers at risk. As a biker was I frail and pathetic? No. I was just a biker with the same adventurous spirit I started out with at sixteen on my first bike, with the same distrust of the lack of truth that governments feed us on a regular basis. I respect anyone's views regarding Covid, whether they believe it all and're wary/scared/paranoid/sensible or whether they don't and're stupid/questioning/rebellious/sceptical of the validity of the information. I just wanted to offer a different, personal perspective - not a moan like you see so often on social media, which I'm not big on anyway. Mr Hulse, I salute you. You do an amazing service to so many bikers. I hope you keep it up for many years to come. SHAUN FAE FIFE
my leg into three pieces. I held on for about 30 metres before we hit the dirt (and, thankfully, I was wearing good gear, always do). Anyway, a while in hospital, then five weeks in a chair, and eBay became my best friend - parts sought, plans hatched! About a month or two ago , I borrowed the missus' Scout (nice n' nimble, low seat), and covered about 200km, and like Nik after his six miles, I was a happy chappy again! The Judge is all fixed up, and having pipes fitted (and a tune) - life IS good! The leg still gets sore, the arm and shoulder're being stubborn but, damn, I'm back on the bike! Couldn't be better. Stay safe out there, but , remember, smile - enjoy! Cheers!
DEARSSH, I always look forward to the magazine each month - it always gives me loads of ideas and inspiration . I was going through old issues recently, and in issue 403, October 2017, in the News pages there was a stunning little goose-necked 125. It ticks all the boxes for me, and I'd like to have one built with, maybe , a KTM450 or 500c mx engine installed. Any idea who built it? IAN STRANG, Avonbridge
Mate, sorry, no, it was a while ago, and I've slept since then ... hopefully someone'll recognise it, and write in! N.
GUV, Australia Ooo, y'fooker! I hit a rabbit once, and that was bad enough - a kangaroo doesn't bewar thinking about! N.
I wrote a poem while in lockdown, and I thought I'd send it to you . It doesn't specifically mention bikes but, as a life-long rider, the sentiment should be dug by like-minded people . I'm sat here listening to Hawkwind while my missus languishes in hospital with complications arising from the big C, so I thought of other people going through a change of perception - perhaps we all are? So here it is in all its shortness - more a hiccup than a haiku...
DEARSSH, It occurred to me that Triumph could make modern equivalents of some of the small motorcycles they used to make - small singles or parallel twins, using modern technology, but such that they can be sold in commuter or trailie or cafe racer, etc. guise, either from the factory or as aftermarket stuff that could be fitted by the retailer . If we don't get more people starting riding, and don't have suitable vehicles, the Chinese, etc. clones, however good they may be, will be all that's available at affordable prices. I have fond memories of things like the Tiger Cub and BSA Bantam, and although everything is four-stroke now, an efficient modern engine that produces enough power to be usable, but is simple enough not to get you into trouble, would probably sell well. And, if the youngsters get the bug, they will buy the larger bikes when they pass their tests ... DAVID GORDON
DEARSSH, Respect to Tom in issue 438. I agree with both he and Nik- the internet is useful and inspirational, but a quality magazine like BSH introduces thoughts and designs that you'd never have clicked on. One idea engenders another, and a chat online or in a beer garden shifts the idea or takes it to another level. So there's always room for magazines like BSH (have I said that enough?) and the internet, but let's not lose sight of the inspirational work modifiers, mechanics, artists and journalists do to enhance our love of custom machines . IAN PS. As I write, my tortoise is having sex with a Shovelhead piston . I'll let you know how the youngsters turn out! PPS. Love and support for Brian Wardell.
Co-veni, co -vidi, co-vici Rainbow windows fading Like a cough snatched into a sleeve How long will we be waiting for a glimpse A chance to believe? Not long, not long! Say the ghosts blown away with the leaves Thank you for your patient perusal. Two local papers, the Northern Echo and the Newton News've already published it (and had counselling) , but if you feel a more discerning readership'd appreciate it, please feel free to ,. . print it. !:.':::;.;•:;;; · Apologies to Julius Caesar! ::;1;,. ..~~":~~ •· BILLBAINBRIDGE L1''1 i:Ti J!~•N<'\s',,~
Good job you apologised to JC, he's a bugger for a libel case, y'know ... N.
DEARSSH, Petronella Hutchinson, Letters BSH 438 , raised a question that a lot of us've been thinking about ... what did happen to the cat? Did he run away? Get run over by a trike? Was he sold to the local Chinese takeaway? Or did he pass away peacefully in his sleep? We need to know! Respect. THUMPER As I said, it's quite difficult to get an answer from Jim, but after channelling him through a local spirit medium, I can reveal that the cat was, in fact, the Egyptian cat goddess Bastet, and was the one responsible for all the trauma in the first place. It was obvious really, when you think about it - cats're always the trouble-causers, and many of them are, or act like, gods anyway so ... N. DECEMBER2020 l!CI ITIIIT 111811
11
THE WINNERS! So that's it, all the rounds're over, and all the winners picked - now it's the turn of our panel of hand-picked judges to make their deliberations, and pick their favourites. They are Vic and Lin from Destiny Cycles, Paul from Zodiac UK, Dutch from The Bike Shed, and Murrells from the National Chopper Club. As you can imagine, they definitely knows their onions ... thankfully they also know their custom bikes too, otherwise we wouldn't've asked them, would we? So, anyway, here are all the winners of all the categories - next month we'll show you the six overall winners, and you can see if your choices match theirs.
12 IICI
STIIIT 111811 DECEMBER2020
BARRY BROWNE'S STREET BOB Barry Browne's 2006 Street Bob was painted by Irish paint maestro Sean Egan of Sean Egan Custom Paintwork, using scenes adapted by him featuring Iron Maiden's 'Eddie' -a stonking job, don't you think?
ENJOYED THIS PREVIEW? THE BEST ACTION IN TRIALS AND MOTOCROSS
DIRTb bike ke
VELO MAC MA S SPECIAL PECIAL NORTON RT RTON INTER AJS SCEPTRE SCEP E SPORTS! SCEPTR SPORTS POR ! PORTS
CLASSIC
#48
ISSUE
Forty-eight Autumn 2018
OCTOBER 2018
No. 330 October 2018 £4.30 UK Off-sale date 31/10/2018
MOTO MEMORIES // TECH TALK // MONTESA COTA 200 // BULTACO MATADOR
3.60
Running, Riding & Rebuilding Running, Rebuilding Real RealClassi RealC Classic C lassi Motorcycles
BOXER CKS TRIC
HOW THE LEGEEND BEGAN
SUPERMAC’S TRIUMPH DRAYTON
PRINTED IN THE UK
PLUS MOTO MEMORIES TECH TALK MONTESA COTA 200 BULTACO MATADOR AN HOUR WITH: GERRIT WOLSINK
£3.60 US$9.99 C$10.99 Aus$8.50 NZ$9.99 PRINTED IN THE UK
HOME, JAMES!
UNIVERSITY GRADUATE
#48
001 Cover_OCT.indd 1
AT THE CASTLE
DRUMLANRIG 2018 D 20
WINNER
SUPER PROFILE: ARIEL’S HT3
GREEVES ESSEX TWIN BUYING GUIDE // STRIP YOUR TWOSTROKE // BSA B31 RESTORATION // MALLE MILE // CAFE RACER CUP // SHETLAND CLASSIC // THE CLASSIC TT // MIKE HAILWOOD REPLICA
CLASSICS
65 PRE65 PRE
PRINTED IN THE UK
R 2018 ISSUE 174 OCTOBER
N48 2018 US$15.99 Aus$14.99 NZ$18.99 UK£5.50 UK Off-sale date 15/11/18
BUY SELL RIDE RESTORE
13/09/2018 10:34:50
001 CDB Cover_048.indd 1
02/08/2018 14:53:55
001 Cover_174.indd 1
03/09/2018 10:18:26
•SINGLE ISSUES •SUBSCRIPTIONS
CLICK HERE
www.classicmagazines.co.uk
ENDOFPREVI EW
I fy oul i k ewhaty ouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; v e r eads of ar ,whynot s ubs c r i be,ort r ya s i ngl ei s s uef r om:
www. c l as s i c magaz i nes . c o. uk