THE BEST FOR CLASSIC, EVO, TWINSHOCK BIKES AND ACTION
#52
ISSUE Fifty-two
Autumn 2019
Masterclass
World champ p teaches
The winner Thorpey’s Cub
Hot H t Honda H d
XR in the frame
Scottish Grand National
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IN BALANCE
Our survey says…
…we display psychopathic tendencies.
T
here we were thundering up the road in the van and heading for Aviemore, but as we were in a van and not on a motorway, our thunder was a slightly muted 50mph – been on the course, got the certificate – when the news kicked in over the radio. You know what it’s like, the radio is on in the background and you’re not really paying attention to it, as your attention is, or should be, on the road, but something filters into the consciousness. It might be a word or a phrase or a tune, and in this case it was the word ‘coffee’ that caught my attention and the presenter was talking about a recent survey to do with coffee drinking habits. There was a momentary panic in case coffee was going to be banned – as it had been in Ottoman Turkey in the 17th century – but turning up the volume so we could hear the piece revealed it was about traits displayed by those who take their coffee in certain ways. It seems someone somewhere had been paid to find out which sorts of people drink certain types of coffee. The results differentiated between those who take milk, others who take milk and sugar, those who order a fancy type of coffee created from a foam teased from Alpine air and flavoured with crispy lichens… I made that bit up… but the bit that got me was about those of us who take coffee as strong and as black as possible. Apparently we display psychopathic tendencies. Now I admit I get a bit antsy if things don’t go right in the workshop or when I miss a flag in a section and there is a certain amount of steering-wheel gripping as cars flash by at an undreamed of 60mph while a van-driver like me crawls along at 50mph, but psychopathic? Surely not! What I really want to know is who commissions these surveys? Actually, strike
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❝Apparently we display psychopathic
tendencies… Now I admit I get a bit antsy if things don’t go right in the workshop or when I miss a flag in a section and there is a certain amount of steering-wheel gripping as cars flash by at an undreamed of 60mph while a van-driver like me crawls along at 50mph, but psychopathic? Surely not!❞ that, what I really want to know is if someone will commission me to do a survey on a few things such as ‘get you home dodges for motorcyclists’. You know, the sorts of things that used to be common knowledge or common practice, like carrying a few things in an on-bike toolbox to cover those ‘just in case’ scenarios that arise unexpectedly. Such a scenario occurred during the pre65 Scottish this year (2019 in case you’re reading a back issue) when an old dodge saved the day for me. There is little doubt about it, older British motorcycles do vibrate a little and there are any amount of ways to insulate vulnerable components from its effects. Norton, for instance, were acutely aware of the vibration thing when their pleasant 500cc twin was stretched to 750cc and beyond and their solution was to mount the entire drive train on rubber ‘Isolastic’ fittings. I understand Dot at one time also used Silentbloc bushes to combat engine vibrations. I doubt if any of us haven’t experienced some issues with vibrations on such components as oil and petrol tanks or mudguards. In my case the mudguards on my B40 BSA are plastic and insulated by a couple of soft rubber washers either side of the guard and fastened with a bolt that clamps up, but still allows a little movement. The oil tank can flex a little too and the petrol tank has foam pipe insulation around the tube to allow it to move
a little. All has been well for quite some time until this year. Those familiar with the pre65 Scottish will know the start area is passed around the middle of the trial and a chance to fill up is possible – rider and bike – and so it was for me. After topping the tank up I was about to go when a fellow rider pulled up, glanced at the bike and said “tank leaking?” Hmmm, a small split had opened at the rear where the tank sits on the frame tube. As my fellow rider watched in amazement I legged it back into the pub where we were staying and returned with a bar of hard soap. Wiping the area around the split I rubbed the soap into the crack, which sealed it. A temporary fix I admit, and one which would only last a short while, but those courtesy soaps are not heavy and it’s possible to slip one in a jacket pocket for use later to finish the trial. It seems such dodges are no longer common knowledge, certainly among the younger riders and I also have to admit this was the first time I have ever used that particular fix, but I did know it. Back in the workshop and using soap for its primary purpose – washing my hands – after pulling the split tank off and flushing it out ready for the welder, I headed for the coffee pot and I wondered what other GYH dodges are out there?
AUTUMN 2019 | 3
Regulars 03 In Balance
Fancy a coffee? Just be careful how you take it, especially if you’re going to do some light repairs.
06 News, views and reviews
If it’s happening, going to happen or just happened then this is where we get it in… as long as you tell us about it.
16
You need…
18
…you also need...
… a classic scrambling single such as a JAP in a more modern frame.
To keep the JAP company we say a CZ MXer which changed the face of scrambling should be in your shed.
22 Super Profile
Re-creating a works machine is not an easy thing to do, though it helps if the actual machine being re-created is also in the same workshop.
41
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As CDB is subscription only in the UK you’ve either subscribed, nicked a mate’s copy or seen us at a show. If it’s one of the latter two… subscribe here.
52 Dicko’s view
11
Air travel is part of the exciting life of a newspaper journalist… even when it doesn’t go according to plan.
58 Masterclass
The best way to learn or improve at something is to have some tuition from a master. CDB went along to a Schreiber Trials School.
59 ’cross words
Often there is a common denominator between racers of a similar area, our man ventures to the Cheshire centre.
72
Dirt Talk
Letters, opinions, you’re doing it wrong… you’re doing it right… all come in to CDB’s office by post, electronic communications or even the telephone.
82 Moto memories
Once upon a time the professional MX racer could reach all the GPs by van and perhaps a ferry – by the Eighties often aircraft was involved.
On the cover: Action from the Scottish Classic Grand National at Drumlanrig Castle.
4 | Contents
22
Features 11
Top Cub
We collar the winner of the Pre-65 Scottish every year and ask to do a test on the bike. 2019 was no different.
27 From the archive
There’s been some form of show to exhibit industry wares almost as long as there’s been an industry… a specific dirt bike show though is fairly recent.
36 Elsinore
When Honda decided to build a twostroke MXer they named it after a town in California.
66 A celebration
Rickman day at the Sammy Miller museum and a profile on Tim Dallaway – all squeezed into five pages.
76
XR in the frame
A Honda inspired by a Yamaha? Yep, read all about it here… as we quiz the original builder and current owner.
Events 54 Classic Castle
Is there a better setting for a motocross than the stunning Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway?
62 Highland Classic
The IDMCC’s Highland Classic Two Day Trial celebrated SWM in 2019.
64 Nostalgically speaking…
66
…there was a lot going on at the Westmorland Motor Club’s Bultaco celebration.
Technical 44 Rebuilding to ride
With a classic, a twinshock and an Evo to sort there’s enough diversity for most people in our spanner-twirling section.
50 Dirt Products
76
Got something of interest to the dirt bike world? Let us know and we’ll tell everyone else… we’re like that you see.
AUTUMN 2019 | 5
DIRTNEWS
New home for Dirt Bike Show
in association with
MXoN OF ASSEN With so much happening in the dirt bike world, clashes of dates are inevitable. However, Dirt Bike Show organiser Mortons Media Group Ltd have come up with a solution for fans who want to see the show at Stafford and the MXoN… it’s to be streamed live throughout the show weekend. Huge screens will allow visitors to have the best of both worlds – enjoying a top class event full of the newest bikes, latest kit and parts – whilst not missing the muchanticipated Motocross of Nations at Assen!
Hen’s teeth Just a few riders taking advantage of the 'try it' offer with Kawasaki. Come along to the show and have a go.
With a new venue for 2019, The International Dirt Bike Show, to be held on September 28/29, is focussing on the best of modern dirt biking. Lining up alongside big names in the off-road world, such as Yamaha and Talon Engineering, wheel builder and exporter Central Wheel Components has put its might behind the International Dirt Bike Show as it heads to the massive Stafford County Showground, booking more space at the event than ever before. Long considered the UK’s leading wheel builder, Central Wheel Components will be
DIRT BIKE SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Tickets for the show are on sale now and for 2019 adults can buy tickets in advance for only £8 – with weekend camping only £20! Visit www. dirtbikeshow.co.uk for more information or call 01507 529529.
6 | Dirt news
exhibiting its SM Pro Wheel range at the IDBS 2019 and has chosen Europe’s largest off-road show to showcase and launch brand-new products to the off-road world. The show has long been the place to see the latest of MX and post-race leisurewear too and exhibiting this year
for the first time is MotoLoko. Launched in February, MotoLoko has become one of the fastest growing brands in Motorsport, developing a range of customisable, hard-wearing, high quality and lightweight motorsport apparel. Excitingly, this year there will be a chance to try the latest MX ranges from Yamaha and Kawasaki as both manufacturers are bringing their off-road experiences along to the show so enthusiasts can try before they buy. Kawasaki in particular will cover the full range of rider from beginner to seasoned rider with advice for each level.
Anyone wanting to use a larger chain on their Bantam trials bike can thank Alan Wright for asking Talon Engineering to make a batch in 428 and 520 widths. Previously only available in 420 size, which can wilt under off-road pressure, those wanting an easier chain life can fit 428 pitch in 13 and 14 tooth sizes plus 10t in 520 pitch. The concept of using 520 sizing has been carried out by many northerners for some years and kept a closely guarded secret. They swear by its substantively longer life on both gearbox and rear wheel thus giving reduced wear and tear on the northern pocket – says Alan, a midlander! Ring Alan on 01789 751422 for all the prices but for example the 13T 428 costs a mere £14.50.
in association with
Guests of honour announced With only one more issue of CDB to go before the 2020 Classic Dirt Bike Show at the Telford International Centre on February 15/16, we can tell you the hot news is that 1979 world trials champion Bernie Schreiber is to be guest of honour. Schreiber, long away from the motorcycle world has had his interest in the sport he was world champion in reawakened over the past couple of years. Here at CDB we have featured him in a few issues and the likeable Californian is sure to be a popular guest star. Speaking to him about the show Bernie told us: “I was pleased to be asked and happy to agree to being a guest and I’m looking forward to meeting trials enthusiasts of all eras and experiencing what the show has to offer, see you in February.” Literally as we went to press 1970 500cc British MX champion Bryan 'Badger' Goss was signed up as MX guest! So, the show, long regarded as ‘Christmas for Classic Offroaders’ will once again be taking over the international centre at Telford and filling the halls with dirt bikes of all disciplines. That is the beauty of the show, no matter where your interest in off-road sport lies… be it trials, scrambles, MX, enduro, speedway,
Find displays such as this, and much more, at the 2020 Classic Dirt Bike Show at Telford in February.
grasstrack, solo or sidecar in classic, twinshock, Evo or Super Evo, then there will be something at the show for you. Maybe it will be bits and pieces, or a complete bike – there are always projects for sale or even fully restored machines – or perhaps a special accessory needed to make your bike just that bit better. It could be you’re looking for somewhere to ride your bike in a competition, if so then there
will be series organisers on hand to help you get out there and get dirty in the company of like-minded people. The Toughsheet Twinshock organisers, as well as the Kia Series and our own Classic British Scrambles Championship and Northern British Bike Series will all have stands where you can discuss what you need to ride or where you need to be to ride. There will be a concours competition with our guests
likely being involved in the final decision as to who will be best in show… then you’ll be able to read about it in CDB as we always grab the winner for a feature. This normally inspires action on the part of restorers and we’ve had some exciting winning machines. Tickets, when available, will be through Mortons Media Group’s customer services on 01507 529529 or the website www. classicbikeshows.co.uk
Drumlanrig Castle – scramble dates set The dates have been finalised for the 2020 Classic Grand National Scramble of Scotland, to be held at the classiest venue for a classic scramble you’ll ever see – beautiful Drumlanrig Castle. Organised successfully by the Galloway Motor Cycle Club for three years running, the dates for next year's event are June 18/21. With the scramble being held on June 20/21, there are also many other events planned too – from a trial to a road run, a grasstrack – all
of which make for four days of thrilling action not to be missed. There will be plenty of camping available, with all the facilities required. As it’s early days yet a guest of honour hasn’t yet been finalised, but as soon as we receive any more information we'll make sure to include it in Classic Dirt Bike. Galloway MCC tells us their online entry system should soon be open for 2020 at www.gallowaymcc.com so keep checking.
AUTUMN 2019 | 7
in association with
Bultaco Day Basingstoke
Bultaco’s Astro model was designed for the USA flat tracks, yet three race in the UK.
After the success of the inaugural Bultaco Day Basingstoke, hosted by Bultaco Club UK at Mike Fisher’s farm near Basingstoke, the organisers are intending to twin the event with Bultaco Day Bassella in Spain for future years. The weather played fair with the organisers for this year’s event on June 30, and quite a number of club members took advantage and camped over on Saturday evening ready for Sunday. For a newly formed onemake club, attracting a line-up of 50 or so Bultacos is an impressive first event. Though heavily biased to the off-road scene in the UK it should not be forgotten Bultaco have a considerable race and road heritage too. It is the club’s aim to enhance the Bultaco experience out there and encourage all aspects of ‘Bultaconess’ – be that riding, restoring or rescuing Bultaco machines and memorabilia. On Sunday, the day started well with ex international trials rider Colin Boniface – incidentally a former Comerfords man too, do we
8 | Dirt news
Concours line-up, glad it’s not us choosing the winner.
need to say Comerfords were the Bultaco importers for many years? – also setting up a trials or two in the woods, including quite a large bomb hole to add some extra interest. Host Mike Fisher has his own short practice flat track oval which the entrants had full use of. One of the younger committee members, Archie Morris, used part of the track and then continued approximately one mile per lap enduro circuit that seemed to go down very well with all who rode it. Everyone could take part if
they wished or instead soak up the ambience in the paddock area, with some really good looking bikes on show such as Pursangs, Fronteras, Trallas and three Astro flat trackers that are competing in the UK flat track series at present. Steve Gard and his helpers produced a great barbecue with Mike Fisher’s organic vegetable dishes hitting the right spot for lunch. If you feel like getting involved or need more club info, please contact Nick Morris or Damon Wood at Bultaco Club UK on Facebook.
Triumph factory insight
The author of Tales of Triumph Motorcycles and the Meriden factory, Hughie Hancox, was a Triumph factory man who started work in the repair shop as a teenager and worked his way up through the departments until he was in management. His time at Triumph – 1953 to the taking over by the co-operative in the Seventies – pretty much covers the glory years of the company. Within the pages are sections on the ISDT successes, the trials wins, scrambles machines and much more besides. Not an off-road book per se but definitely one with off-road content and an interesting insight to the Meriden Triumph factory. Hughie was well known in the Triumph world and sadly succumbed to cancer far too young. The book is part of the Veloce Reprint Series, illustrated with 90 or so black and white pics of life at Triumph and an interesting read from someone who was there. ISBN 9781787115491 Cost: £19.95 in the UK Paperback 250mm x 207mm with 144 pages www.veloce.co.uk
in association with
Jersey International
Two Day Trial An event CDB has been to many times is the Jersey Classic and Modern Two day Trial on the beautiful island of Jersey. Organiser Graham Du Feu has given us the dates for next year’s trial, March 21/22, 2020 so add those dates to your diary. From September 1 the website www.Ji2d.com will be open and entries accepted. If you’re looking at a map and thinking ‘hold on, Jersey isn’t all that big, how can they manage a two day trial there?’ The answer is very well and there will be three long laps each day, with a variety of terrain from rocky streams to muddy banks, as the course works its way around the island. With a variety of classes from classic to modern there will be something for all types of rider and with dual routes in sections a good weekend’s
sport is promised. The club have gained sponsorship from Pentagon Builders and Motorama Bisson for 2020 and making your way to Jersey is reasonably easy through Fairfield Motorsport who deal with Condor Ferries. The start area has been changed for next year too,
as there is space at the Royal Jersey Horticultural Society, which will ease parking problems for day one. Those riding will be told at the start but it helps to be forewarned too, the States of Jersey Police deem standing up while riding on the road as trick riding and frown upon it.
County Durham Baa Classic
A shameless plug for the editor’s own club now... Castleside Motor Club organised a twoday trial in the County Durham countryside near Edmundbyers. Using land not previously available, the Baa Classic attracted a decent number of riders. Restricted to twinshock and classics by request of
the land owner the trial was backed by the Baa Pub in Edmundbyers and Audit Engineering at Sacriston, riding numbers provided by CDB. Day one started at the Baa in the village and was a gentle introduction to the area for those not familiar with it. Day two had a start area outside the village
Calendar girls – and boys The Kia Series has been raising funds for a teenage cancer charity in memory of young trials rider Dominic Feaks who died last year at the age of 21. Of the many fundraising events, potentially the most glamorous would be the calendar girls shoot held in July, at Ali and Carmel Haigh’s beautiful farm and wedding venue, at Long Furlong Farm near Daventry. We say ‘potentially’ as the ladies photographed – all wives or partners of riders who compete in the Kia Championship trials, along with two lady riders – were indeed glamorous, however the month of April was reserved especially for the male riders who dragged up for their photos. This proved to be both hysterical and a bit disturbing – especially as one rider, who will remain nameless, stayed in his dress, full make-up and wig for several hours on the pretence that he wanted his friends to see him. The fun photoshoot was followed with a trial and then a raffle and food. The day itself raised an incredible total of £1,270 and that is not including the sponsorship or sales of the calendar itself. The calendars, costing £10, are expected to be available for sale around October – see www. twinshockchampionship.org.uk All proceeds from the day and the sale of the calendar will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust in memory ry y off Dominic Feaks – ‘Do it for Dom’.
and a much bigger course. With excellent feedback from all riders, it is expected the event will go on to become a regular fixture in the scene and attract two-day enthusiasts from all over to the North East centre. For more details contact Ossy Byers by email at ossybyers@googlemail.com
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10 | AUTUMN 2019
THORPEY’S CUB
Cub’s Cub s
C Classic
Many dads and lads ride the ‘Scottish’ but only one dad and lad duo have won it. Words and pics: Tim Britton
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An ARMAC clutch lightener serves several purposes, obviously it makes the clutch action lighter and it seals the case to keep oil in the gearbox.
Each year, at scrutineering, the rider’s number is marked on the headstock of the bike and this prevents replacement of the bike during the trial.
In order to allow the kick-start full movement a hi-tech rubber band is fitted. This holds up the S3 footrest and is easily lowered.
s the suspense mounted in the hall of the Leven Centre on Saturday evening after the pre65 Scottish was over, the big question on everyone’s lips was who had won? There were favourites, of course, and the previous day’s results often give a clue as to who is in contention and the riders themselves have a pretty good idea how they have done, but nothing is certain until the very last moment. The riders are counted down, marks are noted and then, finally, the winner is announced and in this case a new record was set. Yes, it is hard to believe that after nearly 40 years of classic trials action in the Highlands there are still records to be set and the opportunity to do something that has never been done before and in Dan Thorpe lifting the winner’s trophy in 2019, his name joins another ‘D Thorpe’
on the silverware… that of his father Dave Thorpe… and they have become the only father and son riders to have won the Pre65 Scottish. Even better from our point of view, Thorpe the elder was also riding in 2019. This feature could nearly have been written last year, as Dan went round the whole trial feet-up, but unfortunately so did Dan Clarke and Gary Macdonald and the tie-break rules came into play. The win goes to the bigger bike or the older rider and Dan Thorpe, being a fortnight younger than Dan Clarke and on a smaller bike than Gary Macdonald, was in third place. This year though, there was no doubt who had won and ‘D Thorpe’ is again on the winner’s trophy. Looking through the list of trial winners the other ‘D Thorpe’ also had a tie-break in 1993 when he and Mick Andrews cleaned the whole course.
Mick is older than Dave and he was on a bigger bike too. Anyway, in 2019 Dan Thorpe was the winner of the Pre65 Scottish on a Tiger Cub and I wanted to know why a GasGas rider, who is doing more than ‘a bit good’ in the modern scene, rides a Cub in pre65. The answer is disarmingly simple. Dan said: “I thought it would be nice to ride in the pre65 with my dad when he was 70 as a one off… and I’ve kept coming back.” Fair enough Dan, so what is the Cub like to ride after your GasGas? “It has to be ridden, whereas the GasGas is more forgiving,” he tells me, adding, “there is actually more ground clearance on the Cub and ,of course, I’ve only four gears to worry about and before you go any further,” he grins, “my role is as rider and tester, rather than development engineer. If you want the technical stuff then you’ll have to ask dad.”
A
Above: Built around an ARMAC frame, with REH forks and NJB suspension, the Thorpe Cub is minimal, functional and successful. Inset: Dan asked if this memorial plaque could be included. His mate Julian was a major part of Bumpy Ltd and it hit everyone at the organisation hard when he succumbed to cancer.
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THORPEY’S CUB
The reception area at Bumpy Ltd with Dave Thorpe, Carolyne Kenzitt and Dan Thorpe on his Cub.
THANKS TO BUMPY Just ride there… hold it… look natural…
Lucky he came along then! Dave Thorpe was a factory Cub rider in the Sixties, so he has experience with the four-stroke single, plus his six wins in the pre65 Scottish have all been on Cubs, but he’s the first to admit the world has moved on a long way in terms of machine development since the Triumph factory produced a trials Cub. Even thinking in the pre65 world has changed dramatically since the scene got going and in those days it was enough to haul out an old bike and wobble around in some easy sections. The basis of Dan’s winning bike is a 1964 ‘B’ reg Triumph Tiger Cub, which required quite a bit of work to pull it into shape for the trials scene. “It’s been developed over a period of four years to keep up with the needs of the trial and to keep up with the competition, it started off with the original Cub frame, which we modified and this was fine for the first couple of years, then Duncan Macdonald’s ARMAC frames were vetted and approved for the Scottish by the committee, so one of those went on.” The ARMAC frames are all welded and oil-bearing ones that look period, work well and have the advantage of being a tad lighter than the brazed and lugged standard jobbies – there’s no oil tank for a start, which makes quite a saving. Up at the front end are REH forks, again part of the range offered by Duncan and used by all sorts of riders and bikes and can be tailored to the requirements of the rider too. This tailoring is an important part of the fork set-up, as obviously one setting doesn’t suit all, and anyone going for these forks will find Duncan more than obliging where information and advice is
concerned. The fork legs are fitted into REH yokes that, being alloy, are lighter than the original Triumph ones ever could be, stiffer too, and instead of relying on a taper to hold the top of the fork stanchion there are clamps instead. The rear subframe is bolted on to the main frame loop and the swinging arm mounts on the main loop. Controlling the back end is a pair of NJB suspension units, set up by the late Richard Thorpe of PJ1 Oils. Dave and Dan cite how much effort Richard put in to the setting up, going way beyond the call of duty. In order to roll wheels are built up from Cub replica hubs – in alloy – and the rear one has a tubeless rim but the tyre is fitted with a tube, as per the regulations for Scotland, the front is a tube-type anyway and both tyres are Michelins. Protecting the rider from mud and splashes is a job handled by an ARMAC rear mudguard and a Yamaha front one, both in plastic rather than aluminium and both white, though you probably spotted that from the pictures. Topping off the frame is a small capacity petrol tank that holds enough fuel for an event such as the Scottish Pre65 in which the loop takes riders past the start area, so a top-up is possible. Gone are the days when a trials rider would have to cover a large mileage and the regs for the SSDT stated a tank had to hold enough fuel for 50 miles. Once we mention Renthal handlebars and Domino controls plus cables made up by Thorpe the elder – “I use silver solder to attach the nipples” – that’s the rolling chassis pretty much covered. The Tiger Cub at 200cc, 199cc if you’re
Our photo-shoot was done at Bumpy Ltd where Dan Thorpe is an instructor – though he says he’s an all-encompassing trials coach, tutor and drain unblocker! Our thanks go to Carolyne Kenzitt, who has been in charge of Bumpy since 2002, for allowing us access. Carolyne told us Bumpy was the brainchild of her sister Julia and established in 1989. Julia was a police constable with juvenile liaison duties and identified the good such a place could do. Carolyne took over when Julia succumbed to cancer in 2002. On the day we were there, road bike training was under way and riders were being taught road-craft in a safe environment. Dan added that on practice days they get people with trials bikes coming along to ride who would never dream of entering a trial. “We tell them what they’re doing is exactly the same as a trial but without the competitive element, but they’re not interested in an actual trial.” Bumpy Ltd, Howden Clough Industrial Estate, Leeds Road, Birstall, Batley WF17 0JB 01924 470432 www.bumpy.org.uk Email: info@bumpy.org.uk REGISTERED CHARITY NO. 702335
being strictly accurate, was at a slight disadvantage capacity-wise to the likes of BSA, but that didn’t stop Roy Peplow becoming the first small capacity winner of the prestigious SSDT on a Cub in 1959. Since then there have been numerous capacity alterations for Cubs and it is possible to build quite big engines using various aftermarket barrels and heads and the like. Having said that, while this engine is slightly bigger than standard it isn’t vastly bigger. Using the basic engine from the donor 200 Cub the bearings and bushes AUTUMN 2019 |
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Above: The ARMAC fuel tank is fitted with a GasGas cap, it doesn’t leak, or pop open as other types can. The pipe is a breather that equalises pressure. Left: At the rear sit a pair of NJB shocks, set up by the late Richard Thorpe of PJ1 Oils. Dan finds the suspension to his taste. Right: Slimming down the engine is achieved by removing the outer casing and blocking up the drain holes.
FATHER… Dave Thorpe, Yorkshire born and bred and forged in Sheffield, has a dry sense of humour, very dry in fact and I was caught by it on the day. As we chatted Dave casually mentioned: “I were going to be a world champ motocrosser y’know…” Knowing riders from his era often competed in many disciplines, I replied: “Oh, that’s interesting to know,” and scribbled it down. Dan Thorpe is less practised at keeping a straight face and the penny dropped, the ‘other’ Dave Thorpe – who was world MX champ – is occasionally confused with trials riding Thorpe. Anyway, Dave’s career has included world trials wins when he joined Bultaco after a spell with OSSA. “The win, all the better for being on a standard production bike, must have done Bultaco a power of good.” On the question of influences, Dave cites competing against Martin Lampkin and Malcolm Rathmell, plus Sammy Miller, as helping him to up his game.
“You want your front wheel on there, just at the side of the angle on the stone.” Dad imparts some advice to his lad.
…AND SON So, Dan, were you perched on a bike at six months old and never put a foot down since? “Hah! No, to be honest I was more into football in the early days until I got my road licence in 1995 and then trials filtered in as dad encouraged me to do the nationals with roadwork.” So he’s been a bit of an influence on your career then, anyone else? “Yes, Steve Colley and Steve Saunders when I was starting out.” The starting out went quite well, as to date Dan has 130 national wins and three S3 championships and has equalled Dave in winning the Northern Experts three times in a row. Apart from the Cub, Dan has been solely GasGas since 1999, but before that he rode Yamaha TY and TYZ.
14 | AUTUMN 2019
throughout the engine have been done, so the bottom end is sound. Mounted on the crank cases is an alloy barrel made by Max Heyes and the kick-start shaft is from the same source. Max re-splines a standard shaft so it can take a Montesa 4RT kick-start, an item that tucks in better than the standard kick-start. It will be obvious from the pictures that some work has been done to allow the outer case on the timing side to be removed and to slim down an already slim engine. For someone with engineering facilities this isn’t a difficult job so they all say – hah! What is required is to block up the drain holes, fit a blind bush on the end of the cam shaft and fit a plate with an ‘o’ ring to seal the layshaft and the clutch lightener does the same job on the mainshaft. Once this is done none of the vital Putoline oil can escape, although there is some ‘mist’ through the breather. There is all sorts of folklore about cams in Cub world, Dave has tried the full range in the years he’s been involved with Cubs and has settled on the standard road cam. “The trials cam is okay but a bit clattery,” he allows. There are trials gears in the box that give a wider spread of ratios, though an initial problem with the gearbox tightening up was traced to modern machining tolerances being a lot closer than the glory days of Meriden and it is essential to fit pairs of cogs and ensure the bike is settled in. Providing drive on the other side is a Simplex set-up using a Triumph Terrier engine sprocket and an ARMAC clutch with a PVL ignition making the all-important spark at the plug. I asked whether there was anything fancy in the cylinder head. “No, not really, it’s had new valves and guides, but it’s to the standard road dimensions.” Feeding the super unleaded fuel into the inlet port is a modern Amal Premier carburettor and the settings have been arrived at by years of knowledge and
THORPEY’S CUB
The yellow number board signifies ‘first day leader’ and once Dan got the lead, he never let go.
experience. “We’ve to have a secret or two y’know,” said Dave wryly.
On the go
Offered the chance to cast my leg over the bike and try some simple sections rather than the big rocks Dan was flinging the bike over allowed me to see what the winning ride was like. Starting is quite easy, though there is a hi-tech footrest locator to pull the footrest out of the way to allow a full swing on the kick-start and once this is engaged, a firm kick has the bike burbling into life. The clutch is nice and light, the gears engage easily and there is no snatch at all as the lever is fed home. One big bugbear with small four-stoke engines used to be spitting back at low revs that was annoying on a road bike but disastrous on a trials bike where it all happens at low revs in a section. With modern ignitions not having bob weights and points, such problems are or can be eliminated. There was no trace of anything
With no oil tank to worry about – oil is in the frame – a bigger airbox can be fitted and shaped around the frame tube.
like that during my brief test ride. Full lock turns on a whiff of throttle followed by flicking the twistgrip back to give a bit of urge and it all happens without so much as a murmur, let alone a cough. As Dan is pretty much my height I found the riding position reasonable and there was no need to adjust the bar or lever position. Dan said his GasGas has lower footrests but I can’t comment because I’ve not ridden one in a long time. One section at Bumpy consists of a 50-yard rocky path that Dan did feet up both ways before handing the bike over. The pressure was on and I managed the same – an indication of my riding ability or the simplicity of the section? Discuss. The session didn’t need any long distances but I’m assured the use of a trials cluster in the box means the roadwork bits of the Pre65 and other trials would be acceptable rather than an ‘Oh god, let this roadwork end’ scenario. “I have raised the overall gearing a little,” Dan says as I hand his bike back,“it’s my preference for riding.”
Hubs are to Triumph Cub pattern but made from alloy, as is the brake plate. “Those old pressed steel plates are past their best now,” says Dave.
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR As we chatted about the bike it was clear how Dan was appreciative of the help he receives, not only for the pre65 side of things, but the S3 series too and he asked if he could say a thank-you in print to those who Just a few of the have helped him, people who help Dan. namely Sally at Putoline Oils, Michelin Tyres, S3 Clothing, MOTS Helmets, Stylmartin, Splatshop, Renthal, REH, NJB, Bumpy, AW Engineering, Trial and Enduro Direct.
Inside the primary case sits a Simplex primary drive built up from a Terrier sprocket and an ARMAC clutch. AUTUMN 2019 |
15
YOU NEED…
…a JAP… …in your shed.
This mythical shed is getting quite full, but there is always room for one more motorcycle in there and when it’s as good as this JAP then room would be made anyway.
Words and Pics: Tim Britton
Frame
Problems with other ignitions were cured when Cecil’s friend designed this one specially for the JAP engines.
Up at the front is a miscellaneous hub, which was available and looks right.
The engine
An Italian, probably Grimeca, rear hub is used because it has a cush drive inside and this is better for the gearbox as it smooths out the stresses and strains associated with MX.
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