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A full century since the guns fell silent over Europe, we dedicate this issue of Old Bike Mart to all those who have served in all branches of the forces and take a look at the role that motorcycles played in the Great War (page 36).
2 NEWS
November 2018
Editorial
www.oldbikemart.co.uk email: info@oldbikemart.co.uk
Editor Dave Manning OBMEditor@mortons.co.uk Designer Charlotte Fairman Production editors Pauline Hawkins, Sarah Spencer Picture desk Paul Fincham and Jonathan Schofield Divisional advertising manager Billy Manning Advertising Leon Currie lcurrie@mortons.co.uk Alan Green agreen@mortons.co.uk
01507 524004 Marketing manager Charlotte Park Circulation manager Steve O’Hara Publisher Tim Hartley Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole General queries Customer Service number: 01507 529529 Telephone lines are open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-6pm, Saturday 8.30am-12.30pm and 24hr ansaphone Archive enquiries Jane Skayman jskayman@mortons.co.uk 01507 529423 Founder Ken Hallworth OLD BIKE MART (ISSN:1756-9494) is published monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK. USA subscriptions are $48 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 City Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Bancroft, WI and additional entries. Postmaster: Send address changes to OLD BIKE MART, c/o Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 City Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-572-4595 chris@classicbikebooks.com PUBLISHED BY
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s I wrote my editorial piece for last month’s issue, introducing myself to you wonderful readers, I was struck by the timing of my move into the editorial chair, what with it coinciding with Old Bike Mart’s 400th issue. Consequently, I’ve been putting a lot of thought into timing of late, invariably while I’m walking the dog and in deep thought as to what I’m going to write for the following month’s editorial. And, of course, the timing is such that I have always forgotten the superb prose which I’d concocted with the help of my faithful hound by the time I’ve got back from the walk, fed the dog and put the kettle on… Although it’s not just me as, of course, timing is something that affects us all, from the day we’re conceived, right through to our eventual demise. And, for motorcyclists, it plays an important part in our chosen pastime. While our time spent out on the road owes a lot to our own personal timing as well as that of fellow travellers – from the simplest of gear changes, through to the potential of poor timing by someone pulling
out of a side road on our approach – I was considering the more avant garde perception of how timing can be seen as being coincidental, rather than the steadfast, formal and fixed timing that we might at first think. So, more like the wildly varying concept of ignition timing on a BSA C15 than the precision required in cam timing for a high-revving, quarter litre Honda six. That conflicting consideration of coincidence versus measured timing is well described by much of the content of this issue. Many of you will be reading it on November 11, a full century since the guns fell silent over Europe. As a small tribute to those who fought, and fell, for King and country during the First World War, we have three pages of haunting images from life aboard two wheels during this conflict, starting on page 36. And how about the unfortunate timing involved in the two tales of British race bikes that could’ve made a serious impact on racing, if only the timing had been a bit more apt, or some funding had come at just the right time – the tales regarding the BINDY single and twin-cylinder This Royal Enfield combination, of 700cc Constellation and Wessex sidecar, will be on sale in the H&H Classics auction at the National Motorcycle Museum on November 9. Who has the perfect timing to get the winning bid for this superb barn find?
Alpha Centuri are on pages 41 and 26 respectively. Timing is something that we’ve all lacked when we hear about that obscure barn find in the back of beyond, simply because we weren’t there at the right time. There’s a hint of jealousy involved when someone finds a dusty classic tucked under a tarpaulin, but timing has got nothing to do with it. It’s all hard work, research, and hard-nosed questions asking about hidden bikes, and if they’re for sale! Some say that there’s no such thing as a barn find nowadays. Well, they’re not urban myths – take a look at one of the lots for the H&H Classics auction at the National Motorcycle Museum, on November 9. There’s a Royal Enfield outfit that has been found, lurking, in a garage that has been blocked to access (partly due to a tree growing over the door) for 53 years. That’s longer than the ’Bodmin Broughs’ that went to auction in 2016. And this, seemingly, is set to continue, with auction houses across the globe managing to find their way into garages, sheds, lock-ups and barns to find the forgotten relics that we all dream of stumbling across. That’s not timing, it’s concentrated research and a little bit of luck. Timing really comes into play with the sale of the bikes when they go to auction. Too early and the price rises quickly, too late and the bike is sold. It’s much the same at an autojumble – if you get there too late it’s already gone, but buy it too early and you may have missed out on bagging a bargain as the price will reduce as the day goes on. And there’s more than a few people who have turned a swift buck by buying a bike within minutes of an autojumble opening, and then
selling it while wheeling it back to their van or trailer! That’s a true master of timing at work! And there is yet another element to getting your timing right, and it’s one that is probably rather apt for this time of year. Now that the clocks have been turned back an hour, far too many of us just accept that it is now winter, and therefore the bikes must be locked up until springtime. If you’re one of those people, you’re wrong! Rather than sit in front of a freshly lit and roaring fire on a crisp autumnal Sunday morning, reading the paper as the dog at your feet begins to singe, why not wrap up in your warmest clobber, jump on the bike, head out to a local transport cafe or pub for a steaming brew and a full English. Get home before the earlier, cold evening starts to creep in, and you’ll still get chance for a decent amount of fettle time in the garage. And that’s one example of timing that deserves to be repeated and practised, and that will never, ever get boring! Enjoy the issue,
November 2018
NEWS 3
FAST FREDDIE BEATS THE WINTER BLUES GP racer to star at Newark Winter Classic bike show
Breaking the winter stalemate between the family-oriented festive period and the desire to get out and do the sort of stuff that we all really want to do, the Carole Nash Winter Classic at Newark Showground is the perfect way to ease your way from the comfort of the fireside and to burn off some of the festive excesses. Aside from the numerous autojumble pitches, trade stands, an indoor start-up area and many club gatherings at the Nottinghamshire venue, the 2019 show, held over the weekend of January 5-6, also plays host to ‘Fast Freddie’ Spencer, the hugely successful American road racer who took Europe by storm in 1980 when he became the youngest ever rider to clinch the 500cc World Championship. Spencer will be interviewed on stage by Steve Plater over the weekend, regaling tales of his first big series win – the 250cc AMA Championship in 1978 – as well as his time in the American team competing in the fondly remembered TransAtlantic Trophy match races of 1980, the battle with Kenny Roberts to retain his 500cc championship in ’83, and the astounding feat of collecting two crowns in ’85 – the 500cc and 250cc championships!
With Newark being perhaps the most signposted location in the UK (aside from London), Newark Showground’s central location is easy to find, and the show will give you chance to start the new year with a classic bike bang. For more information about the Carole Nash Winter Classic, and to buy advance tickets, go to www.newarkclassicbikeshow. com or call 01507 529529.
New Street Triumphs – Scrambler & Twin invigorated Despite only being launched last year, Triumph’s Street Scrambler has proved incredibly popular, and the new model year sees a number of improvements and alterations to the bike that hark back to the halcyon days of the Bonneville T120TT and TR6 C. And these improvements also apply to the bike that many see as being the Hinckley factory’s entry-level machine, the Street Twin. Power from the 900cc ‘High Torque’ engine has been
increased by 18%, and the rev limit is now 500rpm higher, with a new Brembo caliper and higher spec front forks to help tame the increase in output. Alien to any original Triumph scramblers is the array of technology that the new bikes wear, with traction control and ABS (both of which are switchable for the time that you do decide to go off-road), dual riding modes (‘road’ and ‘rain’), and even a USB
Storage, restoration and transit insurance For many of us, while our bikes are being continually worked on, fettled and carried around the country on a trailer or in the back of a van – either for work to be undertaken or to take to a show – insurance is something of a minor consideration. However, just because a bike isn’t being used on the road doesn’t mean that it isn’t a potential target for the light-fingered element of society, nor does it preclude any kind of mishap befalling it. It isn’t unheard of for a workshop to suffer a fire or flood, or for a van to be involved in a road accident that damages its contents. There are already policies that cover bikes that have simply been taken off-road, and are being laid up for a period, but Footman James has now introduced a scheme that covers other situations. Thanks to its involvement with owners' clubs and enthusiasts (yes, a broker that is listening to its customers!), the policy is rather flexible, salvage retention is included, as is tools cover (up to the value of £250) as standard, while options include spare parts cover, and agreed value, which can be increased up to twice a year as the build progresses. Plus, holders of this policy can cover a mix of vehicles, both classic and modern, up to the value of £50,000. For further information about Footman James, contact 0333 207 6000 or visit www. footmanjames.co.uk.
socket to charge your ‘devices’. Astoundingly, the service intervals are now at 10,000 miles – could you imagine running your Sixties Bonnie for that long without recourse to the spanners? Like many manufacturers, Triumph has a comprehensive range of aftermarket parts (120 different items at the current count) so you can personalise your bike, with the Street Twin having a ‘cafe
custom’ kit that, as the name suggests, converts the bike to more of a cafe racer style, while both models can have the ‘urban ride’ kit that has more of a flat track influence. More information on the two new models, and the aftermarket parts, can be found either traditionally at your local Triumph dealer, or the contemporary internet choice at www. triumphmotorcycles.co.uk
A date with Tiernan As the days close in, and the clocks go back, periodicals of all types are inundated with press releases of calendars and diaries. Fortunately for us, the calendars that we get to see are far more interesting than the ubiquitous humorous pictures of kittens in baskets, as these calendars focus purely on motorcycles, and classic ones at that. This
particular offering from Andy Tiernan Classics Calendar features, once again, the artwork of Mike Harbar, with six pieces of art being undertaken for the calendar (incidentally, you can see more of
Mike’s work at www. classiclinesartist.com). The calendar costs a tenner (including postage in the UK, with European postage it’s £14, and anywhere else globally is £15.50), and proceeds from the sale of the calendars go to the East Anglian Air Ambulance. For more details, and to order your calendar, go to www.andybuysbikes. com/Calendars/ Calendar%20page.html
4 NEWS
November 2018
Brooklands honours First World War motorcyclists Celebrating the venue’s involvement during the 1914-18 conflict, Martin Gegg heads to the Brooklands Museum for their Great War Day
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he Brooklands Museum held a special centenary event on September 30, commemorating those with Brooklands connections that supported the war effort during the First World War. Visitors were treated to a selection of aircraft and motor vehicles from the period including the museum’s Vickers Vimy which entertained the crowds with two engine runs. Re-enactors in period uniform set up camp outside the clubhouse, and posed for photos on the 1916 Matchless gun carrier on loan from the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust. Sixteen period bikes attended including the museum’s 1910 Kerry Abingdon, two Clynos, a Rover, a James, as well as several Triumphs and Douglas motorcycles representing the two most favoured marques of the British Army throughout the war. During the day the visiting motorcycles took part in a recreation of the Serpentine event first held in August 1915 on the Brooklands start-finish straight as part of the United Services Meeting. That meeting, for serving members of the Army, Royal Flying Corps and Navy, was organised by Lieut F M C Houghton, of the 25th Divisional Cyclist Company. Like many motorcyclists, he became a pilot in the newly formed RAF and sadly died in May 1918 while testing aircraft-to-aircraft radio communication at Biggin Hill in Kent.
Julian Wade on his beautifully restored 1914 War Office 500cc BSA Model H.
Re-enactors with the 1916 Matchless motorcycle gun carrier. This bike was made for the Russian Army, but never saw action as it was held up at the docks as a result of the Russian revolution.
A 1916 War Office Clyno in the foreground contrasted against the 1913 civilian version behind. Owner and VMCC Clyno marque specialist, Derek Harper, was up all night preparing the 1916 bike for the display.
A re-enactor guards the Museum’s Bleriot Model XI Replica. The Model XI first appeared in January 1909 and achieved lasting fame as the first aeroplane to fly the English Channel. After watching the plane land, Major Herbert Musgrave rushed straight to the War Office to report on the military significance of the event, and in 1913 was put in charge of the Army’s air wing, later to become the Royal Flying Corps and then the Royal Air Force in 1918.
Essential Buyer's Guide Triumph Trident / BSA Rocket III The latest in the ever-expanding range of Buyer’s Guides from Veloce, written by Chris Rooke (who has also written a restoration guide for the Brit triples, among others), as the title says, this is a guide to the three-cylinder 750s produced by Triumph and BSA between 1968 and ’76 (plus the Hyde Harrier, from ’87 to now). With a brief description of each of the models, you’ll quickly be able to check the accuracy and veracity of any claims made regarding the bike’s originality. While much of the information supplied applies to the purchase of any second-hand bike, there is a focus on things that may affect the triples – this isn’t a workshop manual, nor an owner’s guide, but it does have all the insider info that you’ll want if you’re looking to buy a Trident or Rocket III – what to check, what to ask the owner, and what to use to haggle down a price! Of course, current owners may also find it useful as it shines some light on potential issues that may occur with a bike that’s being used regularly, although anyone who’s owned one for some time will, undoubtedly, already be aware of any potential foibles! Priced at £12.99, you can order it through Veloce at www.velocebooks.com
November 2018
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6 NEWS
November 2018
BSA Spitfire wins 2018 Poole Dream Machines Bike of the Year
The 2018 season of Poole Dream Machines ended on a high, with hundreds of bikes enjoying an epic season finale on Tuesday, September 25. Organised by Bournemouth and Poole Tourism, Dream Machines is part of Wave 105 Summertime in the South, Poole’s summer events programme. The final event of the Dream Machines 2018 season was marked by the eagerly awaited return of the Bike of the Year contest
sponsored by Dutton Gregory solicitors. Open to winners of the weekly Bike of the Night heats during 2018, the finale saw 19 bikes welcomed back to compete. During the evening, voting cards were handed out to fellow bikers and spectators who cast their votes for their favourite bike in the line-up. The winner, gaining £300, The Midge Holloway Trophy and a valet kit courtesy of Muc-Off, was Richard Stephens with his genuine 1960
Taunton Classic calendar Twelve members of the Taunton Classic Motorcycle Club have braved the elements and taken their kit off to provide a number of rather interesting photographs, fortunately not by themselves but with their motorcycles, for a 2019 calendar. In order to protect the sensitivity of OBM readers, we’ve left those pictures to your imagination, and are only showing the calendar cover here. The cost for one calendar is £5, plus £1 postage, and all profits from sales go to the club’s chosen charities – the Air Ambulance and The Freewheelers. If you would like a copy please visit www.tauntonclassicmc.weebly.com
650cc BSA Spitfire Scrambler (right), one of about 1500 that were built for the American market between 1957 and ’62, and was restored over the last two years. To see the full line-up of 2018’s Bike of the Year competitors, visit Poole Tourism’s Dream Machines 2018 album on Facebook, where you can also register for the online newsletter and keep up with the latest news. Poole Dream Machines will return on the first Tuesday in April 2019.
Hull RSPCA show breaks records Sunshine has been the default setting for most events this year, and the RSPCA Hull and East Riding Annual Motorcycle Show was no exception. A record turnout of bikes arrived, with competition entrants all bringing a tin or packet of dog or cat food, to keep the centre’s dependants well fed, with bikes being considered for a number of class trophies –
British, European, Japanese, American and custom bikes and trikes. Two other trophies were awarded, the Frank Robinson Memorial Trophy for Best Classic Japanese Bike, as given to Ian Lyons with his Yamaha RD400, and the Colin Russell Memorial Trophy for Best Vintage British Bike, awarded to P Gibson with his Matchless. Other interesting
motorcycles on display included a 1936 Ariel Red Hunter, a 1960 BSA Golden Flash, a 1958 Royal Enfield Constellation, a Laverda Montjuic 500, a 1930 Velocette Thruxton, a pair of 1972 Benelli 500 racers, an MV Agusta 500cc Agostini Replica, a Rumi Honda RC30 Fred Merkell race bike and an Italian Capriolo, restored recently by the owner in time for the show. Another recently restored bike was a Honda RC30, originally belonging to Steve Ward. Upgrades to the centre are under way, and a further £750,000 is required to finish the rebuild, and your help is vital for their work to continue in the future. Next year’s show is to be held on Sunday, September 8.
8 NEWS
November 2018
Moidart Peninsula 10th Anniversary
And Gwen White Memorial Classic Road Run 2019 Organisers Andrew Johnstone and John McCrink are pleased to announce that the 10th Anniversary Moidart Peninsula Classic Motorcycle Road Run will take place on Thursday, May 2, 2019.
O
pen to pre-’80 motorcycles, each year a number of genuine enthusiasts on an amazing variety of classic and vintage machinery, from lightweights and trials ‘irons’ to large-capacity twins and triples, and everything in between, make the spring pilgrimage to the Scottish Highlands. Last year saw entrants come from all over the UK as well as mainland Europe and even the US.
This year’s guest of honour will be ’60s trials ace Mick Dismore, a veteran of the SSDT, and a fully supported works rider for James from 1959 until 1964. At 86 years young he is still a regular visitor to the ‘Scottish’ and is looking forward to a run round the peninsula on his vintage Honda and retracing his steps from several decades ago. Mick is keener than ever to attend, given that he was meant to join the
Mick Dismore, guest of honour, is set to be running the Moidart on his classic Honda.
event last year but only a few days beforehand was struck by a car and badly injured. Fortunately, he is back to full fitness and rarin’ to go! It’s been decided to dedicate this year’s run to Gwen White, who passed away peacefully in August. As well as supporting the Moidart Run since its inception, she also loved Kinlochleven, and the Pre-’65 Scottish in particular, and took a great interest in and enthusiastically encouraged any women competitors. Gwen, like her late husband Jack, was a motorcyclist from an early age. Older readers will remember Jack as a ‘works’ Ariel rider who, among his many achievements, finished third in the 1935 SSDT. Gwen herself rode the ‘six-days’ on two occasions, firstly as a 21-year-old in 1952 and again in 1957. In both these years the event was Gwen fettling her bike at the start (in Edinburgh) of the 1952 Scottish Six won by Royal Enfield star Johnny DaysTrial. Picture by Ray Biddle. Brittain who, understandably, considered Gwen a talismanic and wet so appropriate riding gear is to be the Thursday route of the influence. The last time Gwen visited Scottish Six Days Trial, and covers the order of the day. Over the years her beloved Highlands was in 2012 we’ve had a fair amount of warm around 120 miles of breathtaking when she rode the Moidart Run in scenery. It includes the short Corran sunshine which shows the stunning the BSA sidecar of that late, great landscape at its very best and that’s Ferry crossing and there’s even the scrambles legend Dave Bicker and what’s hoped for in 2019. opportunity to visit the infamous loved every minute of it. Gwen will “The Moidart Run is all about fun, Devil’s Staircase, once considered a be sorely missed and Kinlochleven camaraderie, spectacular scenery most demanding and intimidating in early May won’t seem the same and of course an appreciation of section by competitors, but loved without her. old motorbikes. So if you’ve got an by spectators. The Moidart run has firmly old bike lurking in the shed why not There will be a coffee stop at established itself as the opener dig it out and come and join us.” All Glenfinnan, in the shadow of the to a brilliant few days of classic are welcome. For an entry form world-famous railway viaduct, and motorcycling in and around email johnmccrink@googlemail. lunch at Strontian, where riders can Kinlochleven, the main event being com or send a large SAE to John relax, mingle, exchange yarns and the world-famous Pre-’65 Scottish McCrink, Braeside Cottage, Grange generally soak up the atmosphere. Two-Day Trial on the Friday and Road, North Berwick EH39 4QT. Joint organiser John McCrink said: Saturday. Starting and finishing at Entries, limited to 80 riders, close on “Spring in the West Highlands can be Kinlochleven, it follows what used February 28, 2019 or when full. roasting hot and dry or freezing cold
November 2018
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10 NEWS
November 2018
Classic Dirt Bike Show Early February is, for most of us, deep in the middle of the off season – when we want to spend time in sheds, garages and workshops getting ready for the season ahead. Of course, an ideal diversion would be to visit a show that encompasses motorcycles and, ideally, an autojumble – and look what we have here! Perfect for those folk who like to expand their classic bike shenanigans from pure road use to green lanes, dirt tracks, scrambles venues, beaches and dirt ovals, the Classic Dirt Bike Show is held in the Telford International Centre in the suburban sprawl of Telford. But don’t fret, once you’ve found the
town centre, just keep going in circles until you spot it! With special guests Dougie Lampkin and John Banks – international trials superstar and BSA-riding quadruple British champ (right) respectively – gracing the stage and interviewed by commentator Jack Burnicle (below, left), who was himself a motocross photographer in the Eighties, there’s enough reason to visit, but there’s more… The weekend of February 16 and 17 will be celebrating the off-road bikes of 1969, and show consultant Alan Wright is seeking bikes of that year – contact him with offers of 1969 machinery on 01789 751422. They don’t need to be concours; just solid examples of that year’s offerings. Naturally, there’ll be dozens of clubs and private owners displaying beautifully prepared off-road machines at the show, and loads of traders offering dirt biking
kit – from new bikes, parts and accessories to riding gear and even project bikes if you’re up for a challenge! Plus, why not have a rumble in the autojumble, starting at 9am, and get your hands on an off-road bargain! Lastly, join us on the Saturday evening where the two off-road legends will recount memories of their exploits to assembled guests during a three-course, sit-down meal for just £33. Further details of advance ticket sales and of the dinner can be found at www. classicbikeshows.com, advance tickets are £12 for adults (£14 on the day) or £15 with early autojumble entry.
Triple rebuild explained, in moving pictures! Think of a Haynes manual but with moving pictures, and you’ve got a fairly close idea of what this DVD is all about. The guys Down Under at Classic Triumph rebuilt a 1975 T160 Trident and, in the process, videoed the entire rebuild. Consequently, it’s a superb resource for anyone else who’s undergoing the rebuild of a Triumph, or BSA, three cylinder powerplant. As an example, it clearly explains, in layman’s terms, how to set up your clutch for perfect action and lift, how to perfectly align your primary drive and how to balance the clutch and shock absorber units for minimum run-out. Aside from lots more, there is also a chapter on fitting Classic Triumph’s excellent T160 Triplex Primary Conversion, which can be invaluable when faced with the daunting task for the first time. The DVD is priced at £28.50 (and you get a free MP4 download), plus postage and packing costs, and is available (in whatever format DVD you require, depending on your locale) from www.classic-triumph.com or from www.clivescarfesystems.co.uk or by calling 01502 583915.
The fastest air-cooled 250? Following on from last issue’s focus on the Suzuki X7 on the Japanese pages, it’s been brought to our attention that, while the X7 was a hugely popular machine with learner riders of the time, and was indeed a rapid ride that brought speed to the masses, it wasn’t the only quick air-cooled 250 available. Produced from 1965, the Ducati Mach 1 was a road-going 250 single that was capable of more than 100mph in factory standard trim. Indeed, as The Motor Cycle stated in the November 5, 1964 issue, a genuine 106mph top speed was on the cards, more than enough to see off Suzuki’s two-stroke twin in a straight line!
Picture: Mortons Archive
However, by the time that the X7 reached our shores in 1978, the Mach 1 was history, having reached the end of production no less than nine years earlier, and even then it was a bike that retained a premium, unlike the cheap accessibility of the Suzuki twin.
November 2018
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12 DIARY DATES
Diary Dates Make a date for these upcoming events in your classic calendar... NOVEMBER 2018
International Dirt Bike Show in partnership with MOTUL: Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LG. www.dirtbikeshow.co.uk Tel. 01507 529529. 2 DECEMBER ISSUE OF THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE 3 YOUR OLD BIKE MART WITH YOU TODAY 3 Firework Frenzy: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Northants, NN29 7XA. www.santapod.com. Tel 01234 782828. 3 Rockers Revival 3. Harrow Leisure Centre, Christchurch Avenue, Harrow, HA3 5BD. www. skiddle.com/whats-on/Harrow/ Harrow-Leisure-Centre/RockersRevival-3-/13111785/ 3-4 The Footman James Classic Vehicle Restoration: Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6QN www.bristolclassiccarshows. com Tel. 01507 529529. 4 Garstang Autojumble: Hamilton House Farm, on A586, off A6, Garstang, Preston PR3 0TB www. garstangautojumbles.co.uk Email: info@garstangautojumbles.co.uk 4 Ace Cafe London, Ton Up Day – England Expects: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london. acecafe.com 5 NOVEMBER ISSUE OF REAL CLASSIC 8 LE Velo Lancs & S Lakes, Dunsop Bridge: meet main car park. Tel. 01772 782516. 11 Ace Cafe London, Poppy Day Parade & Service – Military Vehicle Meet: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com 15 CLASSIC DIRT BIKE ISSUE 49 17 Scorton Auto & Bike Jumble: Scorton, North Yorkshire Events Centre DL10 6EJ. Tel. Bert 07909 904705. Normous Newark Autojumble: 18 The Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts NG24 2NY. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk Tel. 01507 529529. 18 Ace Cafe London, Ariel OC Founders Day + Classic Bike Day: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com 18 LE Velo Lancs & S Lakes: Preston Dock Marina. Tel. 01772 782516. 21 DECEMBER ISSUE OF CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS 24 LE Velo Northampton gathering: The Stag’s Head, Gt Doddington NN29 7TQ. Tel. 01604 499858. 25 Malvern Drive-In Classic Car & Bike Autojumble: Three Counties Showground, Wye Halls and outside, Malvern, Worcestershire WR13 6NW. Tel. 01484 667776. www.classicshows.org 28 LE Velo Lancs & S Lakes: Knott End WM Club, Fish ’n’ Chips. Tel. 01772 782516. 28 DECEMBER ISSUE OF CLASSIC BIKE GUIDE
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YOUR OLD BIKE MART WITH YOU TODAY Southern Classic Off Road & Racing Show & Motorcycle Jumble: Kempton Park, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 5AQ. www. kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk Tel. 01507 529529. Ace Cafe London, Bike Day + Ace Cafe Club Day Xmas Meet: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com Southwell Toy Run, meet 10am at Market Square, King Street, Southwell, Notts, NG25 0EH, ride off at 11am to Salvation Army church centre, Mead Way, Balderton, NG24 3GA. Tel. 01636 812838. DECEMBER ISSUE OF REAL CLASSIC JANUARY ISSUE OF THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE Normous Newark Autojumble: The Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts NG24 2NY. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk Tel. 01507 529529. Ace Cafe London, Bike Day: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com Ace Cafe London, Paws ‘n’ Claws Pet Food Run: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com LE Velo Lancs & S Lakes, 11.00 – 12.00 Glasson Dock, nr Lancaster. Tel. 01772 782516. Scorton Auto & Bike Jumble: Scorton, North Yorkshire Events Centre DL10 6EJ. Tel. Bert 07909 904705. Ace Cafe London, Bike Day: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com Ace Cafe London, Xmas Toy Run: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com Ace Cafe London, Xmas Carol Service: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com JANUARY ISSUE OF CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS JANUARY/FEBRUARY ISSUE OF CLASSIC RACER Ace Cafe London, Bike Day: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com Ace Cafe London, Cold Turkey Meet: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com JANUARY ISSUE OF CLASSIC BIKE GUIDE Ace Cafe London, Bike Day: Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com Ace Cafe London, New Year’s Eve Party (TBC): Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, N Circular Rd, Stonebridge, London, NE10 7UD. london.acecafe.com
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VMCC (Dorset section) New Year’s Day Run: Streeter’s Carpet Shop, Station Road, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BD. Tel. 01258 860864. VMCC (Dorset section) Lunch Meet: Henstridge Golf and Leisure, Marsh Lane, Henstridge, Somerset, BA8 0TG Tel. 01258 860864.
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The Hangover Meet: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london. acecafe.com 4 FEBRUARY ISSUE OF THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE 5 YOUR OLD BIKE MART WITH YOU TODAY 5-6 The Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic: Newark Showground, Lincoln Road, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts NG24 2NY. www. classicbikeshows.co.uk 6 Bike Day: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london.acecafe.com 7 JANUARY ISSUE OF REAL CLASSIC 13 Maldon British M/C Owners’ Club Bike Jumble: Memorial Hall, Newland Street, Witham CM8 2AZ. Tel: 07787 847874; 01245 321573. 13 Bike Day: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london.acecafe.com 16 FEBRUARY ISSUE OF CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS 19 Kempton Park Motorcycle Autojumble: Kempton Park, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 5AQ. www. kemptonparkautojumble.co.uk 19 Scorton Auto & Bike Jumble: Scorton, North Yorkshire Events Centre DL10 6EJ. Tel: Bert 07909 904705. 20 AJS Matchless Owners’ Club ‘Founders Day’ + Classic Bikes: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london.acecafe.com 27 Australia Day: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london. acecafe.com 27 ’Normous Newark Autojumble: The Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NY www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 27 Malvern Drive-In Classic Car & Bike Autojumble: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs, WR13 6NW. Tel. 01484 667776. www. classicshows.org 30 FEBRUARY ISSUE OF CLASSIC BIKE GUIDE
16-17 Classic Dirt Bike Show (sponsored by Hagon Shocks): International Centre, Telford, Shropshire TF3 4JH www.classicbikeshows.co.uk 17 Bike Day: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london.acecafe. com 20 MARCH ISSUE OF CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS 21 CLASSIC DIRT BIKE ISSUE 50 21 MARCH/APRIL ISSUE OF CLASSIC RACER 24 59 Club Day: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london. acecafe.com 24 ’Normous Newark Autojumble: The Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NY www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 27 MARCH ISSUE OF CLASSIC BIKE GUIDE
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FEBRUARY 2019
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MARCH ISSUE OF THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE 2 YOUR OLD BIKE MART WITH YOU TODAY 2-3 The 39th Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show: Bath & West Showground A371, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6QN www. classicbikeshows.co.uk 3 Bike Day: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london.acecafe. com 4 FEBRUARY ISSUE OF REAL CLASSIC 10 Bike Day: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london.acecafe. com 10 MAG ‘Fred Hill’ Memorial RideOut: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london.acecafe.com 16 Stunt Fest: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Northants, NN29 7XA. www. santapod.com Tel. 01234 782828. 16 Scorton Auto & Bike Jumble: Scorton, North Yorkshire Events Centre DL10 6EJ. Tel: Bert 07909 904705.
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APRIL ISSUE OF THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE YOUR OLD BIKE MART WITH YOU TODAY Sidecar Sunday: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london. acecafe.com Malvern Drive-In Classic Car & Bike Autojumble: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs WR13 6NW. Tel. 01484 667776. www. classicshows.org MARCH ISSUE OF REAL CLASSIC British & Classic Bike Day: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london.acecafe.com Scorton Auto & Bike Jumble: Scorton, North Yorkshire Events Centre DL10 6EJ. Tel: Bert 07909 904705. Bike Day: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london.acecafe. com ’Normous Newark Autojumble: The Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NY www.newarkautojumble.co.uk Straightliners: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Northants NN29 7XA. www. straightlinersonline.co.uk Tel. 01484 718164. APRIL ISSUE OF CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS Overland & Adventure Bike Day: Ace Cafe London, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD. london.acecafe.com APRIL ISSUE OF CLASSIC BIKE GUIDE South of England Classic Show & Bikejumble: South of England Showground, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TL www.elk-promotions. co.uk
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Sammy Miller Museum, Adventure Bike Ride In: www. sammymiller.co.uk 7 Malvern Festival of Transport: Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs, WR13 6NW. Tel. 01484 667776. www. classicshows.org 13-14 South Wales Sunbeam Motorcycle Club presents the 27th Annual Cardiff Motorcycle Show: High School Heol Hir Llanishen, Cardiff CF14 5YL. Email: Dave. harrison47@yahoo.com or www.southwalessunbeammcc. co.uk 14 ’Normous Newark Autojumble: The Showground, Drove Lane, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts, NG24 2NY www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 14 Sammy Miller Museum, Royal Enfield Ride In, BMW Club Day. www.sammymiller.co.uk 14 Salisbury Motorcycle & Light Car Club, Five Valleys Charity Motorcycle Run: starting from Salisbury Livestock Market. Tel. Dave Weston 01264 364186. Email. dweston49@btinternet.com www.salisburymotorcycle andlightcarclub.co.uk 17 MAY ISSUE OF CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS 18 MAY/JUNE ISSUE OF CLASSIC RACER 19-21 Festival of Power: Santa Pod Raceway, Airfield Road, Podington, Wellingborough, Northants, NN29 7XA. www. santapod.com Tel. 01234 782828. 20 Scorton Auto & Bike Jumble: Scorton, North Yorkshire Events Centre DL10 6EJ. Tel: Bert 07909 904705. 20 South Midlands Autojumble: Ross-on-Wye Livestock Centre, Overross, Rosson-Wye HR9 7QQ. Tel. 01989 750731. Details: south midlands autojumble/ facebook 21-22 The Easter Motor Show: Weston Park, Nr Telford, Shrops, TF11 8LE. Tel. 01484 667776 www.classicshows. org 22 Ashford Classic Motorcycle Show & Bikejumble: Ashford Market, Orbital Park, Ashford, Kent TN24 0HB www.elkpromotions.co.uk 24 MAY ISSUE OF CLASSIC BIKE GUIDE 27-28 The 39th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show: County Showground, Weston Road, Stafford ST18 0BD www. classicbikeshows.co.uk 28 The British Two Stroke Club (Leicester Section) The Windmill Run: Wymondham, Leics. Tel. Eric Hathaway 01162 750532.
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APRIL ISSUE OF REAL CLASSIC MAY ISSUE OF THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE YOUR OLD BIKE MART WITH YOU TODAY Kempton Park Motorcycle Autojumble: Kempton Park, Staines Road East, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex TW16 5AQ. www. kemptonparkautojumble. co.uk Classic Scooter Show: White Lion Pub, 46 High Street, Baldock SG7 6BJ. Contact Geoffrey 07963 609143.
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JUNE ISSUE OF THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE YOUR OLD BIKE MART WITH YOU TODAY Sammy Miller Museum, Despatch Riders Rally: www. sammymiller.co.uk Notts Classic Car & Motorcycle Show: Thoresby Park, Ollerton, Notts, NG22 9EP. Tel. 01484 667776. www. classicshows.org MAY ISSUE OF REAL CLASSIC InSpire 2019: Lincoln. www. inspirelincoln.org.uk Sammy Miller Museum, Spring Autojumble: www. sammymiller.co.uk JUNE ISSUE OF CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS CLASSIC DIRT BIKE ISSUE 51
Please send your diary dates to obmwallplanner@mortons.co.uk
November 2018
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14 A BIT ON THE SIDE
November 2018
The written word endures, the spoken word disappears The writer Anthony Burgess once stated that “Reading is cheap it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind.” Mick Payne takes this statement to heart…
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his issue of OBM should be hitting your doormats at the beginning of November. When I was a kid, this time of year meant that the shops would be full of fireworks for November 5 and we would be buying penny bangers to let off in the streets. Nowadays, fireworks have got larger, cost significantly more than a penny and they seem to be available for most public holidays. And, today, shops are already full of Christmas stock ready for the big presentbuying spree; socks and slippers sir? Assuming you’re reading this as a sidecar enthusiast, wouldn’t a book on your special interest make a fine gift? To the best of my knowledge there are no recent books on the subject, although plenty of older ones exist and at least one with a substantial
section on the rise and demise of the sidecar is available to download. In their heyday, sidecars were probably considered too prosaic to write about. Brough Superiors, Vincents or Scotts had plenty of coverage, but apart from touching upon their dedicated chairs little was documented. This changed with the publication in 1988 of Our Sidecars by Jo Axon (£20). This is a lovely little paperback that covers all aspects of the sidecar, including sections on both fitting and driving. Shire Publications also printed a book by Jo entitled Sidecars, although this is more a brief history of the sidecar; and this is still available new at £4.99. Something similar covering the background is The Sidecar, A
History by Geoff Brazendale, which can still be found new for around £25 from Books Cumbria. It covers all aspects of the genre, from the basket-work pioneers to modern glass-fibre bodies but, like most ‘definitive lists’, it suffers from omissions. First-issue hardbacks are fetching substantial amounts, if the paperback doesn’t appeal. One to avoid, in my opinion, is Simon Potter’s A Third Wheel – The Eccentric Alternative, a Guide to Sidecars and Trikes. Published by Panther in 2009, it really doesn’t gel for me and sadly I know there are mistakes – one review even mentions that the description of his own outfit is incorrect! It gives the impression that it was hurriedly written, and sidecars and trikes are not really in the same ball-park for enthusiasts.
I always feel that if there are mistakes that I know about then there must be others. It’ll still cost you around £20 though. Probably my favourite is Full Circle by Richard and Mopsa English, which describes a roundthe-world trip by Triumph 650 and Squire box sidecar. Well written and illustrated, it tells of the trials and tribulations of using an overworked British twin that gave as much joy as heartache (£15+). Another much-loved publication is The History and Development of the Sidecar, a book as quirky as the sidecar itself. John Deering self-published this coffee-table tome in 2011 as a not-too-serious look at the history of the beast. It consists mainly of captioned photographs in both colour and monochrome, although a few of the captions are incorrect. I’ve never seen a copy other than my own, so it’s a real rarity. There are plenty of other books and even manufacturers’ technical writings that still survive, much of which can be found online, and it’s a good subject to try to find everything out there. All prices are from wellknown online book sellers,
so just leave OBM open on the table with the titles highlighted and see what happens– it could be a good excuse to add to your own collection too!
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Forty-eight Autumn 2018
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