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Do any readers know where the Craven Arms Hotel – seen in this typical 1960s picture of a group of Ariel Leader and Arrow riders – is situated? Dark horse rising tells the story of the Leader’s development on pages 42-43.
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2 NEWS
October 2014
Pete’s Prattle www.oldbikemart.co.uk email: info@oldbikemart.co.uk
Editor Pete Kelly OBMEditor@mortons.co.uk Publisher Dan Savage Group production editor Tim Hartley Designer Tracey Barton Divisional advertising sales manager David England dengland@mortons.co.uk Advertising Jo Beach jbeach@mortons.co.uk Ricky Nichols rnichols@mortons.co.uk 01507 524004 Marketing manager Charlotte Park Circulation manager Steve O’Hara Production manager Craig Lamb Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Associate director Malcolm Wheeler Finance director Kathryn Pinder
One of the great eye-openers since coming to Old Bike Mart six months ago has been the immense wealth of old bike knowledge among our very large readership which manages to answer all kinds of queries that come up out of the blue. A case in point was Ron Arnold’s short letter, just a couple of issues ago, asking: ‘Does anyone remember the HJH?’. Since it was published, information about the short-lived Welsh marque has never stopped coming in, and the latest letter from Andrew Bremner even includes a photo of his nicely-restored Sports Dragon. Ron, who fondly remembers the 1956 HJH Dragonette he once owned, has been so overwhelmed by the response that he’s now
putting together an impressive dossier about the firm. Another case in point was last month’s feature about the Devon manufacturer AJW (these initials get quite confusing, don’t they?), again sparked by a letter from reader Norman Schofield – and this time the first response has come from Andy Wallace, who’s just finished building (straight from the crate for a measly £595) a Chinese Yamasaki YM125. The idea is to do what AJW and quite a few other long-lost manufacturers did when times became desperate – ‘badgeengineering’ the little lightweight, with a few styling tweaks, into what he considers a 1914 AJW Blue Fox 125 might have looked like.
General Queries 01507 529529 (24hr ansaphone) Archive Enquiries Jane Skayman jskayman@mortons.co.uk 01507 529423
More classic motorcycles than ever before, including many prewar models and classic scooters, joined a colourful line-up of veteran and vintage cars to make the Tewkesbury Classic
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couple of weeks back, there he was again! His name is Bob Norman, and this time he was on a 1937 Panther that he’d assembled from boxes without any cosmetic restoration whatsoever (see news pages) Such people are indeed the salt of the earth.
More bikes than ever join Tewkesbury line-up
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He already has the AJW transfers – so watch this space! Not only is it a helpful world, but a small one too, as Brough Superior round-Britain rider John Wallace discovered at the Ace Cafe recently while returning from the Brough Club rally at Halland, near Lewes. He got into a discussion with the rider of a smart BSA A10 combo who’d just read Part 1 of his amazing journey on his faithful SS80 ‘MR’ in last month’s OBM, and had enjoyed it so much he’d read it twice! Imagine his surprise when John suddenly turned up out of the blue, accompanied by his learner rider daughter Dani. Even more remarkable, though, when John made a quick visit to the Milton Keynes Museum a
Vehicle Festival on Sunday, August 17 an outstanding success. Organised by the Rotary Club of Tewkesbury, with all profits going to local, national and international
charities, the show boasted an estimated 700 vehicles, 5000 visitors and over 100 stallholders, along with an autojumble, craft market and home-made refreshments.
Farewell to grass track hero George Cross Former grass track racer George Cross, who passed away at his home in Horncastle at the age of 97 on August 13, is seen in
action aboard his sidecar outfit in happier days. His funeral took place at Alford Crematorium on August 28.
Visitors mill around vehicles of all shapes and sizes, including a good turn-out of motorcycles and scooters, at the Tewkesbury Classic Vehicle Festival.
NEWS 3
October 2014
Frankie Chili is guest star for Stafford’s autumn spectacular C
elebrating the growing popularity of emerging and modern classics from the 1960s, 70s and 80s, the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show has become one of the biggest bike events in the world – and this year’s 21st event on October 8-19 will be right up there once again. World Superbike legend ‘Frankie’ Chili will take centre stage at the Staffordshire County Showground as he shares stories about his eventful road racing career, and the halls will be filled with stunning display machines and traders offering everything the riders and restorers of emerging classics could ask for. Outside the halls, scores of
autojumblers will have used parts for every classic Japanese bike imaginable as well as many others, not to mention complete machines just begging to look like new again. New this year are two cavalcade sessions around the main ring each day, one each morning and one each afternoon, featuring bikes from 1960 to the present day. A guest commentator will talk about the machines and their histories as they go on display. Exhibition manager Nick Mowbray said: “We expect some stunning and interesting bikes for visitors to see, and the parades will be something extra to look forward to for the many clubs and individuals who help
Pierfrancesco ‘Frankie’ Chili is seen in close racing action in 2003.
us put together our inside concours exhibitions.” Classic Bike Shows is looking for entrants for these cavalcades, who can apply for Saturday, Sunday or both days. Entrants will receive one event wristband and one event vehicle pass, and must have their machines in place before the show opens at 9am. They will then have to remain in place until the show closes at 6pm Saturday or 5pm Sunday. Machines on display inside the venue cannot be moved during the day, so will not be eligible to enter the cavalcade sessions. Those who are interested in participating in these parades can download an entry form from classicbikeshows.com under the ‘Bookings’ tab. There will also be the usual action from the Classic Dirt Bike Experience and in the Classic Racer GP Paddock. The big Bonhams sale will include an auction of racewear, trophies and awards from the Barry Sheene Collection. After being seriously injured in a 175mph crash at the Daytona 200 in 1975, Barry went on to make a full recovery, and in 1978, when he was awarded an MBE, the Queen is said to have told him at the investiture: “Now you be careful, young man.” Bonhams Head of Motorcycles Ben Walker said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer this
Italian ace ‘Frankie’ Chili will be the star guest at the 21st Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show.
collection as part of our Stafford Sale. We expect many of the fans who witnessed his rise to fame would take great pride in owning a piece of his racing history.” The collection offered includes a race-worn Arai helmet and Dainese leathers from Sheene’s classic and historic race meetings, trophies and awards from British and European races including some Grand Prix and international events from his championship-winning years, and a selection of other motorcycle and motorsport racewear and memorabilia. Admission to the show costs £10 advance and £13 on the gate.
Sunbeam MCC seeks Pinhard Trophy nominations Once again nominations are being sought by The Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club for The Pinhard Trophy, one of the UK’s most prestigious motorcycle sporting awards. Founded in 1924, the club welcomes the riders of all makes of machines and organises pre-1940 events including the Pioneer Run as well as modern and classic trials. The Pinhard Trophy has been presented since 1950 to the best sporting motorcyclist aged under 21 competing under ACU or SACU jurisdiction. Last year’s winner was British Motostar and Moto 3 champion Joe Francis who, at
just over 16, already has nine motorcycling racing titles to his name. Previous winners over the last 60 years have included Mike Hailwood, Jeff Smith, Brian Martin, Roy Peplow, Dan Shorey, Scott Ellis and a host of others who went on to become household names in national and international events. Each year’s winner is presented with the huge two-gallon cup along with a retention replica tankard. The Sunbeam Club awards the trophy in memory of Frederick William Pinhard, who died in 1948 while serving as club secretary. All sections of the ACU, together with the
Autojumble revival?
Thundersprint called off for 2015
Following two disastrously bad years with the weather, Thundersprint organisers Frank and Carol Melling have announced that the event will not take place in 1915. “The 55mm of rain we had over two days at Darley Moor this year hit spectator attendance very badly, and we simply cannot take a chance of a third year of hostile weather. “The problem we and many other organisers face is that the cost of promoting a big, complex event like the Thundersprint rises every year. Circuit owners understandably want guaranteed income regardless of ticket sales, but it means that all the pressure is on the event organiser to cover costs and, hopefully, make a profit.” Frank has talked extensively to a number of venues, but says none is available that makes economic sense. “In the final analysis, we are a two-
Scottish ACU, are invited to submit entries as well as anyone who feels personally eligible to do so. Entries can be either for active competitors or administrators who have not yet reached their 21st birthday by the beginning of November this year.* Entry forms, regulations and a list of previous winners are available on the Sunbeam Club’s website and the Trustee for the trophy is Tony Lloyd, who can be contacted on www.sunbeam-mcc.co.uk or aj.lloyd@virginmedia.com *In special circumstances, entries will be considered from those who reach the age of 21 in the subject year.
■ Good news for West Country autojumblers is that Pete Dear (07977 643852) is planning to resurrect such events at Newton Abbot Cattle Market next year. While dates have not been finalised, two autojumbles have been proposed, probably for March and October.
Frank and Carol Melling, seen with one of the Thundersprint’s many business awards, who cannot risk another financially crippling deluge next year.
person business and cannot continue to risk what we have built up over the last 17 years on the bet that we’ll have good weather in 2015.” He insists that Thundersprint is alive and well and that he and Carol remain as enthusiastic as ever for the future provided a financially viable answer can be found.
Meet John Reynolds at Newark Winter Classic ■ John Reynolds will be guest of honour at The Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic at the Newark Showground, Lincoln Road, Winthorpe, Newark NG24 2NY on January 3-4, 2015. Bike and scooter clubs are already signing up fast for the show, where private bike entries will go on display in the George Stephenson Hall and scooters in the Stanley Sheldon Hall. Pre-booked one or two-day tickets are available at £7 and £14 (under-12s free) from the 01507 529529 hotline number, while oneday tickets bought at the gate will cost £9.
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10 NEWS
October 2014
In the Classic King of Cadwell race for pre-1972 250cc to 750cc classic machines, Craig Ridgley looks determined on his 350cc Ducati Mk 3.
There’s no problem with the ground clearance as Guy Martin demonstrates his home-built Pikes Peak Special on which he conquered the famous American hill-climb earlier in the year.
On a gloriously naked AJS 7R, John Taylor brings another dose of nostalgia to spectators’ ears.
Happy 80th birthday
Close action stuff as Jack Machin, bravely riding an ex-Gene Romero Yamaha TZ700, follows a Yamaha TZ500.
Cadwell Park!
Cadwell Park racing circuit staged an 80th birthday party to remember in August when the crowds poured in to enjoy a full eight hours of nonstop road racing nostalgia. Rob Savage took the photos.
O
n a gloriously sunny Sunday, August 3, visitors flocked to the legendary Lincolnshire Wolds racing circuit of Cadwell Park to enjoy an action-packed day of motorcycle racing nostalgia. The sights and sounds of yesteryear were there in abundance as many of the riders who made history on the narrow, challenging track donned leathers and helmets once again to take part in the 30 minute long Classic Racer Champions of Cadwell parade laps. Even the £4 souvenir programme entered into the spirit of things, with cleverly-applied ‘rust marks’ around the staples, a deliberate ‘coffee cup ring’ on the third page, lots about the
Now where have we seen that Guy before?
circuit’s history and no fewer than 10 pages of photo and news archives. Well before lunchtime, a nearBritish Superbike sized crowd, determined not to miss a minute of this historic occasion, had chosen their viewing positions all around the track, and Pete Boast and Errol Gowshall, whose idea for the day was finally taken up by circuit manager Jon Rush, are all to be congratulated for a day that no-one lucky enough to witness it will ever forget. The hectic racing programme comprised three 20 minute qualifying sessions for the 10 lap King of Cadwell, Charlie’s Trophy and Tommy Wood Trophy events, two eight lap Junior races, two eight lap Lightweight and Super Lightweight races, two eight lap Sidecar races, two eight lap Senior races, two eight lap Formula Libre races, two eight lap Superkart races and an eight lap Count of Cadwell race, interspersed by one 20 minute and two 30 minute Champions of Cadwell parades – amazing value for the modest admission charge. After many years out of action, local rider Derek Chatterton, who famously beat then world champion Giacomo Agostini at the circuit, and became known as the King of Cadwell in the 1970s, braved a TZ Yamaha and John Chapman’s MV Agusta in the parade laps, and other stars taking part included Steve
Riding a Seeley Matchless G50, John Fawcett brings the bellow of a classic British racing single back to the Lincolnshire circuit.
Plater, John Reynolds, Ian Martin (whose son Guy demonstrated his Pikes Peak special), Mark Phillips, Ian Bell, Jack Machin, John Taylor, John Cooper, Roger Burnett, Geoff Baldock, Ian Simpson, Bill Simpson, Malc Wheeler, John and Dave Siedel and many more. What a magical day – and now roll on the 90th!
Pete Boast, who played a big part in bringing Cadwell’s 80th birthday party together, takes off on the Mountain on his 500cc Honda Drixton four.
Riders are called to the holding area to await track clearance for one of the parade laps.
Sophie Smith looks well in control on a 500cc Matchless G50.
Dave Hewson gets down to it on a Yamaha TZ250 in the Tommy Wood Trophy race.
Action aplenty at International Dirt Bike Show TV motorcycle sport commentator Jack Burnicle has been confirmed as the stage compere for the four-day International Dirt Bike Show at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, from October 30 until November 2. The show will feature competition rounds for the UK Superlite Series along with trials demonstrations by the Owd Codgers, flat track demonstrations and performances by Inch Perfect Trials.
There will also be a ‘have a go’ trials area and performances by Kawasaki stunt rider Lee Bowers. The famous Wall of Death, and Go Quadz mini quad bikes for children will add to the fun, and no fewer than 102 trade and associated stands will be offering everything imaginable for the off-road rider. Manufacturers confirmed are Honda, Yamaha, KTM, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, OSET and Suzuki. Opening times are
9.30am to 5.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 9.30am to 5pm Sunday. On-the-gate tickets for the Thursday cost £7.50 adults, £7.50 seniors, £7.50 children 10-15 and £30 family (two adults and two children), plus £7.50 for students with valid ID. On-the-gate Friday to Sunday tickets cost £15, £7.50, £7.50 and £40 respectively, plus £10 for students with valid ID.
Bike event raises £3450 for RSPCA
The 10th anniversary RSPCA Motorcycle Show in Hull on Sunday, September 7 raised £3450, found space for more than 250 bikes and attracted more than 850 paying visitors. The motorcyclists from as far afield as Nottingham, Barnsley, Wakefield and Whitby who put their machines on display took along enough dog and cat food to last the charity for quite a while. Stuart Bray was quite staggered by the result when his Harley-Davidson, sporting amazing paintwork, was adjudged best in show.
October 2014
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All ttickets ickets £ 10. Quote OBM and get £2 off! All £10. www.bccsl.co.uk | 0117 907 1000
18 NEWS
October 2014
Netley Marsh winners
Thousands of European bike enthusiasts joined their British counterparts to rummage for precious parts at the Carole Nash Eurojumble at Netley Marsh on September 5-6. Fine weather added to the weekend, and some superb classics were on display alongside the traders’ pitches. Best in show award went to Ian Campbell’s 1964 Triumph Tiger, and the best club award to Wessex Vehicle Preservation, whose display also received 10 rosettes.
The well-kept bikers’ remembrance garden at the Victoria Bikers’ Pub and Music Cafe Bar at Coalville.
Remembrance garden at Coalville A bikers’ remembrance garden has been opened at the Victoria Bikers’ Pub in Coalville, Leics, where plaques may be mounted on the floral wall for £10, with all profits being forwarded to the Air Ambulance Service. Full details of the garden, the pub and all the motorcycling activities that take place there are available by visiting www.vicbikerspub.co.uk
First World War display at NEC’s Motorcycle Live Motorcycle Live will feature a display of mint-condition motorcycles from the First World War as well as showing all the new bikes. It takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from November 22-30, and will feature everything from sports bikes and scooters to adventure models and off-roaders.
Advance tickets cost £17 adult, £11 seniors and £7 children 11-16. A special £20 advance ticket also includes a pack of three Oxford neckwarmers worth £15. Advance tickets can be bought only until 5pm on November 21. To book, call 0844 5812345 or go to www.motorcyclelive.co.uk
‘Money can’t buy’ auction items sought for big TTRA fundraiser Friends of the TT Riders’ Association committee member Geoff Kelly is seeking ‘money can’t buy’ items to auction at the Parr Hall, Warrington, on Friday, December 5 for an evening with the Padgett Racing Team and other road racing stars in aid of TTRA funds. Last year’s event raised almost £14,000 for the cause, and tickets costing £25 adults and £15 under 18s are available from Pyramid and Parr Hall, Palmyra Square, Cultural Quarter, Warrington WA1 1BL – 01925 442959 or www.pyramidparrhall.com Doors will open at 6pm. Geoff’s email address is geoffkelly@btinternet.com
Born-again Commando
When Graham Stamp decided to restore his 1973 850 Norton Commando, he had no idea what it was all going to lead to – but the result was virtually a brand new bike, writes Pete Kelly.
T
he first decision to make when you acquire a classic motorcycle is whether to preserve it in asfound condition (which might mean little more than wiping it over with an oily rag); rebuild as necessary (which might mean carrying out an engine and electrical overhaul and replacing items such as tyres and braking components for the MoT test); or rebuilding it to flawless original condition no matter what the cost. The ‘oily rag’ option can be a real winner. Many bikes wear the patina of a long working life but, thanks to regular mechanical attention by their previous owners, remain in perfect working order and are a pleasure to ride. While the ‘spruce up’ option means you have to carry out work the previous owner neglected, the end result is often the same, and you might also make a few bob when it comes to selling. Going for the all-out ‘show bike’ standard, with a thorough mechanical rebuild, brand new wiring harness, 100% stainless steel fasteners, flawless paint finish, triple chroming and all the rest can be a double-edged sword. Having had all that work done, the joy of owning and riding a machine that’s better than showroom and attracts admiring glances everywhere it goes can be incalculable – but if the idea is to sell it and move on to another project, you might easily find that your quest for perfection has already cost you more than anyone will ever be willing to pay for the machine. Some things, however, are done for pleasure rather than profit – and there’s nothing wrong with that! In Stockton Heath, Cheshire, reader Graham Stamp recently finished restoring his 1973 (1974 registered) 850 Norton Commando to such a standard, and the result is stunning. “It’s all been a bit of a retro trip,” said Graham, 58. “When I was 19, I had a black Mk.III Norton Interstate, and I just fancied having something like it again.” His first bike was a Honda P50, followed by a Suzuki A50 and a Honda CB250, but his bigger bikes included a 1959 Triumph Speed Twin, Velocette Venom and Triumph T110.
Graham Stamp shows off his pride and joy.
The speedometer registers only 15,793 genuine miles.
Although the Commando (with matching numbers) was in reasonable nick when he bought it in 2011, he decided to aim for perfection – and two years, a mountain of bills and many hours of work later, here it is.
Demo bike
Querying the mere 15,793 mileage on his speedometer, he contacted previous owner Jim Taylor of Leven, Fife, who’d bought it from a Norton dealer in Edinburgh. It had been a demonstration bike and the original colour was dark blue, but Jim had changed it to its present metallic red, and confirmed that the mileage was very low when he sold it through an advert in the motorcycle press to a new owner in Truro, Cornwall. After buying the big parallel twin from Somerset, Graham’s first job was to strip everything
Steve’s Stainless seeks co-operative solution In order to ensure a proper continuation of stainless steel AF and British threads for motorcycle enthusiasts and restorers, Stephen Jones of Steve’s Stainless is looking at ways of forming a co-operative with some of his customers. The idea would allow members of the co-operative to buy up or commission fasteners from the diminishing number of quality manufacturers and thus maintain the same levels of choice and service for the immediate future. “The business will not go under without this interest and development,” he said, “but it would have to adapt more to the modern ways of doing business, like selling only the profitable and common sizes and attending only the wellsupported events.”
The Commando looks just as good from the gearbox side.
Highly polished engine cases and footrest hangers add to the gleam factor.
down to the frame, which he then had powder-coated in ‘proper 85% black’ by Triple S of Bingley. Although the bottom half of the engine was in sound condition, the top end was rebuilt with new valves, guides and springs and the cylinder head was bead-blasted and very carefully cleaned before reassembly. A new oil pump cost £250, and into the basketful of brand new bits went a new alternator, stator, primary chain sprocket, wiring harness, headlamp, indicators and Hagon rear shocks. By the time the front fork was rebuilt with new top and bottom yokes, stanchions, bushes, springs, damper rods and gaiters, hardly anything of the original was left – and it didn’t stop there. The polished stainless steel wheel rims were laced to the replacement hubs by stainless spokes, with new
bearings and new tyres. Other brand new items included the exhaust system, mudguards, kick-start shaft and pedal, footrests and rubbers. While the gearbox was fine, upgraded seals were fitted from the outside by Pete Lovell.
More parts
The influx of new parts kept coming, from Isolastic enginemounting rubbers to swinging arm bushes, head bearings to air filter covers and Amal Premier twin carburettors with their ethanol-proof floats. At last the job was done, and when Graham kicked the gleaming Commando into life for OBM’s brief photographic visit on Saturday, August 30, there was a notable absence of mechanical noise from the big parallel twin which characteristically, despite the new Isolastic rubbers, sent low-frequency vibrations through the handlebars and front fork – just as they did when they were fresh from the showroom! After all this effort and expense, what will Graham do next? One half of him says keep it and enjoy it, while the other says sell it for the best price possible and start afresh on something new – and thereby hangs another dilemma: can you really enjoy such perfection if you’re afraid of damaging it, and can you ever hope to recoup the true cost of such a job? If he chooses the latter, no doubt you’ll find a classified advertisement in OBM soon – but if it were me, Graham, I’d treasure it for the rest of my life!
October 2014
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October 2014
-MACHINES FOR SALE-
Honda Chaly, fully restored, CF70, 1973, 72cc, red/white, £995 or nearest offer. Tel. 01636 685199 or 07808 207065. Newark. OB525763C
For Sale: Original UK reg, matching numbers BSA Rocket Three Mk.1, 1969, about 1500 miles ago full grub screw up, engine rebuild with rebore, all new bearings, valves guides, seated for lead free and most important and expensively fitted with Carrillo con rods, Dream machine paint job to nearly original, Boyer ignition, rebuilt sleeved concentrics (ticks over a treat!), alloy rims, MoT to 3rd July 2015. A pretty bike but for riding, which I do not do, which is why it is up for sale. I have six other bikes including a VERY early Trident which I do ride. Piccies available if you let me have an email address. I know what it is worth and so do you, so no silly offers please, to Simon Attwood simon@metrolab.org.uk Tel. 01252 325002; 07768 731245.
Harley Davidson VL, 1931, 1200cc, complete restoration, 3speed hand change, foot clutch, non standard Mikuni carb, no lights, some spars, entry International VL register, £13,000; part exchange possible. Tel. 01366 728040. Norfolk.j.bailey2011@btinternet. com OB525358C
Harley WLC45 1942, in excellent civilian spec, hand and foot clutch, panniers, military rack, £13,500. Also selling my Indian 741B, fully restored military spec, £14,500. Tel. 07798 866071. Middx. OB526153C
OB525893C
Gori 240cc? very original spec, bike owned by the same family who purchased it new, you will not be disappointed, £1500. Tel. 01246 864069; 07768 940707.
Honda 400/4 Super Sports, 1977, V5C, dry stored for years, needs recommissioning, very nice bike, £1495; Kawasaki 200cc 1979, V5C, £650; consider British swap. Tel. 07722 039286. Stoke-on-Trent. OB525516C
Honda Dax ST70, unregistered machine, c/w Honda dating certificate, confirming manufactured on the 10-5-1977, only done 270 miles from new, very sought after collectable machine, £2200. Tel. 0151 6090404. Merseyside. OB525375C Honda Goldwing Aspencade 1 2 0 0 , 1984, fully loaded, full chrome, light,s h/grips, tow bar, new belts, battery, brake, tax/MoT, runs/rides great, excellent condition, £2500. Tel. 07768 527430. Kent. OB526035C
Honda Interceptor, 500cc, American import, manufactured in 1985, USA import to UK in 2002, good original condition, new battery and tyres, 12 months' MoT, £950 ono. Tel. 07966 375672. OB525500C 1955 Honda NTV 650, 647cc, black, vgc, t&t, top box, buyer collect, 50k, £900 ono. Tel. 01282 813077. Lancs. OB525402C
OB525947C
Greeves 25DC 250cc, 1964, Sports twin, good condition, on Sorn, £2200. Tel. 01223 314129 for details. Cambs. OB525368C
Honda Benly CD 125TC, 1983, 14,800 miles, very good runner electric start tax/mot oct 14. pass test or restore. age forces sale at £800 tel. 0121 4778180 or 07586 723925. B'ham. OB525926C
1975 Honda CB 200, restored, MoT/tax, one of the nicest, some spares, looking for £1750, consider swop for restored 2stroke with docs, e.g. Bantam etc, must be mint. Tel. 07591 848419 or 01270 781235. Cheshire. OB525821C Honda CB77, 1963, very good condition, original reg, old and new log books, on Sorn. Tel. Tom on 01204 887982 or 07534 105745. Lancs. OB526032C
Rare GB 250 Honda Clubman, 1984, excellent condition, t&t, £1800. Tel. 01253 700172. Lancs. OB525475C
Honda XL185 prolink, 1984, MoT until Sept 2015, good condition, £895 ono. Tel. Tony 07899 661959. Glos. OB526098C
James 98cc, year 1960, very nice condition, needs using, dry stored for past 2 years, bargain £1250; all docs with bike, also D7 Bantam, t&t, 1961, bargain £950; all docs. Tel. 07443642408; or 0113-2583932. W Yorks. OB525961C James Autocycle 98cc, wartime model, 1943, with transferable reg no, ride or restore, £1500. Tel. George on 07584 824079; 01865 87453. Oxford. OB525406C
Kawasaki GPZ 1000 RX, 1986, standard condition, 53k miles, on Sorn, £1500. Tel. 01279 725308. Don't forget this was the fastest bike in it's day. OB525363C
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October 2014
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52 AT YOUR SERVICE
October 2014
Thorough preparation is the key to everything
Pete Kelly visits the up-and-coming Derbyshire firm of Restoration Supplies, whose business is based on the firm foundation of the family’s own bike restorations stretching back many years.
T
ransforming a basket case into a showwinning motorcycle demands an extraordinary amount of time, skill and dedication – and when you’ve been there and done it all, not just once but several times over, why not turn all that accrued knowledge into a business to help fellow motorcyclists achieve their own dreams? With the help of his family, Mark Ward took the bold step of founding Restoration Supplies to do just that a couple of years ago.
With the inner screen wiper going, Mark concentrates on aqua-blasting a timing case side from a single-cylinder Ariel.
The main thrust of the business is engine, frame and wheel hub preparation by aqua, soda and dry blasting methods, along with ultrasonic cleaning and all kinds of metal polishing. From modest beginnings in cramped working conditions into which, somehow, second-hand vapour and bead-blasting cabinets had been squeezed, it wasn’t long before Restoration Supplies needed much larger and more customer-friendly premises, and the business recently moved into an ideal unit on a small industrial estate in Clay Cross, Derbyshire. Mark, 42, comes from a refreshingly ordinary motorcycling family, having been encouraged into the hobby at a very early age by his father, Peter. When I arrived at the unit, both Mark and Peter
were there to welcome me along with Kevin, Mark’s brother. This really is a familyorientated business, and they all own some very impressive motorcycles to show for it.
Know-how
From the immaculate condition of Mark’s showwinning 1970 BSA Starfire, 1954 Norton ES2 and 1980 Kawasaki KH250 triple, and Kevin’s gorgeous 1968 Triumph Daytona, it’s obvious that this family knows exactly what it’s doing when it comes to motorcycle restoration. Other bikes include a 1956 plunger BSA A7, 500cc Triton, 250cc BSA Fleetstar, Yamaha RD350, Lawson Kawasaki Z1100, Kawasaki H2 750cc triple and several more, including a couple of Honda C90 step-throughs which the
A look inside the bead-blasting cabinet that’s used for preparing items for painting.
This ultrasonic cleaner, for items such as carburettors, is one of the firm’s latest acquisitions.
brothers use just for fun. They were into all of this long before Mark’s business started – that’s an enviable pedigree indeed! Dad Peter, who started work at Jarvis’s Motorcycles in Ripley, working on British bikes, became a miner for most of his working life, but has always been a keen
Frames like this one from an Ariel single can be shot-blasted for repainting, but customers are asked to deliver them degreased, with all bushes and bearings removed.
Mark Ward and dad Peter show off some of the family’s bikes outside Restoration Supplies’ new premises.
motorcyclist. He enjoys lending a hand, particularly with engine rebuilds, and after completing the Triumph twin in Mark’s Triton has now started work on the BSA Fleetstar engine. Peter hasn’t always been impressed by his younger son’s buys, however, and the BSA Starfire, the first restoration Mark ever tackled while in his early 20s, was a case in point. “A lady in Nottingham was advertising it for sale, and even though it was all in bits when I got there, I went ahead and bought it only to discover that it had no internals,” said Mark. The following April, he went to the Stafford Show with a full list of the missing parts, and at
a stall in the main hall came across a box containing a load of Starfire bits. “I bargained them down to £60 or £70 and it had everything we needed. It was the deal of the day, and made my weekend,” he said.
Show winner
The Warrington-registered Starfire went on to become a show winner, the most recent being first place in the 2012 Classic Bike Guide Classic Show. Mark’s brother Kevin also knows what he’s doing around bikes, being particularly good at mechanics and paint spraying – as his beautiful Triumph Daytona testifies. The family have been going to
AT YOUR SERVICE/NEWS 53
October 2014
Sunbeam MCC riders take up Yorkshire challenge T Before and after – a fork shroud from a rare KTM sports moped.
big motorcycle shows at Stafford, Bristol and the NEC almost as long as they can remember. At first buying old bikes and parts to restore, then entering finished machines and now showing off the high standards of workmanship for Mark’s customers by displaying a selection of immaculately polished engines and parts, including a 250cc Honda Superdream, BSA Bantam and the gearbox and crankcases from a plunger A7 BSA twin. At the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford in October, Restoration Supplies will have a double pitch in the Prestwood Hall displaying engines, carburettors and other bits to show off the results of the various processes, and might have one or two bikes for sale nearby.
Japanese side
“We won’t be displaying our restored bikes this year because we’ll be concentrating on promoting the business,” said Mark, “particularly on the Japanese side of things, and we’ll be happy for anyone to drop off items for blasting and polishing.” The firm is also set up with suppliers to obtain a range of
Prepared engines like this Honda Superdream twin are displayed on Restoration Supplies’ show stands.
here were ideal weather conditions for the Sunbeam Motor Cycle Club’s September Yorkshire Challenge ride on Saturday, September 13. Up early to check the route, Joy and Alec Thompson, who brought this report, found local rider Brian Collier (1928 Sunbeam) waiting for them when they finally arrived at the run’s starting point, the Beansheaf Garage at Kirby Misperton, near Maltby. The air was filled with the smell of fried bacon as, one by one, the riders arrived and the car park started to fill up. “Sign on first, then get your tea and butties,” was an order not to be ignored, and there was lots of banter until numbers were fixed, the bikes fired up and the first machine got away, crossing the A170 with extreme care. As the garage forecourt cleared, two of the bikes refused to start – the first time this has happened on the run. Then two more returned to join them after only a short distance. The route went via the Flamingoland park and zoo, Great Habton and Amotherby before picking up the Helmsley road and travelling along the southern boundary of the Vale of
A ‘musical’ interlude as DO, RE and ME show off their numberplates during the Sunbeam MCC’s September Yorkshire Challenge.
Pickering through Nunnington, Salton and Marton. From there it meandered via Sinnington to Appleton, then over the moor roads to Hutton-le-Hole and Kirbymoorside Golf Club. Another breakdown was reported, and ‘tail end Charlie’ Jim Cunliffe trailered the wounded back to the golf club, where an area set aside for the bikes was quickly filled with riders discussing their day to
That’s better! Mark holds a finished Ariel engine component.
parts for sale, including suspension units, so if anyone wants to order anything for collection at Stafford, Mark will be happy to oblige. While I was there, Mark demonstrated the aqua blasting process by cleaning the timing case side from a single-cylinder Ariel, then, by the coarser bead blasting process, a fork shroud from a rare KTM sports moped. “We also clean up complete engines by the very safe process of soda blasting, which leaves a matt finish, and can shot-blast complete frames ready for repainting,” said Mark. “To save us time and the customer money, it’s best to ensure that the frames have been properly degreased and all bushes and bearings removed. “It all started off as a hobby and now I want to move the business on,” he added. “Our customer base is not just local, and we have satisfied customers from as far away as Scotland. “We’re bikers for bikers, treating everyone as we’d like to be treated ourselves, so why not give us a ring first, then come along to drop things off, have a chat and a cuppa and see what we’re all about?”
Note the differences as Sunbeam and an AJS stand side-by-side.
This wonderful New Hudson outfit earned Kevin Hellowell the best threewheeler award.
date. Then Joy’s voice rang out: “Come and get your dinner!” Organisers were joined by the Sunbeam Club’s vice-president Roy Plummer and his wife for a roast pork lunch before John and Yvonne Brandon presented Kevin Hellowell with the best three-wheeler award for his 1912 New Hudson, and Tim Walker the best solo award for his 1920 Duzmo. The return run was a jaunt of just 14 miles, and another September Challenge ride through some of the finest scenery in Yorkshire was over until the next time.
Tim Walker took the run’s best solo award for this immaculate 1920 Duzmo.
Auction debut at Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show Charterhouse Auctions will host a brand new motorcycle sale at the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show at Somerset’s Royal Bath and West Showground on February 7-8 next. The firm has been conducting
classic and vintage vehicle auctions for almost 15 years, and associate partner Matthew Whitney said: “We’re looking towards our first dedicated motorcycle sale with great anticipation.” At no additional charge to the
Jam-packed with classic bike displays and trade stands, the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show in early February will also feature for the first time a Charterhouse motorcycle auction.
show admission, viewing of the auction lots will be open to all showgoers on Saturday, February 7, but on the Sunday, entry to the sale will be by catalogue only at a cost of £10 for two people. “Classic machines of all ages, makes and models are welcome to enter the sale, from pioneer bikes of the early 1900s to modern classics of the late 1980s. We’re also interested in rare parts, spares and memorabilia.” Pre-booked show tickets will cost £10 adults, £8 seniors and £3 under-12s for a single day, and £20, £16 and £6 respectively for two days. On-the-day tickets will cost £12 adults, £10 seniors and £4 under-12s. A weekend camping charge of £30 will also apply. The pre-booked ticket hotline number is 01507 529529. Anyone interested in selling at the auction should contact Matthew Whitney at mw@charterhouse-auction.com or by calling 01935 812277. For further information about the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, visit www.classicbikeshows.com
South African bike tour banishes those winter blues
Mark’s brother Kevin Ward restored this beautiful 1968 Triumph Daytona, and even did the paintwork himself.
Restoration Supplies Unit C3, Lower Mantle Close, Clay Cross, Derbyshire. Tel 07810 131630 or restorationsupplies@hotmail.com
Motorcycle racing legend Mick Grant has reported a good response to the 17day road tour of South Africa, from Johannesburg to the Indian Ocean coast and then down to Cape Town, culminating in the first race meeting of his classic bike TT Reunion sunshine series at Zwartkops before flying back to the UK. The ride goes through beautiful scenery as participants visit game parks, stunning beaches, mountains and Zulu wars sites.
The experience of riding in warm, sunny conditions, on usually empty roads, while Britain shivers costs around £2000 per person for flights, accommodation, most breakfasts and entry fees. On most days there are allTarmac and mixed Tarmac/loose going route options. Some spaces are still left in the container of race and road bikes that’s being shipped out, and the £750 cost for this includes all shipping, handling and documentation, although participants
will have to arrange their own insurance. All bikes will be needed on Humberside by mid-November, and they’ll be back home by early March. There is also a limited option of renting bikes locally. UK arrangements are being handled by long-distance tourer Peter Scratchard, who can be contacted by phone or text on 07775 631044 or at his email address of peter.scratchard@motorcycle writer.co.uk to book places or ask for further details.
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