RIDING SPECIAL
including montlhery Vintage revival Banbury run Scottish Pre- trial Lansdowne classic series veterans in holland IOM tt and PLENTY more
AUGUST 2017
Triple crown Superb Rocket 3
THE PANTHER RIDE ES AGAIN! Steve e Parrish’s outfi fit motors
Vive la France
MONTLHERY FESTIVAL M
Du utch delights
VETERANS IN HOLLAND
Editor’s welcome
E NOW SUBSCRIB Y FOR ONL
£20
For this issue we’ve made an extra effort to encourage and appreciate the use of old motorcycles, hence the ‘get out and ride’ motif you’ll see on some of the pages. The breadth of events old motorcycle ownership and interest opens up is hopefully demonstrated, be it trials, road racing, VMCC-type runs, European events, veteran and modern machine specific – there is, we hope, something for everyone. And Steve Parrish’s Panther is ready to ride, too! In the name of practising what I preach, I’ve been out riding a fair amount, on all manner of machines, including some truly memorable events (Montlhéry and Banbury) plus the usual club runs and general gallivanting. I enjoy it all and appreciate the different motorcycles I am lucky enough to have access to. Riding the Series A Rapide racer was exhilarating and a true fulfilment of a dream (I’ve had the famous picture of Ginger Wood at Donington pinned to my wall for years) and to do it at the historically significant Montlhéry made it extra special; while a Bullnose Model 90, like I rode at Banbury, is, arguably, the quintessential vintage enthusiasts’ motorcycle. Again, I’ve always dreamed of riding such a Sunbeam. Though these are all expensive machines, H&H’s sale at the National Motorcycle Museum demonstrated that not all vintage (so pre-1931) motorcycles are astronomically pricey, thus meaning the Banbury ‘dream’ can be accomplished by more people. And while I can understand why a two-speed, two-stroke of 200-odd-cc isn’t to everyone’s taste, there were bigger capacity vintage machines at wallet-pleasing prices too. Between £5000 and £6000 would have bought one of several half-litre flat tankers, while a 1928 Scott Super Squirrel at just over £6500 had me twitching… There are so many different facets of classic riding that can be enjoyed. Sure, thrashing around on a big Vincent is great fun, but, honestly, so is taking to the back roads of Blighty on a 175cc Bantam. Really, one can spend as much or as little as is available, and still be part of the scene and movement. A mid-tolate 1950s British 350cc single or twin, for example, will open up a world of events, and enjoyment. And while road racing or trials might not be your thing, it’s somewhere to ride to and have a look at, if nothing else. So get out and go for a ride. You know it ma ake es sens se.
PAGE 16
JAMES ROBINSON Editor
24
36
Contributors Tim Britton, Rachael Clegg, Stewart Perry, Roy Poynting, Richard Rosenthal, Martin Squires, Jerry Thurston, Phillip Tooth, Alan Turner, Phil Turner. THE CLASSIC MOTOR CYCLE (USPS:710-470) is published monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd., PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK . USA subscriptions are $63 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Bancroft, WI and additional entries. Postmaster: Send address changes to THE CLASSIC MOTOR CYCLE, c/o Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 Cty Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-572-4595 chris@classicbikebooks.com
30
CONTENTS ISSUE | AUGUST 2017 Archive photograph .......................................... 6 News ................................................................... 8 Letters ............................................................. 14 Subscribe and save ........................................ 16 BSA Rocket 3 ................................................... 18 Norton Model 50 ............................................ 24 Montlhéry Vintage Revival ........................... 30 Pre-65 Scottish Two-day Trial....................... 36 Dutch veteran rally ........................................ 40 Lansdowne race round-up............................ 44 Australian beach racing – part 1................... 48 Banbury Run .................................................. 54 TT 2017 ............................................................ 60 Closer look ...................................................... 66 John Searle interview..................................... 72 Men who mattered – Claude Temple............ 74 Roy Poynting column .................................... 76 Jerry Thurston column................................... 78 Steve Parrish Panther project part seven .... 80 Sketchbook travels ......................................... 84 You were asking.............................................. 86
40
Restoration guide – Greeves Scottish........... 90 Technical feature – Speedos.......................... 92 Classic components ....................................... 98 Diary..............................................................110 Next month ...................................................112 Classic camera.............................................. 114
48
POST: The Classic MotorCycle, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ EMAIL: jrobinson@mortons.co.uk
THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | AUGUST 2017
5
The days of daffodil picking A pair of tastefully adorned lightweight Ariels in use. Photograph: MORTONS MEDIA ARCHIVE
6
THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | AUGUST 2017
Classic aarchive
T
his charming 1937 photograph – published in The Motor Cycle, of April 6, 1937 – is captioned, “Large numbers of motorists and cyclists are visiting the fields around Newent, Gloucestershire, to gather the wild daffodils which are growing in profusion there. Farmers make a small charge to enter the fields.” From The Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust website: “The delicate wild daffodil was once a common sight throughout Gloucestershire and is our county flower. Today the wild daffodil is mainly found in a part of the county called the ‘Golden Triangle’ due to its fields and verges of native wild daffodils. The Golden Triangle is near Newent and draws hundreds of visitors every year from all over the country. “In March each year Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Gwen and Vera’s Fields, Betty Daw’s Wood, Vell Mill Meadow and Ketford Banks nature reserves, near Newent, are carpeted in yellow. The sight is stunning and the local parishes of Kempley, Dymock and Oxenhall celebrate by putting on daffodil teas for visitors.” Of course, whether our Ariel-riding lads and lasses were treated to a daffodil tea is impossible to know,
but one hopes so. Their motorcycles are an interesting pair too, neatly demonstrating the changing fashion in motorcycle design in the 1928-32 period. Both machines were a few years old at the time of the picture, but will still have been providing the good-quality performance for which Ariels of that period were noted. The machine on the left (HW 6560, a Bristol number issued between July 1927 and July 1930) is one of Ariel’s highly-rated 250cc models, in this case the ohv version – most likely its an LF (made for just the 1929 and 1930 model seasons) rather than the one-year only and more sporting LG, available in just 1930. There was a side-valve too, the LB. On their launch in 1928, The Motor Cycle’s September 27 edition noted: “The two new 250cc Ariels for 1929 show a considerable advance in several points on modern motorcycle practice.” It went on to explain how among the modern features for both were a recirculating oil system, with the pump driven by an eccentric on the end of the exhaust camshaft, while on the ohv machines there was enclosed rocker gear and pushrods (in tubes). There were also twin exhaust ports on the ohv model. The side-valve was of neat design too, featuring a ‘turbulence-promoting head’ and an extension of the casting enclosed the valve springs and tappet gear. Each side-valve was claimed to be of 7bhp, with 10bhp for the ohv. Additional equipment (as fitted to the machine in our picture) included the electric lighting kit and petrol tank-inset speedometer; the former cost £4-10s and the speedo £2, in addition to the ohv LF launch price of £38-10s, with the LB at £36. The 250cc Ariels were known as Colts, though in their original form they were only to run for two years, when they were replaced by the other machine in our photograph, sporting registration HY 1359, from a Bristol sequence issued July 1930 to July 1933. The new model was, actually, much as had gone before, though the engine was canted forward 30° inclined, again in response to the fashion of the time; in a fast-moving, albeit fickle period, things like twin exhaust ports, ‘sloper’ engines and the addition of chrome plating were all tools used to entice potential buyers to part with their cash. The Ariel Slopers came about for 1931 – the single-port model pictured would be an L1F31, with the twin-port tagged L2F31. The side-valve sloper was called the LB31. In the spring of that year, a 350cc version of the 250 was implemented too – achieved by increasing the bore to 72mm (from 65mm) and the stroke to 85mm (from 75mm). This was the MF31; our featured machine could be one of those (it’d be an M1F31, for single port), while the models continued into 1932, as well as LF32 and MF32. Around this time, Ariel was diversifying its range. From 1926 to 1930 it would look to be a period of rationalisation of careful development, with the 250cc Colts the only real additions to the line-up. From 1931 there was a spell of exciting new models, the pinnacle being the Square Four, but with other ‘break from the norm’ models too – with horizontal cylinders, four-valve heads, four-speed gearboxes and so on. Unfortunately, the world was in a desperate state, with the slopers gone at the end of 1932, and Ariel largely went back to a simplified range, during the 1930s the Red Hunter models (in 250cc, 350cc, and 500cc End two-valve form) earned a fabulous reputation.
THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | AUGUST 2017
7
&
Neews E Events vents
New ws&Events
Let’s gett rocking Custom and classic bikes, as well as a ‘Show and Shine’ competition, provided plenty to see at Race, Rock ’n’ Ride on May 21. Part of the paddock was given over to stunt riders competing to perform ever more outrageous tricks on two wheels, but usually one. With a soundtrack of high octane racing on the drag strip, it was almost a sensory overload at the event at Santa Pod. Saturday’s on-track action was curtailed by rain, but after valiant efforts by the track crew, everything was soon underway again on Sunday. Although there was a sprinkling of older competition bikes, much of the weekend was devoted to more recent racing machinery, running in the Straightliners drag race championship. An exhibition pass by Frenchman Eric Teboul saw his amazing rocket-powered bike reaching almost 250mph over the quarter-mile strip. A popular part of classic interest was put together by the Coventry Section of the Vincent Owners’ Club. Rob Staley was keeping up the momentum of the first section get-together, held last year at Shakespeare County Raceway, but for this first visit to Santa Pod he had persuaded owners to bring some interesting examples of the marque. Paul Adams and Dick Wheeldon took their Comet-based sprint bikes
Ron Phillips on his 1968 CZ racer.
onto the track on Sunday. The static Vincent display featured some familiar favourites. Brian Chapman brought his pair of drag race Vincents: ‘Mighty Mouse’ the 500cc bike that was the world’s first 500cc motorcycle into the nine-second zone and ‘Super Mouse,’ the V-twin that offered even more potential. Back in his old race leathers once again, Brian fired up both bikes during the course of the day. Another legendary combination, Derek Chinn and his replica of the original ‘Pegasus’, was supposed to have been on track, but a stripped magneto drive pinion on fire-up made the immaculate blue and silver machine a static exhibit. It was
The Vincent Owners’ display with Derek Chinn’s ‘Pegasus closest to camera. Behind is Brian Chapman’s ‘Super Mouse,’ then ‘Mighty Mouse’.
left to John Renwick to uphold the honours of the Stevenage twin’s reputation in quarter-mile events. John was out on ‘Epimetheus,’ his
‘bored out to the max’ 1665ccengined sidecar outfit. Words and photographs: Alan Turner
Seaside speed trials at Brighton
John Young launches his Triumph-JAP at Madeira Drive, Brighton.
8
THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | AUGUST 2017
The Brighton Speed Trials is considered to be the longest running motorsport event in the world, as it first ran in 1905. For 2017, Saturday, September 2 sees yet another running of this iconic happening along Brighton seafront’s Madeira Drive. Nowadays, the format of the Speed Trials is a single-lane
standing-start ¼-mile sprint, the event being run by the Brighton and Hove Motor Club, with a kind invitation going to the VMCC Sprint Section to organise the motorcycle side of things under an ACU competition permit. Go to www.vmccsprint.co.uk for more details.
Head for the Eurojumble
NEWS IN BRIEF FRENCH B&B If you’re looking for somewhere to go for a ride, why not pack the panniers and head across the channel? Try a stay at Maison Marie Therese, a motorcycle-friendly bed and breakfast in central Brittany. There’s a nearby bar/restaurant and secure parking. Have a look at www.plusquellecholidays. wixsite.com/marietherese
BARLEYCORN ENGINEERING
The biggest autojumble in the south of England is back this September. The 24th Carole Nash Eurojumble takes place at Netley Marsh, near Southampton, on Friday, September 1, and Saturday, September 2. As well as the jumble, there are exhibits from local motorcycle clubs. Plus, Dorset-based auctioneers Charterhouse will be hosting a sale on the Friday. Also set to return is the popular
garage clearout sale on Saturday, allowing one-day traders to come and sell. Tickets for Friday cost £9 in advance or £10 on the day. For the Saturday it’s £8 in advance or £9 on the day. Camping passes are available too, allowing you to stay from Thursday through Sunday morning for only £60, including show entry for both days and access to the evening bar and shower block. Tickets
can be purchased from www.classicbikeshows.com or by calling 01507 529529. The event is at Meadowmead Farm, Ringwood Road, Netley Marsh, between Cadnam and Totton, Hampshire SO40 7GY. For more information or to trade at the 24th Carole Nash Eurojumble, contact the exhibition manager, Nick Mowbray, on 01507 529429 or nmowbray@mortons.co.uk
Win a Goldie with the NMM! Ajay heads to Who wouldn’t like a Gold Star? Motorcycle Museum raffle prize Newcastle Especially one for a couple is a 1960 Clubman DBD34, the of quid. The latest National
ultimate Gold Star. A ticket is just £2, with a runner-up prize of a second BSA, a 250cc C11G. Tickets will be available at all manner of events throughout the summer but alternatively at www. nationalmotorcyclemuseum. co.uk or call 01675 443311.
Miller Museum adds Bianchi The latest addition to the superb host of exotica at the Sammy Miller Museum in New Milton, Hampshire, is this 1964 500cc Bianchi twin, shown recently being tested by journalist and racer Alan Cathcart, with Sammy looking on. The machine was readied for the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
More at www.sammymiller.co.uk or 01425 620777.
Simon Barley is a well-known face on the autojumble scene, and continues to produce quality-made parts for a range of motorcycles, specialising in BSA pre-unit twins and postwar B-series singles, as well as Goldies. To find out what’s available have a look at www. barleycorn.co.uk or call Simon 01379 586728 to discuss what you need.
STROUD SHOW August 4, 5 and 6, 2017 are the dates for the Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club (SVTEC) annual show at South Cerney Airfield in Cirencester, Gloucestershire. The show is one of the biggest steam, vintage and countryside events in the UK and actively raises thousands of pounds for both national and regional charities each year.
RABY EVENT For the 25th time, Raby Castle in County Durham will fling open its gates for a roaring good classic car and bike event on Sunday, August 13.
SHIPPIO MOVEMENT
Peter Baldasera, from Newcastle Upon Tyne, won the second prize of a 1954 AJS Model 18 in the National Motorcycle Museum’s winter raffle, after the prize draw that took place at the Stafford show. Peter, here accompanied by his wife Jane, already has a number of classics he rides on a regular basis and will be adding the 500cc single to his collection.
Looking to move a motorcycle overseas or import one? Then the men who can help are Shippio, who boast over 25 years of experience. Call +44(0)1604 419 815 or go to www.shippio.com
BARREL BIKERS SHOW RETURNS The event is on Sunday, August 6, 2017, from 11am, at Cruck Barn, Bradwell Abbey, Milton Keynes MK139AP. Music, bar, trade stands, food, family fun and not forgetting bikes, all for free entry!
THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | AUGUST 2017
9
&
Neews E Events vents
Steve Spencer Cammy Ajay call This year sees the 90th anniversary of the appearance of the overhead camshaft AJS. There’s a concerted effort to get as many as possible together at Founders Day, Stamford Hall (July 16). The man co-ordinating is Nick Farthing – 01508 570143 or nick_farthing@talk21.com Steve Spencer during his most famous ride, on his way to third place in the 1967 Senior TT.
Sywell run One of several interesting machines out on the Northants section of the VMCC’s girder-fork run on May 28 was this impressive JAP-engined sidecar outfit, with the V-twin motor housed in Sunbeam cycle parts. Starting and finishing at Sywell aerodrome, the gentle 45-mile run allowed plenty of time for mooching about the 1930s airfield, which features a museum and the impressive art-deco Aviator Hotel.
VELO OC Alex Wood, from the Velocette Owners’ Club, has been in touch to say I made an error last month saying that the club magazine is monthly – it’s not, it’s eight times annually. My apologies. For details of the Velo OC go to www.velocetteowners.com
The man who finished third in the famous 1967 Senior TT, riding a Steve Lancefield Norton, passed away in May 2017, just before the 50th anniversary of his superb achievement. Steve Spencer’s effort is even more impressive because it was the year of his TT debut. During the course of his ride, it is reckoned he became the only man to lap at upwards of 100mph on a Manx Norton with a four-speed gearbox. Spencer had made his Senior
Manx GP debut in 1964, when he retired, then finished fifth in 1965 and third in 1966, before his TT bow. He ended his career in 1970, with a Production TT seventh and a Senior TT 10th, before making a comeback in 1991’s Classic Manx GP. He qualified a Norton twin on his first lap, but it expired early on in the race. In the 1967 races, Spencer also finished eighth in the Junior race, on another Lancefield Norton, despite being beaten
up from crashing out of third place in the Production TT on a Triumph Bonneville; at the time, he was employed as a tester by Triumph. His 1967 Senior/ Junior efforts won him the Joe Craig Trophy, for best aggregate performance by a British rider on a British machine. Steve Spencer’s funeral was held in the Warwickshire village of Piccadilly, on June 6, 10 days before the half-century anniversary of his most glorious ride.
Swords show The show, held in Swords, Ireland, was organised by the Leinster branch of the Vintage Japanese Motor Cycle Club (VJMC). Although it is run by this club, it welcomes British bikes as well. This year the show was held on April 30. The Northern section of the VJMC decided to attend, taking 11 genuine Honda CR93 racers. This is likely the largest showing of these 125cc four-stroke twins since they stopped racing in the late 1960s. All were in fantastic order and one was
Exquisite Honda CR93 racers at the Swords show.
presented without its fairing to let people see it in detail. Also present was a rare six-speed
model. Three Nortons were ‘guests’ on the stand, too. Robert Dixon
FROM ONLY
SUBSCRIBE TO THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE £20 EEvery issue will be sent hot off the press and delivered straight to your door. Visit classicmotorcycle.co.uk 10
THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | AUGUST 2017
Creative tax discs
Now that we no longer need to display a tax disc, there’s a space to fill! Have a look at www.creativetaxdiscs.co.uk
for a solution. There’s a vast selection of old tax discs from 1921. Call 01226 495230 or 07800 965338.
H&H holds first sale at NMM
A good selection of vintage machinery, mainly needing some fettling, was offered by H&H at the National Motorcycle Museum.
The first auction to be held by H&H at the National Motorcycle Museum took place June 2, with a fine selection of machines offered and many sold, with the top price going to a beautifully presented Indian four, knocked down at £52,000. There were lots of reasonably priced vintage machines (the majority having lost their original registrations) while one of the stand-out lots, a 1929 side-valve Sunbeam renovated by restorer par excellence John Guy, fetched £9843.75.
This beautifully presented vintage Sunbeam realised just shy of £10,000.
Eddie Carter The chief ACU Scrutineer in the Isle of Man for many years, Eddie Carter, died on May 17. Eddie made a memorable return to scrutineering in 1998 for the Assen Centennial TT,
when he dug out his brown coat and took charge of proceedings in the Dutch town square. Donations are requested to the ACU benevolent fund in his memory.
THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | AUGUST 2017
11
&
Neews Events
Mecum’s vintage auction in Las Vegas makes $4.4 million
Top price in Mecum’s auction was achieved by this C Black Shadow. A Series C Rapide was the second-highest seller, at $85,000.
Mecum’s first foray into the Nevada spring for a vintage motorcycle auction in Las Vegas was pronounced a success with 339 motorcycles sold over June 2-3, realising $4.4million in overall sales. The top price was $95,000 for a restored 1950 Vincent Black Shadow, though Indians once again demonstrated their enduring desirability, with five of the top 10 sales bearing that venerable name. While not necessarily among the top-priced motorcycles at the auction, Harley-Davidsons, Hondas and Triumphs were among the most popular marques to cross the auction block, with an impressively
12
AUGUST 1917
The UK Government imposed illegally stored it will have fuel to hand... new restrictions on vehicle Hearing this users, including motorcyclists, announcement, many demanding the immediate rushed to their local garages return of old fuel purchase to use old licences, only to licences. The Government discover they were out of decreed it wouldn’t exchange petrol and wouldn’t have any old licences for new, thus for a few days, by which time those who had been saving licences would have expired licences for future use – seemingly another method would be penalised, while the authorities had found to those who bought their full conserve fuel stocks! allowance each quarter and
1942
large selection of each on hand. “Once again, Las Vegas proves itself as the premier vintage motorcycle enthusiast gathering place,” said Ron Christenson, president of the Mecum motorcycle division. “We began this three-day event on Thursday evening with three champion motorcycle racers, Don Castro, Gene Romero and Jay Springsteen, taking the stage and retelling tales of their days of competing against each other. “When the bikes took the stage we achieved more than $4 million in sales. All I heard from sellers and buyers alike was ‘See you in January and June every year.’ It’s very exciting!” More at www.mecum.com
Supporting the Australian Government’s salvage campaign, two Canberra cinemas starting taking old pneumatic tyres as payment for tickets. A large cover bought three seats, motorcycle tyres secured two tickets apiece, while
put the bike back on the road would be appreciated. Contact Phil Haywood vinandvet@aol.com or 01283 509562.
Of the £1.63 pump price per gallon of four-star petrol, the UK Government took £1.108 (68%) in taxes and duties, making it one of
Veteran nipples Vintage & Veteran are rebuilding a 1912 Rudge Multi and struggling to buy the right spoke nipples – 12g .20in body and .30in head diameter. They need 140 nipples for this bike, but would like to buy more for future projects. All the usual sources seem to have sold out, unfortunately. Has anyone got
THE WAY WE WERE IN
some new old stock nipples please? Vinandvet also need a front mudguard and some clutch parts to finish the Rudge. Any help to
THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | AUGUST 2017
1967
East German policeman Paul Friedrichs secured his second 500cc Motocross World Championship at Farleigh Castle, Wiltshire, in what some regarded as controversial circumstances. Whatever, the 20,000-strong crowd enjoyed a superb day’s racing. Friedrichs took the first leg from Vic Eastwood (BSA), Don Rickman (Metisse-BSA), Jeff Smith (BSA), Vlastimil Valek (420cc Jawa) and in sixth place Dave Bickers (380cc CZ). After second leg leader Rickman dropped out with a broken gearbox, the CZ pit crew, led by ISDT rider Zdenek Polanka, indicated to race leader Friedrichs to let fellow teamster Bickers through to win. Paul dallied
1992
cyclists got just one seat per bicycle cover. They were also taking some non-ferrous metals including aluminium and copper – thus a pair of damaged aluminium motorcycle crankcases could buy a ticket too!
on the last bend and it was Bickers, from Friedrichs with Smith pegged to third, his remaining slender title hopes dashed. Team tactics maybe, and while declining to be part of the awards ceremony, Jeff Smith and significantly the BSA team recognised exactly what had gone on, declined to make an official protest – telling inaction in itself. Championship points after the Farleigh Castle round: 1 Paul Friedrichs (East Germany, 380cc CZ) 51 points; 2 Jeff Smith (GB, BSA) 31; 3 Dave Bickers (GB, 380cc CZ) 24; 4 Vlastimil Valek (Czechoslovakia, 420cc Jawa) 19; 5 Gunnar Draugs (Soviet Union, 380cc CZ) 18; 6 Vic Eastwood (GB, BSA) 11.
their best incomes. Recently accused of profiteering, the fuel companies were on a PR exercise to reveal the true situation… Richard Rosenthal.