The Classic Motorcycle January 2018 by Mortons Media Group Ltd

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We had an interesting day out at the National Motorcycle Museum’s open day (see page 12), where we took a stand and basically spent the whole day chatting motorcycles with a wonderfully diverse group of people. On our stand we had two motorcycles – a 1963 TR6 Trophy Triumph and the NMM’s Model 90 Sunbeam, which I’ve been fortunate enough to have used at and for numerous events during the year; you can read about it on page 29. Both the Triumph and the Sunbeam attracted much interest and comment, prompting plenty of discussion, while one chap – a history teacher from the Midlands – confessed he’d effectively ‘fallen for’ that era of Sunbeam, having spotted it a few times in the magazine already. I fully understand where he’s coming from! Another has noted the Sunbeam too and we’ve been corresponding about the front brake cable and rod, as this chap was bequeathed a 1928 Model 8 by his father, which he is restoring, and will be rewarded with a lovely machine, the 8 being the 350cc overhead valve model in the Sunbeam range. The discussion on the front brake prompted some thought too, as Sunbeams from the vintage era had the front brake lever on the left handlebar, though one never sees such a set up any more. When researching the Harry Perrey piece in this article, I was given to thinking about lever set-up, and studied a picture of Perrey and two Ariel teammates, in a posed picture before the Scottish Six Days. All three were on identical machines – but all three riders had their controls set-up totally differently, with different length of levers, differently curved, at different angles, and in completely different locations on the bars. It just reiterates that, yes, there was a standard specification – but rarely was it adhered to. Idiosyncratic control set-up had mostly disappeared by the 1930s, though Rudge 250cc models (see page 90) featured a left-foot gearchange, surely the first British motorcycle to be thus equipped with what is now the universal standard. It’s also great to see the VMCC’s Festival of 1000 Bikes back in the calendar for 2018. For a few years, the event was as close as we’ve had in the UK to the fabulous continental meetings (Coupes Moto Legende, ASI Motoshow et al) where a wonderfully diverse group of machines and people come together to celebrate motorcycles of all ages, shapes and sizes. Finally, a word to express seasonal goodwill, and wish all good motorcycling for 2018.

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JAMES ROBINSON Editor

Contributors Tim Britton, Rachael Clegg, Jonathan Hill, Roy Poynting, Richard Rosenthal, Martin Squires, Jerry Thurston, Alan Turner, Andy Westlake, Steve Wilson. 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

CONTENTS ISSUE | JANUARY 2018 Archive photograph............................................. 6 News...................................................................... 9 Stafford show .................................................... 14 Letters ................................................................ 16 Subscribe and save........................................... 20 Ariel Square Four.............................................. 22 Sunbeam Model 90 .......................................... 29 BSA Gold Star .................................................... 34 GP Rétro du Puy Notre-Dame......................... 40 Velocette MSS.................................................... 44 Lansdowne round-up ...................................... 50 Triumph TR6 ..................................................... 54 2017 index .......................................................... 58 Sheffield motorcycles....................................... 60 Closer look – on offer in 1948........................... 66 Ken Sprayson interview................................... 72 Men who mattered – Harry Perrey................. 74 Crash damage repaired ................................... 76 Roy Poynting column ...................................... 80 Jerry Thurston column..................................... 82 Sketchbook travels ........................................... 84

You were asking ................................................ 86 Restoration guide – 250cc Rudges .................. 90 Technical feature – identification numbers .. 92 Classic components – Amal track carbs ....... 98 Diary ................................................................ 110 Next month......................................................112 Classic camera ................................................ 114 POST: The Classic MotorCycle, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ EMAIL: jrobinson@mortons.co.uk

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» Every issue willwill be be sent hothot offoff thethe press andand delivered straight to your house » Every issue sent press delivered straight to your home » You’ll never miss an an action-packed issue or supplement again » You’ll never miss action-packed issue or supplement again THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JANUARY 2018

Mysterious Vincent Head down and charging, Vincent-mounted Marianne Weber makes the most of a straight bit of tarmac in Belgium. Image: MORTONS ARCHIVE

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JANUARY 2018

his wonderful, evocative image shows female journalist Marianne Weber at speed on what is described as a Vincent Black Shadow, the photo was taken in 1951 (or at least published in March 1951) on the Brussels to Antwerp road, Belgium. Despite ‘less than ideal’ conditions, including ‘strong side winds,’ Marianne was recorded at 112mph, leading to speculation as to whether this was the fastest speed ever attained by a woman on a motorcycle.

Classic archive a Ms Weber was a freelance writer and motorcycle tester, it would seem, and there’s a picture of her on a BMW R68 at around the same time, which will be familiar to some as it has appeared in various books and articles over the years. Another picture shows her posed on a Triumph 3T, taken a few years earlier at a long-distance trials type event, but information on her remains frustratingly elusive. The motorcycle she was/is pictured on – with her feet on the rear footrests – belonged to Robert Everts, a photographer and journalist, based in Belgium, and who supplied the picture of the motorcycle. His address (151 Chaussee de Charleroi, Bruxelles, and telephone number) is printed on the picture’s reverse, as is the information, presumably in Robert’s handwriting, including the words ‘Vincent Black Shadow.’ The big Vin is modified in a few ways, while it also lacks the Black Shadow’s characteristic black-finished engine casing. In fact, it sports the early type of sand-cast timing cover, with the prominent bulges

for the cast in oilways, which were only featured on Series B models; from 1949 on, the cover was die-cast and smooth, the oilways hidden away. The prototype Black Shadow has the earlier type cover, but production models (1949) seem to have all featured the smooth finish. Everts’ bike also looks to have HRD on the timing cover, in contrast to ‘Vincent’ on the petrol tank. Then there’s the anomaly of the front fork too, Vincent’s own Girdraulic which was introduced in 1948 and never fitted to the B-series machines, so the Everts bike has clearly been updated. What’s also interesting is the aluminium forks are polished rather than black-painted; lots of 1960s pictures show Vincents with buffedup fork, though this picture evidences it was happening earlier too. The machine also has a large headlight à la a ‘B’ while the speedo isn’t a standard Shadow-type item, but is – or looks to be – of that size. The rear of the speedo looks different to the usual item found on a Shadow. The front mudguard has also been shortened (another popular 1960s-esque modification), while the rear friction dampers look on-standard as well, something more like the ‘scissor’ items to be found on Moto Guzzis which all adds to the conundrum. The whole look of the machine means it wouldn’t be a surprise if the picture dates to say 1960, so a few years after Vincent production had stopped, with the machine something of a ‘bitsa’; but it was clearly published in 1951, featuring lots of contemporary parts, demonstrating that ‘customising’ took place early on. In the 1940s and 50s, it is sometimes written that Vincents (particularly in Britain) often found themselves as highspeed ‘sidecar haulers’ rather than the racy sportsters, though this picture actually runs against that assumption. It was the 1960s, so some say, before Vincents became popular with the ‘speed merchants’ though this picture flies in the face of such argument. Certainly, in British pictures, it would be much more usual to see a Vincent prepared like this one in the 1960s, and really rare to see something along these lines in 1951. One wonders what the story was with the Everts’ Vincent. Why did he (or someone) call it a ‘Black Shadow?’ What was the tale of the Girdraulic fork fitted? Was the fact it has the ‘Vincent’ tank badges and different front fork a result of it being accident damaged and repaired, with updated items? And at the same time, was it ‘pepped up’ to Black Shadow specification, as 112mph recorded suggests it was a little livelier than a standard Rapide. And lastly, what became of Marianne? So more questions than answers, really, but what a fabulous picture.

End

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JANUARY 2018

News&Events 1000 Bikes roaring back! The VMCC has announced the return of one of motorcycling’s great events, as the Festival of 1000 Bikes returns for 2018. The event will be at Mallory Park from July 6-8. It’s returning with exactly the same format as before, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to ride their own machines in multiple track sessions over the weekend. Catering for all classes of machines from the earliest Veterans through to the machines of the super bike era, this is a truly inclusive event which reflects the wide range of interests within the VMCC. Entry forms will be available to be downloaded from the website in December or otherwise contact VMCC HQ direct or via www.vmcc.net

Diversity and vast crowds were what the 1000 Bikes had. In 2018 it’ll all be back.

John Nelson The universally respected service manager for both Triumph and Norton, and later author, John Nelson died peacefully at home in late September 2017, aged 92. There was a considerable gathering at Gedling Crematorium, Nottingham on October 30, for his funeral. After national service in India and Cambridge university, he went to Triumph for 21 years, then moved to Norton Villiers in 1971. Following the collapse of Norton Villiers Triumph, John left, later becoming CEO of the Meriden co-operative for 18 months. He then turned to writing, penning three definitive Triumph books over the next decade, alongside a raft of service literature under the respected aegis of JR Technical Publications Ltd, which wife June and he started in 1983, retiring in 1996.

NEWS IN BRIEF MECUM AUCTION Over January 23-27, more than 1750 motorcycles will be auctioned by Mecum at its Las Vegas sale. Details from www.mecum.com

BONHAMS AT BOND STREET It’s the 1960s, with Shakespeare County Raceway at its peak... Actually, no, it’s really October 2017, as Justin Newell, 150 (supercharged Hagon Triumph-Weslake), lines up with Tim Howell (supercharged BSA A65) in the far lane.

Halloween bonfire burn-up With the start of housing development on the site possibly imminent, a decision is expected soon regarding future race events at Shakespeare County Raceway. The drag strip, near Stratfordupon-Avon, wrapped up its 2017 season with the Halloween Party and Bonfire Burn-up, on October 28/29. The National Sprint Association (Southern

Bonhams’ New Bond Street sale is scheduled for December 2. Details +44 (0)20 8963 2817 or www. bonhams.com/motorcycles

START JANUARY AT CBG WINTER CLASSIC

Section) also closed its race season with sprint sessions as part of two days of track action. Among the entry of sprint bikes developed from more recent machinery, a small selection of classic British twins took advantage of the occasion. Justin Newell, on his nitrofuelled, 750cc Hagon Triumph, was the quickest, posting an impressive 9.49/144mph.

Held at the Newark county showground, on January 7-8 2018, the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic has become something of an immediate favourite, a welcome motorcycling antidote to the Christmas TV schedules and too much pudding. Tickets available from www.classicbikeshows. com or 01507 529529.

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JANUARY 2018

News Events

Help solve motorcycle theft Police are appealing for help after the 11 motorcycles listed, a car trailer manufactured by Brian James and a box of heavy duty tie-down straps were stolen from a burglar alarmed timber building sited on a farm in Cambridgeshire on November 1.

1914 New Hudson E 1926 Coventry Eagle 300 1927 AJS 350cc 1929 Ariel LF 1930 BSA Sloper 1933 Francis-Barnett Lapwing 1946 Ariel 500cc Twin Port 1951 Ariel VHA 1951 BSA ZB 1957 BSA Bantam 1968 BSA Bantam Sports

The machines belonged variously to father and son enthusiasts Mike and Richard Hobbs, and two of the Ariels by their friend Drew Down. Cambridgeshire police have awarded the crime number: CF0631681117 to the case.

REG NO HK 8773 EE 5717 SV 6974 SV 9572 HSL 880 ANO 945 GLJ 462 Unregistered 798 XUM 286 XUF XVX 13F

FRAME NO 8159 37001 A/T/48315 H82659 7598 XH10937 XW1163 C277790 BP4566 SA2752 ZB31 15053 XB3122254 BD2S68465 DD11454 D14B1075 D14B1075

ENGINE NO 1360 H82659 7492 GY4141 CK2983 XD123

Bernard ‘Ben’ Noble on his Manx Norton, which will now be displayed in the Isle of Man, the place where it raced, by Ben, for year after year.

behalf of the British Motorcycle Charitable Trust to buy it for the Isle of Man museum, so it can now be displayed for all to see. Other pleasing results were a non-matching numbers 1960 BSA Gold Star 500cc that made £16,800, a 1987 Honda RC30 at £18,480, 1930 Ariel Model LF OHV at £4480, an unrestored 1953 BSA A7 at £3920 and stars of the unrestored scene, barn finds, a 1939 BSA B21 at £5380 and a 1936 BSA W6 at £3470. All prices are inclusive of the 10% buyer’s premium plus VAT. The next auction is on March 3.

QUICK TURNAROUND BMW specialist Motorworks has come up with this ideal solution for turning your bike around in a tight space. Made from tread-plate with a 420mm rotating top, it uses a heavyduty ball bearing race to allow you to turn your bike around while on its centrestand. It costs £135 from motorworks.co.uk or 01484 353600.

JANUARY 1918

The government denied reports it was instigating oil prospecting in the Isle of Man. It had been recently reported oil was discovered

1943

It was known the War Office had been testing ultra lightweight motorcycles for the airborne forces and it was now learned one newly developed James machine

1968

Sledmore sale Dee, Atkinson & Harrison had another successful Classic Car and Motorcycle auction at Sledmere House, East Yorkshire, on November 4. The venue was packed with potential bidders and people coming to see how the sale went; the cafe reported record sales of their excellent bacon rolls! The undoubted highlight was ex-racer from Driffield, Ben Noble’s 1960 350cc Manx Norton. This had everything going for it to be sold by auction. A great race history from 1960 until it was laid up in 1996; it was unrestored; it came with a huge history file of all of Ben’s races; his race leathers, helmets... and Ben was there! Eventually the estimate of £15,000/20,000 was left behind, as multiple bidders took the price to £31,360. Former Formula 3 TT world champion John Kidson was there on

THE WAY WE WERE IN

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JANUARY 2018

On Monday, January 1, the ACU unveiled plans for the new look 1968 IoM TT races programme. The sidecar race timing was the biggest change, moving to Saturday of race week, and the revised schedule would see the authorities run two classes, up to 500cc and 501 to 750cc, concurrently. Only riders in the 500cc class would score world championship points but to race in either the drivers had to hold an international licence. A midweek production race was also planned, although its structure was yet to be finalised. Other changes included moving the 50cc race to Monday morning and the 125cc to Friday morning. The 250cc, Junior and Senior classes remained unchanged, on Mon, Weds and Friday. Sidecar racers welcoming the changes included the Boddice family, Pip Harris

1993

It was announced MCC (Europe) Ltd was to import into the UK Chinese copies of the 1973-76 BMW 60/6 and 75/6 (600cc and 750cc

at Ramsey – though the government had concurred with local claims it was a case of oil leakage, not discovery, and there was no further comment.

powered by a 122cc Villiers engine had been assembled. Coded the ML (Military Lightweight) the prototype was delivered to the military on January 23 for appraisal.

and Chris Vincent. Bill Boddice stated the large capacity class should have its upper limit set at 1000cc, but the ACU move was a step in the right direction and both he and son Mick would compete in the 501750cc race. Pip Harris also welcomed the move although he’d continue to compete in the 500cc class, as he could afford to run only one outfit and still liked competing in the occasional world championship classic. After welcoming the ACU plan, Chris Vincent went on to anger many sidecar passengers and race fans with a quote which soon became hot gossip across the UK. “Passengers are an unfortunate necessity. If there were clutch starts and the regulations allowed us to race without them, they would be the first thing to get rid of. And if the outfit was modified accordingly I am sure I could go faster without one.”

respectively). Interest was strong for both complete machines and cheap Chinese spares to keep older BMWs on the road. Richard Rosenthal.

Book Review Ride of my life Fantastic bike tests and incredible motorcycling stories Author: Frank Mellin ng Editor and photography: Carol Melling Published by: Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6JR R Tel: 01507 529529 Softback, 210 x 295mm (portrait); 130 pages with over 120 photographs and illustrations. ISBN 978-1-911276-55-5 £7.99 From riding the latest retro bikes to throwing a leg over the legendary eight-cylinder Moto Guzzi grand prix racer or being there the day the gates close for the last time at the BSA factory, Frank Melling has always had a knack of being in the right place at the right time. He claims he never had much ability as a rider, but did have two invaluable talents. First, he found at a young age that he could ride anything with two wheels quickly and competently and secondly, discovered he had an aptitude for being able to put his passion for motorcycling into words that magazines were happy to publish. Melling, who has been privileged to ride some of the most exotic, historic and interesting machines, gives interesting backgrounds to all the machines he tests in the 17 chapters. The BSA Rocket 3 is discussed and we learn that it could have been in production in 1963, according to the author’s interview with Doug Hele (the designer), shortly before he died. How many knew that in 1973 BSA was considering making a batch of speedway bikes?

Dressed in a sports jacket, Melling rode the brakeless prototype around the factory and wore out his best shoes trying to stop it. Riding Rem Fowler’s 1907 TT-winning twin-cylinder Norton was a frightening experience that gave him enormous respect for the pioneer racers. At the other end of the scale he was able to achieve a lifetime’s ambition by riding the Sammy Miller Museum’s Moto Guzzi V8 grand prix racer. A BMW R90S is enthused over – a machine that the author used to cover continental motocross meetings. The Honda DN-01 – a cross between a cruiser and a scooter – is described as the worst machine he has ever ridden, and not much better is the disastrous Suzuki RE5 rotary. Another Melling privilege was to visit the Moto Guzzi museum at Mandello del Lario, a marvellous collection that is rarely open to the public. Author Melling and his photographer wife Carol have produced a well written, carefully researched and nicely illustrated book. Book reviewed by Jonathan Hill

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JANUARY 2018

New Events News

NMM | Open day

Busy day at the museum

Another packed day at the National Motorcyle Museum’s now-annual extravaganza. 1

Words and photographs: JAMES ROBINSON The National Motorcycle Museum has clearly hit on a winning formula with its annual, early November open day, as evidenced by the fact that by 8am on the morning of the day before the day we all ‘remember, remember’, the car parks were already filling up rapidly, as people piled into the Birmingham-based tribute to the British motorcycle industry. The museum throws its doors open for free, allowing people to wander through all the halls and marvel at the motorcycles on display. As well as that, though, there’s several more halls of autojumble, a fire-up area in the middle of the museum’s quad (which was new for this year), a host of star guests – Freddie Spencer and Carl Fogarty topped this year’s bill, with Steve Parrish as compere – as well as good catering (including curry and an outdoor BBQ) and live music. So it’s not hard to see why it has become so popular. It was estimated there were upwards of 3000 people here

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during the day, many of who, despite the at times inclement weather, opted to come by motorcycle. This year a parking charge was introduced for cars (per car and irrespective of how many people were in the car) though motorcycles parked for free. By late morning, though, cars were circling the parking area, looking for places to park, such were the numbers that had filed in. Many traders reported

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brisk business, too, while the NMM’s shop and café had bumper days. We took along (well, returned, it was to be left there…) the Sunbeam Model 90 featured in this issue and a first-of-the-units Triumph TR6, with both machines providing talking points. That is what the NMM open day has become too; a day of talking, as acquaintances are made and renewed, the air filled with the common End language of motorcycles.

1: The museum itself was filled to bursting point. 2: TCM founding editor Bob Currie’s Ariel on the Castrol classics stand. 3: Adventurer and author Gordon May chats away. 4: Stars on stage. Not a spare seat in the house. 5: MV four drew admiring gazes. 6: The way to travel. Weatherprotection offered by the Leader – a boon in November. 7: AJS twin, out front of the museum. Space was at a premium.

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THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | JANUARY 2018