The Classic Motorcycle - September 2019 - Preview by Mortons Media Group Ltd

LA AST OF ARMY IR RON TH HE LINE HORSE Fin nal Ajay twin Rugged Indian

RCULATES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD CIR

SEPTEMBER 2019

Long-serving BSA B31 L

Number 9, September 2019 £4.30 UK Off-sale date 06/09/2019

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Solid d servan servant

The 71st Banbury Run T Annual vintage extravaganza

PLUS  GREEVES SCOTTISH TRIUMPH TWIN REBUILD RICKMAN ENTHUSIASTS’ DAY  MATCHLESS MODEL X  MOTORCYCLES AT BROOKLANDS THE UNLOVED BABY BEESAS - PART II  ECW V-TWIN

Editor’s welcome

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Phew, that’s been some month. It’s flown by, a full schedule of event and visits, with plenty of riding on a wide variety of motorcycles, from vintage to modern and others in between. The type of events have been varied too – so it was down to the south coast for the Rickman Day (that was the weekend after Banbury), then a vintage and veteran weekend away, Morini Day at Cadwell and 1000 Bikes at Mallory Park, plus a few other bits and pieces thrown in, including tests/rides on different bikes, and a few visits as well. The vintage and veteran weekend was a lovely opportunity to get some miles in on pre-31 machinery, in like-minded company managing 100-plus miles a day, both days. I rode my Rex-Acme on the Saturday (after an aborted attempt on a fresh restoration ended before it had begun) and then swapped to my dad’s AJS K8 for Sunday. The K8 (1928 500cc overhead valve) is truly one of my favourite motorcycles of all to ride, it just does everything in such a nice, unfussy manner. For something vintage, it’s possessed of ample performance, it’s light, the brakes are okay and it’s generally an easy starter. What’s not to love? The machine I used for the Festival of 1000 Bikes was an AJS K10, my cousin Peter’s machine, which is on loan with me at the moment. It makes an interesting comparison with the K8 in many ways. Whereas my dad has owned the K8 since 1968 (we think) and it’s been in use for much of that time, the K10 (1928 500cc chain-driven overhead cam) is freshly restored and only returned to the road (really) late in 2018, so this is its first season. I’ll be writing more about the K10 later in the year, including a comparison between it and the K8, but, suffice to say, I’ve enjoyed my time on both greatly. Bringing things into a more modern classic era, I also managed a day out on my Morini at the eversuperb b Mo orini OC tra ack day at Cadwe ell Pa ark. I’d d als so taken the Mk.I KTT along as well, so had an outing on that too, basically just to check it over before lending it to a friend for the Festival of 1000 Bikes (again more of that later) who enjoyed a good day on it. And while undertaking all these adventures, I’ve been lucky kyy enough to mix with some great enthusiasts and enthusiasm, with one person I should mention being Adam Rear, who spent a week on work experience from university with us. He turned up on his late 1970s Honda C90, wrote some ‘live’ copy (in this issue) and fitted in perfectly – well done that man.

PAGE 22

JAMES ROBINSON Editor

Regular contributors

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

Contributors this issue

James Adam Bolton, Mike Davis, Rob Davies.

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 | SEPTEMBER 2019

Archive photograph .......................................... 6 News ................................................................... 8 Brooklands Motorcycle Day.......................... 14 Letters ............................................................. 16 Banbury Run .................................................. 20 Subscribe and save ........................................ 22 BSA B31 ........................................................... 24 Greeves Scottish............................................. 32 ECW V-twin .................................................... 39 The Unloved – BSA group babies, part two .. 44 Rickman Day ................................................... 51 Indian 741B ..................................................... 54 AJS Model 33 ................................................... 60 Closer look – Motocross des Nations 1947-51 .......................................................................... 66 Cecil Pearson interview................................. 72 Men who mattered – Bert Hopwood ............ 74 Triumph unit rebuild..................................... 76 Chinon Classic................................................ 80 Roy Poynting column .................................... 83 Sketchbook Travels ........................................ 84 You Were Asking............................................. 86 Jerry Thurston column................................... 89 Restoration guide – Matchless Model X....... 90 Technical feature – Restoration tricks.......... 92 Classic components – Morse tapers ............. 98 Next month .................................................. 109 Diary..............................................................110 Classic camera.............................................. 114

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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 house » 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 | SEPTEMBER 2019

Two-wheeled delivery during the returning Olympic Games Motorcycle couriers atop new Douglases, delivering press photographs and doing it in style.

Words: ADAM REAR Photograph: MORTONS MEDIA ARCHIVE

his intriguing picture, captured during the 1948 London Olympics, epitomises modernity and a brave new world, with the seamlessly stylish, beautiful looking Douglas twins, not forgetting the equally slick looking gents riding them, posed alongside a shiny aeroplane. Long before electronic methods of transporting press photographs, it was not an uncommon sight to see them being delivered by motorcycle couriers and aeroplanes, and this (admittedly somewhat staged-looking) photograph does the perfect job of capturing the process. Douglas enthusiast, tuner and London-based agent Eddy Withers (Withers of West Norwood Limited) is astride a Mark III Sports Model, registration JYT 147, with colleagues Ted Brigginshaw (bag in hand) and Albert Le Roy on standard (aka De Luxe) Mark III models. The ‘press’ plates above the headlights reveals the purpose of the delivery – they are carrying photographs rushed from a London athletics meeting to a waiting Air France Lockheed. Douglas claimed the Mark III Sports Model was the fastest 350cc production sports roadster on the British market at the time, with a maximum speed of 80mph. The Sports Model used a high-level exhaust system with the twin exhaust header pipes leading into two Burgess straight-through ‘silencers.’ It is also possible to pick out the neat heat shield attached to the pipe. The removal of the transverse mounted toolbox above the gearbox on the standard machine allowed the Sports Model to

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | SEPTEMBER 2019

carry a large circular air cleaner that was connected to each carburettor intake. The reworked cylinder head achieved the improvements desired – the low speed engine vibration reduced significantly and there was a noticeable increase in acceleration and top end performance over previous incarnations. After a 12-year hiatus caused by the Second World War, the 1948 London Olympics were the first summer Olympiad to be held since the 1936 games in Berlin. Originally, the 1940 Olympic Games were originally going to be hosted in Tokyo and then in Helsinki, but due to the conflict occurring at the time and the divide of nations the games were cancelled, as were the 1944 Olympic Games, which were awarded to London. The 1948 Olympics were called ‘the austerity games’ due to the financial struggles Britain and many other nations were facing. This was apparent as no new venues were built for the games and athletes were housed in already existing accommodation at the Wembley Arena, instead of an Olympic village. Everything was done on a smaller scale, with a ‘make do and mend’ attitude extended to ensuring that the show, or at least a show of some kind, went on. Germany and Japan were not invited, with one of the stars of the games Fanny Blankers-Koen, a 30-year-old mother of two (leading to a ‘The Flying Housewife’ nickname) who won two gold medals in athletics, while 17-year-old US decathlete Bob Mathias became the youngest gold

medal winner. The games was also notable for its first defector, as a Czech official refused to return home. The aeroplane can be identified as a member of the Air France fleet, a company that was rebranded on the dawn of 1946, when it had an overhaul and upgraded its aircraft. Air transport at the time was improving and rapidly expanding on a global scale, and this was most definitely

Classic archive

the case with Air France. In 1949, the airline transported more than 20,000,000 passengers worldwide, compared to 6,000,000 in 1945. The Mark III Sports Model was regarded as one of the best – if not the best – of the post-Second World War Douglas twins. Some call the two models (which replaced the earlier, single model Mark I range) simply the Sports Model and the Mark III De

Luxe (so no ‘Mark’ moniker for the Sports Model) but for consistency we have called it the Mark II Sports Model to differentiate it from the Mark I. The basic mark series machines (and it should be noted there was no Mark II) saw some updates and adjustments since its initial release in 1947 and, although still catalogued as ‘III’ in October 1949, in effect they were the Mark IV. The Mk V was listed

for 1951. Total production of Mark series models was just over 9500. As a final hurrah, a check on the number JYT 147 reveals it is still on the DVLA database and still on a Mark III Douglas, registered in August 1948, which was last taxed in 2018, so it is most likely in use and on the road. If you are lucky enough to have that End machine in your garage, do let us know.

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Neews Events

New ws&Events

NEWS IN BRIEF  THE 26TH EUROJUMBLE

This year’s Netley Marsh Eurojumble is on Friday, and Saturday, September 6/7. Join thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from across Europe as they set out to find that elusive part, piece or purchase for their next projects. Situated near Southampton, this year’s Eurojumble will see more than 300 traders showcase their wares, everything from spare tools to books, signs to magazines. Secure your ticket to the event and book now at www. netleymarsheurojumble. com or 01507 529529.

Morbidelli collection to come under the hammer

 SPEED BY THE SEA

The Brighton National Speed Trials will return to the seafront again this year on Saturday, September 7. Entry forms, regulations and entry criteria are available at www.brighton andhovemotorclub.co.uk. Advance spectator tickets are also on sale now via the Brighton and Hove Motor club website and offer a 20% discount on the gate price. Around 150 cars and 75 motorcycles take the quarter-mile timed run down Brighton seafront. Len Wooller, chairman, Brighton and Hove Motor Club commented: “The Speed Trials is one of the oldest and most thrilling motorsport events and is a popular feature on the Brighton seafront calendar.”

 KOP HILL CLIMB

This year’s Kop Hill Climb takes place on September 21/22, for its 10th anniversary event. Although participant places are now full, spectators are encouraged. Visit www.kophillclimb.org.uk for details.

Exciting news is that the worldfamous Morbidelli collection, consisting of 300 incredible motorcycles, will be coming up for auction by Bonhams

at Stafford on Friday and Saturday, October 18/19, in what will be a three-day sale at the 26th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show.

The third day (Sunday October 20) will be reserved for 150 or so carefully selected private entries. More details to follow next month.

AJS reaches almost £29,000 at Sledmere The Classic Car and Motorcycle auction at Sledmere House was another great success with an enviable 90% selling rate. Buyers came from all over the country to bid for the quality offerings and competed on the internet and telephone from around the world. Highlights of the July 6 sale were the 1937 AJS 37/2 that spent the last 60 years down an inspection pit and which was bought by the founder of a luxury clothing firm for his personal collection at £28,750; the 1988 Honda RC30 sold to a local collector of 1980s exotica for £21,850; a 1934 Triumph 6/1, partially restored, went to an expat living in Venice Village, California, USA, for £12,000;

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Big AJS V-twin fetched £28,750 at auction in July.

and a 1983 Triumph T140W TSS, sold for £7360 will be loaded onto a container for Australia. The next auction will be held

on November 2, further details from Andy Spicer on 01377 593593 or visit www.spicersauctioneers.com

Neews Events

Book Review

“Motorcycles and motorcycling in the USSR from 1939”

A social and technical history

From 1923, the McKenzie Roadster is a real rarity.

Glamis Castle show The 45th Scottish Transport Extravaganza took place at Glamis Castle, Forfar, over July 13/14, 2019. The weather was very temperamental, as is usually the case in those parts, but the Sunday cleared up and the sun shone. With an attendance of around 15,000, it is the biggest event of its kind in Scotland. A wide range of motorcycles were in attendance – altogether there were 105 public motorcycle entries, covering the veteran, vintage, post vintage, classic and modern classic categories, from 1914 to 1980. There were also 22 entries from the organising club, the

Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club (SVVC). Many of the public motorbikes were exhibited by members of the Central Scottish branch of the Vintage Motorcycle Club. Lochside Vehicle Services from Orchardbank, Forfar also displayed some bikes, including BSAs, Triumphs, Nortons, Hondas and Yamahas. There were even two ex-WD motorcycles being displayed in the military vehicle section. All enquiries on this event should be directed to the organising club at www.svvc. co.uk. Francis Lee.

Stars all set for Classic TT John McGuinness, Dean Harrison, Michaels Dunlop and Rutter, Conor Cummins, Jamie Coward, James Hillier and Danny Webb are just some of the stellar names expected for this year’s Classic TT festival, which begins on August 17, with the race days August 24 and 26. Expect Patons to battle with MV Agustas, Manx Nortons, Honda

twins and fours and Matchless G50s for Senior race honours, with supporting classes including Junior, Lightweight and Superbike (in which our colleague, Fast Bikes journo Mike Booth will be competing on his £600-purchase ZXR750 Kawasaki) races completing the programme. Details at www.iomttraces.com

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Author: Colin Turbett Published by: Veloce Publishing Ltd, Veloce House, Parkway Farm Business Park, Middle Farm Way, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3AR Email: sales@veloce.co.uk Fax: 01305 250479 Hardback, 280 x 207mm (portrait); 128 pages with 286 photographs and illustrations. ISBN: 978-1-787113-14-5 £25; $40 USA This is a refreshing book as it not only covers the origins, models and specification of these motorcycles from the early days, but also shows how they were used for work, sport and pleasure in the countries where they were manufactured. This often mirrors how these motorcycles were used in the UK when they first started to be imported in the 1960s, from cheap, utilitarian and rugged transport, to far more of a leisure and indeed ‘collectable’ motorcycle. Virtually all of the machines made by the State-owned factories in the USSR until its demise in 1991, both military and civilian, can trace their heritage back to pre-Second World War BMW R71 machines and it’s believed the Soviet Union was using the design under licence and copies of DKW 125 and 350cc two-stroke machines were made after the whole plant was shipped back to Russia postwar as part of the reparations for wartime losses. Many British and American military motorcycles were shipped to Russia during the Second World War, including Velocettes – there is even printed a Russian copy of the Velocette MAF handbook. Machines were imported from Communist Bloc countries, with Jawa from Czechoslovakia and Pannonia two-strokes from Hungary, not surprisingly, being very popular. Motorcycle sport is covered,

with road racing, particularly in Estonia being popular and it is surprising to read that there were many female competitors. The incredibly dangerous ice racing on frozen lakes with fearsome spiked tyres is also covered. This is the first Englishlanguage text on postwar motorcycles produced in the Soviet Union and has technical information on every motorcycle produced in the USSR between 1941 and 1990. There is extensive use of previously unavailable material and the book is fully illustrated throughout in both black and white and colour photographs and illustrations. This is a fascinating insight into the lives of ordinary citizens in the USSR and the hidden history of Soviet motorcycle sport – from ice racing and speedway to road racing, motocross and motorcycle football. Rare family photographs illustrate the place of motorcycles in social life in the USSR and 20th century Socialist-Realist iconography is applied to motorcycling. Also covered are aspects of motorcycling not seen elsewhere – with brown bears as riders and camels as sidecar passengers! The book describes state production of utilitarian motorcycles on a scale not seen before or since. A well-researched and interesting book. Book reviewed by Jonathan Hill.

Neews Events NEWS IN BRIEF BRUCIE BONUS

The Furgan Bruce is a waxed cotton jacket that is both waterproof and breathable. It has an easily removed thermal lining and five pockets – three on the outside and two inner ones. There’s also a pocket for a back protector. The smart, dark brown jacket looks good and has proved comfortable too. I’ve been wearing a medium (I’m 5ft 8in-ish, 12 stone), under which I can get a T-shirt and sweatshirt comfortably. It’s smart enough so th hat when you y get where you’re going, it can be worn as a casual jjaccket too; well, once you’ve washed the dead flies off. Recommended retail price is £229.99. www. nevis.uk.com

HEROIC FOOTWEAR

These TCX Hero boots have been my summer riding boot of choice this year – and impressive they are too. Not being keen on always wearing motorcycle clothing that looks like motorcycle clothing, these provide a nice alternative. They’re made of flexible full grain leather, with waterproof lining, reinforced reinfor toe and heel p protection, a gearch hange pad and d both zip a and velcro fastening. I’ve ffound d them really comfortable. Recommended retail price is £179.99. www.nevis. uk.com

How does he do it? Keith Webb’s very well used Laverda SF looks like it has just been rolled out of the showroom but is a long distance veteran.

Greg Taylor looks as if he has forgiven his award-winning Black Shadow for misbehaving earlier in the day.

Anita Dray looks pleased with the result of her day, collecting the ‘Best pre-1950s’ award for her 1200 Indian Chief before she rode it home.

Tough challenge for judges Elk Promotions events at the huge field on the outskirts of Hamstreet in Kent are always popular. From just about any direction, the local roads make it a pleasant ride, evidenced by long lines of parked bikes. The entries at the Romney Marsh Classic Show on June 23 demonstrated a great variety as well as creating tough calls for the judges to make. Best pre-1950s was Anita Dray’s 1948 1200cc Indian Chief, ‘Boudicca.’ Custom paintwork may offend the purists, but there was no denying Anita’s bike was a real work of art. It was a total contrast to runner-up, John Gates’ Rotrax

speedway bike – alloy, plated steel and a bare minimum of motorcycle. The next categories covered the classic era. Greg Taylor’s Vincent Black Shadow got an award, possibly compensating for some electrical concerns the bike had given him earlier in the day. Dave Harding, has owned his 1970 BSA Lightning for some time ‘… definitely a keeper,’ he confirmed. With Bantams taking some individual awards, and Vince Gill’s C12 being judged ‘Best British’, it was a good day for BSA owners. However, many would happily have gone home with Kevin Goldfinch’s Norton

Commando, or Derek Jell’s 1962 650cc Triumph Trophy. Keith Webb’s immaculate 1972 Laverda 750SF looked as if it had just been restored. Keith actually completed the work in 1986 and many, many thousands of miles ago. Among several continental trips the bike once received the endorsement of Massimo Laverda, no less. Competition was close for the award for the best club. Triumph, Norton and the Vintage Japanese offered numbers and variety, but the Bantam Club, regular supporters of ELK events, and with a coop-full, was not to be denied. Alan Turner.

Historic racing takes to the track at Lydden Hill British Historic Racing visited Lydden Hill circuit, east of Canterbury, Kent, on June 22-23, for a weekend of track action and entertainment. The club managed to complete a 37 race programme over the two days, with most riders getting at least two opportunities to race every day. With many categories from which to choose, catering for engines from 50 to 1300cc, the grids can have an assortment of machinery. The classic era events see fewer Manxes, 7Rs and G50s nowadays, although the

performances put up by Vincent Comets, Velocettes and assorted other half-litre engines provided an interesting mix and some unexpected results. Interest in the BEARS (British, European, American Racing and Supporters) series has made this into a real spectacle

with bigger sports bikes being wrestled around the circuit’s near-constant right-hand turns. Triumph, Norton, Laverda and Moto-Guzzi were among those filling the Lydden valley with a rolling thunder. The three-wheel equivalent sees grids-full of bikes almost all powered by BMW’s effective K100 ‘brick’ engine. The sinuous Lydden circuit provides opportunities for racecraft to compensate for any shortage of power. It may be Historic Racing, but it was up to the minute entertainment. Alan Turner.

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THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | SEPTEMBER 2019

THE WAY WE WERE IN

SEPTEMBER 1919

The first postwar ACU Six Days Trial attracted 116 entrants (including late entry E W Merrall, 8hp Morgan) of which 111 started the Llandrindod Wells-based event. After a 98.5 mile short route on Monday, entrants returned to their machines late in the evening for a 41 mile ‘Lamp Test.’ During the day, an entrant struck a Ford car after misunderstanding a policeman’s signal to make him the first of 30 retirements during the week. Thursday took the biggest toll, accounting for 10 retirements. Subsequent mileages of 160, 152, 159 and 161 miles per day took the entrants through the week. Many riders suffered multiple punctures, including Tim Wood of the Scott team. At the finish after a day’s drive, an eager helper filled water into the petrol tank of Greave’s Morgan and earlier in that day the Ariel 5-6hp outfit of Watson caught fire – on that occasion, water was useful! Accidents, including for Mr Easting of the Easting

1944

The death of Syd Gleave, killed while testing a Lancaster aircraft, was announced. Aged 39, he was senior test pilot for the Hawker-Avro Group.

1969

Twenty-year-old Scot Alex George (Yamaha) won the year’s Lightweight Manx GP while Robin Duffy (Aermacchi) took the Junior

1994

Production of MZ two-stroke motorcycles was transferring to Turkey, leaving the German maker MuZ to concentrate on building

Windscreen Co, forced retirements, while collapsed wheel bearings, engine maladies and broken frames did for others, including Harry Reed of Dot, whose sidecar parted company from its motorcycle. The crowd enjoyed the speed climb late in the week, with racing men Kaye Don (5hp Zenith), Victor Horsman (4hp Norton), Tommy de la Hay (3½hp Sunbeam) and the Wood brothers (both 3½hp Scotts) making spirited, dust-raising ascents. As Friday drew to a close and riders neared the finish, a lady standing in front of a sign caused many to take a wrong turn, to lose time and marks. Saturday was given over to machine scrutiny and results tallying. From the 81 finishers, 22 earned gold medals, 36 silvers, 15 bronze and nine, including the ABC Brooklands star Jack Emerson, gained no award. The BSA factory team secured the team competition from Scott, whose Tim Wood recorded the best overall performance. Winner of many races and an IoM TT regular from 1926-34, Gleave won the 1933 Lightweight race at 71.59mph racing a factory Excelsior Mechanical Marvel. race and Gordon Daniels (Cowles Matchless) the Senior, with a race speed of 93.43mph and a fastest lap of 96.66mph. their 660cc ohc single cylinder Yamaha-powered Skorpion, priced at £4550. Richard Rosenthal.

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Classic Brooklands scene with the backdrop of the Membersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Banking. Riders await the challenge of Test Hill.

The track that continues to attract

Words and photographs: ALAN TURNER

Brooklands Motorcycle Day was held on June 30, drawing an eclectic collection of superb machines to the Surrey speedbowl.

t is now 80 years since the last race was held over the fabled Outer Circuit but Brooklands loses none of its appeal. As the sun and temperature rose, a turn-out of bikes gradually filled the motorcycle parking area at the top of the finishing straight where it joins the Members' Banking. Spread around the paddock area was a mix of displays, trade and club stands. Among the clubs, BMCRC, an organisation that can trace its roots to the days of organising race meetings at Brooklands, had a large display featuring a variety of racing machinery that sees regular action in the club's events. Out in force was the Surrey Branch of the Norton Owners Club, which has a well-supported and busy calendar. Owners had brought along an impressive line of Commandos, but the front rank of the display was a line of camshaft singles, the type of machinery that kept the Bracebridge Street manufacturer among the top of performers, especially at Brooklands. Barry Stickland's cammy was an interesting example. When Norton refused to sell Manx engines to car racers, they were obliged to buy complete bikes. Francis Beart was happy to see the rolling chassis of this very early Featherbed vanish, loaded onto a potato lorry on which the Fenland buyer came to collect it! Back home at Upwell,

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | SEPEMBER 2019

Norton rider Barry Stickland rode in on this example. The near-upright suspension units mark it out as an early Featherbed.

Brooklands | Motorcycle Day Brookla

Kept behind bars? The Brailsford Race Team’s re-creation of Paul Smart’s Trident with factory commissioned Rob North frame.

near Wisbech, he fitted the engine from his earlier bike. After a race career, the bike was sold on and registered for the road. Years later, Barry secured it, as well as copy of a local history book that documented the bike's history. It's rare that provenance is that good! For this year's Motorcycle Day, Dick Shepherd had brought three T120 Bonnevilles as the choice from his considerable Triumph collection. The 'Bonny' may have its own British motorcycle folklore (especially for riders of a certain age) but Dick pointed out that the bike was very much tailored for American buyers. They took no less than 80% of the factory's output. Dick has the original prototype Bonneville which, after use as a development machine, became a static showpiece in Edward Turner's office. There was also a 1959 'Tangerine Dream' colour option entered for the Thruxton 500 by Kings of Oxford (one of Stan Hailwood's dealerships) and another Thruxton version, a 1960 one, supplied to Hector Dugdale, and also entered for the race that gave the model its supplementary name. Last year, Mark Loxley had a single-cylinder JAP quasiboard track special. This year, his father John and he had just finished a V-twin version. A quick road test proved that the bike worked; unfortunately, it had a dispute with the clutch and the problem could not be sorted in time. A superb James V-twin outfit was parked awhile in the clubhouse paddock. The 1931 500cc 'Grey Ghost' C2 model also displayed the manufacturer's brochure claims of 'silence, smoothness and thrilling speed'. At £62.50 (including electric lights) how could you go wrong? Sessions on Test Hill attracted crowds of spectators. So close to the action, it is easy to see different riding techniques. Modern bikes fairly romp up the steep incline, but hearing classic and vintage engines working hard is greatly appreciated. There's a common will to urge low-powered, will-they, won't-they-make-it attempts to succeed. When they gain the top, it is inevitably to enthusiastic cheers. David Carpenter was one such recipient as he needed every one of the seven and a half available horses to persuade wife Terri's 200cc MotoGuzzi Galletto over the top. The couple had also brought another less-common Guzzi from their Sussex home, a 1953 Airone Sport, a 250cc ohv single. What's better than being at Brooklands? Obviously, riding at Brooklands! All of the active demonstration sessions were popular, with a few laps of an oval laid out on the finishing straight, or completing climbs on Test Hill while it was open for business. These occasions also see the museum bikes out in action. Anyone riding in either track or Test Hill sessions has to attend a mandatory briefing. Brooklands may have been built as a temple to speed, but nowadays, the concrete surface, laid so long ago, is uneven and often deceptively slippery. Eight decades on, the recipe’s the same, and it appears End Brooklands can still draw 'the right crowd'.

Brooklands Section VMCC. James and Greeves trials bikes (left front) were restored by John Burch.

Simon Wakeﬁeld, 1957 Gilera Super Sport (left), David Ward and his 1955 Mondial 175TV (middle) and Ian Smart with a 1957 Moto Parilla Losso Veloce. All enthused about successfully ﬁnishing a recent Moto Giro d’Italia.

Dick Shepherd with the prototype Bonneville that once graced the ofﬁce of designer Edward Turner.

‘Second gear and keep it pinned’, proved to be the technique for getting Martin Hirst and his V-twin Dart-JAP to the top of Test Hill.

Last minute clutch troubles stopped Mark Loxley riding this quasi-American-style V-twin race bike.

THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE | SEPTEMBER 2019

Readerss’ Letters YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Aermacchi and Harley I enjoyed immensely James Adam Bolton’s story on the Aermacchi/ Harley connection in the July edition of The Classic MotorCycle. It is nice to see these excellent machines described in such a positive manner. I have both a 1968 Harley SS250 Sprint (four-speed), and a 1973 Harley SS350 Sprint (five-speed with electric start). Both are very different machines and tremendous fun to ride. I would like to point out a couple of small inaccuracies in the article. Photo three of the gear change states Aermacchi retained right side gearchange through to the end of production. Actually, for 1973 and 1974 (the last years of the 350), the gearchange was moved to the left-hand side of the engine in keeping with the Japanese bikes. I know since I own one! It also means I have to remember which Harley Aermacchi I am riding, or I get a surprise when applying the foot brake! Rob Gardner, via email.

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