The Classic MotorCycle July 2023

How do people decide to become a fan of a particular marque? This always interests me, as I often think if I could have some focus, then it’d make my life easier – I could be in just one owners’ club, have spares on the shelf, recognise bits at a glance… But no, I constantly flit from thing to thing, my interest easily piqued and another added to the ‘one day I must have…’ list. I’ve pals who, say, are Velocette diehards – quite a few in fact – while, for example, the Marston Sunbeam Club and the Sunbeam S7/S8 Fellowship always fascinate me; that there’s two distinct Sunbeam bands, quite separate from each other but equally dedicated and sharing a name, is just interesting. I suppose it’s similar with…

The start of the 10-lap 350cc solo race sees the man referred to above, Ron Parkinson, lined up with five other riders, the starter’s flag aloft, ready for the fun to begin. As was often the case at the time – the event report was published on May 1, 1930, and refers to the event ‘last Saturday’ – Parkinson eventually showed them a clean pair of wheels, his old, flat-tank Bigport AJS recovering from a poor start. Noted The Motor Cycle’s report: “The principle feature of the 350cc 10-mile race was the brilliant cornering of R F Parkinson, (348cc AJS) who started at the rear of the procession and picked up places by means of some really good riding, In spite of his hot cornering, however, it took him a…

It’s a famous name with true racing pedigree… but we’re not talking the early days of motorcycle competition. Kempton racecourse is the venue for one of Britain’s fastest-growing one-stop-shops for all your biking bargains. The Kempton Autojumble, which next month will be a special The Classic MotorCycle day, is a haven for motorcyclists, whether they are looking for a bargain, or just to chat to like-minded enthusiasts. Held at one of the most famous venues in UK horse racing, the autojumble gives you the perfect chance to explore an eclectic array of stalls and stands which are overflowing with rare spare parts, period accessories and original memorabilia. Or you can clear out your own shed and take a stall to make a bit of brass from those who may find…

The man behind successful 1970s and 80s motorcycle accessory company Lintek will be hosting an event to be called Motorcycles at the Manor on July 8, held at The Manor, West Ashby, Lincolnshire – which is about three miles, on the A153, from TCM’s HQ. Last year, the property owner, Larry Riches, hosted the Velocette OC to see his collection of pre-Second World War cars, and this year, it’s open to all. Local ride-ins are being organised and various local club sections have confirmed they’ll be putting on displays. There’ll be refreshments on site and plenty of motorcycle parking.…

The Aire Valley Classic Motorcycle Club (formerly Girder Fork and Classic Bike Club) will again be holding its annual charity show, Big Bike Sunday, on June 25. Last time the event raised £4500 for the chosen charities, which included Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Held at Skipton auction mart (BD23 1UD) the show opens to the public at 11am, but exhibitors should be there by 10.30am. No pre booking of show entries, just turn up on the day. Refreshments are on site, trade stands, under cover if wet. Entry is £4, under 16s free. Details from micksteele50@gmail.com, or call 07805 025903 and/or look on Facebook for ‘Big Bike Sunday.’…

BEEZUMPH TO BE HURRICANE-THEMED The Trident and Rocket 3 Owners’ Club’s annual track-based extravaganza, Beezumph, will this year as its theme mark the 50th anniversary of the Triumph Hurricane, the Craig Vetter-styled triple which is reckoned to be the first-ever factory custom. Held at Anglesey in Wales on July 7/8, this is ‘B30’, signifying how long the successful event has endured. There’ll be camping, a ride out on Friday, then track sessions on Saturday, catering for all levels of skill and experience. All motorcycles are welcome. Have a look at beezumph.com MALLORY BIKE BONANZA Though there’s no VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes this year, there is the Mallory Bike Bonanza on July 15/16, an event which shares the same format as the aforementioned festival. For parade entries and tickets call…