Innehållsförteckning för August 2023 från Real Classic

Back in about 1981 as an impoverished apprentice I realised my 1959 Model 31 CSR had become rather bouncy. I wasn't able to find any replacement shock absorbers with the clevis fitting. I got to staring at a Honda 400/4 and thought‘It's about the same weight so they will do.'Off to Eros Motorcycles, our local breakers. Back home I opened out the holes in the swinging arm to 10mm and fitted them. All these years later they are still giving good service. My old dad used to say‘it's only a bodge when it no longer works.’ Rob Nelson, member 2537 I agree with your old dad! If it works… it works. That's it. Back in those days I swapped bits all the time – but don't tell anyone! Frank W…

A service star to Stig Fasteners: I ordered some bolt and nuts from them. When I placed the order I ordered metric fine thread bolts and metric coarse nuts. Instead of sending exactly what I had ordered, he rang me to check if I had got it wrong. We sorted it out and the correct items were despatched. Great service! Dave Capon, member Although the Zed Shed has been around for a couple of years, I have just discovered this Kawasaki-driven emporium within half a mile of my house! (It is very tucked away). I needed my W650 MoT'd, which they duly completed after thrusting a mug of coffee into my hand. Back to the old days when the MoT was a good excuse for a long chat about bikes…

Just read Frank's latest Tales From The Shed and noticed a couple of uses of the phrase‘so it goes’. I can only assume that Frank, like me, is a fan of Slaughterhouse 5. However he needs to go some to reach Vonnegut's total. Wikipedia says;‘Characteristically, Vonnegut makes heavy use of repetition, frequently using the phrase,“So it goes”. He uses it as a refrain when events of death, dying, and mortality occur or are mentioned; as a narrative transition to another subject; as a memento mori; as comic relief; and to explain the unexplained. The phrase appears 106 times.” I just hope Frank uses it to‘explain the unexplained'rather than the other reasons quoted. Great magazine - keep it up! Richard Armstrong, member 3352 Indeed. I read Slaughterhouse 5 as an impressionable…

Thanks Ollie for the write-up on the BSA Gold Star. I'm really, really interested but can't help thinking I need to wait for an R or S version to arrive. Ollie's review summed up my fears, performance-wise. I'm thinking of something to replace the Triumph Scrambler 900 which bores me, to personalise and keep into my fastapproaching dotage. I like the look of the BSA but would lose the mudguards for smaller items and replace the rear light / number plate for starters. Richard Stiles, member I rode a new Gold Star and liked it apart from the rear suspension. I couldn't get it out of my head that it was a BMW F650-based engine, excellent as they were. Nor was I impressed that it's a faff to get to the…

After I sold two machines in the Bonham's Stafford auction and another to a friend, I looked around for a lightweight, small machine, suitable for green-laning duties, as well as a fun riding machine. I looked at several including a 1937 Triumph T70, 1938 Ariel Red Hunter, 1937 Sunbeam Model 14 Sports 250, an MZ trail TS250, 1942 Matchless 3GL and a 1934 Levis four-stroke. Some of these, including a 1954 Velocette were discounted because they were too modern and some, like the Red Hunter, were too expensive. I finally settled on a 1939 Triumph Tiger T70. The beauty of this deal was that the seller had to downsize and he wanted the machine to go to a rider's home. I collected the bike a week later and suggested the…

After a hard day's study at Stockport College of Knowledge (as we called it), where we apprentices were on day release (rather like an open prison!), I returned to my C15, which refused to start. Spark OK, so it must be fuel. Right? Across the A6 from the college was a rather run-down (that should have been a clue) National Benzole filling station (as we called them back then). Being a second year apprentice I could just run to a gallon of NB's finest (!) four-star. Surprisingly, this failed to cure the problem, even after letting a cupful drain through the Monobloc's mixing chamber. So, that'll be a three mile push home then… Once home, I drained the tank contents into a transparent plastic container, and left it to stand…

There are lots of 1970s and 1980s two-stroke Japanese bikes to choose from to ride or restore. Some have a more passionate following than others with eye-watering values to match. Yamaha's RDs have seen big increases in values in recent years, all the way from the early models through to the LCs and YPVS. The early YDS7s for example are very different animals from a mid-1980s liquid-cooled YPVS, even though their lineage is obvious. I'd like to ride them all … if anyone is offering! Restoration is very rewarding and fairly swift as these machines are so modular, but it does mean lots of bits that need to be just-so. Need the rubber pad that goes between the rear mudguard and the grab rail? Certainly Sir, Yambits have just the thing. Which…

Seven years ago in RC148 there was a feature by myself on a works AJS trials machine which competed in the ISDT of 1956 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. It seems the history of this machine, TGF 706, was mistakenly recorded as having been ridden by Gordon McCloughlin in that event. I was contacted recently by the family of Sid Wicken who was apparently the actual competitor on this machine, entry no 149, and who won a gold medal in the manufacturers'team award in that year. In the interest of historical accuracy I am pleased to record this information which is authenticated by photographs and event records recently made available to me. Mike Powell, member 004…

I was amused to read the letter about Black Prince riding suits and the Turbo Visor. We had an inspector at the factory where I was an apprentice who was a keen sidecar exponent. Bill was a smashing bloke, quite short, very slightly built and also the proud owner of a Black Prince. The pockets of the rather oversized jacket were filled with various spares, plus bits and bobs. It was, of course, quite heavy and it used to fascinate me when he put it on; it always looked like he was climbing into a small wardrobe. As for the turbo visor, I too was taken in by Jim Redman's endorsement. I purchased it just prior to the 1966 Dragon Rally from Harold Lines Motorcycles of Crawley. Fred Guiver, the…

Age eventually catches up with all of us silver bikers. It might not be for specific health reasons, but old bikes become too heavy and difficult to start. Eventually it begs the question; when do we gracefully retire from the pastime we enjoy so much? Well, do not go just yet! Have a look at this Royal Enfield 350 Meteor with matching sidecar from Watsonian Squire. Electric start, disc brakes, no balance problems and the opportunity to develop new skills. As an outfit it rides extremely well and even the mannequin seems to be enjoying themselves. He doesn't say much though. Callum Crawford…

have two motorcycles; one from the 1950s and the other from 2021. Unsurprisingly, they could not be more different other than having two wheels, a seat, and a frame. Given a near 70 year development gap between them perhaps you would expect that. Inevitably, access is not what it used to be; far from it.‘Access’ means getting at stuff easily (good access) or with difficulty (bad access). For example, taking the petrol tank off my 1950s bike involves lifting the seat, undoing four bolts (overkill, I know!) and disconnecting the fuel hose.The same job on my 2021 bike involves about 20 screws, several body panels (OK, it has a fairing and a tank cover), breaking some electrical connections and then hunting for the fuel hose. 1950s access = very good,…

There is clearly something unusual going on. I am currently updating an old article of mine about two-stroke prime movers that covers the same ground as the first half of last month's PUB Talk. The Napier Deltic started life as a marine power unit during the latter part of WW2 and was still powering Hunt Class Minesweepers in the 2010s. The small size, and the ease of making a low magnetic signature version, meant it probably stayed in service far longer than it should. The Deltic was based on the pre-war Junkers Jumo 204 aircraft engine built under licence by Napier as the Culvern. The 6 cylinder aircraft engine effectively forms one bank of the Delta layout (hence the name). To get the correct port timings the cranks were a…

My depiction of a 17-year-old rider from 1979 might explain why not everyone considers one of these RDs for their classic collection.The Yamahas are distinctly modern when compared to British iron from a century ago up to the late 1970s. I have written much about my Francis-Barnett Cruiser (see RC218), the‘best bike in the world’. And rightly so. I love it and it remains my favourite bike of all time. It is also a 250 air-cooled two-stroke twin with a similar exhaust note. What strikes me most are the differences which happened in the 15 years which separate the two bikes. I take my hat offto the sophisticated designs and the engineering and production practices of those fast-moving times of course, but also feel there was a shift in who the…

RealClassic OLLIE HULME I had a call from Ivan. Ivan lives in Gloucestershire and builds unusual motorcycles. The first one I came across was a BSA M21 at a Kickback Show, an M21 of such splendidly ratty appearance that it started winning prizes. It would outrun much bigger bikes on backroads while Ivan hung on in a whiteknuckled fashion. The second was a very classy BSA M20, covered in polished brass with a terracotta bellmouth and a sundial / compass sat nav. Ivan does remarkable things with HarleyDavidsons and has a curious frameless scooter project on the go which uses a twocylinder Lombardini diesel engine from a French micro car. And there is the terrifyingly fast electric bicycle too. There have been many others. He also does things with BSA Bantams…

In Jacqueline Bickerstaff's Pub Talk in RC231, she wrote about Walter Neal's experimental two-stroke engine in the 1950s. She said that there was a report about it by Bob Curry. How have the mighty fallen! A prominent motorcycle journalist of the 1950s and 60s, the founding editor of The Classic Motor Cycle magazine in the 1970s, a former vice-president of the VMCC, and the author of many motorcycling books… reduced to a cheap takeaway! His name was, of course, Bob Currie – although he does seem to be linked to getting names wrong. Some years ago the VMCC awarded me the Bob Currie Memorial Award, a great honour that was somewhat spoilt by them getting my name wrong on the certificate… Alan Freke (aka Alan Frekes), member 1197 Oops, sorry.…

In the late 1960s and early 70s I used to drop by Firmont in Montreal where there was always a good vibe. The store manager George (?) was a very pleasant fellow from‘The Old Country’ as the UK was known here for many years. Lots of British bikes there at that time. I recall a beautiful Royal Enfield Interceptor which had us salivating. The Japanese invasion was in full swing and the smaller bike shops who specialised in British bikes were starting to have a tough time of it. My first bike in the late 1960s was a 1948 Norton Inter 500 which I treated with absolutely no respect, followed by a number of Japanese bikes. A 1949 Matchless G80S basketcase found its way into my hands many years ago,…

What a week I've just had in god'sown county, taking part in the VMCC Scarborough Touring Week for the eighth time. More than sixty riders took part in the event. Most stayed the whole week while others just did a few days. There were nine different routes which ranged from 47 miles to 101 miles so there were plenty of options to choose from. Over the week I clocked up just short of 600 miles, 600 enjoyable miles, all on my 1939 Velocette MSS. I did take my 1955 Velo MAC along as well just in case the MSS needed a rest but it wasn't required. I had only covered 120 miles on the MSS before taking it, having bought it eighteen months previously. I have been fiddling and fettling…

RealClassic • YAMBITS.CO.UK: sell a vast amount of spares for a vast amount of Yamaha models. Some quality was better than others but they made the rebuild possible in the timeframe • PJ MOTORCYCLE ENGINEERS of Wolverhampton for the rebore and crank work. Lovely folks, very knowledgeable who took the time to share their expertise with me. Highly recommended • PAST PARTS for sleeving the master cylinders in stainless. Great job at a reasonable price • MID-SUSSEX BLASTING for the ultrasonic carb cleaning • AM PHILPOT HARD CHROMING for the stations. Smashing job >>AURORA BLASTING and powder coating for all the bits that now look nice that didn't at the beginning • GARY JONES of Yamaha oil pump fame. Made the old knackered pump like new – but if you…

RealClassic TRIUMPH T150 TRIDENT PART THE FIRST Although I remember the last Trident – the T160 – when it was current, all the Beezumph triples were secondhand by the time I could legally ride one. My first real encounter, and the one that stuck in my mind until I scratched the itch it caused, was thanks to a ride on the back of my older and often naughtier mate, Dave. Although my derestricted BSA Brigand could top 60mph in favourable conditions, the 16 year-old me needed more power and speed. Dave had the answer in the form of a ratty Kawasaki KH250, fitted with a well-used S2 350 top end. It could be mine, with tax and MoT, for £100! Dave rightly reckoned I would need at least gallon of petrol…

BIKES ### SEND YOUR SMALL AD by post to PO Box 66, Bude EX23 9ZX, or email words and a pic to TP@realclassic.net WANTS ARIEL OR BSA restoration project wanted. All offers considered, but especially like a BSA Bantam, B25, A65, B31, WDB40, C15 or Ariel NH350 or Fieldmaster. Will travel. Leicester, 07538 696157 BITS TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE or Trophy new dualseat. Fits bikes circa 1968/72. Black vinyl, bought from Leytons but never fitted as bike sold. Cost £240 sell £100. Can send photo if interested. Will post. 01865 762859 HUSKY / KTM EXPANSION CHAMBER exhaust. Brand new. Part 554 05 109 000. Listed KTM 250EXC, 300EXC, HUSKY TE250, TE300. £135 or offer (cost over £300). NOS alloy rims, various sizes, £75 each. Eg. SanRemo Superleggera 19 x WM1 x 40hole.…

JACQUELINE BICKERSTAFF RealClassic On the RC Facebook pages it was mentioned that the PUB Vincent was seen at Classic Stony, so that there would surely be something in the column? However, as the summer event is at a busier time of year whilst attracting many of the same vehicles as the New Year's day Vintage event it is not always reported. But notably a Malcolm Newell designed ‘Quasar'turned up – something PUB has never ridden (although she did write a road test of the slightly later Royce Creasey ‘Voyager’). The‘feet forward'movement was regarded with amusement in those days, but just look at how many big scooters are on the market now. A fairly rare Royal Enfield‘jelly mould tank'Continental also turned up, a model described in Paul Henshaw's recent series on the…