Innholdsfortegnelse for September 2020 i The Classic MotorCycle

Welcome to another edition, somewhat incredibly lockdown number four. At least we’re a ‘little bit’ more normal now – I even managed my first pint in a pub since March 22, when we had a ride over to a ‘classics on the green’ event at a pub 15-odd miles away Sunday last. Though primarily cars, the pub landlord was pleased to have us turn up and drop oil on his car park, and it was good to chat with lots of people who wanted to ask questions, particularly about the Sunbeam’s hand change, lever throttle unfamiliarity. It’s good sometimes to be at non-classic motorcycle things, as it exposes our motorcycles to a different audience. As things become a little more normal, we’re still somewhat restricted, so you’ll have to endure…

If you fancy adding another classic to your stable, or even getting your first, a new competition run by the National Motorcycle Museum could be just what you need. The museum receives no external funding so relies on visitor income as well as support from its conference business and two sister hotels. Director James Hewing said: “Without income from our sister businesses, there is little likelihood of the museum opening and remaining open. “The museum itself requires a surplus of around £500,000 per year to break even. All of our business activities are in one of the hardest hit sectors.” To help raise funds, the NMM is launching a special Covid-19 appeal raffle with the chance to win one of three classics... ■ First prize – 1977 Norton Commando 850cc,…

“Colin Seeley 1936-2020” The machines – the magic – the man Celebrating an industry great Written and edited by: James Robinson Available from: Mortons Media Group, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR Tel: (01507) 529529 Hardback, 240 x 170, 50 pages with over 35 photographs £7.99 (UK) $11.99 (US) Welcome to this celebration of the life, times and works of Colin Seeley, and for whom the expression ‘human dynamo’ could’ve been coined. He was a most energetic and enthusiastic person who experienced huge highs and mighty lows, both professionally and personally, but who always projected a professional – and immaculate – appearance to the world. While not a biography, this small appreciation describes the life of Colin who passed away shortly after his 84th birthday in early 2020.…

I very much enjoyed the piece on old airfield circuits in the July issue. Does anyone remember Perton? It was a disused airfield not far from Wolverhampton, which for a brief period during the 1950s/60s was used for club events. I was pleased to learn recently that the site is now protected woodland supporting a wide variety of wildlife. Fifty-odd years ago the only wildlife there was a herd of cows grazing peacefully on the infield – at least, that was the idea. On the morning of a VMCC race meeting in about 1964, I arrived with my Scott (I still ride it) to witness a scene of frenzied activity. The cows had found a way through the fence and strayed on to the circuit. By the time I arrived,…

Dictionaries and internet searches inform the usual spelling of the noun is ‘accessory’ – though it may be spelled ‘accessary’ – and the plural noun is ‘accessories’. And in brief definition: “It is a product which may be added to another item to make it more attractive, useful or versatile.” As far as we motorcyclists are concerned, we could add to this definition in a number of ways – for example, the accessory may enhance a mechanical process to perhaps make an engine more powerful or economic, assist a motorcycle’s luggage carrying capacity or improve braking. Unfortunately, not every accessory is of benefit to us. A person offering assistance to a thief who steals a motorcycle may in law be charged as ‘an accessory to theft’ for example. Ignoring the…

Glass fibre has been used to make bits and pieces of motorcycles and other things for a long time. The material got a bad press when rip-off merchants cashed in on the café racer craze and produced petrol tanks which were so badly made they were dangerous and led to a ban on non-metal tanks in the UK. When used properly, it is a fabulous medium able to make all sorts of things. In my capacity as editor of Classic Dirt Bike, I’ve used glass fibre before and my go-to place is East Coast Fibreglass, who are heavily into the scene. The website covers almost every aspect in which glass fibre can and is used – from flat roofs to building boats. So when doing the seat base for this…

I’m sure, like me, many of you have other hobbies that sit alongside your motorcycling pursuits. Regular readers will know about my predilection for vintage go-karts, but until now I haven’t mentioned that I also take an interest in the Gledhill Company of Halifax. Gledhill made all sorts of things – including bomb aiming devices – but they are probably best known for their Gledhill-Brook time recorders (clocking in machines for places of work) and cash registers. I’ve got a couple of different time recorders from their mid-1920s production and a pre-1900 Gledhill Mahogany box-till sits on my desk; this contains a simple ratchet operated roller to advance a written-on till roll and a clever patented drawer locking mechanism which I find mechanically captivating. It’s the Gledhill mechanisms that excite…

AJS of Wolverhampton made its first V-twin before the First World War, in the form of the 1912 5hp, 631cc Model D, equipped with two-speed gearbox, which was a scaled up version of the same found on the firm’s 292cc single cylinder offerings. Conceived as a sidecar mount from the start, it was redesigned for 1913, with capacity hiked to 696cc, a three-speed gearbox and an AJS sidecar introduced, actually made for the firm by local firm C W Hayward (who also built the Sunbeam sidecars). The combination was a phenomenal success, the firm unable to keep pace with demand. By the time production was stopped by the First World War, capacity was 748cc. Production was allowed to be restarted in 1919, with the model upgraded to 799cc (7hp) for…

One of the North West’s leading heritage attractions was able to reopen in July, just in time to mark the 10 year anniversary on its current South Lakeland site. After successfully applying for VisitEngland’s We’re Good To Go industry standard stamp of approval, the Lakeland Motor Museum in Backbarrow, Cumbria, was able to open on Saturday, July 4. Group chairman Bill Bewley, says: “Though it’s not the anniversary celebration we had planned, we’re delighted to be able to share our collection of more than 150 cars and motorbikes with visitors again. “While we have to ask visitors to book a slot in advance for the time being, we like to think it will enhance the experience and almost feel like a private tour of the museum! We can’t wait to…

One of Ireland’s leading racers of the 1950s and 1960s, Billy McCosh has died aged 81. A native of Ballymena, Co. Antrim, Billy’s first race was in 1956. During the 1960s and 70s, he was a regular at the TT, winning many replicas and finishing sixth in the Senior in both 1964 and 1965. His best finish at the North West was second in 1964. He finished racing in 1978, though was a regular participant at memorial events and parades. Billy died on April 5 and, because of the restrictions in place, was buried at a private ceremony, though a public remembrance is planned later. He is survived by his wife Denise, daughters Suzanne and Debbie and son Michael.…

Velocette: Passion of a lifetime This beautifully put together and presented hardback book came to my notice via a review in, I believe, the journal of the VMCC. The price inclusive of postage of £40 from the Velocette Owners’ Club seemed a bit pricey for a book on a make much admired, but with the subject matter outwith any special interest to this reviewer. Well, that’s if one disregards a well-used 1952 LE as a 16-year-old! Any hesitancy has been comprehensively swept away by the excellence of this weighty publication. Ivan Rhodes will be already known as ‘Mr Velocette’ to many readers of The Classic MotorCycle, fewer may realise not only the extent of his engineering skills and those of his sons, but particularly the family’s immense practical contributions to…

If there was a Society for the Defence of Unjustly Maligned Bikes (so, DUMB?), I reckon I’d be a shoo-in for its presidency. Admittedly, I haven’t had spectacular success suggesting that Harley-Davidsons aren’t all unwieldy monsters, or that modern maxi-scooters have as much resemblance to traditional 125s as a space shuttle has to a hang-glider, but I still find lots to admire in bikes other people choose to ignore. The ugly ducklings receiving my support this time are the post-Second World War roadsters made by CZ and JAWA. These two firms were initially quite separate, although both happened to be Czechoslovakian armament concerns which diversified into motorbike manufacture about 1929. In 1946, however, the communist takeover resulted in the companies being nationalised and amalgamated, and thereafter they shared many designs…

Rex Forecar identified Reference the photograph of the doubtful ‘Quadrant Forecar’ published on page 85, August 2020 issue of TCM. I have been pondering over this, as it looked familiar. I am pretty certain it is the late Ron Shaw with his 1903 Rex Forecar. Ron had owned the Rex for many years entering both the RAC London to Brighton and Sunbeam MCC’s Pioneer Run on/with it. An unusual feature of the front seat is that the footwell folds back over the passenger seat and was painted to look like a dummy front end of a four-wheeled veteran car. Chris Booth, the Morgan Museum, Rovelden, Kent. Thank you, Chris, for putting me out of my misery. Like you, I knew I’d seen the subject forecar, but other than stab at…

1920 Now it its third year (1914, 1919 and 1920) the Scott Trial was already famous, with this year’s Yorkshire-based trial attracting 132 entries, of which just under half completed the tough event, described humorously in the programme as: ‘Not a race, but a tragedy.’ The first ‘Scott’ attracted 14 entries, all riding Scotts, and was opened to ‘all comers’ in 1919. While the entry requirements changed, the nature of the Scott remained – a tough route comprising boulder-strewn drovers’ trails, Roman roads, narrow steep stone/mud/ grass surfaces, notorious water splashes (including Hebden Ghyll, Denton Moor splash, Dob Park splash), old mine workings, open moorland and more hazards designed to test every rider and machine. Best solo performances: Trade: Clarrie Wood, 3¾hp Scott, 243 marks gained Amateur: Billy Moore, 3¾hp…

Attraction of the artist Gordon Horner As an occasional reader of The Classic MotorCycle (for which I apologise) and Douglas enthusiast, I am usually attracted by the cover picture, this time the classic Thunderbird on the August 2020 issue doing the trick. Having read the articles, I then thumbed through the pages and arrived at the ‘Day at the Races’ (page 81) piece and was immediately attracted to the illustration on the cover of the Snetterton programme because it was by my favourite illustrator, the great Gordon Horner. I believe he was a ‘staffer’ at Iliffe Press and his illustrations appeared in all their publications but mainly, The Autocar, appearing in that  magazine from about 1947. For me, there was nobody who could better his rendition of ‘action and movement’.…

1956-1962  ENGINE: Air-cooled, ohv, parallel twin CAPACITY: 596cc BORE AND STROKE: 68x82mm COMPRESSION: 7.4:1 POWER: 34bhp@6500rpm LUBRICATION: Dry sump CARBURETTOR: 1 1/16in Amal 376 STARTING: Kick ELECTRICS: 6v Lucas Alternator GEARBOX: Four-speed PRIMARY DRIVE: Chain CLUTCH: Wet multiplate FINAL DRIVE: Chain FRAME: ‘Featherbed,’ all-welded, full loop, duplex cradle, steel tube SUSPENSION: Front ‘Roadholder’ Telescopic forks, two-way damped; rear Swinging arm, twin shock absorbers BRAKES Front 8in (203mm) SLS drum; rear: 7in (178mm) SLS drum TYRES Front 3.25x19in; rear: 3.50x19in DRY WEIGHT: 395lb (179kg)…

EGLI TYPE FRAME REPAIRS: Colin Taylor colinegl1taylor@gmail.com EXHAUST MANUFACTURE: Competition Fabrications, 15 Bunn’s Bank Rd, Attleborough, Norfolk. NR17 1QD Tel: 01953 454 573 CHROME PLATING (INCLUDING POLISHING): Prestige Electro Plating, Unit 6, Cliff St Industrial Estate, Mexborough. S64 9HU Tel: 01709 577 004 CHROME PLATING ›OWNER POLISHING›: S & T Plating, 15-16 The Alpha Centre/Armstrong Way, Yate, Bristol BS37 5NG Tel: 01454 313 162 WHEEL AND SWINGING ARM SPINDLES, STANDARD NUTS, BOLTS AND WASHERS: ACME Stainless Ltd., PO Box 671, Billinghay, Lincoln. LN4 4XX Tel: 01526 861 991 SPOKES AND REAR WHEEL RIM: Central Wheel Components Ltd, 8-9 Station Rd, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1HT Tel: 01675 462 264 PETROL TANK MODIFICATIONS: Blacktop Fabrications, Unit 2, Churches Farm, Bromsberrow, Ledbury. HR8 1SA Tel: 01531 650 888 ALLOY, STAINLESS STEEL AND BRASS…

OUR worlds have shrunk, significantly. Since the UK entered lockdown in March most things have stopped: no live events; no shows; no spectating and no socialising. Indeed; the only change in scenery I’ve experienced is the walk from my kitchen to the loo. Things got really bad when I realised I was excited about taking the bins out. But then, I encountered a very special book, which put everything into perspective. Even the bins… In January, fellow TCM reader, renowned painter and OK Supreme fan Graham Crowley called me to tell me about a book called Flywheel. The book is a hardbound collection of magazines about motorcycles and cars written and published by British prisoners of war (POWs) at a German camp during the Second World War. The story of…

For such a tiny island, Guernsey has quite a thriving motor scene which includes not only motorcycles but cars too. The island relies heavily on tourism of all sorts and has been hit quite badly by the effects of the pandemic. Barry tells us the island is a motorcyclists’ paradise and even the 35mph maximum speed limit is not too restrictive, especially as Guernsey covers approximately 65km sq in area. Any visiting motorcyclists will be welcome and the Guernsey British Motorcycle Club will be happy to meet and greet. The club decided as Barry was involved in this feature, he should be the contact; call him on 01481 258392.…

In normal times, the diary pages are a regular, popular go to section of The Classic MotorCycle… But these are far from normal times. The team at TCM has received much correspondence regarding date changes and so on, but the situation is ever-changing. However, please keep sending us all the information you can and we’ll keep our systems updated. Normal service all-round will resume as soon as possible. YOUR EVENT SHOULD BE HERE The Classic MotorCycle is anxious to learn all about your motorcycle-related events. Contact us at The Classic MotorCycle, Mortons Media Ltd, Diary Listings, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email obmwallplanner@mortons.co.uk…

Researching my great grandfather’s First World War service and his following civilian life, I discovered in paperwork that he bought a ‘Reconstructed Douglas 2¾HP’ from the Allen-Bennett Motor Company Ltd of Croydon, Surrey, in 1920. He paid a deposit of £30 followed by 12 instalments of just over £3-7s. Great grandad John Aldridge used his motorcycle until summer 1925, when he part exchanged it for a 1922 Model T Ford. He never had another motorcycle. I would like to know what is a ‘reconstructed motorcycle?’ I assume this wording means rebuilt, but it was sold as a 1917 model. Why was it rebuilt when it was only three years old? Jen Bristow, email, Greater London. The ‘reconstructed Douglas’ your great grandfather bought was a rebuilt ex-Dispatch Rider’s (DR) 348cc side-valve…

THE SPECIALIST Hitchcocks Motorcycles, formed in 1984, soon acquired the Royal Enfield business of Gander and Gray, which dated back to the 1940s. Taking every opportunity to acquire further stock, Hitchcocks now has unrivalled levels of expertise and parts for Enfields 1940-on. Thanks to busy company principal Allan Hitchcock for finding time to help with this restoration guide on the popular Crusader model. ■ Hitchcocks’ Motorcycles: 01564 783192; www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.co.uk MODEL HISTORY One of Britain’s oldest manufacturers, Royal Enfield’s success depended on a reputation for solid dependability rather than innovation. Models tended to be long-lived, evolving with a combination of different tried and trusted components to maintain interest, thus sales. To take full advantage of the boom years of the 1950s demanded a fresh approach. The launch of the Crusader in…