The Classic MotorCycle February 2022

With BSA motorcycles relaunched, the famous name now joins Triumph, Royal Enfield and Norton as British motorcycling names, producing machines which are, in main, true to what their ‘original’ makers intended. By that, I mean make products which at least pay heed to and respect the traditions of the old companies – though of course the whole murky waters of ownership mean that, well, things were often not what they seemed anyway. What exactly were the old, original companies? Let’s remember, for example, that, in the ‘halcyon days,’ BSA owned Triumph from 1951, Norton were acquired by Associated Motor Cycles (which of course numbered Matchless and AJS among its brands too) and on it goes. So does who owns the brand actually matter, providing what they offer, delivers on the…

Our rather remarkable picture was one of a series used to illustrate an article covering a strenuous, ACU-observed trial, undertaken with three Triumph Tiger single cylinder models – a 250cc Tiger 70, 350cc Tiger 80 and 500cc Tiger 90. Previewing the attempt, The Motor Cycle began by explaining “Since there is not to be a stock-machine TT…” which highlights that there was obviously some clamour for such an event to take place – of course, the idea was to be revisited, but it was 10 years after our image, so 1947, that a Clubman TT was instigated. But we digress. With no Stock/Clubman TT to happen, so Triumph decided to set about a headline-grabbing stunt to underline the excellence of its over-the-counter products. To that end, three brand-new machines were…

Bikers and scooterists who were planning to start their year with a bang will have to re-make their plans, as the popular Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic motorcycle show, due to be held at Newark Showground on January 8/9, is the latest event to fall victim to Covid and has been cancelled. Just minutes before this issue of TCM went to press, the organising team for our sister title’s show confirmed the news. The surge in Omicron cases across the UK and Europe, and the Government’s predicted “tidal wave of infections” in January, have been the deciding factors, as the safety of everyone attending is the priority. The event was due to feature TT legend Phillip McCallen, a host of owners’ clubs plus a large indoor and outdoor trade and…

MECUM IN VEGAS The season-starting Mecum auction, featuring over 1750 motorcycles, takes place on January 25-29, 2022, at the South Point Casino and Hotel, Las Vegas. Among the top lots are a 1938 Brough Superior SS100, numerous Indian Fours, and Harleys, including a pre-Second World War alloy head and barrel ohv prototype and a KRTT. There’s even a couple of Rudge Ulsters. Visit mecum.com FACTOR US IN The British Motor Museum is to host an exclusive evening for visitors to join the ‘Factor Us In’ exhibition team and delve deeper into the history of the West Midlands motor industry. This special evening takes place on January 18, and is the culmination of a two-year project to uncover the stories behind the British motor industry. To find out more information please…

It was dual honours on the evening of December 2, 2021, when Sammy Miller was guest of honour at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall, London, for the Guild of Motoring Writers’ Annual Dinner and Awards. It was at this historic club, founded in 1897, that the President’s Trophy was presented to Sammy, the first motorcyclist ever to have received this prestigious award. The trophy is awarded for outstanding achievement in the field of international motor sport. Previous winners include Sir Lewis Hamilton in 2020, Sir Frank Williams in 2017 and Sir Stirling Moss in 2010, to name but a few. On the same night, the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum was also represented at the New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards with the New Forest Business Partnership. Unfortunately Sammy…

1922 TT helmets: At a recent FICM meeting at Geneva, delegates discussed making TT-style helmets compulsory for all motorcycle events held under their jurisdiction. This will include road and track races, hill climbs and sprints. Taxi sidecars: BSA and taxicab specialists, the County Cycle & Motor Co, of 300/301 Broad Street, Birmingham, had announced their new BSA 8HP Taxi Model with enclosed Canoelet Sidecar Landaulette, which seated two passengers in comfort. Specification included Lucas Magdyno electric lighting, plus inside taxi sidecar roof light so passengers who wanted to read at night could, and the County taximeter. 1947 A few weeks before, it had been confirmed the first post Second World War London Motor Cycle Show would go ahead the next autumn. In light of the recent restrictions affecting the supply…