Runs should be fun

The club run is an integral part of the old motorcycle scene. During 2020, a variation on the usual theme emerged, enabling people to ride in the company of like-minded souls.

Green WITH ENVY

Life aboard a 1950s 350cc British single is perhaps as good and as uncomplicated as it can get.

The Motorcycle: DESIGN, ART AND DESIRE

The concluding part of a two-part feature, in which the history of motorcycle evolution is examined and a new book’s author interviewed.

The Giant of Provence

With so few events to report from, it’s time to look back over a spectacular French event and look forward to its hopeful resumption.

By 1929, CJP Dodson was a bona fide top level road racer, pretty much unbeatable on the sand, too.

The diminutive Charlie Dodson was the last man to win a TT, the 1928 Senior, on a ‘flat-tank’ machine, then the next year became the first (and only) winner of a TT on a saddle tank Sunbeam, as well as recording the last ever success in the Island for the Marston maker.

Cassandra the Canadian Commando

After landing a new job and with time on his hands, a young man in Vancouver decided to restore a British motorcycle considerably older than him.

Pitching a ride

The long-running sport of motoball arrived at Brooklands for the first time, in September 2020.

Where does the passenger go?

Dictionaries inform the sidecar is: ‘a jaunting-car; small car attached to the side of a motorcycle; kind of cocktail.’ We’ll forget jaunting-cars and cocktails, but how did the world arrive at the sidecar? And what came before?

Training run

Sidecar ace and passenger, plus a future winner, learning the TT’s Mountain Course.

Store Cupboard Special

On to part six, and momentum is still being maintained, I though the shopping list is growing ever-longer.

Changing times

As the Roaring Twenties drew to a close, JAP focussed heavily on improvements, including to lubrication, though, happily, they still found time for the odd whacky engine.

Engine timing

It’s worth making sure your engine is timed correctly. Here, it’s explained and exampled on an engine which is all a motorcyclist really needs (according to some, anyway…) – the single cylinder four-stroke.

The brilliant Benellis

World title success in 1950 was the highlight for the family firm from Pesaro, on the eastern Italy coast.

Store cupboard special

This is the fifth monthly instalment, t and we’re back on track – of sorts, at least.

Hero hacks

A rarely seen original Royal Enfield 250 Clipper on the Isle of Wight provides an interesting contrast with the writer’s side-valve BSA from the same era.

Fitting tribute

This replica of the 1970 and 1971 British ISDT Trophy team machines is a testament to their creator, Eric Cheney.

Deeprose and Pertwee

Doctor Who tries out a rejuvenated Triumph.

Museum management

It’s been an incredibly tough time for museums – though one establishment has been celebrating its collection of rare foxes.

Robbing Peter…

Sometimes needs must and cannibalising one bike to forward another is a temporary, necessary evil.

Little treasure

This Bantam D10 Sports has never been restored and stands with 6000 miles on the clock, which we’re sure is genuine.

Yewsix of the Moors

One of the star performers of early 1920s trials riding – a gold medal ISDT winner among many other successes – Billy Moore was later part of the organising team.

Lakeside lovelies

Tucked away in Mandello Del Lario, near the Moto Guzzi factory and by the shores of Lake Como, is a cache of fabulous Italian lightweights.

A long call from Sussex

An AJS with a hidden history led to a long weekend away for its current owner.

New 350 And More

Despite the country and world starting the slide into recession, in the mid-1920s JAP remained outwardly buoyant, as publicity material depicted then modern manufacturing, plating and assembly shops, and even a repairs section for customer motorcycles.

The story of a Greeves

This motorcycle has a direct lineage to its current ownership, which can be traced all the way back to a short-lived 1960s four-stroke scrambles championship…

Store cupboard special

This lockdown inspired project (of which this is part two) aims to make best we can out of what we have – though of course one soon finds missing parts…

Chance meeting with a champion

In early June, I learned with sadness of the passing of Carlo Ubbiali at his home near Bergamo North Italy.

Bickers reigns supreme

East Anglian ace dominates his home round to close in on retaining the European 250cc motocross championship crown.

Third Time Lucky

Will this third BSA side-valve single measure up to the first one? Should you ever go back? Yes, of course you should if it provides a spark of joy.

Store Cupboard Special

Though we’re hopefully nearing the end of lockdown, it’s inspired an apt new project, trying to make a tasty meal out of all the leftovers.