Classic Dirt Bike Issue 54 Spring 2020

Of the many things this column could be about in this issue, the drip we’re dealing with here is an oil drip. Yes, we’ve all experienced the sinking feeling when we look under our motorcycle and see a patch of oil on the garage floor. It is a feeling I’ve experience recently with my Yamaha TY Mono. The engine had to come apart after the kickstart shaft stop moved on the shaft. On the face of it, this doesn’t sound too bad, but once the stop moves, the spring pressure is gone and the kickstart flops around like a floppy thing with extra floppy added, and then it damages the case. The case is magnesium and, once damaged, it is not easy to repair and it is even harder to…

Depending on when you’re reading this spring issue of your favourite magazine, the Hagon Shocks sponsored Classic Dirt Bike Show is either upon us or already over for 2020. Make sure you check out the next issue for the show report if you missed the event. As we went to press some superb, tasty treats were being arranged to delight you at the event, including a massive line-up of 20 Montesa motorcycles from the early years of the marque in the UK and covering trials and MX. Yrjo 'Vesty' Vesterinen – more associated with Bultaco – won the coveted SSDT on a Montesa and he still has his winning machine, which we featured in issue 19. It will be on display. Also in this stunning line-up will be the actual…

We all like a bite to eat and if there’s a chance to enjoy some food in good company and listen to some tales teased from the star guests by Jack Burnicle, then so much the better. The two guest stars at this year's Classic Dirt Bike Show, Bryan ‘Badger’ Goss, 1970 British MX champion, and 1979 trials world champion Bernie Schreiber don’t get to relax after the Saturday in the halls and being on stage. Oh no, they have to sing for their supper too. The Classic Dirt Bike Show dinner is a fantastic opportunity for dirt bike fans to listen to fascinating exploits from their off-road heroes. It’s interesting that both were champions in the same decade – obviously either end of it – but represent two different…

The Pre-65 Scottish Trial Committee is very excited to announce that Sammy Miller will be the guest of honour at its May 1/2 trial. A spokesman for the committee told CDB: "We are very privileged to have Sammy this year and look forward to him sending our competitors off with his wise words and best wishes." The ballot took place on December 8, with 301 entrants included in it. A further 10 entries were received after the closing date and so were not included. The reserve list has been compiled in the four capacity classes and any withdrawals will be filled from the same class of the withdrawn entry. This is to keep the balance of entries as close to the criteria of the ballot. There are eight reserves in…

Pre-65 Scottish Trial observer coordinator, Sally Burton, will be sending out invitation letters to last year’s observers... but if you have not observed before and would like to volunteer your services, please contact Sally as soon as possible, by email: observers@pre65scottish.co.uk or through the contact on the Pre-65 Scottish Trial website: www.pre65scottish.com. The Pre-65 Scottish Trial will again be attending the Hagon backed Classic Dirt Bike Show at Telford International Centre this weekend (February 15/16) and their stand will be in the usual place in Hall 1 – just look for the blue Pre-65 Scottish gazebo. So, if you are attending the show, pop along to see them, have a chat and ask any questions you have.…

Now an eagerly awaited fixture in the calendar, the Bob MacGregor Motorcycle Run will be on April 28, with special guest of honour Sylvia Bickers. As in the past, the event will be for Pre-75 motorcycles, though special dispensation can be given for something special. It will start and finish at McLaren Hall, Main Street, Killin, Perthshire, FK21 8UH, Scotland which is 37 miles north of Stirling. The circular route takes in the Killin-Loch Rannoch-Pitlochry area and follows A and B class roads, though there are alternative off-road sections for those interested. The first motorcycles will leave at 10am and the remainder will follow in groups of five-10 at one minute intervals. Entry is £15 – includes £2 donation to Bob MacGregor Trials Club – contact Pete Remington Tel: 07891076320…