The Classic MotorCycle September 2019

Phew, that’s been some month. It’s flown by, a full schedule of event and visits, with plenty of riding on a wide variety of motorcycles, from vintage to modern and others in between. The type of events have been varied too – so it was down to the south coast for the Rickman Day (that was the weekend after Banbury), then a vintage and veteran weekend away, Morini Day at Cadwell and 1000 Bikes at Mallory Park, plus a few other bits and pieces thrown in, including tests/rides on different bikes, and a few visits as well. The vintage and veteran weekend was a lovely opportunity to get some miles in on pre-31 machinery, in like-minded company managing 100-plus miles a day, both days. I rode my Rex-Acme on the…

This intriguing picture, captured during the 1948 London Olympics, epitomises modernity and a brave new world, with the seamlessly stylish, beautiful looking Douglas twins, not forgetting the equally slick looking gents riding them, posed alongside a shiny aeroplane. Long before electronic methods of transporting press photographs, it was not an uncommon sight to see them being delivered by motorcycle couriers and aeroplanes, and this (admittedly somewhat staged-looking) photograph does the perfect job of capturing the process. Douglas enthusiast, tuner and London-based agent Eddy Withers (Withers of West Norwood Limited) is astride a Mark III Sports Model, registration JYT 147, with colleagues Ted Brigginshaw (bag in hand) and Albert Le Roy on standard (aka De Luxe) Mark III models. The ‘press’ plates above the headlights reveals the purpose of the delivery…

THE 26TH EUROJUMBLE This year’s Netley Marsh Eurojumble is on Friday, and Saturday, September 6/7. Join thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from across Europe as they set out to find that elusive part, piece or purchase for their next projects. Situated near Southampton, this year’s Eurojumble will see more than 300 traders showcase their wares, everything from spare tools to books, signs to magazines. Secure your ticket to the event and book now at www. netleymarsheurojumble.com or 01507 529529. SPEED BY THE SEA The Brighton National Speed Trials will return to the seafront again this year on Saturday, September 7. Entry forms, regulations and entry criteria are available at www.brighton andhovemotorclub.co.uk.Advance spectator tickets are also on sale now via the Brighton and Hove Motor club website and offer a 20% discount on…

The Classic Car and Motorcycle auction at Sledmere House was another great success with an enviable 90% selling rate. Buyers came from all over the country to bid for the quality offerings and competed on the internet and telephone from around the world. Highlights of the July 6 sale were the 1937 AJS 37/2 that spent the last 60 years down an inspection pit and which was bought by the founder of a luxury clothing firm for his personal collection at £28,750; the 1988 Honda RC30 sold to a local collector of 1980s exotica for £21,850; a 1934 Triumph 6/1, partially restored, went to an expat living in Venice Village, California, USA, for £12,000; and a 1983 Triumph T140W TSS, sold for £7360 will be loaded onto a container for…

The 45th Scottish Transport Extravaganza took place at Glamis Castle, Forfar, over July 13/14, 2019. The weather was very temperamental, as is usually the case in those parts, but the Sunday cleared up and the sun shone. With an attendance of around 15,000, it is the biggest event of its kind in Scotland. A wide range of motorcycles were in attendance – altogether there were 105 public motorcycle entries, covering the veteran, vintage, post vintage, classic and modern classic categories, from 1914 to 1980. There were also 22 entries from the organising club, the Strathmore Vintage Vehicle Club (SVVC). Many of the public motorbikes were exhibited by members of the Central Scottish branch of the Vintage Motorcycle Club. Lochside Vehicle Services from Orchardbank, Forfar also displayed some bikes, including BSAs,…

John McGuinness, Dean Harrison, Michaels Dunlop and Rutter, Conor Cummins, Jamie Coward, James Hillier and Danny Webb are just some of the stellar names expected for this year’s Classic TT festival, which begins on August 17, with the race days August 24 and 26. Expect Patons to battle with MV Agustas, Manx Nortons, Honda twins and fours and Matchless G50s for Senior race honours, with supporting classes including Junior, Lightweight and Superbike (in which our colleague, Fast Bikes journo Mike Booth will be competing on his £600-purchase ZXR750 Kawasaki) races completing the programme. Details at www.iomttraces.com…