The Classic MotorCycle May 2020

What a difference a month makes. Four weeks ago, when I sat to write the introduction to the last issue, we were excitedly preparing to be ready for the joys of spring, the start of a season’s motorcycling, a hopefully long and hot summer, all kicking off with the Pioneer Run and Stafford show fast approaching and with all manner of fun developments on the horizon. Now, things have changed dramatically, and darkly, for the worse – and with the virus situation developing so quickly, it’ll have changed more by the time these words are read. We can, I think, take it as a given that the vast majority – probably all – of the events we’d previewed last month, won’t be taking place, though, really, that’s going to be…

The clarity of this picture is what initially led to its inclusion. But then, on even half-hearted study, the subject machine becomes more remarkable. Further, on closer looking still, the flat rear tyre appears too. And all captured, wonderfully, with period, slow shutter speed equipment. Briefly, the event, the machine, the man: The event is the summer 1926 Brooklands 200 mile races, held on Saturday, July 24, at the famous banked track in Surrey. There were classes for 250cc and 350cc machines run in the morning, with 500cc and 1000cc in the afternoon. The pictured machine is a 344cc JAP-powered Wallis, with its rider its creator, George Wallis, the eponymous maker of the unusual motorcycles at his Queens Mead Road, Bromley, Kent premises. “A Whole Day’s Racing at Brooklands” began…

The list of events cancelled and postponed due to the coronavirus is, of course, an extensive one. The highest impact for us is the April Stafford show, one of our – as in Mortons, publisher and owner of The Classic MotorCycle and also of the Stafford shows – biggest of the year, in so many ways. This was due to be the 40th anniversary special, with a fine spectacle coming together. The official statement reads: “Following the recent announcement from the UK Government, Mortons events has had to postpone the 40th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Show which was due to be held on April 25/26. “The safety and well-being of our visitors, exhibitors, partners, contractors and staff is the most important factor and the key reason for postponing the event.…

The Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale, scheduled to take place on April 25/26, 2020, in conjunction with the 40th International Classic MotorCycle Show, has been postponed until June 12/13, in line with the show. The Bonhams’ statement says: “It has been – and will continue to be – a challenging time for all of us while the Covid-19 pandemic unfolds in the UK. The decision to postpone the Spring Stafford Sale hasn’t been taken lightly but the health and safety of our clients and employees remain our top priority and we are responding accordingly. “Thank you all for your patience, understanding and support in these unprecedented times. “We look forward to working with Mortons towards a safe and memorable event but, in the meantime, we want to assure you that we…

Sherborne-based Charterhouse Auctioneers has announced that George Beale has joined their classic and vintage motorcycle and car department. “Contrary to common belief George has not retired but has joined Charterhouse!” commented Matthew Whitney. “He has a lifetime of experience during which time he has consigned five of the top 25 motorcycles auctioned in the world for clients and holds the highest price for a client’s Brough Superior SS100 sold at auction.” George has always been a competitor whether on two wheels or on four. His motorsport career started in 1965 when he competed in motorcycle trials and scrambles and continues today – he was a class winner in the 2018 Gordon Bennett Classic Car Rally. In between, he started restoring and collecting motorcycles in 1970, became a Yamaha dealer 1976-81,…

Second Edition Production and racing motorcycles from 1923 to the present day Author: Ian Falloon Published by: Veloce Publishing Ltd, Veloce House, Parkway Farm Business Park, Middle Farm Way, Poundbury, Dorchester DT1 3AR Tel.: 01305 260068 Email: sales@veloce.co.uk Fax: 01305 250479 Hardback, 270 x 210mm (portrait); 304 pages with 270 colour and black and white photographs and illustrations. ISBN 978-1- 787113-58-9/UPC 6-36847-01358-5 £40 (UK); $60 (USA) Max Friz’s side-valve shaft-driven R32 of 1923, the first BMW boxer twin motorcycle, set BMW on a path that would continue for the next 96 years. BMW has never been afraid of innovation, from the supercharger of the 1920s and 1930s, to the telescopic and then Earles front forks, wind-tunnel-developed fairings, anti-lock brakes and Paralever rear suspension. Here is the full story of all…