The Classic MotorCycle June 2022

Are any two seemingly identical motorcycles alike? This question came to mind the other day, as I was chatting to a chap who had, among other things, two apparently the same Series C Vincent Comets, with one ‘undoubtedly’ better than the other. This reiterated what another friend, also the owner of two Comets, had said to me before – that one was definitely better than the other. Curiously, both guys said their scruffier, non-matching numbers ‘bitsa’ bikes were better. It came about as we discussed Comet ownership, which I mention in the Rocket Goldie rep article in this issue – Steve, the guy I was discussing Comets with said: “Yeah, but when people say ‘It’s only half a Vincent’ then you need to respond with ‘But it’s better than no…

On the reverse of this photograph, there’s some brief notes, added at different times, as evidenced by the varying writing implements used and the handwriting styles. The first, beautiful flowing writing, in pencil, describes; “JAP Loxham machine, rider Herbert Houlding, photo by J H Jamison, Preston” while various other styles of writing have added more, including – in Biro – when and where it was published (The Motor Cycle, May 26, 1910) and “1910 Moveo-JAP, with shaft-driven Bosch magneto, makers: Loxham Garages, Preston.” If anyone has seen a copy of enthusiast Paul Ingham’s book ‘Bert Houlding: TT Pioneer’ then they will be familiar with Houlding’s story, though not the picture, as it doesn’t appear in there. Paul still has some copies of his 2012 published work available, to which the…

H&H Classics’ motorcycle sale at the National Motorcycle Museum included some exceptionally rare and interesting machinery, the bidder response endorsing that view, giving the company an 80% sell rate. Top item in the April 6 sale was a wonderful side-valve V-twin Coventry Eagle Flying 8, sold for £94,300. Last on the road in 2019 and used for the Banbury Run, it was beautifully patinated. It is believed that it was used as daily transport for the owner at the time who was an archaeologist, and who had his tools in a wooden box on the back. A lot in current ownership for 40 years and dispatched new to Deeprose Brothers, Catford, SE6 on July 27, 1955 as a Rapide, a Series D Black Knight sold for £35,650. Acquired by the…

Dictionaries describe ‘legendary’ as ‘remarkable enough to be famous’. True legendary status is rarely sought, and often appears unbeknown to those creating it, as they’re just getting on with doing the job, whatever the job maybe. Race bikes are a prime example, they’re built to win races and once this is done they’re discarded. Just occasionally though, one survives and transcends to a higher plane to be whispered about with awe, or in the case of Son of Sam – the legendary T160 Triumph triple race bike – discussed in Black Country brogue by John Young, current custodian of this incredible machine, during a talk at the Northumbrian Section of the VMCC’s club night. John regaled the tale of how this ‘not’ works bike built by works mechanics and raced…

TORRENS BOOK BACK IN PRINT The Torrens (Arthur Bourne, editor of The Motor Cycle) memoir is no longer available from Troubador in its Matador imprint, but it still purchasable as print-on-demand, from www.troubador.co.uk at the same price of £24.99. FESTIVAL OF 1000 BIKES AT MALLORY July 16/17 is the date, Mallory Park the place, for the 2022 edition. Go to www. festivalof1000bikes.co.uk or 01455 502214 for entry forms. ASI IN ITALY The 2022 ASI MotoShow is being held over May 6-8, visit www.asifed.it for details. BUCKS NIGHT OUT The Bucks British & Classic MCC ‘Shiny Bike Night’ is at The Plough at Cadsden, Princes Risborough, Bucks, HP27 0NB on June 22, 2022, from 7.30pm.…

Sammy Miller has just revealed this fully restored 1924 Beardmore Precision Ladies Model, so called owing to its step through, loop frame to allow for the ladies’s dresses when mounting/dismounting. The fuel tank was also mounted forward. This now fully restored model is the only known survivor of this model and was made by the FE Baker Group in Kings Norton, Birmingham. The restoration work has been completed by Sammy and chief mechanic, Jim Devereux. The bike joins the nine other ladies models in the Ladies Model section of the museum, including the 1923 Beardmore Precision 350cc side-valve model. Another interesting point of note is one of the museum’s current restoration projects, a 1913 Sun, has a Beardmore Precision Engine, 597cc Side Valve.…