NOVEMBER Update

Autumn in Cambridge

Well November is here, and the weather remains good enough for us fair weather bikers to get a few miles under the belt. However, winter is not far away so here are a few jobs that need to be taken care of. Those who are not novices look away now!


A few tips for the novice in no particular order:

• Drain the tank including lines and carb to ensure the dreaded ethanol does not attack vulnerable parts.

• check the drained tank regularly for condensation to avoid rust. 

• Disconnect batteries, where fitted and store in a safe place

• Check tanks for damage to linings or other repairs. These can be dealt with during the winter.

• Check and oil all cables.

• Clean sprockets & Chains and treat with a tacky lubricant to seal the chain from moisture. Remember you may pay a premium for anything linked to “motorcycles”  Machine or Chainsaw lubricants may do the same job for a fraction of the price.

• Inspect all the accessible chains and valves to ensure they are in good condition and protect from condensation.

• Check suspension and overhaul where required. Check Girder forks carefully for wear. Winter is a good time to get them overhauled/repaired.

• Grease and oil all joints and check that the grease/oil is getting to the bearing surface. Old grease will get hard and mixed with dirt and dust, will block the paths. New nipples are easy to pick up at auto jumble if required.

• Check all oil pipes to ensure they are clean. Total loss systems should be dismantled and checked for blockages.

• Check tyres; not just for wear, but ensure they are not too old. Older tyres will get hard and will not hold the road. A new tyre is a small price to pay.

• Consider flushing the oil (although this is better left until just before you take the bike out for spring. Separate Oil tanks can easily be flushed through now. Remember never to mix Castor oil with mineral oil and always clean the whole system before making a switch. Castrol R may smell great, but it is designed for race engines which are regularly overhauled. Castor oil will in any event thicken dramatically if left in an engine.

• Check gearbox lubricant levels.

Record Breakers at Brooklands 2015

Brooklands: Long history of Record Breaking

Speak to anyone who has attempted a speed record and they will tell you it is a unique experience. To get to the starting line you need to have the very best engineers and nerves of steel.

Over the next few months we will be discovering what makes these people tick and will be bringing you their stories later in 2015. We will also be working with Brooklands Museum in Surrey to host a record breakers event where visitors will be able to get up and personal with the riders and their machines. It will feature historic  and contemporary record breaking machines from tarmac and salt. If you have a record breaking machine you think should be there, get in touch with us at saltfever@fenlandclassics.co.uk

Stafford Show 2014

The weather for the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics was good for the most part with a bit of rain on Sunday. As ever lots to see and the entry fee remains good value for money. If like me you like to spend time rummaging through the hundreds of auto jumble stalls there is very little time to see the show bikes and the many demonstrations/talks etc. I did find that the racing paddock area seemed to be quieter than most other areas. I am not sure if it just coincided with my visits or if it was a bit off the main drag. All in all another good show and plenty to see inside when the rain appeared.

Steve Thomas got the best in show award with this 1966 Kawasaki 125. It took him three and a half years to reach showroom condition from a tatty but original start.

Steve Thomas's Best in Show

There was keen interest in the lots on offer in the Bonhams sale.

Lots to see in the main hall.

And action outside in the trials area.

Fenland Classics TV

Here is our pick of the Web for November:

1. A short film by Kevin Kaltenhofer A study of the V-Rod Cafe Racer by German based Custom Builder DR  Mechanik.

2. More men in sheds. This film by Mathew Harrington is a glimpse into the world of Oz Blogger and Custom Builder Mat Machine.

3. A Documentary Network short by David Wilson. The Lost art of Motorcycle engineering is about American Adam Cramer, a man with some wise words about the state of the nation which applies equally to the UK.

4. Bike World Series 8 Episode 1: More from the world of motorcycling brought to you by Suzy Taylor.





Old Timer.