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.

OCTOBER Update

October is here and still we have been blessed with some remarkable biking weather. We were planning on covering some of those indoor jobs, but we will be leaving that for later.

Warbike Project

 

The finishing line is in sight, but we are still working on making the book an interesting read as well as a reference source. This is a challenge, but only time will tell. The book will cover military motorcycling during the period 1899 to 1919. We recognise that this is an important period for motorcycling as a whole and therefore we have also covered some of the social historical aspects of this period, trying not to go off on too much of a tangent. For example in 1914, volunteers were asked to turn up with their own motorcycles. This was part of a predetermined plan, but means that many makes of bike were at the front, before the relatively small number of manufacturers supplied the war office. British civilian manufactures continued to try and win military contracts and some such as Sunbeam and Ariel supplied bike to Allies, but not to British forces. There lies a further problem; as records are hard to come by we are not yet in a position to say x manufacturer never supplied military bikes, so we will be looking for continuing support to ensure that the records are as accurate as possible over the coming years.

The October 2014 (published September) edition of The Classic Motorcycle carries our summary of the period up to 1915. We have also rediscovered an unknown event that took place at Brooklands in the autumn of 1915. Pictured on page 64 of TCM, The Royal Aircraft Factory meeting was open to factory workers. This together with the two services meetings were the only meetings held during World War One and we are working together with Brooklands Museum to find a fitting way to commemorate these events next year. If you are the owner of a period machine and would like to get involved please write to warbike@fenlandclassics.co.uk

Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteers

A Group From Brazil pop in to see the volunteers

 

As ever a plug for the Volunteer’s excellent Facebook page. Kept up to date on a regular basis by volunteer Tony Baxter this site documents what is the continuing story of the iconic Surrey race circuit. The volunteers work every Thursday and at present are focussed on preparing some of the more challenging projects for events in 2015.

The Custom Scene and the Brooklands Ton-up Day Back Story

Henry Cole & Gary Pinchin Chat to Simon Arrowsmith about his Yamaha SR500



Whilst strictly outside of our period, you can’t help being swept up by the growing trend for “anything goes” street custom bikes. At the hub is the Bike Shed, showcasing what’s hot on the scene. Viewers of itv4’s The Motorcycle Show will know that Henry Cole, whilst passionate about motorcycles in all forms has caught the bug and is now producing “The Gladstone” a street chop. Motorcycle Journalist Gary Pinchin is also at the forefront of promoting the expanding this enthusiasm for individual expression on two wheels. I was privileged to catch up with Cole and Pinchin when their two worlds collided at the Brooklands Ton-up Day. 



An essential break to share some riding experiences

This event in its second year is still finding its feet, but is growing into a celebration of Cafe racers and street customs of all eras. This year there was a Village Green vibe with bikers getting together swapping stories and generally having a chilled time whilst period bands played in the background. Those who wanted also got the chance to parade their bikes up the Brooklands Test hill and there was also a prize for the best bike in each category see September Update   Henry Cole was filming for his show whilst Gary was giving him tips on being a journo for the day. On a break from filming I caught up with Henry and Gary for a chat. Henry plays the fool, but behind the thin veil is a very knowledgeable man who is absolutely passionate about all things motorcycling. Just another bloke on the street, Henry always makes time to share rides and experiences with fellow bikers. After yet another break to discuss the roads in Australia with a group of leather clad cafe racers he explained how important it was to him to mix in with the crowd for a chat. “Love the show, when can we have some new Greatest Motorcycle Rides” shouts another group of fans. “Thanks mate, got unfinished business with the Matisse” Henry talked more with us about the frustration of the Rickman Matisse on the South Africa trip and how he is planning another trip on the classic Rickman desert racer. Henry and Gary both agreed that the street custom scene is continuing to grow with the Bike Shed Event leading the way. Henry also reminds a modest editor Gary that he has done more than most to bring the scene to the attention of the masses.  Time for more work and Gary points Henry in the direction of the Paddock where they spend time with Simon Arrowsmith and his Yamaha SR500 Tracker which was to become the title spread for the article which appeared in September’s CBG. They say a picture says a thousand words and Gary’s silent partner on this trip out was photographer Mykel Nicolaou. A biker himself, Mykel’s work regularly adorns the pages of Classic Bike Guide and on this particular day he was in among the crowds getting shots to accompany Henry’s article.

Henry Cole explains to Gary why he is late!

There is no doubt that the street custom scene has now arrived and whilst it is fair to say that the custom scene has been around and evolving for many years I believe that it is now more accessible than ever before. At its heart it is still about blokes in sheds building great bikes and the donor bikes are now 70’s Jap bikes that can be picked up cheaply (for now!).

Evidence of the fact that this is more than a backstreet fad can be seen by the likes of Triumph getting on board with the Belstaff Special and other limited editions. The Beckhams are also climbing on the two wheeled band wagon with a range of clothing and Now even Clarks shoes have joined the Party. And now Ducati are making me late posting the blog as they launch what appear to be Flat Tracker look-alikes. There is a concern that big business will swoop in and steal the limelight.  However, the custom scene will continue to evolve and the reality is that big business cannot keep up with the man in the shed and the cottage industry that is Street Customs.

Next Time we will look at men in sheds and the Record Breaking obsession.

 

Fenland Classics TV

Our Picks for October.. Enjoy

Stop Press Tax Discs

From today (1 Oct) UK motor vehicles will no longer need to display a tax disc. You will however need to continue to pay the tax unless the vehicle is exempt because of age or category. I am waiting for a reminder this month for an exempt bike, so I am keen to know how this will work on line. I guess it will just be a tick box for use on the road and another for SORN.

 

Old Timer

SEPTEMBER Update

Warbike Project

The last month has been dominated by the WW1 motorcycle project. The 1914 motorcycling blog has been live since July and tells the story of the events leading up to and during the war. We have uncovered fasinating stories of those who were thrust into battle on motorcycles, having previously been battling against one another on the track. The Blog is available at www.fenlandclassics.com

Vernon Busby and A.J Sproston are at the top of the list for a follow up and the plan is to place their biographies in the Brooklands Museum library.

The Classic Motorcyle Magazine

We are pleased to report that a summary of our Military Motorcycle research appears on page 62 of the current edition of the magazine.

Brooklands 100

On Sunday 3 August a large crowd gathered at Brooklands Museum to comemorate the start of World War One. Many period cars and four motorcycles were displayed at the event and the crowd were also treated to a fly past by the WW1 display team.

AUGUST 2014 Update

Summer is always a busy time, with many competing events. Here are our highlights for July.  

Warbike Project

The project is in full swing as we get to the centenary of the beginning of WW1. The Day by day diary is up and running as a blog which can be viewed here.

This will continue as a daily update until 17 August when it will be updated weekly. The aim is for this to become a resource for those wishing to dip into motorcycling history with an emphasis on military motorcycling during 1914 to 18. This will be followed up later with a more in depth story available as a book supported by an interactive net-based resource.

Ace Cafe Ton-Up day At Brooklands Museum

 

The weather looked doubtful as the day dawned, but the rain stayed away and the visitors were treated to a chilled out, village green atmosphere. The band played contemporary music as groups gathered to discuss the bikes on show. This event attracted many machines from the burgeoning street custom scene as well as the conventional 50s/60s style Cafe Racers. TVs very own Henry Cole turned up to try his hand at being a journalist for the day and if you want to know the result you will have to buy Classic Bike Guide or watch The Motorbike Show; on Monday 18 August 2014. Repeated Saturday 23 August. 

After two sessions on the Test Hill, a sun tan and a good chin wag it was time for the prize giving. This year prizes were awarded for four categories of “Ton-Up” bikes.

AJS “Spirit of Brooklands” Ton-up

BSA Best Ton-up Single

AJS Best Period Cafe Racer

Seeley Honda: Best Ton-Up Multi Cylinder

 Cotton Day at Brooklands Museum

The story of Cotton Motorcycles was told in 118 bikes on Sunday 20 July when members of the Cotton owners club celebrated the Marque’s centenary at Brooklands. On 23 July 1914 Frank Willoughby “Bill” Cotton applied for a patent for his “improved” frame design. The frame’s triangular shape is a concept which still exists on street and competition bikes of today.

Organisers Daniel Weisby and Bob Smith were blessed with fine weather as members poured onto the site. Pre-war bikes were well represented outside the clubhouse. Whilst post war competition machines were displayed in the Paddock Area. The Museums own partly restored Cotton also put in a guest appearance despite not being on the guest list!

The static displays came to life as many owners took the opportunity to take their bikes up Test Hill. A challenge for some of the older machines, but a bit tame for the later competition bikes.

 It is difficult to pick out any particular bikes for further comment as each were interesting in their own right, so here are a few examples which perhaps tell the diverse story of Cotton.

1922 250cc Model 15

 

This Blackburne powered machine was the oldest bike at the Rally and was restored by the Sammy Miller Musuem 15 years ago.

1959 250cc Herald

A 1950’s road bike with a 250cc Villiers 2 stroke engine and Armstrong leading link forks which were a trademark feature during this period.

1962 250cc Cotton/Cross Cougar

1962 Cotton Cross

This is a prototype bike used to prove the concept of the liner-less cylinder, piston and spiral piston rings developed by Cross. This bike was ridden successfully by Bryan Goss during 1961 and put into production by Cotton in 1962.

1974 220cc Trials Expert

Typical of the Cotton 70’s competition bikes, this Trials machine is powered by the larger 220cc Minarelli engine

1980 EM 34 Road Racer

The Cotton Rotax turned a few heads at the end of the 1979 season and Terry Wilson commissioned this production model for 1980 with a new compact 2 cylinder Rotax engine capable of producing 70 bhp. Only 12 were sold before the Cotton Company went into receivership. 

1984 125cc Centaur

1984 Cotton Centaur

This is claimed to be the last ever production machine produced by Cotton. In 1984 the firm was in receivership, but with rights to the name “Cotton International” previous owner Terry Wilson commissioned this monocoque chassis bike powered by a 125 Rotax engine. The much publicised prototype machine was demonstrated to the press, but never went into production.

Fenland Classics TV

Our selection for July features The Bike Shed Event 3 on Bike World Watch it Here


Old Timer

JULY 2014 Update

 

WarBike Project: Motorcycles of WW1

Just started to source some pictures and there is a trip needed to the British Library to source some information which was missing from a document in the National Archives. The aim of this project is to provide a lasting resource for those interested in motorcycles and their riders. It follows that the project will never really be finished. This is not just an excuse for getting behind, but recognition that the research will be added to over time. The main work will initially be the published material, but the Facebook page will act as a repository for anyone wishing to add or even correct any material. This month we will also be finalising the Cover design and the title. Believe it or not we have gone with Warbike as a working title, but now realise that the final title needs to be a bit more contextual!

20 June saw the Centenary of the Red Cross Field day held at Brooklands Racetrack in 1914. This was an event organised by Ethel Locke-King local Red Cross Vice President, and Wife of Hugh Locke-King, the owner of Brooklands. The Field Day brought together Members of the Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detachment together with members of the local Regiments and Aircraft spotters to test the Red Cross’s readiness in the case of conflict.

VAD Nurses (c) Red Cross Archives

A mock battle was fought with members of the local Territorial Regiment defending part of the Banked track from attack by “Enemy” Forces. These solders were firing wax bullets at each other which although not lethal did not reach today’s health and safety standards and could have rendered some very real injuries. A biplane armed with a Vickers machine gun then fired on the enemy positions. Later the same plane acted as a spotter for wounded members of the armed forces in the shape of straw dummies in uniform that had been placed around the battlefield. After landing the crew informed the Red Cross field Ambulance crews who recovered the wounded to a safe area. We know from contemporary reports that at least one motorcycle was involved reported as a Triumph with Gloria Sidecar converted to an ambulance for carrying wounded. From our research we know that the Red Cross used these combinations for transport and the picture kindly supplied by the Red Cross Archive shows a similar bike in action. However this one complete with stretcher conceived by Lady Rowley was reported to be the first of its kind

Red Cross Field day at Brooklands June 1914

The successful event was watched over by Red Cross President HM Queen Alexandria and Sister Maria Feodorovna the Dowger Empress of Russia.

Goodwood Festival of Speed

As ever a wonderful event. It gets better by the year and is alas getting just a little busy. The organisers have done their best to increase numbers on the site by spreading the attractions over a larger area, but when the stars are on the Hill you just know you have to be there. Lots for bike fans including in no particular order John McGuinness, Steve Parrish,Ivan Rhodes,Sammy Miller, Alan Cathcart, George Cohen,Scott Redding, Freddie Spencer, Wayne Gardiner, Michael Dunlop, Donald Cameron, Charley Boorman and many more.

BSA Empie Star

Brooklands Museum had two entries including The Napier Railton and the Recreation of the BSA Empire Star ridden by its owner and creator George Wander. It remains about the only event where members of the public can mingle with the riders and drivers in the padock. Well Done Goodwood and can’t wait until next year.

Brooklands VMCC

 

We were also at Brooklands filming a short promo film for the Brooklands Section of the VMCC. Lots of fun was had by all. It was great to see bikes on the banking and we were also able to get some good shots of bikes on Test Hill.

Ace Ton-up Day @Brooklands

Whilst of the subject of the Hill; it will be in action again on 6 July 2014 for The Ace Cafe Ton-Up Day. Entries are closed for the hill, but you can still ride in on the day. It promises to be a great day with a few surprises thrown in.

All Our Yesterdays

 

On 28^th June we launched our Diary of the first World War viewed from the perspective of the pioneer motorcyclists of the day. We will be reporting on some of the main events in the August Blog.

JUNE 2014 Update

 

Warbike Project

So much information and not enough time. We are just about on target for publication and thanks to our friends at Brooklands Museum we have seen a lot of fantastic images relating to the racing circuit before and during WW1. We now have to sort out the images from the National Archives and pay a visit to the Imperial War Museum and even try to get to the RAF Museum, The Royal Engineers Museum and the Vintage Motor Cycle Club Archives!!!! Maybe we are not on schedule after all.

Kempton Park Classic Motorcycle Show

 

We were at the show supporting the Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteers with transportation of the BSA Empire Star and Douglas that were featured in the April Edition of Classic Bike Guide. There was lots of interest in the bikes....even more when the Heavens opened on the Auto Jumble.  It looks like there is a lot of support for the forthcoming events at Brooklands especially Ton up Day on 6 July. Also promoting this event was the London Ace Cafe who will be leading a ride out from the north circular venue to Brooklands on the Day.

Brooklands was well represented at the show which also included a VMCC Brooklands Section Stand and Historics @Brooklands Auctions who were promoting their Auction at Brooklands on 7 June.

Despite the jest above the Auto Jumble was mainly dry and we got time for a swift look round. There seem to be more and more bikes for sale on the stands, some of which looked like worthwhile projects, or maybe they were abandoned winter projects!

Trondhjemsridtet Vintage Rally

Gunnar Hop's Harley almost ready for the big Day

On 7 June riders will start the trondhjemsridtet Vintage Rally from Oslo to Trondhiem in Norway. This event commemorates the inaugural run of the Norsk Motorcycle Klub (Norwegian Motorcycle Club run in 1916. Check out our Twitter feed for Updates from 7 June @Fenlandclassics. The rally will begin at 1200 noon local time.

See video of the last Rally run in 2012

 http://youtu.be/yEskOHlwoTc

Goodwood Festival of Speed

 

 

The Goodwood Festival of Speed will take place later this month. Motorcycles will as usual feature in both static displays and runs up the Hill. The Brooklands BSA Empire Star will feature and is expected to run up the Hill during each session.

MAY 2014 Update

A bit of a busy month, but not much to show for it. Lots of preparation for the second half of the year means that hands have been on keyboard instead of spanners.

Warbike Project

Things are progressing well and it looks like we should be on target to publish volume 1 WW1 motorcycles on time. More about the exact dates should follow in June.  

BBC's Crimson Field WW1 Field Hospital Drama

Fans of Crimson Field may be interested that we are hoping to do a small photo-shoot in June to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the Red Cross Field Day at Brooklands. This was a huge undertaking for the time and included many local Red Cross Volunteers as well as local Reservists practicing the treatment and recovery of casualties from the battlefield to treatment stations. This event also included Motorcycles as well as Aircraft spotters with dummies playing a supporting role as casualties. Not that much is known of the event as it was serious contingency planning rather than event open to the public. The shoot will act as publicity for the Brooklands WW1 Commemorations on the first Weekend of August. We are still looking for some WW1 period bikes so if you have one and fancy dressing up we would love to hear from you at Warbike@fenlandclassics.co.uk

We have been working on the Warbike Facebook page which will act as a number of channels for research and sharing military motorcycle information. Not much to see at present, but if you have anything to share then please visit the page by clicking here. If you have any other suggestions or information please write to Warbike@fenlandclassics.co.uk

Brooklands Motorcycle Volunteers

We will be supporting the Brooklands Team at the Kempton Park Motorcycle Show on 24 May. This will provide publicity for other Motorcycle Events at Brooklands including Norton Day on 8 June, Ton-up Day on 6 July and The Cotton Centenary Day on 20 July.

Brooklands Reunion Meeting 13 July 2014

For those into the whole Vintage scene there is also a new event on 13 July. The Brooklands Reunion commemorates the 75^th anniversary the closing of the Circuit and aims to capture the Sprit of the 1930s Guests are encouraged to dress in period costume and there will be Grids of Brooklands Cars and motorcycles, Track demonstrations and Aircraft engine running. Not forgetting period vehicles running up Test Hill. The organisers are interested in attracting more period motorcycles to fully represent the sights and sounds of the 1930s. So if you have a 1930s bike why not take a trip down memory lane. More information on all the Brooklands events at www.brooklandsmuseum.com

 

Other Developments

We are slowly bringing together the elements that will eventually be the ecommerce channel or (shop in old money). We will try and concentrate on some hard to obtain items but this is still at the conceptual stage.

The new website is almost ready and will include video content in a section called Fenland Classics TV. This will be a collection of our favourite items from across the web as well our own films.

The Bike Shed Event III

The Bike shed gang are putting on the third of their events at Tobacco Dock in London on 24/25 May 2014. This is a bit outside our normal period of interest, but this is an epic event which showcases some of the best bike building talent around. We have our tickets Do you?  

Click here to see the trail.

Click Here to find out more and buy tickets