Classic Motorcycle Mechanics

I just love nostalgia and I got a long slug of it in this issue thanks to two of the bikes we have on test this time round. My first-ever road test for the weekly motorcycle newspaper I once worked on was a Yamaha Virago – an XV535 to be fair, and not the 1100 we’ve got in our pages, but I still can’t help but have a little smile when I see one of any capacity. They may not have been the coolest choice of bike in the 1990s when I was cutting my teeth as a bike scribe, but they’ve sure been popular in all their various cubic capacities for those that want a custom machine that fits their needs. And then there has been the Honda CB1300.…

It could well be argued that – 50 years ago in 1975 – things were finally coming together for the 25-year-old Barry Sheene, but his most successful year to date wouldn’t come without cost… Barry was one of the favourites for the Daytona 200 held in Florida, in March, a race that was a traditional precursor to the main grand prix season and a rather prestigious one. It was here that, perhaps, good and bad luck combined to send Sheene’s popularity into the stratosphere. Bad luck, because hiss Suzuki TR750 would suffer the lock-up of the rear wheel at an estimated speed of 178mph; the bike was geared for around 180 on the Daytona circuit’s notorious banking. Initially the thought was that the rear tyre delaminated, but since then other…

NEXX X LIFETOUR HELMET The Nexx X Lifetour flip-front helmet brings unprecedented levels of noise reduction, comfort and convenience to touring, with innovative sound-dampening technology, and it comes set up for Bluetooth comms. The soundproofing uses ‘Vortex Generators’ on the chin section to minimise aerodynamic drag, and the ‘Silent Travel Seal’ – a dual rubber seal around both the visor and modular face section. Combined with integrated Anti-Noise cheek pads and neck roll, this comprehensive approach to noise reduction makes the helmet exceptionally quiet, even at motorway speeds. Comfort is enhanced by the sophisticated ventilation system, which includes two closable air intakes and two exhaust ports. Meanwhile, X.MART Dry fabric technology wicks moisture twice as fast as traditional cotton linings. The Lifetour also comes ready to accept the NEXX X-COM3…

MOTOART MOTOFLATOR I love things that are compact but still pack a bit of welly – like small bikes, terriers and cats – and this Motoflator is one such creature. While I do have a couple of foot-pumps and two bicycle hand pumps for sorting out tyres on cars, motorcycles and push-bikes when I’m feeling masochistic, for swift inflation with no fuss, the 12-volt ‘cigar socket’ mini-pump is ideal. For a few quid you can buy something from Halfords that stores in the boot and in the garage, and it’s always there if you’re suddenly caught short of PSI in the old boots. And so it has always been thus: I always have one stored in the boot of the car and one in the garage – but I’ve never…

There is lots to see at the International Classic MotorCycle Show sponsored by Carole Nash, held over the weekend of April 26-27. Held once again at Stafford County Showground, this year’s special guest is TV biker and restorer Henry Cole. Henry (and friends) are well known, thanks to his shows including ‘The Motorbike Show’, ‘Shed and Buried’ and ‘World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides’. Henry will be around being interviewed on the main stage during the weekend. And that’s not all. The show’s big theme is celebrating 100 years since the launch of the Brough Superior SS100 and it’s hoped the show will include the world’s largest-ever public display of these amazing machines – around 20 in total, including some of the rarest and most famous Broughs ever made. Among the iconic…

Following on from the successful evening with multiple British champ John Reynolds, another star will be at a Kettering pub being quizzed by Classic Motorcycle Mechanics editor Bertie Simmonds. Keith Huewen is a former superbike and grand prix racer; he took second place at the 1981 British 350cc grand prix. Following the end of his race career in 1985, he’s carved out a career as a top-notch commentator, most notably with BT Sports/TNT where, until recently, he was one of the main anchors. He’s got plenty of stories from his racing and commentating career to keep you entertained! The night is Monday, April 28 and tickets cost £15. The pub is at 48 Woodland Avenue, Barton Seagrave, Kettering NN15 6QP and for more information go to: www.thestirrupcupbartonseagrave.co.uk or email: info@thestirrupcupbartonseagrave.co.uk.…