Classic Motorcycle Mechanics July 2021

SUPPLY AND DEMAND? Where have all the cheap motorcycles gone? That’s the question I’m asking myself as I dive into the search for ‘another’ project, or regular ride. With £3000 burning a hole in my pocket, you’d think I’d have my pick of something suitable for CMM and the VJMC’s ’15 year or older’ rule: sure, I can still get a smattering of Yamahas such as old EXUPs and some ZX-6R/7R Ninjas and a few Honda VFRs, but that’s about it. Five or six years ago the world was my oyster: I snaffled up a CBR900RR-V FireBlade for under £2k and the same for a Suzuki GSX-R750 W-T SRAD for the same. Sold them for a few quid more a few years later… So what do I want for £3k?…

Where have all the cheap motorcycles gone? That’s the question I’m asking myself as I dive into the search for ‘another’ project, or regular ride. With £3000 burning a hole in my pocket, you’d think I’d have my pick of something suitable for CMM and the VJMC’s ’15 year or older’ rule: sure, I can still get a smattering of Yamahas such as old EXUPs and some ZX-6R/7R Ninjas and a few Honda VFRs, but that’s about it. Five or six years ago the world was my oyster: I snaffled up a CBR900RR-V FireBlade for under £2k and the same for a Suzuki GSX-R750 W-T SRAD for the same. Sold them for a few quid more a few years later… So what do I want for £3k? Well, a Kawasaki ZRX1200R would be…

Mick Hemmings 1944-2021 While this is a magazine largely looking at the Japanese and European classic scene, mention has to be made of the passing of Mick Hemmings. Mick was full of life, quick-witted, ch harming and damn quick on two wheels. He joined the motorcycle trade in 1959 and worked atanumber of Northamptonshire motorcycle dealers. In 1969 he bought his first Norton Co ommando – itwas acrashed and so orry-looking machine, but he rebuilt it, made it into aproduction race machine and won onit. In the early 1970s he worked in advertising for the motorcycle press, but by 1974 he’d set up Mick Hemmings Motorcycles in Northampton, eventually running Norton, Triumph and later Suzuki franchises. By the 1990s Mick was concentrating on classic Triumph and Norton machines, developing his own range of…

TUCANO URBANO SPENCER JACKET The new SPENCER jacket from Tucano Urbano is classic, simple and easily adaptable to life both on and off the bike, but it’s tough and protective, too! Class A-CE approved for protection against abrasion and impact without limiting riding ability, the SPENCER jacket has soft shoulder and elbow protection included as standard, as well as a pocket for a back protector. The outer shell is made from a mixed nylon/cotton Ripstop material which is water-resistant and has a wax effect. You’ve also got a polyester mesh lining for added breathability. Oh, and you’ll never forget a face mask again thanks to the small pocket inside the collar that holds a microfibre face mask which is included. Available in Dark Blue, sizes S-4XL. www.tucanourbano.com ARAI PROFILE-V FLAG The Profile-V is stylish and…

Archive Best of British! Mick Hemmings 1944-2021 While this is a magazine largely looking at the Japanese and European classic scene, mention has to be made of the passing of Mick Hemmings. Mick was full of life, quick-witted, ch harming and damn quick on two wheels. He joined the motorcycle trade in 1959 and worked atanumber of Northamptonshire motorcycle dealers. In 1969 he bought his first Norton Co ommando – itwas acrashed and so orry-looking machine, but he rebuilt it, made it into aproduction race machine and won onit. In the early 1970s he worked in advertising for the motorcycle press, but by 1974 he’d set up Mick Hemmings Motorcycles in Northampton, eventually running Norton, Triumph and later Suzuki franchises. By the 1990s Mick was concentrating on classic Triumph and Norton…

Stuff The latest riding kit, top tools tyres, retro clothing and more! TUCANO URBANO SPENCER JACKET The new SPENCER jacket from Tucano Urbano is classic, simple and easily adaptable to life both on and off the bike, but it’s tough and protective, too! Class A-CE approved for protection against abrasion and impact without limiting riding ability, the SPENCER jacket has soft shoulder and elbow protection included as standard, as well as a pocket for a back protector. The outer shell is made from a mixed nylon/cotton Ripstop material which is water-resistant and has a wax effect. You’ve also got a polyester mesh lining for added breathability. Oh, and you’ll never forget a face mask again thanks to the small pocket inside the collar that holds a microfibre face mask which…