Classic Motorcycle Mechanics September 2021

Sex, cider and sixteener specials! If I’m completely honest here, I only really got two of the above, when I was 16! And that was fine by me…The whole ‘girls’ thing came a little bit later, by choice: their choice, sadly! So, instead it was weekends of Woodpecker cider, wobbly wheelies and nifty fifties on the school field. I still remember the first time… (still talking two-wheels here) my mate Paul Evans had a Suzuki X1 and we’d lark about every weekend on it. I knew the rudimentary basics of how the thing went, how to start it up, how to change gear and kinda when to do it. The first time I teetered off, slowly releasing the clutch, was just the dawn of a new life for me. It’s…

cmm Archive STAVROS: PRINCE OF PRANKSTERS! WORDS: BERTIE SIMMONDS PICS: NICK NICHOLLS/MORTONS ARCHIVE, JOHN MOCKETT It’s probably fair to say that Stephen James Parrish’s persona and overall levity throughout his life have muddied the waters as to just how good a bike racer he was back in the day. And probably how good a team manager and commentator he was/is, too. Whilst this is a bit of a shame, Stavros would probably not have it any other way. After all, even his best mate Barry Sheene once said: “If Stavros had set his bike up as well as he did his victims and put as much effort into bike racing as he did his intricate pranks he pulled on people, he would certainly have been a World Champion!” Ahhh those…

cmm Stuff The latest riding kit, top tools, tyres, retro clothing and more! HJC RPHA 11 VENOM HELMET Apparently, it’s all the rage to have your helmet resemble a super-hero or supervillain. And this is the most popular: HJC’s Venom. Apparently, he/it is a baddie who gives poor Spider-Man the odd kicking. The lid itself is very well ventilated, and has a ‘Premium Integrated Matrix’ shell composition, has a wide-view, quick-release visor and the emergency release cheek pad system. Pricey, but should scare car drivers out of your way with ease! www.oxfordproducts.com £519.99 KAMASA PLIERS These self-grip locking pliers are suitable for a wide range of applications from automotive or electrical use to plumbing and home DIY. Sturdy and comfortable, there are three sizes of curved-jaw pliers: the 5-inch (125mm)…

cmm Tested Riding kit worn, tools twirled & tyres turned TCX DISTRICT BOOTS Comfortable straight from the box, these are like putting on a pair of favourite slippers. The outer layer consists of ultra-lightweight, yet robust, high tenacity fabric with micro-fibre. Sitting underneath is a waterproof and breathable membrane. The boots have a reinforced rand in the heel counter and toe, plus gear change area. The Ortholite footbed offers excellent cushioning and a high level of breathability, so you can wear them all day, with comfort guaranteed, thanks also to the wear-resistant, anti-slip thermoplastic polyurethane sole. I take a size 44, so that is what I requested, and the fit was perfect. Lacing is simple, with the added security of a Velcro fastening cover to stop the laces getting caught…

cmm News Support the NMM! Let’s have a shout-out to the National Motorcycle Museum as – with the country finally opening up – they need our support more than ever. With the pandemic and recent ‘pingdemic’ the museum and foot court have been given just three days of opening: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Let’s hope they go back to a seven-day opening schedule soon. Thankfully, there is no need to pre-book a day or time for a visit, but it will be contactless payment only. The NMM’s James Hewing said: “All the team here at the museum want to thank everyone who has given to both our Covid-19 appeal raffles held in late 2020 and early 2021. As promised, following the Government’s ‘roadmap’ out of restrictions,…

WIN Weise Stealth Hoodie TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE OF WINNING THIS GREAT PRIZE… 1. Go to www.classicmechanics.com 2. Fill in your details 3. Press enter 4. Sit back, relax and wait We’ve teamed up with our friends at Weise to offer you the chance to win a Weise Stealth Hoodie worth £129.99. This heavy-duty cotton fleece hoodie has it all: on and off bike style, a removable hood, and it comes with all the protection you need. Find out more on a range of bike clothing at thekeycollection.co.uk Competition closes: 28/09/2021. Good luck! There are no cash alternatives available. The winner will be the first name drawn at random. Terms and Conditions apply. To view the privacy policy of MMG Ltd (publisher of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics) please visit www.mortons.co.uk/privacy…