Classic Motorcycle Mechanics January 2022

Friends reunited… Remember that old website that was popular about 20 years back? That’s the one, Friends Reunited. I recall joining it in 2001 and hooking back up with lots of old school and college chums. Apparently, it was also named in a number of divorce proceedings, and eventually was taken over by other social media platforms, despite a peak of almost 24 million members, finally shutting down in 2016 after 16 years of helping to reconnect people. In our hobby, we love to reconnect to our bikes. I’ve got lots I’d love to get back with: F238 JKN (some chance, KMX125 which was nicked), N690 XTF (Kawasaki ZX-6R), Y174 NLO (929R FireBlade – apparently the gearbox exploded after my ownership), and S528 JJH – my old Kawasaki ZX-9R. We…

Remember that old website that was popular about 20 years back? That’s the one, Friends Reunited. I recall joining it in 2001 and hooking back up with lots of old school and college chums. Apparently, it was also named in a number of divorce proceedings, and eventually was taken over by other social media platforms, despite a peak of almost 24 million members, finally shutting down in 2016 after 16 years of helping to reconnect people. In our hobby, we love to reconnect to our bikes. I’ve got lots I’d love to get back with: F238 JKN (some chance, KMX125 which was nicked), N690 XTF (Kawasaki ZX-6R), Y174 NLO (929R FireBlade – apparently the gearbox exploded after my ownership), and S528 JJH – my old Kawasaki ZX-9R. We did around 25,000 miles together…

If there should ever be a listing of the nicest people in motorcycle racing, then it is a surefire certainty that the name of Paul Smart would be one of those at the very top of the table. Tragically and ironically, after a career covering thousands of racing miles, Paul died in a collision with another vehicle while riding his motorcycle on the A21 near Hastings in Sussex on October 27. The subsequent and immediate reaction on social media to the news of Paul’s death was a massive outpouring of sympathy for Maggie, his wife of 50 years, and their children, Scott and Paula. It was proof indeed of just how much ‘Smartie’ meant to his friends and fans. Those tributes poured in from both sides of the Atlantic as Paul had pursued…

EDZ UNDER LAYERS In the wilds of Cumbria, EDZ has been producing top-quality under layers for hikers, runners, cyclists, sailors and bikers. These Merino wool base layers are backed up by our very own editor who swears by them. His EDZ under layers were used continuously from 2016 even as pyjamas in the winter, so he didn’t spend so much on heating. Yes, he’s that tight… Pictured here is the zip neck top priced at £59.99 and the leggings priced at £49.99 www.edz.co.uk LHJC I70 REDEN HELMET This is a competitively priced sports-touring helmet, with features such as a ‘Supercool’ removable interior, which features ‘glasses grooves’ for glass/sunglass wearers. It has an anti-fog, Pinlock-ready visor, integrated sun shield and a shape developed in a wind tunnel. Best of all, it comes in normal size…

Archive PAUL SMART 1943 – 2021 WORDS: BRUCE COX PICS: MORTONS ARCHIVE If there should ever be a listing of the nicest people in motorcycle racing, then it is a surefire certainty that the name of Paul Smart would be one of those at the very top of the table. Tragically and ironically, after a career covering thousands of racing miles, Paul died in a collision with another vehicle while riding his motorcycle on the A21 near Hastings in Sussex on October 27. The subsequent and immediate reaction on social media to the news of Paul’s death was a massive outpouring of sympathy for Maggie, his wife of 50 years, and their children, Scott and Paula. It was proof indeed of just how much ‘Smartie’ meant to his friends and…

cmm Stuff The latest riding kit, top tools, tyres, retro clothing and more! EDZ UNDER LAYERS In the wilds of Cumbria, EDZ has been producing top-quality under layers for hikers, runners, cyclists, sailors and bikers. These Merino wool base layers are backed up by our very own editor who swears by them. His EDZ under layers were used continuously from 2016 even as pyjamas in the winter, so he didn’t spend so much on heating. Yes, he’s that tight… Pictured here is the zip neck top priced at £59.99 and the leggings priced at £49.99 www.edz.co.uk LHJC I70 REDEN HELMET This is a competitively priced sports-touring helmet, with features such as a ‘Supercool’ removable interior, which features ‘glasses grooves’ for glass/sunglass wearers. It has an anti-fog, Pinlock-ready visor, integrated sun…