Real Classic August 2022

Well, goodness – this has suddenly evolved into a sort-of Royal Enfield Bonanza issue. And that’s come as something of a surprise – even to us! So…welcome, gentle reader, to a totally unplanned super special bonus RE RC. Three of a kind; same name on the tank but about as different as bikes can get. You may be entirely and understandably surprised to learn that we apply a lot of thought before planning an issue. Well, to be fair, Rowena does. I prefer to nod encouragingly and make ‘Hmmm…’noises when she reveals to a startled me what she thinks would be a great mix of machinery for the next issue. This happens well in advance of actually starting work on that particular issue – in fact, assuming that you’re reading…

Well, goodness – this has suddenly evolved into a sort-of Royal Enfield Bonanza issue. And that’s come as something of a surprise – even to us! So…welcome, gentle reader, to a totally unplanned super special bonus RE RC. Three of a kind; same name on the tank but about as different as bikes can get. You may be entirely and understandably surprised to learn that we apply a lot of thought before planning an issue. Well, to be fair, Rowena does. I prefer to nod encouragingly and make ‘Hmmm…’noises when she reveals to a startled me what she thinks would be a great mix of machinery for the next issue. This happens well in advance of actually starting work on that particular issue – in fact, assuming that you’re reading this…

As a boy, Chris Reynolds was captivated by the golden era of Brooklands racers. ‘I visited Beaulieu and saw EJ Tubbs’ nickel-plated Brooklands track bike,’ remembers Chris. ‘I read the book ‘50 Years of Brooklands’ and was fascinated by the mention of LWE Hartley’s Zoomer 90mph sidevalve Ariel. My mum and dad had a BSA M21 /Watsonian combination, and sidevalve engines fascinated me. As the years wore on and I started riding, then earning, I fancied building a Brooklands racer.’ So that’s how Chris came to place a wanted advert in 1965 for a suitable sidevalve to convert into his dream racer. But what’s all this about Tubbs and Hartley and the Zoomer? Well, marque specialist Laurence (LWE) Hartley was involved with Ariel motorcycles for over four decades, while his…

As a boy, Chris Reynolds was captivated by the golden era of Brooklands racers. ‘I visited Beaulieu and saw EJ Tubbs’ nickel-plated Brooklands track bike,’ remembers Chris. ‘I read the book ‘50 Years of Brooklands’ and was fascinated by the mention of LWE Hartley’s Zoomer 90mph sidevalve Ariel. My mum and dad had a BSA M21 /Watsonian combination, and sidevalve engines fascinated me. As the years wore on and I started riding, then earning, I fancied building a Brooklands racer.’ So that’s how Chris came to place a wanted advert in 1965 for a suitable sidevalve to convert into his dream racer. But what’s all this about Tubbs and Hartley and the Zoomer? Well, marque specialist Laurence (LWE) Hartley was involved with Ariel motorcycles for over four decades, while his…

Summat to say? Send your comments, hints, tips, tales of woe and derring-don’t to: RCHQ@RealClassic.net NEW GOLD STAR STEALS THE SHOW BSA put on an excellent display at the Brooklands Motorcycle Show in July. We – the Brooklands team – were able to support them with original BSA DBD34 and M24 Gold Stars, plus the faithful replica of the Gold Star winning M23 Empire Star (the original was destroyed in a race accident soon after the 100mph lap). I sat on anew one; very comfortable, feet easily flat on the floor. Controls fell readily to hand. It is not a clubmans DBD34, it’s more of a tourer. If I were to have an original Goldie today, it would be in touring trim, softish cams, concentric carb, etc. This is what the new BSA…

Summat to say? Send your comments, hints, tips, tales of woe and derring-don’t to: RCHQ@RealClassic.net NEW GOLD STAR STEALS THE SHOW BSA put on an excellent display at the Brooklands Motorcycle Show in July. We – the Brooklands team – were able to support them with original BSA DBD34 and M24 Gold Stars, plus the faithful replica of the Gold Star winning M23 Empire Star (the original was destroyed in a race accident soon after the 100mph lap). I sat on anew one; very comfortable, feet easily flat on the floor. Controls fell readily to hand. It is not a clubmans DBD34, it’s more of a tourer. If I were to have an original Goldie today, it would be in touring trim, softish cams, concentric carb, etc. This is what…