Real Classic July 2022

Every year I make the same pledge: No More Projects! I swear (violently and volubly, but only while alone – cats are sensitive to such things) that I will acquire no more motorcycles which do not actually work. That as I toddle across the endless golden uplands I shall devote more time to riding, less to spannering. Stout stuff! But there’s a snag. And that snag is that I actually enjoy making a bike work. Well, I enjoy it when it does work – if you’ve been following my adventures with the world’s least satisfying AJS 350 you will understand that I do expect a bike upon which I’ve lavished funds (mine) and expertise (sometimes mine!) to run. Joking aside, the AJS has been a real lesson. It has great…

Every year I make the same pledge: No More Projects! I swear (violently and volubly, but only while alone – cats are sensitive to such things) that I will acquire no more motorcycles which do not actually work. That as I toddle across the endless golden uplands I shall devote more time to riding, less to spannering. Stout stuff! But there’s a snag. And that snag is that I actually enjoy making a bike work. Well, I enjoy it when it does work – if you’ve been following my adventures with the world’s least satisfying AJS 350 you will understand that I do expect a bike upon which I’ve lavished funds (mine) and expertise (sometimes mine!) to run. Joking aside, the AJS has been a real lesson. It has great potential!…

The other evening, I was lounging in my garden, sipping a San Miguel and admiring the sensuous lines of the bike parked under the magnolia tree. I bought it brand new in 1974, this Ducati 750 GT. This is the model that launched Ducati on its trajectory to become the Ferrari of the motorcycle world, so to say it’s an iconic machine is an understatement. The GT is still a visual feast. It was designed in a period when the engine rather than the bodywork was the main styling focus – think of the earlier Vincent Black Shadow or Brough Superior -and this engine is a beauty. The alloy bevel tower on the forward cylinder looks like something off a 1930s aero engine. I polish it, lovingly, for many a happy…

The other evening, I was lounging in my garden, sipping a San Miguel and admiring the sensuous lines of the bike parked under the magnolia tree. I bought it brand new in 1974, this Ducati 750 GT. This is the model that launched Ducati on its trajectory to become the Ferrari of the motorcycle world, so to say it’s an iconic machine is an understatement. The GT is still a visual feast. It was designed in a period when the engine rather than the bodywork was the main styling focus – think of the earlier Vincent Black Shadow or Brough Superior -and this engine is a beauty. The alloy bevel tower on the forward cylinder looks like something off a 1930s aero engine. I polish it, lovingly, for many a…

Summat to say? Send your comments, hints, tips, tales of woe and derring-don’t to: RCHQ@RealClassic.net BIG TWINS At least one UK constabulary found the big Royal Enfield KX affordable for police work-a subject raised in Phillip White’s article. Here are eight Model KX sidecar combinations supplied to the Liverpool Police in 1936 via local dealer, Bob Sergeant. Factory registers held by the REOC record a repeat order made in December of 1938, so they must have enjoyed the ride! Oily Boot Bob, member This picture of a 1910 Royal Enfield V-twin is my way of questioning Philip White’s statement about the first V-twin Royal Enfield. You will notice that ’our hero’ is riding a 300cc machine without gears and clutch, but it does have pedals! This machine was loaned to…

Summat to say? Send your comments, hints, tips, tales of woe and derring-don’t to: RCHQ@RealClassic.net BIG TWINS At least one UK constabulary found the big Royal Enfield KX affordable for police work-a subject raised in Phillip White’s article. Here are eight Model KX sidecar combinations supplied to the Liverpool Police in 1936 via local dealer, Bob Sergeant. Factory registers held by the REOC record a repeat order made in December of 1938, so they must have enjoyed the ride! Oily Boot Bob, member This picture of a 1910 Royal Enfield V-twin is my way of questioning Philip White’s statement about the first V-twin Royal Enfield. You will notice that ’our hero’ is riding a 300cc machine without gears and clutch, but it does have pedals! This machine was loaned to me to ride in…