Showcase Time - Classic era bikes

[Bully fanatic]

I will also say nice bikes. The old bikes definitely have a lot more character. Also Roger I just downloaded the results for our last club day up at Murphy`s Creek. Sorry that they are late. I forgot and nobody except you reminded me. Cheers Graham.

[Twinshock200]

Thanks for the results Graham, I think riders like to see and compare how they did at an event and after seeing mine at Murphy's Ck I wish I hadn't !!!!
John, we might be able to have that chat later in the year as we have booked our flights back to Aus in October and really looking forward to getting back.
In the meantime I managed to get some pics of a few superb Classics at a round of the Sammy Miller Pre 65 championship that I rode in at the weekend with 115 mainly British bikes competing. It was a sunny and dry weekend (for a change) and apart from a "stall" on my No.2 Cub I would have got 2nd in my grade but slipped to 5th because of it.
Have a look at these beauties including some heavyweight sidecar outfits,

A nice ariel outfit, I think !!

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A B25 pretending to be a C15, count those fins on the barrel George

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A nest of Tiger Cubs

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How would Justin go on this heavyweight

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[Jon V8]

Good to meet up with you at the Sam Cooper trial Roger.Shame we didnt have more time to chat and I'm glad you didnt take any pics of my old banger,still filthy from the last two trials its done.It was a nice ride around in the sun,(Makes a change from rain and sub zero temps) lovely bit of scenery to take in.
Some very smart bikes to look at,makes me ashamed of my old bangers,covered in dirt and oil leaks....
PS. I think the AJS or Matchbox in your photo is neither - I think its "Teflon Dons" (Nigel Townsend) bike - one of the Golden Valley "Factory Team" members.From memory its a John Bartram HT5 Ariel frame and the engine is a later AMC with the mag mounted behind the cylinder as earlier Matchless engines had.The mag chain case is rewelded into the Matchless position behind the cylinder to shorten the engine to help keep the overall length down... Nigel is well known for building bikes and it was he who sold me my AJS - for which I am very grateful.

[Twinshock200]

It was good to meet you also Jon, its a small world.
According to the results you had an excellent ride, well done, I will try to do a few more of the SM championship rounds, it was a very enjoyable event.
Can you make a note of my email address and let me know your club or website details, [email protected].
That Cub I was riding had a Villiers carby on it and I had been unable to get a tickover on it in the short time I had it running before the event, it was so low geared and had so much compression it stalled on the last drop out of the first section at Weston wood and I knew it would stuff my score for the day, it did !!
There were some immaculate heavyweights there but I never saw one on the road, they used to fly past the smaller bikes in the 60's and 70's, they must be gearing them a lot lower these days..
One more pic for all to enjoy.

Yet another Cub

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[JC1]

Keep em coming Roger... & others.

I will also say nice bikes. The old bikes definitely have a lot more character

Yeh, I agree Graham. Sort of quaintly endearing. They draw you in!

I'm a bit partial towards Bantams, don't know why. Perhaps its their stark simplicity & lightweight. Or perhaps making something akin to a silk purse out of a sow's ear. There's some very nice ones out there. I prefer them still with bottom frame rails myself.

[JC1]

Famous shot of the works Bantam; 2nd place behind SM (Bul) 67 SSDT

[Jon V8]

JC1, a friend of mine owns the works AJS 37AT with rego SFH96G - its pictured in several of the trials books,I think including the Don Morley Classic two stroke book.The bike is in a bit of a state and needs a full rebuild.Be a nice bike when its done,and an important part of the final years of Brit bikes dominating trials,the end of Villiers supplying engines to loads of frame makers etc,etc. I think the bike was built in the Cotton factory,it certainly shares many parts with late Cottons when you compare the two.
I'll try to get some pics next time I see it.

[JC1]

That'd be great Jon. Do you know if the story that SM nearly left Bultaco to develop this model is true?

The 1st shot below maybe a factory shot. Slightly diff bike to prod'n one above. I'm lead to believe only about 10 were produced. Does anybody know if that's correct?


Following pic is of an Ossa 160 (converted road bike I assume) that I'm lead to believe is pre-65 legit

[whitehillbilly]

Interesting site

http://www.custgp.com/trialsbiketwo.html

whitehillbillies

[Twinshock200]

I doubt if the Ossa would qualify for "Pre 65", the 37A motor didn't start in production until 1970.
I think the term "Classic' trials bikes is interpreted in different ways, there are classic heavyweights, twinshocks and no doubt there will be classic moderns eventually.
My interpretation of a Classic bike is by the Australian MOMS which defines a Classic grade trials bike as manufactured before 31st December 1964 and before I get shot down with guys quoting the "exact" wording, and I accept all that. they are basically,,,,, Pre 65.
In the meantime here's another "genuine Classic"
Cheers
Galps