I set this blog up some years ago with the intention that it might attract content from other members of the Wimbledon & District Motorcycle Club. I thought maybe it might function as a sort of club magazine. That did not really work so I am now changing it to my personal motorcycle blog.
I have a small (my wife says big) collection of mainly old British motorcycles. The 1950s is my preferred era. Here is the collection as it stands at the moment.
Sunbeam S8
This is a 1952 model that I have owned for about 4 years. The main enhancement to it is a points assisted wasted spark electronic ignition. Comfortable, smooth, beautiful and leisurely I think describes it.
Matchless G80
This is a recent acquisition. A 1949 model with the rare 'candlestick' suspension. The bike is very original and I am the 3rd owner. Scruffy, dependable and a joy to ride.
AJS Model 20
This one is a bit of a bitsa. It has a 1957 G9 engine in 1956 Model 20 cycle parts. A G9 engine is identical to that fitted to a Model 20 and this one has its original AJS timing cover, so you would never know unless you looked at the engine number stamped on the crankcase. An enjoyable lusty little twin that is very easy to start and a joy to ride. I have geared it up a tad so that it cruises at 70+ without much vibration.
Norton Commando 850 MkIII
My one and only 'big bike'. It has a very effective electric start, otherwise it would not be in my stable. There is no way I could kick over this lump at my age. Good fun on an open road where you can give it its head a bit. It is fitted with a single carburettor which I like. Once the revs reach 3k the isolastics smooth it out nicely and it does not suffer from wearing vibration. In traffic it feels like a big beast in the wrong environment.
Velocette LE MkIII
I bought this about a year ago as a lockdown project. It had not run since the late 1960s and had a seized up clutch. This is it ready for the road after I have resurrected it mechanically and tarted up the paint work. I have a huge admiration for these brilliant little bikes from Velocette. They are lovely to ride, easy to maintain, easy to start and very easy to get on the stand. With a screen fitted there is lots of weather protection and they make a great winter shopper. In most eyes they are downright ugly, which means they can be picked up for less than the price of a much inferior BSA Bantam.
Royal Enfield Himalayan
My only new bike, bought in Spring 2018. A very competent motorcycle. Enjoyable to ride with great handling. The little 400cc single engine pulled me, my wife and all our luggage on a 2000 mile trip in Europe with ease. I mainly use it when my wife is going pillion because she loves it and if I am doing traffic work. It excels in heavy traffic. Manoeuvrable, light controls and a very tight turning circle make it the ideal London steed.
