Monday 25 May 2015

Chasing a Ghost



A Very Rare BSA


I have been talking about the Triumph TRW and the Douglas DV60 and that there was a BSA that was not identified at the Farnborough trials 1947. The trials were to decide which manufacturer was going to supply the motorcycle for military needs after World War Two. I have reported on the out come of the trial and it was the TRW performing best. This model continued into production until 1964. Of the three the BSA was the most mysterious. Very little was known about it so the best route was to contact the BSA owners club. I received a very nice letter back with information from Chris Orchards and Steve Maddens book, “British Forces Motorcycles1925 to 1945 with reference to the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) museum. Along with the letter were two other bits of information. One was a line drawing of a 500cc OHV twin with style akin to an A7. I'm not sure if this ever went into production.




The other bit of information was a photo of the BSA side-valve twin as supplied at the end of the war. I contacted the REME museum at the Borden Army base where the bike is stored and arranged a visit on the Friday morning just before heading off to Kempton Park to set up the LE club stand. 




Not that things have gone smoothly for this as the Valiant had burned out an exhaust valve and it took hours to salvage it taking up most of a day. The next time I came to use it the battery was flat so it would not start and then I managed to knock off the little peg that allows me to depress the centre stand without fighting to get my foot around the exhaust system. It didn't take long to get the battery charged and weld the peg back on to the centre stand but it added to the jobs I didn't want to do.

 After a short run out and the engine warm I changed the oil in preparation for Saturday. On Friday I headed off to Borden near Hazelmere on the Buell. A pleasant run of a bit over an hour. I met up with Roger Jones to look at the BSA. For all the effort it was only and M20. I still took some photos. I was given a promise by Roger that he would e-mail me some photos of the “missing bike” as it must be at the other site at the Arborfield garrison when he next visits. They do move them around according to which display they are required. So it was not a very successful visit but I still left some fliers for the Museum. Home in time for a bite to eat then to collect George with a car full of bits to set up the display for the Southern Classic Bike Show at Kempton Park. Bill arrived soon after we started with his bike and to lend a helping hand. It took a couple of hours to set the backdrop and the stand could only get completed after all the other display bikes had arrived. That would be about 08:00 am Saturday morning. That still didn't give us very long to be ready at 09:30 for opening time and this is what we looked like with 4 LE's on display, my Valiant and Georges' '47 KSS.
































From left to right, Chris, Me, Ron and Paul. George took the photo and Bill was yet to arrive.

Tuesday 19 May 2015

A Special Day





Opening of the Minter Cafe

After a long time with efforts from everyone our old cafe area has been transformed. It was a little past its best but nothing that new flooring a lick or two of paint and cabinets to hold the trophies of the late Derek Minter. Best know as “King of Brands” and a fierce competitor but one who is remembered as a King in Motorcycling. 

It has taken the better part of two years to get this collection to our Museum and Monday 18th May was the grand unveiling of the trophies in display cases now for all to see. 


Many people came to see this with Colin Seeley making the address to everyone. Those people who know the former greats like Dave Croxford and Paul Smart will remember them from reading about their racing achievements in the Motorcycle News in the 50's, 60's and 70's. 

It was an honour to meet the people who rode those big singles on British short tracks at that time. There are many others and there is another signed board to grace the museum archives. 

There were so many people there that I must apologise if I have missed more of our motorcycling greats. I had seen their pictures as a lad but time has moved on for all of us and also my memory has faded a bit so the combination of failing memory and years has made some of the people difficult to recognise. However as volunteer I did my duty to give tours to those who wanted them and I think most of the people knew more than me about the bikes we have as they have lived and worked on them in their time. Tales of daring do and close riding filled the air. 

It was a day to be remembered. Eric Patterson was there with his Viscount, the Vincent powered Norton that will be going to Bonneville soon for another record attempt.
I wonder if this bike will be at the Kempton Park Southern Classic bike show on Saturday 23rd May? I will be there with my little Valiant on the LE Velo Club stand.