The United Kingdom has plans to eventually phase out diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles in favor of low-carbon emitting and carbon-neutral/electric vehicles.
While this new diet plan is extremely ambitious, the drive to end the sale of fossil fuel engines by 2030 has become a very real goal – and one that will also impact the motorcycle world.
In a recent survey held by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), participants were asked a series of questions surrounding the potential of a future without fossil fuel engines.
Some of the results may come as a surprise, but overall the survey pointed toward a community still very much in love with internal combustion engines.
The report states that 4805 participants (both affiliated with MAG and not) were asked a series of questions on the future of motorcycle riding – here they are, with their responses.
On the potential of gas-fueled vehicles being phased out:
8% of respondents accepted the inevitable
36% wanted a delay of the phase-out
55% completely refused and opposed the idea
On whether participants would like MAG to partner with other organizations to fight the ban:
83% were in favor
17% were opposed
On the eventual removal of fossil fuel vehicles (with the expected switchover being EV, of course):
31% said they would quit riding
56% would delay the switchover to EV for as long as possible
13% would adapt and move on
Selena Lavendar, Chairman of MAG, states, “MAG always represents the views of all riders, regardless of their choice of motorcycle. We have worked hard to develop the channels that get riders’ opinions heard by Government. We will not misrepresent those opinions.”
In light of further closures and lockdowns across India, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has announced in a statement that they will be extending warranties and free service periods to all customers whose perks were set to end between April 1 and May 31, 2021.
All extensions will remain in effect until July 31, across all dealerships in India – and anybody that was experiencing a lack of warranty or service due to increased limitations will have their services catered to.
Quoted by Livemint as “the corporate social responsibility arm of all Honda group firms in India,” the Honda India Foundation (HIF) has also pledged 6.5 crores (around 9.5 million USD) as an initiative to bring support and aid in unprecedented times.
The funds will be going to 5 states in the country – Gujarat, Rajasthan Karnataka, UP, and Haryana.
The support of HIF also involves the following:
the installation of oxygen production plants in Manesar, Alwar (Rajasthan), Kolar (Karnataka), and Gautam Budh Nagar (Uttar Pradesh).
HIF will establish facilities housing up to 100 beds in Rajasthan and Haryana to support the demand for space.
Distribution of PPE masks and sanitizers to essential workers.
Distribution of medical equipment (oxygen concentrators, pulse oximeters) to government hospitals in rural areas.
With the country shutting down and now rumors that HMSI will have to shut down temporarily, the aid is a welcome gesture to keep the country – with their motorcycles and scooters – running.
Singapore has always been lauded as a country with strict bylaws. It’s illegal to spit or sell bubble gum in public, and you’d be facing a hefty fine with up to two years in jail if you decided to take the risk and got caught. And now, in a recent report from MotoPinas, Singapore is cracking down on excess emissions – specifically older models produced on or before July 1, 2003.
The increase in efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality is nothing new for Singapore, and it is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to motor limitations for the country. The new bylaws (taking effect as of April 6, 2023) are going to be passed by the National Environment Agency (NEA), who have said in a statement on their website that they expect all motorcycles not conforming to the new emissions regulations to comply, or be banned.
This leaves residents a scant two years from now to tighten the emission output of their retro engines or face further fines and potential jail time. For many residents, this demand is next to impossible without heavily affecting the state and ride performance of their bike.
NEA has more to say about imported and foreign motorcycles, who will apparently not be exempt from the new bylaw.
“This is similar to current rules requiring foreign motorcycles to adhere to the same exhaust noise limit as local motorcycles, and not to emit any smoke or visible vapor,” says the agency.
Apparently, there is still a way to retain a bike produced before 2003 – but the application for the Classic Vehicle Scheme is still in the exploratory phase and a long way from completion.
“For owners who wish to keep their older motorcycles as a classic vehicle, [the] NEA is exploring a temporary scheme which would allow local motorcycles that were first registered between Jul 2, 1993, and Jun 30, 2003, to be retained after Jun 30, 2028, until such time when they are eligible for the Classic Vehicle Scheme,” NEA says.
To qualify for this benefit, residents and owners have to prove that their bike is at least 35 years or older from the original vehicle registration, and won’t come without its own list of restrictions.
Bottom line, emission levels for Singapore are set to reach an all-time low soon – but expect a weighty eye on your every move if you’re sporting a bike that’s got a few extra years under its fairings.
This stunning custom based on a classic air-cooled BMW has us wondering whether BMW will produce more retro models to complement their popular R nineT family.
It was produced by British custom motorcycle shop Sinroja Motorcycles and they call it the R17 which is interesting since BMW recently returned to cruisers with their R 18.
The R 18 was actually born after BMW gave the R 18 engine to a couple of custom houses to see what they could do with it.
In fact, the R nineT was also born after famed LA designer Roland Sands built a modern custom project to honour the venerable R 90.
So it’s not improbable that BMW would look at this classic as a potential for a more retro model in its line-up.
While the R nineT family is popular, I always thought Roland Sands’ version was better and BMW made the r nineT just a little bit too modern looking.
Birju Sinroja started Sinroja Motorcycles in Leicestershire, England, five years ago and has been working on the R17 for two years ago.
Here is their account of the rebuild:
The bike started as a BMW R80 TIC (police specification) that was a true barn find.
The first step was to strip the whole bike, taking it back to bare metal by sand blasting the frame and then cleaning up any unnecessary tabs and bracketry. From there a new subframe was fabricated to create a clean line. We also fabricated and repositioned the footrest for rider and passenger to fit their ergonomic needs. The handmade mudguards are finished with simple braces, holding them up to nicely balance the lines of the bike and provide some protection from dirt on the road.
All classic customs that leave Sinroja workshop get a full crank-up engine rebuild and the R17 was no exception. We stripped the almost 40-year-old powertrain all the way to crank, replacing all key components like big end bearings, chains, guides, pushrod tubes etc, and rebuilding it to better than factory standards. This engine received our 1000cc (originally 800cc) conversion with machined and ported heads and high compression pistons to up the power. All the cases are vapour blasted and painted black with fins polished for great looks. The gearbox and bevel drive got a full rebuild with all fresh bearings, seals, gaskets etc and some unique Sinroja upgrades. Carburettors were also fully rebuilt with bigger jets to help with upgraded engine. The exhausts were fabricated in-house and then finished by Motone’s one-off end cans.
Handling is vastly improved with a complete custom suspension set-up. Yamaha R6 forks have been reworked with Nitron Suspension racing range cartridges and fully adjustable Nitron rear shocks. The forks retain the R6 calipers for improved braking performance to further increase rideability. Fastec Racing created the billet machined yokes. The custom 18- inch wire wheels were built by Hagon using custom-made rims and stainless spokes.
A brand-new wiring loom from TowzaTronics replaces all of the original wiring. At the heart of all of the electronics is a Motogadget M-Unit Blue. It controls all aspects of the electronic system and also allows Bluetooth phone connection with a diagnostic support function. The M-unit also allows keyless ignition system via the owner’s phone. The R17 is fitted with Motogadget switches, bar end indicators and grips along with 7-inch halo headlight. Rear indicators are from Rizoma and double up as brake and running lights. The final element is a beautiful dash hosting the Motogadget speedo.
The stunning black/Corris Grey livery draws inspiration from the client’s love of Land Rovers and Range Rovers. The stitching on the seat mirrors that of the car and even the saddle leather came from a Land Rover. The aesthetics are finished with a machined Sinroja emblem that sits proudly on the tank.
This bike came with a perfect brief in my opinion. We had pretty much a free reign on what to do. It’s great to be in a place where customers just let you do what you want and have that trust and faith in skills we have. The end result is something we are super proud of indeed. A timeless design and giving rebirth to an old airhead that had been neglected for years in a barn is just a great feeling.
The 44th Historic Winton race event for classic motorcycles and cars returns in May 2021 after being cancelled last year because of the COVID-19 endemic.
Sadly, it’s a scaled-back event with no spectators allowed at the Winton Motor Raceway near Benalla in Victoria.
That’s a shame as Australia’s longest running, all-historic motor race meeting not only attracts some great historic motorcycles to race, but also for displays and trade stalls.
The 43rd Historic Winton in 2019 attracted more than 400 historic racing motorbikes, sidecars and cars from the 1920s to the 1980s.
The 44th Historic Winton for historic car and motorbike competitors will be held on 22–23 May 2021 under a Tier Three COVID Permit, says organiser Len Kerwood.
Attendance will be restricted to competitors, pit crews and officials.
At this stage, no public tickets will be available, and invitations to clubs for displays will not be possible.
“We are saddened that our event will not take its usual shape, and have not made this decision lightly,” Len says.
“However, the costs involved in the strict COVID Safe compliance and the continually changing Government requirements, has led us to this decision.
“Our loyal supporters; the spectators, car and motorcycle clubs, sponsors, advertisers and trade vendors will be greatly missed, however the running of the scaled back event will continue to support historic motorsport and keep Historic Winton alive for future years.”
But keep your fingers crossed because, if COVID restrictions are eased, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for spectators.
“If eased restrictions are in place, it may be possible to have spectators, but this will be determined in coming weeks,” Len says.
The first Bonhams Motorcycles auction for 2021 will include two important collections, one of Italian sports bikes and the other a selection of classic Vincent-HRDs, the world’s fastest motorcycles of their time.
Their Summer Stafford Sale will be held on 3 and 4 July in line with the rescheduled International Classic MotorCycle Show.
And it’s a collection of motorcycles that will have you drooling and concocting how you can claim the purchases on tax or explain it away to your significant other as an investment.
In fact, classic motorcycles are increasing in value, so the latter is not a lie!
A selection of motorcycles offered from the Ron Cody Collection
Well-known in MV Agusta club circles, the late Ron Cody, a former sports car racer and engineer, turned to his passion for building up and restoring his collection of Italian machines as a retirement hobby. This collection offers 48 motorcycles, with many examples of MV Agustas as well as other Italian marques. Highlights include:
1964 MV AGUSTA 150CC RAPIDO SPORT, £3,000 – 4,000
1966 MV Agusta 150cc Rapido Sport
Like their larger siblings, the small MVs were very expensive, costing as much as a British 500, which explains why so few of these exquisitely engineered little motorcycles were sold in the UK. This 150 Rapido Sport displays a total of only 125 kilometres on the odometer since restoration.
1953 MV AGUSTA 125CC TEL ‘SPORT COMPETIZIONE’, £4,000 – 6,000
c.1949 MV Agusta 125cc TEL Sport
With superb engineering compared with any British contemporary, the MV Agusta’s 125cc TEL ‘stroker’ of 1949 was powered by a neat unitary construction single-cylinder engine which, somewhat unusually for a post-war design, featured detachable transfer ports. The 125 MV offered here is presented in Competizione specification, intended for Italy’s popular long-distance races such as the Milan-Taranto and the Moto Giro d’Italia.
C.1958 GILERA 175CC ROSSA EXTRA RACING MOTORCYCLE, £2,400 – 2,800
c.1958 Gilera 175cc Rossa Extra Racing Motorcycle
Throughout the early 1950s, Gilera’s racers made the headlines, taking six individual World Championships and five manufacturers’ titles. Its road bikes paid the bills, with the 175cc being a top seller, although its high price abroad made it a relatively rare sight outside Italy. Introduced for 1957, the Rossa Extra was essentially a deluxe version of the 175 Sport. Apparently cosmetically restored and very nicely presented, this Rossa Extra racer features a Scitsu tachometer, Dell’Orto UBF24BS carburettor, Ceriani forks, and ventilated brakes.
1958 PARILLA 175CC SPORT, £4,000 – 7.000
1958 Parilla 175cc Sport
One of the first Italian motorcycle manufacturers that went into production after the Second World War, Parilla introduced the ‘high cam’ (camme rialzata) model, for which it is best remembered, at the 1952 Milan Show. This 175cc single-cylinder motorcycle featured a chain-driven camshaft mounted on the side of the cylinder head, the valves being operated via short pushrods. Stunningly beautiful, Parilla’s production racer was also exceedingly quick.
AN IMPORTANT VINCENT-HRD COLLECTION
Classic Vincent-HRDs
A stalwart of the golden age of British motorcycles, the Vincent marque is synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence but mostly record-breaking high performance.
1951 Vincent HRD 998cc Black Shadow Series C
Leading this important collection of Vincent-HRDs is a matching numbers 1951 Series C998cc Black Shadow, an example of the marque’s most famous model and the first genuine two-miles-per-minute production bike, with a reputed top speed of around 125 mph.
Off the road for 40 years, the motorcycle was completely restored by the vendor over a four-year period, with the result being judged ‘Best in Show’ at Stafford in 2010. Having since been displayed at the Lakeland Motor Museum, the Shadow is offered with a continuation RF60 buff logbook dating from April 1963 and the original registration number ‘LOV 579’. Estimate: £60,000 – 75,000.
Lining up with the Shadow is a loving recreation of its racing sibling, a Vincent HRD 998cc Black Lightning Evocation Special. Only 31 Black Lightnings were produced between 1948 and 1952 and their value reflects their rarity – Bonhams set a world record for the model in 2018 when the ex-Tony McAlpine, Jack Ehret, Australian Land Speed Record Breaking example sold for $929,000 (£656,630).
Vincent HRD 998cc Black Lightning Evocation Special
The vendor decided to create this Evocation for parades and track days. Buying a quantity of engine parts and main frame components in 2003, he embarked on a three-year project, restoring the rolling chassis himself, while entrusting the engine rebuild, to Black Shadow-plus specification, to well-known Vincent exponent Mick Ruocco.
Completed in 2006, it was commissioned by John Renwick, who made adjustments to the carburetion and started and ran the bike on his dynamometer. The Lightning was voted Best Classic Racer at the TT 2006 Lap of Honour and judged Best Classic Racer at the 2006 Stafford Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show. It has since completed many closed-road parades at the TT and Classic TT and was used the machine regularly until 2014, when it was put on display at the Lakeland Motor Museum. Estimate: £30,000 – 40,000.
1937 Vincent HRD 498cc Comet Series A, estimate: £35,000 – 45,000
1937 Vincent HRD 498cc Comet Series A
The rare Series A was the first model to use the Philip Vincent-designed engine, with high-camshaft layout. This example also underwent a complete restoration, from rebuilding the engine and gearbox to refurbishing the petrol tank. The restored Comet was awarded Best Post-Vintage machine at the 2009 Stafford Spring Classic Motorcycle Show. Covering a mere 100 ‘shake down’ miles since restoration the bike has, for the past decade, been displayed at the Lakeland Motor Museum.
Britain’s motorcycling history is long and illustrious. In the early days, the British industry was championed as being the best in the world, but after World War II the industry fell into a steady decline. Today, the British industry is a fraction of the size that it once was, but over the last 100 years, it has produced some of the most iconic and celebrated motorcycles ever made.
Ariel, AJS, Brough Superior, BSA, Matchless, Norton, Triumph, Velocette, Vincent, and more! These are just some of the marques out there that have left a lasting impression on the global motorcycling industry. Each of those brands has produced notable motorcycles, but there are some that are a cut above the rest. Here are 10 of the best motorcycles to come out of Britain.
Brough Superior SS100
Credit: Mecum Auctions
Let’s kickstart our list of the best of British with the most obvious option: the Brough Superior SS100. You could choose any Brough Superior motorcycle and it would be worthy of this list. Any surviving models are sought after and hold incredible value, even when they’re in the sorriest of states. The SS100 range is particularly valuable, with each model built to customer specifications.
While they had different characteristics, all SS100’s shared the same powertrain: a 998 cc air-cooled V-twin, manufactured by JAP or Matchless depending on which year you’re talking about. Each engine variation produced different horsepower figures, but all Brough Superior models were delivered with a factory guaranteed top speed of over 100 mph.
The SS100 has a storied history, setting numerous speed records, winning more than 50 racing events, and achieving critical acclaim. The model is famously tied to the famous T.E Lawrence who sadly lost his life while riding his beloved Brough Superior. His demise, however, led to the advent of motorcycle safety helmets, which changed the world of motorcycling forever.
Today, you can buy a new Brough Superior SS100. The brand has been revived and the bikes on sale are very much the “Rolls Royce of motorcycles” that their forebears were.
Triumph Bonneville
Credit: Mecum Auctions
While we’re on the subject of obvious inclusions, then let’s look at the Triumph Bonneville. The Bonneville is arguably one of the most recognizable British motorcycle models in history. But which one should be on the list? All of them.
Over the years, the Bonnie has enjoyed three generations, and three separate production runs. The first Bonneville rolled onto the scene in 1959 and was a staple of the Triumph line-up until 1983. The second-gen Bonneville was a short-lived exercise between ’85 and ’88. Now, the current Bonneville has been in production since 2001 and shows no sign of slowing down.
All of the Bonneville models take their name from the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats, and all share a common engine format: a four-stroke parallel-twin motor. However, the overall displacement of these engines varies.
The design of the Bonneville, in any generation or displacement, is simple. It features a tank, a saddle, and a round headlight. It’s everything a standard motorcycle should be, but there’s versatility in that simplicity. And that’s why the Bonneville can be found in café racer, scrambler, and bobber forms. It’s the perfect base for whatever you can dream of.
Silk 700S
Credit: MotorcycleClassics
When it comes to top lists about British motorcycles, very few mention the Silk 700S. There’s a good chance that you’ve never heard of it either, and that’s a shame because it’s a fantastic, innovative, and unusual machine. Produced between 1975 and 1979 by Derby-based Silk Engineering, the 700S featured state-of-the-art technology, big power, and an expensive price tag.
The heart of the Silk 700S was a formidable 653 cc water-cooled, two-stroke, twin-cylinder engine. It was able to produce 54 horsepower and hit top speeds of over 110 mph. It also featured electronic ignition, an advanced thermo-syphon cooling system, and an innovative lubrication system too. Despite the modern tech, it wasn’t a heavyweight beast. It even had an impressive power-to-weight ratio.
In 1976, Silk was taken over by another engineering firm and while there was legitimate interest in the 700S, the number crunchers worked out that the firm was losing £200 for every model produced. Given that each model sold for £1355, that was quite a heavy loss in the grand scheme of things.
While the Silk 700S isn’t as well-remembered as the others on this list, it shouldn’t be forgotten!
Ariel Square Four
Credit: Motorcyclespecs
The Ariel Square Four is a true British icon. When it first rolled onto the scene in 500cc form back in 1930 it boasted innovative engineering, and by the time the “Squariel” was finally retired in 1958, it would have left its mark as a true British design icon. If we had to choose a particular Square Four, it would be a model from between 1948 and 1952.
Built around a square four engine—essentially two parallel-twin engines fused together with opposite-turning crankshafts—the rest of the Square Four could fit into a standard Ariel rolling chassis with minimal modification. The later Square Four models featured larger displacements (600cc and 1000cc) and didn’t suffer from overheating as the earlier models did.
Most British motorcycles of yesteryear are often remembered for their funny quirks or unpredictable but charming character. The Square Four bucks that trend. It offered smooth and spritely acceleration, slick gear changes, and a comfortable, relaxed ride experience. Granted, the brakes are very much a product of their time and you won’t be getting any serious lean around any corners, but apart from that, you could easily fool yourself into believing that this bike was built in the 70s or 80s, rather than the early 1950s.
Norton V4 SS
Credit: Norton Motorcycles
Norton, like Triumph, is one of those quintessentially British motorcycle brands. It’s a classic name, but it has had a pretty rough history, with the marque being thrown from one owner to the next. And that’s not part of its history, it’s also very much a part of the brand’s present and future. After being purchased by British businessman Stuart Garner in 2008, everything looked grand for Norton. Unfortunately, the new Norton went bust in 2020 and is now owned by India’s TVS Motor Company.
However, during the Garner years, the new Norton pulled the covers off of something rather special: the Norton V4 SS. As you can see from the picture, it’s quite an attractive thing. It looks great. But while we love the shiny curves and commanding stance, it also packed some serious performance too.
Under the proverbial hood, the V4 SS features a 1200cc V4 engine that produces a claimed 200 horses, with plenty of midrange power. Combined with top-of-the-range suspension and top-shelf hardware, the V4 SS delivers real eye-watering performance. And it should since it’s the road-going equivalent of Norton’s TT-racer, the V4 RR.
The Vincent Black Shadow is a motorcycle that requires no introduction. It is legendary. It was a pioneering motorcycle chock full of new innovations. It was incredibly fast. And today, they always make headlines if they hit the auction because they are also incredibly rare. In fact, only 1,700 of these beauties were made, and that’s one of the reasons that pristine examples command such a high price.
Manufactured between 1948 and 1955, each Black Shadow was hand-assembled at the Vincent factory in Stevenage, Hertfordshire. Powered by a 998 cc V-twin engine with 55 horsepower, the Black Shadow was already set for greatness. However, in 1948 the Black Shadow managed to clock an incredible top speed of 150.313 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. It’s not hard to see why the Vincent sales team adopted “The world’s fastest standard motorcycle: This is a FACT – NOT a Slogan!” as its…slogan.
During its production, the Black Shadow was available in three different Series, as well as in White Shadow form, which was essentially the same as the Black Shadow but with a polished engine rather than enameled. Only 15 of those were ever made. Despite the success of those models, the Black Shadow story came to an end in 1955, when Vincent HRD ceased all motorcycle production.
Velocette Venom
Credit: Mecum Auctions
You can’t have a list of British motorcycles without including a Velocette. We were torn between the Viper and the Venom, but it was the Venom that won out. Both motorcycles are great, but the Venom was bigger and enjoyed a slightly longer production period. Though both were introduced in 1955, the Viper was discontinued in 1968, while the Venom hung on for a couple more years before ending in 1970—just before Velocette closed for good in ’71.
Manufactured in Birmingham, the Velocette Venom featured a 499cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine that produced an impressive 34 horsepower and could propel the Venom to speeds of over 100 mph. It was available in a number of forms, such as the off-road-focused Venom Scrambler, the sports-focused Venom Clubman, and the range-topping Venom Thruxton.
Not only was the Velocette Venom a great motorcycle but it’s also a record holder too. In 1961, a Venom Clubman successfully set the 24-hour world record, hitting an average speed of 100.05 mph. Even today, that feat remains unbeaten for the engine class. In 2008, an attempt was made to break it, but it wasn’t to be, and the Velocette Venom remains supreme.
BSA Rocket Gold Star
Credit: Mecum Auctions
The BSA Gold Star is a regular on these top list kind of articles about British motorcycles but why include the Gold Star and ignore its heavier duty stablemate, the Rocket Gold Star? There are plenty of good BSA models worthy of this list, but it’s the Rocket Gold Star that we’d choose if we really wanted something interesting.
The standard Gold Star was something of a legend: produced between 1939 and 1963, the Gold Star was a beautiful motorcycle available in 350 or 500 forms, driven by a powerful single-cylinder engine. The Rocket Gold Star, however, only enjoyed a short-lived run between 1962 and 1963, but rather than a single, it drew power from a 646 cc twin-cylinder engine. The bigger engine produced 40 horsepower and could propel the Rocket Gold Star to speeds of up to 115 mph.
Only a small number of these beautiful motorcycles were produced. Of the 1,584 units that rolled off of the production line, 272 of them were modified for off-road scrambling. If you can find one of those these days, snap it up. It could be worth a serious amount of cash!
Triumph Speed Triple
Credit: Triumph Motorcycles
While there are plenty of “modern” Triumph motorcycles that could fit on this list, if we had to choose one that really defines the brand then it has to be the Speed Triple. The Speed Triple first rolled onto the scene in 1994, taking inspiration from the Speed Twin of the 1930s. Though it took inspiration from Triumph’s past, it was designed with the future in mind. Even today, the Speed Triple is everything that a modern factory-built streetfighter should be. And more.
Over the years, the Speed Triple has enjoyed a number of evolutions. It began life with an 855 cc engine, before evolving into a 1,050 cc, to the 1,160 cc engine that we have for 2021. All of the Speed Triple’s engines are triple-cylinder units—obviously. The latest model boasts 176 horsepower and 92 lb-ft of peak torque. It’s an absolute powerhouse.
Now, the looks of the Speed Triple is always a good conversation topic. It provides plenty of debate! The distinctive bug-eye headlights are one of those features that you’re either going to love or you’re going to hate. But even if you hate the front end, you can’t hate the agile nature and superior performance of this modern British motorcycle.
Norton Commando
Credit: Mecum Auctions
The Norton Commando is an unmistakable British icon. Manufactured by Norton-Villiers between 1967 and 1977, the Commando is often lauded as one of the last great British motorcycles before the real decline of the British motorcycle industry. Between 1968 and 1972, the Commando won MCN’s “Machine of the Year” award every year, which should prove that this is a motorcycle with real attitude.
Originally, the Norton Commando came with a displacement of 750cc, however, that was increased to 850cc in 1973—which is the size most people remember. The 850 was powered by an 829 cc parallel-twin four-stroke engine, producing 60 horsepower and a top speed of about 125 mph. It was fast, but it was no sports bike. Instead, it was a sports touring machine, without the kind of vibration you’d expect from a British bike of the era.
Vibration was a big problem for a lot of British motorcycles, especially older Nortons. This problem was eliminated thanks to the introduction of a new Isolastic System frame. This new system isolated parts of the frame and joined them with rubber mountings to reduce vibration. And it was a success. The result was a smooth and comfortable ride experience from one of the most iconic British motorcycles ever made.
The Bonhams auction consists of several highly sought-after examples, particularly pre-war models.
Each motorcycle in the collection is in running condition and is being offered without reserve.
R57
BMW produced the R57 for only a few years after BMW’s first motorcycle, the R32 in 1923.
The R57 isn’t just rare, it is also “superbly engineered, beautifully styled and a capable rider”, says Mathieu Guyot-Sionnest, Bonhams Head of US Motorcycles.
It is estimated to fetch up to $US70,000 (almost A100,000).
“This will be our third year in partnership with the most prestigious motorcycle museum in the world and the largest vintage motorcycle celebration,”he says.
“With thousands of international motoring aficionados gathered together for the weekend event, there’s just no better venue.”
Other “no reserve” examples in the collection include a 1933 R4, a 1938 R35 and a 1940 R12 with sidecar.
BMW R12
There is also a a 1957 R26 with sidecar that was the German army’s famed war workhorse and was built with BMW’s first hydraulically damped telescopic forks.
A fastidiously restored trio Norton Commando bikes is among a dozen restored classics on offer at the Shannons Winter Timed Online Auction from 19-26 August 2020.
The jewel of the trio, all restored to an exceptional standard by noted Sydney Norton specialist, Paul Hibbard, is a rare and desirable 1974 Commando ‘John Player’ 850 (pictured top of page).
This single year ‘tribute’ bike, with its 828cc air-cooled OHV parallel twin engine, is a rare sight in Australia, as the majority of the estimated 200 built was delivered to the USA. Because of the quality of its restoration and its rarity, this visual replica of the factory’s racing bike of the era is expected to fetch $24,000 – $28,000 on August 26.
Norton 750 Commando
Another stunning Norton Commando is a 1971 Commando 750cc that has had in excess of $20,000 worth of new or old stock parts sourced from the UK used for its restoration. The Norton has covered just 150 miles (240km) since it was completed and because of its significance as one of Norton’s hallowed Commando sports bikes and its peerless condition, it is expected to sell in the $20,000-$25,000 range.
Norton Fastback
Similarly desirable for Norton enthusiasts is a 1968 Norton Commando Fastback 750 restored to a similarly-high standard that has covered just 12 miles (19km) since its completion. It is expected to bring $15,000-$18,000.
Other highlights
Yamaha OWO1
Another factory racing replica is a 1989 Yamaha FZR750R-R ‘OW01’, one of only 500 built.
Although it was a street-legal machine, the OW01 had a spec sheet that was all about racing. It is expected to sell for $15,000 – $20,000.
Ducati 900
Two beautifully restored Ducatis from 1969 and 1985 will tease Italian motorcycle fans: a 1969 250 Mk3 ($18,000 – $22,000) and a 1985 Ducati 900 S2 ($15,000 – $18,000).
From the late 1920s and early 1930s come three standout British bikes with no reserve:
A rare 1935 Panther Model 100 ‘Redwing’ 600cc;
1930 Sunbeam Model 9 500cc (both $20,000 – $23,000); and
There is also an extremely rare 1912 Peerless 500cc built by A G Healing & Co. Pty Ltd of Melbourne, Australia’s largest motorcycle manufacturer at the time.
Peerless
It is understood to be one of only four or five left in existence. The bike is powered by a 3½hp Fafnir 500cc side-valve engine.
This bike has competed in various Veteran Motorcycle Rallies and is eligible for the forthcoming National Veteran Motorcycle Rally on 17-22 October, 2021 in Manjimup, WA. It is expected to sell for $15,000 – $20,000.
ASydney motorcycle enthusiast and V&HMCC member is also offering a 1958 Ariel VH Red Hunter 500cc ($14,000 – $18,000) and a rare Austrian 1954 Puch SGS 250cc ‘Super Sports’ offered with ‘no reserve’ and expected to fetch $7,000 – $10,000.
Showroom opening hours
The Sydney Auction showroom has re-opened under reduced hours of 10am-4pm, Monday – Friday.
The Melbourne Auction showroom is closed due to Stage 3 restrictions.
If you are looking for some affordable, restored classics you can ride away, there are seven on the block at the upcoming Shannons Sydney Winter Auction on August 26 – most with ‘no reserve’.
The highlight for British motorcycle enthusiasts is a 1970 650cc Triumph Bonneville T120R (photo above), presented in restored condition and expected to sell in the $12,000-$16,000 range.
There are also two classic ‘intra-War’ BSA twin cylinder 500cc solos: a restored 1941 BSA WM20 and an unrestored, but complete 1946 M20. Each is expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $7000-$10,000 range.
Unrestored 1943 BSA M20
As an alternative for British classic motorcycle enthusiasts, there is a single-cylinder, 125cc 1948 Royal Enfield ‘Flying Flea’ motorcycle. Presented in useable condition and offered with ‘no reserve’, it is expected to sell in the $4000-$6000 range.
Royal Enfield Flying Flea
There are two great Japanese 1980s dirt bikes: a 1980 80cc Suzuki RM80T and a mighty 600cc 1983 Honda XL600R –both fresh from similar ground-up restorations and neither being used since completion.
Honda XL600R
Each is offered with ‘no reserve’, with the Suzuki expected to sell for $2000-$3000 and the Honda for $3000-$6000.
Japanese collectors may be interested in an unrestored example of Yamahas first road model – the 650cc XS-1.
This original classic is in good rideable condition and expected to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $9000-$13,000 range.
To view all Shannons August 26 Sydney Winter Auction lots, visit www.shannons.com.au
