Tag Archives: vintage motorcycle

Top Tips for Restoring a Vintage Motorcycle

(Contributed post for our North American readers. Image: Vintage Vincent)

Restoring a vintage motorcycle is every motorbike enthusiast’s ultimate dream. Just imagine cruising on the open road as your bike roars its mightiness. You can also think about all the money you would earn from making an excellent job of the restoration process. According to research, people are more than willing to pay good money for a restored vintage bike than for a new one. In 2018, a 1951 Vincent Black Lightning (pictured above) topped the list of the most valuable motorcycles with a value of $929,000. 

Doing a motorcycle restoration correctly is essential. One simple mistake can cause motorcycle accidents. According to Davis Law Group, a motorcycle accident can cause traumatic brain injuries, fractures, spinal cord injuries, burn injuries, and even death. You have to understand that restoring a vintage bike takes time, tons of patience, and loads of cash. If you cannot commit to any of these, this project may not be for you. If you are ready to take on the challenge, then here are some tips to help you ensure that your restoration project becomes a success. 

Look for a Service Manual

While you may be prepared with a variety of tools suited for fixing up a bike, many experts claim that an essential tool you must have is the bike model service manual. The manual will provide you with all the information you will need about the motorcycle. If you can get your hands on an OEM factory repair manual, the better. Note that this manual is not given to buyers, as service techs commonly use these. Repair manuals include a detailed description of how the motorcycle was assembled, a piece of crucial information if you plan to rebuild the bike. 

Dismantle and Categorize

One of the common mistakes newbie restorers make is taking apart the bike and rebuilding immediately. If you do this, you might find it hard to reassemble the parts. You can start by taking the bike apart section by section, then categorize and rebuild as you go. It would be wise to take pictures before and after removing them. Store small parts in a bag and don’t forget to label them appropriately. 

Craft a Plan

To achieve a successful vintage motorcycle restoration project, you must have a plan. Create steps that you should follow so you can accomplish the task systematically. List all the sections you wish to repair, including which goes first and last. One of the most useful guides you can use is your motorcycle’s general condition. 

Creating a plan will also help guide you when you need to order parts for the restoration project. Take note that looking for parts and ordering them takes some time, particularly if you plan to restore an older bike such as 1930 Brough Superior SS100 or a Panther 1928. To make the search easier for you, join forums or ask motorcycle dealerships. You can also make excellent finds in scrap yards or local at mechanic  shops. 

Make it Personal

Restoring vintage motorcycles depends on your preference. If you want the bike to be an expression of your personality, then make it as unique to you as possible. It is your work, anyways. If you’re going to add custom handlebars, feel free to do so. If you plan to do custom work, it would be best to ask a professional to do it for you. Relay to the restoration mechanic what you want to achieve. Make sure that your mechanic is reliable and has a good track record of working on vintage motorcycles. 

Riding a classic motorcycle can give you an unexplainable high, but riding one you’ve restored with your own two hands is heaven. So take the challenge and ride safe! 

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Velocette: A short history and test ride

Former Ulysses Club magazine editor and long-time bike tester Ian Parks (above) takes a 1965 Velocette Venom for a spin.

Velocette hit the streets of Australia in 1965 when Robert Menzies was Prime Minister, James Bond’s Thunderball was at the “flicks”, The Rolling Stones Can’t Get No Satisfaction and the average wage was £15, 8 shillings.

Velocette was a line of motorcycles made by Veloce Ltd, Hall green, Birmingham, England.

The brand acquitted itself well in racing from the 1920s through until its demise in 1971. In 1933, the single-cylinder 250ccMOV was created using overhead-valve operation. It was capable of 60mph (96km/h).

Probably the most recognisable Velocettes to many of us are the Venom and Thruxton models (1955 to 1970). These 500cc singles were capable of about 100mph (160km/h) producing up to 44bhp (32kW). The pinnacle of the Thruxton’s racing success is the win at the 1967 Isle of Mann Production TT.

This test bike is a 1965 499cc Venom which would have cost £500 ($1000) when new. It started life as a solo and was married to its sidecar some 18 months after purchase. The owner of this British thoroughbred is Gloucester Branch Ulysses member Neil McMeekin #64828. He has been custodian of his ‘Velo’ for about nine years.

1935 Velocette Venom outfit
Ian on the Venom

Meeting the Velocette Venom

I’m approaching this test ride as I if it was 1965 when Neil bought the bike.

When I meet him, Neil is casually dressed wearing a t-shirt with the words, “With British Bikes, you’ll never walk alone!”

Why a Velocette? I asked. “My very colourful Uncle Jack owns and races one. He’s the type of Uncle you fear allowing your children being influenced by. I love him, he’s great.”

1935 Velocette Venom outfit
Uncle Jack

We step forward to take in the view of the drop dead gorgeous motorcycle, a pinnacle of British engineering.

The ironing board seat has a height from ground of 31 inches (780mm) and will suit riders of slight build. The standard handlebars cause the rider to be bent forward, so, this requires the head to be tilted up. I suggest that riders of taller than average stature, may find this somewhat uncomfortable.

Time to ride1935 Velocette Venom outfit

We proceed to the Velo and I receive the relevant instruction for starting the massive 500cc beast. Turn on the fuel, ‘tickle’ the Amal carburettor, adjust the advance/retard, choke, decompression valve, switch on the ignition and then operate the kick starter. The beast fires, twist the throttle and allow it to warm up.

Pull in the light clutch, lift the right hand gear shift to first and away we go. Kick down the shifter and we’re into second, down again, all the way to fourth, the sweet spot of about 45mph (70km/h) being reached, I settle into the experience of this modern ‘dream machine’. Top speed for a solo Venom is up to 100mph (160km/h).1935 Velocette Venom outfit

I do a few circuits of town and get the feel of the machine. The handling is superb for an outfit, the adjustable steering damper control works a treat and the brakes are excellent.

I return the Velocette to the overly anxious owner and thank him for the experience.

It is difficult to imagine any future motorcycle being able to surpass this masterpiece of mechanical excellence.1935 Velocette Venom outfit

Vintage Velocette

Back to 2019. In this era, the Velocette is a classic Vintage motorbike. It’s a 54-year-old unrestored superbly maintained machine that Neil uses on a regular basis. Owning one is fraught with all sorts of dramas and should be very carefully considered before embarking on any proposed purchase.

He has ‘customised’ it with a few things to ensure his ageing frame can keep enjoying it for many years to come.

Engine starting is not user friendly as the kickstart throw is shorter than on a similar aged Triumph or BSA. About five years ago an after market electric starter was installed. The electric start also required the original 6V system to be converted to 12V. The engine management controls aren’t simple and virtually require a TAFE course.1935 Velocette Venom outfit

Spark is generated via magneto (yep, magnets). No batteries required! Just like the old Victa mowers we used back last century. Simple technology that’s still used today e.g. mowers, chainsaws etc.

The rear brake is a mechanical standard drum, which works acceptably. Neil paid for a twin leading shoe front which makes it more adequate. There is no sidecar brake. This all said, braking operation in all conditions requires planning. It’s a 1965 bike with brakes designed in 1935.1935 Velocette Venom outfit

Riding an outfit

If you’ve never ridden an outfit you’d be mad to buy one without having an experienced person teach you. It’s a completely different riding skill. Just negotiating a carpark is an experience, you have to be constantly aware of your extremities, and there is no reverse gear so choose where to park carefully.

Engine maintenance is pretty good, especially on a solo ‘Velo’, but remember, if the left side of the bike has a sidecar, it may require removal in some cases.1935 Velocette Venom outfit

Parts of the rear frame look pretty spindly. However, all the front-end and geometry must be pretty well matched as there is no need for leading links etc.

The gear ratios are a good match for the engine. Neil states, “Warming up the bike is essential as gear shifts are a ‘cow’ when cold; lots of false neutrals too”.

Touring? You can take the kitchen sink! The sidecar storage can swallow a passenger plus a big esky. Neil advises that the trick is to place the heavier mass at the back rather than the front.

The original tool kit has an array of Imperial British Standard spanners. It included a tyre pump not unlike the old push bike ones, just a bit larger in capacity. I asked Neil what he considered was an essential part of the ‘Velos’ toolkit for breakdowns? “A trailer”! was his answer.

Fuel tank capacity is 4 gallons (18 litres) which gives a range of about 160 miles (250km). Neil estimates the fun factor at 110%.

Resale value1935 Velocette Venom outfit

Resale value today? Well, depending on what you’re after, you could be looking at around the $35,000 to $40,000 mark.

Neil is unassuming, knowledgeable and has a wry sense of humour. The bike is no shortage of challenges either, many is the time Neil has had to scour the various clubs or the internet for information on what appears to be a perplexing halt to forward motion. During these times Neil will tell us to “ask me about the ‘Velo’”. Dutifully we ask and then receive the hand on forehead reply “I don’t want to talk about it!”

So what happened to the Velocette? The same thing that killed off much of England’s motorcycling industry … the emerging dominance of Japanese motorcycle manufacture.

The 1968 Honda CB750 was innovative, cheap, reliable, fast and had electric start. Add a dash of English complacency, and it was pretty much the final nail in the coffin for all those great British Bike legends.

May Your Lid Never Skid, Ian Parks #11735

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

How to Take Good Care of Vintage Bikes

(Sponsored post)

Whether you’re a casual collector or a real motorcycle aficionado, you probably turn your head whenever you catch a glimpse of a vintage or classic motorbike. One day, you might even own one yourself. Anything that has gone past the 20-year mark is already considered a bit of an artefact. As such, any vintage bike deserves the utmost care.

It doesn’t matter if you plan on taking the historic bike on a joyride or just have it displayed, proper maintenance is not just an afterthought. Give a vintage bike the treatment it deserves using this essential guide.

1. Do your homework

Before anything else, you will need to learn a lot about the specific make and model you own. Manufacturers set their own standards when it comes to designing and manufacturing their motorcycles, so make sure you do ample research about yours and the features that they were able to roll out. This should give you a good idea on how best to maintain these features and keep your motorbike in tip-top shape.

2. Search for manuals

The most useful resource you can have for fixing or maintaining an old bike is their original manual, if you can find them. If your vintage bike is really vintage, you might have some difficulty tracking one down. However, it’s worth the effort to get one. This should give you all the more reason to search online for manuals that can help you avoid making any costly errors on a vintage beauty.

3. Consider a thorough check-up

You just can’t rely on your gut to know if you’re going the right way in terms of maintaining a vintage bike. When in doubt, you might want to consider bringing the vehicle to someone who has experience working on vintage models. A thorough check up is in order if you’re planning to detect any aesthetic or performance issues worth correcting. Through the right professional, you should be able to save a ton of money and keep your motorbike from further deterioration.

4. Go for a full refurbish

Restorations can be expensive, especially if you’re looking at motorbikes that have been around during the 1950s such as the Ariel Leader or the Moto Guzzi Cardelino. The secret here is effective motorcycle detailing. Consider giving the bike a brand new finish by applying a new coat of wax. You might also want to keep the rims shiny and replace worn out leather with more durable material – all this without sacrificing the overall vintage look and feel of the bike.

5. Know where to get your parts

Much of the challenge to maintaining a vintage bike is knowing where to get parts. Luckily, a quick Google search will yield numerous online stores selling replica parts, if not original ones. Either way, it makes for an easier way to keep the bike in good condition just in case the crankshaft fails or if the brakes have become worn out.

Vintage motorbikes are a beauty to behold, but they are also a mess when it comes down to maintaining them. With these tips in mind, you can rest easy knowing that it’s possible to pamper an oldie but goodie.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Revived Flying Squirrel heads to Historic Winton

For the first time in 65 years, a 1929 Scott Flying Squirrel has been kick-started in time for its display at Historic Winton on May 18-19.

The bike has been restored by Victorian brothers Michael and Peter Shacklock.

Listen to the bike fired up for the first time.

Scott Flying Squirrel

Their father, Arthur, bought the Flying Squirrel new in 1929 and raced it in the ‘30s, winning many scramble events, trial events and hill climbs.

But it all came to an abrupt stop in the 1950s when Arthur went for a ride and there was a loud bang.

“Dad rolled the bike down the Holzer St hill and straight into his garage/shed,” Michael says.

1929 Scott Flying Squirrel at Historic Winton
Arthur on the Squirrel

“Unfortunately the damage done was too severe for him to repair, so instead he disassembled the bike and engine into many boxes, where they stayed until around 50 years later, when Peter started to collect them.

“Around 10 years ago, the re-assembly and repairs commenced.”

Although the bike’s restoration is going well, the Flying Squirrel will not be racing this year at Historic Winton.

Instead, the brothers will do a Sunday parade lap around the Winton Raceway. 1929 Scott Flying Squirrel at Historic Winton

Win passes

We have a couple of double passes to Historic Winton for our readers to win.

Just subscribe to our free weekly news letter by clicking here. If you are already a subscriber, simply leave a comment at the end of this article.

Winners will be drawn randomly on Friday and announced on Saturday (30 March 2019) in this updated article.

Historic WintonKen Lucas 1928 Douglas Historic Winton flying squirrel

The 43rd Historic Winton will be held at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla, Victoria.

Its Australia’s longest running, all-historic motor race meeting.

This year it is being held a week earlier than usual.

More than 400 historic racing motorbikes, sidecars and cars from the 1920s to the 1980s will compete in races and in the paddock. This year there will be a special display of Postie bikes and vintage scooters.

There will also be a trader market and heritage display of veteran and vintage vehicles.

How much?

Online tickets available to midnight, Thursday 16th May: Sat $25, Sun $35, Weekend $50 (all plus booking fee).

Raceway entry fees:  Fri Free, Sat $30, Sun $40, weekend $60, children 16 and under free, competition paddock $5.

Camping at the track: $25/head per night. Camping enquiries: Winton Motor Raceway 03 5760 7100.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Unsolved mystery of the Traub Motorcycle

Traub article contributed by Matt Williams

In 1967, a plumber doing renovations of an apartment building outside Chicago tore down a brick wall and found what would prove to be a baffling mystery to vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.

It was a one-of-a-kind motorcycle bearing 1917 plates and the name “Traub”.

The building’s elderly owner admitted that his son had stolen the bike before going off to WWI, never to return.

But where the bike came from and who made it remains unknown to this day.

Currently residing in the Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina, the Traub is considered by many to not only be the rarest motorcycle in their collection, but in the world. 

The Traub was sold to Torillo Tacchi, a bicycle shop owner in Chicago after its discovery who later sold it to Bud Ekins, famous as Steve McQueen’s stuntman.

Ekins was on set of the 1980 movie, The Blues Brothers, at the time.

The Traub was later sold to collector and restorer, Richard Morris, who then sold it to Wheels Through Time Museum curator, Dale Walksler, in 1990.

It has been on permanent display in the museum collection ever since.

Traub a regular rider

Traub Motorcycle Dale Walksler
Dale on the Traub

Don’t think this unique motorcycle is merely a museum piece though. Dale rides the Traub fairly regularly.

When asked about the engine components, he enthusiastically replied: “Everything inside the engine is just magnificent. The pistons are handmade, and have gap-less cast iron rings, the engineering and machining being simply years ahead of their time.”

When comparing other top motorcycle makes and models of the era, the Traub has no equal.

“Comprised of a sand-cast, hand-built, 80 cubic-inch ‘side-valve’ engine, the machine has the ability to reach speeds in excess of 85mph (136km/h) with ease,” Dale says. 

Aside from its few off-the-shelf components, the Traub has many unique handmade features. The three-speed transmission is thought to be one of the first of its kind and the rear brake, a dual-acting system that employs a single cam that is responsible for pushing an internal set of shoes, while pulling an external set, has never been seen on any other American motorcycle.

“For a machine to have such advanced features, unparalleled by other motorcycles of the same era, is truly outstanding,” Dale says.

“It’s my opinion that The Traub was an attempt at a new breed of motorcycle. But how on earth could a machine have been produced in such great form, with capabilities that far exceed that of any comparable machine, without the knowledge of the rest of the motorcycle industry during that time?”

Traub motorcycle

Traub hunt

The hunt for the Traub’s elusive origin hasn’t stopped.

“While we may never know why the machine was placed behind that wall, we do hope to one day find out more about its history and the genius that created it,” Dale says.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com