Now when was it that? (Book two) Links to all the articles are below. See also the first and third and fourth online 'books'. Originally written by OBM founder Ken Hallworth and recrafted for the
Read moreCategory: Features
Buying Guide: Japanese step-throughs
Don’t dismiss the humble step-through The sale of modern scooters, twist and go’s etc. proves there’s still a confirmed market for them and with the price of petrol these days thinking small might just be
Read moreBuying Guide: Yamaha GL750 buying guide
Yamaha GL750 The bike is as much concept machine as it is prototype but if the reality is anything like the bike on display this is going to be something very special indeed. Four cylinders,
Read moreAnnual MoT
Just before heading over to the MoT station it’s probably a good idea to look the bike over. It’s 50 years this month since the government of the day, worried about the mechanical condition of
Read moreWorkshop: How to keep the wheels turning
Details of the Calthorpe engine-shaft shock absorber After relining both brakes and scrapping the badly worn cup-and-cone hub bearings, I decided to unspoke the wheels. In the first place, the rims and outer surfaces of
Read moreReference: AJS and Matchless twin: iconic engines
AJS and Matchless twin – iconic engines Where others had a massive central flywheel and big mains in each crankcase half, AMC went for a central main bearing that was squeezed between the two flywheels.
Read moreReference: Ariel pressed steel frame
Ariel’s pressed frame was ahead of its time Looking at the British motorcycle industry 40 years from its demise the casual observer could be forgiven for thinking there was a complete lack of imagination throughout
Read moreDunstall discs: iconic accessories
Dunstall systems improved braking performance As power outputs and road speeds got ever higher the poor old drum brake struggled to cope. Yes there were multi-leading shoe versions for road and racing but once you
Read moreReference: Velocette Viper: iconic engines
Viper engine produced impressive power output Of the many motorcycles the company produced the 500cc Venom and 350cc Viper have to be the ones that catch the attention of enthusiasts in 2012. Though the Venom
Read moreReference: JAP: a history
JAP works in Northumberland Park, Tottenham, London, 1946 In any technology, it is only a matter of time before one of its early pioneers makes a significant breakthrough, perhaps to achieve world-wide acclaim for his
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