News

  • Ariel under starter’s orders

    Ariel under starter’s orders

    by

    While car auctions are of little appeal to the two-wheel-focused OBM audience, if there’s a classic content then they suddenly become far more interesting. And the potential for actually finding a bargain at an auction rises if the majority of those folk attending to bid on articles for sale haven’t got an interest in whatever…

    Continue reading »

  • Pinhard Trophy winner 2018

    Pinhard Trophy winner 2018

    by

    Awarded yearly to sporting motorcyclists of under 21 years of age in the UK, and now in its 68th year, the Pinhard Trophy is curated by the Sunbeam MCC, and has been previously received by riders such as Scott Redding, Graham Noyce, Doug Lampkin, Mike Hailwood, Steve Colley, Jamie Dobb and John Surtees. Founded in…

    Continue reading »

  • The Inaugural Clive Bennett Run

    The Inaugural Clive Bennett Run

    by

    Clive Bennett was one of Ariel’s unsung heroes. An unassuming but brilliant engineer, who rode at low-key level in scrambles, and road racing – plus Red Marley’s Hillclimb – Clive was an important member of the Selly Oak firm’s competition and experimental shops; he was ultimately appointed to a senior position in charge of development,…

    Continue reading »

  • 80th Pioneer Run reminder

    80th Pioneer Run reminder

    by

    Just a swift reminder for you all that the 80th Pioneer Run takes place on March 24 with a 300-plus entry for two and three wheelers from all over the world. Entries are now closed for this year, but it’s still a spectacular event for spectators and enthusiasts of veteran, vintage and classic motorcycles. Starting…

    Continue reading »

  • It’s one ‘L’ of a bike…

    It’s one ‘L’ of a bike…

    by

    While you may not realise it, if you learnt to ride a bike in the late ’70s or early ’80s you will have seen this motorbike while studying the Highway Code! It’s a 1973 Triumph TR6R Tiger 650 that was owned, from new, by the Ministry of Transport and featured in the 1978 Highway Code.…

    Continue reading »

  • Banbury Run award criteria

    Banbury Run award criteria

    by

    Expanding on the mention in the last issue, you’ll recall that entrants in the VMCC’s Banbury Run, held on Sunday, June 16, can qualify for a number of different awards. Included in those awards are the coveted Silver and Gold awards. In order to achieve one of these, the rider and his/her machine are required…

    Continue reading »

  • Somerset trials: no tribulations

    Somerset trials: no tribulations

    by

    Of late, there seems to be an expanded interest in classic trials and similar off-road events – as you’ll have seen from the number of mentions in the OBM news pages – and the Somerton Classic Motorcycle Club’s trial is one that has benefited from this interest, and which now has to cap the entry…

    Continue reading »

  • A Gentleman’s conveyance

    A Gentleman’s conveyance

    by

    Brough Superiors have, of late, seemed to be fetching higher and higher figures at auction. And it’s highly unlikely that the bike you see here is going to buck the trend… This legendary SS100 was owned and ridden by FP ‘Gentleman’ Dickson, a famous rider in the 1920s with successes in most UK rallies and races.…

    Continue reading »

  • Festival of 1000 Bikes 2019

    Festival of 1000 Bikes 2019

    by

    A bit of early information here, just to make sure that you don’t double-book yourself, as this year’s Festival of 1000 Bikes, organised by the Vintage Motor Cycle Club, is to be held at Leicestershire’s Mallory Park over the weekend of July 12-14. All of the usual attractions will be on site – with track…

    Continue reading »

  • Will you be my friend?

    Will you be my friend?

    by

    We all like to support the kind of causes that we’re really interested in, or in which we have a vested interest, and the warm-hearted feeling brought by supporting such ventures is made all the better when you get something back in return. The National Motorcycle Museum’s scheme – Friends of the NMM – involves…

    Continue reading »