Mallory Park VMCC - In the paddock

A selection of some of the tastier motorcycles spotted on the lunch break around the paddock at the VMCC test day. Look out for the rare Godet Vincent and Mularney 4 valve Manx..

Mallory Park VMCC test day - 8th April 2011

Some very sunny images of the recent test day at Mallory Park with NSU 250 Sportmax Replica and 500 ES2 'Green Meanie'. The fantastic weather and brand new surface at Mallory provided the perfect opportunity to put some miles on both machines in preparation for my inaugural race later in the season.

The nimble, lightweight NSU proved itself as an extremely capable track machine, (hopefully like the rider in the near future) diving into turns and remaining very stable at higher speeds. Wearing new Avon Roadrider track tyres the strong little 250 was very stable under braking and encouraged ever higher cornering speeds as my knowledge of the track improved.

There were all sizes and ages of machines present, including this pre-war Velocette 350 I'm chasing into Edwine's.

This shiny beast was built by the very highly skilled Mike Pemberton of Pushrod Performance. Beginning with a 1960 Norton 99 Dominator frame, the bike uses a 350 crank, short stroked with an alloy 500 barrel. Combined with belt primary drive, a rather special piston and you have quite unique machine. Nick-named the Green Meanie (a drop of green paint was used to achieve the frame colour), I see it as something of a streetfighter from the 60s...

On board G50 at the TT course

Brilliant video of a very quick lap of the TT course on board a sorted Matchless G50. It must take some work to make them go this fast.

TT3D Closer to the edge - The official trailer

A new 3D film telling the incredible story of the Isle of Man TT is about to be released. Featuring many of the current superstars including Ian Hutchinson, Guy Martin, Conor Cummins and Michael Dunlop, do you need any more encouragement to get yourself to the cinema from 22 April?

Oldani wheels and brakes for sale

Beautifully made magnesium and alloy brakes as fitted to the Norton Manx, Aermacchi, Morini and Ducati's of the 1960s.

click the link below to visit auction for front wheel: NOW SOLD

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Oldani-Front-Wheel-Norton-Manx-Aermacchi-Morini-Ducati-/150583274508?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item230f766c0c#ht_500wt_1156

click the link below to visit auction for rear wheel: NOW SOLD

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Oldani-Rear-Wheel-Norton-Manx-Aermacchi-Morini-Ducati-/150583279858?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item230f7680f2#ht_500wt_1156

For more info and history on the Oldani brakes, visit The Digital Garage site

Bell M5X Le Mans helmet review

"More world champions have worn Bell Helmets than all other helmet brands combined. From Grand Prix racing through the Indy 500 to Olympic cycling, Bell helmets have played a vital role in protecting sportsmen and women for nearly 50 years." Andrew Hon.

Bell helmets are were originally made in the USA and gained instant international acclaim once Steve McQueen wore one for his scrambling pursuits and Jim Clark became World Champion whilst also using a Bell. Now made in Italy as part of Bell moto helmets, the Bell motorcycle helmet brand continues to produce stylish crash helmets and on discovering the racy Le Mans M5X Limited Edition finished in white, red and blue, I knew I had to have one.

Bell admit the shell is made out an 'ultra-light-multiaxial composite', which sounds reassuringly high tech. Whatever that may be however, in the recent SHARP impact resistance tests the aggressively styled M5X scored a full five stars and with the all important ACU gold sticker on the back, my new lid and I are destined for the track.

Luckily, on trying the lid for the first time, I found the fit to be excellent- I wonder if this is due to my one quarter Italian ancestry? True or not, I fit a size Large in both Shoei and Bell brands. The sweat wicking lining is removable and washable and the collar is made of a strange velvety neoprene material, which goes almost unnoticed against the neck.

As soon as I tried the 1200g Bell M5X on the road, I enjoyed the lack of weight and generous air flow but suffered from a considerable increase in wind noise over my previous, winter glove-like Shoei XR1000 -I must remember my ear plugs next time.

Many reviewers seam very taken with the Pinlock visor system, but I can now safely say that through using a helmet with improved ventilation, the Pinlock set-up seems like prevention rather than a cure for misting issues, unless you ride a lot in winter.

The relatively high chin guard vent on the M5X is simplicity itself, allowing channels of cool, fresh air direct onto your face whenever you want it. The well placed, sliding vent is adjustable on the move and allows your visor to remain free of the vision impairing ridges that the Pinlock system requires.

Talking of visors, the M5X comes with a thick 3.2mm Lexan offering which once closed creates a snug and secure seal between you and the rush of passing air. The extra thickness over many other helmet visors provides peace of mind when flying stones and other road debris become airborne.

The thick visor, low weight and high ventilation to noise ratio determine the M5X as a short journey or race helmet only, which is the reason I chose it. The 'old faithful' Shoei however, will remain as my long journey companion in the interest of preserving my hearing.

Geoff Tanner Norton 350 Inter video

I decided to have some fun with this weekend with my video camera.. A bit shaky to start with but watch this space!

NSU 1954 Sportmax 250 track test

Signed up for a day of VMCC sprinting at Wroughton airifield in Wiltshire, I was keen to give my father’s German 250 Sportmax Replica a chance to impress down the main runway. The first time I ever set eyes on it, I was in short trousers and the bike in basket case form, just another bag o’ bits in Dads garage, I thought. About a year later and with the help of undisputed NSU specialist Harold Nuttall, there sat the compact, well engineered pocket rocket complete with handmade aluminium tank and recognisable forks.

Early attempts at running the Sportmax Replica were mainly unsuccessful. Partly due to the rain that seemed to fall on every occasion we tried to start it. Running a 6V battery for ignition and a racing spark plug, the rebuilt engine was reluctant to say the least. Following a recent tune-up by it's creator Harrold, the dinky race bike fires up every time.

Arriving at disused airfields such as Wroughton, just south of the M4 near Swindon, I find there is always a sense of nostalgia of a time when such barren areas were clearly hives of activity. The modern day VMCC sprints are a great way for a relative notice, like myself to enjoy and use a period race bike in the safest possible way, on a huge dis-used airfield. With no need for a full competition licence, the VMCC will allow you to pay for a day licence in order to compete.

Following scrutineering, there was an almighty long wait whilst a new mode of timing gear was tested. In tune with the friendly atmosphere of the whole event, a vote was taken by the competitors to switch back to the original timing gear at the expense of a few hours action on track.


After a few hours wait in the now glorious sunshine and once initial tests were carried out, who else but Henry Body should be first up to the start line to give the tried and trusted set-up a once-over. Nevermind how many times I’ve watched this man sprint his pre-war Douglas dirt track bike, it never ceases to amaze me.

For more images visit my Photobucket gallery.

Here's me heading down the 1/4 mile at Wroughton Airfield..

And at the Eelmore Twisty Sprint..

100 years of the Isle of Man TT Races

Fantastic shot to promote the TT Races Mountain Course Centenary which kick off in June 2011.

Triumph Seeley- The 'Triley' Road Test Video

Recently featured on Frank Sider's great blog Motart, this Seeley framed Triumph 6T creation, built by Frenchman Vincent Michel, is the star of this excellent video road test.

Here's what Frank said on the Triley, "The cylinder engine was increased to 750CM3, the Vilo has been lightened, pistons high compression, reinforced connecting rods, gear box 6 speed Quaiffe, magnesium front brake and fork from Seeley, hub and rear brake Norton Manx".

BSA DBD34 500 Goldstar Clubmans

Spotted on Chris Spaett's site Venture Classics, this 1958 BSA DBD34 Goldstar caught my attention straight away. A genuine Clubman with original numbers, GP Carb and 190 front brake the bike is unsurprisingly now sold. Nudging Norton out of contention in the Clubmans races of the late fifties, these bikes have classic lines, great handling and plenty of power. I'll have to keep an eye out for this one next season!

Pushrod ES2 Manx Norton

Built up by Mike Pemberton of Pushrod Performance this smartly prepared road racer features a full race spec pushrod 490cc ES2 engine. The bike is owned by Sue Stelfox.

Red Marley 'Freak' Hill Climb

The Red Marley Hill Climb event consists of a straight 440 yard or 1/4mile off road hill reaching approximately 1:1.5 at the top ending in a tricky jump known as "the pimple".

Competing four at a time from a standing start, all bikes entered must be built pre-1970, the first two riders across the line progressing to the next round. There are three classes allowing a range of eligible bikes including rigid pre-1950 machines and custom made classic scramblers.

Watch the excellent video provided by Richard Radon of riders dealing with the hill in the 2010 event.

The event is also supported by the Red Marley Classic Trial, a 20 stage event that attracted over 120 riders in 2010.

Founded by Len Vale-Onslow -the first man to ever scale the hill over 75 years ago, the event went from strength to strength up until 1971 when for one reason or another the event was cancelled. During that time a challenging, twisty route was introduced and at one point heavy duty mesh was installed on the track to aid traction in poor weather! Too little interest and too much bureaucracy was more than likely to blame.

Read the full story at the RedMarleyHillClimb.com

NSU Sportmax by Kent Riches

Spotted on Facebook, this homemade NSU 250 Sportmax was built by American motorcycle parts manufacturer, Ken Riches. A fine first effort, Ken recently sold the bike and it now resides at the National Motorcycle Musuem. A very interesting machine and an equally interesting choice of supporting model. Anyone for Freedom Thighs?