Motorcycles at Classic Motor Show - Impressions
A Great Start for the New Historic Motorcycle Event at the NEC
Nov 16, 2008
There was a good showing of classic motorcycles at the Classic Motor Show where many anniversaries were being celebrated. For the first year of a new event it was a good turnout. On the Friday first day the hall was not as crowded as for the cars but there were enough visitors to give some atmosphere. It was always expected to be the quietest day as most people would be at work so the weekend would have been busy.
However there was plenty to see and too much to cover fully in this short article which will concentrate on a mix of highlights. It is hoped that over the next few months it will be possible to extend coverage to a wider group.
Triumph Bonneville Streamliner
The entrance to the show was dominated by the dramatic Triumph Streamliner which spawned the famous Bonnevile road bike. Long, slim and smooth it achieved 214mph in 1956 on the Bonneville Salt Flats ridden by Jack Wilson. It was being displayed along with a selection of other classics by the National Motorcycle Museum which is just a couple of miles away on the other side of the motorway. The Stramliner was all but destroyed in the 2003 fire at the museum but after a year of painstaking restoration it was back on display.
In support ,on the central display of concours and noteworthy motorcycles, was a Triumph Bonneville road bike which was celebrating its 50th anniversary. Like the Streamliner it had a 650cc parallel twin engine.
Vincent Black Shadow
The HRD-Vincent Stand had a 1948 theme as they were celebrating the 60th anniversary of the famous Black Shadow and its lightened stable mate the Black Lightning. The centrepiece of the stand was the original 1948 Black Lightning which was rescued from Argentina and rebuilt during the 1990s. Hopefully there will be a separate article on that story in the near future.
BSA Bantam
Although it may be less exciting the Bantam is still an important motorcycle. As well as being an affordable first motorbike for many. It was widely used in Britain by the General Post Office for delivering telegrams during the late 1940s and 1950s. The Bantam Owners Club stand had two bikes on display; one with George 6th and the other with Elizabeth II Royal Ciphers on the tank,
The displayed bikes were supported by the rider’s equipment: helmet, bag, gloves; they were both, of course, painted in the deep Post Office Red with gold signwriting. The simplicity and open structure of these bikes is in stark contrast to modern machines.
The Unusual from Russia
Ural Motorcycles were showing a most unusual outfit which consisted of rugged Russian motorcycle and sidecar towing a caravan. But,that was not all, as the sidecar body was demountable and formed a two seat boat complete with small outboard motor.
The small tear drop shaped caravan would sleep two but it was cosy as the double berth filled the cabin. It is the sort of vehicle that passed into history in the West with the development of affordable cars and increased affluence in the 1960s.
Mods and Rockers – Reconciled
But it was not just motorcycles at the NEC as there was a good selection of classic motorscooters. Many were from the Quadrophenia era of Mods and Rockers but there was no sign of the animosity that existed at the time.Both were brought together by a shared passion for classic two-wheeled transport even if they took different forms. But the stands also showed that glitz or show was not the only motivation for some scooter enthusiasts as there were also competition scooters on display.
A Good Start
It certainly justified its billing in the preview: Motorcycles at the Classic Motor Show. This new end of season show should rapidly develop to become the classic motorcycle end of season event similar to the associated Classic Motor Show. The exhibitors were overwhelmingly enthusiastic and friendly and that made for slow progress around the show as one got drawn into conversation about their passions.
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