Classic bike bits: anti-ethanol, riding jeans and smart sparks

Anti-Effinol We’ve discussed the irritating effects of ethanol in petrol before – and the subject becomes ever more relevant as the concentration of ethanol rises. Even ‘super’ high-octane fuels are quite likely to contain some ethanol. It’s entirely possible to purchase fuel-proof pipework and petrol taps but, especially if a bike only gets occasional use, ghastly goop frequently congeals in…

Bristol Roving! The best of the west, part two

  RC’s Continental correspondent takes a second stroll around the Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show at Shepton Mallet and discovers a nifty unit single, the ubiquitous Triumph twin, a distinctly non-standard Trident triple, a Royal Enfield ripe for restoration, a Panther single brought back from the brink – and an old friend from way back when… There’s been a lot of…

Bristol Roving! The best of the west, part one

  Here in the UK we have a wealth of great shows for the classic bike enthusiast. For Morgan Rue, normally resident en Continent, attending the Carole Nash Classic MotorCycle Show involved a 1700km (that’s a thousand miles in old money) round trip from Luxembourg. Was it worth it? ‘Definitely!’ was Morgan’s reply, and here he explains why… The Bristol…

Springfields Motorbike Show

  We are so lucky here in Lincolnshire to get two great motorcycle shows in January, reckons Roy Workman. This two-day event incorporates modern motorcycles and classic bikes alongside celebrity riders, accessories, clubs and the ‘wall of death’ display. It all got off to a smoky start, as Roy explains… The show is held just a couple of hundred yards…

Frank’s Famous Last Words, #42

  Despite inhabiting a world of perpetual ups and downs, they keep our wheels going round and around. Pistons, says Frank Westworth, are the unsung heroes of the classic biking world. For some arcane reason which is now beyond me, a friend and I were discussing pistons. I know, I know; the very idea of actually claiming to have friends…

Classic Bikes at Stony Stratford

What better way, asks RC’s roving reporter Richard Jones, to spend New Year’s Day than gazing on classic machinery at Classic Stony? This annual event features the two, three, and four-wheeled vehicular delights – what a way to start the year. The weather wasn’t exactly marvellous as you can possibly see from the pictures but there was a good selection…