1960. AJS Model 31 DL.
The ‘DL’ stands for ‘Deluxe’ referring to some refinements over a standard bike, such as a quickly detachable rear wheel. Such things were considered to be a luxury in 1960 ! The bike has low compression pistons and is more suited to a sedate rider of the time rather than someone wanting a fast ride as was provided by the Triumphs and Nortons of the same era. The bike is in frequent use and is very smooth for a parallel twin, it handles well but the brakes are only single leading shoe and have much to be desired !
1938. AJS Silver Streak.
350cc. Single cylinder (250cc and 500 cc models were also produced). OVH. Transmission. Four speed. Burman heavyweight gearbox. Fuel capacity 2.5 imperial gallons.
BSA B31.
At the 2022 Barnfield Revival Meeting. Exeter
1952. BSA ZB32 Special
1954 Panther M100 (600cc Single) – as found
1954 Panther M100 (600cc Single)
Outside the old Panther factory in Cleckheaton, Yorkshire.
1954 Panther M100 (600cc Single)
Present day.
1930 Rudge 500 Special
One of the two Rudge’s Mike Halliwell bought back to the U.K in 1978. Restored in 1993 – 94 and it retains many of the original features. The bike went to New Zealand as a Show bike for the 1931 models. Although it was manufactured in late 1930 it was very different to the 1931 model. It now resides in Spain where it still gets the occasional run out.
1937. Rudge Ulster.
Rudge-Wentworth’s last production race motorcycle. Named after Graham Walker’s 1928 race win at the Ulster Grand Prix.
499 cc. OHV. Single cylinder.
Rudge 250.
At the 2022 Barnfield Revival Meeting. Exeter.
1935. Sunbeam Model 9.
493 cc. OHV. Single cylinder.
1964. Triumph Twenty One (3TA).
Purchased in seven boxes of parts, a recently prepared and powder coated frame with a matching engine number, and several cardboard boxes it was rebuilt over an 12 month period.
1964. Triumph Twenty One (3TA)
1964. Triumph Twenty One (3TA)
The model Twenty One was one of the first Triumph unit construction twin cylinder motorcycles. Launched in 1957 and rebranded as the Triumph 3TA in 1959 it continued in production until 1966.
349 cc engine, with a 360 degree crankshaft, twin gear driven camshafts and twin plunger oil pump. The engine was dry sump lubrication and there was a single Amal Monobloc carburettor. Drive was by a conventional 4-speed gearbox with a right foot gear lever.
1948. Vincent Rapide. Series B.
The 998cc engine evolved from the 499cc Comet single. In 1948 the Rapide was eclipsed by the Black Shadow which had a slight power bump over the Rapide so was faster and the Worlds fastest production motorcycle of the time. the easiest way to distinguish the two models is that the Rapide engines are polished alloy (silver) and Black Shadow engines are painted black.
1951. D1 125cc BSA Bantam