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46
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Jazz Publishing, The Old School,
Higher Kinnerton, Chester, CH4 9AJ, UK
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eMail: editor@100-biker.com
web: www.100-biker.com or
www.jazzpublishing.co.uk
EDITOR
Blue (ARCHIBALD LEACH) Miller
editor@100-biker.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN
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Susan (FRANCES ETHEL GUMM) Saunders
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THIS MONTH’S THEME: STARS BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS
ISSN No. 1468-0890
The views expressed in this magazine by the contributors are not
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36 68
44 HONDA CX500
12 ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET Tweety Bird! Make contact by email: editor@100-biker.com
Cliff gets the benefit of The Doubter. 58 YAMAHA NIKEN or follow us on @100BikerMag
26 YAMAHA XS650 The first of its kind. or like our page on facebook.com/bikermagazine
Surprise, surprise, Michael Parfitt! 68 HONDA CB500
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THIS
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FEATURED
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EDITORIAL
18
We are delighted by the positive feedback
to last month’s editorial about kindness. It’s
humbling how many of you out there are
quietly doing good things for other people.
With that in mind, this month we are pleased
to give this space over to just one of the folk
who got in touch and we’ll let Martin Webster
explain himself.
“Once I got past the fantastic Thai custom
in the latest issue I was very taken by your
editorial about Rough Sleepers and the idea
that a small gesture can make all the difference.
In previous years I collected socks, hats and
gloves as it got colder, but I was concerned that
they might not be going to those who really
needed them and also that I might be merely an
enthusiastic amateur wasting everybody’s time.
I also heard that safety concerns mean that
much of the contributed items in, for example,
‘Shoebox appeals’ have to be thrown away.
So last summer I spoke with agencies
who work at the sharp end of the issue and I
discovered that the hardcore of actual rough
sleepers—as opposed to ‘housed beggars’ or
some other judgemental category—is quite
small but that contact on the first night is vital
and that smaller towns have less in the way of
resources to tackle this. The period just after
Christmas is also the most critical.
With all that in mind, I realised that a
THIS ISSUE’S OTHER STUFF target the ‘first-nighters’ and then I raised
small effort could make a big difference. So
I compiled a list of items that would directly
money to fill ‘Bags of Kindness’ with those
items. I persuaded my local Friends of West End
Park charity to make this its Christmas appeal
and so far we have filled 80 useful draw-string
bags, at a cost of around £13 each, with the
following brand-new and pre-checked goods:
Hat. Gloves. Socks. Hand-warmers.
Poncho. Space blanket. Energy biscuit. Torch.
Deodorant. Toothbrush and paste. Wet wipes.
Beard/Hair brush.
The aim of this is to help a person survive into
the second day so they can find help. As I work
all over the country I have taken to dropping off
bags in places as diverse as Brighouse and Belfast
with groups ranging from the Street Angels to
the Welcome Trust where they have been well-
64 received by those people on the front line.
If anyone wants to donate they
32 64 SAVAGES MC CHARITY can do so at www.facebook.com/
donate/2147528548881529 or on eBay by
CUSTOM BIKE SHOW
6 NEWS Bosun finds the way to Weyhill. buying item number 323972372947. More
importantly, if you know a local group who
Bringing you the best of the new. 74 SUICIDE FROGS could benefit directly, please let me know
10 PRODUCTS CUSTOM SHOW at martin@couldbeverse.co.uk. By the way,
Ibstock Brick gave me some of the bags, as
Take a coffee break. With additional sticky Yoda. have many others, out of helpfulness and not
18 CUSTOMBIKE 78 SPIKE & BOB’S BIG seeking publicity. Thank you.
BLUE
Huge coverage of the biggest custom show in SWEDISH ADVENTURE: PT 5
Europe. The trip comes to a close for our travellers.
24 BIKER GEAR 86 BULLFROG BASH
Find out what’s on the menu. Laidback in Lincolnshire.
32 CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 90 EVENTS
OF BIKES Everything you need to know for everywhere
Kicking back at the Town Hall. you want to go
42 TEAM WILDCARD 93 SHEDHEAD
A Bonnie at Bonneville (and another Blackjack goes around the bend.
Triumph too!) 96 WARLOCKS MC’S CUSTOM
52 DISTINGUISHED BIKE & CAR SHOW
GENTLEMAN’S RIDE CARDIFF Summer in Scunthorpe. It does happen…
Classic couture and cycles in Cardiff. 98 TAILPIECE
56 FLAMES & FRAMES ‘Oh, oh, you’re in the Army now’. That ear
Lighting up the Railway. worm comes courtesy of Grav.
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 5
100%
N E W S
NEWS
RETURN TO HADES
Back in 100% Biker #250, we brought you news of the Hades, a new design by Curtiss Motorcycles which,
having once been Confederate Motorcycles, had taken the brave step to become an entirely electric motorcycle
manufacturer, albeit with the sort of radical and challenging designs that were the hallmark of the petrol-engined
Confederate models
At the time, we described the Hades as
being rather like sitting aboard a giant
shiny suppository because of its, well,
striking battery pack which was housed in
a rocket-shaped casing and cantilevered
under the frame. Other people were
actually even less kind and more mocking
about the design than we were and it
seemed that Curtiss may indeed have
taken note of those comments. Some
critics of a less childish mindset than us
also questioned as to whether the frame
was structurally capable of carrying the
heavy battery pack.
So Curtiss embarked on a redesign
of the Hades, adding an additional
mounting point at the end of the battery
as well as some rather blingy jewellery
detailing which was, quite frankly, a little
odd although it may well have earned
them loads of points on their Hobbycraft
loyalty cards.
But, with production projected to in space. The result is that the Hades horsepower ‘Steady’ rating and there
be the late spring of this year, the now actually bears more similarities than will also be a ‘short wheelbase’ and ‘long
company has now undertaken a second before to the Confederates of the past. wheelbase’ option. The price has also
rethink of the original prototype. The Curtiss has also enlarged upon its been reduced by $15,000 to $60,000
rear suspension linkage is, in the latest original power and torque figures. The (or around £46,000) although there is
pictures, now directly above the battery, first design of the Hades was quoted also an extra and non-refundable $1500
filling in the space which was a key point at 217 horsepower but that figure fee on top of that sum. As yet, there
of the initial design, while the battery is is now listed as its ‘peak Operating has been no news of an actual physical
now part of the bodywork rather than Output; rating, while they also list a prototype, but it seems that Curtiss is
hanging around like a large cucumber 96 horsepower ‘Capable’ and a 49 firmly aiming towards that spring launch.
6 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
ZERO ACROSS AFRICA
While information surrounding Ewan
McGregor and Charlie Boorman’s
latest adventures in South America
has been rather scant—in fact,
REWACO AT THIRTY available they were riding Harley
although it’s clear from the few photos
Livewires, there’s been no official
confirmation of that—two riders have
Think of production trikes and Rewaco is the name that instantly springs to
been traversing another continent by
mind. This year the German company is celebrating a milestone in its history electric motorcycle.
with its 30th birthday. Obviously that’s the sort of landmark that couldn’t go In December, Thomas Jakel and
unmarked and so Rewaco is commemorating its achievement with the 30th Dulcie Mativo arrived in Johannesburg
Anniversary Edition trikes. after a 9500-mile journey which had
A limited number of 30 Edition versions of the ST, GT and LT Rewaco machines will started in Morocco. It took the pair
be available, with a choice of Comfort, Classic, Dynamic and Exclusive gear packages. six months and riding through twenty
Equipment highlights that will be exclusive to the 30 Edition will be real leather seats in countries to complete the trip which
a special ‘30 Edition’ design; lacquered ‘Star’ alloy wheels in the colour of your choice they undertook on a Zero DSR Black
from the Rewaco colour range; two tone lacquering in the Rewaco range colour of Forest. Thomas from Germany and
choice and, on Turbo models, the addition of Rewaco cruise control. Dulcie from Kenya wanted to inspire
Since they first appeared in 1990, Rewaco trikes have been popular with those young people with their Africa-X
looking for a safe, reliable and good-looking three-wheeler. Originally using a VW or project to make positive changes in
RevTech engine, Rewaco trikes now come equipped with a Mitsubishi 1.5 litre 4-cylinder their communities. They started out
in-line motor which provides both impressive speed and economic fuel consumption. with a back up car which served as a
All Rewacos are fitted with an EasyDrive 7-gear automatic transmission to make the transport vehicle for luggage, charging
most of the engine’s power. That makes the Rewaco ideal for cruising and touring, and video equipment. Unfortunately it
although if you opt for a turbocharged 140 horsepower version with sports mode, then broke down in Cameroon and had to
you’ll find that the Rewaco is suddenly a real street racer. be left behind, meaning that Thomas
For details of all Rewaco trikes, including the 30th Edition models, you can contact and Dulcie had to sell most of their
Rewaco Trikes UK, a family-run company which is the official UK Rewaco importer— equipment and continue on the Zero
and, incidentally, is celebrating its 12th birthday this year so congratulations to both on their own.
them and to Rewaco in Germany. You can find out more at www.rewacotrikesuk.co.uk The duo carried out much of their
or by ringing 01279 730695. charging during overnight stops, which
Thomas said was both convenient and
inexpensive. He added: "It requires
some planning to ride through Africa
on an electric motorcycle but with
forward planning and sufficient
charging breaks, usually overnight, the
low-maintenance Zero was a reliable
partner for the Africa-X project. We
got the electricity for free or included
in our hotel fees, whereas no one is
giving petrol away for free. It’s easy to
say that we would have saved a ton of
money even if we would have had to
pay to every time we recharged.”
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 7
100%
NEWS
N
E
S
W
LENOVO DUCATI 5
Over the last few years, Chinese
manufacturer Lenovo has established itself
as a leading name in laptops and desktop
computers, rivalling the likes of HP and
Sony. Now it has produced a laptop which
is aimed at motorcyclists and, in particular,
for those with a specific love of the
products built by a certain Bologna factory.
For the last two years, Lenovo has
been the main technology partner for the
Ducati MotoGP team and to celebrate
that collaboration it has launched the
Lenovo Ducati 5, a limited edition laptop BLACKTRACK BACK ON TRACK
of which just 12,000 will be produced.
Lenovo says that the design of the Some time ago we brought you the Blacktrack BT-01, a limited edition custom Honda
laptop has been inspired by the Ducati CX500 designed and built by Luxemburg-based designer, Sasha Lakic. It was a very
Panigale with the honeycomb ventilation smart take on the so-called ‘plastic maggot’, but with a price tag that started at
mesh based on Ducati Monster exhausts. around £30,000, a little rich for our blood. But apparently the limited edition run sold
The standard start-up chime has been out so there are folk out there who are not quite as parsimonious as our good selves.
replaced by the sound of a MotoGP bike Now Sasha has built the next two models Milwaukee- Eight along, incidentally, with
and it’s supplied in a Ducati-branded in his custom range. The first is inspired by the rest of the bike. He says: “The Fat Bob
gift box with a Ducati laptop sleeve with the Norton Manx, using a modern Triumph is the most exciting Harley Series to ride.
a stitching pattern that matches the Thruxton R as a donor motorcycle. Now, The wheelbase is certainly a bit long, but
detailing on Ducati seats. this was a clever move on the back of the geometry is well thought out, and
The machine itself is a solid, mid-range Blacktrack Motors, the name under which allows you to roll turns faster than any
laptop with a 14-inch HD display, 8GB Sasha operates, because the bike as other Harley so far.” That may be so, but it
of RAM, WiFI 6, a 1TB SSD, and multiple standard has as much performance as you is still an interesting choice for something
USB-C ports. The price will start from a need and the handling to keep up with that he terms a ‘café racer’.
relatively modest £775 and the Lenovo that performance. That left Blacktrack free In this case, only the frame and engine
Ducati 5 will only be sold in Europe. to concentrate on the cosmetics; metal survived from the original Fat Bob. The
craftsman Ludo Gaag designed a tank that running gear has been upgraded with
echoes the lines of the original but which Öhlins suspension, Dymag forged aluminium
has been resized to fit in with the scale wheels, and Beringer brakes. Blacktrack
of the Thruxton and then hand-shaped it also installed a performance air filter and a
in aluminium. A new exhaust system was custom-built stainless steel exhaust system,
designed, while custom side covers, yokes with a new fuel mapping to match. The
and clip-on handlebars and a new seat bike also features a number of bespoke
unit were added. Then they rather spoiled aluminium and composite parts, designed
the effect by calling it the Thruxman. We for both style and to reduce weight.
can see where they’re coming from, but (Blacktrack says that the overall weight of
‘Thruxman’ is not an attractive name. the bike has been reduced by 105lbs.)
The second model goes by the more Just four of the Truxman will be built
ROCKIN’ WITH ROCKERBOX prosaic name of simply ‘BT-03’. In this and only five models of the BT-03 Harley.
case, Sasha decided to build a Harley-
And before you ask, we don’t know the
Congratulations to Rockerbox MCC who, Davidson café racer, inspired he says, by prices. This time, Blacktrack Motors has
after a very successful charity rock night at the XLCR. However, where you might chosen to make it ‘price on application’,
the end of December, were able to present assume the obvious choice of powerplant probably because of all the people like
a cheque for £2000 to the Teenage Cancer to be a Sportster motor, he chose the us who squeaked ‘How much?!’ when it
Trust, a charity very close to the hearts of the new Harley Softail Fat Bob 114 cubic inch released the cost of the CX500!
Rockerbox folk. They would also like to thank
everyone who was involved in raising such a
fantastic sum of money. Well done, everyone.
8 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
HONDA AT 400 MILLION CAGES FOR
As 2019 ended, Honda marked another milestone in its long and illustrious history with
the production of its 400 millionth motorcycles, a fitting end to a year in which the
MOTORCYCLES
company celebrated the 70th anniversary of its first motorcycle, the Dream D-Type.
Nottingham City Council has
introduced a cage at its Lace Market
multi-storey car park. Why? To ensure
secure parking for motorcycles. The
cage area can accommodate up
to twenty motorcycles at one time
and uses several different types of
security for optimum protection.
The motorcycle parking area has
been further into the main car park
while the secure area is monitored by
CCTV and automatic number plate
recognition (ANPR).
It’s believed to be the first system
Although it may have taken several decades of its kind and the motorcycle cage
to reach this figure, some 100 million of those can only be accessed by a dedicated
bikes have been manufactured in the last five
years—Honda announced it had reached 300 app which requires motorcyclists to
million motorcycles in 2014—and the company register their vehicle and payment
now builds over 20 million machines each year. details and that generates a QR
It’s a long way from where it all began in 1948, code for each parking session. The
although it’s a history that has been marked move comes after motorcycle theft
with some of the most iconic and popular had become a huge problem at the
motorcycles ever made. While its first oversea
Lace Market car park with at least
factory to begin mass production was set up
in Belgium in 1963, Honda now has 35 facilities one bike being stolen each week.
in 21 different countries with most motorcycles After a biker has decided they
being sold in the country in which they’re built. want to park, they start a parking
To celebrate its 70th anniversary as a session which sends a QR code to
motorcycle manufacturer, Honda restored their phone, allowing them entry to
a 1961 Chevrolet Apache pickup and had it
the secure area by scanning the QR
painted exactly like the fleet of delivery trucks code at the gate. There’s a waiting
it purchased to deliver vehicles to customers
area before the area to allow people
when it first started sending motorcycles to
America in 1959. Sadly, in this country, Hondas to remove their gloves and start a
were probably delivered in a Bedford CA or a parking session on their phone if
Commer FC van which didn’t have quite the they haven’t already done so. Initial
glamour of a Chevy Apache, which is probably trials have been very positive and
why we’ve seen no commemoratively restored have reduced bike thefts.
delivery vehicle on this side of the Atlantic!
NEW SUPPORT FOR BIKER DOWN
Biker Down is, as many of you will know, a national road safety initiative aimed at motorcyclists and which has been implemented
in many parts of the country, running free, three hour courses which cover crash scene management, casualty care and how to
prepare should you ever be first on the scene of an accident.
In the West Country, Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue
Service has been piloting the scheme with the help of
Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Now that job will be made
easier thanks to sponsorship from AJN Steelstock,
one of the UK’s leading steel stockholders. The
company has not only given a generous financial
donation to the scheme but has also donated a
Triumph Daytona 675R to help promote Biker Down
and make it county wide.
Alan Boyden, joint Managing Director, at AJN
Steelstock, says: “As an experienced biker, and with
numerous like-minded staff at AJN, I really see the
benefit of schemes like Biker Down and was only too
pleased to support the new Wiltshire programme. I
have no doubt that the course will help to save lives,
and we’ll certainly be promoting it to our customers
and colleagues.”
The Biker Down scheme is free to attend with
booking details and further information available at
www.roadwise.co.uk/bikerdown.
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 9
All new
Biker Products
BMW GS
ANNIVERSARY WATCH
This year sees the 40th anniversary
of the BMW GS which has been the
motorcycle of choice for many long
distance adventure riders, not to
mention those whose most arduous trip
is to work and back.
Now, to celebrate four decades of the
model, a new wristwatch has been unveiled –
and not just any timepiece, the manufacturers
say that this is the world’s largest wristwatch with a diameter of over
two-and-a-half inches. Made in Germany and powered by a high-
precision Swiss quartz movement, its gigantic format isn’t the only thing
that makes it an eyecatcher. The black dial with white numerals and blue
second hand is a striking contrast to the stainless case. A prominent ‘GS
since 1980’ logo commemorates the year that BMW’s motorcycle first
hit the road. The watch will be made in a limited production runs and
sells for 160 euros; it’s available exclusively at www.beemergs.com.
REPLICA 3.5 GALLON
HAND SHIFT FUEL TANK
V-Twin Manufacturing is now making a reproduction version of the had
shift-style 3.5 gallon petrol tank set
that was used on the 1947-1965
OHV Big Twin Harley-Davidson.
This style of tank has long been
obsolete and so original examples
are much sought after. Now, you
can have a brand new tank from
£315 which takes the original rod
type shut-off valve and has two
vented cam-style filler caps, cross
over gas line and a 1947-1965 shifter
guide. Now available at your Zodiac
dealer or by visiting www.zodiac.nl.
CORBIN INDIAN SEAT
Renowned seat manufacturer Corbin has unveiled its first saddle of
2020 and the Indian Scout Bobber Twenty is the lucky model. The
vintage ‘saddle’ shape is designed to be mounted directly to the Twenty’s
metal base adapter, just like the factory unit. You can also mount this seat
on a regular Scout Bobber with an adapter produced by Indian Motorcycle. HERALD MOTOR CO COFFEE
The new solo seat is built up on a Fibertech base to provide a rigid
foundation for the carefully designed foam shape which provides a firm, Herald Motor Co has added a new product to its range – but
supportive ride. Naturally, the seat shaping has been ergonomically this one comes without wheels. At the end of last year, the
shaped to provide more square inches of body contact, giving proper Cambridgeshire company launched its Herald Speciality Coffee
weight distribution and eliminates hot spots. For details, speak to your blend which can be bought online.
local Corbin dealer or see www.corbin.com. The coffee beans are roasted in small batches in Cambridgeshire
and, when ground, can be used in cafetières, filter, moka and
espresso coffees. The blend combines a sweet medium-bodied
bean from the Cerrado, a tropical savanna ecoregion in the centre of
Brazil, with a Grade 1 Southern Ethiopian bean.
Mike Ashmead, founder of the Herald Motor Co, said: “When
selecting our coffee, we chose a blend that consisted entirely of
Arabica beans. This coffee is grown at higher altitudes than Robusta.
It’s harder to grow due to lower tolerance to disease but it tastes
better!”. When asked why the company, known for its stylish small
capacity machines, had turned its hand to coffee, Mike told us:
“Coffee and motorcycles are a great combination, just look at the
café cacer! Coffee felt like the next step in expanding our lifestyle
range. Currently it’s available to purchase as beans to be consumed
at home, but we are looking forward to exploring other options”. To
purchase the Herald coffee, visit www.heraldmotorcompany.com.
10 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
BIKE FEATURE ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET 500
THE DOUBTER
WORDS: CLIFF SEALEY PHOTOS: DEL HICKEY
Every project starts somewhere and this one began at
the Bike Shed Show at Tobacco Dock in London or,
to be more accurate, when my mate Matt Donaldson
turned to me and said, “I bet you can’t build a bike good
enough for here.” Well, that set me to work!
12 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 13
BIKE FEATURE ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET 500
“I BET YOU CAN’T BUILD A BIKE GOOD
ENOUGH FOR THE BIKE SHED SHOW.”
att’s comment not only frame, something which I had
got me all fired up never done before. So, I went out
to prove him wrong, and bought myself a frame jig.
it also produced the After all, what could possibly go
M bike’s name: The wrong? Well, absolutely nothing
Doubter. Not that there was as it turned out. The frame came
a bike to be built at the point together nicely and I stretched
when he threw down that it in length by about five inches
challenge, but I soon rectified over the stock version. I then also
that by buying a 2007 Royal extended the rear swinging arm
Enfield Bullet from a chap in by five inches to give the bike a
Glastonbury. I took it back home long low look. [We suspect that,
to Gloucester where my firm, now he has a jig and has used it,
Howard Street Motors, is based, Cliff will never be satisfied with a
and before you could even say stock frame again and will create his
‘Howard Street Motors’ I’d set own for any future builds! Ed]
about stripping the bike down. While having a wander around
I already had an image in Kempton Park Autojumble, I
my head of what I wanted to came across an old tank which had
build. I never do drawings for the right shape that I had in mind.
a project—I just picture in my I bought it and then cut it in half to
head what I am aiming to build make two tanks. The left side hold
and then I go for it! This is the fuel while the right hand side was
fifth bike that I’ve built but this large enough for me to hide away
time I decided to set myself all the electrics and so give the
a challenge and fabricate the bike a simple and clean look.
14 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
I DECIDED TO SET MYSELF
A CHALLENGE AND
FABRICATE THE FRAME,
SOMETHING WHICH I HAD
NEVER DONE BEFORE
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 15
BIKE FEATURE ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET 500
THE YOKES THAT
FASTEC RACING
PRODUCED FOR ME ARE
BEAUTIFULLY MADE
I wanted chunky matching
wheels and so two 16-inch Harley-
Davidson rims were laced to the
original Enfield hubs. Fitting
the rear wheel was easy (well,
easyish!) but the front one proved
to be a little more tricky. The
problem was that I needed to
find yokes that would widen the
front end but that would also fit
an Enfield. I asked a few Royal
Enfield places for advice, but the
answer always seemed to be “Why
would you do that to an Enfield?
They’re great how they are”!
Luckily I found Danny Starmer
at Fastec Racing in Newmarket.
He was completely unfazed by
my request and immediately
said that yes, of course he could
make a set of yokes. And that’s
just what he did; the front yokes
that he produced for me are
beautifully made—the gentleman The Doubter at the Bike Shed
16 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
SPECIFICATION
SHEET
ENGINE:
Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc single,
stock 5-speed gearbox, velocity stack,
handmade inlet manifold, baffled
slashcut exhaust.
FRAME:
Front half of frame fabricated by owner
with 5” stretch and rake at neck of 40°.
FRONT END:
16” Harley-Davidson rim laced to
original Royal Enfield hub, 5.00 x 16”
Firestone tyre, standard forks, yokes
custom made by Danny at Fastec
Racing, original Enfield handlebars and
controls, Coke bottle grips, smoked
Biltwell visor over headlight.
REAR END:
16” Harley-Davidson rim laced to Royal
Enfield hub, 5.00 x 16” Firestone tyre,
Hagon shock absorbers, swinging arm
extended by 5”, custom mounts made
for rear flip up stand and number plate
really knows what he’s doing. job. It was handy that Darren holder, one-off mudguard.
By now there was just three was local to me, but far more MISCELLANEOUS:
weeks to go until the next Bike important was the quality of his
Tank found at autojumble and modified
Shed Show—the one that Matt work and he did a cracking job by owner to hold fuel in one side and
said I wouldn’t have a bike for! that speaks for itself. electrics in the other, handmade seat
It might not have been finished By now I had just two weeks base covered in Alcantara, minimal
wiring loom by owner.
but everything had been made to completely rebuild the bike
for the bike and I was happy. and get it to the 10th anniversary PAINT AND FINISH:
So I gave everything to my mate Bike Shed Show… Well, if you Custom grey and cream by Darren
Matty who shotblasted it all to were at Tobacco Dock last May Hingley of Elite Repairs, Gloucester.
get the parts ready for party. you’ll know that The Doubter
THANKS TO:
Then off the bike went to Darren did indeed make it to the show
“Danny at Fastec Racing; Darren at Elite
Hingley at Elite Repairs & Paint which was a massive high for
Repairs; Matt Donaldson; Matty Durant.”
for its slick and shiny paint me. And yes, I won the bet! p
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 17
EVENT FEATURE CUSTOMBIKE
Understated but beautiful, Mario
van Kruisbergen’s Ironhead.
WORDS & PHOTOS: HORST ROSLER
CUSTOMBIKE
Messe Bad Salzuflen, Germany
Sometimes what is missing from a show is more interesting
than what’s present. With the German show Custombike
celebrating its fifteenth anniversary, the event remains a
showcase for European customising in all its diversity—
with the additional benefit of a focus on parts that are
homologated and approved for Europe
ith Indian presenting the new Challenger with booths and dealers while the display areas of
tourer and a new FTR version from the bike show are now just stretched over the two
EICMA present at Bad Salzuflen, even main halls—and sorted as much as possible by theme
BMW even world-premiered its second or genre—they also extend the full length of those
W R-18 Concept Bike at the show. But, halls with more than 300 bikes taking part in the
surprisingly, what was missing was any of the bike show itself (with countless others on display),
new Harley-Davidson concepts which have been including some of the best custom bikes of the year.
so talked about over the last few months. There Custombike, held in December, is the last big
was just one Live Wire on display, and that was European show of the year and timed perfectly to
exhibited by local dealer, Harley-Davidson Bielefeld. introduce new parts and ideas while the building
Two years after its introduction, the Milwaukee of next year’s projects is in progress or even in
Eight powered model has arrived in customising but the planning stage. While there are many ‘bolt
it hasn’t replaced previous Harley lines… on’ parts now available for Harley’s Milwauke
If you stepped into the halls of Custombike for the Eight-powered models, extreme customs with the
first time, you might have found it difficult to get new motor remain rare. In fact, fully ground-up,
your bearings. All of the exhibition halls are packed handcrafted motorcycles have become less common
18 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.co.uk
From Chopperfreakers in BEST FIGHTER - Dominik Putz,
France, Bubu’s stunning Honda CBR
Pearl chopper.
My, there’s a lot going on there. And that’s all we will say.
Extreme Bikes, one of Germany’s leading custom
fighter builder, and its take on a Harley.
One of the smarter customised Indian Scouts we’ve seen.
Would Peter Fonda have been as cool riding this rather
She might not build than his Pan? He’d have been cooler!
bikes but this young
lady was very popular.
Striking art for your walls by Box #851.
If you stepped into the halls of
Custombike for the first time, you
might have found it difficult to get
your bearings
these days and at this show many of those present
were from elsewhere in Europe where there is still
a more relaxed attitude which makes it easier to
build one-off machines. And, of course, the advance
of technology means that it is extremely difficult to
modify new models from all manufacturers.
Nevertheless, there are still custom builders who
defy all the odds and try to give the market new
options—even for one of the most difficult objects
of American V-twin customising, Indian’s 111
cubic inch V-twin. Sven Naber of NH Power and
renowned German sheet-metal specialist Michael
Naumann teamed up in an outstanding project
that offers a completely new and remarkable base
for Indian dealers who want to go one step beyond
bolt on components. They have created a Norton BEST POWER CRUISER - Etienne Gerau, Harley V-Rod
www.100-biker.co.uk | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 19
EVENT FEATURE CUSTOMBIKE
BEST PAINT - Swen Weber, Simson AWO
Because we just can’t resist a big orange cat! Mac and Sandra Frolich working
on their Build Off bike.
Vincent Pels is the head man at
Zodiac and this is his personal ride.
Featherbed-style double-loop frame for Indian's
111 motor and drive train, which offers the choice
of implanting complete 111 engine/drive trains into
a frame that can then be transformed into styles
impossible to build with the stock Indian Big Twins.
BEST ENGINEERING - Stanislaw Szydelko, The Monster The frame utilises the stock Indian backbone to
which the solid tubes are mounted, routed to match
all stock engine brackets while offering a much
more rigid frame. Sven Naber had the framework
developed on CAD before bending the first tubes,
while Michael Naumann created the aluminium
bodywork. It took them just two months to go from
the first idea to having a advanced prototype, along
with another frame to show off the chassis itself. This
project is one to follow!
One of the popular elements of Custombike is the
International Biker Build-Off which pits two custom
bike teams in competition, although this year they
actually seemed to do anything but compete against
each other. In fact, Steve Schneiderbanger (who has
been running SSC for forty years), his son and the
rest of the SSC team worked in complete harmony
with Sandra and Mac Fröhlich who run Swiss
custom shop, McSands, and specialise in high class
20 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.co.uk
BEST CAFE RACER - Manuel Bruckner, BMW K100 BEST ROOKIE - Jan Reif, Simson Scwalbe Ficthtenmopped. Honest.
BEST CHOPPER - Andreas Schulz, Harley Shovelhead Matching hot rod Indian and sedan from Lobo
Bikes. It’s been a while since we’ve seen one of
those Crime Scene Choppers chopped liver seats.
German Harley specialists BEST SPORTS BIKE - Klaus Vosteen, Suzuki GSX-R1100
Thunderbike go all Chicano!
old school bikes and engine restoration.
Steve was resurrecting a 40-year-old project
from his early days which was assembled into a
classic Honda CB 750 Four chopper, while Sandra There are still custom builders
had prepared a unique engine for her husband’s who defy all the odds and try to
extraordinary chop frame in the shape of a 1926-
type IoE V-twin created from rare aftermarket give the market new options
components, upgraded to 1300cc and fed by two
genuine Linkert carburettors. Both teams helped
each other fit their engines into the frame—and, in France, Belgium, Poland, Netherlands, Lichtenstein,
fact, lent a helping hand any time one was needed. Switzerland and other European countries
Both bikes started and performed at the appointed represented some of the best custom bikes in Europe.
time on Sunday—and even on stage it was difficult Custom history came alive with The Monster,
to point out which would be the winner. The trophy created between 1980 and 1992 by Stanislaw Szydelko
finally went to Switzerland and McSands, but at this of Poland who had to completely handcraft his ‘Tour
Build Off there were only winners—no doubt about Glide’ lookalike when his country was isolated not
that! And the contest might go on as both bikes were just by the Iron Curtain but also from most of the
invited to Punta Bagna 2020 to compete once more. Warsaw Pact states, due to the upcoming Solidarity
The results of the Custombike Bike Show were movement and its suppression by Polish authorities.
determined by the editors of the magazines with His grandson resurrected the motorcycle and has had
hundreds of competitors lined up in the various show it homologated and ridable in the condition it was
areas from which to choose. It was a very difficult job built—and it earned the builder a Best Engineering
and kept the jury busy for the first two days. So many trophy almost thirty years after he built it.
of the bikes were of outstanding quality. Entries from What happened in Germany—and especially
www.100-biker.co.uk | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 21
EVENT FEATURE CUSTOMBIKE
BEST BOBBER - Stephan Schoning, Harley Flathead
We suspect there’s a nod to the classic
bathtub Triumph in there, but this should
probably have been drowned at birth.
Axel Wieden of Rhoen Motors is
presented with an award by CCE’s
Andreas Scholz (right) and Axel
Scherer (left). Excellent choice of
screen backdrop, too, chaps!
Streetfighters are still very popular in Germany and, like its daddy
the V-Max, the Yamaha MT-01 lends itself to the style perfectly.
BEST ROADSTER - Raffaele Gallo, Honda CX500 The SSC Build-Off team hard at work. The McSands
crew appear to have gone for their tea
BEST CRAZY BIKE - Game Over Cycles, Yamaha Niken
The Build Off teams actually
seemed to do anything but
compete against each other!
the then existing Bundesrepublik (West Germany) 50cc chopper which premiered at the IFMA event in
during those years was the theme of this year’s Cologne and was capable of a mighty 15mph! Many of
Special Exhibition which occupied a huge airy gallery the exhibits on display in Halbstark would not have
above the main show. The German Chopper dreams received a favourite reception by the police forces of
of the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s came alive in the Halbstark the time, to say the least!
(which translates as teenage rowdy) exhibition of Also from Poland, but using a more more modern
customized 25 and 50cc machines. AME was one of and extreme motorcycle, Game Over Cycles scored
the German pioneers of the homologated chopper high with its customised Yamaha Niken which you
(quite an achievement at that time!) and prototyped a can see featured elsewhere in this issue. The award of
22 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.co.uk
BEST OF SHOW - Mario van Kruysbern, Harley Ironhead
Polish Custom Art: Jack’s ‘Crazy Bike’ was given with respect to the outstanding
Motorcycles was one of the craftmanship and re-design of Yamaha’s 3-wheeler.
new exhibitors from the East.
Probably one of the most difficult classes to judge
must have been the Chopper category which had
some excellent entries. In the end, Coni Benusconi’s
Ulfberth—10 years in planning and ideas for one of
the most radical Swedish choppers from the Swiss
specialist CCCP—was awarded the Biker News Editor’s
Choice, while André Schulz of Bike Farm Melle rolled
away with Best Chopper for his own superbly detailed
Swede that took a mere four years to build!
The ultimate accolade of Best of Show was won
by the supercharged Harley Ironhead Sportster
of Mario van Kruisbergen of Holland. The unique
handcrafted goosenecked Sporty had many
handcrafted components combined with extremely
skilled machining of parts and engine. While the
paint job didn’t make the bike stand out when it was
parked near the main entrance, a closer look soon
revealed its qualities and craftsmanship. The sheet
metal work on this one-off custom was eye-catching
and one of the reasons the bike won top honours at
one of the biggest bike shows worldwide.
The 2019 Custombike saw some 32,000 visitors on
three days with 300 exhibitors and approximately
1000 motorcycles—most of which were modified
or customised—either at the bike show or the
booth displays in the four halls. Fifteen years of
Custombike is an achievement to be noted, despite
the challenges of the present market situation. It still
remains the show to see. p
www.100-biker.co.uk | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 23
Biker Gear
CAFES: EARLY IN JANUARY WE ASKED PEOPLE, VIA THE
MAGIC OF THE 100% BIKER FACEBOOK GROUP, TO SUGGEST
THEIR FAVOURITE BIKER CAFES. WELL, WE HAD SO MANY
GOOD RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WE DECIDED TO BRING YOU
ANOTHER EIGHT NEXT MONTH. BUT, FOR NOW, FEAST YOUR
EYES ON SOME FINE DISHES AND ADD THESE EATERIES TO
YOUR CULINARY BUCKET LIST. NOT THAT ANY OF THEM SERVE
JEM’S PIT STOP
ANYTHING IN A BUCKET, OF COURSE…
Jem’s Pit Stop inside Jem Speed Shop is several cuts
above the average greasy spoon. It does everything
from a big breakfast (or a bacon waffle stack if you
prefer) to a wide range of fully laden 100% steak
burgers, ribs, hot dogs and more. Leave room for
its fabulous range of desserts, which include locally
made cakes and a giddying array of gelato. Jem’s
Pit Stop is also fully licensed and offers a takeaway
service, as well as producing its own blend of coffee.
Open from 8.30am to 10pm, seven days a week.
Unit 3, Brookroyd Mill, Bradford Road, Batley, West
Yorkshire WF17 8ND 01924 903881
LOOMIES MOTO CAFÉ
An ever-popular choice, Loomies’ menu is packed
with café favourites as well as its famous Guinness
ACE CAFÉ LONDON cake. There’s baps and soup for the lighter appetite
but if you’re hungry, tackle its Race Pro breakfast
which consists of 3 sausages, 3 bacon rashers, 3 eggs,
When it comes to biker cafes, the Ace is probably the daddy of them all. With a hash browns, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms and black
history that goes back to 1938, it has been a labour of love for Mark Wilsmore for pudding. Bikers are always welcome but Wednesday is
the last twenty years and continues to thrive, attracting bikers from around the dedicated bike meet night. Open 9am-5pm Monday to
world. It serves all the traditional fare such as breakfast, bangers and mash, burgers, Saturday (late night 9pm opening on Wednesday) and
along with the likes of chicken jalfrezi, Manx kippers and Greek salads. Open until 4pm on Sunday.
7.30am to 10.30pm Sunday to Thursday and until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Alton Road, West Meon, Hampshire GU32 1JX
Ace Corner, North Circular Road, London NW10 7UD TEL: 0208 961 1000 01730 203203
24 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
ROUTE 59 CAFÉ
PONDEROSA CAFÉ Although the 59 Café has the usual
favourites like bacon butties on the menu,
Thanks to its location on the Horseshoe Pass there’s a few surprises like eggs Benedict
and its basic but sturdy menu, the ‘café in the and eggs Royale, not to mention excellent
clouds’ – there’s been a café here since the Italian coffee. The hardstanding car park is
1930s – attracts bikers, hikers, tourists and even ideal for its regular bike nights. The staff are
coach parties (luckily it has a big seating area very proud of their visitors—there’s nearly
that’s just been refurbished). There’s a range 30,000 photos on the café’s web site page,
of breakfast baps and a big breakfast on offer, almost all of which are of bikes that have
with favourites like steak and kidney pie and stopped by. Open from 9am-3.30pm from
cod and chips on the lunch menu. Open during Monday to Sunday (closed Wednesday)
the winter from 9am-33.0pm (4.30pm on with 8pm late night on Tuesday.
weekends) – please check for summer hours. Hambleton Farm, Bolton Abbey, THE BIKERS COVE
Horseshoe Pass, Llangollen, Denbighshire Skipton North Yorkshire BD23 6AF
LL20 8DR 01978 790307 01756 711554 The Bikers Cove probably has the
spectacular view of any café; situated on
Hawes Pier it looks straight out onto the
Forth Bridge, Scotland’s greatest manmade
wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage
site. The Bikers Cove isn’t fancy but it is
much loved by both the biking and local
community (when the place was vandalised
in 2016, many people instantly rallied
around to help with the clean-up) and runs
fundraising events through the year. Open
from 10am to 6pm Tuesday to Sunday
during the winter (call for summer hours).
182 Newhalls Road, South Queensferry,
West Lothian EH30 9TB
0131 331 4872
THE CHEQUERED FLAG
DOM’S BIKE STOP You have to love a café where, if you
don’t fancy a burger or shepherd’s
Good food, locally sourced and well cooked, pie you can order afternoon tea! How
is how Dom Howe has made his reputation, civilised is that? There’s also books and
even down to keeping his own chickens and magazine to read, wifi and charging
pigs to provide materials for the menu which points while you eat. And once you’ve
is all freshly cooked in a log cabin with plenty eaten, you can take advantage of the
of outdoor seating. There’s even lamb burgers Chequered Flag community workshop
made from rare breed Shropshire sheep that or book yourself onto a tutorial to
Dom raises. He also runs Dom’s Fest, an annual learn mechanical skills. Open 9am-
weekend of live music at the Bike Stop. Open 5pm Wednesday to Sunday (late night NEXT MONTH:
9am-5pm. opening to 9pm on Wednesday).
West Eaton Nurseries, Bromyard Road, Plymouth Road (A38), Liskeard,
Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0NA Cornwall PL14 3PG MORE CAFES
07703 961823 01579 344434
NEXT ISSUE
ON SALE
5th MARCH
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 25
BIKE FEATURE YAMAHA XS650
COVERT MISSION
It’s not often that I have to sneak in and photograph a
motorcycle without the owner knowing anything about
it—something that was made tougher in this case by the
said motorcycle being kept at said owner’s house
WORDS & PHOTOS: BLUE
26 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 27
BIKE FEATURE YAMAHA XS650
28 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
WITH LITTLE CHANCE OF MICHAEL PARTING
WITH THE YAMAHA AGAIN, ROB SUGGESTED
THAT PERHAPS THEY COULD DO A LITTLE MORE
THAN JUST A BIT OF ENGINE WORK…
on’t worry, there were This particular motorcycle is a
no shady or underhand bit more than just another XS650.
goings-on, well, going on It has real sentimental value to
(that’s if you don’t count both Michael and his son, as Rob
D me appropriating someone explains: “The XS is a UK bike and
else’s bike for an hour or so my Dad bought it in 1981 when he
without their knowledge). Around was eighteen years old. The bike
eighteen months ago I had visited was just four years old then. He
Rob Parfitt in his workshop tucked kept it for some years and then
away in deepest East Anglia for sold it to buy a Kawasaki GPZ1100.
the purposes of photographing his But a few years later he sold the
Honda CB750 (‘Grey Matter’, 100% GPZ on and then managed to
Biker #244) although, obviously, convince the guy who’d bought the
on that occasion he knew full XS650 to sell it back to him. He’s
well what I was doing, being the had it ever since and it was the
owner and everything. Back then, very first bike that I sat on as a kid.”
Rob was kind enough to give me Since then, Michael has used the
a quick look at some of his future XS, keeping an eye on the general
projects, one of which was an maintenance but with no real
overhaul of his father’s motorcycle. idea of any major refurbishment
That bike being a mighty Yamaha or alteration. Then one cylinder
XS650 for which I have a great lost compression which meant
affection, I made him promise to that Michael and Rob decided to
keep me updated with progress. strip it down for a tidy up and top
A few months later, Rob emailed end rebuild. With little chance of
me to say that the bike was ready Michael parting with the Yamaha
but he hadn’t told his Dad that it was again, Rob suggested that perhaps
being photographed for a magazine they could do a little more than
feature. So, Michael Parfitt, I have to just a bit of engine work. Given the
say here and now that yes, we went combination of the bike already
behind your back but I hope you been half in bits and his powers
won’t be too cross with your son (me, of persuasion, Rob managed to
I live miles away, you can say what convince his Dad to let him do
you like about me!). a full rebuild on the bike. After
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 29
BIKE FEATURE YAMAHA XS650
SPECIFICATION
SHEET
ENGINE:
1977 Yamaha XS650 parallel twin,
valves relapped and valve stem seals
replaced, rebored with 0.5 oversize
pistons, Ram Air foam air filters,
standard clutch with new springs,
clutch plates and cable, car-type
ignition switch, 2-into-2 down tubes in
38mm stainless tube and silencers in
64mm stainless tube by Rob Parfitt and
TIG-welded by Limit Fabrication.
FRAME:
Yamaha XS650, detabbed, reangled
rear hoop.
FRONT END:
19” Yamaha XS650 rim and hub, new
stainless butted spokes, new wheel
bearings, 100/90 x 19” Bridgestone
Battlax BT45 tyre, standard XS650
caliper and discs, Yamaha XS650 fork
legs lowered by 2” and with new seals,
polished top yoke, powder coated
bottom yoke, stainless Venhill brake lines,
Renthal handlebars, Motone twin button
switchgear, Domino grips, Koso speedo,
universal bottom mount headlight
REAR END:
18” Yamaha XS wheel, new stainless
butted spokes, new wheel bearings,
polished drum, 110/90 x 18” Bridgestone
Battlax tyre, YSS shock absorbers,
aftermarket alloy mudguard, standard
swinging arm, universal taillight.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Original Yamaha petrol tank with
welded-in pop-up filler cap, seat base
by Rob, upholstered by CS Upholstery,
battery box by Rob, Shorai battery,
modern regulator/rectifier, wiring
loom by Rob, Motogadget m.unit, new
standard foot pegs.
PAINT AND FINISH:
Black with silver flake by LA Custom
Coatings, Powder coating by Colorcote.
THANKS TO:
“LA Custom Coatings for all the
amazing paintwork and the quick
turnaround; Pat at Limit Fabrication
for helping me get the exhaust finished
with some TIG welding and making the
exhaust spacers; CS Upholsters for the
top work on the seat.”
30 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
“I DON’T THINK THAT THERE’S MUCH I WOULD HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY ON THE
BIKE – OTHER THAN IT NOT BEING SO MUCH OF A RUSH TOWARDS THE END”
all, Rob says; “It’s definitely his fault I got into bikes with him pistons to ensure that it will happily last another forty years.
getting me a Honda C70 when I was about 11!” At the front, the XS650 forks were fitted with new seals and
The XS rebuild was fitted in around Rob’s other projects lowered by two inches, while the yokes—the top polished
until he decided that he really had to set himself a deadline and, and the bottom powder coated—are now topped with a set
as with his own Honda CB750, he appointed the Bike Shed of Renthal handlebars. In fact, virtually all of the original
Show in London as that deadline. Of course, he says, “as it bike that Michael first bought back in 1981 was reused, with
always seems to go, it ended up being a mad rush to get it done the wheels being powder coated and treated to new stainless
for the show.” The focus of this build had been very much on spokes and the original Yamaha petrol tank being fitted with
creating a neat build with the emphasis on it being usable and a pop-up filler cap. Being a good son, Rob did let his Dad
rideable. The Yamaha frame was de-tabbed and the rear angle pick the paint! He says of the build; “I don’t think that there’s
repositioned. Rob made up a seat base and then handed it over much I would have done differently on the bike—other than it
to CS Upholsterers to form and cover the seat. Although Rob not being so much of a rush towards the end. My dad had the
does most things in his workshop, he knows when to enlist the say on what colour he wanted and I got LA Custom Coatings
help of local specialists. While he created the smart exhaust to mix something. They did an incredible job as always.”
system himself, making the down tubes in 38mm stainless Rob fits his builds in around his job as a lorry mechanic and
steel and the silencers in chunky 68mm tubing, he then had currently has plans for another XS650 project which will probably
Pat at Limit Fabrication TIG weld the system together. be rather more radical than his Dad’s bike. And then there’s the
The engine—which had been the catalyst for the project— Suzuki Katana he would like to build, and maybe a sidecar project.
was carefully rebuilt with valves relapped and valve stem So I look forward to a trip into the countryside in the future to see
seals replaced and treated to a rebore with 0.5 oversize those—that’s if his Dad hasn’t banned me from the house!
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 31
EVENT FEATURE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF BIKES
WORDS: TONY SMITH PHOTOS: DEL HICKEY
CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF BIKES
TOWN HALL, CHELTENHAM, GLOS
Unlike the previous year, the Cheltenham Festival of Bikes was being held on a
single day rather than over two. Would this be a good or a bad thing I wondered,
having been before on the Saturday which was packed. I decided to find out
was a little early arriving and bikes were still home; Cheyenne Keogh and her little Honda Rebel
being pushed in and set up in the splendour of as seen in last month’s issue; Louis Barnett and his
the Edwardian Town Hall. But, before long, the Royal Enfield and Dave Moore’s Suzuki T500 which
place was filled with stunning machines of all was seen in 100% Biker #253. They all deserved their
I sorts. One of the first to grab my attention was place up there.
Princess Layla’s BSA A10 chop; I’ve been a lover Small engine bikes seem to be all the rage and
of A10s since my brother-in-law owned one as a two in particular caught my eye. The first was a
chopper in the 1970s. Although I had been following mad pink C90 chop with a sky high exhaust pipe
the build on Facebook, photographs and video don’t and the other was the orange 50cc NSU-engined Le
do this bike justice. Placed on the front of the stage, Rapidément board tracker. Oh, I nearly forgot the
it just shone in the early morning sunlight streaming little Indian moped with its red rims and whitewalls
through the windows. As you might imagine, it got that looked the part. The first bike I rode on the road
plenty of attention during the day—I kept going back at the age of sixteen (no, it wasn’t legal) was a Puch
for another look myself. Maxi and there was even one in the show, fitted
Also sharing the stage were four winners from with ape hangers. (My pushbike at the time had
the Kickback at Prescott show; Martin Bradbrook’s apehangers but the Maxi didn’t.)
blue engraved Harley digger that I wanted to take Mike and Luke of Bristol Bobbers had brought
32 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
Small engine bikes seem
to be all the rage
along their latest build, Butchers Apprentice, which
I had seen when it was unveiled at the Bristol
Bike Show. Just as it had in Bristol, it attracted
a lot of well-deserved attention. Engraving has
made a comeback in the last couple of years and
another heavily engraved bike was Soul Sucker
with artistic etching everything from the master
cylinders to the upside forks and headlight. Another
two motorcycles that I also liked—and which
are regulars to shows in this area—were James
Rogers’ Honda CB750 and his Triumph bobber,
both of which have graced these pages. Each bike is
beautifully put together with an impressive level of
detail and finish.
When the doors first opened to the great general
public it seemed quiet at first but, like the bikes
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 33
EVENT FEATURE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL OF BIKES
I was a little surprised to find loads
of bikes parked up on the pavement
parked up on the pavement. It was the same at the back
of the Town Hall as well.
Both sides of the main hall had a cafe and rooms set
out for the traders. Among those vendors were one of
the show’s main sponsors, Oily Rag Co, selling clothing,
while there were other stalls offering lighting equipment
and one retailing ignition systems, as well as a young
earlier, it wasn’t long before the hall started filling lady selling her motorcycle artwork. In the interest
up. Del arrived and a few friends turned up and had a of retail therapy and supporting the traders, I bought
chat, although it was a shame that this year Yoda was myself a brighter LED rear light and a pair of gloves.
covering another event (no, I won’t mention he had The Blood Bikes folk also had a stand there and were
got his dates mixed up for said event and had turned collecting funds for their fantastic organisation.
up a week early by mistake, meaning he had to go After I had been at the show for over six hours, I
back again!). At one point I went out to the front of the decided that it was time to make move even though the
building and was a little surprised to find loads of bikes show was still in full swing. Here’s to the next event. p
34 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
BIKE FEATURE HARLEY-DAVIDSON DUO GLIDE
36 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
THERE’S NO PLACE
LIKE CHROME
WORDS & PHOTOS: KEITH HARMAN
When settling down to write a feature for a magazine, it’s necessary
to have two things, nay, three things in front of you. A computer is
useful, it saves all that messy ink and blotting paper that we used
in those long gone school days, a strong hot mug of tea should also
be on the desk (goes without saying), and finally, a set of scribbled
notes that a couple of months ago resembled a detailed description
of a motorcycle, but that by now, are largely illegible…
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 37
BIKE FEATURE HARLEY-DAVIDSON DUO GLIDE
IN 1958, HARLEY-DAVIDSON CHEESILY ADVERTISED
THE DUO GLIDE AS ‘THE GLAD RIDE, THE GLIDE RIDE’
t’s also usual to start with that the unnamed owner not
an introduction to the only has mucho good taste, but
builder/owner of the bike that he entrusted the ground-
in question—but not in this up restoration to Paul Jenner at
I case. While many of our PMJ Motorcycles.
readers are dead chuffed to not Paul is an independent Harley
only see their featured bike specialist, skilled in both custom
in print but also their name and restoration work. Although
preserved for posterity, there are originally from Reading in
those that shun the limelight and Berkshire, he now plies his trade
remain anonymous, preferring in a small and picturesque village
to let the bike take centre stage, on the Dorset coast. I managed to
as with this drop dead gorgeous grab photos of the bike at Paul’s
1958 Harley. Fortunately, I know workshop in the narrow window
38 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
between its completion and his
customer coming to collect the
finished machine that he had still
yet to ride, having bought and
imported it as a non-runner.
Not much history came with
the bike unfortunately, though it
was previously owned by the late Duo Glide saw Harley-Davidson
owner of a Philadelphia bike shop enter the 1960s with style, plus it
who had passed away—the bike was available with a long list of
was bought from his daughter optional extras. It would remain
after being spotted parked outside Harley’s top of the range model
her house. That was in 2018 and until 1964 when an electric start
it wasn’t in the country very long was finally added and overnight it
before it was in Paul’s capable became the famous Electra Glide.
hands ready for a full rebuild. That the bike is a looker is a
It’s a 1958 Harley-Davidson given, and if ever a motorcycle
FLH Duo Glide, a significant turned heads amongst the non-
development of the Harley range riding public, it’s classic offerings
in that it was the first full-size from Harley like this. Truly, if it
model to feature a frame designed had any more chrome, it would
with proper rear suspension, actually be a Buick or even a
ie, a swinging arm and coil over Cadillac. It certainly now looks
shocks instead of a rigid hardtail. different to how it first arrived
Replacing the earlier Hydra Glide with Paul. It wasn’t actually that
model that featured a hydraulic bad—it was complete, but its tired
front end only, the Duo Glide also black paint wasn’t doing it any
retained the sprung seat post from favours and the bike certainly
the Hydra Glide, leading Harley didn’t look like a sorry, rusty,
to advertise it cheesily as, ‘The ‘barn find’. But closer inspection
Glad Ride, the Glide Ride’. The still found Paul with a list of jobs
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 39
BIKE FEATURE HARLEY-DAVIDSON DUO GLIDE
SPECIFICATION
SHEET
ENGINE:
1958 Harley-Davidson Panhead 74
cubic inch V-twin, new pistons, lifters,
lifter blocks, recut valves and seats,
new Linkert carburettor, original
4-speed foot shifter with ‘mousetrap’
clutch, 2-into-2 exhaust system from
Motorcycle Storehouse.
FRAME:
Original 1958 Duo Glide twin downtube,
straightened, restored and powder
IN HARLEY CIRCLES THE ONE-YEAR-ONLY TANK BADGES ARE REGARDED coated.
TO BE MADE OF ‘OBTAINIUM’, BUT HERE THEY ARE! FRONT END:
Period correct hydraulic forks, new/
old stock handlebars, original wheel
to do to bring it up to the shining example holed float resulting in a flooded engine on
refurbished with stainless steel spokes,
you see here. first start-up, which was then sorted by a Hawg Classic whitewall tyre, rebuilt
A complete strip-down revealed that brass type float. original front cable operated brake.
the top frame tube was bent, which was The ’58 Hydra Glide was also notable
REAR END:
rectified by Paul. Once done, the frame for being the first year of the foot shift, a
Original wheel refurbished with new
went off to nearby Weymouth where it ‘mousetrap’ clutch being fitted by Harley
stainless steel spokes, Hawg Classic
was left in the capable hands of Graham to aid shifting on a transmission originally whitewall tyre, original suspension
at Weyblast who powder coated it black. designed for the foot clutch set-up. The refurbished and polished.
The bike was also found to have a 1964 Panhead’s gearbox was found to be in decent
MISCELLANEOUS:
front end fitted, possibly an old repair shape, though new bearings and a new
New reproduction seat by Motorcycle
related to the bent top tube. Anyway, it chain were fitted for good measure. With
Storehouse, cloth wiring by PMJ.
also had the wrong handlebars for a ’58, so the motive power taken care of, a complete
the correct parts were sourced, the ’bars twin exhaust system was purchased from PAINT AND FINISH:
being ‘new old stock’ from the USA. The Motorcycle Storehouse in the Netherlands, Period correct ’58 Duo Glide three
original front wheel was retained but re- which, although new, still needed a bit of colour paint scheme by Mike Trott.
Chroming by S&T Chrome, Bristol.
furbished and rebuilt with stainless steel fettling during fitting. Such is life.
spokes. The front brake is also the original The fuel tanks on the bike are the THANKS TO:
and, although rebuilt, Paul describes its originals and these were refurbished prior “Mike Trott for the paint and S&T
cable operation in one word: “Useless”! to paint, needing just a few dents removed. Chrome Plating.”
Thank heavens for that hydraulic rear Here I need to mention those dandy stock
drum brake, then… All the rear suspension tank badges were a one-year-only fit. In mentioned above reflects the good
remains the stock equipment that came Harley circles they are generally regarded work carried out at PMJ in order
with the bike, needing only a good polish to to be made of ‘obtainium’, but here they to result in a fully functioning
bring back up to snuff. are—genuine new/old stock items found motorcycle once again, then the
The 1200cc V-Twin is the original motor, and brought back from Daytona by Paul’s copious amount of chrome on
which, being the FLH version, has the mate from his Reading days, Grubby. the Duo-Glide serves as the icing
benefits of polished ports and uprated The three colour paintwork (correct for on the cake. I hate to think what
cams for extra pep. Nevertheless, Paul 1958) was deftly handled by Mike Trott of the chroming bill came to, but
rebuilt it with new pistons, new cam Chard in Somerset, it being somewhat of a this remains a fact known only to
bearings, new lifters and blocks, rebuilt swan song for Mike as he has since retired. Paul and S&T Chrome Plating in
cylinder heads and oil pump, plus re-cut A rewire was another of Paul’s tasks and Bristol, as it should. All we have
valves and seats. All new ignition parts he nicely finished the job with the addition to do is gaze at it in admiration
were fitted throughout and a new Linkert of optional turn signals and front spots, all and wonderment as it shines in
carb fitted, although this last item caused done with period cloth wiring. the afternoon sun, and what a
some problems as it was found to have a If all the graft and attention to detail pleasure that is.
40 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
Engineered to be the BEST...
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excl vaW “BECAUSE YOUR BIKE DESERVES IT”
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SPECIAL FEATURE
TEAM WILDCARD
CONQUER BONNEVILLE
Here at Casa 100%, we love a Land Speed Record attempt. When
that involves the Bonneville Salt Flats, British riders and classic
Triumphs—well, it doesn’t get much better than that!
WORDS : BLUE AND TEAM WILDCARD PHOTOS: TEAM WILDCARD
Miki Sprosen at Bonneville. Miki playing brolly dolly for Phil.
e are delighted to tell you that, last autumn, Phil 350cc Triumph, while Miki would be on a 1971 Bonneville T120R.
Betty and Miki Sprosen achieved their aim of Phil says; “As with all racing, you spend hundreds of hours in
breaking American Land Speed Records on the the shed building and re-building the bikes, then testing them,
legendary salt flats in Utah, which is a long way and there’s all the logistics to get you there and back to consider.
W from their homes in Cornwall. Phil and Miki are All this for a few minutes on the track. But those few minutes
Team Wildcard and they’ve both been vintage and classic are what inspire you to do it all again next time. We were both
clubman racers for over twenty years, racing with British ready, and hungry, for the Bonneville adventure—and prepared
Historic Racing. But, four years ago, they decided to have to go out and get those records back for Triumph.”
a crack at land speed racing, thanks to the opportunities Following months of research, both flew out to Salt Lake City
afforded by Straightliners at Pendine Sands and Elvington. in Utah, eager to see the bikes which had been air freighted via
They turned out to be rather good at it, quickly snapping up Seaborne Freight. There was a palpable relief in the air when
UK records and then setting their sights on the racing Mecca they found both bikes and all of the tools and gear ready and
that is Bonneville. waiting, safe and sound in an industrial unit on the edge of the
Also in their sights were two particular records. Phil was city. The team then journeyed across Western Utah to get their
aiming to beat the 350 push rod twin petrol class, while Miki first view of the hallowed Bonneville Salt Flats and meet the
would take a crack at the 650 push rod twin petrol record. Both volunteers who create this global racing phenomenon.
would be riding Triumphs and there was a bit of national pride After the first two days of racing, the bikes were just off the
and honour at stake because the standing 350 record was held existing record times, so both guys worked on their bikes well
by a Moto Morini and the 650 record by a Kawasaki W650. into the night, making changes to valve timing and compression.
Miki says, “Bonneville is an iconic place, a mecca for racers Then, on day three, after a 5am alarm call, they went out onto
across the world. Anyone watching The World’s Fastest Indian the salt in the cooler morning conditions. That morning, Phil
would want to give that a shot. After we started straightlining took two seconds off the existing record, recording over 98mph
and achieved our initial aims and records at both Pendine on the little Triumph, a bike which had originally rolled off the
Sands and Elvington, we knew it was now or never. We made Meriden production line with the idea that its days would be
the decision to go a few years ago and in between we have spent in gentle daily commutes to and from work.
been saving the money while researching all of the details and Miki followed quickly behind, initially taking two seconds off
preparing our two Triumphs.” of the standing 650cc record of 101mph, and then returning each
Helping them in their ambition was Monty’s Classic day to continue to break his own record, taking the final speed
Motorcycles in the Tamar Valley. Phil would be riding a 1957 T21 to over 106mph. You’re not allowed to modify bikes in the
42 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
Dawn over Team Wildcard.
Set up in the pits.
Phil at the start line on his
Triumph Bonneville T120.
After years of saving and
preparation, they’ve made it!
The all-important timing slip!
Bonneville, British riders, classic
British bikes. It gets no better.
Bringing the record certificates back home.
L-R: Gary ‘Monty’ Montgomery, Miki Sprosen,
Two men looking out at a dream. Phil Betty, Ann Montgomery.
production class, so performance gains are minimal, and a one but by the end of the event, with the overwhelming support of
mile an hour improvement can take months of development. everyone there, it felt like we were always meant to be there.
Both records were recently affirmed with the official certificates The Bonneville organisers, scrutineers and all the volunteers,
which were delivered back to Cornwall on their return. plus all of the other racers and their supporting crews and
Phil says, “All the planning and logistics came together families are phenomenal and we cannot thank everyone
for both of us on Day 3, along with the weather and the salt enough for looking after us so well—especially The Edwards
conditions which enabled us to achieve our goal of taking Racing team. Our thanks also go to our sponsor, Monty’s
these Bonneville records on Triumphs. Riding the bikes out on Classic Motorcycles and his parts supplier, LF Harris.
the salt for the first time was like living a dream—intense but “Our classic Triumph bikes caused quite a stir over there
somehow completely natural, and we both settled into the racing and it was brilliant to connect with the small number of
extremely easily. We had dreamed of coming to Bonneville and other Triumph racers who were also competing. We would
worked so hard to get those records, but none of it was ever absolutely recommend that any interested racers make the
a given. Then, when we both achieved our records in quick journey to Bonneville. There really is nowhere like it and we’d
succession, it was quite possibly the best day of my entire life.” be delighted to pass on any advice or information to any other
Miki adds; “We certainly felt like rookies before we arrived, British racers who are keen to discover this epic experience.” p
You can see more about the team and their future plans (yes, they involve Bonneville and more record attempts!) at www.teamwildcard.co.uk.
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 43
BIKE FEATURE HONDA CX500
TWEETY
Over the last couple of years, very few if any
motorcycles have inspired such bafflement
and scratching of heads as Dan Duggan’s
Honda CX500
WORDS: BLUE PHOTOS: DEL HICKEY
44 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 45
BIKE FEATURE HONDA CX500
kay, so it’s not unusual
for a CX to produce
such a reaction, but it’s
usually because people are
O puzzled at how so many
seem to have survived (with the
unkindest voices adding ‘Why?’).
After all, ten or so years ago
you barely saw one of Honda’s
infamous ‘plastic maggots’ and
yet now they’re everywhere.
Perhaps some mad genius bought THERE ARE USUALLY THREE DISTINCT STAGES
every example he could lay his
hands on in the 1980s and has OF REACTION THAT PEOPLE UNDERGO WHEN
been quietly storing them away in
a huge underground facility (that SEEING TWEETY FOR THE FIRST TIME
sounds much more impressive
than a shed or a warehouse) for Ger Conlon at C&C Choppers bike or a dispatch rider’s hack as
and has now unleased them on in Cork to fine tune over the last so many did, but rather grandly
an unsuspecting 21st century two years. There are usually as a police bike used by the
audience. Or maybe they’ve been three distinct stages of reaction Garda in Dublin. Now, before
replicating in basements like that people undergo when seeing you snigger at the idea of a police
some two-wheeled version of Tweety for the first time. Trust me, CX, don’t forget that forty years
Night of the Living Dead. I’ve watched it happen many times. ago, the CX500 was ground-
Although Tweety, as this The first reaction is when people breaking with its electric-only
CX is known (there will be an first spot the bike from a distance start liquid cooled V-twin, tuned
explanation later), was basically and the expression on their face dual CV-type carburettors and
completed surprisingly swiftly, says; “Oh, that looks like a cool low maintenance shaft drive. It
it has been an ongoing project streetfightery sort of café racer, I’ll was reliable and economical and
go and have a closer look.” used by police forces across the
As they get closer to the bike, the world—in the United States, a
second reaction is—and sometimes company called Grand Spaulding
you will hear this said out loud— Dodge contracted a Chicago firm
“Bloody hell, it’s a CX500!” to make a CX500 trike to replace
The third reaction is when the Cushman three-wheelers that
they are standing beside Tweety had been supplied to the Chicago
and you can watch a look of police since the 1960s. Around 200
bewilderment and mystification CX Trident trikes were made (for
spread across their face as various police forces) and later
they spot just how clever this models were fitted with a reverse
motorcycle is and the first question gear after it was found that the
is usually, “How does it work?” Chicago PD was pretty adept at
But that’s getting a little ahead breaking Honda gearboxes. With
of the story. This Honda CX500 low gearing, they accelerated
started life not as a commuter surprisingly quickly and had a
46 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
I SAID TO GER CONLON, “DO WHATEVER YOU SEE
FIT”. AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED
maximum speed of 80mph. for an electric custom bike. Mr
Anyway, this particular CX was Ger Conlon, described succinctly
kept in its stock form of just one by Dan as ‘the guru of Irish
wheel at each end while it was custom fabrication’, who seems to
used by the Dublin police. Then, have had a hand somewhere along
as Dan explains, it eventually fell the way in almost every custom
into his hands; “I purchased the motorcycle created in Ireland, was
bike in late 2016 with the idea also present and, Dan says, “he
of making a cool café racer. I’d decided that my café racer project
had a CX500 as a first bike when was worthy of serious alteration. I
I moved to London in the mid- basically stood back and said, “Do
1980s, so it was a bit of nostalgia whatever you see fit”. And that’s
meets nine-inch angle grinder.” exactly what happened. “Every
But those plans quickly piece of this bike was designed
changed. That same year, Dan and built by Ger Conlon and
and a few of the Irish chaps Owen Cronin of C&C Choppers
from the custom motorcycle in Cork. The complete frame,
community were at the AMD bodywork and swinging arm and
World Championships of Custom all the amazing design was created
Bike Building where Dan’s fellow in-house at C&C.”
countrymen, Don Cronin and For once, Ger and Owen had
Mick O’Shea of Medaza Cycles’ some assistance although Ger
Ducati would win the Street admits he didn’t think it was
Performance title and Noel assistance at the time. A young
Connolly of Flame-Art Designs girl turned up for some work
only narrowed missed being in the experience and Ger says it
top ten of the Freestyle class with couldn’t have been at a worse time
Strom, a remarkable achievement because he and Owen were flat
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 47
BIKE FEATURE HONDA CX500
SPECIFICATION
SHEET
ENGINE:
1979 Honda CX500P V-twin, stock
ignition, 5-speed gearbox, one-off
custom 2-into-2 exhausts, ‘friction’
primary drive to rear wheel.
FRAME:
Original Honda from headstock to
rear mid of engine. All rear frame
completely handbuilt, subframe
fabricated from 2” pipe.
FRONT END:
17” Yamaha R1 wheel, Dunlop Radial
195/65/17” tyre, Yamaha R1 disc
and caliper, braided hoses, Yamaha
R1 forks, aluminium billet yokes,
clip-on handlebars, Suzuki Hayabusa
Generation 1 master cylinders, modified
attic find mudguard.
REAR END:
17” Yamaha R1 wheel, Dunlop Radial
120/70/17” tyre, one-off swinging arm
fabrications from 1” GB pipe, rear brake
is the friction wheel, hub and shoes
from Yamaha Virago 125 with heavily
modified chain, sprockets and pulleys,
brass surround number plate holder.
MISCELLANEOUS:
One-off petrol tank fabricated from
sheet metal and acts as tailpiece
supported by 2” pipe subframe
backbone, one-off seat fabricated from
sheet metal and part of petrol tank,
minimal wiring loom, engineering by
John Morton and Tom Hilgrove.
PAINT AND FINISH:
Ger Conlon Brown (secret recipe) by
Ger Conlon at C&C Choppers. Powder
coatng and polishing by Ed Cannan at
Mad Max Polishing.
THE ONE QUESTION YOU ARE NATURALLY
out trying to get the bike finished. ASKING IS, DOES IT WORK?
But, Ger says, “She said she’d
used a lathe in school. So I gave race bike about it, but other people system. (Oddly, in all the times I’ve
her a quick sketch and a piece of might see a streetfighter while still seen Ger, I’ve never actually asked
brass and told her to make that. I others might think futuristic café him why he did it. I suspect the
thought it would keep her busy for racer. But then everything about answer would be a slightly puzzled,
a few hours while we could get on Tweety turns conventional ideas “Well, why not?”!). Drive is
with the bike. Not too much later on their head. transferred from the CX500 output
she handed me the finished piece. Up close, some spectators have shaft to a Yamaha XS1100 barrel
I was impressed—and I used it on mistaken the chain and sprocket box which was reversed to drive
the bike. Then she was given a few arrangement at the headstock the friction wheel anticlockwise.
more sketches and parts to make, for mere steampunk adornment, It’s a feat of engineering that
and those were all used as well! along with the other neat touches reaffirms for me why I love
But I did get her name wrong. I that might have been inspired by custom motorcycles. There were
called her Kelly for the first few that genre. But decorative they any number of ways in which Ger
days until she finally said, ‘My may be, there’s nothing purely and his trusty sidekick at C&C,
name is Anna’. She’s now been decorative about these parts, if Owen, could have made the build
renamed as Kellyann!” that makes sense—and it starts to much easier but not only did
The first thing you notice about when you realise that the standard they choose the path untrodden,
the design of this CX is how lardy CD shaft drive is missing. they also got the bike finished
elegant and beautiful it is (and, And there’s no final chain, either. in three months in time for the
let’s face it, you don’t often see That’s because when Dan Irish Motorbike and Scooter
‘elegant’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘CX500 in trustingly said, “Do what you see Show at the RDS in Dublin in
the same sentence). It defies being fit,” to Ger, Mr Conlon decided 2017. Admittedly, Ger has spent
pigeonholed—it has elements of a to build a bespoke friction drive time finetuning it since and if
48 | 100% Biker | issue 256 | www.100-biker.com
you want to know exactly how it drive only to find that I’d screwed after all, supposed to be a café
works, then you will have to ask up my calculations. It could be racer from the start). Then there
him. The one question you are made to work with a chain and was the runner-up championship
naturally asking is, does it work? sprocket—but the bike would place at Pecquencourt last year (a
Yes, it does. I could tell you how, run in reverse… I had it mocked show known not only for its wide
of course, but I prefer to maintain up in cardboard on the bench range of top quality European
a childlike innocence about such wondering what to do now when builds, but also for radical
things. Honest. Hector the Collector just happened motorcycles) and Best in Show
Okay, okay, I did ask him after to call by and asked, ‘Are you at the Kickback show at Prescott
all. So, young Ger Conlon, why did doing another friction drive?’ The Bike Festival. One gets the idea
you go for friction drive? “Well, answer was, ‘Yes I fecking am’!” that Tweety has only just started…
Dan had talked about hydraulic Anyway, Tweety—to no- So, what about that name? Dan
drive,” says Ger. “But I have no one’s surprise—took the Best explains; “I already had a yellow
experience with that sort of thing Innovation trophy at the RDS in chopper built by Ger that was
and I didn’t want to waste weeks Dublin in 2017 and then returned called Big Bird, so Tweety became
playing around with it only to find to win it again in 2019. It’s also the younger sibling.” I have a
it might not work. So I decided taken Best Café Racer at the Cork feeling that the little brother has
to convert the CX to chain drive. Bike Show in 2018 (which must just become the high flying star of
I bought in the XS right angle have made Dan smile as it was, the family.
www.100-biker.com | issue 256 | 100% Biker | 49
TWEETY
Dan Duggan’s remarkable Honda CX500
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Recently combined with Trike magazine, 100% Biker magazine is made entirely for those who love their motorbikes as the name suggests. Each page is filled with glossy pictures and articles based solely around the bikes and the lifestyle surrounding them. It has been published now for over 6 years and covers every aspect of the UK bike market. The magazine has a variety of articles that would interest an avid biker fan. The articles contain information on parts and new models and even have event listings so that fans can get together and bond over their mutual love. The magazine also provided interesting information on how to custom make your own bike. Every issue has a featured cover bike and provides a centre page poster as an added extra.
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as well as adverts by other readers looking to buy particular models.
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