Spotlight on ‘old school’ motorbikes

A TRIBUTE to ‘old school’ British motorbike marques will be paid by the National Motorcycle Museum at next month’s Footman James Classic Motorbike Show.
Taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from November 11-13, the Museum will show six fantastic bikes from the past, along with one owned by stand organiser Neil Payne.
Neil said: “1971 was the last full year of official factory participation of the ‘old school’ British manufacturers Triumph and BSA. The bikes were prepared and maintained by personnel at the experimental department at Triumph’s factory at Meriden. During the course of this momentous year, the factory team of Triumph/BSA swept virtually all before them in whatever race their machines were entered. This year marks the 40th anniversary of this final glorious year of British motorcycle success, worthy I think of remembering with a great deal of pride.”
The display of 1971 machines which the museum is putting on includes the Triumph Bol D’Or winning bike, one of the three production racers and three Formula 750 Triumphs ridden by Percy Tait, John Cooper and Paul Smart, plus the bike ridden to second place at that year’s Daytona 200 by Gene Romero.
Neil’s own machine, built to the specification in place at the end of the 1971 season features all the developments which had taken place that year. The most notable of these is the “Lightweight Primary Transmission” and it is believed that this is now the only surviving example of this.
A timeline of all the team’s success will be a highlight of the tribute along with a reunion of former team members — riders, mechanics and other personnel. The stand will be dedicated to team members who are no longer with us, such as Doug Hele (chief engineer), Jack Shemans (chief mechanic) and the legendary rider Ray Pickrell.
Further details and updates on the show can be found at www.classicmotorbikeshow.com.