Cyril Howard (Guzzi) 1963 Junior Manx Grand Prix
Cyril Howard (Guzzi) 1963 Junior Manx Grand Prix
Couldn’t resist this shot of two Aprilia RSs in the autumn sunshine today…..
Little RS 50 2 stroke offers a claimed 8 crank hp, whilst it’s (much) bigger brother, the RSV4 RF LE offers a claimed 201 crank hp……
Our bike has covered less than 2000 miles and also has a range topping HM Plus SS Quickshifter fitted. The ultimate ‘analogue’ Fireblade, just prior to the introduction of the electronics era machines…
February 2021
January 2021
This truly beautiful, in as new condition Triumph Daytona 675R ABS arrived into stock…
2017 66 Registered, 1 owner from new, and just 165 miles covered…
It sold immediately, and was delivered to it’s new keeper in Altrincham, Greater Manchester…
December 2020
An early (ish) start saw this 899 Panigale delivered to it’s new female owner in Wandsworth, where it will sit alongside her other Ducati, a Scrambler…
December 2020
Big thanks to MCN / Bauer Media for gratuitous 1/4 page advert in this week’s MCN Local…
December 2020
Recently arrived, and from the same collection as the two bikes below, is this fabulous 2001 Y registered MV Agusta F4 750S.
UK supplied. Just 1 owner from new and only 5000 miles covered it has lots of paperwork and interesting documentation including it’s original bill of sale…
Lots of polished parts fitted and and in wonderful condition, it truly is a thing of beauty…
Whilst not presently advertised for sale, we welcome enquiries from potential buyers..
December 2020
November 2020
October 2020
September 2020
September 2020
This beautiful Ducati 1098R now registered onto a UK plate…
Originally sold by Ducati Ireland in Dublin, we have taken the bike in part exchange from an Irish based customer whom has bought a Panigale 1199R from us…
The 1098R is a special bike indeed, with a unique heavily modified 1198cc motor designed for the sole purpose of World Superbike Racing. In the case of WSB a certain amount of the machines have to be built and registered for the road to allow ‘Homologation’ of that model, allowing the use of it’s fundamental mechanical components for the race bikes…
A rare, exclusive, very special machine…
August 2020
Another 3.30 am start saw the VFR800 F-E ridden back from Nottingham last week, now ridden up to Wisbech in Cambridgeshire for a 6.30 am rendezvous with a GTR1400 A8F that has been part exchanged in against it…
The A141 from Brampton, thru’ Huntingdon and to March and beyond, proved most entertaining both on the way up, and back down, with never ending clear visibility straight sections enabling traffic to be picked off with ease…
VFR arrived covered in bugs as can be seen pictured, with the GTR also seen pictured parked at Bishops Stortford services on the M11 with just the final 80 mile hop to go…
Both bikes fabulous companions for this kind of riding, with the GTR1400 in particular astonishingly comfortable, and very quick…
6.30 am rendezvous in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire for VFR / GTR changeover…
VFR picked up plenty of bugs on the 160 mile journey up…
GTR sits patiently at Bishops Stortford services on the M11, whilst we consume coffee and sandwiches…..
July 2020
An early 3.30am start this morning saw us 200 miles up the road to Beeston near Nottingham for 6.30am, delivering our delightful and quite rare Alfa Romeo 1.7TBi Quadrifoglio Verde…..
A fun drive up was more than matched by a fun ride back on this 2014 Honda VFR800 F-E which was part exchanged in against the Alfa….
Seen here at South Mimms services around 8.30am with 120 of the 200 return miles covered….Back at base after coffee for around 10.30am….
Veefer completed the 200 mile journey on a single tank of fuel, with the fuel computer displaying just under 60mpg. Quite impressive, and not ridden in a particularly frugal manner…
Great bike……
VFR was collected ftom Beeston in Nottingham around 6.30am, and is seen here at South Mimms services, around 120 miles south at around 8.30am…
…completing the 200 mile return trip on a single tank of fuel at around 60mpg according to the fuel computer…
Gorgeous Alfa provided a truly delightful drive up to Beeston in the early hours…
June 2020
A good day was had on our ex-Bemsee R6 5SL at Brands Hatch Indy on 9th June…
May 2020
2398cc of Panigale loveliness, a combined (claimed) 397 bhp, lots of electronic wizardry and just 8000 miles between them…
R meets Tricolore S…
April 2020
With the Covid-19 lockdown in place, our business continues to function in terms of internet sales, and we are offering free delivery within 250 miles of our postcode, and further still at our discretion
One of the more unusual bikes that came in to stock, and was sold during this month, was a 2002 02 registered Kawasaki ZRX1200R A2P. An early example, in Candy Lime Green, White and Metallic Violet, it emulated the earlier Z1100R Eddie Lawson Replica ‘bikes and was quite lovely…
A busy day today completing deliveries and collections related to on going business, prior to the inevitable slowing down due to CoronaVirus…
A 5.00am start saw us to West Norwood for 6.30am delivering a 2009 Fireblade, with a 2018 YZF-R125 collected in pex…
Back to base by 8.00am saw an Aprilia Falco and Enfield Continental GT 535 loaded up. 2 poached eggs on toast later, on the road for 9.00am and 270 miles later at 1.15pm we are dropping off the Falco in Bradford, West Yorkshire…
A 70 mile hop westwards sees us in Congleton, Cheshire by 3.00pm where we drop off the Enfield, and collect a Bullet Classic 500 EFi in pex…
250 miles, and 4 hours later, back at base for 7.15pm…
In all, around 700 miles covered…
As always, our faithful Transit Custom Limited handled the task efficiently, without any fuss. Comfortable, quiet, powerful and frugal. Just treated to a replacement set of ‘boots’ the original Continental Vanco 2s lasted us an astonishing 79000 miles…
Worth pointing out that with one fuel stop, there was interaction with just 3 further people, with all Covid-19 precautions adhered to, and about 12 hours of self isolation in the van !
February 2020
This ex ThunderBike Sport Yamaha R6 purchased to do some trackdays on…
A 2003 fuel injected 5SL model, well sorted with K-Tech fork springs, Ohlins rear shock, Sprint steering damper, Power Commander V, DynoJet quickshifter, full titanium Graves headers and exhaust, and quite a bit more…
With a good spares package provided, it’s everything that’s needed to get going…
January 2020
Our beautiful 3 owner, 70000 mile, highly original XR3i now sold, and on a 6 car transporter en route to it’s new owner in Co. Donegal, Ireland…
Remarkably clean and original 1988 F plate XR3i sits patiently, awaiting collection by transport company for onward collection to it’s new owner in Co. Donegal, Ireland…
January 2020
A little bit of New Year’s day fun with our good friend Peter from Moton Motorcycles at the The Flying Horse, Smarden, with the Men of Kent VMCC…
Myself on my (not really old enough) faithful VFR @ 22 years old this year, and Peter on his 30 year old Elefant…
A 10.30am meet saw around 20 bikes ride out around the Kent lanes and back to the (very nice) pub for refreshments…
A good turnout given the uninspiring weather and the Men of Kent VMCC proved themselves to be a most friendly bunch…
December 2019
Our beautiful ’94 Ducati 888 Strada has benefitted from some upgrades, servicing work and general attention to detail…
The standard low mount exhausts have been replaced with high mount Sil Motor open race ‘pipes with the Magneti Marelli P8 ECU receiving a new German sourced P-Line EPROM which allows +5% fueling across the range. The bike already has the modified ‘open’ airbox mod with a high flow filter and so a 10bhp gain, or thereabouts, should be found. Not to mention of course the aural and aesthetic benefits…
Agip decals have been added and are a nice period correct touch…
New Exact Fit timing belts just fitted, and fresh fully synthetic Shell Advance Ultra oil means that she is ready for the 2020 season ahead…
‘As Was’
‘As is’
Sil Moto open race ‘pipes sound as good as they look…
Magneti Marelli P6/P7/P8 ECUs widely used in all automotive applications during this time, including Sierra Cosworths and Ferrari F40s…
P8 ECU now has revised EPROM with +5 % fuelling increase across entire rev range…
November 2019
All work completed with regards to fitting Termignoni slip ons to our beautiful 1 owner 6000 miles Ducati 1198 SP…
Wasn’t planning on doing this but lucked into a cheap DP 96520311B ECU which are hard to come by, and only suitable for last of the line 1198 bikes with DTC and DQS. Once that was bought we had to plough on…
So Termignoni Carbon oval exhaust slip ons fitted with new link pipes and springs, alongside Race ECU and 2 piece MWR pod filters…
TPS reset essential following ECU replacement and JPDiag software used to perform this…
MWR MC-021-07 2 piece pod filters for Ducati 848/1×98 Superbike…
MWR Pod Filters are unique in how they maintain an air tight seal between the air tube and air box…
JPDiag is free downloadable software that works with an extensive range of Magneti Marelli ECUs, amongst others…
Here we can see that the ECU recognises that the Throttle Position Sensor is at a minimum i.e closed throttle at 1.5 degrees. This is prior to resetting the sensor, with the resultant value afterwards being 2.6 degrees…
Here we can see that the ECU recognises that the Throttle Position Sensor is at a maximum i.e full open throttle with 85 degrees of rotation applied to the twist grip…
Carbon Termignonis are a thing of beauty, in terms of quality, their finish, and the noise…
November 2019
The Fireblade SP has arrived with our customer Jose in Barcelona, whom has this to say…
‘All I can say is that the Fireblade SP ’14 is the bike of my dreams, and thanks to Sargents of Sussex that dream has come true.The motorcycle is impeccable as you said. Thank you very much to Damon for helping me to manage the purchase of the motorcycle from another country. Greetings from Spain! Until next time! Muchas gracias!!’
Very gratifying for us, so thankyou Jose
Jose from Barcelona with his newly arrived 2014 Fireblade SP…
October 2019
Gorgeous Fireblade SP collected this morning by Polish courier, and will shortly be delivered to it’s new owner, Jose from Barcelona…
September 2019
This CCM R30S Carbon Edition has arrived and will be kept by us for ourselves…
Cleaned up rather well. Treated to fresh oil and filter, and new plugs. Valve clearances checked and adjusted. Cleaned, tensioned the chain and pumped up the tyres…
£10 of Esso’s finest and the inaugural run has been completed…
What fun !
September 2019
We are most pleased, and proud to be able to support up and coming DICKIES BRITISH JUNIOR SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP rider Kai Dickinson aboard his Yeeet Racing prepared Kawasaki Ninja 400 during the 2019/2020 Championships…
Kai, who races the number 20, will display our company logo www.sargentsofsussex.co.uk on his Arai crash helmet
Yeeet Racing
www.kaidicko.co.uk
Sargents of Sussex
www.sargentsofsussex.co.uk
Kai, no 20. will display our company logo www.sargentsofsussex on his Arai crash helmet during the 2019/2020 Dickies British Junior Supersport Championships…
Kai, aboard his Yeeet prepared Kawasaki Ninja 400….
August 2019
A good run out this Sunday on this 2014 Fireblade SP revealed it to be everything that one would expect…Fast, lithe, untemperamental. Blueprinted motor sooooo smooth…
Finished up at our favourite local The Three Oaks Public House…in Three Oaks, of course…
July 2019
What a great show and turn out at The Huntsman Pub, Eridge, today, for the Huntsman Motorcycle Club day…
Paul Smart, no less, in attendance for prize giving…
Click here for The Huntsman Motorcycle Club (Est. 1963)
Click here for The Huntsman Pub
July 2019
A brace of HRC Hondas sit together, a last of the line 2017 600RR A-D with just 1800 miles meets a 2014 Fireblade SP….
June 2019
Out on one of our sales bikes this morning, a (very) low mileage Norton…
June 2019
As with our trusty Transit below, our faithful Discovery 3 makes light work of it’s duties, in this instance delivering our 25ft Mariah BowRider to it’s new owner, actually a surprise present purchased for John as a 70th birthday present…
May 2019
Our Transit Custom continues to provide an exceptional service….
A 1.45am start Friday saw us in Penzance 335 miles down the road delivering a Ducati 999S Mono to it’s new keeper by 6.45am…
Turned around just after 7am, and in Gillingham Dorset by 10.15am to collect a Ducati Panigale 1199 Tricolore S, and back at base around 2.30pm…
May 2019
Thruxton Twins !
We haven’t had a Triumph Thruxton for a little while, and then all of a sudden these two beauties in Tornado Red appear…
The foremost bike is a 2010 EFi model with Triumph TOR Sports exhausts, and has covered a barely believable 140 miles from new. Almost unique we think…
The second bike is a 2008 EFi model, and has covered 8600 miles. It has uprated progressive fork springs, modified ‘pipes with ECU re-map, Norman Hyde bars, Retro switch gear fitted and quite a bit more…
April 2019
Fabulous day at Horsham Piazza Italia on Good Friday…
50 odd bikes, plenty of Ducs, Benellis, Guzzis and a sole MV, ours !
Gorgeous Fiats, Lancias, Alfas and Lambos also abounded…
Our F4 R312 performed faultlessly, it’s motor thriving on revs with an intoxicating induction howl. Just brilliant..
An absolutely pukka event with excellent organisation, something there for everyone…
March 2019
Star customer Bob Higgins collects his 2012 Honda Fireblade 20th Anniversary from us today, the 5th Superbike he has now purchased from us…
A guitar player of some repute, he has strummed alongside Dave Gilmour and been accompanied by Ginger Baker…
In our book, a quality bloke……….
March 2019
Nice pair of ‘Blades in the sun today…
2007 RR-7 HRC meets 2012 RR-C 20th Anniversary…
March 2019
This well built and finished ‘VolksRod’ has arrived in part exchange…
Looks superb, ready for the show season ahead…
March 2019
1198 SP and 1199 Panigale both treated to fresh Shell Ultra Advance oil and new filters today…
February 2019
Ciao,
This is our latest R312 which joins it’s all but identical sister bike in our garage, that one having covered just 9 miles from new.
This one is a 1 owner, 2007 bike, just 3500 miles from new. Stock and standard other than for polished rim edges (from new) and carbon seat cowl…
Nice reg’n too !
Love these bikes…
February 2019
Recently arrived is this Ducati 1198 SP…
These are the last of the trellis framed, belt driven, Testastretta Evo Superbikes, with larger aluminium fuel tank, factory DQS quickshifter, 8 level DTC traction control and DDA data logging…
This particular bike is registered at the end of 2011 on a ’61’ prefix, has had 1 owner from new and covered just 5000 miles…
Totally stock, standard and original, as it left Bologna…
February 2019
Great service from Maxicarbon https://www.maxicarbon.com/?lang=en for the supply of this carbon fibre seat cowl for our MV F4 R312…👍
Ordered Monday from Italy and received Thursday..Top quality part that’s actually quite hard to find for these bikes..😃
January 2019
A little bit of retro trailie 2 stroke loveliness has arrived in the form of this gorgeous 1978 Suzuki TS 250 N…
January 2019
Our Ducati 1098S Tricolore has benefitted this weekend from a Ducati Performance anodised clutch pressure plate and carbon fibre open cover, and also carbon fibre infill panels and ignition shroud.
Kindly ‘donated’ from a 1098S sales bike….
January 2019
A fabulous ’70s Japanese Classic arrives in the form of this 1978 Yamaha XS750-E…
In Carmine Red with Gold Pin Striping, it remains incredibly original, with the triple cylinder motor sounding quite wonderful, further enhanced by a period 3 into 1 stainless exhaust…
Great fun !
January 2019
This lovely little rarity arrives….
1989 Gilera RV 250 NGR. just 4750 miles from new, and original, immaculate and untouched….
Super rare with a 249cc rotary valve 38bhp 2 stroke single, Marzochhi forks and Brembo brakes, dynamically it is more than a match for the more obvious Japanese 2 strokes of the day, with Italian character in abundance…….
December 2018
A little Christmas present to ourselves is this wonderful Escort XR3i Mk 4
Mercury Grey with Raven trim, registered August 1988 on an ‘F’ prefix, 70000 miles and just 3 owners
Stock, standard, all original paint and panels, it’s quite fabulous…..
December 2018
November 11th 2018
On this momentous, and very special day, that signifies 100 years since the end of The Great War, and remembers those who so valiantly fought to protect what we have today…
1000s of motorcyclists will circumnavigate the M25, all dressed in red, and with donations to an appropriate Veterans’ charity…
Should be a wonderful spectacle…
1000s of riders dressed in red will circumnavigate the M25 this weekend, as a mark of respect for the Great War that ended 100 years ago, and the soldiers that demonstrated such heroism fighting within….
October 2018
Great shots, as always, taken of us by BikerPics on our Ducati 1098S Tricolore along the Rye to Brenzett stretch of the A259….
Take a look at their site here
September 2018
Not the fastest, exotic, expensive or exciting motorcycle we own, but we continue to adore our well cared for, and well loved VFR800Fi-W. Out today for the first time in a long time, our ‘old faithful’ has taken us to 4 IOM TTs, and has a wonderful range of attributes, decently quick, bulletproof, characterful engine, sportsbike handling, all day two up comfort, and sheer dependability..Best bike ever made ? Probably not, but it’s up there..
September 2018
Our 998S BiPosto out yesterday for a clean. 2 owners, 12000 miles, UK supplied. Monoposto seat + original Ducati Corse carbon fibre bits, and Termignonis. New belts and plugs going in next week..
September 2018
Our Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 Veloce was our steed today, down to the Firle Hillclimb hosted by the Bo Peep Driver’s Club www.bopeepdriversclub.co.uk
This is actually a quite superb event with some very interesting cars running, including of note an ex-works 1950 Formula 2 HWM originally driven by Stirling Moss, later built in 1955 as a Stovebolt Special and used in the Hollywood film ‘The Racers’ driven by Kirk Douglas (see pics, reg’n. RPC2, and cockpit shot)…Free of charge entry for spectators, save for a much justified donation to charity, this is worth putting in your diary for next year..A nice easy jaunt from the Hastings area, a laid back and informal meeting, and bike friendly allowing motorcycles free passage up to the start line for easy parking..
Stopping for light refreshments at the excellent Red Lion in Hooe, we bumped into a friendly chap from Bexhill on his 1960 Francis Barnett with a 250 Villiers Twin installed whom was both interested and knowledgeable about the MM. A photo of the two ‘twins’ can be seen in the last image….
September 2018
A great day was had at the Goodwood Revival Meeting on Friday…Below are just a handful of many shots taken by us on our Nikon/Tamron equipment….
September 7th-9th 2018
This coming weekend once again sees the Goodwood Revival Meeting taking place at the glorious Goodwood racing circuit close to Chichester in West Sussex
Acknowledged as the best event of it’s kind, anywhere in the world, it offers a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and witness, close up, the racing cars and bikes, of an earlier era, being raced ‘in anger’ by top drivers and riders from past and present. Unmissable !
The Goodwood Revival Meeting sees multi million pound machinery raced to the limit
September 2018
Lots of special machinery at the Brighton Speed Trials today…..
Notable cars included James Tiller’s Allard J2, owned by him for 60 years, and still being driven by him in anger now aged 80, Lord Robert Lewis’s Koenigsegg Agera R, all 1300bhp and £1.7million of it, and Robert Beech’s 1930 Rolls Royce Handlye Special powered by a 27 litre V12 Rolls Royce Merlin Aero engine….+ lots, lots, lots more…
Beautiful bikes included vintage Greeves’ Velocettes, Egli Vincents, Tritons, Norton Dominators and Atlas’s, classic Jap 2 strokes such as Yamaha RD350 YPVS’s, Suzuki RG400s, Kawasaki H1 Triples, and more modern stuff such as a Ducati Desmosedici, and the usual ballistically fast turbocharged Suzuki Hayabusas turning in circa 9 second 1/4s…..
September 2018
Brighton and Hove Motor Club will once again host the speed fest’ known as the Brighton Speed Trials this coming Saturday September 1st 2018. A magnificent event with wonderful and varied machinery, 2, 3 and 4 wheeled, all blasting along next to the arches on Madeira Drive…..
Brighton and Hove Motor Club website here
Speed Trials Facebook page here
Brighton Speed Trials is a magnificent event, catering for vehicles with 2 wheels…..
………………3 wheels………………….
………….and of course 4………………….
August 2018
Great shots taken of us by BikerPics on our Suzuki GSX-R1000 K6 along the Rye to Brenzett stretch of the A259….
Take a look at their site here
August 2018
Red and White rules…..
Minor cleaning today on 1981 Honda CB900 F2-B, 1997 Yamaha YZF 750-R and 1988 Suzuki GSX-R 750-J ‘Slingshot’…..
1981 Honda CB900 F2-B………Highly original bike in excellent condition….Amazingly capable, comfortable and usable machine even by today’s standards…..95bhp ensures it is still properly quick………..
1997 Yamaha YZF 750-R in final year colours of Bluish White Cocktail (BWC)…2 owners and just 2800 miles from new……
Suzuki GSX-R750-J ‘Slingshot’…Supplied by UK Concessionaires Heron Suzuki of Gatwick Road, Crawley in 1988………….4 owners and 15000 miles from new….Period Yoshimura exhaust sounds great !
August 2018
Some pics of our Ducati 888 at Festival Italia…..Last one shows our friend Peter and his modified 916 (we’ve had a row by the looks of it ! )
Note. Rucksack houses essentials such as cheese and ham rolls, pork pies, pasties etc, etc….
We love our 888 !
Festival Italia 2018 parade lap approaching Paddock Hill bend….
Could have done with another 20 laps or so !
Great photo of an ever so sweet bike……..
Peter’s in a huff again ! (no idea what is going on with the copycat folded arms)
August 2018
FESTIVAL ITALIA…..
A good day was had on Sunday at Brands Hatch Festival Italia…
The stars of the show were the historic F1 cars, not exclusively Italian, including Dallaras, Minardis, Benettons, Jordans and Arrows’…..The sound of these machines is pure music, and took me back to a time as a young boy when Dad took me to Brands to see the likes of Senna, Piquet, Mansell, Pironi, Arnoux et al battling on the GP circuit……
So many beautiful cars and bikes, and little gems included various racing MV Agustas, a Fiat 131 Abarth Rallye, Ducati Desmosedici RR16 and Ducati 900 SS Bevel, amongst many, many others…..
The first shot shows our Ducati 888 lining up with various other Italian bikes and scooters for the parade lap, a little bit of fun, but a note to the organisers would be for more than 2 laps next year please !……………..
Our Ducati 888 lines up with other Italian bikes and scooters ready to join the circuit at Paddock Hill bend for the Parade Lap………
Ex Michael Schumacher Benetton B192 from 1992……..
Ex Emanuele Pirro Dallara F191, powered by a Judd V10, and possibly the best sounding car of the day………..
Benetton B190 as raced during the 1990 season by Alessandro Nannini and Nelson Piquet……..
Fiat 131 Abarth Rallye is super rare, and quite wonderful……
Ducati 900SS Desmo shows off it’s bevel camshaft gears…….
Beautiful little MV Agusta was displayed with many other similar racing bikes…….
Ducati Desmosedici RR16 from 2006 is essentially a Moto GP bike for the road, with a glorious V4 howl………….
August 2018
This year sees the Ford Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth celebrating it’s 30th birthday….Our own June 1989 2wd example will be joining many others at Donington for the RSOC National Day….
Our June 1989 Crystal Blue 2wd Sapphire RS Cosworth will be in good company at the RSOC National Day at Donington to celebrate the 30th birthday of this particular model………
August 2018
FESTIVAL ITALIA returns to Brands Hatch, this coming Sunday 19th August 2018…
A true spectacle of Italian cars and bikes, in harmony alongside other key parts of the Italian culture including food, wine and music !
Growing year on year since it’s inaugural showing in 2016, the organisers have ensured that in 2018 the vehicles on display, and out on track, are more special then ever. Key examples are ex F1 cars such as Osellas and Dallaras, driven back in the day by Italian stars such as Andrea de Cesaris and Alex Caffi, and it will be quite phenomenal to see and hear these on the Brands Hatch circuit…
We’ll take our lovely Ducati 888 Strada and it will form part of the large display alongside many other Ducatis from local owners’ clubs…
888 Strada will form part of the owners’ clubs display, and also be part of the end of day Italian bike parade……
August 2018
6.30am this morning sees this GSX-R1000 K6 delivered to new owner Roddy at R&M Eke’s garage in Melton Constable, Norfolk…….
An early start ensured GSX-R1000 delivered to it’s new owner and us back at base by 10.00am, 340 miles covered in all………..
August 2018
Massimo Tamburini penned two of the prettiest, most iconic bikes in motorcycling history….
Ducati 916 meets MV F4….916 awaits collection by Moving Motorcycles for delivery to it’s new owner in Warrington, whilst F4 312R has today been ridden for the very first time since leaving the factory 11 years ago, and following it’s first MOT, now has a heady mileage of 9 miles…………
Two Italian beauties in the sun today…………….
August 2018
A 3.30am start yesterday saw us up in Leeds by 7.30am to collect this delivery miles 2007 MV Agusta F4 312 R….
Essentially brand new, displaying 3 miles, it has never been ridden, and not even started in many years, with no fuel kept in the tank..
Back in Sussex by early afternoon, a new battery, some fuel and fresh Motul 7100 10w 60 oil were priorities. Thanks to electronic fuel injection, it started as if it had been started yesterday….
Will not be for sale yet, but will be used by us lightly and will be MOTd today…..
Seller was a young entrepreneur, who not only had other bikes, but also the wonderful Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SV (Superveloce) pictured below. He also had a Ferrari California, and a Rolls Royce Phantom as his daily driver…..
F4 312R is a thing of beauty, and this one represents a rare opportunity with delivery mileage only….
…it’s original owner enjoyed Italian cars and bikes, and also had this quite gorgeous Lambo LP750-4 SV amongst others…..
July 2018
Couldn’t resist this HJC R-PHA Murano helmet in an end of line clearance sale, at a very good price…Italian themed accordingly…
July 2018
A last minute change of plan Saturday evening saw us heading to Brands on Sunday for the mid season BSB round on our 1098S Tricolore, along with Peter on his 916 Strada, and Johnny on his 996…
An early morning rendezvous with The Ducati Owners Club GB Kent Branch, aka The Spitfires, saw around 25 of us ushered in FOC for a static display at the Kentagon…
1098S Tricolore enjoys sunrise at around 5.45am on a summer’s Sunday morning…..
…..prior to a meet with fellow Ducatis and Ducatisti at Brands for the mid season BSB round…
…..and is seen here nestling amongst it’s peers…..
July 2018
One of our favourite bikes, our GSX-R1000 K6 sits in the evening twilight awaiting an early cross country Sunday morning blast, it’s first one for a long time….
GSX-R1000 K6 remains one of the lightest, quickest, usable superbikes of all time….Wondrous machine…..
July 2018
A varied trio await collection by Stuart from www.movingmotorcycles.com for onward delivery to their respective new owners….
VFR1200 goes to Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, CBR1000F goes to Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, and S1000 XR SE goes to Kendal, Cumbria……
These 3 bikes, and their future destinations, accurately reflect the variation of stock that our business handles, and the widespread locations of our valued customers………
June 2018
Gorgeous little 1966 Honda CL72 Scrambler 250 leaves here for it’s new home in Belgium…..
Wonderfully original and true to it’s original specification, it runs beautifully and sounds oh so crisp…
Super rare….
250cc Cl72 is the rarest of all the CB/CL 72/77 models………This one is quite exceptional, and was bought by a collector in Belgium
June 2018
Marble Erakis Red GSX-R1000 K6, previously sold by us, now loaded for ‘early doors’ delivery tomorrow to it’s new owner in Great Yarmouth on the beautiful Norfolk coast……….
An early start should see this GSX-R in Great Yarmouth by 7am, with our van turned around and heading south very shortly after………………
May/June 2018
The big one ! The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, it’s here again, for many the singularly most exciting sporting event in the world……….
TT 2018 in the beautiful and picturesque Isle of Man runs from Saturday 26th May until Friday 8th June……
The video here is a few years old now, but having been to the Island for 2014/2015/2016 and 2017, we believe that this particular film portrays the TT better than all the others. If gives us goosebumps just to see it, and we would never tire of watching it. Cut to 6.05 and see/hear the bike catching the chopper hand over fist along Cronk-y-Voddy, throttle pinned, riding the many crests, before lifting and downchanging for the right handers at the 11th milestone. Just awesome, and for us, as said above, the singularly most exciting sporting event in the world……….Almost beyond belief and comprehension when you actually see these bikes in action, and every single rider, bar none, an absolute hero of immense skill, most of them just very normal blokes… Sounds as if we love it ? You got that right !…Totally unique event ?… Yep !….
Two of the TT greats are sadly missing this year. John McGuinness was badly injured at the 2017 NW200. and has just lost his battle to be ready for the 2018 TT by a couple of weeks. John should be at the Classic meeting on the island later on in the year. And Bruce Anstey is sadly battling serious illness back home in New Zealand. Probably the most laid back, and certainly one of the most amiable of all the TT racers, we wish both Bruce and John all the best with their respective recoveries, and look forward to seeing them back where they belong, on a bike, at the island, later this year….
Ian Hutchinson has also had a great battle to make it to TT 2018 following his enormous crash at the Mountain Mile during 2017’s Senior Race. His sheer determination to race motorcycles is without equal and whilst he is there this year, there is a question mark over his fitness which even Ian himself cannot know the answer to until he sets off down Bray Hill once again…Good luck Ian…
That leaves Michael Dunlop, on Philip and Hector Neill’s Tyco BMW for the Superbike races as favourite. That said, Peter Hickman had an astonishing year with 5 podiums in 2017, and will be eager for his first win. The other usual suspects include Dean Harrison, James Hillier, Lee Johnston, Gary Johnson, Conor Cummins and Josh Brookes, to name but a few, and all capable of upsetting Michael’s party….
Dave Molyneux, Ben Birchall, Tim Reeves et al will be battling the 37 mile Mountain Course once again in their sidecar outfits, in an effort, as with the soloists, to achieve one of the sporting world’s greatest accolade, a TT victory…..
The 1000cc bikes are now achieving an average speed of 132mph in the hands of a very small and select group of riders, with Michael Dunlop achieving a 133.9 in 2016 and chasing the 134, travelling through tiny villages that would normally have a 30mph speed limit at speeds in excess of 170mph……
Often referred to as the Greatest Show on Earth, and rightly so…..
May 2018
Returning customer Bob trades in his 2007 Red GSX-R1000 K6 for our 2011 Black GSX-R1000 L0…..
Bob has now purchased an R1, Fireblade and these two GSX-Rs from us…
Bravo Bob !……
Bob…..A man who likes his litre superbikes !
May 2018
Honda NC750 Xchange….
Our customer Mike from Hemyock in Devon collects his 2017 1400 miles NC750X, and trades in his older 2015 18000 mile example…..
Mike had enjoyed his Red NC750 X DCT from new and wanted more of the same, albeit newer and with lower mileage……Our 2017 bike in Silver with 1400 miles was just the ticket…
May 2018
Joe and Del from Headley in Surrey, taking delivery of their Yamaha XJR1300, adding to their other bikes and bringing their total to 6……..
This 2003 XJR is a peach of a bike, 2 owners from new, 12000 miles, and in gorgeous rare Blueish Silver colour scheme……
May 2018
The 40th anniversary of the Hastings May Day Run took place on May Bank Holiday Monday 2018, where 1000s upon 1000s of ‘bikers converge upon Hastings seafront…
Traditionally the ride left from Locksbottom in Kent, and indeed this remains a mass meeting point to this day, with the bikes convoying down the A21…..
As is usual, this year we rode up to Locksbottom, and then back down with the masses, albeit not quite as far south as Hastings as we peeled off back home to the serenity of our place just outside of Westfield….
This year’s steed was our much loved 1993 Ducati 888, and quite coincidentally we engaged in a conversation on one of the biker forums with a chap who had snapped us leaving Locksbottom that morning….
Leaving Locksbottom for Hastings on May Bank Holiday Monday 2018, this picture was taken by a fellow biker on one of the forums, quite coincidentally, and unknown to us….
April 2018
MAINTAINING THE FLEET………….
2 of our ’80s classic Jap bikes out for lube services today…..
1988 Suzuki GSX-R750-J ‘Slingshot’ flanks 1981 Honda CB900F2-B…..
Suzuki makes very healthy 96rwhp thanks to Dynojet kit and period Yoshimura ‘can, whilst Honda continues to offer all day riding comfort and properly decent pace from it’s 95bhp 4 cylinder motor…..
Shell Ultra AX7 10w/40 Semi-Synthetic oil used in both, thanks to an astounding deal from our number 1 lubricants supplier…..
‘Slingshot’ Suzuki displays Texaco Heron Suzuki decals, appropriate from the ’80s and indeed our first job was there at the Crawley Gatwick Road site in 1987, albeit as an accounts clerk…Honda remains as it always was, beautifully accomplished, understated and most elegant….
April 2018
Jim from Southampton taking delivery of his Breva 1100 today….
Nice day for a ride home on it…
Jim had been away from bikes for a little while, and was looking forward to his 80 mile ride home……………………..
April 2018
Boxer Cup ‘Twins’ or a Brace of Boxer Cups ?…….
Early rendezvous this morning at Thurrock Services with Steve from Leicester, whom has bought our 11000 miles Boxer Cup Replica, and traded in an all but identical one, albeit with 25000 miles……
Both are exceptional examples of what is now becoming an ever more rare, sought after model………
Both of these BMW Boxer Cup Replicas are fine examples, and becoming rarer and more sought after………………
2nd April 2018
The 2nd round of the Bennetts 2018 British Superbike Championship took place today, at Donington Park in Leicestershire…
The good results continue, for us anyway, with local ‘likely’ lad Bradley Ray taking the double upon his Buildbase/Hawk Suzuki GSX-R 1000R. We are so pleased for Bradley, his team headed by the brilliant Stuart Hicken, and his family. Well done ! Bradley led home Leon Haslam on the JG Speedfit Kawasaki ZX-10R and Dan Linfoot on the works Honda CBR1000RR SP-2…..
In 600 Supersport, Ben Currie also did the double aboard his Gearlink Kawasaki ZX-6R, coming in a cool 24 seconds ahead of the very experienced Jack Kennedy on his Yamaha R6. Rookie Tom Oliver had a tremendous ride to take the final podium position, also on a Yamaha R6….
Young Bradley has shown great maturity this weekend, in securing a ‘double’ win in British Superbikes, meanwhile……..
…Ben Currie also does the ‘double’ in Supersport 600, with the wonderful Norma no doubt looking over her Gearlink boys……
1st April 2018
The first round of the 2018 Bennetts British Superbike Championship took place today at Donington Park in Leicestershire, with, for us at least, fantastic results in the 2 premier classes…..
Local lad Bradley Ray from Lydd in Kent, 20 years old, took the spoils for the first time in the premier Superbike class, aboard his Buildbase/Hawk factory supported Suzuki GSX-R 1000R. A tremendous result for both Bradley, and eminently likeable team owner Stuart Hicken….5 times champion Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne came in 2nd on his PBM Ducati Panigale 1199R from James Ellison, one of the gentlemen of the pitlane, on his Anvil Tag Hire Yamaha R1M…..
In the Supersport 600 class, Ben Currie took the win from Jack Kennedy, on his Gearlink Kawasaki ZX-6R, a hugely emotional win for the team as the team’s co-owner Norma de Bidaph had sadly passed away from cancer over the Christmas period….
Bradley Ray took his first victory in British Superbike aboard his Buildbase/Hawk factory supported Suzuki GSX-R1000R…
Ben Currie took the victor’s spoils in Supersport 600, upon his Gearlink Kawasaki ZX-6R, a hugely emotional victory…….
…following the passing of enigmatic, and much loved team boss Norma de Bidaph over the Christmas period….
March 2018
Our two Sierra Cosworths haven’t been out for a long while, and so both have just been treated to new cambelt and tensioners, fresh Millers Nanodrive CFS 10w 50 oil, and brake caliper/pad strip and clean up in preparation for new MOTs….
The White car is a Rouse 302-R, and just 1 of 6 ever produced at the Andy Rouse factory. Just this one and one other now remaining…..
The Blue car is a Sapphire RS Cosworth 2wd in one of the original 3 launch colours of Crystal Blue with Shadow Halley and Angora Grey Cloth Recaro trim……
Rouse Sport spec. exactly as it left the Rouse Sport factory, so a T25 turbo with 260bhp and 300 lb ft torque, hence the name 302-R (300 lb ft 2wd)
Crystal Blue Sapphire looks totally stock inside and out but runs an old skool Stage 3 conversion, so T34 turbo, green 803 injectors, -31 actuator, 3 bar map sensor and 4×4 intercooler. Around 310bhp……
March 2018
Vehicle Registration Mark (VRM) ‘R555 CFC’
March 2018
Nice ‘HRC’ cherished plate for sale….
Would obviously suit Honda Fireblade, SP1, SP2, VFR etc
Suitable any bike August ’98 onwards
On V778 retention document for immediate transfer
All fees paid
PRICE. £495 – Offers Welcome !
February 2018
Our Honda VTR1000 SP-1 with it’s panels off today, to facilitate new spark plugs….
Fuel injectors out as well for ultrasonic cleaning, just in the interests of good practise, as this bike won’t be coming apart again for a while to come…
The bike is the first of the VTR SPs, registered August 2000, and actually designated by Honda as an SP-Y. Just 2100 miles, and box fresh, it is one of the jewels in our crown….
Build quality on these HRC hand built machines is as good as it gets…..
Showa suspension features as with all top Japanese superbikes of this vintage, at a time when radial calipers had not become the norm…..
Side mounted radiators were all part of the neat packaging……
…with the 133bhp V-Twin contributing to a slender width..
Original 18 year old air filters good for a while yet………
February 23rd-25th 2018
The 2018 FIM Superbike World Championship gets underway this weekend at the picturesque Phillip Island in Australia…..
Jonathan Rea has dominated the series for the previous 3 years now on his Kawasaki ZX-10R, and 2018 sees new rules introduced in an effort by the organisers to lessen that advantage, and create closer more competitive racing. These rules include new dataloggers that will be used to restrict top end RPM, and other financial restrictions put in place…
Key competitors whom may bring an end to Jonathan Rea’s dominance include his team mate Tom Sykes, Chaz Davies on his Ducati 1199R Panigale, the last year it will be run before Ducati go V4 for 2019, and the Crescent/Pata Yamaha R1Ms of Alex Lowes and Mark van der Mark…
Can anyone stop Jonathan Rea’s dominance this coming season ? The organisers certainly hope so as the popularity of the series continues to decline….
WOODCOCK SERVICE STATION
February 2018
Our Range Rover in for MOT yesterday at Woodcock Service Station, Felbridge, West Sussex…
Run by John and Margaret Duly, and their sons Andrew and Daniel, this is very much a family run garage, offering a polite, pleasant, trustworthy and traditional approach…
Special mention also to Peter, their long term, faithful employee who is decisively part of the furniture !
John met my Dad Jim in the ’60s, when they were both toolmakers at Emi-Mec Mechanical Engineers in East Grinstead. John went on to form Woodcock Service Station not long after, and has looked after our family’s vehicles ever since. As such, I have been visiting this garage continuously since a little boy in the late ’70s, and having started retailing cars in 1994, the Duly family have continued to support and assist me in all manner of ways…
Highly recommended by us to all……..
February 2018
R1s in the winter sunshine today….
Both out for MOT at Moton, super clean 5PW flanks rare SP….
December 2017
A mention must go here to Jonathan Rea
What a year he has had, taking his 3rd successive World Superbike Title, the only rider to win three on the trot, then awarded an MBE, and now voted 2nd place in BBC’s Sports Personality of The Year 2017
Fantastic achievements, richly deserved
Jonathan Rea has literally had the time of his life this year……..
…..seen here in typically composed form aboard his WSB title winning Kawasaki ZX-10R…….
November 2017
Highly original 12000 mile 1993 Kawasaki GPX 600R in Firecracker Red and Metallic Canyon Silver, in at Moton today for MOT….
A fun thing to ride, with a very willing engine, and a positively addictive induction note from 6000rpm upwards, courtesy of it’s 4 period K&N cone filters, the only thing about it that is not as per the original specification…..
October 2017
Our 911 C2 3.4 out today, almost unbelievably for the first time this year…
A relatively early UK car, registered 1998, with some nice key factory options including Aerokit, 18″ Sport Design Classic rims, Soft ruffled leather and Aluminium interior pack….
It remains as always, a decently quick sportscar, with a howling flat six, and entertaining chassis to match..
September 2017
This little gem out today…..
The Aprilia RS250 was the last of the proper 2 strokes, and this is one of the last of the RS250s, 3500 miles, standard and as it left the factory…..
An occasional capful of Castrol R fed to it, for an authentic aroma of 2 stroke loveliness…..
September 2017
Our much loved, and highly original ’79 Suzuki GS1000E out in the autumn sunshine today…..
Note the original exhausts and rear shocks, not easily found……………….
September 2017
A trio of Ducatis in at Moton www.moton.co.uk today, 996 SPS, 999 R and 996 BiPosto all passing with flying colours……..
September 2017
888 and RSV Mille R at breakfast stop at Whiteways Cafe near Arundel, en route to Goodwood…..
A good day was had, but a motocrosser or scrambler would have been more appropriate when exiting the quagmire doubling as a car park later in the day !
Suffice to say both bikes now require a decent clean, but we didn’t get stuck as so many cars did, or fall off thankfully…..
September 2017
Off to Goodwood tomorrow on our 888. Please be dry !
September 8th-10th 2017
This coming weekend once again sees the Goodwood Revival Meeting taking place at the glorious Goodwood racing circuit close to Chichester in West Sussex
Acknowledged as the best event of it’s kind, anywhere in the world, it offers a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and witness, close up, the racing cars and bikes, of an earlier era, being raced ‘in anger’ by top drivers and riders from past and present. Unmissable !
The Goodwood Revival Meeting sees multi million pound machinery raced to the limit
September 2017
Rickman Metisse…..
Absolute thing of beauty seen at Moton Motorcycles www.moton.co.uk today
1968 Rickman Metisse with fully tuned Norton Commando 750 motor. Lovingly restored from a rusty box of bits by our friend Peter, owner of Moton
Just wonderful, a real showpiece
August 25th – 27th 2017
Moto GP returns to the UK this coming weekend for the Octo British Grand Prix….
Marc Marquez leads the championship on his Honda, from Ducati’s Andrea Dovisioso, the two Yamahas of Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi, and his Honda team mate Dani Pedrosa…..
This year’s title fight is closer, and more exciting than ever, with 5 riders and 3 different manufacturers in the mix……
Marquez leads Dovisioso by 16 points in the title fight, as Moto GP returns to Silverstone this weekend……
August 2017
Another relatively rare Italian bike of character in the sunshine today……
A Benelli Tornado Novocento Tre (900 Triple) characterised by it’s tail mounted radiator and cooling fans….. This one is in the more unusual Silver and Black colour scheme, has covered just 6000 miles, and has had all the necessary upgrades carried out by the UK importer…..
August 2017
Our beloved Corsaro 1200 Veloce out today, providing a combination of speed, noise, agility….not to mention rarity and character…..that few other bikes can match.
Truly superb machine……
August 2017
FESTIVAL ITALIA BRANDS HATCH 2017…..
This Sunday 13th August, Festival Italia returns to Brands Hatch for it’s 2nd year
A celebration of all things automotive from Italy, bikes, cars and scooters (and delightful food also)…….
Ducatis and Ferraris, amongst many other Italian marques, will be seen at Festival Italia taking place at Brands Hatch this Sunday…………….
July 2017
The BSB circus came to Brands Hatch GP this weekend, with local favourite Shane Byrne doing the double in the premier class
Dan Linfoot leads Shakey and Josh Brookes away from the line as Superbike Race 2 gets underway………………
July 2017
Summer Sunday mornings…..
Weather should be fine tomorrow…
Our 998S sits patiently in the summer evening sun, awaiting early morning rendezvous with a 916 and a brace of 996s for breakfast blast…….
Gorgeous 998 was the first Ducati to utilise the later ‘Testastretta’ (narrow head) motor, and in the case of the ‘S’ model seen here, a 136bhp deep sump variant with Termignoni ‘pipes….
June 2017
Out and about on the ‘oldies’ this Sunday. Peter’s 1971 Norton Commando 750, Johnny’s 1970 BSA Lightning 650, Dave’s 1974 Suzuki T500 and our own 1981 Honda CB900 F2-B.
Unfortunately the BSA expired after 2 miles, nothing major, and wheeled back to our place, with owner Johnny then jumping on his 1983 Yamaha SR500.
Over to the Airport Cafe near Sellindge, taking a very scenic route, for breakfast, back via The Strand at Rye, and then a pre Sunday lunch pint at the ever lovely Three Oaks Inn at Three Oaks.
A good morning was had !
We were out and about this weekend on our 1981 Honda CB900 F2-B………
…..with Peter, Johnny and Dave, all on older bikes…..
…and after breakfast at The Airport Cafe in Sellindge, we ended up at The Strand in Rye, seen here, prior to lunch time refreshments at The Three Oaks Inn, Three Oaks
June 2017
Lord March once again invites all to join him at the glorious Goodwood Estate in the heart of West Sussex, for what is unquestionably the greatest event of it’s type anywhere in the world today.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed runs across 4 days, from Thursday June 29th until the finale on Sunday July 2nd, and offers spectators the opportunity to see some of the finest, most precious automotive machinery in existence, in the hands of the most famous racing driver and motorcycle racers from all of the eras.
A truly wonderful event, and one not to be missed. Details here.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a unique experience, the best of it’s kind
June 2017
Boss Hoss !
We see some interesting vehicles on our travels.
Collecting a Hayabusa from Nottingham this week in part exchange, our customer showed us his Boss Hoss V8, powered by a 5.7 litre Corvette V8. With 345bhp and around 1000 lb dry weight it’s a huge thing in every sense of the word….
Boss Hoss V8 utilises a 345bhp 5.7 Corvette V8……………
…. and weighs in at around 1000 lb dry
June 2017
BELLEZZA ITALIANA !
This gorgeous Italian thoroughbred had just arrived….
Ducati 1098S Tricolore, one of just 1013 produced worldworld with fewer than 300 coming to the UK. Produced during 2007, the bike shared the usual very high 1098S mechanical specification including TiN coated fully adjustable Ohlins forks, fully adjustable Ohlins rear shocks, Brembo MonoBloc radial mounted calipers and master cylinder, lightweight forged Marchesini rims, Moto GP derived LCD instrument cluster and DDA ECU analysing system. The limited edition Tricolore edition further added a gold frame, gold finish to the Marchesini rims, Carbon fibre front and rear huggers and a 102dB Termignoni race exhaust system with dedicated race ECU, and of course, the beautiful tri-colour ‘tricolore’ paint scheme in the colours of the Italian national flag…….
Glorious and special bike…………..
1098S Tricolore is 1 of just 1013 produced………..
……… and high spec. includes beautiful gold finished lightweight forged Marchesini rims………
..and signature tri-colour ‘tricolore’ colour scheme………
June 2017
VFR at The Gooseneck……….
Our ever faithful VFR800 captured at The Gooseneck and beginning it’s climb up the IOM TT mountain section during TT fortnight 2017………….
VFR800 proved our perfect companion for 1200 miles in 12 days on the island, with decent 2 up capability, and enough grunt to nudge 140 up the mountain mile……….
June 2017
Following another wonderful trip to the greatest motorsport event in the world, here are just a handful of shots snapped on our Nikon/Tamron equipment, from literally hundreds taken……..
Michael Dunlop approaches Governor’s on his way to victory in Supersport Race 1 on his MD Racing / Carl Cox Yamaha R6…………..
Michael Rutter on the gorgeous Paton, leads Martin Jessopp and Ivan Lintin on the run down from Kate’s to Creg-ny-baa on route to victory in the Lightweight Supertwins class…….
The TT’s most successful sidecar racer, and IOM resident, Dave Molyneux with his passenger Dan Sayle on their 600 DMR / A&J Racing Yamaha outfit………………
It may go higher, but it ain’t as fast………………. Chopper struggles to keep up with the bikes over the mountain section…………
Gorgeous 726 Fiddaman BSA outfit captured in Castletown, campaigned by German pairing Rainer and Tanja Crome in the Pre-TT classic races on the Billown circuit………….
Ian Hutchinson coasts in behind Guy Martin between Parliament Square and May Hill in Ramsey on the Tyco BMW S1000RR and Honda Fireblade SP2 superbikes. Due to poor weather, the unprecedented decison was made to have the race bikes escorted over the mountain section……….
Neither the TT, or the previous NW200 race meeting went the way that Honda Racing would have wished, both proving to be an unmitigated disaster for riders, bikes and team alike………
Well supported Manxman Dan Kneen through Governor’s during Supersport Race 1 on his Honda CBR600RR. Dan went on to a podium 3rd position in the Superstock TT a little later in the week, a tremendous and richly deserved achievement, and is sure to be a strong contender in 2018……..
Brothers Tom and Ben Birchall into Governor’s during Sidecar Race 1, which they went on to win on their IEG Racing 600 LCR Honda, whilst also setting a new Sidecar lap record in excess of 117mph. They also went on to win Sidecar Race 2 later in the week, making it a truly perfect TT for them………………
The french girls, Estelle LeBlond and Melanie Farnier approach Governor’s on their Racingside 600 SGR Suzuki outfit……………….
Bruce Anstey, on his Padgetts Honda Fireblade, tips it into Signpost corner during the Superstock TT Race……….
Ian Hutchinson through Signpost Corner, on his way to victory in the Superstock TT race aboard his Tyco BMW S1000RR…………..
May/June 2017
The big one ! The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, it’s all but here again, for many the singularly most exciting sporting event in the world.
TT 2017 in the beautiful and picturesque Isle of Man runs from Saturday 27th May until Friday 9th June.
John McGuiness, sadly injured this week at the NW200 and now unable to ride, but thankfully OK. Honda are running the new Fireblade and John’s 2017 team mate is Guy Martin, a huge PR coup for Honda but at the time of writing they have all kinds of issues with the bike and it looks a long shot for victory to say the least.
Michael Dunlop and Ian Hutchinson are totally at the top of their respective games, and dominated 2016. Definitely the men to beat this year. Alongside Bruce Anstey, James Hillier, Dean Harrison, Gary Johnson, Lee Johnston, Conor Cummins, Cameron Donald, William Dunlop, David Johnson, Josh Brookes, Peter Hickman, Dave Molyneux, Ben Birchall, Tim Reeves plus so many more great riders throughout all the classes, they will be battling the 37 mile Mountain Course once again, in an effort to achieve one of the sporting world’s greatest accolade, a TT victory.
The 1000cc bikes are now achieving an average speed of 132mph in the hands of a very small and select group of riders, with Michael Dunlop achieving a 133.9 last year and chasing the 134, travelling through tiny villages that would normally have a 30mph speed limit at speeds in excess of 170mph.
Often referred to as the Greatest Show on Earth, and rightly so.
April 2017
Another bike surfaces out of winter hibernation today. Our 1997 R Reg. Triumph Daytona T595 has had just 1 owner from new, and covered 7900 miles
The T595 was the first out and out sportsbike from the Hinckley factory, aimed squarely at Honda’s Fireblade. If offered 130bhp at the crank, and was of course a triple cylinder. Slightly heavier than the Fireblade, it nevertheless had essentially similar pace, but with a much more charismatic soundtrack
Our bike sound absolutely fabulous with it’s after market Blue Flame exhaust can, but the original is present, and this is a model with a minor collectability now, particularly for standard examples with excellent provenance
A cracking machine, properly quick, surprisingly comfortable, and with real character
T595 Daytona is a modern classic that oozes character, and sounds truly wondrous……………
April 2017
Moto Morini Corsaro Veloce out today, cleaned and prepp’d for sunny days ahead !
Will probably do the May Day (www.bike1066.com) run on it, trundling up to Locks Bottom and riding back with the masses, peeling off at Flimwell to avoid the real busy areas south of Johns Cross as the traffic intensifies, along with the double white lines………
Bike then goes back to it’s lair, allowing the Jack in the Green carnival (www.hastingsjitg.co.uk) and the bikes themselves to be enjoyed, combined with a few beers, essential on a Bank Holiday Monday
Moto Morini Corsaro Veloce is an Italian thoroughbred that’s rare to be seen, and a great ride every time……………………..
May Bank Holiday 2017
The May Bank Holiday is always a big weekend for the town, encompassing the May Day Bike Ride on Monday, whereupon 1000s and 1000s of motorcycles and riders converge at the seafront, as has been tradition for almost 40 years now, and 3 days of festival, carnival atmosphere across Saturday, Sunday and Monday, courtesy of the Jack in the Green celebrations
1000s upon 1000s of bikers will be at the seafront on bank holiday Monday
Jack in the Green celebrations create a most colourful carnival atmosphere throughout the town, and is a sight to behold
April 2017
Suzuki M1800R Intruder and Triumph Sprint ST955i collected by John from Moving Motorcycles today. Suzuki going to it’s new owner in Leeds, and the Triumph onwards to Bolton whereupon John will collect a Yamaha FZ1 S in part exchange against it, and deliver back to us on Friday
Great service as always
M1800R and Sprint ST955i await loading into van, prior to their delivery in Leeds and Bolton respectively…………
Easter Bank Holiday 2017
The weather is fair and so our GSX-R1000 K6 ventures out for the first time this year. Some would say the K5/K6 models were the best incarnation of the GSX-R1000 being very light, and with a very strong 176bhp motor
A strong and well held rumour has it that BMW stripped one down when designing their S1000RR
In any case, they are a fantastically accomplished litre sports bike and very sought after. This one’s not for sale, but we have had upwards of 10 K5/K6s pass through our stock, and good straight examples, with decent provenance will command top prices
GSX-R1000 K6 is a totally brilliant bike, one of the best sportsbikes ever, and quite sought after
April 2017
’80s reunion today in the form of a 1981 Honda CB900F2-B, 1981 Laverta Jota ‘180’, 1980 Suzuki GS1000E and a slightly later 1988 Suzuki GSX-R750-J ‘Slingshot’
The Jota and GS1000E were considered to be the fastest bikes in the world upon their respective launches, and remain properly quick to this day. The CB900F2-B typifies big Hondas of this era, and is remarkably easy to ride, super smooth and with an identical 95bhp to the Jota and GS1000E similarly quick
The GSX-R750-J is a totally different proposition. The ‘Slingshot’ was the 2nd generation GSX-R750, following on from the ‘Slabside’ and these early ‘gixxers’ were arguably the most significant machines in influencing sports bike development as we see it today
All four of these ’80s machines have no trouble whatsoever at maintaining modern bike pace, and have character in abundance
April 2017
1981 W reg. Laverda Jota 180 Mk2 in at Moton for MOT today
Jota 180 has one of the finest motorcycle soundtracks of all time, it just sings at high revs with distinctive and overwhelming induction roar, and incredible exhaust rasp………….
March 2017
Summer’s on it’s way ! Bikes in the sun today include a Ducati 899 Panigale patiently awaiting John from www.movingmotorcycles.co.uk to collect it for onward delivery to it’s new owner in County Durham, and a freshly arrived 1 owner 1700 mile Suzuki M1800R Intruder, shortly to be photographed
Panigale and M1800R Intruder are very different motorcycles, and both wonderful in their own way…………………
March 23rd 2017
As the 110th Isle of Man TT Races creep ever nearer, tonight sees the official launch party at the Villa Marina in Douglas, a fun filled light hearted evening hosted by James Whitham and Steve Plater, and with many of the key protagonists in attendance
Live streamed at 8pm on www.iomtt.com
Local Isle of Man racer Conor Cummins, from Ramsey, will be at the 2017 IOM TT Lauch Party tonight………………
March 22nd 2017
Ahead of the 2017 BSB season opener at Donington Park GP 31st March to 2nd April, the official BSB UK test takes place today
Title holder Shane Byrne on his PBM Be Wiser Panigale 1199R will go into the season as title favourite, but only just as Leon Haslam on the JG Speedfit ZX-10R will be extremely determined this year, following a disappointing showdown performance in 2016.
The top quality field in 2017 now includes World Superbike stars Sylvain Guintoli and Davide Giugliano, and a welcome return for the 2015 BSB champion, Josh Brookes, following a disappointing season in 2016 WSBk on the uncompetitive SMR BMW S1000RR
Guintoli will be riding the all new Bennetts Suzuki GSX-R1000RR which looks to have exceptional power, alongside Taylor Mackenzie whom rejoins BSB following a 2016 Championship winning season in 1000 Superstock
Giugliano will be on the Tyco BMW S1000RR, and will be most interesting to watch. Extremely quick, his lack of UK circuit knowledge may or may not prove a handicap, but he’s likely to be in the mix, as will his experienced team mate Christian Iddon
Josh Brookes is one of the very quickest men in BSB, and is on a Yamaha R1M, the model on which he took his 2015 title. However, the Anvil Hire TAG team are a less experienced, and lower budget outfit than Josh’s previous team Shaun Muir Racing, and it remains to be seen whether Josh and the team can get the bike to the front of the grid. One thing’s for sure, no-one tries harder than Josh Brookes in BSB, so good luck to him and his team
Other front runners will be Dan Linfoot and Jason O’Halloran on the all new works Honda Fireblade SP2s, and James Ellison and Michael Laverty on the Mcams Yamaha R1Ms. Peter Hickman and Lee Jackson are also sure to go well on the Smiths BMW S1000RRs, which Peter will also be competing on the roads during 2017, and John Hopkins on the Moto Rapido Panigale 1199R. Leon Haslam’s team mate, Luke Mossey on the second JG Speedfit ZX-10R, really came of age in 2016, reaching the showdown, and is also one to be watched
Special mention, and a big thumbs up, for local lad Bradley Ray from Lydd in Kent, competing for the first time in the premier class on his Buildbase Suzuki GSX-R1000, We’ll follow him closely, and wish him the best of luck
Italian Davide Giugliano will bring undoubted flair to 2017 BSB proceedings, seen here aboard his Tyco S1000RR during pre-season testing at Cartagena
March 2017
The 2017 Moto GP season commences this weekend in Qatar, under the lights of the Losail International Circuit
2016 Champion Marc Marquez remains at Honda, as does Dani Pedrosa, but elsewhere significant rider changes this year sees Maverick Vinales joining Valentino Rossi at Yamaha, Jorge Lorenzo moving to Ducati alongside Andrea Dovizioso, and Andrea Iannone moving to Suzuki and joined by rising star Alex Rins in his rookie season, having graduated from Moto 2. Other rookie riders, fresh from Moto 2, include 2016 Champion Johann Zarco, and Jonas Folga, both securing a good ride on the Tech 3 Yamahas, and Sam Lowes on the Gresini Aprilia
KTM are now fielding their own bike, with Red Bull sponsorship, and whilst 2017 looks set to be a steep learning curve, they have 2 extremely talented riders in Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro, with Bradley in particular noted as a skilled and technical development rider
Pre-season testing has seen Maverick Vinales leading the time sheets, with Rossi struggling in comparison, and Marc Marquez not happy with the power delivery of the newly configured ‘big bang’ Honda RCV, although Dani Pedrosa has gone well on it. Both the Ducatis of Dovisioso and Lorenzo have shown promising pace, and so it is all to play for this Sunday March 26th
Pre-season testing suggests that Maverick Vinales will be the man to beat this weekend at Qatar
March 18th-19th 2017
Decent meeting at Brands Hatch this weekend in the form of the NG Road Racing Club Bike Championships, featuring the Phoenix Open Championship, NG Supermono Cup, 125GP National Championship, 250GP National Championship, Formula 400, Open 500, 600cc, Sound of Thunder, Mini and Super Twins, Metzeler Streetstocks, Pre Injection, Ducati Desmo Due, Formula ProStock Black Widow Bandit Challenge & Pre 87 Post Classic. Also featuring 2 Stroke GP Championship
Superb club racing in abundance at Brands this weekend………….
February 24th-26th 2017
The first race of the 2017 World Superbike Championship is imminent at Phillip Island, Australia
Whilst Honda’s Jonathan Rea must start the favourite, and will be looking to make it 3 World Championships in a row, Ducati’s Chaz Davies finished the 2016 season on an exceptional high, taking 7 victories from the last 8 races. Rea’s team mate, Tom Sykes, must never be discounted, and will hope to take the fight to whomever comes looking this year
Ex-world Champion Marco Melandri makes a welcome return, and joins Chaz at Ducati. Both the Panigale 1199Rs are sure to be regularly fighting for the win
Honda have a brand new Fireblade, the SP2, and retain the services of ultra experienced ex Moto GP star Nicky Hayden, with the undoubtedly quick Stefan Bradl now joining him
The PATA Yamaha R1s will be ridden by Alex Lowes, amd Michael Van der Mark, two young hotshots, and both with the pace to be properly in the mix
And it’s great to see to Eugene Laverty return from Moto GP, whom will be on the SMR Milwaukee Aprilia RSV4. A bike new to the team following a difficult season with the BMW S1000RR last year, but not new to Eugene whom has previously ridden the works Aprilias, with great success, in WSB, and could be one of the fastest men out there. Lorenzo Savadori joins Eugene in the rider line up, bringing youthful exuberance to the team
The Ducati Panigale 1199Rs of Chaz Davies and Marco Melandri are sure to be fighting for the title during the 2017 season…..
February 17th-19th 2017
This weekend sees MCN hosting the London Motorcycle Show, in conjunction with Carole Nash, at the Excel Centre
Significant new bikes include Suzuki’s GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R, and Honda’s Fireblade, Fireblade SP and SP2
Amongst a multitude of bikes, the ultimate stars will arguably be the Norton V4 RR and V4 SS
The 2017 Suzuki GSX-R1000 and GSX-R1000R model is the most significant GSX-R for over 10 years, and for the first time offers a full electronics package, and nigh on 200bhp…..
January 2017
Another classic arrives in the form of this 1981 Laverda Jota 180 Mk2. When launched originally in the ’70s, these were just about the quickest thing that could be bought
1981 Jota is a Mk2 model, retaining all it’s original factory bodywork, and the last of the ‘180’ models, prior to the introduction of the less loved ‘120’ version
January 2017
Just arrived is this highly original Norton Commando MK2 Roadster, in it’s original Fireflake Bronze Metallic. Registered 1972 K Reg, it is in excellent order, and responds so crisply to throttle inputs with a wonderful bark from it’s peashooter exhausts
Norton Commando 750 Mk2 Roadster in Fireflake Orange, remains as stunning today as it ever was – Glorious bike
January 2017
Latest news regarding Josh Brookes’s 2017 plans
Following on from the recent news that the 2015 BSB Champion will be back in BSB for 2017, riding the Anvil Tag Hire Yamaha R1, Josh has also now confirmed he’ll be at this year’s IOM TT forming part of an all Australian rider duo, alongside David ‘Davo’ Johnson, competing on the works Nortons………….
Aussie Josh will be back in BSB for 2017 aboard the Anvil Tag Hire Yamaha R1, and at the Isle of Man TT, partnering fellow Australian David ‘Davo’ Johnson on the gorgeous, and increasingly competitive Norton V4………
January 2017
MOTORCYCLE PADDOCK STANDS – VARIOUS TO CLEAR
Selection of paddock stands, front and rear, to clear. Mainly bobbin type. some with cups, and some single siders
Prices from £10 each
Collection only
Various paddock stands – Choice available from £10
ABBA SUPERBIKE PADDOCK STAND
Excellent – Hardly used and essentially as new
Supplied with the standard 2 piece fitting kit that then enables bike specific adaptors to be fitted
You’ll have to buy the specific fitting kit for your particular bike, available on eBay for around £20
FREE DELIVERY WITHIN 20 MILES OF TN35 4SE POSTCODE, otherwise collection or delivery at cost to be agreed
As new Abba Stand – £60
January 2017
Significant news just heard is that Guy Martin, now famed for his television appearances and exploits, will again race at the TT this year, partnering John McGuinness in the Honda Racing factory squad
Cited as the best rider never to have won a TT, Guy will be racing to win, and win only. Tough ask though, with Ian Hutchinson and Michael Dunlop, amongst others, at the top of their game
Can only be a good thing for the sport, and it’s fans, and will surely further interest in Road Racing generally from a wider audience. Die hard fans already know of course, that this is the greatest, most exhilarating event of it’s kind
Guy will be back at at the IOM TT in 2017, not on a Tyco Suzuki GSX-R, but a factory supported Honda Racing Fireblade
January 2017
It’s time again for one of the toughest and gruelling, not to mention dangerous sporting events, The Dakar Rally
Almost 9000 km (5600 miles) with 12 stages spanning three South American countries, starting in Paraguay, through Bolivia and finishing in Argentina, the route takes in the most hostile of terrain and is the ultimate test for man and machine, with competitors attempting it on motorbikes, cars, quad bikes, specialist UTVs and trucks
Sam Sunderland is Britain’s top rider in the motorcycle class and rides a 450 Rally Replica KTM for the works KTM factory team…………….
January 2017
The grid is forming for the 2017 season, and notably there are two hard hitting Europeans fresh from World Superbikes joining this year. 2014 World Superbike Champion Sylvain Guintoli will ride the Hawk Racing Bennetts sponsored Suzuki GSX1-R1000 alongside Taylor Mackenzie, re-joining BSB following his 2016 championship winning 1000 Superstock season, and Davide Giugliano comes from Ducati’s WSB squad to ride the Tyco BMW S1000RR alongside Christian Iddon
Copthorne based businessman, Mark Smith Halvorsen has sadly withdrawn his team from the grid this coming year due to business commitments, but his three riders from 2016 have maintained good seats. Leon Haslam and Luke Mossey will be riding ZX-10Rs, sponsored by JG Speedfit as with last year, but now run by Pete Extance’s Bournemouth Kawasaki team, and James Ellison switches to a Yamaha YZF-R1, alongside Michael Laverty at the McAMS Yamaha team
2016 Champion Shane Byrne continues with the PBM Be Wiser Ducati team, running 1199Rs, and Glen Irwin has also re-signed with them
The works Honda squad will run two bikes this year, not three, so no Jenny Tinmouth unfortunately, but Dan Linfoot and Jason O’Halloran remain as they were
Smiths Racing will run BMW S1000RRs, and have Peter Hickman whom will also campaign the roads, and is one of the finest all rounders in the current crop of motorcycle racers, and the youthful Lee ‘Bob’ Jackson
The likeable, and very experienced, New Yorker John Hopkins will be back on a Moto Rapido Ducati Panigale 1199R, and is sure to prove decently quick, as always
Jake Dixon will ride the sole Lee Hardy Racing BMW S1000RR, Billy ‘Skippy’ McConnell will be on the sole Quattro Plant FS-3 Kawazaki ZX-10R, and Jakub ‘Kuba’ Smrtz the sole PR Racing BMW S1000RR
As always, it’s good to see long term privateer Aaron Zanotti on his Platform Hire Yamaha YZF-R1
Sadly, Ryuichi Kiyonari will not be part of the 2017 grid line-up as he returns to the Japanese domestic series, and the immensely talented two time BSS championship winner Stuart Easton is retiring from racing altogether
2014 World Superbike Champion Sylvain Guintoli joins the BSB grid for 2017……….
as does Davide Giugliano……..
January 2017
New helmet on it’s way……………
http://www.x-lite.it/…/helmets-full-fa…/x-802rr-ultra-carbon
X-Lite X-802RR Ultra Carbon in Shiny Mesh – Red.
Cracking deals to be had on these – Full Carbon Fibre Composite Shell and weighing just 1230g
Nolan Group’s X-Lite X802RR is a fully carbon fibre composite helmet weighing just 1230g, with the plushest of interiors and an advanced ventilation system…. At sub £300 from some suppliers, it’s ridiculously good value for one of the very best helmets on the market, at any price………..
January 2017
We have 2 used Abba Stands for sale at £60 each in excellent condition. Best deal on eBay new is £92.
Collection only…….
Also, we have a wide selection of used front and rear paddock stands for sale, varying condition, make and type, from £15 each
Collection only………..
January 2017
Taken at our car sales premises in Smallfield, Surrey in Autumn 2009, our own Mk2 Escort 1700 X-Flow is flanked by a Moonstone 3-door Cosworth, a 2wd Sapphire Cosworth set up by Mark Shead at M.A. Developments, and 2 brand new Focus RSs
Again, taken at our premises in Smallfield, this 993 Turbo had the factory fitted 430bhp engine upgrade, some factory GT2 bodykit items and split rim alloys. Sold by us for £45000 5 or 6 years ago, we recently saw it advertised on eBay for £120000…..
And once again, taken at our old premises in Smallfield, this Ferrari 360M F1 passed through our hands twice. Very high spec. with carbon fibre seats and factory half roll cage, it had once been the property of Eric Clapton. We sold it 1st time around to a customer whom decided it wasn’t capable enough on track and bought a Porsche 911 (996) GT3 Mk1 instead…………
We had a nice number for this car ‘F13 GOM’ which very easily could be made to look F1 360M ( F1 gearbox 360 Modena) That number is now on something much faster, our own 2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 K6 !
December 2016
Remarkably clean and original Triumph Trophy 1200 4 awaits loading up for delivery to it’s new home in Salisbury
Trophy 4 1200 will be remembered in the history books as the first model from John Bloor’s re-born Triumph at Hinckley
November 2016
Bob does it again !
Our remarkable customer Bob Higgins, from Redruth in Cornwall, rode the 710 mile round trip in one day last February to part exchange a 1999 R1 against a 2003 Fireblade 954
Well, he’s done it again. Leaving at 6.30am this morning, he has arrived to us at 2pm to part exchange the Fireblade 954 back in against a 2004 R1 5VY, and with the deal done he’s on his way back home again
Bob’s 73 years old, a great guy, and we think an inspiration to us all
Bob prepares for his 350 mile ride home on his new R1, having arrived following his 350 mile ride to us 45 minutes earlier on his Fireblade 954
November 2016
Our own delightful BSA Bantam D10 175cc, registered 1966 on a ‘D’ suffix out today for the 1st time in a very long time
Took a while to get her started initially, but now running beautifully with characteristic willing, sprightly performance. Totally standard other than Boyer ignition, and an excellent Rex Caunt solid state rectifier/ regulator, both items adding great reliability to the relevant electrical circuits
’66 Bantam D10 gets treated to a capful of Castrol R, in addition to a modern synthetic 2 stroke oil, thus ensuring plenty of smoke and the wondrous aroma of 2 stroke castor oil when giving it a handful !
November 2016
Just released is this title ‘Factory-Original Ford RS Cosworths’
Written by renowned Ford enthusiast and author Dan Williamson, with photography by Simon Clay, this book really is the definitive reference guide as to the factory specifications of all the production Ford RS Cosworth variants, encompassing the original Sierra RS Cosworth, the homologation Sierra RS500 Cosworth, Sapphire RS Cosworth including the Rouse Sport Cosworth, and the Escort RS Cosworth
Our own Rouse Sport 302-R Cosworth, 1 of just 3 remaining 2wd variants (of only 6 produced) features heavily, and has a dedicated section all of it’s own.
Another of our cars, our 1988 Sapphire RS Cosworth 2wd in the early original production colour of Crystal Blue also features, and provides many of the interior shots for the cloth Recaro equipped Sapphire variants
Our own Rouse Sport 302-R Cosworth features in Dan Williamson’s Factory-Original Ford RS Cosworths…………….
…….along with our early Crystal Blue Sapphire RS Cosworth 2wd
November 2016
Very late Honda Super Blackbird delivered to customer in Cuxton, Kent, with latest family addition Normon coming along for the ride……..
2007 07 registered Honda Super Blackbird is a very late example of this iconic hyperbike…….
New family addition Normon looks pensive prior to his first official engagement, but pulled it off with aplomb !
October 14th-16th 2016
The British Superbike championship reaches it’s climax this weekend, in a ‘triple header’ at the glorious Brands Hatch GP circuit in Kent.
In the premier class, it’s now a 2 way battle between series leader Shakey Byrne, and Leon Haslam whom comes to the weekend 17 points adrift. All to play for.
In 600 Supersport, local lad Bradley Ray from Lydd in Kent, sadly has lost his championship momentum following a difficult meeting last time out at the Dutch Assen TT circuit, meaning that in this class the two protagonists will be Tarran ‘Taz’ Mackenzie and James Westmoreland. Taz’s older brother Taylor has already secured the 1000 Superstock title, and so a family double is on the cards.
In Superbikes, either Shakey or Leon will surely be crowned champion this weekend, although other riders can mathematically still do it………………..
Taz Mackenzie will be hoping to take 600 Supersport laurels this weekend…………
October 2016
‘Shakey’ Byrne looking mightily impressive on his PBM Ducati 1199R in qualifying at BSB Assen for Round 2 of The ‘Showdown’……………Qualifies on pole .59s quicker than the JG Speedfit ZX-10R of James Ellison, with Leon Haslam in 3rd….
Leon needs a good weekend here following his off in Race 2 at Donington, and realistically may be the only one to stop Shakey this year now…..
A good weekend at Assen TT for Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne could almost put one hand on the trophy for him
October 2016
Our travels this week included a delivery to Snowdonia, combined with a ‘jolly’, an overnight stay in the beautiful North Wales coastal resort of Barmouth, and a visit to the mesmerising Portmeirion village where the cult ’60s TV series ‘The Prisoner’ was filmed………..
Be seeing you !
Portmeirion Village in the Snowdonia National Park is a sight to behold, and was the setting for ’60s series ‘The Prisoner’ starring Patrick McGoohan
September 2016
Our latest Ingenico iCT250 card processing terminal has arrived and is now installed, allowing Contactless transactions
Ingenico iCT250 terminal further enhances the ease with which transactions can be made
September 2016
Ultimate incarnation of the Ducati 749/999 series out today for MOT at Moton. The Pierre Terblanche designed bikes had a hard job to do in following the much loved and very pretty 916 series bikes, but moved the game along considerably with key innovative engineering such as CAN bus wiring. The 999R seen here, in common with all R series Ducatis had a unique motor vs the lesser models, in this case a short stroke 140bhp Testastretta with deep sump, special rods and crank, and Termignoni exhaust with bespoke ECU. Ohlins suspension, radial Brembos, Marchesini rims and carbon fibre parts in abundance, including the body panels all feature
Work of art Ducati 999R features short stroke Testastretta motor, and carbon fibre everywhere, including it’s body panels
October 2nd 2016
Another date for the diary in early October is the Goodwood Breakfast Club meeting, this time themed ‘Italian Sunday’ with Italian ‘bikes and cars in abundance. A great opportunity to see Italian exotica (and indeed the not so exotic vehicles) both 2 wheeled and 4 wheeled, lined up on Goodwood’s famous start/finish straight, with a hearty organic (their words !) breakfast served on site
Ducatis and Ferraris will be seen at Goodwood’s October Breakfast Club meeting
September 2016
Gorgeous Ducati 996 SPS on the stands today for minor fettling. The SPS was the ultimate incarnation of the 916/996 series that utilised the original DesmoQuattro motor, prior to the introduction of the Testastretta engine. The motor had uprated cams, titanium rods, a carbon airbox, unique Marelli ECU and a lightened crank, running through a closer ratio gearbox with ultimately shorter gearing. Big bore Termignonis were standard, as was copious amounts of Ducati Corse carbon fibre parts. This particular bike is a final spec. model with Marchesini rims and Ohlins forks, so differs slightly to earlier year models, and also has some trick adjustable rearsets and additional carbon fibre parts. All bikes had an identifying build plaque on the polished yoke, and cost around £20000 in the late ’90s
996 SPS was the most desirable production bike in the world when released to the public in 1997
September 17th-18th 2016
This weekend sees the return of the annually held Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival enabling visitors to sample some of the finest seafood and wine delights. Situated at the Rock-a-Nore end of the Old Town, there are over 30 stalls and marquees, with cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, and live music and street entertainment throughout the weekend adding to the carnival atmosphere
Sample seafood and wine delights, this weekend in Hastings’ Old Town
September 2016
Fresh Motul 5100 oil and filter, and a new battery for our Triumph Trophy 1200 4 recently taken in part exchange, and seen on our current stock page. The Trophy 4 was the first ‘modern’ Triumph to roll out the factory under John Bloor’s ownership in 1991. Hinckley Triumph has gone on to fantastic success in the 25 years that have passed since, a true British manufacturing success story
Our bike is registered 1995 and is one of the last original models, prior to the twin headlamp Mk2. It’s incredibly clean and original and en route over to Moton Motorcycles for it’s MOT, proved itself to be a still very decently quick machine, supremely comfortable and quite agile given it’s size and weight. Period Laser Pro Stock exhausts fitted in 1998, at a cost of £290, sound absolutely superb, with a very distinctive rasp. All in all, a very nice characterful ‘bike, and an appreciating modern classic
Roger at Moton MOTing the Trophy 4, which goes on to pass with flying colours
September 2016
Finance just got easier with our preferred lender, Moto Novo Finance, introducing ‘e signing’. All finance docs are now completed via email, including electronic signatures and driving licence checks, enabling customers the opportunity to get on their new ‘bike in almost record time !
As always, our long term friends and colleagues at Meridian Finance, continue to process all finance deals on our behalf
Moto Novo finance documents are now finalised electronically via email, including e-signature ensuring a fast and easy process
September 9th-11th 2016
This coming weekend once again sees the Goodwood Revival Meeting taking place at the glorious Goodwood racing circuit close to Chichester in West Sussex
Acknowledged as the best event of it’s kind, anywhere in the world, it offers a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and witness, close up, the racing cars and bikes, of an earlier era, being raced ‘in anger’ by top drivers and riders from past and present. Unmissable !
The Goodwood Revival Meeting sees multi million pound machinery raced to the limit
September 4th 2016
A wondrous day for Maverick Vinales, and the works Suzuki team, with Maverick taking his maiden win in the premier class, and Suzuki’s first victory since 2007. Britain’s Cal Crutchlow maintained his current form, to take 2nd spot, from Valentino Rossi. Alex Lowes rode solidly in his first ever Moto GP race to secure 13th place
Huge disappointment for Sam Lowes in Moto 2, whom clearly had the pace to win, but was unceremoniously taken off by Johann Zarco with a handful of laps to go. Zarco incurred a 30 second penalty, and resultantly did not score any points. However, the damage to Sam’s championship is done, and he now has a huge mountain to climb. Alex Rins, 2nd in the championship, was the only winner in the debarcle, and having finished 7th, climbs to within 10 points of leader Zarco. Thomas Luthi took the win from Franco Morbidelli and Takaaki Nagagami
In Moto 3, series leader Brad Binder took the win from Francesco Bagnaia and Bo Bensneyder. Britain’s John McPhee featured much further down the field and was a little off the pace. Jorge Navarro, 2nd place in the championship, crashed out and leaves Brad Binder in a very strong position, now leading the series by 86 points
Maverick Vinales was unassailable on his works Suzuki GSXR-R, taking his maiden Moto GP victory, and the first win for Suzuki since 2007
September 3rd 2016
Stunning qualifying performances by Cal Crutchlow and Sam Lowes see them on pole postion in Moto Gp and Moto 2 respectively for Sunday’s Octo British Grand Prix at Silverstone
Images below taken by us using our Nikon/Tamron equipment during Friday’s FP1 and FP2 sessions
Cal Crutchlow through Luffield furing Friday’s Moto GP FP2
Sam Lowes approaches Woodcote during Friday’s Moto 2 FP2
Marc Marquez adopts a typically severe lean angle on his Honda RCV……………….
…………..although in this case, not as severe as Alvaro Bautista’s Aprilia RS-GP
The Suzuki GSXR-R and Ducati Desmosedici GP16, of Aleix Espargaro and Andrea Iannone respectively, enter Luffield
Jorge Lorenzo, seen here leading Danielo Petrucci through Club, needs to pull points on Marquez this weekend…………………
……… as does his team mate at Yamaha, Valentino Rossi, pictured exiting the same corner
The Ducati Desmosedici GP16 of Andrea Dovisioso, at Club, during Friday’s Moto GP FP1
September 2nd-4th 2016
This coming weekend gives British fans the chance to see their Moto GP heroes as the Moto GP circus comes to Silverstone, for it’s one and only visit to the UK during 2016
Marc Marquez’s Honda RCV has a commanding lead in the Championship, from the Yamaha M1s of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo
With such strong performances this year from the Ducati Desmosedicis of Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovisioso, it’s anyone’s race, and we have strong British interest in recent maiden winner Cal Crutchlow, Scott Redding, Eugene Laverty, and ‘Wild Card’ entry Alex Lowes standing in for Bradley Smith whom unfortunately suffered an injury during the Oscherleben 8 hour World Endurance race
Sam Lowes will be hoping to gain points on series leader Johann Zarco in Moto 2, and John McPhee will be trying his best to repeat his race winning form from Brno in Moto 3
All to play for during this weekend’s 2016 Octo British Grand Prix at Silverstone
August 2016
Congratulations to likeable local lad Bradley Ray, 19, from Lydd, whom not only wins his first ever race in the hotly contested British Supersport 600 Championship at Cadwell Park this weekend, but promptly wins again to take the double on his FAB Racing Yamaha R6 ! Congratulations also to another popular up and coming star, Benfleet’s Mason Law, 20, whom took 2nd place in both races to Brad on his Gearlink Kawasaki ZX-6R.
In British Superbikes, Shakey Byrne wins Race 1 on the PBM Ducati 1199R, ahead of Leon Haslam’s JG Speedfit Kawasaki ZX-10R and Jason O’Halloran’s Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade. In Race 2, the same three take the spoils, Leon from Jason and Shakey. All three have now secured their places in the ‘Showdown’
Likeable local racer, Bradley Ray from Lydd, takes the double in British Supersport 600 at Cadwell Park………….
….with Mason Law, current British Superstock 600 Champion, taking 2nd in each race
August 2016
The range of ‘bikes we sell through our business is, without question, diverse. These two machines demonstrate it ably, with a 2015 15 registered Ducati 899 Panigale, loaded up for delivery to it’s new owner in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, and a 1970 H (suffix) registered Triumph Trophy T100C to be dropped off on the return leg to it’s enthusiastic buyer in Rushden, Northamptonshire
Ducati 899 Panigale and Triumph Trophy T100C settle in for the night, prior to early start…………..
….whereupon they will be delivered to their new owners in South Yorkshire and Northamptonshire respectively
August 2016
A wonderful, and historic day for British motorcycle racing at the Czech Republic round of Moto GP, held at the Brno circuit.
Cal Crutchlow takes his maiden Moto GP victory, and the first British one in the premier class for 35 years, since Barry Sheene won in Sweden in 1981. Appropriately, Cal’s satellite LCR Honda wears number 35.
John McPhee takes his maiden Moto 3 victory aboard his Peugeot MCSaxoprint machine.
Sam Lowes takes a 3rd placed podium in the Moto 2 race, gaining much needed points on series leader Johann Zarco, and keeping his title hopes alive.
Cal Crutchlow’s appropriately numbered 35 LCR Honda, enables the first British rider victory in the premier class for 35 years
John McPhee takes his maiden world championship level win in Moto 3 aboard his Peugeot MCSaxoprint machine
Sam Lowes had a good day to take the final podium spot in Moto 2 aboard the Federal Oil sponsored Team Gresini Kalex, keeping his championship hopes alive
August 2016
Another little gem appears, this time in the form of this delightful Yamaha YZF750-R.
This particular bike is the last incarnation of this model being a 1997 Ohlins equipped version in the very pretty Bluish White Cocktail (BWC1) colour scheme. Registered August 1997 on an R prefix, the original owner retained it for 15 years until 2012, and it has now come directly to us from the 2nd owner, whom has had it since then. Mileage……………………….2870 miles ! Totally stock, standard and as Yamaha intended, except for sweet sounding carbon tipped can (with original exhaust present) this is a ‘time warp’ machine, to coin a modern and much overused expression, but one we’ll use anyway ! Straddled beween the mighty OW01 and homolgation special R7 (OW02) these bikes have been overlooked in the past, but it should be remembered that they achieved great race success in SP form courtesy of Noriyuki Haga in World Superbikes, and winning the BSB championship three times in the capable hands of Niall Mackenzie
The Yamaha YZF750 SP took Niall Mackenzie to three BSB titles in ’96, 97 and 98……………
This particular YZF750-R is a 1997 final spec. Ohlins equipped bike. With just 2 owners, and 2890 miles, hens teeth are appreciably easier to find
August 2016
Out on our Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 Veloce today. A rare sight, these Italian supernakeds use Moto Morini’s own 1187cc ‘Bialbero Corsacorta’ 87 deg V-Twin, designed by Franco Lambertini, and developing 140ps and 91 ft-lbs. Swathed in top quality Italian componentry, from Brembo, Marzocchi, Marchesini and Termignoni, these are hugely individual fast, sorted machines
Moto Morini Corsaro 1200 Veloce is a rare Italian thoroughbred……….
……….built with Italy’s finest components, not least these de-baffled Termignonis
12-14th August 2016
Bexhill Motofest once again takes place across the weekend of 12-14th August, a festival celebrating motorcycles, music and biking movies along Bexhill’s seafront, the birthplace of motorsport in the UK
Highlights this year include an open air ‘ride in’ cinema, hog roasts and barbeques, at least 7 live bands, trade stands and displays, a ‘Motorcycles as Art’ exhibition, and much more……..
ROAD, the movie depicting the highs and lows of the Dunlop road racing family, will be projected on to the side of the De La Warr Pavilion in an open air screening
August 2016
British Superbikes once again visit the Kent circuit of Brands Hatch this weekend for Round 7 of the Championship, with racing taking place on the GP circuit. Below are some shots taken by us, using our Nikon/Tamron equipment, during Friday’s practice sessions
600 Supersport title contender Andy Reid exits Westfield on his Quattro Plant Cool Kawasaki ZX-6R
Portsmouth based 600 Supersport rider Sam Coventry exits Westfield on his Road and Racing Performance Kawasaki ZX-6R
British Superbike Championship leader Shane Byrne enters Clearways on his PBM Be Wiser Ducati 1199R Panigale
Luke Mossey through Hawthorns in British Superbikes on his Quattro Plant Tec Care Kawasaki ZX-10R
Christian Iddon in British Superbikes exits Hawthorns on his Tyco BMW S1000RR
Josh Hook and Jack Kennedy battle it out through Clearways on the Team WD-40 Kawasaki ZX-10R Superbikes
August 2016
Gorgeous Moto Strada custom specc’d Moto Guzzi V7 Mk2 sits patiently in the early morning August sun, awaiting collection by our preferred Scottish transport company, for onwards delivery to it’s new owner in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
Custom Moto Guzzi V7 Mk2 is sure to put a smile on it’s new owner’s face, a long way north of the border
July 2016
This Sunday saw us taking the older bikes via the scenic route to the delightful Little Farthingloe Farm Café just outside of Dover, for a typically hearty breakfast. The Eggs Benedict served here, on chunky granary bread, is truly superb and highly recommended, presuming that you like good food, and lots of it ! Bikes in the convoy included Ian’s 1976 Honda CB750/4, Charlie’s 1967 Triumph TR6C, Peter’s 1970 Norton Commando Peter William’s race replica, and our own 1979 Suzuki GS1000E
A quartet of classics at Little Farthingloe Farm Cafe, Dover
July 2016
Gorgeous Crystal Blue Capri 2.8 Injection Special out to play today. 1986 D registered, low owners, and a genuine 58000 miles, with a very proper service history file. The Injection ‘Special’ was produced from 1984 to 1986 and was characterised by having a limited slip differential, half leather Recaro trim and 7 spoke RS alloys. The venerable Cologne V6 motor was, as with previous 2.8i models, rated at 160bhp and 162 lb/ft torque
Capri 2.8 Injection Special continues to dish out old skool RWD fun, whilst sounding the business
July 2016
Our Rouse Sport Cosworth 302-R seen at the picturesque Powdermills Hotel in Battle today, having ventured out for it’s annual MOT. Just 6 302-Rs were produced, and only 3 survive. Developed by legendary touring car racer and engineer Andy Rouse, the cars were sold through the main Ford RS dealer network during 1990/1991 and had a smaller T25 turbo for reduced lag, producing 260bhp and 300 lb/ft torque. All cars were numbered, and signed off personally by Andy himself
Rouse Sport 302-R Cosworth is 1 of just 3 surviving examples
June 2016
Out and about today was our ‘954’ Honda Fireblade, a late ’53 registered RR3 example that has covered just 2500 miles from new. The last of the CBR900s, and the last bike penned by the original designer Tadao Baba, some would say this is the best Fireblade there ever was. Whether it is, or isn’t, what is not in doubt is that this remains a supremely quick, light and agile machine, beautifully built and finished.
954 Fireblade continues to lead it’s charmed existence, with just 2500 miles covered from new
June 2016
Lord March once again invites all to join him at the glorious Goodwood Estate in the heart of West Sussex, for what is unquestionably the greatest event of it’s type anywhere in the world today.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed runs across 4 days, from Thursday June 23rd until the finale on Sunday June 26th, and offers spectators the opportunity to see some of the finest, most precious automotive machinery in existence, in the hands of the most famous racing driver and motorcycle racers from all of the eras.
A truly wonderful event, and one not to be missed. Details here.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed is a unique experience, the best of it’s kind
June 2016
Following our recent visit to the Isle of Man for the TT Races, here are just a few photographs below, from literally hundreds taken using our Nikon/Tamron equipment.
John McGuinness, 1st away for the 1st race of 2016, approaches the start line for the Saturday Superbike race
Ian Lougher lines up the 2 stroke V4 Suter 576 on the start line for the Saturday Superbike race
David ‘Davo’ Johnson lines up the Norton on the start line for the Saturday Superbike race
Lee Johnstone on the entry to Kirkmichael village on his East Coast Construction BMW S1000RR Superbike during evening practice
Ian Hutchinson’s Tyco BMW S1000RR Superbike passes Dean Harrison’s Silicone Engineering Kawasaki ZX-10R Superbike into Creg-ny-Baa during evening practice
John McGuiness through Creg-ny-Baa on the works HRC Honda Fireblade Superbike during evening practice
Peter Hickman enters Quarry Bends on his GB Moto Racing Kawasaki ZX-10R Superbike during evening practice
James Hillier’s ZX-10R Superbike passes privateer Stephen McKnight’s Fireblade on the run down from Kate’s Cottage to Creg-ny-Baa during evening practice
Ian Hutchinson at the Gooseneck during evening practice on his Tyco BMW S1000RR Superstock
Bruce Anstey at the Gooseneck during evening practice on his Valvoline Padgetts Honda RCV213V Superbike
Michael Dunlop through Kirkmichael village on his MD Racing Yamaha R6 during Supersport Race 1
Dean Harrison on his Silicone Engineering Kawasaki ZX-6R reels in the Valvoline Padgetts Honda CBR600RR of Conor Cummins exiting Kirkmichael village during Supersport Race 1
John Holden and Andy Winkle exiting Kirkmichael village on their Silicone Engineering / Barnes Racing LCR Honda 600 outfit during race week practice
Michael Rutter on his Bathams SMT BMW S1000RR catches William Dunlop’s MSS Colchester Kawasaki ZX-10R as they leave Kirkmichael village during the Superstock race
Ivan Lintin exits the Bungalow towards Hailwood’s Rise during Supersport Race 2 on his Devitt RC Express Racing Kawasaki ZX-6R
Conor Cummins approaches Ginger Hall on the works HRC Honda Fireblade Superbike during race week practice
Michael Rutter out of Ginger Hall on his Bathams SMT BMW S1000RR Superbike during race week practice
June 2016
The Senlac Classic Car Show and Craft Fayre takes place in the shadow of Bodiam Castle this Sunday June 19th, behind the Castle Inn Public House. This is a fun family day with classic cars, bikes, military vehicles, falconry, music and a BBQ, + lots more.
Classic cars and bikes + lots more this Sunday, in the shadow of magnificent Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
June 2016
The Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC) East Sussex host a Bike Show and Concours on Saturday June 18th, at the Cricket Bat Factory in the East Sussex hamlet of Asburnham. A cracking day for all, the show caters for machines from the 1890s to 1980s.
Vintage and classic motorcycles will be in abundance at Ashburnham this weekend
June 2016
The big one ! The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, it’s all but here again, for many the singularly most exciting sporting event in the world.
TT 2016 in the beautiful and picturesque Isle of Man runs from Saturday 28th May until Friday 10th June.
John McGuiness, Bruce Anstey, Ian Hutchinson, Michael and William Dunlop, James Hillier, Dean Harrison, Gary Johnson, Lee Johnston, Conor Cummins, Cameron Donald, Dave Molyneux, Ben Birchall, Tim Reeves plus so many more great riders throughout all the classes, will all be battling the 37 mile Mountain Course once again, in an effort to achieve one of the sporting world’s greatest accolade, a TT victory.
The 1000cc bikes are now achieving an average speed of 132mph in the hands of a very small and select group of riders, travelling through tiny villages that would normally have a 30mph speed limit at speeds in excess of 170mph.
Often referred to as the Greatest Show on Earth, and rightly so.
May 2016
The World Superbike circus arrives at the Leicestershire circuit of Donington Park in the UK during the weekend of 27th-29th May.
Racing has been extremely close this year, with Tom Sykes showing much of his old form to compete on a level with his team mate Jonathan Rea, albeit some way off in terms of championship points at time of writing.
Chaz Davis has been a revelation on the Aruba.it Ducati Panigale 1199R and undoubtedly has the pace to beat the ZX-10Rs yet again.
Other Brit favourites, Alex Lowes and Leon Camier are sure to be in the mix, at a circuit where they have great familiarity.
Leon Camier has had some fine performances in 2016 on the gorgeous MV Agusta F4 RC and will be looking to emulate them at Donington Park
May 2016
The British Superbike championship had it’s first of three scheduled meetings for the 2016 series at Brands Hatch this weekend, following Rounds 1 and 2 at Silverstone and Oulton Park respectively.
In Race 1, James Ellison led all the way until being incredibly ‘pipped at the post’ by his JG Speedfit Kawasaki team mate Leon Haslam, whom himself admitted he couldn’t quite believe the victory. James was uncharacterfully sombre, and clearly dismayed not to take the win, having missed out on pole position in a similarly disappointing manner the day previously where Luke Mossey, on his Quattro Plant Tec-Care Kawasaki ZX-10R, had taken the place by the proverbial ‘gnat’s c*ck’ right in the last few seconds of Q3. Tommy Bridewell put in a fine performance for both himself, and the Bennetts Halsall Suzuki GSX-R team, in taking the final podium position.
In Race 2, there was further disappointment for Ellison due to mechanical failure leaving Richard Cooper to lead the pack until the penultimate lap, whereupon local favourite Shane ‘Shakey’ Byrne made his move into McLaren’s, and ensuring his first victory of 2016 on the new to PBM Ducati Panigale 1199R, and the first victory for a Ducati in BSB for 6 years. Another strong performance from Leon Haslam saw him take 3rd position.
In the championship, Haslam now leads with 93 points, from Byrne on 90, Christian Iddon on 86, Richard Cooper on 74, Michael Laverty on 66 and Jason O’Halloran on 62 points.
Leon Haslam, captured here on our own Nikon/Tamron photographic equipment, had a strong weekend and now leads the championship after 3 rounds
In the British Supersport 600 championship Sprint Race on Saturday, the Came BPT Yamaha R6’s, the team owned and run by Prodigy frontman Keith Flint, were unstoppable in the hands of James Westmoreland, and Joe Francis whom came home 1st and 2nd respectively, ahead of the beautiful MV Agusta F3 of Dover based Jake Dixon. Much fancied rookies Tarran ‘Taz’ Mackenzie and Mason Law both crashed out early on, Tarran through no fault of his own and in a most unfortunate incident, and Mason in a highside exiting Graham Hill bend, which could have ended up a lot worse than it did.
In the Feature Race, Joe Francis was absolutely magnificent and walked away from the rest of the field, at one point commanding a 4.4 second lead which is just unheard of in this ultra competitive class, particularly at such a tight and twisty circuit such as Brands Indy. This is a young man to watch for the future, just 18 years of age but with maturity beyond his years, not just in terms of his ability on a bike but also in his professional, media friendly manner. The ever cheerful, and supremely likeable Taz Mackenzie had a little more good fortune in this one, and used his undoubted talent to take 2nd, ahead of Luke Jones who’s faithfulness to his Acumen Industrial Services Triumph Daytona 675 was justly rewarded with his 1st podium since 2014.
Joe Francis earned 1st and 2nd places in the 2 British Supersport races. One to watch for the future. Captured here on our own Nikon/Tamron equipment
May 2016
The North West 200 road races take place in Northern Ireland from 8th – 14th May, arguably the most significant of all the Northern Irish meetings, with all the major names and teams there in preparation for the Isle of Man TT races which commence in early June.
BBC NI (Sky channel 953) provide TV coverage, and all results can be seen at northwest200.org
Alastair Seeley is aiming to become the most successful rider ever at the NW200, and needs just one win at this year’s meeting to take his tally to 16
May 2016
Big weekend for the town, encompassing the May Day Bike Ride on Monday, whereupon 1000s and 1000s of motorcycles and riders converge at the seafront, as has been tradition for almost 40 years now, and 3 days of festival, carnival atmosphere across Saturday, Sunday and Monday, courtesy of the Jack in the Green celebrations
1000s upon 1000s of bikers will be at the seafront this bank holiday Monday
Jack in the Green celebrations create a most colourful carnival atmosphere throughout the town, and is a sight to behold
April 2016
Wonderful news for the town and local area is the re-opening of Hastings Pier, following the devastating fire of 2010. Following a £14 million rebuild, the pier which dates back to 1872, is once again open for business.
Hastings Pier history extends all the way back to the Victorian era, in 1872
April 2016
Fully specc’d example of Ford’s new Focus RS in Nitrous Blue arrives at Birchwood Ford, St Leonards as their demonstrator.
New Ford Focus RS has 350ps from it’s 2.3 litre Ecoboost motor, 4wd and a 167mph top speed according to Ford claims
April 2016
Young William at play on his Suzuki JR80 this weekend, practising his low speed control.
Suzuki’s 2 stroke 80cc 5 speed manual JR80 is a brilliant little bike for youngsters to get a proper feel for riding (and quite fun for dad’s too !)
April 2016
Magnificent, early 2000 W registered Honda SP-1, with just 2100 miles covered. out today for MOT and Motul oil change.
Honda’s SP-1 was designed with only one goal in mind, to beat Ducati at their own game in WSBk – Which it did, winning the WSBk World Championship in 2000 and 2002 (SP-2) in the hands of Colin Edwards
April 2016
This Sunday saw four of us with our 916/996 Ducatis out for a ride.
Scenic route took in the A28 villages, through Tenterden, Hamstreet and on to the Blue and White cafe at Sellindge for breakfast. Returning via The Strand at Rye to the wonderful Three Oaks Inn at Three Oaks village for refreshments.
Johnny’s 996 BiPosto, our yellow 996 Biposto, Peter’s much modified 916 Strada, and Roger’s 916 BiPosto outside the Three Oaks Inn
April 2016
Another little gem arrives in the form of this 1994 Ducati 888 Strada. One of the last of the 851/888 era bikes, prior to the introduction of the much heralded 916. Beautiful bike.
1994 Ducati 888 Strada is from the very end of the 851/888 model line
April 2016
There was a fabulous turnout for the ELK Promotions South of England Classic Bike Show and Autojumble this weekend.
Motorcycles on display ranged from a 1913 Triumph Model C to a 1981 Ducati TT2 with 68 years worth of everything imaginable in between, including racers, sidecar outfits, military and interesting hybrid/customs.
1947 Vincent Rapide and Steib sidecar, this clubman’s sidecar outfit, known as ‘The Fast Lady’ was one of the stars of the show
April 2016
Argentina – Termas de Rio Hondo Circuit
MOTO GP
Scott Redding suffered an unusual delamination failure of a soft compound Michelin during practice which caused great concern for the Michelin technicians as to the abilities of the tyre to cover race distance. Resultantly, the race was shortened from 25 laps to 20 laps, with a mandatory pit stop for all riders on lap 9, 10 or 11 where they would jump from their no.1 race bike to their no.2, fitted with fresh tyres.
Whilst far from ideal for the riders, this kind of thing can often add to the overall excitement from the spectator’s point of view.
Marquez had qualified on pole, ahead of Rossi, whom unusually had out qualified his team mate Lorenzo in 3rd. Lorenzo made a decent start, but dropped down to 6th during the 1st lap, with the Ducati of Andrea Dovisioso powering through in to the lead from Rossi and Marquez. The other Ducati of Iannone ran wide at turn 1, forcing out Pedrosa, who was immediately relegated to 12th.
Marquez quickly got in to his stride, passing Rossi and Dovisioso with ease. Rossi followed suit, passing Dovisioso and quickly started to reel Marquez in, looking the strongest rider at this point. Lorenzo came off at Turn 1 on lap 5 ending his race.
The mandatory pit stop and bike swap beckoned and following this, Rossi seemed off the pace. Marquez hauled away, and Rossi was caught by Maverick Vinales on the Suzuki, towing along the the Ducati’s of Dovisioso and Iannone. Vinales made an error with 2 laps to go and came off at Turn 1, and both Ducatis passed Rossi, relegating him to 4th. However, a terrible error on the part of Iannone resultantly wiped out both Ducati’s on the last corner, with the finish line in sight, handing 2nd back to Rossi, and elevating Pedrosa to 3rd. Dovisioso pushed his bike over the line to finish 13th.
Eugene Laverty on the Aspar Racing Team Ducati GP14.2 was absolutely overjoyed to finish in 4th.
Scott Redding had been flying, passing Pedrosa, and instantly pulling away with a few laps to go, with a top 6 position in sight, but sadly retired due to a mechanical issue.
In the championship, Marquez leads with 41 points, from Rossi’s 33, Pedrosa’s 27 and Lorenzo’s 25.
Marc Marquez secured his first win of the 2016 season
MOTO 2
Sam Lowes had qualified on pole, lining up alongside reigning world champion Johann Zarco and Jonas Folga.
This race quickly turned in to a 4 horse race with Lowes leading from Zarco, Folga and Franco Morbidelli.
Zarco ultimately found a way past Lowes, and proved just a little too strong. During the latter stages, Lowes made a mistake running wide, allowing Morbidelli through, but quickly caught and re-passed the Italian for 2nd spot. Morbidelli came off with 2 laps to go at Turn 1, leaving Zarco the victor, from Lowes and Folga.
In the championship Thomas Luthi leads with 34 points, Johann Zarco in 2nd with 29 points and Sam Lowes in 3rd with 27 points.
Reigning World Champion Johann Zarco took the victor’s spoils in Moto 2
April 2016
MOTORLAND ARAGON CIRCUIT, SPAIN
RACE 1
Forza Chaz Davies ! Forza Ducati !
Chaz Davies invincible in Race 1 at Aragon, as the World Supersport circus moves to Europe.
A dominant win for Chaz, his first of the 2016 season, on his Ducati Panigale 1199R, from the battling ZX-10Rs of fierce rivals and team mates Jonathan Rea and Tom Sykes in 2nd and 3rd, Xavi Fores on a privateer entry Ducati in 4th, beating the works Ducati of Davies’s team mate Davide Giugliano in 5th, and Nicky Hayden on his Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade in 6th.
Chaz Davies was untouchable on his Panigale 1199R in Race 1
RACE 2
Chaz Davies again seemingly in a different league from Sykes and Rea. Rea eventually found a way past Sykes, but was unable to create any significant gap, with Sykes challenging hard.
4 laps to go Rea missed a downshift, and outbraked himself, with Sykes gleefully taking advantage. And so it was a double for Davies on the 1199R, from Sykes, Rea, Xavi Fores (again, in an excellent 4th) Jordi Torres and and Davide Giugliano.
Alex Lowes made an error early on, but did well to battle back from 19th to 9th, ahead of his team mate Sylvain Guintoli, and demonstrated encouraging race pace.
In the championship, Rea leads with 131 points to Davies’s 102 and Sykes’s 101.
Fores was hugely impressive on his privateer Barni Racing 1199R, beating Giugliano’s factory bike in both Race 1 and Race 2
WORLD SUPERSPORT
Turkish rider Keenan Sofuoglu was lucky to survive turn 2 on the first lap as the diminutive New Yorker Patrick ‘PJ’ Jacobsen made an overly ambitious move, and lost the front. Back in mid field it was carnage as a nasty accident on turn 1 resulted in 4 riders crashing out quite spectacularly, including our own Gino Rea.
Sofuoglu led from his team mate Randy Krummenacher, Jules Cluzel on the MV F3, Axel Bassani, Alessandro Zaccone and Nico Terol. Cluzel appeared to suffer a gearbox issue, dropping to 6th, as Terol moved ahead of Bassani and Zaccone into 3rd.
Cluzel regained his pace eventually passing the San Carlo ZX-6R’s of Bassani and Zaccone, to take 4th.
And so at the flag, Sofuoglu took his maiden 2016 victory, from Krummencher, Terol, Cluzel, Bassani and Zaccone.
Brit riders Kyle Smith and Kyle Ryde finished in 11th and 12th positions respectively.
Disappointing news heard was that reigning British Supersport champion Luke Stapleford had parted company, very early in the season, with the CIA Landlord Insurance Honda team, but that he hopes to be at Assen aboard another bike, so watch this space as they say.
In the championship, Krummenacher heads it with 58 points, to Sofuoglo’s 45 and Cluzel’s 38.
April 2016
Our Ducati 996SPS emerges from hibernation, for it’s annual MOT trip to Moton.
996SPS is a special machine
April 2016
Harley ’48’ and Kawasaki ZX-9R loaded up ready for early start, and onwards delivery to their respective new owners in Tidworth and Radstock.
Harley ’48’ and Kawasaki ZX-9R will shortly be with their new owners
March 2016
Piazza Italia, a celebration of all things Italian, not least of all cars, bikes and food, takes place in Horsham across the Easter bank holiday weekend.
100s of motorcyclists on their Italian machines gather at Pietros utterly wonderful Motori di Marino garage in the beautiful West Sussex village of West Chiltington, before riding in to Horsham en masse, taking the scenic route, whereupon the bikes are displayed in the town centre for all to see.
A wonderful day weather wise, on Good Friday, ensured a fantastic turn out, and the bikes gathered at Motori di Marino were truly a sight to behold.
Definitely one for your diary next year.
Early on at Motori di Marino – You couldn’t move for bikes 1/2 hour after this shot
Our own Moto Morini Corsaro Veloce nestles amongst her Italian cousins
March 2016
Our good friend Peter @ Moton Motorcycles will be displaying his wonderful 1970 registered Norton Commando 750 Production Club Racer Replica at the Revolution Motorcycle and Art Show that takes place from Saturday 30th April until Monday May 2nd 2016 at the Observer building in Hastings.
Peter’s Norton, seen below with our 1979 Suzuki GS1000E, was originally a Sussex Police bike, registered to the Chief Constable at Sussex Police’s Lewes Headquarters. Sympathetically overhauled and restored in recent years by Peter, it has been very carefully detailed, and attracts much attention wherever it goes.
Peter’s Norton Commando 750 Production Club Racer Replica with our 1979 Suzuki GS1000E
March 2016
1000s of people entered the 32nd Hastings Half Marathon this Sunday, and the town was awash with supporters and wellwishers, in spite of the chilly conditions.
Each and every one of the runners, whom run for their chosen charity, deserve our thanks and gratitude for taking part in this wonderful community event, that raises so much money for worthwhile causes, and of course that gives the runners such a sense of personal achievement.
Well done all !
1000s of people ran in the Hastings Half Marathon to raise monies for worthwhile causes
March 2016
The season kicked off under the floodlights of Losail, Qatar as is tradition.
MOTO GP
The Ducatis of Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso both featured strongly during the early part of the race, but with Iannone making a rare, unforced error, it was left to Dovizioso to uphold the Italian team’s honour, leading from Lorenzo, Marquez and Rossi, with Pedrosa and Vinales a distant 5th and 6th respectively.
The straight line speed of the Ducati was clear for all to see, clocking 217mph down the 1km straight vs the 208mph for the Yamaha M1 and Honda RCV. However, Lorenzo eventutally found a way past, and edged away, slowly. With Marquez harrying Dovisioso, and Rossi hanging on, it was quite a battle for the 2nd spot. Marquez eventually found his way through, only to be repassed by the Ducati. Marquez passed in to 2nd again on the last lap but ran wide, and so it was Lorenzo the victor, from Dovisioso, Marquez, Rossi, Pedrosa and Vinales.
Lorenzo’s pace towards the latter part of the race was nothing short of astonishing, and he broke Casey Stoner’s long standing 2008 lap record, citing the performance of the new Michelin tyres as the main contributory factor.
Bradley Smith finished the top Brit in 8th on his Tech 3 Yamaha, narrowly beaten to the line by his team mate Pol Espargaro, with Scott Redding 10th and Eugene Laverty in 12th. Cal Crutchlow came off early in the race after showing good pace.
Paddock news included Rossi signing for an additional 2 years with the factory Yamaha squad, and Bradley Smith to ride the new factory KTM for 2017.
There appeared to be some booing of the victorious Spanish riders during the podium ceremony, presumably from Valentino Rossi ‘fans’. This is appalling, unacceptable behaviour and any genuine sports fan, of any denomination, must surely agree that it must stop.
Jorge Lorenzo had a textbook start to his 2016 title defence campaign
MOTO 2
The start of this race was nothing short of a farce, with numerous riders given a ride through penalty for a false start, including Sam Lowes, whom along with most of the other penalised riders gained no advantage whatsoever, and the rules are contentious as to whether a penalty should be given under those circumstances.
The one rider who did gain a significant advantage, Franco Morbidelli, from 5th position on the grid, was initially not one of the riders penalised by the race organisers. Pole man, and pre-race favourite Jonas Folger pushed too hard early on, coming off, and resultantly Morbidelli went on to battle the entire race with eventual victor Thomas Luthi, before then being handed a 20 second penalty and relegated to 7th.
Along with Sam Lowes, both Alex Rins and Johann Zarco incurred penalties and so it was for these 3 riders, to battle through from the back of the field following their respective ride throughs, which they all did admirably in the order of Rins, Lowes and Zarco.
At the front, Luthi and Morbidelli had a tremendous tussle, as did Simone Corsi, Luis Salom, and Sandro Cortese for 3rd, but never quite in touch with the leaders. Luthi eventually took the win, on the road from Morbidelli, Salom, Corsi and Cortese, but both Morbidelli and Cortese were also deemed to have jump started off the line and were both handed down 20 second penalties, relegating them to 7th and 15th respectively. The recovering Rins, Lowes and Zarco finished up in 8th, 9th and 12th.
Final result then, Luthi 1st from Salom, Corsi, Hafizh Syahrin, Dominic Aegerter, and the other key Brit interest, reigning MOTO 3 World Champion, Danny Kent, ultimately benefitting along with others, from some of the time penalties, in an excellent 6th.
Thomas Luthi took victory in a controversial MOTO 2 race
March 2016
Summer won’t be long ! Bikes in the sun today include a brace of Kawasaki ZX-9Rs, taken in part exchange, and a pristine 8800 mile Triumph Sprint RS, all awaiting photography.
Meanwhile, the Suzuki M800 Intruder patiently waits for it’s new owner Jane to come and collect it.
Bikes in the sun today
March 2016
CHANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, THAILAND
RACE 1
Tom Sykes came out all guns blazing following his disappointing results at the opening Phillip Island round in Australia, but even though he led for the great majority of the race, eventually had to submit to his team mate Jonathan Rea, whom having made an early error in the race, doggedly pursued and pressured him until passing him with 4 laps to go. Tellingly, Sykes managed to stay in touch with Rea, and although Rea had dished out another psychological blow, Sykes had appeared to have upped his game.
Pole sitter Michael Van der Mark secured his 3rd consecutive podium but couldn’t quite hang on to the Kawasakis, and Chaz Davies finished 4th, a disappointing 17 seconds adrift.
Alex Lowes ran well and finished in a commendable 6th
Michael Van der Mark’s fine form continued in Race 1 with a 3rd consecutive podium
RACE 2
This was a race to savour. Again, Tom Sykes led for the majority of it, ahead of Jonahan Rea, and both of them gapping 3rd place man Van der Mark, and 4th placed Davies early on. However, with relentless pressure from Rea, the lap times of leader Sykes slowly increased allowing a keenly focussed Chaz Davies, having now passed Van der Mark, to latch on to the back of the Kawasakis, making it a 3 way battle for the lead.
Rea, brimming with self confidence, continued to sit on Sykes’s tail, passing him on numerous occasions, only for Sykes to pass back immediately. Going in to turn 4 and turn 5 with 2 laps to go, Rea passed Sykes, Sykes passed Rea, Rea passed Sykes, and Sykes passed Rea again, all within a few seconds. Rea was very strong in to turn 4, and on the final lap again passed Sykes, but Sykes yet again came back through, and narrowly held on for victory.
Pyschological advantage redressed, Sykes was clearly very happy, and relieved to be back on the top step once again.
Davies finished a close 3rd, with Van der Mark in 4th continuing his fine form on the Fireblade, ahead of his team mate, ex Moto GP man, Nicky Hayden in 5th
Alex Lowes was running well again, battling with his team mate Sylvain Guintoli for 5th position, but again suffered bad luck with a technical issue forcing retirement on lap 9
Tom Sykes narrowly took victory from Jonathan Rea in Race 2
WORLD SUPERSPORT
Both Keenan Sofuoglu and Jules Cluzel were keen to put points on the board following their DNFs at Phillip Island.
New Yorker P J Jacobsen made a tremendous start on his Honda, leading the entire race up until a couple of laps to go, from Cluzel on the MV Agusta, and the Kawasakis of Sofuoglu and Randy Krummenacher.
Cluzel eventually found a way past Jacobsen, and Sofuoglo also hustled his way through, and so it was Cluzel, from Sofuoglu, Jacobsen, and Krummenacher.
Brit Kyle Smith had a fine ride to 5th, with Gino Rea and Luke Stapleford finishing in 9th and 14th respectively. Stefan Hill finshed 21st, and Kyle Ryde retired due to technical issues with his throttle grip.
March 2016
MOTO GP
Scott Redding impresses at final Moto pre season test at Qatar, finishing 2nd on the timesheets on his Octo Pramac Ducati Desmodesdici GP15, 0.5 seconds off of quickest man Jorge Lorenzo, and just 7/1000 second ahead of the continually rapid Maverick Vinales.
Lorenzo is laying down the gauntlet as the man to beat on his Movistar Yamaha YZF-M1 with fierce rival and team mate Valentino Rossi 0.6 seconds adrift and 5th fastest.
Marc Marquez on his Repsol Honda RC213V was 4th quickest, and his team mate Dani Pedrosa a disappointing 10th.
The other top 10 positions were filled by the works Ducati Desmosedici GP16s of Italian duo Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovisioso, in 6th and 8th respectively, and separated by the LCR Honda RC213V of Brit Cal Crutchlow, with Hector Barbera on the Avintia Desmosedici GP14.2 in an impressive 9th.
Other key Brits, Bradley Smith and Eugene Laverty finished up 13th and 20th fastest
Scott Redding finished a hugely impressive 2nd fastest on his Octo Pramac Desmosedici GP15
MOTO 2
Everyone’s favourite, along with his twin brother Alex, Sam Lowes, finished 2nd fastest to Axel Pons at the Moto 2 test in Jerez, Spain, and is one of the key British hopes for international GP success in 2016. Now on a proven bike he is comfortable with, the Kalex, and a full year of Moto 2 experience behind him, he will be hungry to take the title ahead of his much lauded ascent to Moto GP on the Aprilia GP bike in 2017
The high hopes of British fans rest on the shoulders of Sam Lowes in Moto 2 for 2016
March 2016
Shakey struggles at pre season Cartegena BSB test.
Both Shane Byrne and his rookie team mate Glenn Irwin off the pace on their PBM Ducati 1199Rs, in 12th and 16th positions respectively, with Shakey citing problems with matching the 1199R to the control BSB Motec ECU.
Early days though, and only the 2nd time out for the PBM Ducatis, which ran very well at the previous Portimao test in Portugal. With the similar Moto Rapido 1199R of Danny Buchan finishing the test 2nd quickest, there is clearly no lack of power, or performance from the Italian V-Twins, and so it will boil down to set up.
Luke Mossey was (impressively) quickest on his Quattro Plant ZX-10R, and predictably the JG Speedfit ZX-10Rs of Leon Haslam, James Ellison and Peter Hickman all showed well, separated by the Tyco BMW S1000RRs of Michael Laverty and Christian Iddon, and the Yamaha R1 of John Hopkins whom is brimming with confidence and loving his new bike, essentially the Championship winning bike of Josh Brookes from last year.
John Hopkins was pleased to say the least with his new R1, as explained to team manager Tommy Hill
March 2016
The 2016 Thundersport GB Race Series makes it’s first visit to Brands Hatch Indy circuit today.
The series encompasses machinery from Aprilia 125 2-strokes, to 1000 cc superbikes, with a huge variety of ‘bikes in between, and spanning different eras and rider ability.
Well worth a look, this is hugely entertaining motorcycle racing, one of the most varied UK motorcycle race series’
Highlight of the day – The wonderful smell of 2 stroke oil
Local rider to Brands, Andy Driver’s unique MZ, which he uses to compete in the Supertwins (GP2) class
February 2016
PHILLIP ISLAND, AUSTRALIA
RACE 1
Great opening race to the 2016 World Superbike season, at Phillip Island in Australia, with a tight eight bike battle comprising two Kawasakis, two Ducatis, two Hondas and two Yamahas all in procession early on in proceedings
Reigning champion Jonathan Rea the eventual victor, just, from Chaz Davies whom mounted a tremendous last lap challenge, and Michael van der Mark on the Honda. Very impressive from van der Mark, and the Honda which is not considered a top flight bike
Kent man Leon Camier finished an excellent 7th on the gorgeous MV Agusta F4RR, Moto GP 2006 World Champion Nicky Hayden in 9th on the other Honda Racing CBR1000RR Fireblade, and current BSB champion Josh Brookes a fine 10th on the SMR BMW S1000RR
Disappointment for Alex Lowes, who ran strongly early on, but eventually made an unforced error and retired
Jonathan Rea and his ZX-10R , on way to victory in the opening race of the 2016 World Superbike championship
RACE 2
Jonathan Rea does the double, with Chaz Davies again giving it all on the last lap, and just trying too hard with the 1199R sliding away from him, almost in sight of the line. He did get going again though, and managed to secure 10th
Another hugely impressive ride from Michael van der Mark, finishing 2nd, and whom led quite a few laps, with the Honda displaying astonishing straight line speed
Davies’ team mate Davide Guigliano, on the other 1199R, just pipped Nicky Hayden for the final rostrum spot, and from his body language was very pleased to do so
Decent result for Josh Brookes in 9th, and he could very reasonably have finished 7th ahead of the Althea BMW pairing of Torres and Reiterberger
Again, disappointment for Alex Lowes whom suffered mechanical issues, but did manage to finish 14th
Davide Guigliano narrowly beat Nicky Hayden in to 3rd place in Race 2
WORLD SUPERSPORT
Reigning champion Kenan Sofuoglo, and pre season favourite made an unforced error allowing his rookie team mate, Randy Krummenacher, to claim victory on his Zx-6R, in his very first World Supersport Race
The much experienced Anthony West, racing as a wildcard was overjoyed to take the 3rd spot, behind Federico Caricasulo
A very good showing from Briton Gino Rea, to finish 7th, but could so easily have been 4th
Other Brits had a tricky day, but high hopes firmly remain for the rest of the season for Luke Stapleford and Kyle Ryde, both fresh from British Supersport, Kyle Smith and Stefan Hill
February 2016
John from Moving Motorcycles collecting a KTM 1190 RC8 from us today, for onwards delivery to it’s new owner in Bootle, Merseyside
Upon delivery of the KTM, John will collect a Gen 2 Suzuki Hayabusa from our customer in part exchange, and deliver the Suzuki back to us, all within 4 days. Great service
February 2016
Over at Moton, MOTing a GS500 Streetfighter today. Nice to see some of our previous sales bikes in their workshops for routine servicing work, both the Team Legends Fireblade and blue ZX-9R next to it were sold by us.
February 2016
Copthorne based businessman Mark Smith Halvorsen’s GB Moto / JG Speedfit Kawasaki Racing team is without doubt one of the major players in the forthcoming MCE British Superbike Championship, keen, hungry and looking for their first championship title. Super strong rider line up includes James Ellison, Peter Hickman, and the very experienced Leon Haslam, returning from WSBk.
The bike remains a Kawasaki ZX-10R, a proven package in BSB, having won the championship in the hands of Shakey Byrne in 2014, and World Championship winning bike in WSBk in the hands of Tom Sykes and Jonathan Rea.
With Paul Bird Racing (PBM) and pre-title favourite Shakey moving away from the ZX-10R, and running 1199R Panigales, the JG Speedfit team will be the primary focus for Kawasaki fans.
Peter Hickman will also contest the major road races in 2016, including the Northwest 200, IOM TT and Ulster GP.
JG Speedfit ZX-10R in 2016 BSB livery
February 2016
Phillip Island pre-season testing now under way (17th-19th February) prior to the final pre-season test at Qatar in a couple of weeks time.
Vinales quickest ! At the end of day 2, following tricky weather conditions, Maverick Vinales on the Suzuki heads up the timesheets.
Keep up to date with all the latest news here
February 2016
Ian Lougher now confirmed as one of the Suter MMX500 riders.
Welshman Ian, 53, retired from racing the IOM TT at the end of 2013, but continued to compete in the Classic TT. He debuted at the Mountain Course in 1983, going on to take his first victory in 1990, just 1.8 seconds ahead of Steve Hislop, and a further 9 TT wins followed.
One of the most experienced and successful road racers ever, his career tally also includes 9 victories at the NorthWest 200, and an incredible 32 wins at the IOM Southern 100 Races, amongst many others.
February 2016
Almost unbelievable news is that 500cc V4 2 strokes will be competing at this years IOM TT in the Superbike and Senior TT races.
Swiss company Suter, known best known for their Moto 2 and Moto 3 race bikes have developed a 576cc V4 2 stroke machine, designated MMX500, developing 195bhp @ 13000 rpm and weighing just 127kg.
99 of these machines will be sold to (wealthy) members of the public at a cost of approximately 120000 Swiss Francs each.
Riders are not yet confirmed, but will be be announced shortly, and are expected to be two high profile British racers, each with significant experience of the 37 mile TT Mountain course.
The sound of these wonderful machines, flat out down the Sulby straight, or through Kirkmichael, is just going to be unforgettable.
February 2016
We’re very pleased to have added this delightful 1989 Suzuki GSX-R750J ‘Slingshot’ to our collection. UK supplied by Suzuki GB, we remember the wonderful Heron Suzuki building in Gatwick Road Crawley very well (sadly now just another characterless VW dealership), and worked there during 1987/1988 prior to leaving to complete an engineering apprenticeship with another great Crawley based business, Rediffusion Flight Simulation Ltd (that Gatwick Road building also sadly now gone)
This little gem of a bike has been in the possession of the last owner for 23 years, from 1992 to 2015, and has covered a believed to be genuine 15000 miles. Sympathetically restored, it’s had recent valve clearances, and carbs strip/rebuild with DynoJet 3 kit. Now properly set up, with it’s period Yoshimura exhaust, it made 96rwhp on the dyno, and pulls without hesitation, or any flat spots, throughout the rev range, whilst emitting a fabulous howl from it’s slingshot carbs, and Yoshi pipe. Glorious !
1989 Suzuki GSX-R750J ‘Slingshot’
February 2016
Racing season draws nearer with the Australian round of WorldSBK at Phillip Island kicking things off on Saturday 27th February. New format this year with Race 1 on Saturday, and Race 2 on Sunday
Jonathan Rea must start as favourite, but the 1199Rs of Chaz Davies and Davide Guigliano will push him close no doubt, not to mention his team mate Tom Sykes. Of special interest will be Josh Brookes on the SMR Milwaukee S1000RR, and we have very high hopes for our favourite Alex Lowes on the new YZF-R1, run by Paul Denning’s south coast based Crescent Racing
One thing is guaranteed, with ZX-10s, 1199Rs, S1000RRs, R1s, RSV4s, F4s + others on the grid, racing will be close
February 2016
Special mention must go to one of our customers this week. Bob Higgins (pictured below) better known as ‘Biker Bob’ rode 347 miles from his home in Redruth, Cornwall, on his 1999 R1 4XV, to take collection of our 2003 Fireblade 954. Leaving at 6.30am in the morning, he arrived to us at 2pm, having encountered snow and sleet across Bodmin Moor, and more than a little rain. The deal done, a quick cuppa, and off he went, returning the same day, and arriving home at 9pm.
Bob recently celebrated his 72nd birthday, and we think is a quite inspirational man. He plays the guitar quite well too, see his page here
Bob Higgins taking collection of his Fireblade 954