Features

Egli-Vincents were an Anglo-Swiss creation which have sustained enduring popularity. In the land where they were produced, a single and a twin are compared. Words and photographs: Colin Taylor Visit the Canton of Jura in Switzerland, not far from Basel, and you’ll encounter most of the things for which the country is famous. Perfectly kept…

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The 1956 Thruxton nine-hour endurance race was eventually wonby a 350cc Gold Star, which covered 651 miles. Photographs: MORTONS ARCHIVE There were 60 motorcycles due on the line for the 1956 Thruxton 500 mile road race, to be held over the kidney-shaped 2.7574 mile course. Organised by the Southampton and District Motor Cycle Club, practice…

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The specialist Tony Donnithorne is the Vintage MCC marque specialist for Zenith. Recognised as a leading authority on the manufacturer, Tony even has some of the official factory records. We are grateful for a generous measure of his time in helping out with this guide. Vintage Motor Cycle Club: www.vmcc.netTel: 01283 540557 Model history Spurred…

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Your queries resolved with Richard Rosenthal Royal Ruby postcard Knowing I have a lightweight Royal Ruby, friend and fellow vintage motorcycle enthusiast John White, from the south coast, recently gave me this period promotional postcard. Dating from 1914, the image depicts the maker’s then recently introduced 2½hp direct drive two-stroke model. The subject machine is…

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Your queries resolved with Richard Rosenthal Girls’ day out at Brighton Here’s another photograph for you to identify, please. Stuart Nicholson, email. A super image, Stuart, of a circa 1915-21 499cc P&M, built by Phelon and Moore Ltd of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire. At intervals, the advertising copy writers for modern motorcycle makers can’t resist drawing attention…

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Mixing and matching componentsmakes for hours of fun. Words and photographs: Tim Britton There is a point in a rebuild (or in this case a ‘recreation’) of a motorcycle when the major work is complete and the ‘fun’ of adding the little bits and pieces can begin. I use the term ‘fun’ loosely, as I…

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The electrical trade wasn’t really to his liking, so young Kershaw sought employment in the motorcycle industry. Herbert Sydney Kershaw was born on August 7, 1892, in Sydney, Australia, the only son of a shipping clerk and his young wife. When his father died in 1895, young Bert and his bereaved mother moved to England,…

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The outspoken journalist, enthusiast, engineer and feet-forward advocate still has strong opinions on what he believes is the way to do things. Words: TIM BRITTON Photographs: Royce Creasey Those of us who came to British motorcycles because they were just cheap, old nails before the ‘classic scene’ really got underway, found a champion to our…

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Sleep deprivation is a fact of life for the parents of small children – and long distance trials riders – who keep going through the night as the rest of the world slumbers. Words: Richard Rosenthal Photographs: Mortons Archive Friday, May 20,1904, saw the first competitor, Mr C W Brown, 2¾hp FN, await the starter’s…

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In the pioneer days of motorcycling, hill climbs – and hill climbing – were popular proving grounds. Words: Rachael Clegg Photographs: Gary Chapman/Mortons Archive Hunter House Road, Sheffield, is not a place that is synonymous with motorcycles. The street is home to umpteen students, several Green Party activists and the cause of many parking-related headaches.…

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