Featured Bike - Zundapp KS750

The KS750 is a motorcycle and sidecar combination manufactured for the German Army during WW2. The engine is a 750 ohv. Actually a 170 deg V twin rather than a flat twin because the cylinders are slightly inclined. The bike has 10 gears - 4 forward, 1 reverse with high-low range. It was the first bike with hydraulic brakes. The sidecar wheel is powered and has a diff lock for extra grip off road. This bike has been fitted with a massive tow bar.

I photographed this bike outside the Manchester Bike Show in January 2003. 

Happiness is a Bug-Splattered Visor

Summer Scene

Blue skies, fluffy clouds and a field of buttercups - ah, summer in Scotland. This is a panorama made from stitching five images together using Microsoft Image Composite Editor (terrible name!) A free download.

Stratford Rudge 250 Classic Racer

The most impressive winner at the Classic Racing at East Fortune on Sunday was in the 250cc class. An ancient Rudge triumphed over  bikes like the Yamaha TD1C, Suzuki T20, Honda CB72 and Ducati Desmo. The rider was Mervyn Stratford and the bike dates from 1934. Mervyn is no youngster himself at 63. He has raced the bike since 1968 and won 28 championships on it. In 1991 the engine was stripped and checked by the scrutineers after complaints from opponents that the bike was "too fast". The bike was found to meet the class specification.

Website:

http://www.stratford-rudge.co.uk/index.htm

Classic Racing at East Fortune

Own a TARDIS

Spotted in Edinburgh's Royal Mile, Lothian & Borders Police are selling off their boxes. Dating from the 1930's they are a different design to the Dr Who London police box.

Featured Bike - Gilera 500/4 Grand Prix Racer

Gilera Grand Prix bike on which Libero Liberati won the 1957 500cc Championship. Replicas were made so I don't know if this is a real one. A beautiful bike and quite modern looking given its age. Good to see it being used as intended. Photographed at East Fortune in 2007.

Recycling Tyres

Old tyres used as planters for tomatoes in my greenhouse.

Ayr Classic Motorcycle Show

1971 Ducati 450 R/T

 1969 Benelli 250/4 racer

 Spot the similar engines - 1971 Laverda 750 SF & 1961 Honda CB72

1956 Adler MB250

Sacrilege? a much modified 1960 Velocette Venom  

 A real oldie - 1914 Victoria with 270cc Villier two stroke engine - Made in Glasgow

  

 In the bike park - a Morini 350 and a Suzuki GT380

Mod style scooter