BSA MC1 - a 250cc horizontal single with 4 radial valves operated by short chain-driven overhead camshafts connected by bevel gears. One-off factory prototype from 1949. On display at Sammy Miller's museum.
Richard 1200, thanks, looks a lot better than a C15 and appears to have cantilever rear suspension in 1949?
The unusual bit is the arrangement of the steering head. On the MC1, the stem down the middle is fixed to the frame and it is the tube around it which swivels with the steering, i.e. the opposite of normal practice. I don't think any later designer has followed this concept since.
Moto Guzzi Le Mans 850 just bought today, safely tucked up in my garage, and SORNed for now. Starts and runs well, but the footrests, foot controls, side stand, and centre stand need sorting out.
Honda RC166. 250cc 6 cylinder. One of the best sounding bikes ever. When I was a boy watching the TT at Kate’s Cottage you could hear this coming over the mountain a long time before you saw it.
Congratulations Pete on a great purchase, I've always has a soft spot for the Guzzi since my V50 many moons ago. Incidentally did the camera catch you as you are about to fall to your knees in praise? Looking forward to more photos.
I only do that for Ducatis. Incidentally I have just extended my Footman James classic insurance to cover the Le Mans at a cost of - wait for it - £33.
This Le Mans which I bought on Wednesday is now on the road and legal. I've fitted original footrests and foot controls, new steering damper, and a Le Mans side stand (instead of the absurd California one). The tyres look good but the date codes show 14 years old or more, so I won't be going very far or fast on them. Paint is shabby in places, but I can sort that in due course.
