Some interesting old bikes spotted when I attended the Salbert Hill climb in Belfort (Cravanche) France this afternoon. Particularly liked the 750cc four cylinder Nimbus
At Castle Combe this wednesday just gone I had an opportunity to ride a 1961 Matchless 650 twin race bike - what a thing!!! Right side gear change (4 in a race shift pattern) left foot braking - I say left foot as the front brake was all but ineffective. Avon Road runner tyres (not bad really) that overwhelmed the chassis with grip levels. Numerous hinges built in to the frame. My eyes have only just started to focus again due to the vibrations. Very long stretch to the bars - knees up by my ears. Kick start tried to kill me and then was just were my shin wanted to be when riding. Having said all that - I giggled for both laps I was out (drizzle started to fall) it was fantastic. I then jumped straight on to my 748 and nearly scared my self!! If that is the progress 42 years of motorbike development brings - roll on the next 42 years.
