bit of a spur of the moment decision yesterday to nip down to the Manchester Bike Show – certainly a place where it would have been all to easy spend loads of money at
23.03.14
Guzzi V7
I want this
Enfield
Pat
Selfie
Pat
Pat
Pat
Some nice ‘I want this’ toys there..especially memories of the Royal Enfield which I learnt to ride as a 10yr old (my Dad’s). In those days the bike had an ‘advance’ and ‘retard’ lever which I could never get quite right..so I always kept a damp cloth handy to smother the ‘carb’ if it caught fire..also got thrown over the handle bars a few times when I got a ‘kick back’…happy days. You may also remember ..or not..my uncle Alf Parker who used to ride at Belle View stadium as a track rider. Also a champion ‘grass rider’ and owner of Sheffield’s largest bike store.
There certainly were some nice bits and pieces … if only I had more room in the garage, although even if I did I’m sure Pat would have a view on a 5th bike! The Enfield is pretty interesting in so much as they have a decent model range and the bikes are made in India – they are also really cheap and I suppose would be fun as a ‘spare’ bike for the sunniest of days. The one that I was sat on sells for £5k – difference now I suppose is that although these are very ‘retro’ they come with Brembo brakes, electronic ignition etc etc – pretty low powered but you wouldn’t buy one of these for power and performance. I’m afraid I don’t know of your Uncle Alf – but thats pretty interesting stuff – did you go to watch him ride?
Should have clarified…the Enfield was attached to a sidecar when I messed around on it…on spare land around the garage…. Watched Alf ride only a few times for Sheffield Tigers as we lived opposite ends of City to Owlerton Stadium (opp Hillsboro) and at that time he rode for various teams including Edinburgh, Fleetwood etc..see Monarchs blog page on Alf at http://edinburghspeedway.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/alf-parker.html. Think he was related to Jack Parker, then still captain of Belle View team(before leaving for Australia). I disowned the family at 15yrs so lost contact..Must have been in my blood as I rode with the ‘Mods’ at Brighton Beach early 60’s…
Cheers George – suppose it must have been pretty underpowered with a sidecar on? Just checked out the link you sent – that’s intersting