MULTI-BIKE TESTR
ecently I was reminiscing over some old
bike photos and it confirmed the fact
that most of my fondest memories have
involved the riding of motorcycles.
My introduction to motorcycling was
back in the 70s when I acquired a Deltek Rockhopper
(powered by a Victa lawnmower engine) from
my cousin. I rode it almost every day and even
tried to devise a way
to fit mower blades
underneath it, to mow
the lawn while still
riding! To my mother’s
relief, that plan didn’t
eventuate, but my
passion for motorcycles
was born.
Now I can’t
imagine a life without
motorcycles – they’re
part of my DNA. I feel
extremely grateful
to have been born
into a motorcycling
environment, with
family, friends and
associates who share in
this rewarding pastime.
But this raised
another question:
what is it that drives
our passion to ride
motorcycles? And, what
is the pure essence of
motorcycling?
I set out to answer
these questions in the
only way I know how
- on the back of a bike.
Or five, to be precise.
The idea was to try five
completely different
machines to experience
the many facets of
riding in diverse
environments. The aim?
To find the pure joy of
motorcycling.
With this in mind I
settled on five riding
experiences: the charm
and simplicity of a 1930s
classic; the freedom of
adventure with an economic traveller; the challenges
of a pint-sized commuter; the comfort and agility of a
sports-tourer, and: the excitement and adrenaline of
a big-bore enduro.
With enthusiasm at the ready, it was time to start
those engines!
Above: Grandad’s
hammer: 85 not out- What’s important to
know: oil pressure and
where the electricity went - Birmingham Small
Arms: the badge has three
rifles - Kickstarting: fast
becoming a dying art
SIMPLE IN DESIGN... old English charm...
these are the appealing characteristics of 1930s
British motorcycles. Their sound, smell and
presence evoke calm feelings, the engineering
of yesteryear fascinates the curious mind, and
the provenance and stories associated with
these classic bikes is often intriguing.
The 1933 BSA 33-W6 is a 500cc single-cylinder
side-valve with a four-speed hand-change on
the side of the fuel tank. Possessing loads of
character, it’s the perfect motorcycle to launch
this project.
The 33-W6 was originally designed as the
working man’s bike – simple in philosophy and
marketed as “a fast and extremely tractable
machine when ridden solo and with plenty of
power for sidecar work”.
Something this old can be fragile, with
delicate electrical and fuel components, so it
has to be nurtured. It was advisable then to
carry the “BSA secret bag of tricks” – an array
of sparkplugs, spanners, emery cloth and
cigarette papers (the owner’s manual even
suggests carrying a spare valve!).
I was told that successfully starting the ‘ole
girl’ involved a strict procedure: fuel on, tickle
the carby three times, fuel off, choke on, full
retard, kick using valve lift, full advance, fuelOld-school
charm
1933 BSA 33-W6?sDiff erent, but
the same
I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED
riding each bike for its
own individual character
and capability.
All fi ve bikes off ered
a totally diff erent and
unique riding experience.
For some, the attraction
of motorcycling lies in
the challenge or the thrill,
while for others the pure
essence of motorcycling
is deeper than that. It’s
a passion, a lifestyle, a
connection between rider
and machine, and the
camaraderie that comes
from riding with friends,
partners, teammates and
family members.
Which raises the
question: is the style,
brand or age of a
motorcycle as important
as the freedom, escape
and enjoyment we get
from riding it?
Perhaps...but either
way, there must be a valid
reason why so many of us
eagerly prepare ourselves
for weekends away, solo
adventures, going to
racetracks, riding with
friends. Ultimately, it’s
because we are bloody
lucky to have found a
passionate pastime that
is so fulfi lling, rewarding
and provides lifetimes of
great memories.
And that is the pure joy
of motorcycling.