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A monthly publication of The Vintage Motorcycle ClubJohannesburg, South Africa.
Volume 25. No 6 June, 2012.
CHAIRMAN’S CHATTERWe have an interesting story in this month’s issue – an account of James Norton’s visit to South Africa in 1924 and his tour of the country in a Norton “Big Four” outfit. Next month we will follow this up with an account of support he gave to Rem Fowler in his early Norton racing days.
By the time you read this the Fragram Natal Classic will have been run and won. We trust it was a successful event and that the weather conditions were not too uncomfortable. Full results will be in the next issue.
Coming up soon will be Peter Hall’s DJ Remembrance Ride. I hope it will be well supported and that the event will again be a nice tribute to our DJ riding friends of the past. I regret having to miss this year’s ride as I will, at that time be recovering from a bit of surgery.
I recommend you have a look at the DJ Website and see the good progress being made in compiling the history of this great series of events.
Yours in good riding,
MICHAEL MS
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Things coming up
June 10th DJ Remembrance Run James HallJune 10th POMC Veteran & Vintage Day SilvertonJun 30/July 1st CMC 1000 Bike Show GermistonAugust 16th-18th Magnum/SAVVA National POMCNovember 9th-10th Fairest Cape Tour CVMC
April Club Night
Despite the rain there was a good turnout for Club Night on 23rd April. The usual suspects were present but we did have apologies from a number of the regulars who were unable to come. First time visitors who joined right away were Mark van Zijl and Rainer Moosmuller.
On display were two beautiful Honda 50’s belonging to Les Sim. Les told the gathering how his very first transport had been a Honda 50 in Pretoria and how the trip to work had been easy because it was downhill, but the trip home was a lot slower!
Kevin Robertson then introduced Des Burton’s magnificent Velocette Viper and gave some interesting history of the machine. It had been a favourite of the late Alan Birch who had had great adventures on one in England during his youth. Kevin then did the obligatory kick-start and everyone applauded.
Des, the owner, then went to the front and explained how he could not kick-start the machine anymore, and, to the amazement of all, he started it with a push-button! The secret was then revealed that Des had very discreetly fitted a modern French device which was an electric starter and which made starting the Velocette a pleasure.
John Austin-Williams, the custodian of the CMC and DJ websites, was introduced next and he talked about building up the DJ Website into a comprehensive history of the prewar DJ races and all the Commemorative rallies. He appealed to members for any material on the DJ which he could post on the website. This could be footage, still photographs, articles and stories of any DJs. A great deal of the VMC’s DJ Archive had already been copied in and it was also suggested that members look at the website and see the good progress already made. www.djrun.co.za
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(We have subsequently been advised that entry details of the 1919 DJ are largely incomplete. Anyone who has a copy of the 1919 Race Programme is urgently requested to contact the Chairman in this regard.)
We then watched another episode of Café Racer videos courtesy of Steve Trehair.
The Chairman expressed his best wishes to Brian Wright who was attending his last Club Night before moving, with his Excelsior, to the Coast. The meeting then closed.
IAN HOLMES
SAVVA NEWS
SAVVA advises that David Hoff has resigned as Treasurer and Insurance Portfolio holder and that James Smith, a retired accountant has agreed to take over the position of Treasurer.
If any of the clubs have financial issues pertaining to SAVVA please contact James directly on the following details: [email protected] or cell number: 081 319 7827. Should there be any changes with regard to financial issues I am sure that James will notify the clubs as and when necessary.
In regard to Insurance, the National Council will identify someone to run with this portfolio until the Annual General Meeting. In the meantime any queries or requests can be sent to the [email protected] or [email protected]
(You are reminded that, for the present, Dating Fees should still be paid into account 674 060 822 which is at Standard Bank, Nelspruit. The copy deposit slip should be attached to your Dating Application form when it is submitted to the Club Dating Officer. The fees remain R220 for each machine.)
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Happenings
Motorcycle Diaries, the Sunday morning bike program on 702 Talk Radio and 567 Cape Talk now starts at the more convenient time of 7.45 am.
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The Ner-a-Car that was recently reported as being rediscovered after 25 years of hibernation is now a runner and is shortly to be fitted with new beaded edge tyres. The new owner will bring it for display at one of our Club Nights, probably on 25th June.
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Our team for the 2012 Africa Concours in Nairobi will comprise Steven Helm (1911 Precision) and Gavin Walton (1954 AJS).
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A 2004 Harley-Davidson “Night Train” model which was swept out to sea by the Japanese tsunami, has somehow arrived on land on the West Coast of Canada. The machine is now being shipped back to its owner, Ikuo Yokohama, in Japan.
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Those of you who have forsaken kick starting and may at sometime need to jump-start your bikes, might need to know that Ben Vandenberg makes Jumper Lead kits that fit neatly into a motorcycle toolbox. The leads are 2.8m long and the set costs R75. Ben’s phone number is 021 712 2661.
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Following his advert in Kick Start of Harley-Davidson tyre pumps for sale, Roy Cronje says the last three were quickly sold and he is still getting enquiries, even from overseas!
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Getting to know..
Dr Andrew MatherYes! Andrew is now a Doctor of Philosophy, having been awarded his PhD in Environmental Science at the University of KZN Graduation on 17 th April. This is now added to his existing BSc (Civil) and an Honours B.Comm in Business Management.
Andrew works as a Project Executive responsible for Coastal Planning and Management. His work ranges from day-to-day planning matters to issues like trying to plan the coastline of Durban for the next 100 years. His PhD thesis, which was five years in the making, was on “The risks, management and adaptation to sea level rise and coastal erosion along the southern and eastern coastline of Africa”.
Andrew has been doing a great deal of International travel, being a member of many International and Intergovernmental panels and working groups and he has had
many scientific papers published.
With all this, one wonders how he can devote time to his passion for motorcycles and for veterans in particular. At present he has 10 Bike Projects and a reserve group of several 50s and 60s machines. His current, and most interesting projects include three veteran Triumphs, a 1936 Excelsior Manxman, a 1918 Sunbeam “Government Service” Model, and the recreation of a 1900 De Dion trike.
Andrew has found that, due to the popularity of the De Dion-engined tricycles at the turn of the last century, an industry exists supplying new
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motor and frame components for these machines and he now has a new trike frame on order.
Andrew lives in Durban North with his wife, Tina, and two teenage daughters who, incidentally, “do not ride motorcycles – yet!”
Andrew’s 1908 Triumph which is to be equipped with a Phillipson Pulley and so make it a practical machine for the 2013 Centenary DJ.
Henry Watermeyer writes A quick word of warning that should be spread around.
With the Post Office workers striking, no vehicle licence renewals are being posted out. I discovered this to my horror, 'cause I checked all my vehicles, and found that the Porsche licence had expired at the end of last month.
A quick visit to a local Post Office, with the previous licence in hand, resulted in my having to fill out a green form and then was able to do the renewal. At the same cost as last year! But beware - I am told that not all Post Offices are terribly helpful with this but Balfour Park definitely sorted me out quick time.
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HENRY
Roland Nancekivell writes…I have now obtained most of the missing parts for the BSA I am building, so you can delete my “Wanted” advert from Kick Start.
The missing outer crankcase cover was cast for me by a foundry in Pretoria. I had seen an advert in an old POMC newsletter and tried my luck by phoning them. Luckily I had an exact sample from one of my other BSAs and went to see them. Marc vd Sandt, the owner of Bulls Eye Aluminium, was most helpful and a month later I had the casting, which obviously needed drilling and polishing and his charges were extremely reasonable.
Their details are: BULLS EYE ALUMINIUM and ENGINEERING SERVICES, 333 Mitchell Street, Pretoria West. Phones 012 327 0212 or 082 925 8220.
Kind regards, ROLAND.
James “Pa” Norton in South Africa!Few people today know of James “Pa” Norton’s 1921 African Odyssey. Gavin Foster finds out about the Norton Motorcycle Company’s founder, his South African brother, and his surviving British relatives.
James Norton may have been born in Birmingham, but in his first few years of motorcycle production he wasn’t too proud to stuff French Clement and Peugeot engines into the bikes that bore his name. And “Pa” was a motorcyclist in every sense of the word, unlike some of the people involved in the industry today. He raced in three Isle of Man TTs, from 1909 to 1911, and virtually bankrupted his company through being more interested in motorcycle racing than he was in making money. Sounds like a regular sort of biker to me.
Late in 1921 Pa left his loving wife and children at home in England and set off for Durban, apparently on doctor’s orders. Once there he met up with his brother, Henry Spencer Norton, and the local Norton agent, DJ winner Aubrey Norcom. (Editor’s Note: We presume this is the A R Morcom who was scratch man on a 998cc Indian in the 1920 Jo’burg-Durban race. This was the “Snowstorm” marathon and Morcom was not one of the eight finishers.)
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Henry had moved to South Africa sometime before the turn of the century, and served as a stretcher-bearer in the Natal Volunteers during the initial stages of the Boer War. He and Norcom treated their famous visitor to some exploration of Natal before sending him off on his three-month journey to Cape Town, via Ladysmith, Standerton, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Queenstown, East London and Port Elizabeth.
When Pa returned to Blighty a few months later, Motor Cycling magazine ran a series of articles in February 1922 documenting his African Odyssey, and even allowing for their regular advertiser’s enthusiastic trumpet blowing about his Norton Big Four, these make for interesting reading.
Despite its impressive name, the Norton Big Four was neither particularly big nor a four. It was a dead-practical 633cc single-cylinder side-valve machine, boasting just 14 horsepower, designed for use with a sidecar. Pa, of course, had one of those attached to his bike.
Motor Cycling’s scribe appeared to have been much impressed by Pa’s account of the day-trip he enjoyed to Howick Falls with members of the Pietermaritzburg Motorcycle Club before setting off on his adventure proper. Rain fell after lunch, and the magazine described the journey back to Pietermaritzburg, couched in the politically incorrect vernacular of the day, as follows.
“It was practically impossible to proceed without assistance as the wheels clogged solid with mud, and had to be freed constantly with tyre levers and screwdrivers. For one mile he rode with the front wheel absolutely locked, and after that he had to be frequently dugout by his passengers, who, divesting themselves of boots and stockings, worked like niggers to assist him. This, mark you, on a main trunk road.”
When Pa eventually set off on his 5000 km ride to Cape Town he had, ensconced in the sidecar, a young African called Jim who proved to be worth his weight in gold. They fell into holes and had to dig themselves out, got bogged down in endlessly deep mud and had to dig themselves out, and once rode for 80 km in first gear, frequently having to dig themselves out, stopping work only to pour their reserve stock of oil onto the long-suffering chain.
They killed a cobra with a rock, and were menaced by a group of “natives” with sticks who appeared to be scared of their motorcycle and camera until
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Jim managed to defuse that situation. They saw fearsome animals’ eyes shining dreadfully out of the darkness at night, and detoured for miles around washed-away bridges, only to find the alternative routes equally impassable. Then they had to dig themselves out some more. Still, three months and more than 5000 km later, the muddy duo and their well-used motorcycle arrived in Cape Town.
Pa’s take on South African motorcycling was interesting - some things never change, either with distance or time, while others move on. “At a rough estimate he considered that there are three times as many motorcycles per 100 people as there are here,” said Motor Cycling. “There are two types of rider – one who runs around town on a lightweight and who would not think of going out when it is wet, and the other, who is an all weather rider, and whose machines often can be recognized by the plank fitted to the front down-tube in place of the usual mudguard. This class of rider uses his machine much as a horse, and is not afraid of cross-country journeys. Solo machines predominate in the proportion of two to one when compared with sidecars. The big American twins are often ridden three up, and pillion riding is very common indeed.”
So, what happened to our heroes of the day? Of Jim I can find no further mention, but he must have had an adventure of a lifetime that his descendants probably still talk about in muted tones. Pa went back to England early in 1922 and died of cancer less than three years later – perhaps his doctor told him more than he let on.
Henry Norton retired from the Public Works Department in Maritzburg, where he was employed as a Clerk of Works, to Amanzimtoti, where he died in 1942. But the Norton genes live on. James’s granddaughter, Judith Morris, planned to come out to South Africa with her husband and son to retrace the old man’s tracks on motorcycles in 2007, but personal circumstances at the last minute prevented that from happening.
Subscriptions for the new club year
Subscriptions for the 2012/2013 Club year will be due on 1st July, 2012, and have been fixed as follows:
FULL MEMBERSHIP R 220 pa. COUNTRY MEMBERSHIP R 160 pa.
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Edgar Bradley’s Model Names Competition
In last month’s issue, Edgar’s puzzle was to identify 20 cars and motorcycles which shared the same model name. Here are the answers.
Car Motorcycle Model Name
1 Hillman Ariel Arrow2 Invicta Vincent Black Prince3 Pontiac Triumph Bonneville4 Packard Royal Enfield Clipper5 AC Cotton Cobra6 Mercury Vincent Comet7 Daimler Cotton Conquest8 Studebaker Triumph Daytona9 VW NSU Fox10 Hudson Honda Hornet11 Jensen Royal Enfield Interceptor12 Austin Matchless Maestro13 Dodge Matchless Matador14 Lincoln Norton Navigator15 Lagonda Vincent Rapide16 Studebaker Matchless Silver Hawk17 Volvo Pegaso Sport18 Ford Triumph Thunderbird19 Chrysler Velocette Valiant20 Dodge Velocette Viper
Handy WebsitesThe Veteran, Vintage and Classic
Motorcycle Forum of South Africa www.classicmotorcycleforum.co.za
Think Bike www.thinkbike.co.za
Commemorative DJ Run www.djrun.co.z a
Vintage Motorcycle Club www.vintagemotorcycleclub.co.z a
Classic Motorcycle Club www.classicmotorcycleclub.co.z a
Classic Motorcycle Club of Natal www.ncmc.org za
Crankhandle Club www.crankhandleclub.co.za
Pretoria Old Motor Club www.pomc.co.za
Vintage & Veteran Club www.vintageandveteranclub.co.za
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S A V V A www.savva. org.za
The Piston Ring www.pistonring.org.z a
BADGES OF OTHER SAVVA CLUBS (4)
This is the new CVMC logo, designed by Jerry Day.
DJ MACHINES:
WANTED: A DJ BIKE.Please call HOWARD MARKS on 083 442 1934.
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WANTED: A DJ BIKE.Please call SEAN on 083 470 3440.
WANTED: MOTORCYCLE TRAILER in good condition.Please call SEAN on 083 470 3440.
WANTED: For 1927 VELOCETTE Model “U” (Same as 250 GTP), PETROL TANK, GEARBOX and any other parts.Please call EUGENE VAN DALEN on 082 681 0859 or [email protected]
WANTED: A DJ Bike, 500cc or more. Need not be DJ-ready. Please call GERHARD VERMAAK on 082 552 7602.
WANTED: INDIAN Powerplus spares. Please help! STEVEN HELM on 082 427 6990.
WANTED: Timing cover for 1927 TRIUMPH Model H. STEVEN HELM on 082 427 6990.
WANTED: Any bits for 1927 DOUGLAS EW model.Please call ALLISTER POHL on 082 554 5219.
WANTED: Frame for TRIUMPH Model H and any other bits.MITCH McALLISTER on 083 456 9119.
FOR SALES: AJS. A handsome 1964 Model 18 500cc single in very good original condition but gearbox requires new oil seals. As used on 2011 Natal Classic. SAVVA dated. Previous owner Andy Stead. Come with new Matchless/AJS +40 thou piston which would improve an already good performance. R 20 000 onco.IVOR CARLSON (Howick) 033 239 4577 or 083 608 0741. [email protected]
BMW: GASKETS. Ben Vandenberg can supply all gasket sets for BMW Twins and Singles from 1955 onwards. Prices are said to be reasonable and postage is included. For example the full range of some 30 gaskets for an R60 is about R350. Gaskets of all types can also be made to order.
Call BEN VANDENBERG on 021 712 2661.
BMW: BMW R50 ex Pretoria Police. Engine/frame numbers 635822. Engine last run 3 years back. Ideal restoration project. R 18 000 onco.
For more details, call EDDY DE RAS on 082 456 1003.
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BMW: R90S 1974 model in silver. Restored by Peter Posniak. With spoke wheels and original toolkit. For sale at R 50 000 or exchange with cash adjustment for a R69S or a really good R60/2. SAVVA dated.IVOR CARLSON (Howick) 033 239 4577 or 083 608 0741. [email protected]
BMW: 1973 BMW 60/6. Licensed. Tidy but not concours. Ex Ginger Norquoy. SAVVA dated. Ready to go. R15000.
Contact TONY BESWICK on 083-271-4337 or [email protected]
BSA 1957 BSA B33. Licenced. Restored. R 25 000 onco.Contact DOUG CRUIKSHANK (in PMB) on 082 372 1459 for more details.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON: A VERY LARGE COLLECTION OF SHOVELHEAD SPARES, Engine and cycle parts. R 9 500 onco. To view, call CHRIS on 011 465 1347.
MOTO GUZZI 1982 Moto Guzzi Le Mans 111, colour red, R30 000.Please phone KEVIN on 082 304 2240.
PETROL TAPS Enots flat-slide type, made in brass to your order. In sizes 1/8”, ½” and 3/8” BSP. TREVOR FRASER on 013 656 3063 or 076 591 5560.
RALLYBOXES Made to your order with handlebar mounting brackets plus mountings for the rally plate and three watches.
TREVOR FRASER on 013 656 3063 or 076 591 5560.
TOOLS: One set METRINCH SOCKETS 10 – 32 for R200. And a crash helmet R60.Please call BRIAN WRIGHT on 083 267 4895.
TRIUMPH: 1970 TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE R 35 000.Please call PIERRE on 072 513 9432.
TRIUMPH: 1979 BONNEVILLE 750. Low mileage, has been standing for over ten years in White River. Last licenced in East London ten years ago so will have to be reregistered. Has rust on headlight and a few other places. Engine runs well if you have the strength to kick start it. Ideal project for bored enthusiast. Looking for offers around R 17 500.
Please call ERIC on 083 700 0171 or 011 888 3790.
SIDECAR: Period sidecar for sale. Came off a 1923 Zenith. Good chassis and handmade wood/metal coachwork.
Make an offer to ANDY STEAD on 082 553 4492.
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WANTEDS:
WANTED: A JAEGER REV COUNTER for a motorcycle.Please call GARY BOOYENS on 011 896 3152.
BMW: I’m looking for an older model R80GS. If you know of one please send details to
JAY OWENS on 011 442 4589 or 082 558 6563.
BMW: I am in the market for a BMW (R69S or R60) with SIDECAR. If you have one or know of one, please call NORMAN on 044 698 1484 or 076 124 3380.
BSA: FRONT MUDGUARD wanted, the box type, for 1950s Golden Flash.Please call NORMAN on 044 698 1484 or 076 124 3380.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON Wanted: Any SPARES for Models J or JD and any SPARES for Models 5/7 and 10/12.Please call TONY CORREIRA on 082 744 1171.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON Wanted: Any available PARTS for FLATHEAD.Please call RENNEY PLIT on 082 727 8587 or [email protected]
HARLEY-DAVIDSON Wanted: SIDECAR or SIDECAR PARTS for a Harley 10/12.
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Please call ADRIAN HOLLIS on 082 497 3420.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON Wanted: GEARBOX or gearbox parts for 1916-1920 Harley andGEARBOX or gearbox parts for 1941-1942 5/7 Harley-Davidson.
Please contact EUGENE VAN DALEN on 082 681 0859.
HONDA: Wanted on behalf of a friend: CHAIN GUARD for a 1976 550K Honda to complete a very original bike.
Please contact DENIS PULLON on 082 805 6254.
ROYAL ENFIELD. Loan or sale of a workshop manual. (Magneto fitting.)RON HICKEY on 011 234 4884.
TRIUMPH: Wanted - a TRIUMPH TIGER 110.Please call RIKKI MAIZEY on 082 653 9946.
TRIUMPH. Wanted for 1958Triumph T20 Cub, HEADLAMP, CENTRE STAND, AMAL CARB, FOOTRESTS and more. Anyone who can help please contact:DERRICK LOTTERING on 073 538 9414.
HELP WANTED:
Bryan Paynter says he has purchased a 1973 HONDA CB500 K2, which is in a shabby shape but the bones are there and she's running with papers. He is hoping to get in touch with members/friends who are interested in and hopefully, knowledgeable about older Hondas and could help him in his first ever attempt at a restoration. Anyone who can assist is asked to contact BRYAN PAYNTER on [email protected]
RESTORATION SERVICESPIERRE does WHEEL LACING and BUILDING. Call him on 072 513 9432.
LLOYD DU BOIS makes ornate period BRASS SPARK-PLUG NUTS and CONNECTORS for HT leads. He also hand makes stainless steel/aluminium LICENCE DISC HOLDERS, CORKS for the “Enots” push-pull type fuel taps, and light alloy TYRE VALVE CAPS.Call LLOYD on 033 396 6471.
For ULTRASONIC CLEANING call HENRY WATERMEYER on 084 800 8862.
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THE VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE CLUBP O Box 782835 SANDTON 2146 South Africa
Michael Milner-Smyth Chairman, SAVVA Delegate, Magazine Editor. (H&B) 011 802 7452. [email protected] .Brandon Madgwick Vice Chairman [email protected]
H 011 793 5706 C 083 400 4955Adrian Hollis Treasurer [email protected] B 011 258 5301 C 082 497 3420Ian Holmes Committee Member [email protected] B 011 244 0351 H 011 793 7304 C 083 646 3089 Rob Pattison-Emms Committee Member avonrod@mweb/co.za B 011 460 1901 H 011 460 1901 C 082 891 8399Les Sim Committee Member [email protected] B 011 827 8954 H 011 673 1865 C 082 552 4072Roly Tilman Committee Member [email protected] Librarian H 011 803 1462 C 082 377 4303Steve Trehair Committee Member [email protected] B 011 886 0494 H 011 469 5900 C 083 461 2751
Mike Lester Club Dating Officer H 011 453 4216
Ric Lewis Magazine Distribution C 082 746 2816 (Liz)
Club Bank Acc No. 1970259841 at Nedbank. Sandton Branch 197-005.
Club Meetings are held every fourth Monday of the month (except December) at Morningside Country Club, De La Rey Rd, Rivonia, at 20h00.
The opinions expressed in KICKSTART are not necessarily those of the Committee or the Editor.
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