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Messages - Frank

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1
British Bikes / Re: Montgomery
« on: June 26, 2010, 11:01:17 PM »
Amazing.  I've spent the last fifty years unaware of Montgomery motorcycles.  I acquired this one two weeks ago, the word has got out among the lads and I've been offered another one, 1938 vintage, that is adorning somebody's shed.

2
British Bikes / Re: Montgomery
« on: June 20, 2010, 11:57:18 AM »
Here is a photograph of Monty (I hope). Like all bike photos, it looks better than in reality.

3
British Bikes / Re: Montgomery
« on: June 18, 2010, 08:53:31 AM »
Hi Rich,

I'll have a go at a photo today, but my technical skills are decidedly nineteenth century.  Don't hold your breath, and bear with me.

Frank

4
British Bikes / Re: Montgomery
« on: June 17, 2010, 06:35:33 AM »
How true, how very true!

Over and out,

Frank

5
British Bikes / Re: Montgomery
« on: June 16, 2010, 11:46:50 PM »
Thanks once again for all the info.  I'll certainly give the VMCC a ring and see what I can turn up.  I agree with the comments about workaday bikes not having the best of finishes, and I'd rather not spend money on tarting the Monty up.  However, the tank is looking very sorry for itself now, with large flakes having been shed.  I don't know how long I can stand it!

While thinking about the finish on bikes, I recall going to a Club meeting many years ago when John Hudson, late of Norton service department, gave a talk about his life in the factory.  He was very amused at the antics of some "restorers" who argue furiously with each other about the colours and standard of finish on a bike.  He pointed out that the paint was often mixed up by apprentices and walloped on with a brush, with no two days' worth of it quite the same.  Still, it keeps folk happy.

Since going lightweight I've begun to notice just how  many of us crocks there are out there doing the same thing.  I had begun to get a bit down about my condition, but seeing the spirit with which others have tackled it has really given me a new interest in life. 

All the best,

Frank

6
British Bikes / Re: Montgomery
« on: June 14, 2010, 08:07:42 AM »
A racer???? Well, I've got a family of snails in my garden that would be interested in a match if it ever gets built!

Thanks very much for the info.  I contacted the Coventry Transport Museum to see if they had any factory records, but apparently everything was lost in the air-raid of 1940 that put the firm out of business.

Good point about the need for a careful restoration; the bike is running quite well at the moment and manages to haul my not inconsiderable bulk at a reasonable speed, but next winter I intend to get down to basics before taking it out on a few rallies next year.

I'd be interested in any further info on the colour scheme.  Mine is black and the paint looks to have been applied with a toilet brush, although the DVLA record says that it is red/black. This is the first lightweight I've owned since I learned on a James about 45 years ago.  It has been forced on me through a heart condition that meant I was having angina attacks every time I tried to kick up one of my bikes. Faced with giving up altogether, I've gone down this route and have to admit that I'm quite enjoying sailing round followed by a blue haze.

All the best and thanks again,

Frank

7
British Bikes / Montgomery
« on: June 13, 2010, 08:25:41 AM »
First post, so be gentle with me!

I've got a 1940-registered Montgomery which has a Villiers 125cc engine, twin port and with hand gearchange via a long lever.  I can't find any information at all about the marque (awaiting a reply from the specialist at the VMCC, so maybe some coming). In the meantime, can anybody throw any light at all on this bike?

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