classic motorcycle forum

Here we go again;

The matchless 750, according to Gramps, was not a scrambler (that was a possible suggestion from me, however wrong it may have been) and it was pre war. It was built to run with a sidecar and as such pulled in one direction under acceleration (he told me which but I don't remember or feel it important to me even if it may be to you). He changed the sprocket(or some such technical word) so it wasn't so highly geared(might have said that wrong, if it enriches your life to correct me please do). There were many others as he had his first bike whilst he was still at school and he left school very young.

So to the war: although there were two MAIN bikes they were both Triumphs one of which was a standard issue and the other (which officially did not exists) made from bits of a variety of Triumph bikes, he ran both on the same number plates(illegally clearly). He had a blue and white arm band that allowed him to ride as fast as he could without being stopped. I'm not clear about the next point but he disconnected the limiter(this could have been on trucks which he drove for a period through the war rather than bikes). As far as refuelling goes there were army refuelling depose set up along most major routes.

Certain facts may not be entirely accurate but please remember what I'm trying to do, and why, and show enough imagination to appreciate the circumstance in which I'm trying to achieve them. What I consider a fact is that he did do London to Huddersfield and back, a journey he suggested today(without prompt or reference) was 420miles, on a regular basis. This has been supported by his word, my grandmothers and my fathers throughout my living memory and that of the fore mentioned.

I would happily prove this is doable (for a charity of your choice) if anyone is good enough to lend me an appropriate Triumph or lesser bike on which to do so. Sadly certain quarters value their shiny garage ornaments more than they value the opportunity to honour the ethos and sacrifice that helped create them.

For those that have offered help and encouragement, thank you.

This is a link to my first trial video. I'm new to it all so the end result should be a little smoother and have a clearer narrative. Still looking for anyone willing to participate with bikes from around the WW2 era, not too concerned about which.
I'm hoping to have a Helmet cam for the final shoot.
http://vimeo.com/18481161
I have not edited the sound yet so you may wish to turn it off. Has anyone got suggestions for appropriate sound tracks for the final video?

I have known him all my life in fact I believe my dad has too, strangely. The 'story' has remained the same all his life even when he wasn't getting on. It's also a story confirmed by my Grandma.
But loving the cynicism.

It is also possible he rode the triumph after the end of the war as this was only a list of bikes he'd ridden (not necessarily through WW2).

http://www.ianchadwick.com/motorcycles/triumph/models.html
A 5/3W 500 sv model was designed for military use in 1949, replaced by TRW.

First filming session is going to be on Wednesday over the tops between Harrogate and Otley. Only bikers available ride a new bmw and a new triumph but it will be good to practise on.   

The bikes my Grandpa rode were an AGS 1920 250c, a Matchless 1930 750cc and an Army Triumph 500cc. These are the ones he can remember there are more and his fastest bike was made from parts pilfered from the army parts department. We are going to go through his cigarette cards, postcards and photos to see if any of them refresh his memory.

He used to go from London to Leicester every other day. When he got to Leicester he disconnect his speedo and went to visit his wife in Huddersfield, making it back to London the same night.

If they've not scared you off I'd suggest looking at a BMW r100 they are bullet proof. The earlier bikes are classics and best left as they are some of these may appeal but there are some great mods about on later bikes. They are everyday bikes that are great fun and cheap to keep on the road. Have a look at this link and open the pdf for the english translation on BMW boxer twins.
http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/index.cfm?fa=contentGeneric.dnvjxqtaqfhxwmvv&pageId=728514 Get a basic bike and see if you take to it. The R80 would be a great place to start, some people say they're too heavy and that the gear change is clunky but it's all part of the joy. If you find you do fall for it you can always spend some money modifying it later.
Here's another example of what you can do with deep pockets. http://www.flickr.com/photos/flatracer/2621672902/
I only pasted my test last summer and getting your licence is hard work and expensive. But it's worth the rewards, I made it down to Monaco and into Tuscany this summer. If you want a classic, good on you but as your experience grows you may soon find you want more from the bike than it has to offer.

I'm re-riding and filming routes my grandfather used to take as a dispatch rider in the war. (Slightly ironically I'll be on my BMW R80GS). Unfortunately I need to do it as soon as possible so hope to have it done by the end of January. The main route is likely to take the A roads from Huddersfield down to London and may cross over to France. The route may change after talking to him in more depth but I'm happy to make detours to points of interest.

He also drove trucks and was a big fan of speedway so I'd like to incorporate this in the trip also. Does anyone have recommendations for appropriate sound tracks from the time? Any background about the role he would have played and other relevant info on research material would be gratefully received.
 
As he describes it he used to have the pick of the best bikes available at the time. I realise that it will be difficult to find people willing to take out bikes of that era at this time of year. I shall find out more about the bikes he rode but do you know of anyone who would be willing to let me film them (on appropriate bikes).

As he is not able to join me for the trip my aim is to make a film that takes him back to the memories he speaks so fondly of: Stories such as laying his bike down in front of trainee recruits. If you have any other information or could put me on to links that may be of use, for research or support, I'd be very grateful.