Road registration is being sought Cyclists are also in the cross-hairs Nicholas Frank Freeman is the author of this new petition, and he's no one that we know. Regardless, he's looking for 100,000 like-minded people to share his concerns about riders of e-scooters and cyclists who, he feels, need regulating. The deadline for this petition is 7th December 2021 (the day Pearl Harbour was attacked by the Japanese in 1941, fact fiends). If, by then, 100,000 signatures have been collected, the government will consider a debate on the matter (note the word "consider"). However, if only 10,000 signatures have left their digital mark, a formal response from the government will be made. What's driving this appeal is, of course the rising number of e-scooter riders and cyclists who haven't exactly integrated well with modern traffic and pedestrians. The newspapers are rife with tales of collisions and near-misses, and what was once considered to be a minor nuisance is more lately viewed as a serious social threat. What Freeman is advocating is visible ID, licensing, penalty points, greater enforcement of cycle lanes, and general accountability. No doubt there will sooner or later be calls for compulsory insurance, reflective clothing, mandatory crash hats, mandatory training, direction indicators and stoplights—and maybe even a requirement to have handlebar mirrors. Here at Sump we've got some sympathy with Freeman's concerns (actually quite a lot of sympathy). But the notion of foisting even more laws and traffic regulations is anathema. What we'd really like is for everyone to simply behave themselves and give much greater consideration to others on the roads and on the pavements (especially the more vulnerable). Better still, we'd like the current international interest in e-scooters to dissipate like yesterday's fad, etc. But that probably isn't going to happen, so we are where we are and will have to deal with the problem sooner or later. And preferably sooner. We could start with, say, greater public education. Might help. A bit.  Currently (28/7/21) there are almost 7,000 names on the petition. You can add yours by following the link below. Meanwhile, if anyone can explain the appeal of riding around on a seat-less, short-range vehicle with wheels the size of jam jar lids in a country riddled by potholes, corrugated tarmac, tramlines and sundry surface defects, we'd be interested to know. There's gotta be something in it.
e-scooter petition
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The news came in late... ... but we're running it anyway We had just ten minutes notice regarding the latest press release from Goldtop. We picked it up from our server at around 10.20am today (Friday 23rd July 2021), and we noted immediately that the new shop opens in—what?—ten minutes? Nice one KC. We're referring, of course, to Kasey Cullen who some years ago bought the hallowed Goldtop name and rights, and has since been patiently and steadfastly reviving and growing the brand; a brand that now offers a huge range of motorcycle gloves, scarves, leather jackets and other items of essential or luxury biking apparel. The new store is therefore open from 10.30am today, and will be staging a Grand Opening Weekend (23rd, 24th, 25th July 2021). To that end, all bikers are invited to mosey on down to the premises to hang out, drink coffee, listen to some live music, and dig into their wallets and purses. 
There will be numerous special offers and treats throughout the weekend, and Kasey will naturally be on hand to ensure that you get the right product at the right price, etc. He knows his stuff and is very much hands-on. The aforementioned live bands, incidentally, are: The Rock-ola Rockets (Saturday), and the Hackney Hill Pickers (Sunday). Parking is free, and there's space for over 100 bikes. Hours are 10.30am to 5.30pm—but 4.pm on Sunday. Note that the retail store is generally open Monday through to Thursdays by appointment only.  Here's the bricks and mortar address: Goldtop, Pilgrim's Annex, Gipsy Lane, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 1HA. That's on the Essex/Hertfordshire border, 36 riding miles to the north east of London.
And here's the web address: www.goldtop.co.uk See also: Goldtop Classic Gauntlets: Sump 2015
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www.britishdealernews.co.uk Stock shortages hit Manchester Show [Manchester Bike Show] New owners for Scottish icon Shirlaws
www.motorcyclenews.com 
Norton CEO outlines ambitious racing plans Riding on coconut shells: Activated carbon inserts
www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial Top 10 motorcycle discount codes & competitions A2 test to allow 245cc-plus bikes
www.visordown.com 
Father reunited with son after 24 years, 500,000km motorcycling search How to keep cool and safe while out riding your motorcycle Indian Motorcycles reveals first of three tattoo inspired designs for the Chief Paris streets to be restricted to 19mph - and bikes have to pay for parking!
www.motorbikewriter.com King of biker films dies aged 87 [Interesting piece on William Smith - Ed] Brussels Museum Celebrates Vespa’s Diamond Jubilee: 75 Rare Models
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Want to keep receiving Sump news reminders? Okay. Check your email settings We've got thousands of subscribers on our Sump News Reminder List (thank you very much, one and all). And each month (or every other month at the moment) we fire off the latest missives designed to keep you Sumpsters in the loop. It all takes time and effort compiling the information, and we don't like to waste a drop. So naturally, we're a little disconcerted at the rising number of email "bounces" that we're receiving.  We're not talking about hundreds. Yet. But it's certainly in the dozens—and then sometime later in the month we receive smoking emails from puzzled or slightly disgruntled subscribers wondering if they're still on the list. Or what?
And responding to that takes time. The underlying problem is simply that most folk don't check their email software and ensure that it's up to date, or take a peek in their spam boxes to check if the filters have been over-enthusiastic. And sometimes, their email inboxes are just full. We can live with this situation. But we'd rather not. So if you're not receiving your news updates, you know what you  have to do. And keep in mind too, if you will, that we have the same problem notifying Sumpsters about products they've bought (sizes, availability, addressing queries, etc). In the age of mass communication, the signals don't always get through. Your cooperation will be much appreciated.
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Consignments are now being sought Auction viewing by appointment only We still haven't really got to grips with online auctions. Mentally, we put these sales into the same category as online sex inasmuch as things look the same and sound the same and end up with a fairly predictable result, but it just ain't the same. But Messrs H&H seems to know what they're up to and are apparently making a good fist of it (so to speak), and they've scheduled another such sale for 11th August 2021. To that end, the firm is looking for more consignments, either bikes are cars or bits and pieces. So if you're downsizing your classics, etc, you might want to give H&H a call.  At the time of writing (16/7/2021, 23:16), there are only twelve lots on the books; two motorcycles, a bicycle, and nine cars. But that will no doubt change soon enough. The balloon goes up at 12 noon. For motorcycles and automobilia, the commission is 15% (plus VAT @ 20%—and that's VAT on the commission only, not on the lot). For cars, the commission is 12.5%.
www.handh.co.uk
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Manchester Bike Show is again postponed. 11/12/21 moves to 2-3/4/2022
Petrol price rises seventh month in a row. Average UK unleaded: 129ppl
Triumph and Swiss watch firm Breitling limited edition bike & watch in 2022
Harley-Davidson Sportster S: Revolution motor. 1,252cc. 121bhp. £14k 
Tough guy/biker/cowboy/gangster movie actor William "Big Bill" Smith dies aged 88
Actor Stuart Damon (The Champions/General Hospital) dies aged 84
Triumph announces off-road plans for new MX and enduro motorcycles
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UK top motorcycle engineer and racer has passed the finish line He was the co-creator of the beautiful Metisse He was a motocross rider of no mean talent. He was also an engineer, a motorcycle fabricator, a kit car builder, a spares manufacturer, and a very astute businessman who recognised a good opportunity when it appeared on his horizon, and then seized it and made it walk and talk. We're talking about Derek Rickman—one half of the hugely respected and much lauded Rickman Brothers—who has died aged 88. Elder brother to Don, Derek's riding career began in the 1950s primarily astride Royal Enfield singles. By 1959, the racing duo had created the Rickman Metisse (French for mongrel); a Triumph/BSA twin cylinder sporting hybrid that quickly set the pace for what was to follow. Other motorcyclists, impressed with the success and style of the Metisse, were soon looking to the Rickman brothers to sprinkle some of their engineering magic on their own bikes. Riders included Clint Walker and Steve McQueen. Steadily, operating from a factory premises in New Milton, Hampshire, a range of frame kits began to appear catering to pretty much whatever single, twin or even multi that came along. We're advised that 16,685 kits and complete bikes appeared in the 21 years between 1960 and 1981. A huge achievement if true. 
Next came a range of Hondastyle spares that included fairings, carriers, seats and many other bespoke parts. But already Derek was casting his glance elsewhere, notably at the burgeoning kit car market where he saw a fresh opportunity. Over the next few years around 1,100 kit cars were produced including the Ranger, the Space Ranger, the Rancher and the Metisse—and the firm also sub-produced kits for other companies. In 1974 the Queen recognised the output and scope of the Rickman boys and bestowed upon them a Queens Award to Industry. Other high spots in Derek's life and times included the winning of the 1966 FIM Coupe d'Europe 750 astride his hand built 600cc Mk3 Matchless Metisse. 
Would it be correct to suggest that Derek Rickman and brother Don are among the top ten British motorcycle personalities ever? We think so. The company produced a world class product, helped develop racing motorcycles, employed hundreds of men and women over the years, and thoughtfully and cautiously dissolved their interests into other hands when retirement came. Fortunately there are still plenty of Rickman motorcycles out there in the marketplace that are still competitive and great value. And just as fortunately, there are also new bikes  available if that's the way you prefer to go. See the links below. Derek died on 3rd July 2021 at Lymington, Hampshire. He was nothing if not a biking legend in his own lifetime. www.rickman-motorcycles.com www.metisse-motorcycles.com
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Hi, I guess a few of your readers will be of a demographic that was riding around on BMX’s in the 80s (or even still are, like me!). I noticed this aspect didn’t get a mention in your Rickman piece, so here’s some info gleaned from 'Rickman BMX Official Owners Group’ on Farcebook. Rickman BMX was an offshoot of Rickman Motorcycles (a company formed by Derek & Don Rickman) who during the 1980s were based in New Milton, Hants. All BMX frames, forks & 'bars were made from the finest Reynolds 531 Tubing. Produced from 1984 through to 1985/6 (as far as we know) Rickman BMX frame-sets have become one of THE most desirable Old School BMX items to own as they were produced in limited numbers to the highest quality. It's thought that well under 1,000 of each model were ever made & we are learning more every day.—Tim Ruck
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A few words on personal liberty ... and why the riders rights movement is missing an opportunity In light of the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson's, latest remarks about the British public taking personal responsibility with regard to the lifting of some or all the UK coronavirus restrictions, it might be a great opportunity for the riders rights community and the more liberal minded bikers among us to re-present the compelling case for repealing the compulsory crash helmet law—and, come to that, the compulsory seat belt law too. The crash helmet law in the UK came into force in 1973 (note the use of the word "force"). The seat belt law followed in 1991. After those dates, some fundamental rights were removed from British citizens; notably the right to decide one's personal safety behind the handlebars of a motorcycle, or the wheel of a car. Given the rise of injuries caused by practitioners of extreme sports, not to mention the huge cost of repair work routinely undertaken by the National Health Service in order to mitigate the damage caused by so-called "healthy sporting activities" (broken limbs, concussions, torn ligaments, wrenched shoulders, broken necks, boxing injuries, internal injuries, etc, the wearing of crash helmets (or not) doesn't actually represent a significantly high cost to society. Add to that the massive cost of alcohol related health issues, smoking issues, eating disorders and general obesity, the financial case for compulsory lids and belts is trivial—never mind the basic moral case regarding self-determination. Put simply, right now is a very good time to try and claw back some of the libertarian rights that the government had no justifiable case for removing. Moreover, if the crash helmet and seat belt laws were repealed, we suspect that the vast majority of people would lid-up and belt-up anyway. But the point is, we'd have the right to decide. Which is right. 
▲ A stupid advert that underlines a lot of social bigotry regarding bikers. Of course, if you're a sikh, you're exempt from wearing a lid. But why should religion get special privileges while secularism is sidelined? We've been trying to figure that out forever. Boris Johnson has been quoted as saying: "We should trust the British people to behave sensibly and take responsibilities for their actions and behaviour." This line, remember, is spoken in the context of 128,000 Covid-19 related deaths over the past eighteen months, with thousands more set to follow. ... not that anyone here at Sump would ride a motorcycle without a crash helmet, or drive a car without a seat belt were the laws repealed. Not for any distance, anyway. That's our personal choice. But that ain't the point. The helmet and seat belt laws are self-evidently wrong, and they look increasingly absurd in a nation where mandatory vaccination is, if you believe the government, a non-starter. 
▲ Actually, it's still perfectly legal to smash your face in. Just do it abseiling, or in a boxing ring, or playing rugby, or similar. You can't do it in a car, however; not so easily anyway. So is the helmet law and seat belt issue a lost cause? Well it certainly is if we give up on it. Meanwhile, while you're busy opening an email window to fire off a suitable missive to your MP and/or (noted, or supposed, libertarian) Boris Johnson, just take a moment to reflect on the fact that social freedoms are generally lost not in huge chunks, but are removed piecemeal. The Covid-19 emergency has thrown a lot of issues and questions into a new light. The lid law and seat belt law needs to come out of the shadows and see what, if anything, can be done about them.
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98% sell-through rate at Summer Stafford Sale Total sales of £3,585,000 Auction house Bonhams is boasting a record price paid for an AJS Porcupine which was sold at the firm's recent 3-day Summer Stafford Sale (2nd - 4th July 2021). The estimate for the 1940s 497cc E90 (Lot 33), once the property of esteemed works rider Ted Frend, was £250k - £300k. In the event, the bike sold for a very comfortable £293,250. 
The second highest seller was Lot 739, a Brough Superior SS100 1,000cc Supercharged Special Re-creation built by Ewan Cameron of Cameron Engineering. It sold for £126,500, and we refer you to the bike at the very top of this page. 
Meanwhile, we see that a very rare Pioneer era Brough (but not a Brough Superior, note) did very well at the sale and sold for £103,500. This 1914 Model H (see image immediately above) was built by Nottingham-based William E Brough, father of the more redoubtable George—who was a partner in the venture, but reputedly left following a dispute. With its air-cooled 497cc, 70mm x 64.5mm, fore-and-aft flat twin configuration and two-speed transmission, the motorcycle cut a stylish dash when first conceived in 1912 and released from industrial captivity the following year. As with later Broughs and Brough-Superiors, the build quality was very high and the model quickly found favour with the more discerning (and well-heeled) members of the buying public. There were three models in the range. This flat tanker took silver, as opposed to gold and bronze, and was priced at £56. It's the oldest survivor of its type, or so we're told, and it spent the first sixty years of its "life" in Wales. J M Jones, Motor Engineer of Tryal Garage & Motor Works, Cribyn, Llanybyther, was the supplying dealer. The story goes that in 1974 this machine (Lot 707 incidentally), plus another 1915 model, was discovered by a certain John Greenland [there's slightly more to the tale than this—Ed]. They were 100% original and unused since the 1920s. The 1915 model was subsequently restored. The 1914 bike was in 1989 sold to the National Motorcycle Museum—which, as many of you Sumpsters will know, has recently been flogging off much of the family silver, so to speak. 
A large history and build file accompanied the bike which includes photographs, assorted correspondence, and various photocopied items (brochures/magazine articles). William E Brough, you might want reminding, began building motorcycles in 1902. Prior to that he had built a motorised tricycle and engaged in much mechanical experimentation with other designs and concepts. He closed his firm in 1926 leaving son George (who had left the firm in 1919) to continue the family tradition, such as it was. Overall, it seems to us that classic bike prices are still depressed when compared to, say four or five years ago. But as ever, there are highs and lows in every auction, such as a 1955 149cc Triumph Terrier (Lot 20) that sold for a respectable £4,140 whilst a clean looking 1951 489cc Sunbeam S8 (Lot 39) realised only £2,760. That said, you have to check the detail before drawing too many conclusions. There are often underlying issues and interesting provenances. Meanwhile there were a bunch of cheap sprinters starting at Lot 41, a 1980 GR500 Godden grass-tracker that changed hands for just £977, and Lot 42, a 649cc Triumph that fetched £1,610. Of course, with sprinters you're mostly buying problems rather than solutions. Nevertheless, these are entry level prices and represent a small outlay if you fancy some long fun on short tracks. In general, it could be that classic bike prices are starting to level off following a long and steady slide. We wouldn't put much money on this vague assertion. But we wouldn't take many sizeable risks at the moment, either. Other sales include: 
▲ 1940 11/50 Brough Superior. Lot 698. 1,096cc. £59,800. Sold. 
▲ 1939 Zundapp KS600. Lot 701. 597cc. £13,225. We gave this bike a romanticised vignette because for us, this outfit instantly evokes thoughts of the heady between-the-wars 1930s Art Deco era and all that it promised. Travel. Adventure. Unexplored continents. Spies and skulduggery. And so on. Of course, Hitler came and put a damper on the optimism that much (but by no means all) of the world felt. Regardless, rigs such as this do it for us. How about you guys? 
▲ Keith Emerson's 1973 Norton Commando Roadster (Lot 772) sold for £12,650; a fair sum for a handsome bike—and less than we expected given its connection to one of rock's greatest keyboardists (notably The Nice and Emerson, Lake & Palmer). The bike was a replacement for a 750 Roadster that was stolen. Keith had been commuting between his Sussex home and a London recording studio at the time. He was impressed with the model and wanted a new replacement, but alas, Norton had since folded. So he opted for a secondhand replacement which, like the first, was sourced through Elite Motors in Tooting, South London. Keith Emerson died in 2016. The Commando was sold by his family, and it will need some re-commissioning.
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