1959
We used to be rockers back in fifty-nine
That was the high point for our gang of five
Everyone's gone 'cept for me alone
But way back when, we were very much alive
We lived for the thrill of the road ahead
And oh we had our moments when our blood ran red
Speed was the drug and petrol the fuel Death rode pillion and life could be cruel But whenever the open highway beckoned The bikes came first, and the birds came second Clip-ons, rear sets and barking megaphones Polished aluminium, metal flake and chrome Five star, Redex and smoking pheremones Anything might happen when the boys were in the zone Oh what a high-speed life we led And how we had some moments when our blood ran red We never did the Ace (it was way off our beat)
Our turf was Rayleigh down to Shoeburyness
Lenny was the fastest and the first to go
We buried him in leather and we prayed "God bless"
"Is me bike okay?" was the last thing he said
"Just scratches", we told 'im while his blood ran red
Jacko went next, June 1961
Got dumped by his bird, and we feared the worst
Late that night on Eastwood Old Road
He said "See you in hell, boys" and got their first
He gunned his Goldie, hit a wall, crashed through it
Fist in the air, and we saw he meant to do it
"Silly, silly boys" is what the coppers said
But you do what you do when your blood runs red
Ronnie rode an Enfield and was built like a gun
Had a face like Eddie but was any mother's son
He was either standing still, or headed for the ton
Loyal to his mates, and sworn to fun
One day racing on Marine Parade
His bike hit some diesel and everybody prayed
But Ronnie was a legend and never lost his ride
Had the devil in his nature, but God was on his side
Young men rush in where angels fear to tread
And how we loved those moments when our blood ran red
On the Margate run once we came across some mods
Three Lambrettas motoring ahead Slick suits, hair cuts, cocky looking sods Sid crept up on his Norton Featherbed Moddy boy panicked and he went into a spin Slid down the road but no one lost their skin
Later on the beach their mates came running
We got a good kicking and away they strode
We all agreed that we had what was coming
It's the price you pay for fun on the road
Then wailed the coppers and away we sped
And oh what a laugh when our blood ran red Fists from our dads and tears from our mothers We were the original leather band of brothers Nobody's enemy and nobody's friend (and never quite as bad as we liked to pretend) Eddie got it wrong, there are two steps to heaven It's the A13 or the A127 But that's all over and those days are done
The eyes are dim and the knees are gone The blood's got thin and there's not a drop for spilling And although the flesh is weak, the spirit is still willing
 Still got my bike, mind, but rarely get to ride it
Sits in the shed with me leather hung beside it It's not just the closing of the day that I dread But the loss of those moments when our blood ran red More poems from Sump...
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Hi Sump, enjoyed the Poet's Corner. I once wrote a poem called "Racer Road" about my 1980 Suzuki GS450ST.—Phillip R Brown, USA
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City of London Corp wants 15mph Square Mile speed limit (ex TfL routes)
TT rider Charlie Williams autobiography: It was the best of times. £13.50
US print magazine Motorcyclist will be online only from July/August 2019
Fluid Inside liquid crash helmet impact protection system from Canada
Electric Motorcycles 2019: new guide to the top batt-bikes by Micah Toll
Veitis eV-twin 70mph/100mi/£40k. Stylish electric homage, or corny fake?
The Brooklands Motorcycle Show. 30/6/2019. £14.50 adult. 10am - 5pm
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Re: Fluid Inside crash helmet. An interesting idea to reduce impact shock. However, there is no information regarding a potential increase (or not) in the weight of a helmet that employs such a system. Increased helmet weights can have negative effects when it comes to neck injuries in an accident, so it's also an important issue.—The Village Squire
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New R18 engine concept rolls a little closer to production Possible new 1,800cc Boxer cruiser on the way Quote: "With its clear aesthetics openly on display, the Concept R18 embodies for me what motorcycling, at its core, is really about. It is all about feeling instead of thinking, and not using technology for self-staging, instead giving space for imagination. This concept bike appeals to something deep down – you just want to just get on it and ride off. But when you get off it again, you don’t just put it in the garage and walk away – you turn around again and give it a final parting glance. I observe an almost romantic yearning for real mechanical engineering. Our aim with this concept bike is to address this need and turn it into an analogue statement in a digital age." — Edgar Heinrich, BMW Motorrad Head of Design In case you're wondering what that's all about, BMW has released images of its new R18 cruiser concept (see image immediately below) and has evidently being smoking too much skunk whilst talking about it. For the past year or so the R18 engine project has, in various ways, been kicking around two or three design studios and workshops and now takes another revolution towards full scale (or at least limited) production. Evidently, BMW is hedging its bets and canvassing for reaction, and we suspect that most of it will be favourable. 
The engine, now looking pretty much sorted and housed in a new and reasonably elegant rolling chassis, has just been unveiled at the Concorso D’Eleganza Villa d’Este at Lake Como, Italy (24th - 26th May 2019). There's little written detail from BMW (which, incidentally, is the leading sponsor at this event), but what we can tell/surmise is that this retro is an 1,800cc air-cooled, pushrod, low-revving, torquey shaft-drive boxer twin proudly (or is that shamelessly?) raiding the company archives and parts bins desperately incorporating as many classic styling cues as possible. The last BMW production cruiser, note, was the R1200C which, despite James Bond's/Pierce Brosnan's best efforts to publicise it in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), was axed in 2004. Why? Well it was supposedly because the 1,170cc engine was considered (by Dr. Herbert Diess, President BMW Motorrad) as "unsuitable for the current market"—which could also be reinterpreted as "too radical for its intended buyers". And that wouldn't be a first for BMW. 
The R1200C (image immediately above) sold over 40,000 units over a seven year production run, which averages at around 5,700 bikes per annum. Not great, but not shabby either. Regardless, it was never quite the hit for which BMW had hoped, but it was a bold, inventive, original and (if you like that kind of thing) very stylish piece of motorcycling hardware. 
Well, the new R18 concept picks up more or less where the R1200C left off (in terms of aspirations if not design) and will see its motor re-imagined in a variety of motorcycles that will be teased over the coming weeks and months. Maybe. As revealed, the R18 cruiser (as shown) features carburettors which, in-line with EU regs and strictures, will be replaced by fuel injection. But if BMW sticks to its own concept orthodoxy, that will be pretty much the limit as far as electronic bells and whistles are concerned. The idea is to keep it simple, pure and unadulterated (never mind the high-tech manufacturing techniques that underpin this Zen wannabe). Other features include an inverted front fork. A cunningly designed rear suspension system masquerading as rigid. An exposed drive shaft (which almost certainly won't get past the safety fascists). Inverted brake and clutch levers (which will no doubt confuse some riders). A 21-inch front wheel. An 18-inch rear wheel. And lashings of chrome and polished aluminium alloys. 
In December 2018 Custom Works Zon, a noted Japanese chop shop, took first place at the Yokohama Hot Rod Show with ‘Departed’ based around an official sneak release of the R18 engine concept. 
Meanwhile, US Revival Cycles arguably upped the ante with the firm's "Revival Birdcage" concept as displayed at the Handbuilt Show in Texas in April 2019. With the R18 flat-twin platform, BMW is said to be gunning for the likes of Harley-Davidson and Indian (if and when it actually makes it onto the assembly line). But if so, we wonder if BMW is missing the mark (or is that marque?). Harley-Davidson is comfortably in a world of its own campaigning a hard-boiled cruiser and bad-ass heritage that only Indian can match, and even then with considerably less authority given the fact that Indian Motorcycles has a broken manufacturing/heritage line—whereas H-D has been on the road since day one and taking a leak up every passing post and streetlight. But until we see the price and the marketing spiel, it's impossible to say exactly where this tent will be pitched and whose rear end is likely to fit the saddle. 
To us at Sump, the BMW R18 concept looks more suited to the European market and just doesn't convince as anything other than a slightly fromagey (and even cynical) attempt to throw a bucket of yesterday at us instead of design and develop a more original tomorrow. In other words, it feels like we've seen it all before—which, of course, is an unwelcome irony given that that's exactly what BMW wants us to think.
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Well chaps, cynicism, irony, sarcasm, and dour thoughts are obviously not the sole right of ‘over sixties’. My take: at last a bike that doesn’t require a 40-inch inside leg measurement. A motorbike that doesn’t require a computerised diagnostic system. A two-wheeler that can be easily serviced at home. A two wheeler, albeit ‘chopper-esqe’ that doesn’t look like something out of a Lego catalogue. A shame that it’s not British. Price please and my savings, previously earmarked for a Norton or a 1200 Speed Twin could well be saying ‘auf Wiedersehen’.—Andy, Telford
I like it and would buy if the computer tools to fix are available and not pricey. Would fit well with my Boss Hoss and Beagle.—Best, Leo
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Twice raced at the IOM TT H&H to auction this bike in July 2019 If you're a classic biker from the general Liverpool area, this motorcycle might be at least vaguely familiar. For everyone out of the loop, this 1935 250cc RC37 OK-Supreme racer was largely the handiwork of a certain Mr Henry Harrison. Fitted, notably, with a swinging arm and AMC rear suspension units, the quarter-litre OHV cammy single was entered into the 1951 TT by Liverpool motorcycle dealer, Victor Horsman. One of the great British motorcycle racers of his era, he was based at 65 Pembroke Place and sold a wide range of used motorcycles from Ariel to Velocette. 
Henry Harrison was at the helm. He averaged 60mph around the IOM course and finished 14th—which, of course, was a considerable feat. The following year the bike was again entered into the legendary Tourist Trophy races. This time, Henry Harrison arrived in 22nd place having attained a slightly higher speed of 66mph. 
Following that achievement, the OK-Supreme was fitted with a Velocette front fork and raced on short circuit tracks until 1958. The following year (1959), the bike was bought (by its current owner) from Henry Harrison. It was restored in the 1980s and displayed at numerous Liverpool bike shows for the next decade or so. Then it was tucked away somewhere. That's Henry Harrison immediately above, incidentally. And at the top of this news story, that's him on the TT circuit. 
Fast forward to 30th July 2019, and H&H Auctions will be offering the bike for sale at the National Motorcycle Museum. The estimate is a lowly £6,000 - £8,000 which is a steal for a pre-war bike with a reasonably successful TT  history. See also: "Rode Safely" YouTube video www.handh.co.uk www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk
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Saturday 7th September 2019 As ever, Madeira Drive  Around 150 cars and 75 motorcycles are expected to compete in this year's quarter-mile races along the world famous seafront dragstrip. The practice runs start at 8.45am. The timed runs start at 11.15am and are scheduled to finish at 5:30pm. After that, the fastest six cars and bikes will compete for the overall winner.
To ensure that you see all the action, a 21 square metre LCD screen will detail the entire strip. The entry price (including a programme) is £15—or £12 online. 
As we've said before, Brighton is a pretty cool place to be, even if you're not gay. And while you're there, check out The Lanes where you'll find a huge selection of independent shops and boutiques flogging everything from antiques, fake antiques, Native American curios, guitars, trendy jewellery and fashion. Some of it is kitsch, but there are odd delights, etc. We might even go this year, so if you see anyone who looks like us, it's probably us. www.brightonandhovemotorclub.co.uk www.vmccsprint.co.uk
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The auction date is Saturday 1st June 2019 A large collection of British bikes and NOS spares is on offer We haven't got a decent image of any of the bikes in this sale, but we've cobbled together the (immediately) above graphic to help give this news story some legs. The date will be Saturday 1st June 2019. The auctioneer is a firm called H J Pugh & Co. These guys are based in Ledbury, Herefordshire. Here are some of the bikes listed (some without manufacturing dates, and none with lot numbers assigned): 1961 Norton 500 ES2, 1939 Triumph Tiger 100 1947 Norton Model 30 International 1938 Matchless 990X V Twin 1952 Ariel Square Four 1939 Triumph 3H 350 1935 Sunbeam Model 9 1921 Sunbeam 3.5HP 1938 Norton 16H 1921 Royal Enfield 200 1929 Triumph NSD 550 Vincent Comet Matchless G50 AJS 650 Triumph Speed Twin The firm's website could use a little polish and fine tuning, and a new Box Brownie wouldn't hurt, but this looks like an olde worlde set-up (as opposed to a bunch of trendy new-age slicksters), and we can happily live with that. Entries, as far as we can tell, are still being accepted. The venue for the sale is Hazle Meadows Auction Centre, Ledbury HR8 2LPS (and that looks to be the correct spelling for Hazle). The auction will start at 10am.  If you haven't been to a motorcycle sale, you could be missing a pretty good day out. There are often real bargains to be had. Just remember to set your limit and try not to succumb to auction fever.
auctions@hjpu www.hjpugh.co.uk
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Prize 850cc Norton is unregistered and un-run A 1977 Triumph T160 Trident is now being raffled Dave Street from Aberdeenshire, Scotland was the winner of the National Motorcycle Museum (NMM) 2018 Winter Raffle and has collected his 1977 850cc Norton Commando. TT rider Ian Hutchinson drew the winning ticket on 28th April 2019. 
Meanwhile, if you're the gambling type, you're reminded that the immediately above 1977 Triumph Trident T160 with "9 push miles" on the clock is the star prize in the NMM's Summer 2019 raffle. Tickets are notionally £2 each. But, as we've mentioned once or twice before, you have to buy in blocks of five, so that's five tickets for a tenner.  A Sealey Retro style combination tool chest will be the second prize, whilst third prize is a luxury hotel break and dinner for two. The raffle draw will be in October 2019.
www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk See also: Sump Classic Bike News, November 2018
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The Bike Shed, Shoreditch is the meeting place for the run The exhibition dates are 1st to 16th June 2019 She was the first woman to compete solo in the Isle of Man TT races. That's the main claim to fame of fêted East London motorcyclist Beryl Swain who's about to be honoured in a new exhibition. The venue for this "Need for Speed" presentation is the 1B Window Gallery at Copper Mill Lane in Walthamstow, E17 7HA. Attractions will include photographs, archive films, numerous original documents and one of Swain's skid lids on display. There will also be talks from curator Kirstin Sibley and Gemma Harrison from the VC motorcycle club. To help mark the event, a motorcycle ride-out will take place on Thursday 1st June 2019* beginning at 9.30am at The Bike Shed in Shoreditch, East London and pausing at The Duke pub in Walthamstow. Following that, we hear that attendees will be invited to the nearby unveiling of a Beryl Swain motorcycle mural. Beryl Swain was born in 1936 as Beryl Tolman. In 1958 she married Edwin Swain who owned a motorcycle shop in the Walthamstow area, and she became involved in bikes, both as a rider and as a mechanic. In 1962, aged 26, she entered the Isle of Man TT races campaigning a 50cc Itom. She gave a good account of herself and finished 22nd—and to finish at all was a notable achievement, not least for a "mere" woman. At the time, her racing prowess, such as it was, caused something of a sensation. So much so that the racing authorities, fearing the loss of their domination/masculinity/pride promptly revoked her international licence. Ostensibly, that was because she couldn't meet the new (and hastily introduced) weight limit. Regardless, Beryl Swain had her 15 minutes of fame, and she retired from the sport with dignity. It's said that biking's loss was Sainsburys' gain, because she found employment with the supermarket chain and, apparently, stayed with them for many years. There were no more female TT competitors until 1978 when Hilary Musson hit the fabled track in the Formula 2 class on a Yamaha (competing eight times between 1978 and 1985).
Beryl Swain died in 2007 aged 71. *Note that MCN had earlier posted the ride-out date as 25th July 2019. We checked with VC, which is organising the run. 1st June is the correct date. See also: Desperate Triumph woos the vaginas
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10% off a weekend pass Get it done by 10th June 2019 The Kickback Show at the Prescott Bike Festival is just a few weeks away. The event will take place on 15th - 16th June 2019 (see here for details of the Kickback competition). Book in advance and the organiser is offering a 10% discount on a weekend pass. We have to say that we're a little confused about the ticket pricing structure, but it looks like an adult weekend ticket is £24.00. However, we suggest you follow the link and draw your own conclusions. To get that discount, you need to enter the code: kickback10. You'll find the right spot to do that easily enough—but you need to book by 10th June 2019. Okay? www.prescottbikefestival.co.uk
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A Vincent Comet estimated at £13,000 - £15,000 And a Harris T140 Bonneville estimated at £6,000 - £7,000 We've been regularly monitoring the build-up to the next H&H sale which will happen on 30th July 2019 at the National Motorcycle museum, and we've already headlined the 1934 493cc Sunbeam 95R (see the main image top of this page). Meanwhile, there are one or two other lots that warrant a brief mention, such as the immediately above 1951 Vincent Series C Comet. This 498cc air-cooled Stevenage single has apparently been in "long term family ownership" and is said to be running well and in presentable condition. We also note that although the engine and frame numbers match and are correctly recorded on the V5C, the Vincent Owners Club (VOC) has not authenticated those letters and digits as being original factory stampings—and that might help explain the estimate which is just £13,000 - £15,000.  Now, that might be a reasonable price for a Vincent bitsa (if that's what this ultimately is—and it might not be, take note). However, it walks like a Vincent Comet, and it quacks like a Vincent Comet, and if your interest lies more in riding as opposed to collecting or investing, you might want to check out this bike.
It's some time since we rode a Comet, but we remember them as enjoyable bikes that feel significantly more lithe and nimble than a Vincent twin with slightly better stopping power and a so-so willingness to rev. They like to be kept on the boil, and (unlike the twins) you can push them almost to the max without running yourself off the road. Of course, H&H might be posting the relatively low estimate simply to stimulate bidder interest, and it's certainly done that around these parts. Rival auction house Bonhams sold a couple of Comets earlier this year; one at £14,950 and one at £21,850. And last October, Bonhams sold a Series C Comet for £21,125. The condition of all three was comparable. So if you're looking to acquire your first Vincent, this might well be the lowest rung on the ladder you're going to find. 
At the same sale we note that an unrestored c1986 Harris 750cc T140 Bonneville is on the list (image immediately above). These machines, you might recall, were built under licence in Newton Abbott, Devon by long-time Triumph parts manufacturer, Les Harris. Around 1,200 bikes (slightly more according to some claims) were manufactured between 1985 and 1988. This example looks to be all there, but is fitted with Norton Peashooter silencers—which always sound good on a T140. However, the original Lafranconi silencers are included in the sale if originality is your thing. The estimate is £6,000 - £7,000, and given the general unloved (but apparently not abused) condition of the bike, that looks a little strong in the current market. Yes, the Harris bikes were, arguably, built better than the Meriden T140s, and the Harris bikes were equipped with numerous arguably superior parts (Marzocchi rear shocks, a Paioli front fork, Radaelli rims, Brembo calipers, Magura switchgear & master cylinders, etc). Also, the petrol tank, with its Monza style flip up filler cap, is a 3-gallon Italian pressing which, as most T140 fans would perhaps agree, looks far less attractive than the original 2.8 gallon Meriden US spec item. But for all that, the Harris bikes simply ain't Meriden bikes, and that usually sees them change hands at a lower price. Moreover, disagreement still rages over the general reliability of Harris machines which have had their problems (porous engine cases, blown pistons, vibration). But Meriden bikes of that era were also prone to similar faults and failures. So why the £6k - £7k estimate? Well it could be because this bike is also hinted at being the last Harris Bonnie to be registered. Not built, note. Just registered. But does that matter to anyone? Maybe. However, we doubt that this small claim to fame will add more than a few shillings to the hammer price. Expect to find a collection of old documents and related paperwork. On the other hand, we could be wrong and will see this bike reach at least bottom estimate. However, we were thinking more about £5,000 - £6,000, and we'll find out soon enough. 
Beyond these bikes, H&H is fielding a fairly modest selection of iron and ally. But we ought to mention in passing the 2010 Ducati Desmosedici RR which is carrying an estimate of £50,000 - £60,000. We're advised that 1,500 of these were manufactured. This one was number 1,162. Since 2010 when the bike was first registered, it's covered just 940 and is said to be in immaculate. Well, a measly 940 miles doesn't say much for the claim that these are race bikes for the road. We'd be more impressed if it carried 50,000 miles and had been dropped three or four times and then patched up for another blast. But this is likely to be re-squirreled away in a garage or loft in the usual manner. No lot numbers have yet been assigned to anything. The auction date is 30th July 2019. The venue is: National Motorcycle Museum Sale, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ. 
See also (at the same sale): BSA Gold Star prototype www.handh.co.uk www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk
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UK Government report: 20mph zones ineffective and increase air pollution
Indian Motorcycles patents "Thunderstroke III" Variable Valve Timing tech
Fuel Motorcycles Royal Enfield Himalayan Scram Africa 2019 contender
US State Oregon is considering lane sharing legislation for motorcyclists
US North Carolina optional (aged 21 and over) helmet law proposal failed
Hinckley Triumph launches a two year TE-1 electric motorcycle project
Royal Enfield has applied to Euro-trademark the "Meteor" name
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Seven "unearthed" classic bikes discovered in LA Vincent Victor replica to be sold You might recall the name Liquid Asset Partners (LAP). Sump reported on these guys back in early 2016 when they bought the assets of failed Eric Buell Racing (EBR). At the time there was much talk about revitalising the company, etc, but it didn't come to pass. More recently, we've learned that LAP has stumbled across a collection of classic motorcycles long buried in an industrial unit in Los Angeles, USA. We're trying hard to get excited by the find. But our interest and enthusiasm is tempered by the fact that the bikes were the collection of a recently deceased man named ... well, the press release didn't condescend to name him. But we understand that he was British and, as a young man, left the UK for the USA and took a lot of motorcycles and parts with him. He was also reclusive, and that's the extent of our information. That aside, there are seven bikes under the spotlights. Here's the list: 1923 693cc Grigg Blackburne 1938 998cc Vincent-HRD Series A 1953 998cc Vincent Black Shadow – Series C 1955 499cc Vincent Victor Single Replica 1954 998cc Vincent Rapide D/C 1948 998cc Vincent Series B Rapide 1950 499cc Vincent Comet basket case 
The '38 Vincent-HRD (main image this story) is expected to be the top selling motorcycle. LAP is "entertaining offers above $400,000." We've no word on the estimates of the other machines. But special interest might fall upon the Vincent Victor replica based on the one-of-a-kind 1955 499cc single-cylinder prototype made by the Stevenage factory. Bonhams sold that bike in April 2011 for £107,100 (including premium). See the image immediately above. Meanwhile, the bike immediately below is the replica. 
Moving on, the 693cc Grigg is thought to be the sole survivor of its type, although there are four other Grigg motorcycles known to be in existence. Grigg—founded in 1920 by Harry Grigg—was originally based at Winchester Works in Twickenham, Middlesex. The short-lived firm subsequently relocated to Croydon, Surrey and saw fairly rapid expansion. 
Initially the company produced miniature commuter scooters powered by two-stroke engines. But soon the firm was producing larger machines, some offering water-cooling, and was becoming popular (albeit mostly in the London area) for its sidecar outfits. However, the general difficulties of the UK economy in the 1920s put paid to Harry Grigg's ambition to become a much bigger player. The company folded in 1925. 
For $20 entry/access, you can view the collection at Grand Rapids, Michigan USA on 22nd May 2019. And note that as far as we can tell, this isn't exactly an auction. But it's certainly some kind of sale or asset disposal gathering. That much is for sure. Just take a peek and make an offer. Or make an offer sight unseen. When you're at this end of the market, a few thousand pounds or dollars either way doesn't really make much difference, does it? sales@liquidap.com www.liquidap.com
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The numbers game
I used to read the biking mags
This much is true
But lately every page I turn
Feels like déjà vu
16 bikes you gotta road test
15 boots you have to try
14 helmets for your noggin
13 roads before you die
12 ways to stuff the pages
11 journos on the schmooze
10 idle factory rumours
9 editors stuck for news
8 ways to own a Triumph
7 ways to get a loan
6 hints for faster corners
5 electrics you must own
4 budget heated insoles
3 tips for off-road thrills
2 tyres we recommend
1 expert shows his skills
I used to buy
MCN
But this is now
And that was then
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Well said Dexxion, MCN has been a "rag" for years now apparently, fit only for wrapping up fish and chips . . . if we were still allowed to do that nowadays by the "safety" men in grey suits.—Wynsel, IOM
Hi Sump, very amusing, very true and very pithy (had to look up that one to be sure). But MCN aren't the only offenders of crimes against idle journalism. They're all at it these days (present company notwithstanding). Keep doing what you do, please.—David Egg, Cambridgeshire.
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Be on the look out for a handful of hairdryers Also, note the few words we've posted on Scomadi Scooters It happened on Monday night (6th May 2019) when five motor scooters were purloined from the premises of Scooter Moda of Preston, Lancs. The bikes are, respectively, three Scomadis, a Lambretta GP200 and an AJS Modena. Founded by Spencer Coe, Peter Reid (who personally owned the aforementioned GP200) and Nigel Godwin, the business is relatively new and trades in new LML and Scomadi scooters, plus used Lambrettas and used Vespas. The burglary, we understand, happened whilst the firm was moving premises, but we've got no details. We also hear that a couple of names (of "local scumbags") have been forwarded to the rozzers. But any extra information is, naturally, welcomed. Meanwhile, we checked the Scooter Moda Facebook page, and the burglary has been confirmed.  On a related note, we hesitate to say that on Scooter Moda has also suggested that Scomadi Scooters is going into liquidation. We're still looking into this assertion and will post an update if and when needed. But we've also seen a counter statement explaining that this is just a rumour and isn't at all true.
Normally, we avoid rumours; certainly with regard to spreading them. But in this instance, we figure it's perhaps wiser to qualify an already circulating rumour and highlight the fact that it is indeed uncorroborated. We reported on Scomadi (SCooter MAnufacture and DIstribution) back in Sump Classic Bike News July 2018. Founded by Paul Melici and Frank Sanderson, this was/is evidently an energetic and ambitious firm. But if you check the Sump story, you'll see that the business has been operating on a very shaky foundation related to other claims on the Scomadi name. And we're not by any means implying that Scomadi is doing, or has done, anything untoward. It's simply that business interests and commercial claims to rights and intellectual property and suchlike often clash, and often in perfectly good faith. Keep that in mind if you will. 
However, there are/have been plenty of claims, allegations and counter-allegation flying every which way, and we're staying out of it until we hear definitive statements, etc. But at this point, we're certainly not persuaded that Scomadi is finished. It might well be that there is simply some corporate restructuring underway. Certainly, there's no mention of the firm's liquidation on the company website (9th May 2019); not that there necessarily would be. If you're in the scooter scene either as a rider, owner or business, our advice is to check the websites below and make your own enquiries. It ain't over until it's over. Meanwhile, we're hoping that Scooter Moda sees the safe return of its hairdryers. www.scootermoda.com www.scomadi.com UPDATE: See also British Dealer News Scomadi story
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Scooter rider was seriously injured in North London forced stop PC Sutton was "doing his job and behaving reasonably" We briefly mentioned this story a few days ago as a Sump "one liner" (see a little further down this page). Since then we've learned that the officer in question, 49-year old PC Edwin Sutton, has been cleared of professional misconduct charges and can keep his job. The matter refers to an incident that happened almost two years ago on 21st May 2017. Simply, a trio of scooter riders was spotted showing off and generally misbehaving in the street in East Finchley, North London. Wheelies, swerving in traffic, hi-jinks. The kind of thing that most of us have done at one time or another (and a few of us would like to have the nerve to do again). One of the teenagers, a 17-year old (referred to in court as "Mr G"), had some kind of blue handbag strapped or otherwise secured to his handlebars. Patrolling PC Sutton, well aware of the recent spate of motorised handbag thefts and scooter muggings in the capital, tried to stop the fleeing riders, notably by swerving across the pavement to block an escape route. The rider of one scooter came down hard and suffered serious injuries. Sutton was subsequently charged for breaching professional standards and was, on Tuesday 7th May 2019, finally exonerated by a disciplinary tribunal.  The policy of "tactical contact" is now established as another vital weapon in the police arsenal, notably by "Scorpion-trained" officers. But in 2017, this policy was a greyer area of conflicting advice, allegedly causing some cops to break off pursuits and otherwise disengage whenever the situation suggested that an injury—or worse—was imminent.
Since Sutton was charged, his colleagues have understandably rallied and offered whatever support they can, the general sentiment being that they're damned if they don't intervene, and damned if they do. London Police Federation chief Ken Marsh was been quoted as saying: "PC Sutton has been through hell for doing his job. Why are they [the government and/or disciplinary board] putting our colleagues in this position? This was a policy of the Independent Office for Police Conduct. It’s an absolute travesty." Except that it probably isn't a travesty. As much as we despise the scooter thieves and muggers, especially those using acid as part of their attacks, we have to recognise that the cops still need to be kept in check and investigated whenever there's justifiable suspicion (whatever that means to you) that the officer has, in any specific instance, behaved inappropriately (whatever that means). Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Who guards the guards? Of course, tribunals, arbitration panels and (not least) the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are notorious for getting the balance wrong and bringing the wrong people to book, often on the flimsiest of evidence. At Sump, we've had direct experience of being involved in the incompetence of the CPS, and cleared of all charges. Nevertheless, the cop was involved in a serious (and near fatal) incident that might well have involved recklessness or other illegality on his part. Therefore an appropriate hearing goes with the territory. It's a bitch, and the British police are no particular friends of ours. All the same, it seems that in this instance PC Sutton behaved reasonably under the high-pressure circumstances, and did his job in the best way he could. The downside, however, is that there are now a lot of very disgruntled coppers out there who might well be less inclined to become involved in a hard take down if they believe that directly putting their necks on the block is a step too far. Chances are, mind, that as the Sutton incident fades from memory, the rozzers will readjust their perspectives and return as "normal" to their regular duties which often demands they take potentially fatal chances—and then another similar incident will happen, and we'll be back to square one.
PC Sutton, we hear, is just weeks away from retirement. He's been in the job for 30 years or so. The tribunal cost thousands of pounds, and there's been a huge impact on Sutton's salary—which, we assume (and hope) will be reinstated/reimbursed.
It's not much of a send off for three decades on the thin blue line. But as we've said, it goes with the territory. Accept it, or don't accept it. It's an unfair world.
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The complete 2019 bike range is yours to test this weekend Just make sure you ask about the excessive insurance excess... The dates are 11th - 12th May 2019, and that's a Saturday and a Sunday. And in case you're out of the loop, TFest is when Triumph dealers across the UK throw their doors open extra wide and organise some eats and music and invite us all along to try a bike, buy a bike and/or splash out on a few accessories or riding clobber. Being plied with nosh and jokes and anecdotes and sounds is a pretty shrewd way to soften us up as the salesmen move in for the kill. But buying and selling is what greases the wheels of civilisation, and your cooperation in this regard is welcomed. However, we ought to mention (again) the thorny issue of test ride insurance; specifically the "excess" that you'll be required to sign up to. The last time we spoke to a Triumph dealer about this (about ten minutes ago, actually), that excess was £1,000. In other words, if you drop a test bike you'll be expected to pay anything up to the first grand in repairs. We've actually spoken to a few Triumph dealers about this—and spoken to more than a few dealers of other marques—and they tell much the same story. Customers rarely drop test bikes, they say. And when accidents do happen, the repairs usually total no more than a few hundred quid ("and we do the work ourselves" is the typical indifferent mantra). Nevertheless, you could be looking at a big bill if you take a tumble. Car hire firms, meanwhile, usually level a relatively small (and optional) fee to completely waive the excess, and this might well suit some folk who'd rather pay a low sum to avoid a high risk. But this option is evidently beyond the wit of the motorcycle trade. Consequently, you pay nothing up front to test ride a bike, but could be looking at losing a very large wedge if the machine goes down. We've commented on this before, but it's worth repeating. So our advice is to ask your local dealer about the excess question before you put your moniker on the test ride T&C form. That aside, we hear that there should be lot of demonstrator bikes on call, even if the weather for this weekend doesn't look too promising.
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The Kempton Song
The day we went to Kempton
T'was a freezing day in May
We were looking for a bargain
But we weren't prepared to pay
How much for that badge, mate?
How much for those yokes?
50p? And fifty quid?
Hilarious, you blokes A box of carburettors Right, we'll take 'em off yer hands Fiver for the lot if you Include the centre stands Well how about those girders? And what about that wheel? Forty nicker in yer mitt C'mon, guys let's deal
So we haggled and we quibbled
And we dickered and we squabbled
But everything was overpriced
And everyone got nobbled
Eventually the day was done
We left with junk a plenty
Nineteen quid left in the pot
And we started out with twenty
Yo ho ho, you're in for a lark When you try to bag a bargain at Kempton Park Yo ho ho, you're heading for a tumble If you want a sweet deal at the Kempton Autojumble
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A British police officer faces gross misconduct charge re hard moped stop
March UK car production fell 14.4%. 126,195 units. 10th consecutive drop
UK first 3D zebra crossing (North London) hailed a success. 12 month trial
Kop Hill Climb Festival seeks motorcycle/car entries. 21- 22 Sept 2019
Sutton MCs, Tamworth is new Triumph dealer (Triumph Birmingham East)
Triumph Trident T160 raffle. NOS. 9 "push" miles. Tickets 5 for £10. NMM
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Regarding the 3D crossing, I’ve seen something similar in France that looks like speed humps but isn’t. I have to say it’s very effective.—The Village Squire
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