Toy Boys

The weekend of the 13th and 14th of December brought with it plenty of cold weather ice and snow, says RC reader John Nicholls in Eire. It also brought with it the Killarney toy run.

The run was organised by Tom Coffey, Mike Seamie and many other hard working folk who all deserve a 'well done' and Ho! Ho! Ho! The run set off from O' Donohue's garage at Killarney through Fossa, Milltown, Killorglin and on to the Climbers' Rest at Glencar for soup and sandwiches.

The snow-laden hills resounded with the sound of Enfields, a Ural with sidecar, C50s, Harleys, BMWs, Vesper and many a nice Jap. In all 50 or 60 folk enjoyed this fine run out and many a child received a toy the may not have had if not for a dash good day out with like minded folk on their chosen steeds.

After distributing the goodies, the troop headed back to Killarney for a parade around town to the delight of Christmas shoppers and the surprise of children to see Santa out for a spin.

Get Your Bantam's Bounce Back! If your lightweight's rear end has been sagging somewhat then you'll be relieved to hear that Paul Goff now has replica Girling shock absorbers in stock to fit a wide range of smaller capacity classics like Bantams, Tiger Cubs, Francis-Barnetts, Excelsiors and Greeves. The springs come with a 12-month guarantee and cost £69.95 including UK delivery. Paul also offers a worldwide mail-order service - and it's a good time to shop if you have dollars or euros to spare! www.norbsa02.freeuk.com or call 01494 868218

Bantam Bargains on eBay

North of the Border

Anyone with a taste for Japanese machinery who lives in Scotland or northern England could do a lot worse that visit the Scottish Highland Show at Ingliston on the weekend of March 14th and 15th 2009. An eclectic mix of Oriental machinery is already committed to the VJMC's stand including a Kawasaki GPX750R, Yamaha 350LC, Suzuki GP 100, Kawasaki Z 900, Kawasaki 750, Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo, Yamaha XJ900F, Honda C95E, Suzuki AS100, Honda CBX550F2, Honda CB900. If you'd like to join the fun with the VJMC at this event then contact Bill Ferguson at jw.fergusonky11 @ btopenworld.com

Enfield Buck The Biking Trend

Sales of the Royal Enfield Bullet grew by nearly 30% last year, bucking the national trend which saw motorcycle registrations fall by 3.4%. This is the ninth successive year of growth for the Bullet, which has been in continuous production for over 50 years, and overshadows the company's impressive 15% rise in UK sales during 2007. 'Motorcycling is predominantly a leisure activity these days and the classic styling and low running costs of the Royal Enfield make it an attractive proposition at times when money is tight,' explains 'Big' Ben Matthews, UK Sales Director for Royal Enfield and a man of not inconsiderable tallness…

From 2009 all new Royal Enfield motorcycles sold in Europe will be powered by the company's new 500cc unit construction fuel injected engine. Its modern design is more powerful, producing 41.3 Nm of torque at 4000rpm, but the pushrod construction, with a bore of 84mm and 90mm stroke, still delivers an authentic-feeling 'British Single' experience.

2009 Royal Enfield Electra EFI Deluxe

To keep the breed's traditional audience content, one of the first new models to be made available is the Deluxe. Featuring a black and chrome tank with gold pinstripes and rubber knee pads, the Electra EFI DL captures the essence of British motorcycles from the 1950s and 60s. Chrome mudguards front and rear, chrome tool box covers and authentic Avon Speedmaster tyres enhance the period appearance of this 500cc air-cooled single.

The impression of a classic British bike is reinforced by the exhaust note and character of the engine, which retains the same pushrod construction, with a bore of 84mm and 90mm stroke, as in the original Bullet motorcycle.

If you'd like to try one of the new EFI Enfields before you buy, then plan to join the RC Crew at Royal Enfield's UK headquarters in the Cotswolds on June 20th and 21st 2009. The current range of EFI bikes will be available to test ride, with factory staff at hand to answer your queries. Or if you can't wait until then, demonstrator machines are available from Royal Enfield dealers across the UK. The Electra EFI DL sells for £4007 on the road. Contact 01386 700907 or visit www.royal-enfield.com

Lightning Strikes!

The winner in the VMCC's end of year raffle was Iain Murdoch who was presented with this handsome 1969 A65 Lightning just in time for Christmas. The club are repeating this popular competition over January to June 2009, this time with a 1964 Velocette Venom as first prize.

1969 BSA A65 Lightning

The draw will take place on June 26th 2009 and tickets can be obtained from the VMCC via 01283 540557 or see www.vmcc.net

Rocker Book Is Back

Johnny Stuart's captivating book 'Rockers' has been re-published after many years out of print.

Illustrated with over 170 rare and evocative black and white photographs, this large format soft-back book captures and brings to life the danger, the myth, the magic and melancholy of a unique youth culture which continues to fascinate and endure.

It costs £12.99 from the Ace Café via www.ace-cafe-london.com

Kawasaki Racer Up For Grabs

The 600 Kawasaki which Chris Martin rode to sixth place in the British Supersport Championship last year is currently on display at the Sammy Miller Museum in Hampshire. If you'd like to do more than just look at the Kwacker then it's being offered for sale by the Gearlink team- serious enquiries only to 01722 711444 - or you can drool over it at the Miller Museum at New Milton (check opening times during the winter on 01425 616644).

Shameless Plug....
Buying via any of these links helps to support RealClassic.co.uk:

Panther Publishing for classic biking books

Classic-Motor cycles.co.uk for a huge range of t-shirts, posters and prints

Grand Prix Legends for a searchable shop packed with bike related gifts.

Motorworks' eBay shop or the BikerOneStop eBay shop for all sorts of useful bits and bobs