Original Norton Spares Online

If you prefer to buy original components whenever you can, rather than modern repro, then it might be worth an occasional browse around Norvil’s online shop at eBay. When we checked at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/norvilmotorcycle we found 158 items up for grabs in their secondhand section. These are all used spares – not NOS – so some have been modified while others might need a good clean. Each item is fully described with plenty of clear photos, so you can see exactly what you’re getting, and prices start at just £3.

So you could secure an 8-inch sls brake plate for £12, a Commando front wheel spindle for a tenner, ES2 front engine plates for £16, an original Lucas 17M6 coil for £18, or go all the way up to a Norvil proddie racing fairing with mirrors and indicators for £235. You’ll even find the odd Triumph bit lurking among all the Norton spares too…

Another Auction In Ireland

ClassicBikesAndCars held their first auction in Belfast on September 20th 2008 with great success. It was the first auction of its kind in Ireland and focused on the estate of the late Stanley Shannon. Every single lot sold, and a world record for a pre-war Manx at £28,000 plus fees validated the interest and the marketing effort of Will Corry and his team. Some 450 people attending on the day turned the auction into a social occasion, with phone bidders from around the world.

Enthusiasts and dealers commented that Ireland is starved of local opportunities to sell or purchase classic bikes. So, the organisers are doing it again, this time with private entries which already include some pre-war Nortons, post-war Manxs, plus various other British and Japanese models.

The next auction will be held on 7th February 2009 in Belfast. Entries are being taken now. For more information contact Will Corry on 07974566659, email enquiries@classicbikesandcars.com or see www.classicbikesandcars.com

One For SWMBO If you’d like to make your Better Half very happy this Christmas, then treat her to a pair of Draggin’ Jeans ladies’ Skins. Like all DJs, the Skins offer great protection with their soft, knitted Kevlar lining which also makes them much warmer than normal jeans – that’s why you may have seen Ms Hoseason wearing hers at autojumbles this autumn. Unlike most riding trousers, the Skins are made of stretch denim, with a figure-hugging cut so your best girl doesn’t have to stroll around all day dragging the traditional biker’s baggy bottom behind her! 1955 Maico Taifun. Possibly. Draggin’ Jeans Skins fit to mid-waist with a flare at the cuff to fit over riding boots and are available in black, dark blue and faded grey. They’re stylish and practical to wear on or off the bike, and come in a sensible range of popular sizes. The fit is quite snug, so if the lady in your life is halfway between sizes then we suggest you opt for the bigger one to be on the safe side. DJs Skins cost £105 and are available from 01732 834888 or see www.dragginjeans.net

Girls' bikes on eBay (I'll get my coat)

Objects May Appear Larger…

Most people like to see where they’re going but we’re also quite fond of seeing where we’ve been. That’s why we like Paul Goff’s new handlebar mirror, a ‘Stadium’ styled bar-end mirror in stainless steel. It’s the classic round shape and is sprung to prevent damage.

The mirror can be locked in any position and the mounting arm can be swung in or out on a ratchet to move the mirror out of the way in traffic (if you are one of those hardy souls who wends his way between the lanes of stationary traffic. That’s far too brave for us!).

All parts are highly polished stainless steel and the mirror costs £29.95 including UK delivery from www.norbsa02.freeuk.com or call 01494 868218.

Keep it Cool

Triumph rocker oil feed/cooler units are now available in the USA from British Bike Connection. Made in the USA of billet alloy these are similar to the old WEBCO units but BBC say they are ‘a lot better’!

Available for either 650 or 750 unit twins for $79.95 in American money (which still works out reasonably cheap in GB sterling despite the plummeting pound).

From www.britishbikeconnection.com, phone 001 (585) 288-4546 or fax 001 (585) 288-2772

Off-Road Action

If this picture matches your idea of having a good time you should definitely make a date for the Classic Dirt Bike Show on Saturday and Sunday, January 17th and 18th 2009. The Avon and Wye halls at the Three Counties Showground at Malvern will be packed with pre-65 trials bikes, grass-trackers, scramblers, twin-shock superstars and more. Meanwhile, the Severn Hall features a sister show all about Classic Racing, so you get two events for the price of one.

The organisers anticipate an excellent turn-out, saying ‘we feel that this venue stands out head and shoulders above any other as the perfect home for the Classic Dirt Bike and Racing Shows. There are separate adjacent halls for each of the two shows plus another four halls to accommodate a large autojumble plus masses of space for outdoor trade and autojumble stands, not to mention a large hard-standing car park. We feel that as a venue Malvern has already become synonymous with off road motorcycling, a bond which will surely grow and grow over the coming years under our stewardship.’

Private individuals and clubs are invited to display their bikes. Club are given space at no charge, and any one who displays a bike will be issued with a pass per machine plus an additional pass for a support vehicle if required. If you’d like to display your off-road or competition classic then contact the organiser asap for details and a pass (01484 452002). Clubs are very welcome to publicise their activities with free stand space, and there are also special deals for off-road related autojumble and trade stalls.

See www.classicshows.org or email classicshows@btconnect.com