Beezumph 26

The twenty-sixth Trident and Rocket 3 Owners Club (TROC) annual rally – Beezumph – took place over July 14-15th, at Anglesey Race Circuit. We take a quick look at this year's event, with the help of Veloce author Chris Rooke.

The Beezumph will be more than familiar to any BSA Rocket or Triumph Trident owners out there, and, chances are, many other marque owners, too. The idea initially came from two TROC members, Chris Judkins and Richard Darby, who suggested renting a track for a day, for club members to ride their own bikes.

Superb MkII BSA Rocket III,
 with revised styling.

The original 'British bikes only' idea was expanded, encompassing the newly-launched Hinckley Triumphs, Honorary Members of TROC, and other bike clubs were invited to join in, too. The very first Beezumph was born, and – despite a heavy soaking from the rain – all agreed it was a great success.

That was twenty-six years ago, and the event has changed much over that time, growing from a one-day event, to a two-day rally, with camping from Thursday until Sunday … live music, BBQs, autojumble, food (of course!) … it's now recognised as one of the best (if not THE best) track-based events in the UK.

Beautiful MkI BSA Rocket III.

Friday gave participants the chance to noise-test their bikes, with the option of a 'No Limit' track day, or an organised ride around Anglesey's roads. This was followed by an evening of autojumble, and a short presentation, was rounded off with some local music.

Saturday meant an early start for those sessions on track, with the spectacular action taking place after the compulsory safety briefings and checks were complete. This was followed by a paddock  display of some superb Triples, with the best in each class receiving trophies for their efforts (plenty of photo ops here), followed by a raffle draw of prizes donated by sponsors.

A lovely example of a 'Nocket:'
a Rocket III engine in a Norton Featherbed
 frame. Nice!

For the non-riders in attendance, there was an all-day merchandising stand, a static Triples display, and exhibitions by the London Motorcycle Museum, Racing Triple, and George Pooley. George is famous for his hand-built specials (and for having a cup of tea almost permanently attached to his hand). Also in attendance was a certain Guy Martin, who needs no introduction, and who delighted everyone by taking his bike out on track. 

For the second year running, Guy Martin visited.
Inset, is his homemade Suzuki-based racer.

Saturday evening was party time, with a bar, a band, and a barbecue: what more could you want? Of course, it was early doors for some participants, as Sunday again had a No Limit track day … while those who had enjoyed, shall we say, a more 'fully-immersive' party experience, could quietly pack up.

A highly original race bike, brought to the event by the
National Motorcycle Museum.

Veloce author Chris Rooke attended, and could be spotted riding the circuit on his T150V and T160 (not at the same time, you understand), and taking along a few copies of his Triumph Trident/BSA Rocket manual (and a cheeky flyer for his book). He was also busy with his camera, and was kind enough to let us use some of his shots … thanks, Chris.

BSA Rocket IIIs at the parade.

Triumph Trident T160s line-up …

… and T150s on show.

Replica of Slippery Sam, the bike that won the Isle of Man TT
five years in a row, in the early 1970s.

Why not hop on-board and take a virtual ride around the Anglesey track with him, via the wonderful world of Facebook videos. Chris manages the Triumph Trident Restoration Manual Updates Facebook page, and posted his rider's-eye views there … full screen, sound up, enjoy! As you'll see, the weather didn't always play ball, but it didn't dampen the fun.

So, big thanks to Chris once again, and we look forward to the twenty-seventh Beezumph, next year … we might see you there!

You can pick up a copy of Chris' Triumph/BSA triple restoration manual from Veloce Publishing … click the pic …

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CLASSIC BOOKS

Classic Bike magazine featured a whopping five of our motorcycle books in its rundown of the books of 2008. As Classic Bike said, it's time to "put some more shelves up and strengthen the coffee table."


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ENGINE T-SHIRTS

Like most bikers, Daniel Peirce – acclaimed international photographer and author of the awesome Veloce book The Fine Art of the Motorcycle Engine – believes that a motorcycle engine is a work of art. Daniel has photographed engines from a wide variety of classic motorbikes, many of which are housed in the historic Barber Museum in the US. As well as being beautiful, Daniel's photos are a worthy reminder of the engineering excellence that goes into making a motorcycle.


Thanks to www.bandicoots.com.au you can now wear your favourite classic bike engine, as photographed by Daniel, on a subtle, classy T-shirt.

New! The Fine Art of the Motorcycle Engine – The Story of the Up-N-Smoke Engine Project
By tradition, the motorcycle is a naked beast, differing from other vehicles by the fact that its mechanical structure is also part of its aesthetic appearance. In The Fine Art of the Motorcycle Engine, photographer Daniel Peirce examines the graphic nature of historic engines with stunning and dramatic photography. Since the beginning of the motorbike, engine designers knew they had to design power plants that performed well and looked good. Peirce presents 64 stunning pictures from his popular UP-N-SMOKE Engine Project. In addition to his engine photography, the book also includes the story of the project and the years it took to take it from an inspired idea to a tangible reality.

“pornography for gearheads” - Cycle World Magazine

Click here for more info about the book!

GET YOUR KICKS ON TWO WHEELS?

-PRESS RELEASE-


Three brand new Motorcycle books from Veloce!

The Fine Art of the Motorcycle Engine – The Story of the Up-N-Smoke Engine Project (ISBN 978-1-84584-174-4)
By Daniel Peirce
Professional photographer Dan Peirce presents 64 stunning pictures from his popular ‘Up-n-Smoke’ engine project. The book also tells the story behind the project and how it took years to bring it from an inspired idea to a tangible reality. “Pornography for Gearheads” – Cycle World magazine
• Hardback • 25x25cm • £19.99 • 144 pages • 64 colour photos

Motorcycle Apprentice: Matchless – in name & reputation (ISBN 978-1-84584-179-9)
By Bill Cakebread
Gives a unique insight to the atmosphere and excitement of working in the AMC (Matchless/AJS) motorcycle factory. An inspiring story, supported by a host of period photographs and rare documents, providing a fascinating record of life within the British motorcycle industry from its heyday and on into decline and oblivion.
• Hardback • 25x20.7cm • £19.99 • 128 pages • c. 100 mainly b&w photos

Off-road Giants – Heroes of 1960s Motorcycle Sport (ISBN 978-1-84584-190-4)
By Andrew Westlake
A fascinating and nostalgic compilation of rider profiles written over a three year period, that originally appeared in Classic Motorcycle magazine, now accompanied by a new set of over 100 photographs. This book beautifully captures a much-loved time in motorsport.
• Hardback • 25x20.7cm • £19.99 • 128 pages • 115 period b&w photos

All available now! (UK & USA)
Each £19.99 UK / $39.95 USA

THE CAFÉ RACER PHENOMENON - BY ALASTAIR WALKER

Forthcoming! The Café Racer Phenomenon by Alastair Walker.
The Café Racer is one of the most enduring styles of motorcycle ever created, capturing the rebellious spirit of the 50s. This is a look back at the glory days of the Café Racer, from Friday night dices on the North Circular, through the street specials craze of the Seventies, to the modern day revival.
Click here for more info about the forthcoming book.

Alastair Walker has been riding motorcycles for over 30 years and writing about them for two decades. Starting off on a BSA like his father and grandfather before him, Alastair owned several Japanese bikes before becoming a freelance motorbike journalist in the late 1980s. Since then he has tested hundreds of bikes, modern and classic, from a humble Honda CG125 to a 5.7-litre, V8 powered, Boss Hoss cruiser.
Alistair has edited motorcycle publications such as Biker, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure, and the ACU's Bike Talk, as well as contributed to Motor Cycle News, Bike, T.W.O. Classic Mechanics, Classic Bike Guide, Used Bike Guide, Moto 73, Cycle World, and Dealernews USA. He currently writes for Carole Nash's web magazine insidebikes, and the Manchester Evening News. This is his second book.

Alastair has started a Cafe Racer discussion on the new Veloce Forum! Click here to view the page.

CLASSIC BIKES AT THE NEC CLASSIC MOTORSHOW

Around 200 classic motorcycles of all ages will be revved and ready to excite visitors at the new Classic Bikes hall, part of the Classic Motor Show at Birmingham’s NEC from 14th to 16th November. The Pavilion, which adjoins the Classic Motor Show halls, will be turned into a 5000 square metre space dedicated to those who worship the two wheeled classic motorcycle. These will range from British pre-war to Japanese '80s bikes with some European and American models too.

Classic motorcycle clubs across the UK have eagerly snapped up the offer of free space at the show with around 20 clubs already confirmed, and the number is growing daily. This is a great opportunity for clubs to increase their membership and raise awareness of their chosen marque so clubs are advised to contact the organisers for an application form as soon as possible. Among the clubs already confirmed to be displaying at the event are BSA Owners Club, BSA Bantam Club, Moto Guzzi Club GB and Triumph Owners Motorcycle Club.

Another exciting addition which will bring a bit of rock 'n' roll to the show will be a replica version of Ace Café. The legendary bikers haunt will be celebrating its 70th anniversary with founder Mark Wilsmore giving a talk about its history.

For more information about the event, the latest updates or to book tickets, visit www.classicbikesatclassicmotor.com

BSA Bantam fans and enthusiasts check out this new Veloce book!

New! The BSA Bantam Bible By Peter Henshaw.
Year-by-year evolution of the BSA Bantam, a simple commuter bike that thousands learnt to ride on. It became the standard GPO ‘telegram bike’ in the 1950s and was a huge success, with 100,000 built in the first four years of production. It’s a story with interesting asides, like the Hummer, Harley-Davidson’s version of the DKW that inspired the Bantam, and survived into the 1960s. But it’s a sad story too – BSA failed to follow up the Bantam’s early success by developing it, and by the mid-1960s it was looking outdated, especially next to the new breed of four-stroke Hondas. That the Bantam was allowed to fizzle out in 1971 symbolised the state of the industry that produced it, but today there’s a thriving community of Bantam owner/riders. The book ends with a guide to buying a secondhand Bantam, along with useful appendices on specifications, engine/frame numbers, and contacts among the clubs and Bantam specialists. Every Bantam owner, or would be owner, needs this book - the Bantam Bible!

click here for more info about the book

BSA Bantam - Essential Buyer's Guide....IN STOCK!

Heres an interesting video giving a potted history of the BSA motorbike.

The latest in Veloce Publishing's Essential Buyer's Guide series is now here!

BSA Bantam – The Essential Buyer's Guide
By Peter Henshaw



Features

• No-nonsense, straightforward handbook to buying a Bantam
• Detailed, step-by-step guide to points to look for
• Restore, or pay more to start with?
• Spares prices
• Relative value when viewing each model
• Auction guide
• Problems that arise from lack of use
• Useful contacts – clubs, parts suppliers, restorers
• Facts & figures
• The reality of living with a Bantam
Description

A step-by-step guide to buying a secondhand BSA Bantam, with everything the buyer needs to know: assessment of engine, transmission, frame, paintwork and chrome, tinwork, wheels and tyres, brakes, electrics, and an explanation of engine and frame numbers. Includes a run-down of the various Bantam models and an assessment of which offers the best investment potential, plus advice on auctions, paperwork, lack of use problems and useful contacts. One hundred photos illustrate this practical, straightforward guide to buying a secondhand BSA Bantam.

click here for more info