Modern Motorcycle Mechanics, Paved The Road For Repair Manuals

There are basic principles, which will always be needed when fixed anything that is mechanical. First and foremost, take your time and pay attention to how parts are disassembled in order to put them back correctly. If you are unsure, take photos of the process or write down what you have done. 

If you have seen any sort of modern repair manual or lack there of, many new products aren't made to last and are vastly inferior in parts quality, than older machines. My other huge gripe is the lack of mechanical aptitude in describing how to fix or reassemble the parts, within new repair manuals as they scrimp on the details. If you haven't noticed Youtube has become the best place to find out how to work on anything.

This is where a tome such as Modern Motorcycle Mechanics is flat out amazing. The book and the technology it is referring to are now considered vintage, but how J.B. Nicholson describes each item and how to properly maintain your motorcycle, is truly refreshing. 

Much of his guidance within the book has been hard earned through years of wrenching and solid understanding of basic mechanical principles, when it comes to machinery operation. Knowledge of this caliber can be applied to all modern bikes as many of the new parts and design schemes still function, on the same basic principles. If you want to give a great gift to the rider in your family, this is indeed something they will enjoy.

Want a piece of motorcycle history, get your copy of Modern Motorcycle Mechanics

Crankcase Reassembly, as part of the Modern Motorcycle Mechanics book.

Modern Motorcycle Mechanics, the first repair manuals created by someone who actually worked on bikes.

"Before Clymer and before Haynes service manuals, there was J.B. Nicholson and Modern Motorcycle Mechanics.

Nicholson, together with his brother Lawrence, opened Nicholson Bros. Motorcycles in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada in 1933. To this small city in the middle of the Canadian prairie they imported DOT, Calthorpe and Douglas motorcycles and by 1935 the brothers had transformed the business into a fledgling mail order parts supply house.

But it was a 25-year old J.B. (Bernie) Nicholson who published what could be considered one of the first comprehensive texts regarding the operation and maintenance of motorcycles of the day. In 1942 the first edition of Modern Motorcycle Mechanics was distributed widely. They sold the book themselves, and industry giants such as Johnson Motors bought books for resale in their showroom. Floyd Clymer himself ordered hundreds of copies for resale through his motoring catalogs.

Nicholson went on to revise his book six times, with editions appearing in 1945, 1948, 1953, 1965, 1969 and the final and seventh in 1974.

Over the years more than 100,000 copies of Modern Motorcycle Mechanics books have sold from Canada to England, India, South Africa, Australia and beyond.

Jam-packed with Nicholson’s clear and concise service and maintenance information and ever-handy clearance and settings charts for several different makes and models the Seventh Edition Reprint of Modern Motorcycle Mechanics is 766 pages – just like the original. The book covers everything from setting the timing on a single-cylinder Lucas magneto to rebuilding the engine of a Harley-Davidson 45”."

Nicholson Bros. Motorcycles in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Nicholson Bros. Motorcycles in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

Jay Leno's Garage Showcases A 1939 Brough Superior Motorcycle

Link to all things Brough Superior

1939 Brough Superior, one of finest British bikes ever made

1939 Brough Superior

More information on the Brough Superior, from Wikipedia

Brough Superior (play /ˈbrʌf/ BRUF) motorcycles, sidecars, and motor cars were made by George Brough in his Brough Superior works on Haydn Road in Nottingham, England, from 1919 to 1940. They were dubbed the "Rolls-Royce of Motorcycles" by H. D. Teague of The Motor Cycle newspaper. Approximately 3,048 of 19 models were made in 21 years of production. In 2004, around 1,000 still exist. T. E. Lawrence ("Lawrence of Arabia") owned seven of these motorcycles and died from injuries sustained while crashing one. George Bernard Shaw was another among many celebrities who were enthusiastic about Brough products.

George Brough was a racer, designer, and showman. All Brough Superior motorcycles were high performance and superior quality. Most were custom-built to the customer's needs, and rarely were any two of the same configuration. Each motorcycle was assembled twice. The first assembly was for fitting of all components, then the motorcycle was disassembled and all parts were painted or plated as needed, then the finished parts were assembled a second time. Every motorcycle was test ridden to ensure that it performed to specification, and was personally certified by George Brough. The SS100 model was ridden at 100 mph (160 km/h) or more prior to delivery. The SS80 model was ridden at 80 mph (130 km/h) or more before delivery. If any motorcycle did not meet specification, it returned to the shop for rework until it performed properly. The fit and finish was comparable to a Rolls-Royce car, and they were among the most expensive motorcycles.

Brough Superior motorcycles have always been rare and expensive. Prices for these motorcycles ranged from £130 to £180 in the 1920s and 1930s. Since the average weekly salary during 1920s and 1930s was £3 per week, only the wealthy were able to afford them.

Early models include the Brough Superior Mark I Sidevalve, Mark I Overhead, Mark II Standard and Mark II Sports. Early to mid manufacture included the Overhead 500, 680 S.V. 5.15, and 750 Side Valve, but these were not popular and were dropped from production.

The following four models represent the bulk of manufacture. Most were custom built to order and many variations were made:

The SS100 (Super Sports), powered by J.A.P. (J. A. Prestwich of Tottenham) or Matchless 1000 cc overhead valve V-twin engines. Approximately 383 were manufactured from 1924 to 1940. The SS80 (Super Sports), powered by J.A.P. or Matchless 1,000 cc sidevalve V-twin engines. Approximately 1,086 were manufactured from 1922 to 1940. The SS680 O.H.V. (Super Sports), powered by J.A.P. 680 cc overhead valve V-twin. Approximately 547 were manufactured from 1926 to 1936. The 11.50, powered by J.A.P 1096 cc sidevalve 60° V-twin engines. These were primarily designed for sidecar and police use. Approximately 308 were manufactured from 1933 to 1940. The model name refers to the horsepower rating of the engine, 11 RAC (Royal Automobile Club), 50 bhp (37 kW). In reality these engines produced 32 bhp (24 kW). Tax horsepower ratings were required by manufactures for tax purposes. RAC HP equals the piston diameter squared times the number of cylinders divided by 2.5.

Brough Superior produced many other experimental, show, and racing models. These include:

Golden Dream -  This was powered by a vertically stacked twin crankshaft opposed four cylinder engine. George Brough called this a "flat vertical" engine. The bike was finished differently and was unique for the marque as it was painted gold and was shaft driven. 

Straight Four Combination -  This bike was powered by a modified Austin 7 automobile engine. The transmission also came from an Austin 7. The Straight Four Combination was an inline four-cylinder motorcycle with shaft drive. It had two rear wheels that were mounted on each side of a cast drive unit. This motorcycle was made for sidecar use. 

Pendine - These were built in the early 1930s and had a guaranteed top speed of 110 mph (180 km/h). They were based on the SS100 model but with higher performance modifications to the engine. A well known racer, Barry Baragwanath, installed a supercharger on one, and it is now known as "Barry's Big Blown Brough". Noel Pope bought the motorcycle and in 1939 set two lap record with it at Brooklands; 106 mph (171 km/h) with sidecar, and 124 mph (200 km/h) in solo configuration, which exceeded the previous record set in 1935 by Eric Fernihough also on a Brough Superior.

George Brough was known for his dedication to his vehicles and customers. He, and later Albert Wallis, continued to service Brough Superiors after production ceased, making parts until 1969. Production of bikes never resumed after WWII.

What Triumph’s Bonneville ‘Might Have Evolved Into’

Certain bikes just have style and class wrapped up in the perfect package and feel as if they were tailor made for individuals such as Daniel Craig. Found this posting over on Wired.com, but it was written by Chris Hunter of BikeExif.com. This bike is just about perfect when it comes to a cafe racer style. As certain bikes come and go in and out of style, this particular Triumph is timeless. The girder front end and matching swingarm make the perfect matching suspension combination and dial in the lines. 

Link to the Autopia section of Wired.com

Check out Chris Hunter and BikeExif.com

This thoroughly modern custom out of England tastefully mines the past to create something that never was but could have been.

It’s called the Triumph Speed Twin Concept, a reference to the iconic 1937 Speed Twin 5T. It was designed by a pair of young British designers, Roy Norton and Tom Kasher, in what became something of an unofficial styling exercise for Triumph. The two were working on placement at the Xenophya industrial design studio when they approached Triumph with a proposal for “a bike taking retro themes in a modern direction.”

Triumph Product Manager Simon Warburton loved the idea and wrote a brief. He wanted a bike “styled to appeal to younger riders … the bike the Bonneville might have evolved into, in an alternative universe.”

Triumph Speed Twin Concept by Roy Norton and Tom Kasher

The choice of the Triumph Bonneville is a good one: The 865cc twin is a retro throwback in itself. When the production bike was upgraded to fuel injection, the system was carefully disguised to look like traditional carburetors.

Norton and Kasher set to work, drawing influence from the cafe racers and bobbers of yore. Input from Triumph ensured the Speed Twin concept was feasible from a manufacturing and homologation standpoint. Barbour outdoor clothing, another venerable English brand, helped out with materials for the seat and grips.

Warburton is pleased. He says elements from the concept could influence future projects. We’d love to see those eye-catching girder forks on a production bike. Although they’re mock-ups here, the technology is ripe for resurrection with modern materials and engineering know-how.
Photos: Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

Triumph Speed Twin Concept by Roy Norton and Tom Kasher

Triumph Speed Twin Concept by Roy Norton and Tom Kasher

Triumph Speed Twin Concept by Roy Norton and Tom Kasher

1958 Ariel Square Four MK II and Ariel Motorcycle History

"You will never find, see, or ride, a better example of the famous Square Four Ariel. It was restored to absolute show condition by a very experienced Texas restoration expert and collector. The engine/transmission was built by Keith Martin of Big D Cycle fame. It has been the center piece of a private museum for the last several years. The bike starts, runs, and rides just as it looks. The torque of the four cylinder engine is amazing. It starts very easily and after a few minutes of warm up runs out better than it did in '58. This is obviously not an everyday bike, but it can, and should, be ridden regularly. There is no problem keeping up with modern traffic, but you must remember the bike has brakes from the fifties era.  The bike will be delivered to the new owner with a fresh service, fully charged battery, and ready to show or ride. This is isn't a distress sale, and is not cheap, the best never is. 

I've been collecting vintage motorcycles for over 30 years and I've never seen a Square Four even close to the condition of this bike. You  can be assured you won't see another like this at a show or Sunday ride. If you are interested in seeing the collection's website visit  www.vintagememoriesinc.com  PLEASE DO NOT email me about other bikes that might be for sale. If anything is for sale it will be on ebay at a future time.

I'm selling this bike only because I don't ride it often enough. I'm selling a few of my bikes that are not ridden often enough, or that I have more than one example. The bike has a clear and open Texas title. It has not been registered in Georgia since I just never used it that much."

Need a rare vintage bike for your collection, bid now

1958 Ariel Square Four MK II

1958 Ariel Square Four MK II

1958 Ariel Square Four MK II

1958 Ariel Square Four MK II

1958 Ariel Square Four MK II

More information about Ariel Motorcycles from HowStuffWorks.com

The 1957 Ariel Mk II motorcycle was developed by one of the British motorcycle industry's more adventurous manufacturers. Begun in 1902, Ariel produced an array of singles and twins of both two- and four-stroke design, but it is this unusual four-cylinder model that is perhaps best remembered.

During the 1920s, Ariel's Edward Turner had dreams of changing the world of motorcycling. For many years, twin-cylinder engines were the powerplant of choice, but Turner had grander ideas.

Envisioning a four-cylinder engine that would fit neatly into a typical frame, he devised the unusual "square four" design. It used two crankshafts geared together and four cylinders arranged in a square pattern, with a pair of pistons tied to each crankshaft.

Displacing 500 ccs, the first Ariel Square Four appeared in 1931, venting its exhaust through only two pipes. The four was enlarged to 600 ccs in 1932, and then to 1000 ccs in 1936.

In 1953, the Ariel 4G Mk II version appeared, carrying a four-pipe exhaust system and an alloy block in place of the previous iron version.

Some other changes were evident by this time as well. The tank-mounted instrument panel was eliminated and the gauges were now mounted atop the wide headlight nacelle.

A new plunger rear suspension provided a softer ride but needed fresh lubrication every 250 miles. The girder front fork had been converted to telescopic in 1946 and went largely untouched.

Turner left Ariel to join Triumph in the mid 1930s, where his talents in developing the Speed Twin helped revive the ailing concern.

Ariel's success with the Square Four continued through the 1950s, after which the company concentrated on medium-displacement two-strokes that were a cross between a scooter and a motorcycle.

The engine of the 1957 Ariel 4G Mk II motorcycle used the "square four" design, which consisted of two crankshafts geared together and four cylinders arranged in a square pattern, with a pair of pistons tied to each crankshaft.

Vintage Ariel Motorcycle Sign

Vintage Ariel Motorcycle advertisement

Ariel Motorcycle engine diagram for parts list

Ariel Motorcycle gearbox diagram for parts list

Ariel 500 Hunter Motorcycle

1930 Ariel 500 Square Four

Classified Moto Creates Amazing Lamps From Motorcycle Parts

Recycled goods, found objects and using what is readily available is a mantra we live by. It's not that we don't value new items but we dig finding new and creative ways to save moohlah and making something old new again. The fine folks over at Classified Moto up in Richmond, VA have taken it a step further and are creating cool lamps out of motorcycle parts left for the scrap yard. We dig the industrial and utilitarian look and knowing they come from folks cut from a similar cloth. Great choice in music by the way, we dig Black Rebel Motorcycle Club's sound.


Classified Moto: A lamp in the next life. from MONDIAL on Vimeo.

Classified Moto XV 920 Custom Motorcycle

Classified Moto custom lamp from Brake Rotor, Shock and Gear

It's Better In The Wind - Los Angeles Showcase

West Coast brethren, if ya are in the area and want to get in on what the folks are doing with It's Better In The Wind then get over to the Mandrake at 9 pm sharp on Wednesday November 30 in wild and wonderful Los Angeles.

It's Better In The Wind, Film Project Showcase

It's Better In The Wind - 2011 Trailer 2 from Scott Toepfer on Vimeo.