The first~ a Boys’ Brigade publicity photo taken at the Raleigh factory when I was 16 (my usual mount was a Norton 350 Model 50)

 

The 2nd pic was a couple of weeks ago aboard a Kawasaki Z400 on holiday in Gran Canaria.

My first moped, at 16, was a Raleigh Runabout as the law changed on riding a real motorcycle at 16 just before my birthday if I remember correctly.

On 06/02/2023 at 06:06, Liger1956 said:

My first moped, at 16, was a Raleigh Runabout as the law changed on riding a real motorcycle at 16 just before my birthday if I remember correctly.

In 1963, when I took my bike test, you could have L plates on any bike up to 250cc, and when you passed your test, you could ride any bike.  I bought the Norton on the Saturday after I passed my test on the Thursday, (on a Lambretta scooter!) at 16yrs and 4 months.  How rules have changed.  I remember to test the emergency stop,the examiner would step out in the road in front of you.  I wonder how many examiners had walked out in front of the wrong biker…

Good to see that you are still enjoying life in the saddle, long may it last

Bought my Norton Commando new in 1972 and still riding it 52 years later. 

 

7 minutes ago, Norton Ian said:

Bought my Norton Commando new in 1972 and still riding it 52 years later. 

 

 

750 ?

 

My buddy bought an ex police Dunstall tuned commando, produced about 20% more powerful than standard, 5 star fuel, a kick start not for the sub 10 stone riders.

 

0 to 90 in 9 seconds the cops would tell the Aston drivers etc of the time.

 

Great memories.

 

Ian; Why did you change from the spoked wheels, - tinworm?

12 hours ago, J.R. said:

Ian; Why did you change from the spoked wheels, - tinworm?

 

I just fancied a change. I bought those wheels in the mid 70's and they have been very good. Still have the originals in storage, well the hubs at least. Have changed/upgraded many other things over the years. Newest improvement was an Alton electric start kit. 

On 01/10/2024 at 20:00, J.R. said:

Good to see that you are still enjoying life in the saddle, long may it last

Thanks.  Must admit though, as I’ve posted before, my usual bike engined transport has stabilisers at the front…(these pics are taken 25 years apart, the second one being when I first put it on the road in 1998)

 

Edited 3 October, 20241 yr by Baxlin