First ride

[TonyBaxter]

Well, I have posted a few times about the 1957 NH that I bought from a mate, (background in the picture). Long story short, bought by its second owner in 1962, used for commuting, (an old picture shows it with homemade leg shields and a screen), until 1968 when it was pushed into the garage and left. The owner promised it to his next door neighbour, and decades later upon the death of the owner, it passed to its third custodian who always intended to get it back on the road. That didn't happen and he passed it on to a mate, (my friend mentioned previously), who with help from a couple of us, started to go through it and fix a few issues. He became disillusioned about how long, and how much it was taking, and so I decided to buy it. My intention was to do the bare minimum and pass it on.
The wheels unfortunately were beyond saving, the extent of rust on the rims and many of the spokes stuck fast to the nipples, I bought the cheapest pair of new rims and spokes I could find. The seat was ripped and rusty, so a fellow member Kevin sold me a nice new, but not too new (wouldn't look out of place) seat that looks great. Anyway, ended up spending all-in about what the bike would be worth on a good day, without even rebuilding the engine or refurbishing the mag!
I took it out for its first ride since 1968, I was leading a VMCC section run, and that was its shakedown run
No electrics, and brakes are probably the worst I've had on any bike I have ever owned, both those things need sorting. But, I did around 35 miles and she got me back home!
The picture makes her look quite tidy, she's not, quite scruffy, but I think I am now stuck with her.........

[Roger Gwynn]

Pretty tidy for a bike that has been parked for the last 58 years.

[TonyBaxter]

Pretty tidy for a bike that has been parked for the last 58 years.

Photographs can be deceptive! Lots of rusty spots, paint missing, scuffs, (apparently some wood in a shed was rubbing the side of the oil tank, not visible in the picture but looks awful when up close). I'm planning on repainting some of the bits that would suffer in the wet weather, but tank and mudguards will stay pretty untouched. I know there are products that can be used to retain the patina but protect the base.
And yes to anyone asking, I ride bikes in any weather.

[tony.barnett]

Both looks and sounds good to me. The value in bikes like these is the fun you have using them, not the monetary price. Well done.

[TonyBaxter]

Both looks and sounds good to me. The value in bikes like these is the fun you have using them, not the monetary price. Well done.

Oh I agree generally, but I specifically took it on not intending to keep it as I already own a '46 rigid 350 and I prefer the rigid bikes. It is when I discovered the wheels were beyond a quick rub up with foil that I realised my plan was scuppered.....

[jim.haydock]

Tony,

I read your post with interest as it struck a chord. George, my 59 registered VH has been in the club for many years, latterly owned by John Mitchell, our long time Cheval editor, since 1989. Age finally caught up with John and at the 2023 Annual he was very happy when I promised to give George a good home. You're not going to restore him are you Jim? He asked. No John I replied, I'm going to repair him. I'd a WNG to restore at the time so George was left in a quiet corner awaiting his turn.

Those who know John will know that George had one or two issues (understatement alert!). Anyway, after much time and expense (I'll spare you the gruesome details) George was back up running again. Cosmetically challenged, but in fine mechanical fettle, George is now my go to bike for everyday use and for the Iron Horse Rally, which oft includes some indifferent weather. Having a bike that I can ride in all weathers, that soaks up the potholes, unlike my rigid/girder bikes. A bike that I can just put away when I come home and haul out again when the mood takes me without a thought about washing and polishing. Above all a bike that's reliable and an easy starter is a real pleasure.

As Len Ore was in the habit of saying " Just get on and ride the bloody thing ".

Cheers!

Jim Haydock, Lancs Branch.

[TonyBaxter]

Tony,

I read your post with interest as it struck a chord. George, my 59 registered VH has been in the club for many years, latterly owned by John Mitchell, our long time Cheval editor, since 1989. Age finally caught up with John and at the 2023 Annual he was very happy when I promised to give George a good home. You're not going to restore him are you Jim? He asked. No John I replied, I'm going to repair him. I'd a WNG to restore at the time so George was left in a quiet corner awaiting his turn.

Those who know John will know that George had one or two issues (understatement alert!). Anyway, after much time and expense (I'll spare you the gruesome details) George was back up running again. Cosmetically challenged, but in fine mechanical fettle, George is now my go to bike for everyday use and for the Iron Horse Rally, which oft includes some indifferent weather. Having a bike that I can ride in all weathers, that soaks up the potholes, unlike my rigid/girder bikes. A bike that I can just put away when I come home and haul out again when the mood takes me without a thought about washing and polishing. Above all a bike that's reliable and an easy starter is a real pleasure.

As Len Ore was in the habit of saying " Just get on and ride the bloody thing ".

Cheers!

Jim Haydock, Lancs Branch.

Cheers Jim