Rockers Forever... Forever Rockers

In its early days, motorcycling in the UK was considered a hobby reserved for the privileged and well-off. Machines were expensive to buy and operate, and few working people could afford what was in those days, more of a play thing than any form of serious transportation.

Following World War II and as the country started to recover from the ravages of that prolonged conflict, wages for skilled workers were on the rise. For the first time, workers were able to afford a few luxuries beyond the necessities. Even though the economy was improving, there was still a shortage of basics including fuel and steel and motorcycles helped fill the need for inexpensive transportation. The demand for two-wheelers helped usher in a golden age for several British motorcycle manufacturers.

The Rocker Subculture

By the late 1950s and early 1960s, the rise of "youth culture" became a driving force in the UK as the first wave of "baby boomers" - those born immediately after the war - came of age. Defined by their passion for fast motorcycles and the guitar-driven sounds of early rock music represented by the like of Chuck Berry, Gene Vincent, and Eddie Cochrane, the Rockers soon became synonymous with that time period.

Racing from cafe to cafe on the arterial roads ringing the country's larger urban centres, the legend of the Cafe Racer was born. Astride such famous marques of the time including Royal Enfield, Triumph, BSA, and Norton, legions of "ton-up" boys sought to escape the drudgery of everyday life by chasing after the magic 100 mile per hour (AKA the "ton") mark on souped-up machines stripped to the bare essentials to save weight.

Like each generation, the Rockers adopted a style of dress to ensure they stood out from other groups. In sharp contrast to their scooter-riding, tailored suit-wearing arch enemies, the Mods, the Rockers choose heavy leather jackets, jeans, and black engineer boots for their uniform. Jackets were typically adorned with patches and other accessories to further personalize their attire.

Today, only one of the manufacturers so revered by the original Rockers can boast an uninterrupted record of motorcycle production. Royal Enfield motorcycles may now include modern amenities such as electric start and disc brakes, but the spirit of the old days is still captured in the Royal Enfield Classic 500 and the purpose built, Continental GT Cafe Racer.

Royal Enfield Apparel Coming Soon to oVc!

In keeping with this tradition, oVc is pleased to announce that you will soon be able to order Royal Enfield apparel inspired by the Rocker lifestyle. Watch for full details in next month's oVc Chronicles.

Bond Car Update

Last month we introduced you to Ken's latest find - a 1949 Bond Mark A minicar. Since then, considerable work has been done dismantling the car in preparation for a complete engine rebuild.

In this picture, you can see the Villiers scooter engine complete with the mounting bracket that attaches the engine to the front single wheel. Steering the Bond is more like an outboard than a car as cables attached to the steering wheel rotate the front wheel and the engine together in order to change direction!

The bracket has been removed and now that the engine is out of the car for the first time, Ken can get a good look. Overall, it looks to be in good shape and Ken is now chasing down replacement gaskets and seals for a complete rebuild.

While researching the car, Ken has discovered that there is an electronic ignition system available from the UK-based Bond Owners Club. To accomodate this, Ken will be converting the original 6 volts to a 12 volt charging system.

We'll have another update on the team's progress on the Bond next issue!

Customer Corner

Congratulations Steve, our latest Ural Gear Up owner!

Bruce and Sue passed along this picture of them enjoying the winter season in Baja. They report that the Ural is running great and are now back in mainland Mexico!

This early 60s Lambretta was brought to oVc in boxes after three unsuccesful attempts by other dealers to reassemble and get back on the road. The owner was so pleased with the oVc's work, that he then requested a sidecar to be installed.

oVc completely overhauled the engine, welded the cases to repair some cracks, and installed all new bearings and seals. Now runs like a classic Lambretta should!

Nikos is proud to show off his oVc supplied and installed Hannigan sidecar on his VStrom 1000! This install required considerable custom fabrication of the mounting system but is now one sweet ride!

Finally, here are a couple of things that caught our eye at the Motorcycle Super Show earlier this month at the International Centre. The first is this absolute mint 1951 Norton ES2:

Next, we have a 1965 Royal Enfield twin cylinder, 750 cc Interceptor.

We certainly love the look of that classic Royal Enfield and we can't help but get a little excited over what we are hearing about several new Royal Enfield models expected to hit the market later this year. As soon as we have concrete details, we'll be sure to let you know! Stay tuned!