Golden era of bikes marked in a cloud of exhaust smoke

THE “golden era” of motorcycling was celebrated as over 50 old bikes were coaxed into life for a countryside run and a public show.

The Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington, York, was the setting yesterday for the vintage motorcycle event.

The oldest entry was a 1903 Chater-Lea, said a spokesman for the event.

“This was a real rarity, and a pioneering motorcycle, as the firm were essentially bicycle manufacturers who mounted an engine to one of their sturdy frames and became one of Britain’s first motorcycle manufacturers, alongside Royal Enfield and Triumph.”

Others on show included AJS, Norton, Douglas, Sunbeam and almost forgotten Yorkshire firms such as Scott and Phelon & Moore.

All the bikes date from before 1931. They departed the air museum in the morning for a run through the countryside before returning for a public exhibition from noon onwards.

Several of the machines are entered and ridden by women, the spokesman added.

Part of the fun for many is the challenge of getting their machines to start up.

“All the riders relish the challenge of coaxing their machines to life, which is a craft in itself,” the spokesman added.

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