Historic motor bikes from 'golden age' return to region's roads

NORTON, Velocette, BSA, Royal Enfield and Triumph – names from the glory days of UK motorcycling and a golden age of manufacturing that was evoked yesterday when more than 70 historic motorcycles gathered at the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington for the annual Golden Era Run.

By The Newsroom

Published 30th Aug 2010, 22:50 BST

Updated 30th Aug 2010, 22:51 BST

As well as familiar names, some almost forgotten made an appearance such as Montgomery and Torpedo. As well as familiar names, some almost forgotten made an appearance such as Montgomery and Torpedo.

The oldest was a 1903 Quadrant, making its first appearance since being restored by owner Derek Pollard.

A spokesman for the Museum said the bikes followed a circular route from the museum which took in Bishop Wilton and was free of the kind of hills that some old bikes don't like.

"It was an opportunity to see how riders cope with machines which may have only one gear, no clutch, a lever throttle, narrow tyres and hardly any springing - and they all love it."

The event was organised by the north eastern section of the Vintage Motorcycle Club.

None of the entries was less than 80 years old and some were more than a century old.

Early examples of sidecars and three-wheelers were also among the vehicles taking part.