More Motorcycling Memories From Terry B

My first motorbike was the universal BSA Bantam 150cc. I was 16; my parents were both dead against my having it, mainly because I was almost chairbound at the time. I eventually got my own way and this bike gave me legs to get around. Some time later I found a bike club and they were all older and had 500cc bikes. When a run to Olivers Mount was suggested (I lived in Halifax then) I was not allowed to ride my Bantam, and had to go pillion. The chap wore a flat cap and rode a Velocette; he also had large bifocals. On the run he stopped and told me off for fidgeting, later another club member told me he was so short sighted no one else would ride pillion with him.

At Olivers Mount we watched at the top hairpin bend. Top stars were there - Mike Hailwood, Derek Minter, Dan Shorey, and I watched open mouthed at the sheer speed and angles of lean as they sped by, and the noise and the smell of racing oil, black leathers, silver ‘pudding basin’ helmets, I was hooked instantly on the magic of it all, I was on a high for days.

Afterwards I got a job as a motorcycle mechanic apprentice. One day we heard this amazing sound and a chap turned up on a Manx Morton a Manx on the road? Most 500cc singles were beyond my capability to start because was very light, under 9 stone. I had to be content with two strokes, but I lusted after that Manx Norton.

Anyway, at the Blackpool Motorcycle Show I sat on the last Manx Morton to come from Bracebridge St; it was a beauty and cost £450. My wages were £4 a week. When later I had a 750 Commando I was able to blow off the Manx Nortons in a straight line, but not round the bends.

The Manx has to be my most beautiful bike - a Legend