Comerford's Cub

My first motorcycle was a 250 Greeves 'Scottish' way back in '63 (or was it '64?) which cost £60 - a lot of money back then. At the time I'd just started at Folkestone Art School and occasionally used the bike to travel the seventeen miles from Greatstone, usually when I'd got up late and missed the bus or maybe just to enjoy a sunny ride up the coast. The art school had a Painting and Decorating dept. where lads were taught the necessary basic skills in order to get employed in that profession (I don't recall any lassies on the course); it served as a sort of apprenticeship. Anyways..., I noticed one of the lads closely scrutinising my battered Greeves during a morning tea break and we struck up a conversation - the P&D lot and us arty-farty types rarely interacted, if at all; our two tribes always keeping a respectful distance. But, interestingly, this lad and I had a mutual interest: trials riding. Unlike me, this lad seemed quite knowledgeable about the local trials scene. Turned out he was Dave Weller who rode a JAH Cub with semi-works support by Jock Hitchcock Motorcycles of Folkestone. Needless to say we became pals.

Dave Weller and his mate Robin Meades (was that his name?) were the two promising youngsters that Jock supported on trials Cubs after supporting the young Gordon Farley who, by this time ('64-'65?), had moved up to London to join the Comerford's workshop team. As a Triumph works rider, Farley rode a trials Cub which he started modifying to save weight and become more competitive. Thus was born the Comerford's Cub, instantly recognisable by the special silencer, petrol tank, oil tank and plastic petrol cap 'borrowed' from the Triumph Tina scooter.

I achieved a long-held ambition to buy a Comerford's Cub a few years back, unfortunately after I'd retired from mud-plugging so I never rode it competitively. Sold it in order to buy a 410 Matchless which, again, I didn't ride competitively. Bit later, I noticed 'my' Cub up for sale again looking a bit tattier and at a higher price. I then began noticing that Cubs generally were rocketing in price and many were being modified by trials specialists. Kept a few photos for my files which I find interesting. And today I noticed a Comerford's Cub up for sale on eBay. Seems genuine, but has lights and a sidestand so may have been used as a road bike rather than a trials iron. Priced at just under £6k which may seem expensive but I've seen one advertised at £8.5k (with modified 220cc engine).

Top photo - £8.5k Comerford's Cub (June 2018). Middle photo - £5795 (June 2021). Bottom photo - Farley's 'works' Cub £6450 (June 2018).

Interesting! Today's eBay ad for the Com Cub (middle pic) priced at £5795 has been deleted and replaced by the same ad and wording apart from a price hike of £500 to £6295!!! Perfectly legal of course, but it suggests the seller (a dealer) has received a lot of interest which maybe made him think the original price was a bit low. Just goes to show the continued popularity of  genuine Comerford's Cubs, even ones that have been modded for road use.

   

Moto Guzzi Nevada

When I was younger, one of the first things I used to look for in bike test reports was the bhp figure, then probably the insurance cost. Now I'm a geriatric old fart with short legs and a back problem, one of the first things I look for is saddle height. This is because I have trouble getting my leg over (cue canned laughter). So when I recently decided to get my last-ever bike I scoured the internet for saddle height info and, another limiting factor, cost. Fancied a Harley V-Rod with good low seat, but cost ruled that out. Then thought of a BMW F650 with the seat lowering option, but..., nah. Then, while delving through an old issue of Bike magazine which I'd kept because it featured a report on the Transalp 50th anniversary model, I spotted a previously overlooked report on the Guzzi Nevada. Good engine size (750cc), a twin, Italian brio, shaft drive and..., low saddle. Then checked the internet for further info. Rubbish bhp figure but still had good reports although it's wrongly regarded as a ladies bike - sexist twaddle. And..., the model was updated in 2012 with increased power and torque. Right, that's the one for me! Checked the ads. No latest models being sold second-hand. Loads (well, a few) of the pre-latest model versions available, but didn't want 'em. The only option seemed to be to buy new. Whaaat!! Ridiculous idea. Something will turn up. Sure enough, spotted an ad for a one owner model with just 1490kms (926 miles) in 'as new' nick for just €4700 (about £4200) being sold by a small dealer in NW France, in the depths of winter (February), in the middle of that coronavirus Covid-19 lockdown. Not a good time for selling, but great for buying. Snapped it up (dealer was probably surprised it sold quickly to a mad Brit buyer who hadn't even seen or test driven the thing!). Had it delivered. Stunning. No regrets. Dead chuffed. Bit later I spotted another one with a much higher kilométrage and considerably higher price. Reckon I got a bargain.

Ducati 851

Following Cagiva's takeover (or partnership with or investment in Ducati?) in 1985(?) Ducati at last received the vital cash injection necessary to fund their much needed technological advancement. The first Ducati bike produced with Cagiva's elephant motif on the petrol tank was the 851, so called because its engine was an 851cc twin. Designed by Massimo Bordi this bike was the successor to the 750 F1 and featured four-valve cylinder heads and water cooling (the F1 had two-valve heads and air cooling) plus a whole host of other improvements. Typically, Ducati enjoyed racing success with this model, ridden by Marco Lucchinelli and Raymond Roche. The 851 ran from 1987 to 1992 and in 1991 the engine was enlarged to 888cc and the Ducati 888 was born.

At around the late '80s I joined some ad agency where I had quite a big company car package. Being more interested in bikes than cars (though I do like cars as well) I had a word with the agency's finance director who allowed me to have a small car as well as some motorbike instead of the usual flashy adland car. Probably thought I was nuts, but did I care? Nah. Say hello to a new Mini Cooper and a Ducati 851 (dual seater, of course). I was penalised something rotten for this package by the taxman, but did I care? Nah. Ran the bike in gently then set off for a two week trip to Florence, two-up. Wasn't exactly the most practical bike for touring, or the most comfy for her ladyship, the pillion in a million, but it was fun to ride, especially through Italy. I remember pootling slowly through some country town or village then passing the 'speed restriction ends' sign and giving it some welly while wallowing in the music of the bellowing exhausts. Sheer joy. Then was stopped by a couple of cops. Pleaded insanity due to being a Brit - well, to be more exact, English/Scots/Irish. Cops fully understood that anyone giving a Ducati the full beans on a quiet road should be complimented on their choice of motorcycle and then sent off on their merry way. At least that's how I saw it. They probably couldn't be arsed to do loads of paperwork when they didn't speak English and the Brit idiot didn't speak Italian.

         

Ducati Laguna Seca and Santamonica

The Ducati bug had bitten (see earlier F1 posting) and I was now a big fan of the marque. Unbeknown to me this period of time (the mid-'80s) was a stepping stone between the old Ducati company and the new (post-Cagiva investment). Also at this time, the engineering designer Tamburini joined Ducati - he later would design the iconic 916. And, at around this time, Ducati launched the Paso with its enclosed bodywork. Somewhat surprisingly, I reckoned this was a great looker, so I stupidly sold the F1 and nipped down to the Ducati dealership at Dorking(?) where the guy who ran the place (importer - forgotten his name) luckily talked me out of the Paso and into a new limited edition model that was about to be launched by the factory in celebration of Marco Lucchinelli's victory at the Laguna Seca Daytona track 'Battle of the Twins' in 1986. 

Unfortunately they didn't have one, or any photos, but I took his word for how brilliant it was and ordered one (I think that was the sequence of events, but I could be wrong - has been known). In hindsight, either he was a brilliant salesman or I was could see into the rosy future of Ducati - I think it was probably the former. He also suggested I ordered it with a Verlicchi silencer, which I did despite not knowing that it was rather decibelly. I vaguely remember he seemed disappointed on my insistence for a dual seat. Anyways, the bike duly arrived at the dealership (in 1987) and the chap rang me up and excitedly said "it's here, and it looks like an MV!" 

Collected it and rode it home to Southfields, grinning like a Cheshire cat all the way. Performance-wise it seemed a bit more responsive than the F1; probably something to do with the 40mm Dell'Orto carbs (F1's were 36mm I think - could be wrong, has been known), higher compression ratio and redesigned cylinder heads with bigger valves I think (could be wrong, has been known). Loved that bike. Sold it a bit later for something sensible (doh). Can't remember what. Should have kept it mothballed and bought a Honda 50 as a runaround. Crikey, how often have I said that!

The Ducati Santamonica (see photo below), again based on the F1, was also launched in 1987. I understand this bike was exactly the same as the Laguna Seca except for the colour scheme, brakes and wheels - and it was only available as a dual seater. Like the Seca, the Santamonica is rare as hen's gnashers and so prices have climbed accordingly. A quick search of the internet shows that both bikes were going for around £18k ish a couple of years ago, but now with interest rates on savings being zilch, zero and nada, people are investing their dosh in fun stuff like watches, old cameras, classic cars and, of course, bike exotica such as Vincents etc., Ducatis included. Interestingly there's a Santamonica currently being advertised on eBay by a Sheffield classic bike dealership - 1988, just 1369 miles, asking price... £29,980!

    

Ducati 750 F1

After having owned quite a few Jap bikes and BMWs up to the mid '80s, I hankered after something Italian for a change, maybe an MV or a Ducati. I'd sort of steered clear of these beauties, mainly because they were quite pricey and I'd read reports of electrical problems and pricey servicing. The bike that I rather fancied was the Ducati Hailwood replica Mille. Looked at one in David Robinson's Ducati shop in Wandsworth (his shop's still there), but thought it was a bit big, and the long wheelbase meant it probably wasn't exactly nimble. And it was pricey. But the Duke bug had bitten. Then I thought the 750 F1 would be a bit more practical, and I loved the look of the bike with its racy styling and Italian flag colours. Bought one, second hand naturally. Had it for about a year then sold it. Missed it so bought another, second hand again. Never had a problem with either of them. Both dual seaters so Geo could ride shotgun. Not the most comfy bike though, according to her.

Honda CBX1000

This bike was launched in 1978 as a statement of Honda's superiority in the motorcycle world. It was as if they had thrown down the gauntlet and shouted "follow that, chaps". With its six cylinder, six carburetter, 1047cc engine it grabbed the headlines and was immediately a fave poster on many a kid's (and indeed adult's) bedroom wall. Riders dreamed of owning such a gem. Me too. As luck would have it, I eventually bought one, second hand, with a low mileage. She was pristine and, naturally, she was stabled indoors. Rode her to France, two-up. An unforgettable journey. She was heavy with spindly tyres and weedy forks (by today's standards), but no other bike can match the sheer joy of accelerating out of a corner with that creamy power and glorious exhaust note.

Yamaha Fazer FZS600

Yamaha's 600 Fazer mk1, mk2 and mk3 (1998-2003) are regarded as five star bikes by Bike magazine and are slowly becoming classics. Strange really, because the original 600 Fazer was a cheapo parts bin special cobbled together to compete with Honda's Hornet and Suzuki's Bandit, but somehow the mongrel worked brilliantly and was an instant success. The engine was nicked from Yamaha's Thundercat, detuned to 95bhp (smaller carbs), bolted to a basic steel frame, and fitted with a front brake from the R1 parts bin. Negatives include the 9mm front sprocket nut which was prone to coming undone with dire consequences (Yamaha advised a 12mm replacement), a cheapo exhaust system (excluding silencer) which quickly rotted away when exposed to the winter elements, a dipped single headlight that was almost useless in the dark and a badly positioned rear brake caliper that was exposed to road spray, salt, mud, horse poo, etc. The mk3 Fazer (2003) had a few minor modifications but wasn't as highly regarded as the original. This was the last of the 'real' Fazers which were eventually killed off by Euro emissions and noise regulations. The mk4 (04-05) was powered by the buzzier, harsher, revvier R6 engine and "isn't as good as the old bike as a day-in, day-out commuter". ( 1999 Fazer FZS600 pictured.)

Cheetah trials

A Cheetah Cub trials bike has recently appeared on Fleebay. Most Cheetahs were powered by Villiers 37A engines so one with a Cub motor is quite a rarity (I believe only five were built). Opening bid set at £4k and, as yet, nobody's nibbled. But I'm sure it'll eventually go for around £5k. It looks in very good nick with a rebuilt engine and Dellorto carb, but it's not road registered. The strong point about a Cheetah is the lightweight frame made of Reynolds 531 tubing. These frames are works of art constructed around 1966-7 by ace welder and trials rider Mick Whitlock and trials bike dealer and engineer Bob Gollner, both of Hampshire. I reckon this is altogether a good looking bike and a wise investment. Or a darned good trials iron to ride in pre-'65 classic trials. I'll keep an eye on the bidding. - P.S. One bid at £4k. Sold.

Walter Kaaden

As previously mentioned I'm a big fan of MZs. People may consider their bikes to be dull and boring but back in the 60s they were a force to be reckoned with on the GP circuits. Much of their success was due to race manager Walter Kaaden's pioneering engine development with exhaust technology. Such was his expertise that the Suzuki racing company arranged for Ernst Degner (East German MZ racer) to jump the Iron Curtain and join the factory in Japan. In doing so, Degner presented the Japs with many of Kaaden's technological secrets together with some hushed-up engine parts. Armed with Kaaden's extensive engineering knowledge the Japs then began their dominance of GP racing, firstly with Suzuki then the others.

What many people don't realise is that the great Mike Hailwood rode for MZ (see photo 1). Photo 2 shows start of 1967 250cc GP at Sachsenring with MZ riders Heinz Rosner (101), Derek Woodman (103) and Hartmut Bischoff (100). Photo 3 shows Kaaden with Hailwood, Alan Shepherd(?), Degner and another racer. Interesting, huh?

 

BSA Bantam D1

Years ago "when I were a lad" BSA Bantams were common as muck. I remember buying one as a Greatstone-on-Sea teenager in 1964 for a fiver, repainting it grey and silver (pea soup green seemed so dull) and selling it for a tenner to a Dungeness power station worker who used it as a daily commuter from New Romney. Bought another couple or three since then for fun, or maybe as a throwback to a time when motorbikes were simple to work on. Being curious, I've just checked a couple of websites to see what prices they're going for, or rather what sellers are asking, and am gobsmacked to see one advertised for £3500. Crikey! Interesting to note that while the Bantam was launched in 1948 as a true British motorcycle its design was blatantly nicked from the German DKW RT125 which, I presume, fell into British hands after the war.

Dec 29 2020 - There's a renovated 1953 D1 (see below) currently on eBay. The bidding's up to £2550 with five days to go. Could go for a big price. (Went for £2750.)

19 Sept 2021 - 1970 GPO Bantam 175cc on eBay, asking price £4295. Crikey.

 

 

Yamaha RD500LC

Must have been around 1984. I'd recently lashed out millions (not exactly, but to a young pauper such as I, it felt like it) on a brand new Yamaha RD350YPVS which was my pride and joy. Kept it indoors, parked in the hallway. On one of its first runs I rode it to work in Covent Garden. Parked it in an alleyway, did a hard day's graft and looked forward to riding it home. But..., it'd been nicked. Felt bad, gutted, physically sick, almost suicidal. Luckily the bike was insured against theft. And luckily they paid up. Lesson learnt. In future park more sensibly in open view and invest in a top-notch lock (this was before bike nicking really took off in London).

As a replacement motorcycle I naturally thought same again. But, as luck would have it, there were press rumours that Yamaha were about to launch a V4 RD500LC which was being marketed as a road-legal version of their fabulous V4 racers as ridden by my hero Kenny Roberts. Soon as I twigged that the rumours were true I whizzed down to Portman Motorcycles in Guildford (where I'd bought the nicked RD350) and begged them to get me one of the RD500s whenever they arrived in the UK. Told them my sob story about having my bike nicked. Must have taken pity on me because they promised I'd be top of their list. True to their word, a few weeks later I rode my brand new RD500 from their Guildford showroom to my Southfields gaff, gently running in that magnificent engine while tingling with excitement at owning one of the world's most desirable bikes.

Interesting to note that examples of this machine are now being advertised for around £16k or more (I spotted a rebuilt Marlboro RD500 advertised for £23k but I guess it won't sell at that price). Interesting also to note that Suzuki followed Yamaha's lead and soon launched their race replica: the RG00. Although the Suzi was faster, I much preferred the Yam. Still do.

Sept 2021 - Two good 'uns for sale, both 1985: 19137 kms (11891 miles) in London dealership for £21989 and one in France for €18500 (about £17200) with 39500 kms (about 23000 miles).

 

MZ ISDT

Just spotted a rebuilt 250 MZ ISDT for sale on eBay. Seems a good 'un and the asking price of just under £5k may be a tad optimistic but, there again, it could be about right. Definitely a collector's item and probably a good investment as it looks in excellent condition. Seller description states that it runs well after its extensive rebuild and is UK road registered. Also it goes like a rocket! I had one of the later versions (orange and white) a few years back and I remember its lively response when given a handful. Great fun.

April '20. Another one (see below) has just turned up on eBay. It's apparently a minter with just 16kms on the speedo. Description states that it runs fine. Wish I could afford it. Price £7995

Nov '20. Another one (see below) has just landed on eBay. Looks a bit rough. £5500 seems a bit high.

Oct '21. This one (see below) went for £10900 after a last-minute bidding war on eBay. How much?!!!

Honda 400/4 F2

Ooh! Gorgeous! A mint, unused, 400/4 F2 (the later one with the passenger footrests mounted on extensions of the bike frame, rather than the swinging arm as on the F1 which results in the passenger's legs going up and down in unison with the rear suspension). This little beauty is up for sale at a couple of smackeroonies under £12k on eBay. Has to be one of my fave Hondas with its four cylinder engine and elegant four-into-one exhaust system. I vaguely remember an MCN article before the bike was launched which reported that the design team came to England to look at a number of different 'café racers' for styling tips. Not sure exactly what conclusions they drew but the little 400/4 has a sort of café-racer-style tank and an uncluttered look which contrasted with most other Japanese models. If I remember correctly, a third-hand F1 was my first bike after leaving college. Compared to my college runaround Honda 50 it was massive. However, bought an F2 around 30 years later and was immediately struck by how small it felt. And underpowered, compared with my previous Fireblade! Anyways..., looking back at all the bikes I've been fortunate to own, the 400/4 F2 has to be right up there as one of my all-time favourites.

 

Ariel HT5 and HT3

The 500cc Ariel HT5 is one of the most iconic trials bikes out there. It's extremely popular with pre-'65 trials riders, thanks mainly to the huge success enjoyed by Sammy Miller back in the '60s and '70s with his legendary, lightweight and much modified HT5, famously known as 'GOV 132'. In its original form the HT5 is a bit too heavy and cumbersome so it's been 'tricked up' by a few specialists to make it more suited to modern trials. Jim Susans produced a few versions back in the '90s and they're now collectors' items (he built one for me and I always regret selling). Ex-road racer Mick Grant built one and competed with much success, as has Frenchman Joel Corroy. Another name that comes to mind is John Bartram who built a number of HT5 frames which were much more lightweight than the original. Because of the HT5's popularity and increasing rarity, prices are rocketing. Back in the '90s you could probably get hold of a good 'un for under £5k. But that's all changed. For example, there's one currently being advertised on eBay for £15500. Mind you, I can't imagine anyone paying that price and then riding it, say, in the gruelling terrain of the Scottish pre-'65 trial. So, if it sells, it'll probably end up mothballed in some millionaire's centrally-heated garage. Makes me think I should have asked more for my superb HT3 (the 350cc version) that I recently sold for about a third of that figure. (March 2019 update: HT5 advertised for £16500!)

£15500 eBay Oct 2013 + £17995 eBay July 2019

my old HT3 UOV **2 (Sam's was GOV 132)

March 2020.
The above photo is of an Ariel described as an HT3 being advertised on eBay for £7250. I reckon it's the HT3 that I owned some time ago (see earlier photos) which I sold for around £5k. The ally mudguards have been swapped for a couple of plastic items, the engine panel featuring the HT letters has been swapped for a plain item and, being unregistered, there's only a very slim chance of proving it's a genuine HT3, albeit a 'tricked-up' one with a Bartram frame, some Steve Gagg goodies and various other upgrades.

P.S. I sold the bike in 2013 and the present owner purchased in 2016 for apparently £7250 - the same price it's currently advertised for. What happened during those intervening three years? More than likely that was when an expensive modern 'bitsa' gained a 1950's identity and instant provenance. Maybe a 500 masquerading as a 350. With its newly acquired DVLA recognition it would have immediately qualified for the Scottish Two Day Trial and increased considerably in value. 

P.P.S.
May 2020. Bike now re-advertised on eBay for £6500.
June 2020. Now advertised by Stav Bikes of Chorley (a dealership) for £9995.
July 2020. As above.


On the subject of trials Ariels, here's a rather handsome specimen with an interesting reg. no., but is it really an Ariel, and is it really a pre-65, and is it really an HT? Hmm...

HT5 advertised in France, 2 Dec 2020 (see photo below), €10,500 (about £10,000)

 

Honda RTL360

One of my fave bikes has to be the works Honda RTL360 of Eddy Lejeune. I remember seeing him on it (or maybe it was a 250?) a couple of times when he rode in the Scottish Six Days Trial. A geat bike and a great rider. Did a bit of an internet search and discovered, somewhat surprisingly, that a works ex-Lejeune 360 is now owned by a very lucky French chap. I say 'surprisingly' because I understood that it was Honda company policy to 'crush' works bikes when they were no longer being used. Having said that, back in the '90s, I heard of another works RTL (a 250) that had escaped the crusher and was available for around £10k. Much prefer the fire-engine red 360 though. Perhaps the most desirable trials bike of all time.

 

Zero miles Yamaha GTS1000

Just spotted an unused, brand spanking new, burgundy coloured, Yam GTS being advertised for a penny under £10,000. Apparently it was registered in 2003 and immediately stored. It's probably the only unused GTS on the planet. A good investment for someone - unfortunately not me.

Yamaha GTS1000

Had one of these about ten years ago. Bit heavy, but great for touring. Rather expensive when new which put a lot of people off, so it wasn't the success that Yamaha were hoping for. The main feature that makes it stand out from the crowd is, of course, the hub centre steering which does away with conventional front forks. Makes for a very smooth ride and means you can brake in corners without affecting handling (no forks to compress under braking and wheelbase doesn't shorten when braking). Low slung engine and underseat petrol tank lower centre of gravity which further enhances handling (traditional petrol tank area houses airbox). Engine is basically the FZR1000, but slighly detuned and reset to provide greater midrange, housed in an 'Omega' frame. Altogether a fine machine which one bike mag recently voted 'coolest bike' (or some such title). Few were produced in the years '93 to '96 so those that survive are a rare breed. Spotted a one owner example recently that's only done about 7000 miles priced at a very reasonable four grand. Bargain. And surely a future classic. (Photo 'borrowed' from some other site.)

 

Honda CB1100RD

Favourite bike?  Tough question. I'd be hard pushed to narrow it down to six, but the question demands just one. Er..., umm..., I give up! Too tough to answer.

Okay, put it another way..., with a budget of five or six grand, what road bike would you actually buy, given that you can only have one...? Right..., tricky, but I'll go for Honda's superb CB1100RD. There, I've said it.

Prices are on the up, but I reckon a buyer could be lucky and find one for around the £6k mark. Or maybe not! Recently saw an RC advertised for nearly twelve grand! Silly money. Same for the CBX1000, RD500 and RG500. All four bikes are now collectors' classics and are consequently going up in value almost daily. But I'd only go for one of them!

29 Dec 2020  - Just spotted a 1982 model on eBay (see below) being advertised by a Sheffield classic bike dealer. Has the 4-into-1 exhaust fitted, one owner, 41616 kms, price £19,999. Wow! Yes, they do seem to have shot up in value, but the asking price ain't always the selling price. 

 

Then spotted a very similar model for sale in France (see below). Same year, 44930 kms, all standard with original 4-into-2 exhaust, price €15,390 (about £15,150) - about £4850 cheaper, but still pricey to a tight-fisted, elderly biker such as moi. Lovely bike though. Good investment.

MZ ETZ250

MZs - you either love 'em or hate 'em. Personally, I love 'em. They're simple, basic and honest. And, if properly serviced, they're reliable and capable of high mileages. What's more, even though some ill-informed bikers regard them as a joke, they actually make pretty good racers. Indeed, there's an MZ racing club which runs a series devoted entirely to MZs. And..., not that long ago, the engineering genius Walter Kaaden developed a grand prix bike which took on, and beat, the Japanese works bikes. And..., the great Mike Hailwood raced one, as did Bill Ivy (unfortunately Bill fell off one when he was pootling back to the pits without his helmet on - died from his head injury... very sad). Anyway, MZ works rider Ernst Degner (an East German and Kaaden's trusted jockey) defected from behind the Iron Curtain and resurfaced as a Suzuki works rider. Having gained Kaaden's MZ engineering secrets, Suzuki then began winning world championships with bikes that bore an uncanny similarity to Kaaden's MZs - take a look at Barry Sheene's Suzi for example. Then Honda and other Japanese racing factories followed suit. Thus, it's widely recognised that Japanese race brands owe a big debt of gratitude to MZ and Walter Kaaden in particular.

Anyways..., having owned five MZs in the past, I regularly keep a lookout for any good 'uns that come up for sale. Spotted this one the other day - a 1982 ETZ250 that's only done just over 4000 miles. Up for grabs at £800. Seems a good deal to me. Am trying really hard to resist the temptation to buy it, but I feel myself weakening...

Dammit! Someone beat me to it!

P.S. I've also included a photo of one of my fave MZ models, the TS250 which was produced from 1973 to 1982 (it's the blue one).

CCM 350

These magnificent thumpers now rarely come up for sale and good 'uns are increasing in value. Not long ago the top price was around £5000. However, I've just seen one being advertised for £6500. The ad unfortunately didn't have a photo but I imagine its condition is not unlike this fine specimen...

24/12/2018 Just spotted this one (see below) on eBay for £10,500

30/11/2019 This one (see below) on eBay £10,895

eBay Feb 2020 £12750

repeat of the above bike, eBay April 2020 £10750

eBay again Sept 2020 £10500