Fractured phraseology

Just a few examples of often misused words or phrases scattered throughout various publications devoted to our old bike hobby.

It seems like a disproportionately large number of motorcycles advertised for sale are introduced as ‘barn find’ – are there really that number of barns in the UK still harbouring long-abandoned machines?

The rarer the better at auctions, where it seems that the more disreputable looking, the higher the price they command – or it did until the virus turned the world upside down!

Patina is a word commonly used to cover up a multitude of sins, worn out, battle scarred, rusty, oily and damaged – you are welcome to add your own descriptions to the list.

Fettling, or ‘if it ain’t broke, fix it till it is’, is a common activity of many of those whose ambitions, when it comes to repair work on motorcycles, far exceed their talents.

And, finally, that often used but confusing word ‘vintage’, which has little real meaning but confers the value of age.

There is no doubt that classic bike values have tumbled in the last few months; surely now is the time to search out the machine of your dreams or even your own Vincent in the barn.

There are always bargains to be had, particularly now, but the potential buyer needs to be cautious. Caveat emptor! Robin Haigh, Surrey

‘Fettling’ is most certainly not just the preserve of those with little talents, as I’m sure many of our readers will testify as there are many experts, racers and tuners who regularly fettle their machinery. And I now foresee a deluge of letters explaining the difference between ‘vintage’, ‘classic’ and ‘veteran’ motorcycles… Incidentally, I’m not so sure that there are many bargains to be found – I keep looking but I can’t see them!