FAMILY VALUES

My friend Joss, who runs the motorcycle section of the Swaton Vintage Day, heard about this Royal Enfield Clipper which had been hidden away in a barn for 46 years, last taxed in 1972. His father had owned a similar Enfield from 1958, a 350 single, until 1972. So Joss felt he had to buy the Clipper – the first Royal Enfield he has owned.

Joss didn’t fancy riding around on old tyres and tubes, so these have been replaced. The brake shoes were relined and a new chain fitted. A new carburettor has also been fitted, as has a wiring loom. Hitchcocks Motorcycles supplied a folding kickstart, as Joss did not like the fixed-style one originally fitted. The Enfield Club confirmed that the matching engine and frame numbers are correct. Spare parts have been easy to source and Hitchcocks are very helpful. The machine is running well now and Joss reckons it’s faster than his BSA 350 military spec B40, which is lower geared. The Enfield’s engine still smokes a bit; hopefully this may clear up but if not a new piston will be fitted.

The paintwork is ‘as found’ and the paint on the petrol tank has been worn away revealing the shiny metal. Joss feels that the previous owner may have regularly ridden with a bag resting on the tank. He is impressed with the quality of the fittings and the aluminium on the machine, which should polish up nicely.

The photo shows Joss and his father, who passed away recently, making the Clipper even more important to the family.

Roy Workman, member 109