CCM

Unprecedented orders and plans for grand expansion

SMART MATERIALS

The Spitfire’s trellis frame is a visual joy, but it’s not all welded steel. Knowledge from the high-tech frame of the GP450 means CCM understand modern materials, like the cast aluminium subframe parts.

ADVENTURE EVOLUTION

The EX-BMW single in the GP450 is only Euro 3 compliant, so the innovative and capable dual-purpose chassis in going to be home to the Spitfire engine instead. Testing of the new GP600 is due to start in spring. It’ll silence those who find the 450 lacking.

UP, UP AND AWAY

CCM used to get orders for around 30 bikes a month. Unprecedented orders (and a vast reserve list) for the Spitfire means the small Bolton firm have already upped staff levels to 50, and have plans for a new purposebuilt factory with five times the space. Expect more fresh bikes to follow.

ON THEIR WAY NOW

First shown at the MCN London Show last February, Spitfires are now being assembled for delivery before Christmas. There are three stations along this bed where CCM’S handwelded frames (same grade steel as a Spitfire fighter’s fuselage) meet the 600cc single. They’ll make 150; the following Scrambler, Café Racer and Flat-track versions are limited to 250.

WHEELS NOT WINGS

Skunk Works was the experimental department at Lockheed aircraft. Its name inspired the group of staff who apparently created the Spitfire ‘behind the scenes’ – including welder Ted Unwin, one of the original staff from CCM in the early 1970s.

TRIED AND TESTED

CCM’S approach is the same as ever, with proven engines and quality components joined using their own hand-made frames. Today’s trend for traditional and bespoke motorbikes plays to their strengths.

‘The Spitfires are being assembled for delivery before Christmas’