M20/M21 496cc/591cc sv single || 425Ib || 55mpg || 65mph || 1937-55

A once ubiquitous antiquated side valve slogger that was kept in production by WD contracts and organisations such as the AA, who were looking a sidecar hauler with extra toughness rather than speed and sophistication. They don’t go terribly fast and aren’t that good at stopping either, but are very rugged riders, simply oozing character. Stretched to 591cc in 1946, it became the M21, which was made until 1963 with similar performance but greater thirst for both petrol and oil. They used to make fantastic rat bikes and can be made to go surprisingly fast, but most are now being restored, which is a shame.