Talking point
mcn.letters@motorcyclenews.com motorcyclenews motorcyclenews MCNnews
Put Whit on the mic
What a waste having Whitham stuck in the World Superbike paddock while Toseland babbles away in the commentary booth! Time for a switch-around.
John Roiche, email
Buy from proper dealers With regard to fake bike kit, which you made into a huge subject in last week’s issue. There isn’t really a major problem is there? Simply buy from reputable retailers, whether in store or online, problem solved. I am a jeweller and watch retailer and our industry has been awash with fakes for years. You need never get caught out though, as legitimate retailers don’t sell them! If an ‘AGV Carbon’ model is advertised as 90% off there’s a very good reason - it’s too good to be true!
John Gowing, Oxford
Ed: The key difference here is that a fake Rolex makes you look like a berk, a fake helmet could kill
Biking mystery solved
Back in December you printed a picture of my great, great aunt in 1929 sitting on an unknown motorcycle in Herne Bay, Kent. Through the VMCC I have now been given a very credible identification. Prior to that one of your team suggested that it could be an HRD Super 90. Anyway, the suggestion from the VMCC is that it was a New Henley. Sold initially as the Henley in 1920, by 1928 the firm became New Henley following a change of ownership. Initially built in Brum, the new owners took them north to Oldham. The marque closed in 1931. The gent that made the ID did justify his thoughts in writing, focusing on four minor details that he had gleaned from the picture, so in the absence of any better offers for the time being I am happy to accept his findings. Finally, I have also managed my first road trip of the year to visit said location and replicate the original picture.
Steve Rose, email
Ed: Thanks for the update! We love seeing people’s first bikes shots, email yourpics@motorcyclenews.com Not so smart options
Your recent pullout on electric bikes was interesting but as far as the charging network goes, what it didn’t address was what about those of us who don’t have and don’t want a smart phone. Also, I don’t have and don’t want a contactless card. I pay my bills with coins of the realm and if these faceless people don’t want my money then I don’t see it as my problem.
Martin Hirst, email
It’s not just hard for kids Getting a licence isn’t just a pain for young riders. Having promised myself I would get my licence when I retired at 67, I took my CBT, bought a 125, took the theory test and booked Mods 1 & 2. Training and testing was suspended due to Covid, then just before my test dates finally came around, my wife and one of my daughters came down with cancer, so I had to abandon that plan. Now, if I want to continue, I have to retake the theory. I have been driving cars and HGVs for 50 years without updating any tests, so why do I need to invest time and money into updating a test I took two years ago, to take a test which will allow me to take a second test which will allow me to ride a bike larger than 125cc, while in the meantime I can ride my 125 without any further tests or refreshment? Kevin Robson, email
Turning back time
My dad Ted is 90 and has been restoring a James Cadet. He had it out on a test ride on Saturday – last on the road in 1966. Awesome weekend with priceless memories. Crawford Hendy, email