MEMORIES OF BURNETT’S BIKES

In a universe where stars explode and black holes collide, creating chaos on a titanic scale, it is reassuring to read that one man can make a difference. I refer to the BSA Bantam restoration in RC201. To be able to take a rusty pile of scrap, and create a motorcycle that is probably better than new, is to restore harmony to a small corner of the universe.

Even better, I noticed that part of the registration number was RTP. I grew up in Portsmouth and recognised this as a local number. The author refers to the bike being originally purchased from EW Burnett of Southsea in 1971. I was a regular customer of Burnett’s in the late 1960s and well remember the two ancient brothers who owned the place. Spares were kept in a loft above the sales counter and one of the brothers would climb a ladder to fetch obscure parts for Rudge Ulsters and the like. I read in a local newspaper that the brothers were involved in preparing bikes for D Day. I particularly remember a new Norton ES2, which sat for years on the showroom floor, unable to compete with more fashionable modern offerings.

When I moved back to the area in 2003, I made a pilgrimage to where I thought the shop was, but the site was occupied by new houses. I suppose someone’s living room is now where the ghostly ES2 still patiently waits for a buyer.

Peter Cushnaghan, member 7906

Revisiting the bike haunts from our youth is often fun, as well as sometimes disappointing. When I was a Panther-riding learner I would go and get my spark plugs cleaned at Wood Street Motors in Taunton, a tiny hole-in-the-wall garage. And they’re still there! Frank W