Coventry Eagle Flying 

That I’ve been fortunate enough to ride both ohv and side-valve Flying 8s, is something for which I’m grateful for. Which one was best? Well, the side-valve was a superbly good machine, but the overhead valve – in common with the SS100 Brough – is something else.

As mentioned earlier, these big, ohv 1000cc vintage machines really do feel like they’re ‘on the edge’ – basically, the ultimate development of the concept of a bicycle with an engine in it. And in the case of something like the Flying 8, that’s a 45bhp plus in a machine which has less effective brakes than my mountain bike, and worse suspension too, which puts the job into perspective. But properly thrilling to ride too, though quite a physical experience as well.

The side-valve Flying Eight actually felt more like an ohv machine, than a 1930s side-valve like, say, the Brough MX80 or big Enfield, or indeed the Matchless which is the main machine in this feature. It was surprisingly nimble too, and all-in-all just charming. The plan was I’d go back and ride it once it was all painted, plated and finished but for whatever reason the opportunity never presented itself.

The ohv Flying 8 I rode (pictured) was sold by Bonhams and is now resident in Germany, though, last I heard, was in regular and enthusiastic use.