Recommissioning our bike collection
March 15, 2024
We’ll start with our 1962 Norton, Paul has cleaned out the tank and carb. He has checked for a spark. Our 1961 Matchless up next.
classic bike
A Different Type Of Arrival
October 11, 2023
Every now and again, a classic vehicle enters the Bridge Classic Cars workshop that most of us haven’t seen before. One such vehicle is our
tomboy_a_bit – Francis Barnett Feature – January 2021
February 1, 2021
Back in 2019, we shot with Deimante aka @tomboy_a_bit at Bentwaters. Deimante is a die-hard motorbike fanatic and we couldn’t think of anyone more experienced
tomboy_a_bit – October 2020
October 1, 2020
Ahead of the Live Draw tonight, our biker buddy tomboy_a_bit shared this cool picture of herself on our 1963 BSA Trials Bike. There’s now only
“Brand New In Box” Motorbike
September 23, 2020
It’s not often we see the term ‘brand new, still in box’ when it comes to classic motorcycles. But unbelievably, this 1977 British-built motorbike is
Project Cafe Racer
December 12, 2019
The exciting Suzuki GSX 400T Cafe Racer project continues! We’ve stripped down the bike and are assessing which parts will be modified, which parts will
Recommissioning our bike collection
March 15, 2024
We’ll start with our 1962 Norton, Paul has cleaned out the tank and carb. He has checked for a spark.
Our 1961 Matchless up next. We have checked for spark, cleaned out the fuel tap and free’d up the carb float needle. Paul has then attempted to start but the carb needs removing and jets cleaning.
Then he took on our 1955 Velocette Viper. He’s remove the tank and flushed out. Clean the carb and taps, started and ran up beautifully.
A Different Type Of Arrival
October 11, 2023
Every now and again, a classic vehicle enters the Bridge Classic Cars workshop that most of us haven’t seen before. One such vehicle is our Solex Moped 3300 which came into our collection recently.
The Solex moped is a classic and iconic motorised bicycle that was originally produced by the French company Solex as a way to help mobilise the people of France after the Second World War.
Engine
Solex mopeds are known for their simple and efficient engines. The most common engine type is a small, air-cooled, two-stroke engine, usually mounted on the front wheel. These engines provided a relatively low top speed, making Solex mopeds suitable for short-distance urban commuting.
Friction Drive
One of the most distinctive features of the Solex moped is its friction drive mechanism. The engine’s roller contacts the bicycle wheel, transferring power to it through friction. This design eliminated the need for a chain or belt drive, making the Solex moped unique and easy to maintain.
Pedal Assistance
Solex mopeds typically had pedals, like ours, allowing the rider to assist the engine by pedalling, much like a traditional bicycle. This made them accessible to a wide range of riders and also meant that they could be operated without a driver’s license in many countries.
Popularity
Solex mopeds enjoyed immense popularity in France and many other parts of Europe in the 1950s and 1960s. They were affordable and offered a practical means of transportation for many people.
8 million Solex mopeds were sold between 1946 and 1988 when production ended in France.
Our Solex Moped
Our Solex Moped will be staying with us. However, we are planning on using it in a way that is as unique as its design. We are going to hang it on a wall as a decoration and a tribute to the simple yet practical nature of this classic vehicle.
tomboy_a_bit – Francis Barnett Feature – January 2021
February 1, 2021
Back in 2019, we shot with Deimante aka @tomboy_a_bit at Bentwaters. Deimante is a die-hard motorbike fanatic and we couldn’t think of anyone more experienced than her to test out our beloved trial bike.
Deimante produced this video seen below where she talks about the interesting history of the bike and the quirks of riding it. From that day, we gathered plenty of photos and videos, some of which you’ll see on our website and other bits you can find on Deimante’s social media, so keep an eye out!
This charming bike is up for sale with us and you can check it out here.
tomboy_a_bit – October 2020
October 1, 2020
Ahead of the Live Draw tonight, our biker buddy tomboy_a_bit shared this cool picture of herself on our 1963 BSA Trials Bike.
There’s now only a couple of hours to go before we finally find out who the lucky winner is. This bike is great fun, easy to ride and a firm biker classic.
Even though tomboy_a_bit is new to the world of classic motorbikes, she too couldn’t help fall in love with them; “It’s got so much character!” She said about our BSA, “I can’t wait to ride another classic bike soon.”
Make sure you tune in to watch the Live Draw tonight at 7pm over on our Facebook page.
If you want to be involved in the action, check out our current competition line up to see what other cars and bikes we have up for grabs.
“Brand New In Box” Motorbike
September 23, 2020
It’s not often we see the term ‘brand new, still in box’ when it comes to classic motorcycles. But unbelievably, this 1977 British-built motorbike is still in it’s original shipping crate some 43 years later.
The Norton Commando was shipped to a customer in Belgium who kept it in it’s original box until the time they decided to part with it. It’s since been put up for auction and is estimated to bring in approximately £20,000-£30,000.
Although we don’t know the reasons why the owner decided never to unbox this beauty, we see it time and time again where cars and bikes that are shipped overseas don’t end up getting claimed. Usually because of import taxes and other fees, it’s an expensive game!
We love classic bikes here at Bridge, so much so we’re currently running a competition for one incredibly lucky winner to become the new owner of our fantastic 1963 BSA Trials bike. Head to the Bridge Classic Cars Competitions website to enter.
On your bike!
Project Cafe Racer
December 12, 2019
The exciting Suzuki GSX 400T Cafe Racer project continues! We’ve stripped down the bike and are assessing which parts will be modified, which parts will be replaced and which parts will be surplus to requirements. We’ve had the engine running again and it looks to be in fairly good condition. Most of the work required on the bike will be cosmetic to fit it’s new, tougher Cafe Racer look. The next steps will see Paul, our motorcycle expert at Bridge Classic Cars Refurbishing parts that will be re-installed onto the motorcycle.
