The importance of generational inspiration in the vintage motorcycle world cannot be underestimated at a time when interest from the new-kids-on-the-block is on tenterhooks. It is all about passing down the vibe, and so it was awesome to see a father and son trio tip up at the 75th Banbury Run – all on veteran Bradbury machines.
Mike Wills has kindly put some words together on his experience of the day, and who better placed than the Bradbury VMCC Marque Specialist.
My interest in the Banbury Run and Bradbury Motor cycles originates from my late Father. He rode in the first Banbury Run in 1949 on a Triumph and after visiting the Pioneer Run wanted a veteran and found a 1911 Bradbury locally to him which he restored and rode in the 1950 Banbury Run and several more in the 1950’s – sometimes with a sidecar in which my mother was the passenger. I took over the sidecar seat in the 1962 Banbury and then in 1971 was able to ride myself on a 1914 Bradbury. My father and I rode in the 25th Banbury and I have ridden in the 50th and 75th as well.
I have grown up with Bradburys and acquired more information about the company and became the VMCC Bradbury Marque Specialist. My Bradbury collection ranges from 1904 to 1923 and I have ridden them in events all over the UK, Ireland and Holland, and have completed three John O’Groats to Lands End runs on 1911 and 1912 Bradburys.
I was very keen to ride in the 75th Banbury Run and hoped that my two sons, Matt and Andy, would join me. They had in the past been sidecar passengers on the run and were keen to join me.
There were a couple of problems with this idea. Andy only had a provisional licence and needed to pass his A2 test to be able to be insured to ride. As a student in Leeds opportunities were limited but he succeeded in the Easter holidays.
The next problem was what to ride. As a keen Veteran rider I wanted us to all ride veterans, and Bradburys.
My 1912 Bradbury seemed to be running alright and as Matt had ridden it a little that was to be his machine.
For Andy I had a 1914 Bradbury with a 3 speed gear which was relatively easy to ride and I had used it for many years in the past including the Banbury Run, but it had not been used for nearly 20 years! However after a check over it started easily and Andy had a trial run during his Easter holiday and seemed to manage without issue. So that was two bikes sorted…
But what was I to ride? My 1911 Bradbury was in bits awaiting new engine bearings so was not an option. I had recently “finished” another 1912 Bradbury, but it was untried. It was entered for me to ride but due to various other things happening I did not get to try it until about three weeks before the event and although it started it did not run well and lacked power. The magneto was changed and the carb off the 1911 was fitted which produced some improvement but I was still not happy. I fitted another reconditioned carb which produced further improvements. After a few trial runs we decided that although not as good as I wanted, it was useable.
Both Matt and Andy said they would help with push starting (single gear no clutch) and we agreed to give it a try and after loading the trailer arrived at the start at the British Motor Museum at Gaydon on the day of the event, albeit I was somewhat apprehensive.
We started at our due time and someone on the start line kindly gave me a push and off we went, managing to go slow enough for the traffic lights to turn green and I did not need to stop. The first few miles seemed to be going ok and Matt and Andy were coping well. At various junctions my bike would not pick up from low revs and stalled so a push was needed so was not happy with the bike but we decided to carry on.
There were a few hills which would normally not be a problem for my usual Bradbury but this one was down on power and needed to be pushed to the top a few times.
At one stage I took a wrong turn and was separated from the boys but did manage to start the bike by myself. We managed to find each other and Andy kept telling me we were going to finish but about five miles away worrying noises came from the engine which fortunately went away.
Despite the issues with my bike but thanks to Matt and Andy helping with starting and pushing up hills we did manage to finish together.
I was pleased to finish the 75th Banbury Run with Matt and Andy for whom it was their first Banbury as riders having been sidecar passengers in previous years. Matt has also help on the start line in the past.
I was disappointed with the performance of the bike below what it should be, but at least it got to the finish. More work is needed before next year.
So three generations of the Wills family have ridden in the Banbury Run and am grateful to Matt and Andy for helping to make it a very special day for me.
an article by Mike Wills for The Girder Club
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