The LAM Classic Run 2022

The LAM Classic Run 2022

LAM’s eagerly awaited annual Classic Run took place on 19th June, led as last year by Julian Clark on his 1968 Bonneville T120R. Also present were Mark Coltman on a tidy Norton Commando Interstate 750, Keith Smith on a Commando Roadster with an Interstate tank. Not strictly a classic but certainly quirky with its oversized swinging arm, fuel tank in the massive frame, belt final drive and rim mounted disc brake Martin Chamberlain attended in his 2006 Buell XB9 XS. Is this the acceptable face of Harley Davidson?

I tail-ended on my 1976 Morini Sport nominally a 350 but with 400cc cylinders. It was by far the smallest bike there. Also in attendance were Bernie Segal and Anthony Llewelyn-Davies on a GS and RT respectively. There’s must be a rule somewhere forbidding any LAM ride to take place without one each of these models.

We met at Godstone Flower Farm and after possibly the worst espresso I’ve ever tasted set off to tour the most scenic areas of Surrey Kent and East Sussex.

For lunch we stopped at Tenterden Station and saw a steam train pulling out as we arrived. Here the vote for best bike took place and I’m pleased to say that the 70s charm of the Morini, with its angular side panels, Borrani rimmed wire wheels and totally unnecessary double disc set up won the day.

Despite the age of - most of – our machines Julian led us at a pretty fair clip along minor roads, some well-known, others less so. When I returned home my sat nav showed 162 miles – a fair day’s ride for on a 45 year old 350 with a clip-on and rear-set riding position. 

Running repairs – where’s my multimeter?

The classic scene can attract some boring and obsessional types and it’s a hazard of ownership that people can feel entitled to pass the time of day with you whether you want to or not. However, it’s also a lot of fun if you have the right attitude. Spend a long day on one and you’ll also appreciate your modern bike all the more!

Read Andrew Craster’s article in next month’s Progress and you’ll all want to get one!

John McNally