TWO-STROKE GP BIKES VERSUS THUNDERING FOURS

+ Click to Enlarge FASTEST OF THE ITALIAN BIKES: Tony Jones on his 1983 Cagiva Alazzurra.

January 31, 2010
By Dave Abrahams

One of the most entertaining aspects of Classic Motorcycle racing – other than the sound track, which is an attraction in itself – is the variety of machinery the class attracts.

The motorcycle entry list for this weekend's International Historic Race meeting includes everything from a 1956 BSA Gold Star, to be ridden by Guy Moat, to a genuine GP machine in the shape of a 1983 Yamaha TZ250 two-stroke, in the hands of Gauteng visitor Ronan Schultz.

And unlike the parade of overseas riders on 1960's GP bikes at lunchtime (though that's also well worth watching) the local riders are racing for real – the weekend's two races, one on Saturday and one on Sunday, will make up the first round of the 2010 Classic and Vintage Superbike championships.

Hot favourite, however, must be David Bolding on his now-legendary 1983 Suzuki GSX1100 Katana "Big Bertha". Unbeatable in its day, the big Suzuki has not run in anger for several years and much will depend on it and its rider's fitness.

Challenging him will be the fastest of the Italian bikes, Tony Jones' 1983 Cagiva Alazzurra 650, Ashley Aldridge on a 1978 Suzuki GS1000 and John Kosterman on a 1981 Honda CB1100R.

British pride will be upheld by Moat and Bill Annets on a 1968 Norton Atlas 750, predecessor of the immortal Commando.

Among the wild cards will be Schultz (back in the day the GP two-strokes were every bit as quick as the big production fours), Kiwi Neill Wilkie, riding what was once the quickest BMW boxer twin on Killarney, and veteran Danie Maritz, who has entered an early Suzuki GSX-R superbike.

But the wildest card of all will be 2009 Isle of Man senior TT winner and lap record holder Steve Plater, who hasn't revealed what he'll be riding – but he'd be quick on a moped so keep an eye open for bike No.7 and prepare to be amazed.

Some of the big fours are astonishingly quick down the straights even by today's standards but have to back off for the corners while singles such as the Gold Star and the Yamaha SR500's of Simon Portlock and Gavin Essel make up for it with breathtaking cornering on incredibly narrow tyres.

All of which makes Classic Motorcycle racing completely unpredictable, this weekend's meeting more so than ever. Be there and see for yourself.