Rocket power: UK-built machining centres produce engine parts for the first production motorcycle to exceed 2 litres

摘要

Those of a certain age may remember the days when cars of any sort were far from being every-day transport. Trams and trolley buses plied our towns and cities, and the motorcycle was the preferred mode of transport for many working men. BSA, Triumph, Velocette, Matchless, AJS and Royal Enfield were just some of the popular marques, and the 350cc motorbike was a favourite with commuters, while 500cc bikes were regarded as the reserve of those seeking a more sporty performance. With marriage and the arrival of children, many motorcyclists simply bolted a sidecar to their bike to create transport for the family. That said, there was one motorcycle that was more-or-less designed specifically for the task of hauling a sidecar and heavy loads - the 650cc Panther with its massive, sloping, single-cylinder engine. Although Panthers could hardly be called high-performance machines - you could almost count the engine revs when cruising at 50mph - it was not unknown for one of them with a sidecar to transport a family of five and tow a caravan containing the luggage and other essentials for a two-week holiday.