THIRTY motorbikes, dating from 1935 onwards, are being auctioned in Stroud today.
The 1942 Harley-Davidson 1200cc Model U, pictured here, is being offered in today’s Stroud Auctions’ sale.
It was built – with a sidecar attached – in 1942 for the American military and sent to South Africa, where it remained until the 1980s when it was brought to Belgium.
A mechanic bought it in 1988 and rebuilt the bike, which was on the road again by May of 1990.
He took part in many rallies and road trips, mostly on the continent; one of the first being a Belgian Lede, Butgenbach, Lede trip in 1990.
Other trips include 15 Belgian Nine Provinces rallies; Liege,Milan and back to Liege in 1997; Liege, Andorra and back to Liege in 1999; Coupes Moto Legende, Dijon, France and Poland and back in 2011; seven VMCC Welsh Dragon tours and multiple further continental tours.
The most miles he travelled in one day was around 800, which he did confess was a long day and resulted in spending most of the next day in bed.
Also included in today’s auction is a collection of Stroud interest motorcycle trial ephemera and medals relating to R.W. Sutton.
R.W.Sutton was a local biker who won a silver medal in the 1936 Exeter and 1938 Land’s End trials, on a motorcycle, both notable national events of their day. He also took part in local events.
The lot includes silver medals for the 1936 Exeter, 1938 Land’s End and 1948 Inter-Club Team trials, 1938 Exeter trial bronze medal and 1947 Stroud Valley Motor Club bronze medal.
More information can be found at www.stroudauctions.co.uk
Thursday’s auction has been postponed.
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Source: Stroud News & Journal by Matty Airey