JEFF CLEW
Contents
War abd the aftermath
The overhead-valve engine becomes a reality
Expanding options
Saddle tanks and wired-on tyres
The last years of the vintage period
Durther reading and clubs
Places to visit
Motorcycles fulfilled a useful role during the First World War. When production for the civilian market resumed, it was resumed, ti was mostly of pre-war designs with minor refinemnets. A general shortage of new models raised prices to a premium level. The countershaft. A general shortage of new models raised prices to a premium level. The countershaft gearbox was now in widespread use and pedalling gear no longer evident in competition events, British motorcycles were virtually unbeatable. By the mid 1920s the overhead valve engine came into its own, with enhanced performance, and then the overhead valve engine with even greater potential. Internal expanding hub brakes kept safety in step with increased performance. The later 1920s brought about futher replace acetylene lights. Appearance was improved when chromium plating took the place of nickel and the saddle tank rendered the old flat tank superfluous.
Jeff clew has been involved with motorcycles since 1946 and has owned over sixty different machines. An experienced competitor, he has ridden in most types of competitive events, including ten years of road racing, after which he became Chief Travelling Marshal for the British Motor Cycle Racing Club. Still an active rider, he has a small collection of nine motorcycles, all of which he has restored. He joined J.H. Haynes & Co Ltd in late 1972 to star up their series of Motorcycle Owners Workshop Manual and became the Haynes Publishing Group´s Executive Editorial Direcor until his retirement in 1991. He has written fourteen books, nineteen workshop manuals and innumerable features for magazines and newspapers, as well as appearing on radio and television. Jeff Clew was awarded the Montagu Trophy, the first time it had been awarded for a motorcycle marque history.
