Yesterdays Vintage Motorcycles

20/07/2024

Sidecars come in all kinds of shapes and designs. Nowadays they are mostly one piece with the motorcycle. In the early days they were detachable and often suitable for different brands and types of motorcycles. Recently we acquired a small collection of sidecars. Among these there is one specific sidecar that stands out in terms of design. Unfortunately we do not know the maker of this sidecar “extravaganza”. The original wooden frame, covered with sheet metal, is still intact and in good condition. A large nickel plated bracket holds the window and functions as a support for the passenger when stepping in and out. According to tradition it was once mounted to a BMW R57.
Please take a look at our sidecar collection: https://www.yesterdays.nl/product-category/related-items/sidecars/

11/07/2024

By combining the frame of one brand with the engine of another brand, over the years, many motorcycle enthusiasts have tried to build their perfect motorcycle. The Triton (Triumph engine block in a Norton frame) is maybe the most known, but there were lots of others such as: HEDTON (Hedlund engine block in a Norton frame), MABSA (Matchless engine block in a BSA frame), NORBSA (Norton frame with a BSA engine block) or SUTON which stands for a mix of Suzuki and Norton. A combination on which the legendary Dutch road racer Hans Hutten, after appearing on the starting line at the Den Bosch circuit in 1970 with a 4-cylinder HONDA in a NORTON frame, competed in 1971 and 1972 on a SUTON with a 500cc two-stroke Suzuki two-cylinder block in a Norton Dominator built frame! In the same year Börje Jansson rode around on a YAMASAKI (Yamaha engine in a Kawasaki frame) and what about a YAMSEL, or a combination of a two-cylinder two-stroke Yamaha block in a Seeley frame and regularly used in the 250 and 350cc road racing. But the YAMTON (Yamaha block in a Norton frame) was also invented at some point. And last but not least TriBSA, of which we have a very nice example in out collection at the moment: https://www.yesterdays.nl/product/bsa-1953ca-a7-tribsa-750cc-2cyl-ohv-3406/

07/06/2024

The 1915 Harley Davidson was not the only Sleeping Beauty that entered our shop last week. There was also this 1950 Norton Model 30 International, which in the mean time has been kissed awake (by a beautiful prince): https://youtu.be/9YmA7LN4vbY

04/06/2024

While some 25 years ago it was thought that every vintage motorcycle needed to be restored, in recent years vintage motorcycles in their original condition have become more and more appreciated. Many vintage motorcycle enthusiasts dream of the ultimate barn find, a motorcycle in its first paint, fully original with a beautiful patina.
You could call this 1915 Harley a second generation barn find. It was restored in the distant past (when replica parts were not yet available), then used regularly and the last 10 years spent in a barn again, which has given it a nice patina.
We will soon awaken the Harley from its Sleeping Beauty sleep, but optically consciously leave it as it is. Then the next owner can decide what to do with it: leave it as is or restore it.

01/06/2024

Do you want to spend the summer bright and trendy? Discover the Yesterdays summer collection now! Our carefully composed collection brings you the most beautiful and trendy vintage motorcycles for the summer season. Whether you're looking for a stylish veteran, sporty 30s bike, vintage racer or other interesting motorcycle, we have everything you need to steal the show.
Let the sun shine on your face while you shine on one of our beautiful motorcycles. Our items are perfect for any occasion. With our summer collection you are always ready to impress.
Be inspired by the latest trends and create your own unique style. Our summer collection offers a mix of comfort, quality and style, so you not only look good, but also feel confident.
Don't wait any longer and discover the beautiful summer collection from Yesterdays. Make this summer an unforgettable season full of riding fun and let yourself shine on the most beautiful motorcycle. Shop now and let the sun illuminate your style! About twenty new motorcycles entered our shop last week and will be on our website soon: www.yesterdays.nl

17/05/2024

The Montlhery Autodrome was the scene of the Vintage Revival Montlhery last weekend. One of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, prewar event worldwide. The circuit is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. In its illustrious past, many records have been broken and many victories achieved. One of the winners at Monthlery was John Adam Porter (1894-1952). In 1926 he won the Grand Prix de France in the 175cc and 250cc class on motorcycles of his own brand: New Gerrard (https://www.yesterdays.nl/product/new-gerrard-1926-345cc-ohv-3206/) . Porter designed and built “New Gerrard” motorcycles from his Edinburgh based business, Porter’s Motor Mart, from 1922 to 1940.

07/05/2024

Can anyone help identify this engine? A picture of the vehicle(s) for which it was used would be nice. We think this Velox is a French engine, probably Aster, produced in Paris from around 1902 and used to power a light car, motorcycle or tricar. The carburettor fitted is an early French GA # H 22184. The magneto is a Hydra Type A1, No. 3887, but maybe this is a later addition. The crankcase is cast iron.
Bore x stroke = 80 x 90 mm (452 cc) The engine weighs 45 kg.

02/05/2024

Watch what came in today at www.yesterdays.nl
1912 J*P, made in Australia, J*P 738cc OHV, with 2-speed, free engine Millenium gear.
The engine with gear is a piece of art by its own.

01/05/2024

When, in 1968, the new BSA Rocket 3/Triumph Trident triples were shown to the American BSA-Triumph management, they were not impressed.
They knew Honda had the CB750 coming along and they felt the triple’s price of $1800 was too high and that technical details (like vertically split crankcases and pushrod ohv valve train) were far from “cutting edge”. However, they acknowledged that the bike was fast, and a sales team led by BSA Vice-president Don Brown decided to launch the bike by using a Rocket-3 to set some records at Daytona, records which were broken in 1971 by the Kawasaki Z1.
Fairing specialist Craig Vetter was commissioned by BSA’s US distributor to customise the BSA Rocket 3 to appeal more to American tastes. With its slightly raked frame, extended front fork, up-swept three-pipe exhaust system and eyeball-popping bodywork, there had been nothing like the Vetter BSA before. At BSA-Triumph’s design facility at Umberslade Hall, the design was seen as too “trendy” by chief designer Bert Hopwood; but after very positive public reaction to the design when it appeared on the front of US magazine Cycle World in September 1970, the UK managers changed their minds. They realized they had a large stock of obsolete BSA Rocket-3 parts that could now be turned into a premium-priced motorcycle. By the time the concept reached production in ’72, BSA was on the verge of collapsing and Vetter’s BSA Rocket3 became the Triumph X-75 Hurricane, though it kept the Rocket 3’s inclined cylinder block. Apart from the change of badge, the production Hurricane remained remarkably faithful to Vetter’s original vision. The design went into a limited production run of 1200 and was mainly sold in the USA. Only a few examples where sold in Europe.
Production stopped in 1973 after the X-75 was unable to meet new American noise standards. The American magazine Cycle Guide tested the X-75 in its December 1972 issue and praised the bike’s striking appearance, excellent performance and smooth 5-speed gearbox.
This particular machine comes from a French collection. She is in excellent condition and an excellent runner as this video proves: https://youtu.be/HIClXclvzyQ

24/04/2024

Yesterdays sponsors several vintage motorcycle events on a local, national and international level. A prominent local event called the “Toertocht Midden-Limburg”, has made a nice promotion video. This video shows how you can acquire a barn find for next to nothing and thus participate in the Toertocht Midden-Limburg. The video is hosted on the Yesterdays YouTube channel:

Dit filmpje laat zien hoe je voor een habbekrats een schuurvondst kunt verwerven en daarmee kunt deelnemen aan de Toertocht Midden-Limburg. Er zitten tal va...

09/04/2024

BSA set a new trend in design by introducing the “Sloper” in 1927:

BSA’s Model S was launched into a world of traditional ‘flat-tank’ motorcycles in 1927 – and caused a sensation. With a shapely saddle tank, fashionable sloping engine and low seat height, its looks began a trend which would last well into the 1930s. But the revolution was more than skin deep; its sporting overhead-valve engine featured Lucas’ new Magdyno offering reliable ignition and lighting, while the internal geared oil pump spelt the end of plungers, sight glasses and external pipework. The new Model S, quickly nicknamed the ‘Sloper’, set a new trend in design and manufacturers such as Ariel and Triumph rushed to follow. In truth, P&M, later Panther, had been making motorcycles with a forward-sloping cylinder since the turn of the century, but it was with BSA that the name ‘Sloper’ would be forever associated.
As the 1920s became the ’30s, the Sloper’s bright nickel finish was replaced by the newly-fashionable chrome. For 1930, a new frame with an I-section forged steel backbone was introduced, while the forks gained better friction damping. (source: https://thesloper.net/)
The 1930 S30 O.H.V. was available as de Luxe Model S30-13 with chroming plating to fuel tank and 7 inch brake drums and as standard version S30-12 with painted fuel tank and 5 ½ inch brakes. Take a look at our website: https://www.yesterdays.nl/product/bsa-1930-s30-500cc-1-cyl-ohv-3202/ or on Youtube: https://youtu.be/DwLMluMFeek

05/04/2024

Today it was in the news that Nederweert (the town where Yesterdays is located) is the oldtimer capital of the province Limburg. Of course we new this all along but now it is officially confirmed.
This statement is based on figures from the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics. According to these figures in Nederweert there are 38.2 oldtimers per thousand inhabitants. For comparison: in the Netherlands as a whole there are 14.2 oldtimers per thousand adults, in Limburg the average is 18.7. Oldtimer ownership is highest in the municipalities of Alphen-Chaam and Opmeer, with around 41 oldtimers per thousand inhabitants. The number of oldtimers with a Dutch license plate increased by 28 percent to 217 thousand on January 1, 2024, compared to five years earlier. This proves that oldtimers are still very popular.
Although these figures all relate to vintage cars and not to motorcycles, we have no doubt that Nederweert scores high in the oldtimer motorcycle statistics as well.
If you wish to boost the statistics for your home town, then come and choose a motorcycle in our showroom or choose one from our website. We are open from Tuesday to Friday 9:30-18:00 and on Saturday afternoon 14:00-18:00.

02/04/2024

Every once in a while it happens that we have two almost identical machines in our shop. In this case we have two AJS flat tank twins on offer. Although they look the same the one is an 1927 AJS H1 and the other a 1928 AJS K2. From 1925 on AJS changed their numbering system. From then on the model year was indicated by a letter followed by a number: E=1925, G=1926, H=1927, K= 1928, M= 1929 etc. The number indicated the model:
1 = 799cc de Luxe model (sv twin)
2 = 799cc Standard model (sv twin)
3 = 349cc de Luxe Touring model (sv)
4 = 349cc de Luxe Sporting model (sv)
5 = 349cc Standard Sporting model (sv)
6 = 349cc Overhead Valve model
7 = 349cc Overhead Camshaft model
8 = 498cc Overhead Valve model
9 = 498cc de Luxe Touring model (sv)
10 = 498cc Overhead Camshaft model
Back to our twins: the difference between the model 1 and 2 is the lighting set. The de Luxe version was equipped with a Lucas magdyno, lighting set and horn set. The standard version came without lighting set and normal magneto.

16/03/2024

Did BSA make cars?
Yes, they did! Although BSA is most famous for its motorcycles, they also made cars. The BSA threewheeler, which was in production from 1929-1936, is probably the best known amongst motorcycle enthusiasts (you can argue about whether this is a car or not). But BSA also made cars with four wheels. Lots of details about their car production can be found on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BSA_cars
The BSA Scout, a small open two-seater front-wheel drive sportscar, can be regarded as the successor of the threewheeler. It was equipped with the same engine and transmission as the threewheeler.
From 1935 to 1939 series 1 to 6 were born, in increasingly further developed versions. Last week a charming 1938 series 5 BSA Scout entered our showroom. A perfect opportunity to convince your partner that you always wanted a prewar BSA with an electric starter! But any other excuse will do also (for us a least). It will be on our website soon.

13/03/2024

New Imperial - A King of Motors
As most English brands still had a separate engine and gear box New Imperial Motors decided to standardize the unit construction throughout the whole of their range of Motor Cycles for the 1937 Season. This was due to the success of this construction in the fields of racing and competition during the 1936 season.
The New Imperial factory was situated in the very heart of the motor cycle industry, at Hall Green, Birmingham. The works resources enjoyed by the company enabled them to undertake the manufacture of an unusually high percentage of the complete motor cycle, so that design could go forward unhindered by considerations of fitting "bought out" components to a basic design, with the undesirable compromises which followed such practice.
New Imperial was convinced that the rider who could not find a machine within their range, to suit his particular requirements, would indeed be hard to please. To satisfy a customer they were ready to make minor modifications, giving them the pleasure and trust to supply their customers with the King of Motors!
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/U6oJAsd0JKw

12/03/2024

Hi guys, please ignore my friends request. It is not me asking.

27/02/2024

Another boring day at the office 😉. After all those rainy days today the weather was dry. Which left us no choice but to go for a fotoshoot outside. Nope, no motorcycle this time, but a real car. A 1936 Rolls Royce 25-30. It will be on our website soon.

24/02/2024

One happy rider..
What is it ?

21/02/2024

Today we made a test ride on our Nimbus Special with sidecar. It is the yearmodel 1939 which was available until 1947. Our Nimbus was delivered on April 13, 1946 to dealer C.V. Hansen in Copenhagen, who was the most famous Nimbus dealer in Denmark. He sold it to a Mr Dencker, who lived at walking distance from the Fisker & Nielsen factory. The side car was expedited on the 3rd of June 1950 and probably added a few year after the purchase of the motorcycle itself.
In July 2023 the engine was given a thorough overhaul by a Danish Nimbus specialist. Needless to say that it runs perfectly.
Nimbusses are known to be very reliable. Above that even today most spare parts are readily available as well as being relatively inexpensive.
Although it is planned that the Nimbus motocycle will revive in an electric version (https://nimbus-motorcycles.com/) this summer, we prefer the original.

01/01/2024

Wishing you all a wonderful, healthy and prosperous New Year with lots of old motorcycles.

28/12/2023

We had a very successfull 2023 Christmas Show. Hundreds of visitors, all in a good mood. See you all next year !

02/12/2023

Busy week last week. We received 19 new motorcycles, from 1903 to 1956, from 143cc to 1000cc, German, French, Danish and American brands. Keep watching our website and choose your favorite Christmas gift.

17/11/2023

Vincents are usually painted black. However in the USA, where Vincents were distributed by the Indian Sales Corporation, some batches of the Rapide were delivered in “Indian Red”, to cater for local tastes. It is estimated that no more than 111 machines were finished this way of which about 40 are on the present club list.
This “Red Rapide” comes with a works order form that acknowledges that at delivery this Rapide was finished in red, making this specimen a pretty rare bird.
But for those gentlemen who prefer black, we have a “standard” Vincent Comet available as well.

16/11/2023

Every day is a fun day at Yesterdays. But even then some days are more fun than others. Yesterday was such a highlight. A test drive with one of our latest acquisitions was on the program. A very special specimen, namely a Mustad Folkscooter. Watch this video and join the fun.
P.S. sorry for the mist.

06/11/2023

Visitors who came to visit in style, on their own bikes, 1924 AJS Big Port 350 OHV with mousetrap carburetor and ca 1913 Matchless 770cc J*P OHV. Fantastic ! They ran like a swiss clock.

05/11/2023

Oh boy, look at this.... ready for the race track and ready to win.
Moto-Guzzi Condor 500cc OHV.
Now available at yesterdays.nl

05/11/2023

Look what came in today at yesterdays.nl
1930 Norton CS1 500cc OHC
What a stunning bike !

20/06/2023

Vintage motorcycles and cyclecar have a lot in common. Most of the time they are both lightweight, they have spoked wheels and a sporty character. But above all they are both lots of fun. These two cyclecar cars arrived in our shop recently. Although they both have the same Malvern roots they are very different.
The first is a very sporty Darmont. The Darmont is virtually indistinguishable from the Morgan three-wheeler on which it was based, but the company changed the Morgan design of the body and engine to their own taste. The top of the line Darmont Spécial was produced from 1926, fitted with a water-cooled version of the V-2 cylinder engine and a claimed top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). Two variants of Darmont Spécial were offered for sale: the Normal series at 8,900 Francs and the “Series Dislocates” which sold for 10,400 Francs, nearly twice the price of a Morgan Sports.
The other still carries the Morgan badge. In 1933 Morgan introduced the F-type with the 4 cylinder Ford engine under the bonnet, opposite to the v-twin engine on the front, to further appease the public who wanted a more practical car. This F Super is the sportiest Ford-engined threewheeler, allowing cruising speeds up to 65mph.
Both (tri)cyclecars will be on our website soon.

09/06/2023

As Yesterdays we are fortunate to have a lot of visitors, be it customers or enthusiasts. Last week the Vincent owners club paid us a visit, an oldtimer car club stopped by on their tour. As cherry on the cake, one happy customer picked up his latest acquisition in style!

24/05/2023

Yesterday this beautiful Excelsior arrived in our shop: 1919 Excelsior series 19 998cc ioe V-twin
Excelsior means always higher/better. It is the magnifying degree of the Latin word excelsus (high). The words 'excellent' also originates here.
Well, this Excelsior is definitely in excellent, very hard to find, “non restored” condition. Original paint, with side car, engine and gear box refurbished.
Will be on our website soon.