We start with an explanation of why we are introducing Max Smeed. Regular readers of our Snapshots will often see that the images have been provided by the Richard Roberts Archive in Stockport, a wonderful research resource with a particular focus on motoring history. Richard is a board member of the SAHB. Max Smeed has his motorcycle restoration shop right next door to the archive, and we asked him if he also had any photos we could use.
He certainly had. So many, indeed, that instead of a single Snapshot we decided to give you a glimpse into the many and varied bikes that have passed through Max’s shop recently – either for a full restoration or for servicing and repair. Max is chairman of the Manchester branch of the Triumph Owners’ Motorcycle Club, so many of the bikes we show here are from that maker. (It is also the reason for our dreadful pun in the title of this post; apologies). But Max restores and looks after other makes, including his own beautifully restored 1947 Matchless G3L seen in our heading picture, which featured recently in Snapshot No. 464.
So here is a selection of bikes that have benefitted from Max’s attentions. We hope you enjoy the gallery…
Motorcycle royalty: a Vincent Rapide. Updated for daily riding with indicator lights, a steering head damper and modern hydraulically actuated front disc brakes. Max also completely rewired the bike.
A Triumph Thunderbird Triple from the 2010s. Subtly modified to give it an older look.
A 1980 Triumph T140V 750cc Bonneville Twin. Gear lever moved to the left-hand side for the American market.
A 1950 Royal Enfield. Max did extensive work on this bike.
A Rickman Matisse – a racer based on a Triumph Trophy (single-cylinder sister to the Bonneville). Max did extensive engine work on this bike.
A 2010 Triumph Bonneville America 865cc Twin – with all the extras. Note the cast wheels.
A 1958 Triumph Thunderbird 6T 650cc Twin, fully restored by Max.
A 1971 Triumph Bonneville, restored by Max.
A Norton Commando Fastback 750cc Twin from the 1970s, restored by Max. The reason for the name is just visible at the back.
A 1979 Triumph Bonneville T140 750cc Twin, restored by Max.
A Triumph Thruxton from around 2010. This is a 1200cc Twin derived from the Bonneville.
BEFORE. An unrestored 1970 Triumph 650 Bonneville Twin.
AFTER. The same bike restored by Max.
Leave a Comment