One needle on the Bonniksen swings around to the 20 mark, while the other needle returns to 100. Thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump... the power pulses from the big 90-Bore JAP V-twin are coming closer as we accelerate down the track. Two and a half seconds later, the needle that was rock steady at 20 returns to the 100 mark and the other needle moves clockwise to 34. Thump-thump, 48... thump-thump, 60... the swinging needles of the vintage speedometer have an almost hypnotic effect, but at 80mph things are happening so fast that the last thing a rider should be doing is looking at a clock. It’s time to give the plunger pump on the petrol tank another push, and check that the liquid gold from the oil compartment is dripping through the sight glass.
The 1914 NUT has no gearbox or clutch, and the engine pulley connects directly to the back wheel through a rubber and canvas belt. Thump-thump... you can feel
