IN COMING!

HOT STUFF

Modern exhaust paint often flakes off with heat. An alternative which appears to work is Hotspot Coal Paint from Hydrachem, an aerosol resistant to over 1250°F which leaves a matt finish. I have used this on barrels and exhausts, so far with very good results. There's no gloss option as shiny coal is out of fashion! Can be found at good hardware stores.

Andrew Rae, member 611

ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT

Looking for even more RealClassic reading? You'll find brand-new and previously unpublished features at Real-Classic.co.uk ; the articles we couldn't quite fit into print. This month we've been catching up with Paul Henshaw's formative experiences aboard Triumph Tiger Cubs, and rounding up reader recommendations for star-quality service from old bike specialists ...

GUZZI GUIDE

I've just read Alan Cathcart's road test of the Guzzi's V7 in RC208 and thought I'd say what a marvellous story he has written. All of my questions about the V7 have been answered, and I feel as if I have ridden one myself. I now know the in line crank, transmission and shaft don't affect the handling like the older Guzzis I knew, and it also has a slick gearchange.

I will try to road test one myself later, but I'm unlikely to exchange my Triumph Street Cup. The Triumph has significantly more low rev torque and does 70mpg, as opposed to the Guzzi's claimed 58mpg. The Guzzi is also just 'adequate' in front brake department, needing the same input from the rear brake like my Triumph.

A very complete test of a lovely bike I was waiting to read. The other tests I've read haven't had the same level of information.

Neville Roberts, member

We do get the occasional complaint about featuring modern bikes, along the lines of 'I can read about these elsewhere'. That's true, but most mainstream I modern magazines don't approach the subject from a classic rider's perspective. Neville's comments are typical of the feedback we receive when we do run articles on current retro I roadsters. Rowena

BEAMING

What happy memories