12 replies to this topic

[Big John]

I must admit if there had been a prize for most authentic presentation at this years' SSDT parade of riders in the Sunday afternoon (including past winners) then Yrjo Vesterinen (winner 1980) on his 349 Montesa would have won hands down! Not only did he turn up with the bike on which he won, he had fitted the actual competition number plates (No. 88) and dressed in his riding gear and NAVA helmet. Sorry but I can't post photos on here, but if anyone has a nice photo of him at the parade, please put it up here for us to enjoy!

Big John

[nevis]

Hi Big John, I've been lurking on here for years but I thought I could help out with some pics. I was always told to keep my mouth shut and let people think me a fool rather than open it and confirm. I hope the upload works!

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[trialero13]

Hiya John. I'm just sending you a pair of pics. Hope you'll like it.

[Big John]

Excellent! Thanks Nevis, also to SC1980; Trialero13 and a certain bloke called Jake for the photos I have received.

As you can now see Vesty entered into the spirit by bringing out all his period riding gear for the occasion, brilliant!

Big John

Edited by Big John, 11 May 2011 - 07:16 PM.

[Baldilocks]

whats the bottle hanging from the handlebars ?

[nevis]

I asked him that question. He said the bike hadn't run for 30 years so he didn't want to risk fuel in the tank in case it leaked or the fuel line had perished so he used the bottle for his petrol.

[bgf]

Didn't get a photo from the parade but have this one;



Blair

Edited by bgf, 12 May 2011 - 09:34 AM.

[TooFastTim]

I'm surprised he didn't incinerate the thing on a pyre.

TFT
(not a fan of the '80 Cota 349).

[barnesy]

whereas I was a big fan of the 80 349 (as a schoolboy!) though I've never
owned one or ridden one!

As a bye the the way there is an interesting feature on this bike and Vesty in a
current dirt bike publication!!

Ta
B

[Big John]

barnesy, on 12 May 2011 - 03:06 PM, said:

whereas I was a big fan of the 80 349 (as a schoolboy!) though I've never
owned one or ridden one!

As a bye the the way there is an interesting feature on this bike and Vesty in a
current dirt bike publication!!

Ta
B

Yes got Classic Dirt Bike this morning, very good article and photos of Vesty with the very bike.

Big John

[Steve Fracy]

Tim, I was thinking the very same thing when I saw the picture.... I can remember vividly when they came out. Hats off to Vesty for looking the part and bringing back the memories, also for riding that beast back in the day!

[TooFastTim]

Steve, I agree. Kudos to Vesty for getting into the spirit of things.

Barnsey, I had the misfortune of owning an '80 349. It kept breaking in two, it kept ripping the sprocket bolts out of the rear hub, I couldn't seal the tank, the paint on the tank bubbled making it look very second hand and that's just the start.

[dabber]

Here's a great shot of the bike in action.

http://www.flickr.co...N02/4464192971/

Edited by dabber, 13 May 2011 - 03:09 PM.