Let’s face it, we all have our dream garage that is filled with an array of bucket list machines. You can picture them right now, all lined up and making your eyes squint from the sheer gleam of your exotic arsenal. Well, Malcolm Wright isn’t far from that. However, this motorcycle collector has a rather eclectic collection that wouldn’t normally be on many people’s radars. There isn’t a Ducati in sight, nor indeed a classic Brit bike or limited edition Italian. Malcolm’s steed of choice is the Austrian manufactured Puch Maxi, a 50cc shopping moped best known for its reliability, ease of maintenance and economy. He likes them so much he has five of them, among some other left-field machinery. Malcolm’s latest endeavour on one of his Puch Maxi was to take part in the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which raises funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and mental health, and we caught up with him to find out some more about his bikes.
Why do you have such an eclectic mix of bikes?
“Because each one usually has a back story of some sort. Once I fall for a particular bike, it’s rare that I’d sell it on. I have bought and sold lots of bikes over the years, but the ones I’ve been most attached to end up staying with me. Bizarrely I’ve had several Hondas over the years and none have captured my heart, so have been moved on for something different. They’re a great make of bike, but lack character for me.”
What bikes do you currently have in your collection?
“The list goes…
1962 Lambretta Li125 (Sophia)
1975 Puch Maxi S (Petunia)
1978 Puch Maxi S (Super Sic)
1978 Puch Maxi S (SPRIV)
1980 Puch Maxi N (Percy)
1980 Puch Maxi Free Spirit (in progress)
1976 Kawasaki Z900
2006 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom
2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200S
2011 Skyteam Monkey Bike, fitted with an OORacing 140 engine
Is it important for you to have more than one bike available to ride at one time?
“Absolutely. Having such a wide range, I have a bike for all occasions. I am a firm believer in the old formula that states that the correct number of bikes to own = N+1, where N is the number you currently own! The poor V-Strom ends up being the general workhorse, then the others are all there to play with depending on my mood. I have no off roaders currently though, but never say never.”
Do you ride them all on the road?
“Out of the ten bikes I currently own, eight are on the road, one is in bits (as it’s my current project) and the other I built as a homage to Marco Simoncelli. It was on the road when I originally built it, but now it’s just there for my viewing pleasure and to take to the occasional bike show.”
Do you ride much at winter or are they all stored during that time?
“I ride all year round, except in snow and ice. The heated bike gear and grips on the V-Strom helps enormously on that front.”
Do you prepare your bikes for winter? Do you store them?
“The Z only comes out in the best weather, so is covered in SPF50 and has fuel conditioner in its tank through winter. The others are all given a run out weather allowing, so I don’t need to store them up.”
What is your dream two bike garage?
“A two bike garage is a nightmare! Perish the thought. I’d like to add to my collection, not reduce it – a classic Vespa GS would be nice one day and a Simson KR51 from Germany. But current garage space precludes any additions currently!”
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