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The Thunder Rolls On
- CCM (Clews Competition Motorcycles) is now back in
the hands of its original owner, Alan Clews; the man who started the company
back in the 1970's.
CCM – The Thunder
Rolls On – With Alan Clews back at the Helm
Passionate motorcyclists throughout the World, and
especially those with a keen interest in Clews Competition
Motorcycles, or as they are more commonly known, CCM – will
be delighted to know that the company is now back in the
hands of its original owner.
Maintaining its heritage as one of Britain’s most important
motorcycle manufacturers, the famous CCM brand continues to
keep its place in two-wheel history some thirty-five years
after it was first conceived. Back in the 1970’s the Bolton
based factory produced some of its most winning machinery.
With the company headed by its founder Alan Clews, those
original bikes enjoyed some of the biggest successes ever,
both on and off the track, as results were matched by sales.
Some three decades later and the man that started it all is
back in charge to create the next chapter of this great
piece of British motorcycling history. Joined by his son,
Austin, who himself has already played his own part in
bringing CCM this far, and his son in law Gary Harthern, the
family has been successful in buying the brand back after
several months of negotiations. With a plan to reinstall the
values that made CCM so great back then, the Clews family
has brought the company right back to its roots.
Whilst nothing now exists of the original CCM factory at
Jubilee Works in Bolton, the site is now home to a new
industrial complex that is once again housing the
manufacturing line of one Britain’s few remaining dedicated
motorcycle makers. This new facility is already up and
running, continuing with the production of the current range
of CCM models including the highly acclaimed supermoto
version of the R30 as well as the excellent 644 and 404
series.
Speaking from CCM’s new head quarters Alan Clews explained
why he remains as passionate as ever about something he
classes as family. “ Building bikes is not just a business,
it’s a way of life, something that is with you twenty four
hours a day, seven days a week. If you are only focused on
profit, then this is not the business to be in. When I sold
CCM I believed it was the right thing to do, as the new
owners had access to the investment that I felt would help
take CCM forward.”
Clews continued. “Whilst the company did benefit in some
ways, unfortunately it had its heart ripped out as the new
management had no passion for what CCM stood for. Now it is
back in our control we want to bring back the values that
worked so well for us previously. We will be concentrating
on quality rather than quantity, and we will once again be
using our racing heritage to develop some new niche models
that will bring back some great nostalgia, but with a modern
twist.”
With production back in full swing it is very much business
as usual for the new owners of CCM, this is echoed by the
spares department, which is now sending out an increasing
number of consignments to a multitude of countries and the
UK dealer network on a daily basis. Whilst certain
prevailing conditions prevent the continuous warranty cover
of models manufactured prior to January 2005, alternative
options are currently being explored in order to reward the
loyalty of existing CCM owners.
Marking Alan Clews return to the helm of CCM, and to the
brand returning to its original manufacturing site,
additional chapters are currently being written to be
included in a new version of the company’s biography. The
updated volume of “Rolling Thunder” is due on the
bookshelves later this year, as this great story continues
and ‘The Thunder Rolls On’.
To order your copy of this limited edition publication or
for more information about any aspect of CCM, including
spares orders / new bike sales/ locating your nearest dealer
/ ex demo models - please call + 44 (0) 1204 544930 or visit
CCM’s new official website – www.ccm-motorcycles.net
In 1998, CCM were awarded the highest manufacture finish rate and best self
supporting team awards in the Paris-Granada-Dakar Rally; the toughest event
in the motorsport world.
Owners of CCM's will be pleased to know that they can now order spare parts
direct from the factory as well as from your dealers. Orders of stock parts
will normally be despatched the same day. There are special offers available
to members. Please
click here if you are interested in applying for
membership to the CCM Owners Group.
If you are thinking of purchasing a CCM Motorcycle, why not take a look at
what owners of the bikes have to say, by
clicking here,
or visit our
forum.
Take a look at how CCM have changed over the years -
The changing face of CCM
Product
Development document for Insurance companies.
New Products
As from 1st January CCM Motorcycles launched two new models, please find
below details of these to enable you to
quote for your customers' insurance.
Currently CCM have a model in their range that is the 404DS (Dual sport),
the two new models are derivatives of that model.
FT35s
Engine; Suzuki DRZ 400
398cc Optional 436cc
5 speed manual
Carburettor intake
4 - stroke
4 valves per cylinder
single cylinder
max power restricted ; 7.5HP
max power unrestricted ; 42HP
Chassis
Steel tubular frame
Cast alloy swing arm
Steel tubular removable subframe
Suspension WP upside down front 48mm / PDS rear shock
Wheels: spoked 17" wheels
Tyres ; Pirelli Dragon or similar
Brakes : Brembo 320mm front, 260mm rear disc brakes
Bodywork
Rear pod painted
Front fender painted
Front headlight cowel painted
Polished Alloy fuel tank
R35
Engine; Suzuki DRZ 400
398cc Optional 436cc
5 speed manual
Carburettor intake
4 - stroke
4 valves per cylinder
single cylinder
max power restricted ; 7.5HP
max power unrestricted ; 42HP
Chassis
Steel tubular frame
Cast alloy swing arm
Steel tubular removable subframe
Suspension WP upside down front 48mm / PDS rear shock
Wheels: spoked 17" wheels
Tyres ; Pirelli Dragon or similar
Brakes : Brembo 320mm front, 260mm rear disc brakes
Bodywork
Painted parts: Rad cowels
Tank
Rear pod
Front fender
Light cowel
Rear pod
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