Recomendations & Reviews
Back in 2007 Dick Kingston, (co editor of the Gold Star Owners Club Magazine) showed me some pictures of the Tonkin Tempest. I liked what I saw and suggested to Dick that it was a shame for such a beautiful machine to be hidden away from the eye of the public. He'd had it since 2003 and was not riding it as much as he would like so he suggested that it could be for sale.
An introduction to the machine was arranged and I just knew I couldn't live without it! I liked what I saw and, not wanting to miss the opportunity to own it myself we agreed on a price. I collected it on 2nd June 2007 with 1,455 miles on the clock. Many of the miles since then have been done at Cadwell Park (my local circuit) at "Beezumph" meetings and Track Days.as well as Mallory Park for the annual "Festivals of 1,000 Bikes". Many laps have been done in fine style where the Tempest has been evident mixing it with multi cylinder machines of much larger capacity and putting up a very good show. It has done the TT Circuit a few times (some on closed roads) courtesy of the VMCC and the GSOC. The machine shares a stable with other machines and is called upon when an appropriate riding opportunity is in prospect. Mileage now reads 6,052 and I can say with all honesty that every mile has been adrenalin filled.
I have enjoyed the whole Tonkin Tempest experience. The machine is now well known in the Lincolnshire area. Heads turn everywhere it is seen (and heard) and there has hardly been an outing when I've not been bombarded with all sorts of questions about it.
David Steele. April 2011.
I am the proud owner of theTonkin Typhoon as featured in the April 2011 edition of The Classic Motorcycle magazine.
The machine was hand built with care and precision to a very high specification by Steve Tonkin.
Details of the machine are as follows:
The frame is a MKII Seeley made by Roger Titchmarsh into which Steve has fitted a full race spec Matchless G50 engine coupled to a 5 speed BSA Goldstar gearbox with belt primary drive.
The handling is taken care of by Ceriani forks and superb Fontana brakes.
The complete package makes this bike just fabulous to own and ride.
"Built by an enthusiast for an enthusiast"
David Hunt
"I have known Steve Tonkin for the last 15 years, during which time he has completed 6 full restorations and 4 part restorations for me, all of which were first class, including - Bonneville T120, Matchless G12, Thruxton Venom KSS Vellocettes, and a Matchless G50 in a Seeley frame special as featured in Classic Motor Cycle in 2003. I would add that in all cases the mechanical work in particular has proved to be completely reliable. I have used other restorers in the past, but have found to my cost, that the standards have been poor and mechanichally unreliable. Steve is currently working on remedial work to one such machine, and has been involved with others in the past.If anyone would like any further information, you can contact me on 07929 209395"
W. McRobie
In 1996 I bought a 1923 Indian Scout that had just been restored by Steve Tonkin. I have now owned and used this bike for more then 13 years and I’m still happy with it. The quality of the paintwork and Nickel is excellent and it has proven, over the last 13 seasons, to be reliable.
I do highly recommend Steve for any restoration and repair work to any classic motorcycle.
Peter Rohrer, Switzerland