Pickering Timothy

In 1980s New Zealand Tim Pickering’s evolving motorcycling thought processes were leading him away from Japanese bikes to the classic heavyweight v-twins, but he really didn’t want a Harley and was searching for one of the 1930s British vees like a BSA G15 or Matchless Model X.

It was the late Norman Hayes of Invercargill, a fast-pedalling associate of the famous Burt Munro, who advised him “Get an Indian – they have race-bred motors, and parts are easier to find than for a Honda!” This was the start of a quest which ultimately yielded a ’25 Chief and a ’44 Chief, and a strong curiosity to know more about these bikes’ enigmatic designer. Tim’s internet searches soon intersected with those of Liam Diamond, and a book project was born. Working from opposite sides of the world, they have yet to meet each other face to face.