WHAT HAPPENED TO CCM?
CCMs were the most expensive bikes of their time (at $4000,
which was almost double any other European brand). Customers
could purchase the CCMs with a 500cc or 608cc four-speed
engine, or a 635cc model with a three-speed transmission. Alan
Clews sold the company in 1998, but when it ceased operations
in 2004, he bought it back. CCM was reformed and is back
in business in Bolton, England, building the GP450 adventure
bike and bikes for the military. CCM even had a Dave Thorpe-managed race team contesting the British Championships with
Stephen Sword and Tom Church from 2009 to 2011.
to that point in time. With a bore and stroke of 82mm x
88mm (for the 500), the torque was more than the average two-stroke rider was ready for. The quality of the
nickel-plated frame was on par with the Rickman’s,
and with a dry weight of 230 pounds, it was lighter
than many of the 500cc two-strokes. In fact, my brother
Dan, the other half of the White Brothers, purchased a
1974 CCM after reading a magazine test.
MXA’s example is a never-ridden 1976 CCM 600MX
with a four-speed transmission. The triple clamps, fork
sliders, hubs, backing plates and engine covers are
manufactured out of cast magnesium. In 1976, with Brits
Vic Allan, John Banks and Vic Eastwood riding, CCM
finished second, fourth and fifth in the British Motocross
Championships. Vic Allan even finished third in the
Grands Prix of Finland and Luxembourg.
