1970 and a keen motorcyclist, Alan Clews, had no ambition to become a motorcycle manufacturer. He worked hard through the week for his wife’s family’s chain of newsagents whilst constantly looking towards the weekend, when he would compete in trials and scramble events.

It was only when his request to purchase a works BSA scrambler was rejected that he decided to build his own competition bike; such was the success of his efforts, that news travelled fast, demand for his services grew and Clews Competition Machines was born. The letters CCM would become synonymous with multiple successes in motocross, flat-track, trials, supermoto and road racing competition at the highest level.

Alan Clews sadly passed away on May 2nd 2018. His eldest son, Austin, himself a champion motocross rider, now fronts the British manufacturer alongside brother in law Gary Harthern and supported by younger brother Russell, and sons Ben and Jack.

The cult firm is still based in Bolton, Lancashire and following on from the success of the groundbreaking GP450 Adventure bike, the stunning Spitfire series continues to lead the way in Great British Motorcycle design.