The sound of a bike is every bit as important as the performance or handling.

That's why so many of us replace perfectly good, new, exhaust systems (actually tuned parts of the machine's engine that the manufacturers took great time and care to design) with aftermarket exhausts that have a more melodious tone.

Last week I heard the distinctive sound of a pair of Brit twins coming down the road and my expertly attuned brain immediately processed the sound to be a Triumph T120 and a BSA A10.

So much for my clever brain, it turned out to be an early Seventies Triumph T140 and a poorly performing Honda CB500T twin!

But, all you classic Brit owners consider this: every year there are fewer people around who have heard the rock and roll music that comes from the loud end of a British bike's silencers.

So, by joining with Rafferty Newman - the Fareham bike dealers who supplied plenty of British iron in the old days' - and are putting on a display of classic bikes for the town's Rock and Roll Reunion on May 17 you'll not only be supporting a fun event, you'll be providing an educational service at no cost to yourself (except fuel).

Chris Linney, head man over at Raffs, would like to hear from owners of classic bikes interested in coming along to the Reunion.

There won't be any hard work involved, just turn up and show the visitors what a great bike you have.

You can be sure of a friendly atmosphere with plenty of similar minded owners around to swap tales with, you might even make some new friends and locate a few long sought after parts as well.

For full details, information and reassurance that your bike will be roped off from the visitors, call Chris on 01329 232424.

The event is sponsored by The Brass Monkey public house and there'll be music and entertainment all day from DC Entertainments, including live music, and the Swing Dance Company Performance Team will show how to shake a leg (and other bits and pieces) with style.