So when my friend, Nick Tsokalas, offered to custom paint my new helmet, how could I refuse? For a while now I have been looking for a helmet that was similar in design to my old racing helmet. But modern designs tend to be too flamboyant.

I had resigned myself to a plain white or black helmet when Nick made the offer. After Nick had performed his artistic magic on a new plain black helmet, I couldn't help but think how many classic bike owners have the same problem: they want a new helmet that either matches their classic, or they want an individual custom design.

Although custom helmet painting is a highly skilled endeavor, someone with patience and the right tools can take a basic plain colored helmet and turn it into something special.

I'll never forget my long suffering mother saying to me "don't you ever bring a motorcycle here." I was eight at the time and before my next birthday I acquired my first bike; a BSA C15. However, to please mom, it didn't have an engine (that would come later).

I was reminded of this event when looking through the results of a recent auction in the UK. A letter from the great TT rider Stanley Woods' mother had sold for $2770 (£1680 UKP); eight times its estimate. In the letter, according to Bonhams the auctioneers, Mrs. Woods had wrote she would give him the motorcycle if he promised he would "never take intoxicating drink."

I don't know if Stan stuck to the deal, but I would gladly have made such a promise just to get a motorcycle with an engine!

During a scooter restoration, the mechanic must satisfy himself that the basics are covered. All safety aspects must be attended to first, followed closely by items that will add to the reliability of the classic (don't fit an old worn out oil pump to a newly rebuilt engine, for instance).

But sooner or later the mechanic can concentrate on looks. The aesthetics of a classic are important too, particularly if it is to be entered in a show. With their large body panels, scooters lend themselves well to restorations where looks are important.

Although attention to detail is important, sometimes replacing or refurbishing a large item will add greatly to the overall appearance. For example, the Vespa scooter edging strips and rubber floor mat seen here have been replaced with new items, and this replacement has greatly improved the appearance.

The U.K. sees one of their biggest classic bike events this coming weekend (April the 23rd and 24th) when the 31st Carole Nash sponsored International Classic Bike show takes place at the Stafford County Show Ground, Staffordshire, ST18 0BD. The event last year attracted some 30,000 visitors.

In addition to the show, auctioneers Bonhams are having what their press release claims is "one of their best-ever selections of motorcycles for auction."

Included in the auction (lot number 433) is Carl Fogarty's ex-Honda Britain, Isle of Man Formula 1 and Senior TT-winning 1989 Honda 750cc RC30, which is expected to fetch around $100,000.

Vincent collectors have a rare chance to bid on a one-of-a-kind factory prototype. The 1955 499-cc Victor series D is expected to sell for around $75,000.