Steve Winterton - New Location
- Thread starter ihb33
- Start date
I have noticed a lot of interest from people regarding Steve Winterton's current location - 25 views in 2 hours !
So I thought you might like to know why I am interested and also because I am new to this forum today and found in another thread from some 3 years ago - people casting doubts about my story and posting photographs of me without my permission and suggesting I was some kind of thief.
I posted this on the other thread today.
Just to put an end to the adverse comments about me in this story - I am the man in the picture taken at the Ace (in 2010) and also the owner of the SFC that Steve Winterton refuses to return parts of.
I was looking at the bike at the Ace out of interest - I do know the difference between an SFC and a Triple. I also helped bump start it when it refused to fire up when the owner was leaving.
I purchased the SFC from Slaters in the days when Steve had a workshop next door - in the 80's !! I had just sold another SFC a few years earlier (RCJ68M) the ex-Slater racer and I wanted another one. I paid around ?2600 for it and as it needed work I left it with Steve to repair it for me - I have never seen it since.!!
I have spent the best part of 30 years trying to get my property back - chasing Steve from one location to another - and always with excuses as to why he could not return it.
I am told that Steve also had an SFC at the time which he crashed - when he damaged his leg. Strange that mine should get dis-assembled into its component parts and disappear at around the same time.
As the Police do not give a damn - too busy with "more important things" - their words not mine - and as I am not a violent man - I have had to try and wrest my property back in a legal and civilised way. This does not work with Steve.
When I lost touch with him completely I did give up for a while - not because I am rich ( far from it) but because i have a life and a very busy job- which entailed a lot of time working abroad - and when in the UK I lived a 3+ hour drive away from Steve's usual area of operation and could never be sure he would be there if I turned up or if he had moved again.
In 2009 - after working abroad for a number of years I returned to the UK and decided to try one last time to get my bike back- before I am too old to ride it !!!
I tracked Steve down in Badsey and demanded my bike back - for a while he gave me the usual stories - it was in storage , he did not have the keys to the lock-up - it was with his mate Ed - who owns a nursery etc etc.
I kept making visits to his workshop - ask his neighbours !- and eventually he started returning parts - some were mine - wheels, frame, tank, seat, exhausts,- others - forks, rear units, clip-ons were just old tat he had lying around - no sign of the engine, fairing, electrics, carbs and many other parts.
He kept promising to return the engine and on one visit pointed out a half assembled twin engine that Steve said was an SFC as it had the correct crank - but it was not my engine number and when I checked with Marnix he said that it was a GTL engine number on the crankcases. Very strange.
So 4 years later - I still don't have the engine or other parts and he has been kicked out of his workshop in Badsey and no-one seems to know where he is.
He knows all my phone numbers and never answers any calls, voicemails or texts that I send.
John Faulkner has been trying to help me get this stuff back but I gather he has not seen or heard from Steve for a while. Last communication I had from John was that Steve had "found" some SFC parts and was going to give them to John. Steve did not keep the arranged meeting.
I too found Steve very affable and good to talk to when you visit him - but that is usually to steer talk away from why you went there in the first place.
His unit was broken into a few years ago by some disgruntled customers and many things apparently stolen - the police were called but did nothing as far as I know.
So there you have it - not heresay, not rumour, all verifiable and straight from the horse's mouth (I've been called worse- including a potential thief by people in this forum)
So trust Steve if you wish- he is without doubt a very talented mechanic when it comes to Laverdas and probably good fun to have a beer with but when his biggest supporters refuse to leave their bikes with him - then I think that says it all.
And Steve - if you read this - I still want my engine and other parts back and i wont give up!
So I thought you might like to know why I am interested and also because I am new to this forum today and found in another thread from some 3 years ago - people casting doubts about my story and posting photographs of me without my permission and suggesting I was some kind of thief.
I posted this on the other thread today.
Just to put an end to the adverse comments about me in this story - I am the man in the picture taken at the Ace (in 2010) and also the owner of the SFC that Steve Winterton refuses to return parts of.
I was looking at the bike at the Ace out of interest - I do know the difference between an SFC and a Triple. I also helped bump start it when it refused to fire up when the owner was leaving.
I purchased the SFC from Slaters in the days when Steve had a workshop next door - in the 80's !! I had just sold another SFC a few years earlier (RCJ68M) the ex-Slater racer and I wanted another one. I paid around ?2600 for it and as it needed work I left it with Steve to repair it for me - I have never seen it since.!!
I have spent the best part of 30 years trying to get my property back - chasing Steve from one location to another - and always with excuses as to why he could not return it.
I am told that Steve also had an SFC at the time which he crashed - when he damaged his leg. Strange that mine should get dis-assembled into its component parts and disappear at around the same time.
As the Police do not give a damn - too busy with "more important things" - their words not mine - and as I am not a violent man - I have had to try and wrest my property back in a legal and civilised way. This does not work with Steve.
When I lost touch with him completely I did give up for a while - not because I am rich ( far from it) but because i have a life and a very busy job- which entailed a lot of time working abroad - and when in the UK I lived a 3+ hour drive away from Steve's usual area of operation and could never be sure he would be there if I turned up or if he had moved again.
In 2009 - after working abroad for a number of years I returned to the UK and decided to try one last time to get my bike back- before I am too old to ride it !!!
I tracked Steve down in Badsey and demanded my bike back - for a while he gave me the usual stories - it was in storage , he did not have the keys to the lock-up - it was with his mate Ed - who owns a nursery etc etc.
I kept making visits to his workshop - ask his neighbours !- and eventually he started returning parts - some were mine - wheels, frame, tank, seat, exhausts,- others - forks, rear units, clip-ons were just old tat he had lying around - no sign of the engine, fairing, electrics, carbs and many other parts.
He kept promising to return the engine and on one visit pointed out a half assembled twin engine that Steve said was an SFC as it had the correct crank - but it was not my engine number and when I checked with Marnix he said that it was a GTL engine number on the crankcases. Very strange.
So 4 years later - I still don't have the engine or other parts and he has been kicked out of his workshop in Badsey and no-one seems to know where he is.
He knows all my phone numbers and never answers any calls, voicemails or texts that I send.
John Faulkner has been trying to help me get this stuff back but I gather he has not seen or heard from Steve for a while. Last communication I had from John was that Steve had "found" some SFC parts and was going to give them to John. Steve did not keep the arranged meeting.
I too found Steve very affable and good to talk to when you visit him - but that is usually to steer talk away from why you went there in the first place.
His unit was broken into a few years ago by some disgruntled customers and many things apparently stolen - the police were called but did nothing as far as I know.
So there you have it - not heresay, not rumour, all verifiable and straight from the horse's mouth (I've been called worse- including a potential thief by people in this forum)
So trust Steve if you wish- he is without doubt a very talented mechanic when it comes to Laverdas and probably good fun to have a beer with but when his biggest supporters refuse to leave their bikes with him - then I think that says it all.
And Steve - if you read this - I still want my engine and other parts back and i wont give up!
motoddrob
Hero member
- Location
- S/W Australia
Yeah I felt sorry for the guy TILL I saw Davo's threatening email.
ihb33
Don't forget it'll most likely be the Laverda community that finds your bike or parts of it so I wouldn't start pissing in their pockets.
ihb33
Don't forget it'll most likely be the Laverda community that finds your bike or parts of it so I wouldn't start pissing in their pockets.
I certainly owe everybody an apology- I was very angry yesterday- no excuse I know - but I have been fighting to get my bike back for 30 years and having just joined the forum I was reading the posts that were supporting Steve and I just lost it - as Davo has said - don't take it out on others - and he is right.
I don't expect anyone to assist me now and that is ok - but once again apologies for losing the plot and no more posts from me.
regards
Ian Haynes-Bowers
I don't expect anyone to assist me now and that is ok - but once again apologies for losing the plot and no more posts from me.
regards
Ian Haynes-Bowers
D
Davo
Guest
I have d/w Ian. I understand his angst and suggest a cooling glass of champagne and a fresh start are in order. Good luck with your search/
R
Reggie3cl
Guest
The situation the OP finds himself in is extremely frustrating and has caused anguish to owners and significant others all over the country for many years, although that doesn't excuse sending threats to people. Hopefully someone somewhere will be able to help this bloke and the ranks won't close around that scoundrel like they usually do.
- Location
- Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Hi Ian
I am in Canada, so different time zone, and I was away from the computer yesterday anyway, so I am just seeing this series of posts now.
First, please stick around, you obviously love Laverda's. You never know, help may even be available from various forum members. Certainly getting the word about concerning the vin is a great first step.
Steve Winterton used to be an active member of the various versions of what has evolved into this present Laverda Forum here, then there was a huge blow up that involved both Slater brothers as well as Piero Laverda and others taking issue with Steve Winterton, which blow up sucked up an enormous amount of my time as a Forum Admin dealing with all the parties behind the scenes off list trying to discern facts, balance various interest, and resolve matters without litigation amongst the various parties and stave off threats of legal action against the forum itself. Ultimately Steve voluntarily withdrew from the forum, his son Tony stuck around for a while and seems a very nice fellow, but I have not seen any posts from Tony in quite a while, unfortunately.
I have met many of the UK based Laverda forum members during two recent trips to the UK, but have never met Steve Winterton, so have no personal experience of him
In real life I am a senior litigation lawyer in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. If I were in the UK I would have been happy to evaluate the facts and potentially assist in recovery efforts. I can't be of direct assistance due to geography and jurisdiction. I am familiar with the perils of bringing legal action against someone if they do not appear to have assets to recover from, if that is the case here. There are also limitations issue that may have arisen with the passage of so much time, but for the present value of any SFC it would seem to me to be worthwhile to gather all your facts, including your ownership documentation, and consult a senior lawyer about recovery options.
If you have issues with what anyone has posted on this public Laverda forum, these days we have several admins and I saw at least one well worded response to you from one of them, however I would ask you to feel free to contact me directly at pleclair at hotmail.com before sending direct communications to other members concerning potential legal action, etc., and give me an opportunity to attempt to resolve what ever the issue may be concerning other forum members. While we run a fairly "relaxed" operation compared to some other forums, we do have basic rules and we do intervene as may be necessary, it just has not been necessary very often.
All the best
Paul LeClair
I am in Canada, so different time zone, and I was away from the computer yesterday anyway, so I am just seeing this series of posts now.
First, please stick around, you obviously love Laverda's. You never know, help may even be available from various forum members. Certainly getting the word about concerning the vin is a great first step.
Steve Winterton used to be an active member of the various versions of what has evolved into this present Laverda Forum here, then there was a huge blow up that involved both Slater brothers as well as Piero Laverda and others taking issue with Steve Winterton, which blow up sucked up an enormous amount of my time as a Forum Admin dealing with all the parties behind the scenes off list trying to discern facts, balance various interest, and resolve matters without litigation amongst the various parties and stave off threats of legal action against the forum itself. Ultimately Steve voluntarily withdrew from the forum, his son Tony stuck around for a while and seems a very nice fellow, but I have not seen any posts from Tony in quite a while, unfortunately.
I have met many of the UK based Laverda forum members during two recent trips to the UK, but have never met Steve Winterton, so have no personal experience of him
In real life I am a senior litigation lawyer in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. If I were in the UK I would have been happy to evaluate the facts and potentially assist in recovery efforts. I can't be of direct assistance due to geography and jurisdiction. I am familiar with the perils of bringing legal action against someone if they do not appear to have assets to recover from, if that is the case here. There are also limitations issue that may have arisen with the passage of so much time, but for the present value of any SFC it would seem to me to be worthwhile to gather all your facts, including your ownership documentation, and consult a senior lawyer about recovery options.
If you have issues with what anyone has posted on this public Laverda forum, these days we have several admins and I saw at least one well worded response to you from one of them, however I would ask you to feel free to contact me directly at pleclair at hotmail.com before sending direct communications to other members concerning potential legal action, etc., and give me an opportunity to attempt to resolve what ever the issue may be concerning other forum members. While we run a fairly "relaxed" operation compared to some other forums, we do have basic rules and we do intervene as may be necessary, it just has not been necessary very often.
All the best
Paul LeClair
Dellortoman
Hero member
- Location
- Tasmania, Australia
Ian
Here's Tony Winterton's forum profile, including his email address http://www.laverdaforum.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=74
I dunno how much help he will be in tracking down his dad though - especially if you have nefarious intentions towards the bloke
Good on you for apologising. We're all human and most of us would have done things in the heat of a moment that we later regret. We're a pretty forgiving lot on here, so there's no need to leave. I suggest you try to convert the anger into determination to track down the remains of your bike. I reckon you'd have to be lucky to find any trace of it after 30 years, but good luck with the search.
Cam
Here's Tony Winterton's forum profile, including his email address http://www.laverdaforum.com/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=74
I dunno how much help he will be in tracking down his dad though - especially if you have nefarious intentions towards the bloke
Good on you for apologising. We're all human and most of us would have done things in the heat of a moment that we later regret. We're a pretty forgiving lot on here, so there's no need to leave. I suggest you try to convert the anger into determination to track down the remains of your bike. I reckon you'd have to be lucky to find any trace of it after 30 years, but good luck with the search.
Cam
Firstly thank you to everyone for understanding and forgiving ( I hope) my ill-advised blow up - I was a red-head when I had hair and we are known for the occasional rant.
I have now made contact with SW through his Facebook page - much to his annoyance -he actually threatened to "fall out " with me if I continued posting on his page !!!!!!
He is now claiming the engine was stolen some years ago along with 5 other engines - I assume other customer engines. He says some were recovered - I'm guessing not mine -a bit "unfortunate" that -
)
He reported this to the Police - but never admitted to me before yesterday that he had been burgled. I was told by his neighbour in Badsey ( Mark ?? - builds car bodies and repairs VWs) about a break-in a while ago -so that seems to verify it but Mark? said it was an unhappy customer ( that really narrows it down !) who was holding these engines and other equipment to "ransom" to get their own parts back. I contacted Evesham Police who were not able ( Data Protection Act ?) to give me much information but did confirm a theft report but stated that it was a "matter between 2 parties" and that it had been resolved - which sounds to me like the engines were returned.
Anyway if anybody knows what happened and if the engine " kidnappers" read this ( and I have every sympathy with their actions) can confirm / deny the story ( as anonymously as you like ) then I can progress further on my search - which is beginning to sound futile - but with 30 years trying - and maybe another 20 to go might as well keep looking.
Ian
I have now made contact with SW through his Facebook page - much to his annoyance -he actually threatened to "fall out " with me if I continued posting on his page !!!!!!
He is now claiming the engine was stolen some years ago along with 5 other engines - I assume other customer engines. He says some were recovered - I'm guessing not mine -a bit "unfortunate" that -
)He reported this to the Police - but never admitted to me before yesterday that he had been burgled. I was told by his neighbour in Badsey ( Mark ?? - builds car bodies and repairs VWs) about a break-in a while ago -so that seems to verify it but Mark? said it was an unhappy customer ( that really narrows it down !) who was holding these engines and other equipment to "ransom" to get their own parts back. I contacted Evesham Police who were not able ( Data Protection Act ?) to give me much information but did confirm a theft report but stated that it was a "matter between 2 parties" and that it had been resolved - which sounds to me like the engines were returned.
Anyway if anybody knows what happened and if the engine " kidnappers" read this ( and I have every sympathy with their actions) can confirm / deny the story ( as anonymously as you like ) then I can progress further on my search - which is beginning to sound futile - but with 30 years trying - and maybe another 20 to go might as well keep looking.
Ian
breganzane
Hero member
- Location
- NSW Australia
Hi Ian,
It's a sad story indeed, although I'd have to say you have left your run rather late to say the least! Better late than never though, one for the cold case unit!
As Vince mentioned above, there was a notorious incident in Sydney in the 80's, although in that case the business (Dynotek) folded and everything including the proprietor and scores of bikes and engines etc all disappeared overnight. Some years later (not 30 mind!) the rozzers chased the guy down and he went to court for it. Some people got some of their stuff back (some got different stuff back!) but by no means all. Reminds me I should try to track down the proper engine for my 81 Jota, which was lost in that fiasco.
Stick around, your best chance is likely to be if you keep onto it and keep the message out there. It's probably still around somewhere and the Laverda world is not very big to start with and shrinking rapidly with changes in technology (as you've found!!).
Cheers
SteveB
It's a sad story indeed, although I'd have to say you have left your run rather late to say the least! Better late than never though, one for the cold case unit!
As Vince mentioned above, there was a notorious incident in Sydney in the 80's, although in that case the business (Dynotek) folded and everything including the proprietor and scores of bikes and engines etc all disappeared overnight. Some years later (not 30 mind!) the rozzers chased the guy down and he went to court for it. Some people got some of their stuff back (some got different stuff back!) but by no means all. Reminds me I should try to track down the proper engine for my 81 Jota, which was lost in that fiasco.
Stick around, your best chance is likely to be if you keep onto it and keep the message out there. It's probably still around somewhere and the Laverda world is not very big to start with and shrinking rapidly with changes in technology (as you've found!!).
Cheers
SteveB
motoddrob
Hero member
- Location
- S/W Australia
Hi Ian, I wouldn't give up. A numbered SFC engine or perish the thought, cases as well as frame would be noticed if they became public. I don't look at ebay so have no idea if or how often parts come up for sale. Not much slips through the attention of this forum so you never know.
I nearly brought a 74 SFC from Slaters in 1984/5. I still have a photo of it in Slater's showroom. I think it was priced at around 2600quid.
I didn't end up buying it as I already owned one, still have it, can't quite remember the sequence of events back then but I may have spent the money on a MK3 Motodd kit for my 1200TS.
Maybe the same SFC that you brought? SW was working from the back of Slaters at the time.
Come to think of it, it could have been 1986 either going to or on the way back from the IOM TT.
Good luck with your search and do stick around.
Cheers
Rob
I nearly brought a 74 SFC from Slaters in 1984/5. I still have a photo of it in Slater's showroom. I think it was priced at around 2600quid.
I didn't end up buying it as I already owned one, still have it, can't quite remember the sequence of events back then but I may have spent the money on a MK3 Motodd kit for my 1200TS.
Maybe the same SFC that you brought? SW was working from the back of Slaters at the time.
Come to think of it, it could have been 1986 either going to or on the way back from the IOM TT.
Good luck with your search and do stick around.
Cheers
Rob
It was purchased in August 1985 - Steve was at the back of Slater's then - and the reg no was /is JUD31W- (for some reason I keep thinking it is JUD91W !)
The bike had some issues with the rear cush drive and the frame was very tatty - so I left it there for some repairs as Slater's could not work on it - and so the saga began 8-((.
I have had some interesting moments over the years as I have not just started looking for it but have been on a multi-year course on the geography of the English Midlands - specialist subject Evesham and environs - chasing Steve from location to location - usually to arrive a few days after he had moved to another location - no forwarding address.
There was a memorable phone conversation that started with Steve saying - " have I spoken to you since the fire ....." - that one got my attention in a big way.
Ian
The bike had some issues with the rear cush drive and the frame was very tatty - so I left it there for some repairs as Slater's could not work on it - and so the saga began 8-((.
I have had some interesting moments over the years as I have not just started looking for it but have been on a multi-year course on the geography of the English Midlands - specialist subject Evesham and environs - chasing Steve from location to location - usually to arrive a few days after he had moved to another location - no forwarding address.
There was a memorable phone conversation that started with Steve saying - " have I spoken to you since the fire ....." - that one got my attention in a big way.
Ian
blab
Hero member
- Location
- Adelaide South Australia
I cant help you,but feel your pain.
Can you clarify exactly which parts are still missing ?
You never where they may turn up.
Can you clarify exactly which parts are still missing ?
You never where they may turn up.