AT the age of 82, motorcycling legend Sammy Miller could be forgiven for hanging up his leathers.

But Sammy is back on his bike and performing stunts in front of crowds – thanks to a new right knee.

The 11 times British champion and twice European champion spends 10 hours a day, seven days a week working, promoting, restoring or demonstrating motorbikes.

He said he owes his new lease of life to surgeon and fellow biker Charles Blakeway for performing a knee replacement.

Sammy, who was awarded an MBE in 2009 and runs the Sammy Miller Motorbike Museum in New Milton, said his right knee used to kick start motorbikes for decades, left him struggling to walk.

“It is the one that gets a lot of work in its life time, especially in my job.

“I couldn’t walk properly and I was trailing my leg all the time.

“I did still ride but with difficulty, only because I tended to forget about it when I was riding but it wouldn’t take a lot of load and there was a lot of aggravation. It was worn out with years and years of riding, road racing, trials and motocross, just wear and tear.”

Sammy underwent surgery at the private Nuffield Health Bournemouth where he stayed for three days.

But just five weeks later, he was off his crutches and back on his bike pulling wheelies in the museum’s courtyard.

“I sent the doctor a photograph! I don’t know if his other punters were wheeling bikes! That could be a world record. He was gobsmacked.

“If you’re fit and not overweight you have a good chance of recovery. It’s important to watch your diet and keep fit.”

Today, the internationally-acclaimed trials and road race ace, who has won more than 1400 events, is back performing in motorcycle events across the world – 63 years after his first victory.

“Nothing will get me off the bike. Since I’ve been six or seven years old, I’ve wanted to race motorbikes and I’ve been doing it all my life. It’s wonderful I can still ride, perform and work at them.

“It’s good for your mental and physical condition to keep riding and I don’t intend to stop even if my body tries to give me a few niggles.”