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BMW Airhead Twins – The Complete Story
by Phil West When the publishers first told me there was yet another book on BMW airheads coming out, my first thought was: ‘ Oh great, another book on BMWs no one wants’. There’s just
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Trio of Brough Superiors, right? Wrong.
Three big V-twins, featuring plated petrol tanks and even at a glance a fine specification, with speedometers and lighting sets apparent. Brough Superiors, right? Wrong…
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Ashley Watson Klisham longsleeve top
Ashley Watson makes some cracking bike clothing, which doesn’t look like all the rest. It’s expensive, but you get more than you pay for, as the quality, material and design is better than any other
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Have you seen Mortons Books’ brand new book catalogue?
Here are some fantastic new titles to explore while you’re stuck at home during lockdown.
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LED headlight bulb
AFTER A FEW scary evening rides on my T140V last year, I resolved to avoid riding it in poor light until I could find some way of improving the old Lucas headlight. At the Bristol
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world’s biggest classic motorcycle publisher, Mortons Media Group, unleashes new website and app
That’s right, classic bike fans – we’ve been busy during lockdown and May 8 will see the launch of the Classic Bike Hub.
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Can you help find this wedding BSA Shooting Star?
Classic Bike Guide reader John King is trying to track down his old BSA for a romantic reunification. Could you help him?
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World’s biggest classic motorcycle publisher unleashes new website and app
That’s right, classic bike fans – we’ve been busy during lockdown and May 8 will see the launch of the Classic Bike Hub.
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Vecta key safe
The average burglary takes just 45 seconds. And most of us apparently leave our keys by the door – makes sense – but also makes it easy for a scumbag to grab them on the
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From the Archive: Trading Post – YAMAHA SR500/SR400
Still Running, Still Riding: The traditional half-litre single is still on sale! Yamaha’s SR road banger has been in production since 1978. That is a very long time indeed, so it must be something special…
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From the Archive: International Dirt Bike Show
Though a modern event, there is still the odd thing for us classic enthusiasts at the Motul- sponsored International Dirt Bike Show… With all that’s best in the modern dirt bike scene on display at
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From the Archive: Austin Hockley – Fearless Fighter
Ask any of the competitors who raced regularly against Austin Hockley and the most common description they give him is ‘fearless’. Chris Carter charts his varied career. Words: Chris Carter Photographs: Austin Hockley Collection and
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Austin Hockley: The Fearless Fighter
Ask any of the competitors who raced regularly against Austin Hockley and the most common description they give him is ‘fearless’.
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COOPER’S PLACE OF HONOUR AT THE NMM
THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM is currently closed, but when visitors are welcome again, there will be a new attraction. This new feature is dedicated to racing legend John ‘Mooneyes’ Cooper and includes not only his
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Remembering Bill Crosby
Well known motorcycle dealer and museum proprietor Bill Crosby passed away in hospital after a brief illness on Sunday, March 29, 2020, a month before his 88th birthday.
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Surfing for new book titles?
With Mortons Media – the publisher not only of Old Bike Mart, but several other classic motorcycle titles such as Classic Racer, The Classic MotorCycle, Classic Dirt Bike and Classic Bike Guide – adding book
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James Bond’s BSA Rocket III to go to auction
The fact that a BSA Rocket III will be under the hammer at the Charterhouse auction in May isn’t anything out of the ordinary.
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Stafford set for August
Owing to the ever-changing nature of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there’s another date change for the ‘April’ Stafford show, with the new date being August 15/16. “Following the recent announcements from the UK Government, Mortons
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From the archive: Take five – whichever suits your style
Before Royal Enfield’s sensationally-styled Continental GT made its debut, the 250cc Crusader line had already evolved into two variations on a very agreeable five-speed theme – the leading link front fork Super 5 and the
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Archive: Testing Royal Enfield Super 5
Before Royal Enfield’s sensationally-styled Continental GT made its debut, the 250cc Crusader line had already evolved into two variations on a very agreeable five-speed theme.
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Extra Assen date for Endurance Championship
Coronavirus permitting, a fourth round at Assen has been added to this year’s FIM Europe Vintage Endurance Championship calendar. The Assen date is June 5-7, and joins Paul Ricard (May 8-10), Spa (July 3-5), and
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From the archive: War Baby
Not everyone loves dogs, but this little Corgi is one that some folk might like to have yapping at their heels WORDS BY MARK WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY ALEX RAMSAY Funny things, wars. They can cause
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Tune in to Motorcycle Views: A magazine with a voice
A NEW RADIO show and podcast about the world of motorcycling has been launched. Motorcycle Views is on the online streaming radio service FAB Radio International at fabradiointernational.com. Presented by Kawasaki classic four guru Dave
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Pat French
Pat French died this summer. Nigel Green says goodbye to the man behind the MRD-Métisse… On 30th July 2007 Pat
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Apollo 11: The Mission to the Moon
This Thursday (16/07/20) marks the 51st anniversary of the Moon landing and AllMyReads has the perfect book to discover the story behind one of the most important events in space exploration. Check out this preview from the fantastic bookazine, Apollo 11.
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What’s inside the April issue of Classic Bike Guide?
We take a look at the Clymer Indian Enfield – an American, British and Italian beauty – taken well before its time! Plus, will Guy Martin Triumph over McQueen?
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FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS UP FOR GRABS TO PRESCOTT BIKE FESTIVAL THIS SUMMER!
We have teamed up with our friends at Prescott Bike Festival and have five pairs of tickets for Sunday, June 16.
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Celebration of heroes
While so many events are being cancelled and postponed, it still seems reasonably safe to consider that those towards the end of the summer will be taking place. So, it’s time to put self-isolation to
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APRIL STAFFORD POSTPONED UNTIL AUGUST
THE CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK has cut a swathe through the events programme for the spring and summer of 2020. From high profile events like the TT to the smallest club meet, rally, AGM or bike night,
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What’s inside the May/June issue of Classic Racer?
Classic Racer magazine celebrates the greatest racers and racing motorcycles in history, where motorcycle-racing legends truly live on.
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Golden Era Run 2020
Now firmly established in the calendar for motorcycles and three-wheelers made before January 1931, the Golden Era Run, as organised by the North East Section of the VMCC, is set to hold its 12th run
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Saving a church with a Norton
Oli speaks to an ex-RAF pilot, ex-motorbike racer who has been selling some of his bikes to help his community buy an old church. WORDS Oli Hulme PHOTOGRAPHS courtesy H&H Auctioneers A RARE NORTON racer
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Bernard Hargreaves: Engineering, racing and war
Bernard Hargreaves’ life has been one of kitchen sink glamour.
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From the Archive: Rebuilding the legend
No question about it, factory team bikes have a hard life but their prototype predecessors have an even harder one. CDB checks out a 1970 370RN Suzuki development model. Words and pics Tim Britton Looking
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From the archive: Belgian GP 1962 – Bob Mac strikes gold
After a recent run of back luck, Bob McIntyre got his Grand Prix season back on track with a stunning win in Belgium, with Mike Hailwood, Ernst Degner, Jim Redman and Florian Camathias also scooping
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Bernard Hargreaves: Engineering, racing and war
Bernard Hargreaves’ life has been one of kitchen sink glamour.
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Archive: Bob MacIntyre gets gold in Belgium
After a recent run of back luck, Bob McIntyre got his Grand Prix season back on track with a stunning win in Belgium in 1962.
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Vapour-blasting – BDK Race Engineering
Cleaning old parts only goes so far. Toothbrushes, brake cleaner, wire wool and electric drill attachments can help, but they rarely get the job done properly and the piece is quite often dirty again soon
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Gift in Spain
The Colombres Rally is among the best riding events that not only Spain has to offer, but perhaps all of Europe. Words and photographs: Ian Kerr To paraphrase the BBC, ‘other classic European events are
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From the archive: Ariel factory prototypes – and a well-executed BSA/Leader special
A reader’s letter in last month’s issue about a fine BSA Bantam/Ariel Leader special brought two enlightened replies which, between them, lay all possible confusion about the legendary ‘Bleader’ to rest. The BSA/Ariel special pictured
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Ariel factory prototypes and a BSA/Leader special
A reader’s letter in last month’s issue about a fine BSA Bantam/Ariel Leader special brought two enlightened replies which, between them, lay all possible confusion about the legendary ‘Bleader’ to rest.
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TP’s Newsround, June 2008
What’s new in the world of classic motorcycling? A new sidecar especially for BSAs, classic racing at Donington, the Douglas
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Classic racing hit hard by coronavirus
The world of sport has seen numerous events, leagues, meetings and occasions cancelled for months in advance thanks to Covid-19… and motorcycle sport has not escaped the momentous effects. All events in the coming weeks
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Call for motorbikes to be post-lockdown travel solution
FOLLOWING PROTESTS FROM riders’ rights groups, the Government has backed the use of motorcycles for day-to-day travel rather than public transport as the nation emerges from lockdown. The Coalition of Motorcycling Organisations had criticised the
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Haughton honey infused with CBD
Steven Myatt, founding editor of Classic Bike Guide and his family now make honey, and very nice it is too. They call it English wildflower honey, it isn’t pasteurised and comes straight from the hive.
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New Triumph Motorcycles for 2009
Triumph motorcycles launch a special model to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Bonneville, and reveal steadily rising sales… Triumph
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Bristol show beauties
A BRIGHT BUT chilly ride piloting the mighty BSA Starfire on slippery Somerset roads was an invigorating start to the Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show weekend for me. The show was bracketed by torrential
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Heskeths through the lens
Being something of an active club, the Hesketh Owners Club set themselves a photographic competition last year, and it finally came to a conclusion last month. I t was meant to be a bit of
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Mike the Bike movie
The Australian actor and well known petrolhead Eric Bana has started the ball rolling on a film about Mike Hailwood’s legendary 1978 Isle of Man TT comeback. Bana is writing, co-directing and starring in the
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From our Archive: Dutch delight
The 16th Anglo-Dutch Trial brought together a host of veteran machinery for four days of historic riding. When members of the Netherlands Motorcycle Club visited the Isle of Man for the 1911 Tourist Trophy they
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Anglo-Dutch Trial bringing veteran machinery together
The 16th Anglo-Dutch Trial brought together a host of veteran machinery for four days of historic riding.
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Celebrate the life & times of Percy Tait with Mortons Archive pictorial
Motorcycle sport lost a true legend when Percy Tait passed away in November 2019, aged 90.
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from the archive: Goffy’s light fantastic!
Mick Payne discovers many ways of improving the lighting performance of classic motorcycles as he talks to Paul Goff. It can’t have escaped your notice that car lights are getting brighter. Not a bad thing,
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How to improve lighting performance of classic motorcycles
Mick Payne discovers many ways of improving the lighting performance of classic motorcycles as he talks to Paul Goff.
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Classic Bike News: September 09
The Vincent Spares Co has found a new home, we’ve got details of an auction in America, the AJS and
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Charterhouse auctioneers welcome George Beale
RACER, RESTORER AND REPLICA builder George Beale has joined the ranks of experts at classic and vintage motorcycle and car auctioneers Charterhouse. “Contrary to common belief, George has not retired but has joined us,” said
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George Beale joins Charterhouse team
Sherborne-based Charterhouse Auctioneers has announced that George Beale has joined their classic and vintage motorcycle and car department. “Contrary to common belief George has not retired but has joined Charterhouse!” commented Matthew Whitney. “He has
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FROM THE ARCHIVE: Triumphant return
On August 15-16, sprinting returned to east Kent, as Ramsgate reverberated to the sound of racing. Words: Alan Turner Photography: Alan Turner & Carol Green Government Acre is a large flat grass area at the
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from the archive: Norton Commando: Dream Machine
When you bring a classic bike back from the brink of oblivion, you get to choose exactly what it looks like. And if you want it to look like a Honda sports moped, well… WORDS
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from the archive: Spirit of Adventure
At one time all motorcycling was an adventure, but as roads improved the adventurous had to look elsewhere… Words: Tim BrittonPics: Mortons Archive There is little doubt adventure biking has taken hold of public perception
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Triumphant return of sprinting in Kent
On August 15-16, sprinting returned to east Kent, as Ramsgate reverberated to the sound of racing.
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Archive: When all motorcycling was a rocky adventure
At one time all motorcycling was an adventure, but as roads improved the adventurous had to look elsewhere…
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What’s inside the April issue of RealClassic?
The brand new April issue of RealClassic magazine is packed full of classic machines, tales from the shed, in-depth interviews and striking photography.
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What’s inside the May issue of The Classic MotorCycle?
The new May issue of The Classic MotorCycle magazine offers a lavishly illustrated celebration of legendary machines, riders and races, and news, reviews and rare period images from the golden age of motorcycling.
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Wal Handley memorial
The Gold Star Owners Club erected a memorial stone on Saturday, November 16 last year in Fingland, Cumbria, near the site where Wal Handley died on November 15, 1941. The decision to erect the memorial
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TRIPLES TO RACE THE WAVES
THE TRIDENT ROCKET Three Owners’ Club (TR3OC) is to field a five-man team campaigning three triple-engined machines at Race the Waves, Bridlington, on May 8-10. The event, organised by Backfire Promotions, is a “Retro Theatre
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The season of disruption
The list of events cancelled and postponed due to the coronavirus is, of course, an extensive one. The highest impact for us is the April Stafford show, one of our – as in Mortons, publisher
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From the Archive: Love your bikes? Thenyou’ll love the Bike Bus
Operated by the Caledonian Motorcycle Transport Company, the Bike Bus specialises in professional long-distance motorcycle transport between Scotland and England, and always goes the extra mile to protect its precious cargoes. The Bike Bus is
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Love your bikes? Then you’ll love the Bike Bus
Operated by the Caledonian Motorcycle Transport Company, the Bike Bus specialises in professional long-distance motorcycle transport between Scotland and England.
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Show within a show
A regular part of the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show is our Classic Dirt Bike area. Words and pics: Tim Britton WE only managed to squeeze one photo from our part of the Carole
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Win a Premier Trophy retro helmet worth £279.95!
We’ve teamed up with our friends at Premier to offer you the chance to win a Premier Trophy Retro helmet worth £279.95 A thoroughly modern helmet, with a multi-axial structure shell made from carbon, dyneema
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FROM THE ARCHIVE: Ridinglife || Vincent Black knight
Knight life Vincents aren’t your average classic bikes. Thanks to their curtailed production run, the final big twins are even more unusual than most WORDS BY Frank Melling PHOTOS BY Carol Melling IF ALL VINCENTS
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FIND THIS WEDDING DAY STAR TWIN
READER JOHN KING is trying to track down his old BSA for a romantic reunification. John writes: “I’m hoping for readers’ help. In 1960, I bought a BSA A7 Shooting Star and later that year
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Bill Crosby
We’re sad to say farewell to one of RealClassic’s oldest friends, Bill Crosby, who died last weekend, a month before
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Talmag Trophy Trial 2020
Land that belongs to the Ministry of Defence is, by and large, inaccessible to the general public. However, Ian Kerr finds a way that we can use that land to our advantage… Kevin Allaway, the
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C E Allen OBE, 1915 – 2010
The classic motorcycling world bids farewell to one of its stalwarts with the sad news that Titch Allen has died,
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Winter Classic 2020
Seeking solace away from what remains of the Christmas food and drink binge is never difficult for the motorcycle-obsessed, and while the garage is inevitably the first stop, Newark Showground holds an appeal that many
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Ton up! – A century of Café Racer Speed and Style
‘Oh great, another book on café racers – just what nobody needs’ I thought, when Classic Bike Guide contributor, Paul D’Orleans sent ‘Ton up!’ in for review. How wrong I was! It is superb. You
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Classic fun at Crich
For the fourth year on the trot, Crich Tramway Village in Derbyshire will be hosting its annual Classic Motorcycle Day, this year falling on Sunday, July 5. Organised in conjunction with the Vincent HRD Owners’
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OK Diner Challenge
Every year, we invent a ridiculous reason to go for rides on our old bikes. This time, the lure of
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Mortons Books launch brand new book catalogue brimming with new titles
The people who bring you RealClassic have just launched their latest book catalogue – brimming with fantastic new titles to explore while you’re stuck at home.
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Hugh Anderson is a MotoGP Legend
Hugh Anderson,the former 50cc and 125cc World Champion has been admitted to the MotoGP Legends. The New Zealander’s career also saw him contest the 500cc class and was a podium finisher in the 1960 championship.
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Newsflash! Six month MoT extension
Classic bikes over 40 years old don’t need an MoT certificate, but many old bike riders also run younger motorcycles.
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Back on track
After last year’s postponement caused by heavy snow, it was reassuring that this year’s Bristol Classic Show went ahead with no such drama. Words: JAMES ROBINSON Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN Best in Show winner Jim Devereux
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DIRTPRODUCTS
Do you make, import or otherwise supply bits and pieces, clothing or other stuff the world of off-road motorcycling needs to know about? If so, then your product could be on these pages. Contact Helen
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Get a £30 reward with Avon Tyres!
Are you travelling on your bike during this unprecedented time of social isolation? If so, our friends at Avon Tyres are offering you a £30 reward! All you need to do is upload a photo
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Get a £30 reward with Avon Tyres!
Are you travelling on your bike during this unprecedented time of social isolation? If so, our friends at Avon Tyres are offering you a £30 reward! All you need to do is upload a photo
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Can’t get to the shops? We’ve got you covered!
Thanks to these unmissable offers on a digital subscription, you can enjoy instant access to the nation’s favourite modern motorcycle magazines on your favourite device without having to open the front door.
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Made in Japan: Marusho
We often hear the main Japanese manufacturers referred to as The Big Four, with the occasional oblique reference to Bridgestone acting in the role of George Martin as the fifth member of The Beatles…
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Scorton Giant Auto and Bike Jumble cancelled
The Scorton Giant Auto and Bike Jumble’s March 21 and April 18 dates have been cancelled due to concerns over Covid-19 spread.
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Stuck indoors? Read your favourite magazine on any device!
Enjoy instant access to the nation’s favourite classic motorcycle magazines on your favourite device without having to leave the front door.
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From the Archive: It’s time to get into line!
Fitting a sidecar with the aim of obtaining the best-possible handling will pay big dividends out on the road, writes Mick Payne. What keeps an asymmetric vehicle like a sidecar on the road? There is
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From the Archive: Ariel Square Four
Ariel’s top of the range tourer is still more than capable of going the distance. If you look after its engine, that is PHOTOS BY Rowena Hoseason WHEN BUYING A typical Brit bike – a
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RealClassic Reading
‘And The Wheels Went Round’ by John Chisnall and Anthony Davis was published last year. Roy Workman is a sidecar
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How to best fit a sidecar…
Fitting a sidecar with the aim of obtaining the best-possible handling will pay big dividends out on the road, writes Mick Payne.
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Kempton Park Autojumble cancelled following Government advice
Following the recent announcement from the UK Government, Mortons Events has had to cancel the next Kempton Park Autojumble due to take place on 4th April.
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April’s Normous Newark cancelled following Government advice
Following the recent announcement from the UK Government, Mortons Events has had to cancel the next Normous Newark due to take place on 5th April.
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40th Stafford Show gets a hint of ruby
April 25-26 will mark the 40th anniversary of the world-famous Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, held at Stafford County Showground. It also marks 20 years of Stafford Show being directed with the reins of
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