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The Suzuki Hayabusa failed to raise many eyebrows when it was announced in 1998. When the bike hit the showrooms in 1999, however, everyone started talking.

The decision to have a go at a bike restoration in hindsight was a good one. However, shortly after I got my hands on the bike I seriously began to doubt the sanity of the decision, but I kept telling myself I was only in it for the pleasure of tinkering with bits of oily…

During the 1970s onwards there were plenty of privateers eager to challenge the factory Suzuki and Kawasaki riders, but there was one undoubted king of the underdogs – Dave Potter.

In Wal Handley’s heyday, as far as the Press and public were concerned, he was the greatest motorcycle racer of all time.

A man on a mission to succeed. Words Dave Gittins Pics Andy Withers Tim Dallaway seems to have been around the classic scene for years. His father, John (number 64), usually aboard a 350 BSA,

Icon. Maverick. Fan’s Favourite. Call him what you want, but you could never call #34 dull. Words: Eric Johnson Photographs: Don Morley Huge banners and home-made signs proclaiming good wishes and positivity towards fallen world

As 2019 marks the 100thyear anniversary of the Indian Scout – especially with the release of two new special edition Scout bikes – there’s no better time to look back at the history of this iconic bike and see how it all began, way back when.

We’ve delved into the illustrious Mortons Archive to give you a glimpse into the use of Triumph and Norton motorcycles in the Second World War.

This year marks the diamond jubilee of Honda’s first appearance at the Isle of Man TT in 1959, and there hasn’t been a single year since without the successful participation of racing machines built by

He was known as Sir Tyrell, in a light-hearted recognition of his elevated social background. Words: ADAM REAR HG (Henry George) Tyrell Smith was born at Blackrock, Dublin, in 1907. His father was a keen

Coach painting is one of the oldest forms of vehicle finishing and is still favoured by many steam enthusiasts, canal boat dwellers, carriage drivers and the occasional motorcyclist. Although DIY painting has become more difficult

As we mentioned in the news pages a few months ago, ‘Gypsy’ John Newson, of Oxney Motorcycles in Kent, was due to take a trip around the UK – hitting the most easterly, northerly, westerly

Mystery JAP motor Chatting to Oz Ellison (one of our much younger enthusiasts) at Founders’ Day this year, the conversation drifted to a 250cc ohv JAP engine, which, along with a carburettor, BTH racing magneto

Using an AMC twin as transport – and a place on which to lean! Photograph: MORTONS ARCHIVE From the early days of motorcycling, right through to the 1970s, the artist was an important part of

An oft-used and overused term in motorcycle sport is ‘all-rounder.’ However, it does fit Ronald John Langston quite well – and in his case, it could be prefixed with ‘successful’ too. Words: TIM BRITTON Photographs:

The old motorcycle scene in general is a club of sorts and ‘club’ members help each other out if they can. Words and photographs: Tim Britton It’s a fair bet anyone reading this has moved

The small Paton concern punched well above its weight in 1960s GP racing. And it still regularly enjoys that successful feeling today, with John McGuinness pictured here on his way to winning this year’s Classic

Bought new by its current owner in 1963, this DOT Demon still provides its owner with sterling service and fun aplenty. Words: ANDY WESTLAKE Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN Mention the name ‘DOT’ to any classic off-road

These two pretty T20 Tiger Cubs from 1960/1961 display the strengths and weaknesses of Edward Turner’s best shot at the lightweight market. Words: STEVE WILSON Photographs: JONATHAN FLEETWOOD Angela Carter ticks many of the boxes

Last month, Steve Cooper showed us that Suzuki’s TM400 dirt bike was something of a loose cannon and, ultimately, doomed to ignominy in the archives of motocross history. Now he tells us what happened next…

Given the asymmetrical nature of motorcycle sidecar combinations, handling is always going to be a little interesting, and Mick Payne takes a closer look at how it can be improved. The telescopic motorcycle fork has

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 featured in CDB. Contact Helen

At a time when transport for the masses was in hot demand, the Cykelaid offered ananswer for many. Words: ROY POYNTINGPhotographs: TERRY JOSLIN A quick glance at the Cykelaid gives the impression that it was

There has been at least some progress in the workshop with our collection of machinery. Words: Tim Britton Jerry’s Jumbo Jerry’s rolled up his sleeves and is pushing on to reach rolling frame stage with

Photo: Nick Nicholls Collection at Mortons Archive YEAR: You Tell us // LOCATION: A rock in the middle of the Irish Sea Attention paddock, attention paddock, time to get pushing… The Mountain calls and the

Photograph: Nick Nicholls Collection at Mortons Archive YEAR: 1969 // LOCATION: Isle of Man On a day much like any other, one rider gracefully gets out of the way for another coming through on a

Words: Chris Pereira Michael was born on April 11,1931 in Plumstead London and the family later moved to Camberwell. His father Bill was a butcher by trade, but he was also a grasstrack rider so

Despite the interest from Yamaha and Honda, it was Suzuki who John lined up with in 1976 and it saw John and wife Margaret give up the life of the privateer, replacing it with the

We’re shining a light on some of the biggest and best players in the Classic Racing world and this timewe’ve been speaking to Louigi Moto’s Richard Llewellin. WHAT’S LOUIGI MOTO? Based down in the South

AllMyReads is the new way to browse unlimited non-fiction books, taking you on in-depth journeys all in the palm of your hand.

Oh, and one to race too! Words and pics: Tim Britton If your business is based on a particular model of motorcycle to the exclusion of all others, then there are a number of ways

It was another dodgy day at Jerez, the first day of practice for the first GP of the 1999 European season. Mick Doohan, titan of the 500 class, was having an indifferent start to the

Sometimes a specification sheet can give the totally wrong impression of a bike. The MV Agusta 350S might just be the best example of such a phenomenon… Words: PHIL TURNER Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN The early

This Honda CBR900RR-S FireBlade is more than 25 years old, but take a walk around its flanks and it looks so clean, spotless and almost point-perfect.

A rare timepiece given to Mike Hailwood by gifted watchmaker and pioneer entrepreneur Jack Heuer will feature in the Bonhams auction at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford later this month.

Intrepid motorcycle tourist Ida Crow and two companions take a European jaunt on their TR5 Trophies. Words: ADAM REARPhotographs: MOTONS MEDIA ARCHIVE At first glance, the photograph asks more questions than it answers, with a

This year marks the diamond jubilee of Honda’s first appearance at the Isle of Man TT in 1959, and there hasn’t been a single year since without the successful participation of racing machines built by

As the International Dirt Bike Show moves into a new phase, we take a look at dirt bike shows from the past. Words: Tim Britton Pics: Mortons Archive The International Dirt Bike Show had a

In the quest to assemble the big bits as quickly as possible, the details often have to wait. Words and photographs: Tim Britton I doubt anyone who has assembled a motorcycle of any sort will

Visit any autojumble and you’ll find many motorcycle frames on offer and you’ll see enthusiasts happily buying the most unpromising structures. Are they mad, or do they know something we don’t? Words and photographs: RICHARD

This fabulous Royal Ruby V-twin has a rather regal bearing, which issomewhat ironic, as it was the overthrow of the Russian royal familythat most likely led to its non-delivery. Words: Rachael Clegg Photographs: Gary Chapman/Mortons

Club life is a good way to be involved. Words: TIM BRITTON Photographs: BRIAN SLARK It’s a slightly different take on our brief chat for this month as we’re talking to a club rather than

He bought a scooter, and was satisfied with that, until a go on a friend’s motorcycle proved revelatory. There are people who’ve written a lot of books – and then there’s Mick Walker. The author