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THE VIC STORY – THE VICTORIA BIKERS PUB
People that don’t really know us may consider a bikers pub to be the last place on earth they would want to visit, or do business with, but bikers and visitors to The Vic come
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10% off YSS shocks in July!
Now this is a shock offer! YSS is offering 10% off their brilliant shock absorbers until July 15th. YSS is the world’s largest producer of aftermarket shock absorbers for motorcycles. These are made in-house to
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2018 Wemoto Festival of Jurby Merchandise
Wemoto has expanded its range of Festival of Jurby Merchandise in a bid to raise more for the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club’s injured riders and helicopter fund. Over the past three years, Wemoto has
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Life is like a box of chocolates…
This month has disappeared in a melee of riding. The shows and meets are in full swing and feature bikes are everywhere. In no particular order, I’ve ridden a BSA A10 (lovely, everyday bike with
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ASG identified
ASG identified 1 Dear CR, Please find enclosed a letter and a picture I received from Andreas Georgeades in 1972. It will give you the identification of the bike Mark Kulczyk saw in 1973. The exhaust
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500 ways to go
Speaking with Jan De Vos, the man behind the Redfox Grinta Ducati machine which you may have noticed on the cover of this issue of Classic Racer, something became very apparent. Jan, as with a
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Geoff Duke the lost interview
Geoff Duke won six 350cc and 500cc world championships between 1951 and 1955 and six TT races between 1949 and 1955. He was racing’s first true superstar and household name, winning the Sportsman of the
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Red Fox Grinta. A classic Ducati.
Controversy may have surrounded this magnificent-looking motorcycle at the end of last year’s Classic TT, but don’t let that cloud your judgement of this bike. Look at it. It’s immense. Redfox-Grinta is well known in classic
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Finding the formula, 750 style. Part 2
In the previous issue we told you the story of how the 750 class began and evolved into a class that drew big names, big races and big outcomes. Here’s the continuing story of the
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25th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show goes up a gear with Terry Rymer
The October Stafford show has a big reputation when it comes to providing special guests and entertainment, but this autumn’s edition is set to beat all records. As is tradition, the 25th Carole Nash Classic
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Classic Bike Trackdays heads to Castle Combe
Since its opening in 1950, some of the most famous names in motor racing have left their tyre tracks around Castle Combe’s challenging tarmac… and now it’s your turn! Taking place across Friday 20th and
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Winning Australia: Old dogs of war lead Australia to victory in the International Challenge at Phillip Island
Words: HAMISH COOPER Photos: RUSSELL COLVIN As the young guns faltered due to mechanical issues, Australia’s grizzled old warhorses stepped up to hold off a determined Team USA and retain the International Challenge trophy. Steve
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Alternative thinking
It’s amazing how often chance plays a part in this magazine world, at least when it comes to inspiration for features. What I mean by that is a chance comment by someone at an event
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Our survey said?
Surveys are not a new thing, though with the advent of the internet they became easier to present to us and equally as easy for us to ignore. It seems no matter what we do,
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Making it Faster II
Regular Classic Racer contributor and self-confessed petrolhead Norm DeWitt, has completed his book Making it Faster II and it’s available to purchase now. Although it majors on four-wheel sport, the 541-page publication is a
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TT 2018: Great British Motorcycles stamp collection celebrates the Isle of Man TT
The Isle of Man Post Office has commissioned a set of 12 ground-breaking stamps, featuring TT greats of yesteryear – man and machine alike. The new Great British Motorcycles set celebrates innovation, incorporating both artwork
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Mr Hele, a question
Dear CR Great to see those lovely pictures and words about the ‘Rob North’ BSA Rocket 3 in the last issue. It’s good to see an original bike with genuine 19in wheels, forks and period
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ASTE BOLAFFI’S FIRST CLASSIC CARS AND MOTOR VEHICLES AUCTION ON MAY 23RD AT LA PISTA DI ARESE (MILAN)
Among the highlights there are a 1955 Lancia Aurelia B24s Spider, the Alfa Romeo 8c Pandion 2010, and the Bertone Nuccio 2012 For its first Classic Cars and Motor Vehicles Auction, scheduled for May 23rd at
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War of attrition
Right from the start of the race it was the two fast MVs that got away with seconds in hand over the chasing pack. Indeed, by the end of that first lap it was
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Millyard’s Marvel!
At the recent Carole Nash The Classic Motorcycle Show over the April 21-22 weekend, our contributor Allen Millyard debuted his amazing six-cylinder RC replica – made from two FZR250 motors! This stunning machine’s build is
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Gary Routledge Classic Ride & Show is GO!
The late May Bank Holiday Monday will once again see local bikers gather for the Gary Routledge Ride and Show. This superb annual charity event has become a big feature of the North East motorcycling
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TT back at the Wheatsheaf
Plans are coming together for the return of the TT Riders’ Association fundraising event at the Wheatsheaf, Louth Lincolnshire, on Sunday, July 29. Admission is free, you get the chance to mix with racing
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Get up there grandfather!
This image was taken by The Motorcycle magazine, circa 1927 (ref.B2406) and shows my grandfather Geoffrey Bode, on the left aboard his beloved “Pegasus” giving it all he’d got up the Post Hill climb, Leeds. I
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Deeley: Motorcycle Millionaire
Over a century ago, a bicycle shop on Bromsgrove High Street sowed the seeds which would become Canada’s oldest Harley-Davidson
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New Chairman
Southern 100 Racing’s long-time club and race Secretary, George Peach, has been made Chairman of the organisation. George becomes only the sixth Chairman of the ‘friendly races’ since the event was first run in
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The Honda CR93 The privateer’s ultimate weapon (and my eventually successful search for one)
I swear that a butterfly landing on a leaf would have been heard by all. Then the starter’s flag dropped; there was the patter of feet and the spluttered cacophony of assorted two-stroke engines; but above
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‘Why do we need so many bikes?’
There is an amusing – well the first time you hear it – saying doing the rounds that goes something along these lines: ‘X=Y+1’. If X is the perfect number of bikes, then Y
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Daytona Monument bricks
A packed crowd gathered at the Daytona Monument, which stands adjacent to the old start line for the original Daytona 200 beach race, to witness the placing of the latest memorial bricks during Daytona Bike
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Dave Simmonds (and Kawasaki’s ‘red tank racers’)
Perhaps you have to go further back to the charismatic ‘naked’ US Championship superbikes of Eddie Lawson, David Aldana and Wayne Rainey in the late 1970s and early Eighties or the World Championship winning
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Bristol show – the best in the west
At the 38th Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show held on February 3/4, at the Bath and West Showground, Tony Pashley took home the coveted best in show prize with his award-winning 1934 Model
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Call to arms
Welcome to your latest edition of Classic Racer. I sincerely hope that you enjoy it. By now, you’ve probably noticed the Great Racing Motorcycles DVD on the cover of this magazine. This fine documentary from
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That’s me!
I was so pleased to read the story of the Royal Enfield Interceptor – mine! How happy and pleased can a classic bike owner be, to have an article written about the bike and himself,
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Harley’s 2-stroke star One Year Wonder
The chance to ride the one and only factory Harley-Davidson 500GP racer ever built came on a sunny summer’s day at Pirelli’s Vizzola test track, just half an hour from the lakeside Schiranna factory near
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Check out some of the bikes up for auction!
Here are a few of the bikes up for auction this weekend! See previous story! https://en.millon-belgique.com
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Beautiful bikes at Belgian auction!
A stunning array of vintage, classic and modern classic machinery is part of an exhibition and auction in Belgium this weekend. More than 50 exotic machines help make up the 62 lots in this once-in-a-lifetime
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Check out some of the bikes up for auction!
Here are a few of the bikes up for auction this weekend! See previous story! https://en.millon-belgique.com
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Beautiful bikes at Belgian auction!
A stunning array of vintage, classic and modern classic machinery is part of an exhibition and auction in Belgium this weekend. More than 50 exotic machines help make up the 62 lots in this once-in-a-lifetime
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April Stafford almost upon us
As usual, The Classic MotorCycle Show will bring you a fine selection of everything needed for a weekend of motorcycling indulgence, this year being held over April 21/22. Held at Staffordshire County Showground, you’ll find
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Such cool clothing
Loved the opening paragraph of your report of the Stanhope Classic, but I have to tell you that not everyone wore waxed cotton riding suits ‘back in the day’. As you can see from
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Make a date for Stavros on tour
Steve Parrish has a full season of his entertaining roadshow planned, which kicks off at The Trinity Arts Centre, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, on April 21. Call 01427 676655 for tickets and more information. Other dates, venues,
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Money is no object
Snow will be what we remember about last month… but the sun was shining on me as I got to ride a brand-new Norvin. The bike was a revelation to me. I suffered from total
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Moto Guzzi: Every Model Since 1921
An extensive list of every single civilian Moto Guzzi model manufactured over the course of nearly a century is going
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George Costain
Home racer George Costain’s main claim to fame was winning the 1954 Senior Manx Grand Prix, making it the first ‘Manx’ double in the September races – his fellow islander Castletown’s Derek Ennett having taken
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Barry Sheene’s first 500cc Grand Prix win
In 1971 he scored three GP wins on the ex-Stuart Graham 125 Suzuki at Spa, Belgium; Anderstorp, Sweden and Imatra, Finland. He’d even won the 50cc GP in Brno, Czechoslovakia, as guest rider for the
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Nobby Clark
After a long and brave battle against illness legendary technician, Nobby Clark has died aged 81. No other mechanic in the history of the sport spanned so many generations and worked with so many legendary
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Gentleman John Hartle… no prima donna
Dear CR Having a lot of time spare around 1966/67, I lived quite close to Mallory Park and a regular at the Wednesday practice was John Hartle. He was making a return to racing after
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Bravo Benly! The Honda CB92 Benly
Scoop resamples Honda’s seminal micro-sports twin: the CB92 Benly.
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Endurance Legends is on!
Endurance Legends has been confirmed for May 12-13, 2018, at Donington Park. This promises to build on the inaugural event from 2017 to showcase classic endurance racing at its best. The organisers Classic Bike Track
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Endurance Legends is on!
Endurance Legends has been confirmed for May 12-13, 2018, at Donington Park. This promises to build on the inaugural event from 2017 to showcase classic endurance racing at its best. The organisers Classic Bike Track
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New recruits add to Bonhams’ experience
Bonhams motorcycle department has added two experienced consultants, Greg Pullen and Dave Hancock, to the team. Greg Pullen has been a Ducati fan since childhood and is a respected authority on motorcycles. He is also
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The World’s First Ducati 350
Back in 1960, the biggest motorcycle model that Ducati made was just 200cc, so most people would have considered anyone talking of turning that little bike into a 350 racer to be certifiably insane.
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Bright sparks
Anyone who has taken note of the electric bike scene can’t fail to have noticed how far it has advanced over the past few years, from an interesting novelty to a more serious contender.
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New European series will recreate golden era at iconic racing venues
A new international series for classic race bikes of the 1970s and 1980s has been launched. It will bring together three of the most popular four hour races across Europe and provide race classes
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Winter wonderings
I’ve been chatting with friends who’ve ridden the latest phenomenon, Ducati’s Panigale V4. Phrases ‘game changer’ and ‘revolutionary’ were banded around. It’s not ‘just’ the 214bhp (in standard, warranty-friendly road trim) V4 MotoGP inspired engine.
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The long quest for ‘King Dick’
Mention the words King Dick and most polite people will simply think ‘spanner’
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Manx Radio continues Southern 100 link-up
Southern 100 Racing has announced that Manx Radio will continue to be the official broadcast partner for all the races held on the Billown course for 2018. Manx Radio has been broadcasting the Southern 100
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Higher-archy
Years ago I was interviewing the legendary Mick Doohan. At the time, the Aussie was pretty much at the height of his power. Doohan was, outwardly, in command and harshly honest – not only
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Mick Doohan: Developing the Honda NSR500
Mick Doohan and the Honda NSR500 formed the most formidable and successful partnership of the 500cc era of Grand Prix racing that ran from 1949 until 2001. The NSR scored a total of 133 GP wins between
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The BSA-750/3: Born quickly
The Highboy-framed BSA-3 which Mike Hailwood raced in the 1970 Daytona 200 is in the Barber Museum in Alabama, but the fate of his 1971 Lowboy bike is less certain. Taking the frame of
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New TTRA President
At the annual TT Riders’ Association luncheon, held at the National Motorcycle Museum in October, Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle took over from Alex George to become president for the coming year. A staunch supporter of the
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Lois On The Loose
A modern-day motorcycle adventurer, Lois Pryce has crossed continents and survived all manner of mayhem to tell the tale —
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Tony Scott
World famous engine tuner Tony Scott died recently after a hard-fought battle with illness. Tony was revered within the racing world for his ability to get the best from racing four-stroke engines, something he did
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Christmas classic
Dear CBG I quite agree with the article in the January issue, you just have to pick your days and wear appropriate clothing. Chris Sawdon Love it! A safety Santa! Thanks for sending this in,
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The Classic Motoring Review
Shock! Horror! These vintage vehicles have more than two wheels! If that gives you a complete conniption fit then you’d
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MoT exempt – hurrah! Or is it?
I don’t watch the news any more. It gives me a little more time in the workshop, and to my less-than-academic mind it seems the world is run by sociopaths trying to look after themselves
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TEXAS TORNADO AT ISLAND CLASSIC
Hot on the heels of Aussie Troy Corser announcing he will ride in the 2018 International Island Classic at Phillip Island over the weekend of January 26-28, former US World Superbike champion, Colin Edwards, has
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Two-Wheeled Blitzkrieg
The motorcycle played an essential role during WW2 on all fronts. Among the soldiers of the Third Reich, motorcycles served
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In his own words: Benedicto Caldarella
My participation in Europe for the works Gilera team was a boy’s dream come true. Back in 1957, when I was 17, I accompanied my father, Salvador, who was racing a 500cc Gilera Piuma in
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Thanks for keeping it real
As a recent subscriber I would like to comment that I really enjoyed the December issue. I was particularly impressed by the GPO Bantam story with its good blend of interesting old bikes and social
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Around The World On A Motorcycle
Ready for another armchair adventure? This travellers’ tale goes back 90 years to the era between the world wars, when
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Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Mike’s TT Comeback
Arguably the most memorable and emotional moment in the TT’s 110 year history will be central to the celebrations at next year’s Classic TT presented by Bennetts, which forms part of the Isle of Man
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1950 Vincent 998cc Rapide Series-C Touring Model – Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction 2018
Ever since the Series A’s arrival in 1937, the Vincent v-twin has been synonymous with design innovation, engineering excellence and superlative high performance. From Rollie Free’s capture of the ‘world’s fastest production motorcycle’ record in
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The Ginger Molloy story
Whenever Ginger Molloy and his mechanic Gary Williams travelled on the Continent they either slept under the stars, between the bikes inside the van, or even on top of the bikes using a thin foam
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MODS AND ROCKERS – A NEW WAY OF LIFE FOR NEWARK JANUARY SHOW
ELEMENTS of the scooter/motorcycle rivalry of the mid-60s will be showcased at The Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic show. The motorcycling event, now in its seventh year, takes place at Newark Showground on
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On the G50 Metisse
Dear CR It was nice to see the line drawing of the G50 Metisse in CR 187. The machine as drawn would be 1967 spec onwards. The front forks were 1966/7 and the front and
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The changing face of trials
Your editorial in issue 44 of Classic Dirt Bike magazine really shocked and saddened me. I was vaguely aware that real motorcycle trials – maintaining forward motion over a difficult terrain – had been overtaken
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KAWASAKI SANDWICH
Editor Tony’s little quiz to identify the two riders in the Kawasaki sandwich in the great archive shot in the last issue of Classic Racer caused great interest, with my inbox jammed with correct answers
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Suzuki’s Katana Endurance Racer
There’s an understandable beam of pride that comes from Tim Davies and Nathan Colombi when either of the two men talk about the Suzuki GB/Team Classic Suzuki Katana race bike – and it could be
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Lansdowne Season End
The last two meetings of the year, both with the CRMC, were at the Donington Festival in August and their Race of the Year at Brands in October. Donington was a four-race programme with 41
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Thermals? Check. ‘I’m just popping out, dear’
All that well-intentioned squit last month I wrote about workshop jobs to do? Well, I, er, there’s an issue. You see, as lucky as it is working around bikes, you are constantly reminded just how
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Passion fruit
Recently, I found myself sitting with cleverer people talking about motorcycle racing. Yes, I quite agree – finding people cleverer about racing than me is not exactly the world’s toughest task – the average empty
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YZR500 The OW60 family line
Yamaha’s RD56 factory racer which took Phil Read to the 1964 250cc World title really did use a disc-valve motor which profited from MZ technology – purloined by Suzuki from the DDR’s MZ, by enabling
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Lone Rider: around the world by BMW
Back in the early 1980s, Elspeth Beard took her broken heart, packed up her BMW airhead boxer, and rode it
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Sexy Suzuki RGV500 rebuilt!
Kevin Schwantz’s 1989 Pepsi Suzuki RGV500 was restored to full working order at the recent Motorcycle LIVE event. The iconic Grand Prix machine was completely stripped, before being carefully and meticulously restored by Team Classic
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Anniversary Blade book coming!
The 25th anniversary of the Honda FireBlade (or Fireblade post-2004) was in 2017 and a new Mortons’ bookazine is coming along in 2018 to celebrate this fact. Written by our own editor Bertie Simmonds, it
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Mackenzie Hodgson Insurance
Triple British Superbike Champion Niall Mackenzie and World Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson have become insurance salesmen! With many race and former race stars fronting up big bike insurance companies for their own gain, this is
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Honda Valkyrie
Honda’s six-cylinder ‘power cruiser’ certainly turned heads when it arrived two decades ago. It turned out to be an inspired
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Vincent Black Shadow
When the Vincent Black Shadow was announced in 1948 it wowed the world with a top speed of 125mph. Since
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Torrens: the classic motorcyclist
Back in the days of black and white, when the Green ’Un and Blue ’Un ruled the motorcycling roost, journalist,
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Ride Of My Life
In Ride of My Life, racer and writer Frank Melling tells of a few of the bikes and experiences, bad
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In balance
Loading the shed The prospect of planning a new workshop is exciting. How often do any of us have the chance to lay out a workshop from scratch? A chance to build what we want
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French sale
There’s a fabulous, eclectic range of machines on offer at Osenat’s sale, at the Salon Moto Legende in Paris, on Saturday, November 25. Ranging from a host of engines – mainly from French machines –
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Lone Rider
35 years ago, Elspeth Beard became the first British woman to ride solo around the world, and she accomplished this
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Only Bounders Ride Motorcycles
By Pete Kelly I sometimes think that Yorkshiremen are born with dry humour – and it simply falls from the pages of Ken Mellor’s self-published book, Only Bounders Ride Motorcycles, 100 Years of Family Motorcycling.
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A Racing Read
For British motorcycle road racing fans of the mid-1960s to mid-1970s there was no better racer than Peter Williams. Usually
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Perspective, perspective
A pretty big chunk of my little downtime these past few weeks has been spent watching some amazing races via my Duke DVD collection. And whilst I’m watching the thrills and spills of childhood heroes
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