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Mick Grant on the Honda NR500
Two minutes. That’s how long it took Mick Grant to consider the offer Honda’s Gerald Davison made. Somewhere behind the team trucks, hardly hidden from the camera’s eye, Davison asked the then Kawasaki rider if he would be interested in joining Honda’s Grand Prix team in 1979. Grant said yes and stood on the brink…
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Golden era for ‘The Southern’
Before the 1954 Manx Grand Prix success of Derek Ennett, George Costain and Sid Mizen, the Southern Motorcycle Club held its race meetings at Andreas Airfield.
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Jock Taylor: Pride of Scotland
Scotland has only had two road racing world champions, Fergus Kenrick Anderson and John Robert Taylor, better known as Jock Taylor. Both were later killed taking part in the sport they loved. Chris Carter takes up the story.
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Doing the Double: Freddie Spencer’s story
After Freddie Spencer won his first 500cc title in 1983 at 21, making him the youngest person to do so, Honda created the radical NSR500 V4 for the following year. Teething problems and a broken collarbone relegated him to fourth in the championship, despite three race wins. Fast Freddie tells Alan Cathcart about the road…
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CENTENARIANS CELEBRATE
Held on March 22, on this year’s Pioneer Run every machine was at least 100 years old.
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The ZÜndapp that never was
In early-1970s Germany, popularity of 250cc and 350cc machines increased. At Munich-based Zündapp it was decided to fight the growing army of Japanese strokers, though, sadly, the resulting machine never made it to production.
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The Victory Cup Trial, 1925
This event, which started at the BSA works in Small Heath, marked the midway point in a steady process of standardisation across all the big reliability trials in the Midlands.
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Follow my Leaders
The Beeton family name was well-known in sidecar racing. Many a racer fruitlessly pursued Lincolnshire three-wheeled ace Jackie Beeton and, in another era, his son Pete. Now Pete Beeton is once more a leader, only this time, it’s Ariel Leaders he’s interested in.
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FIRST GENTLEMAN OF RACING
A genuine superstar of motorcycle sport has left us. We recall the highlights of Geoff Duke’s career
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BIG SID’S VINCATI: AN ANGLO ITALIAN MASTERCLASS
The Vincent and Ducati V-twin (although Ducati insist on calling theirs an L-twin), have much in common.
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Over, Onwards
Faster than a speeding Bullet. Quite a lot faster, in fact. The Over Enfield reveals how much performance can be extracted from a decently ancient engine design
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Blue Style meets blue yonder
On their 350cc Jawa/Velorex sidecar outfit, Mick Payne and Katy have set off on the journey of a lifetime. Having reached the Lake District, Mick brings his first impressions of the humble outfit with a big task ahead.
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Great news for British classic bike owners as Rex’s Speed Shop takes Pazon agency
Rex’s Speed Shop, whose operation was highlighted on Steve Cooper’s Japanese pages a year ago, recently became an official Pazon ignition agent in the United Kingdom – and to back it up, the Robertsbridge, East Sussex, firm is now stocking genuine Lucas and PVL products.
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A lifetime of memories with an old police bike
Bernard Ratcliffe tells Pete Kelly about his 61-year love affair with an ex-Metropolitan Police Triumph Speed Twin.
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Remembering that very first Dragon Rally
John Wallis’s report on this year’s Dragon Rally a few issues back reminded Eddie Steptoe of the bitterly cold morning he set off from Ilford with his late wife, Kit, on their Triumph sidecar outfit to attend the very first ‘Dragon’ at Bryn Bras Castle in February 1962.
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Going Dotty
A great idea – pitch a standard bike against a works bike and add in a modern version used regularly… then get a genuine works rider to test them. CDB goes Dotty.
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ISDT: The Manx Decade
The Isle of Man is no stranger to motorcycle sport though generally the action takes place on the 37 or so miles of the Mountain TT race circuit. However, three times a major international event has used much more of the island than the roadways.
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Graham Wiggins: The story of number four
Andy Westlake tells the tale of a young lad who was always at the sharp end of the results in scrambling.
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Top TriBSA
BSA’s Gold Star ruled scrambling in the 50s and early 60s but not everyone could afford one. Luckily, there were alternatives… stunning alternatives. CDB investigates one of the best.
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RealClassic 131 out now
The March edition of RealClassic magazine is now available to order online (but it’s not on sale in the shops). Here’s what cracking classic reading lurks between its covers…
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Anniversary of first speedway at Paradise Park
The anniversary of what is generally accepted as the first speedway meeting in Britain, in 1928, took place on February 15 at the Speedway Museum, Paradise Park, Broxbourne, Herts.
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Top Gear at Excel
Excel, London – February 13 The London Motorcycle Show endeavoured to deliver something for everyone with displays from most manufacturers, a large custom show and a classic area among the attractions.
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Brian ‘Nick’ Nicholls (1930-2015)
What’s the most famous photograph in the history of motorcycle sport? It’s a tricky question, but ultimately it leads to one answer. It’s the picture of Giacomo Agostini at Bray Hill, front wheel aloft, in the 1970 Senior TT. It even led to a section of the track being ‘renamed,’ hence ‘Ago’s leap’.
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Bristol bike show cements place as one of the UK’s favourites
THOUSANDS of motorcycle enthusiasts enjoyed two days of bikes, bargains and a brand new classic auction at Shepton Mallet’s Royal Bath & West this past weekend.
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Bookmark our fantastic new website
Written by experts and updated more regularly than any site in biking, morebikes.co.uk is the website motorcycling has been waiting for.
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Vehicle enthusiasts set for bumper February in the South West
FINAL preparations are being made for two of the UK’s premier classic vehicle shows which will take place this month at Shepton Mallet’s Royal Bath & West, just one week apart.
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Important update for Old Bike Mart February issue
Due to logistical complications, the mailing of the February issue of Old Bike Mart has been delayed and copies are not expected to be with UK subscribers until at least the scheduled publication date of Saturday, February 7.
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Trade and Press Trial returns at Dirt Bike Show
THE International Dirt Bike Show is set to host a returning Trade and Press Trial organised by the event’s owner, Mortons Media group.
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Charterhouse gears up for Bristol Show
Auctioneer Charterhouse is set to hold an exciting auction full of intriguing machines at the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show in February. The show takes place on the weekend of February 7-8, 2015, at the Royal Bath and West showground in Shepton Mallet. Charterhouse has already confirmed some of the lots which will go…
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1938 Norton 16H
Ever since coming to Old Bike Mart last spring, I’ve been pondering over just what makes old bikes so appealing, and it was only after visiting Terry Potter in Buckinghamshire to take a close look at his gorgeous 1938 16H Norton a few weeks ago that the answer finally struck me – their purity of…
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Newly branded Telford show should be best yet
The newly branded Putoline Classic Dirt Bike Show, formerly known as ‘Wrighty’s Show’, which takes place at the Telford International Centre over the weekend of February 21-22, is ramping up the celebrations for 2015.
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The way we were: February
New lighting regulations, a new 98cc Villiers model and BSA dominates the annual Victory Trial in 1965…
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Classic British Legends: Brooklands
There are few places in Britain which so evoke the spirit of racing heroism as Brooklands. For decades it was at the epicentre of both motor racing and aircraft development. The banked circuit created by Hugh Locke King saw records tumble to men with nerves of steel who were determined to carve out their place…
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The Classic MotorCycle front covers
The Classic Bikers Club image gallery is continually updated, so regularly pop back for the latest period picture releases. If you like what you see, millions of other period images are available to purchase from the Mortons Motorcycle Archive, in various print and canvas formats, and make the perfect gift for the classic motorcycle enthusiast.…
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H-D Milestones Post-War
Mike Lewis takes a selective Post-War look at key models from the famous American motorcycle marque, Harley-Davidson… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert
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Triumph Trident T150V part two
Rod Gibson finishes his rebuild of the complicated three cylinder engine with work on the transmission. A hugely satisfying job – but Japanese bikes are easier to work on he says… > Part one gallery Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article…
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Triumph Trident T150V part one
A box of engine parts arrives in Rod Gibson’s workshop masquerading as a 1973 Triumph triple engine… > Part two gallery Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert
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TT Talk 1952/1956
As one of the most prestigious and time-honoured race events in the world, the Isle of Man TT has been the subject of much discussion and deliberation over the course of its history…
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Beckham’s Brazilian Bonneville arrives at the NMM!
Part Bonneville, part scrambler, part desert-sled this aggressive black jungle special is another chapter in the story of one of history’s most versatile motorcycles…
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National Children’s Day, September 1924
The National Children’s Day of 1924 was a truly special event for underprivileged children all over the country, and particularly those who were cultivating (or had already cultivated) an affinity for motorcycles and motorcars…
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Harris Collection to be auctioned
Following the recent news of an impressive assortment of early consignments to January’s auction, Bonhams has announced the addition of another renowned collection, that of Herb Harris…
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The Classic MotorCycle on sale – January 2015
Triumph’s small and perfectly formed 3TA profiled and tested, Panther 35, Moto Guzzi restoration guide, Trident recommissioning, plus all the usual archive stories and regulars. On sale now!
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Kawasaki W1 overhaul
“I don’t suppose you’d be interested in looking at my rebuilding of a Kawasaki W1’s motor would you?” asked owner Dave Jupp. Of course we would; we’d leap at the chance. Steve Cooper reports… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article continues…
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Reference: A to Z classic reference: Norton pre-war
Encyclopaedia of Classic Motorcycles: the definitive classic motorcycle guide
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Workshop: Kawasaki W1 overhaul
“I don’t suppose you’d be interested in looking at my rebuilding of a Kawasaki W1’s motor would you?” asked owner Dave Jupp. Of course we would; we’d leap at the chance. Steve Cooper reports…
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Girder forks
Feared by some, girder front forks were a light, reasonably strong early solution to steering and front suspension. Today, most are at least 50 years old, so need regular checks and maintenance to make sure they remain safe to use…
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Workshop: Kawasaki W1 overhaul
“I don’t suppose you’d be interested in looking at my rebuilding of a Kawasaki W1’s motor would you?” asked owner Dave Jupp. Of course we would; we’d leap at the chance. Steve Cooper reports…
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Douglas works, 1915
These Douglas motorcycles look rather dejected as they await a much-needed consignment of imported magnetos…
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NSA Sprint at Shakespeare County Raceway
This sprint was the last event of the season for the NSA (National Sprint Association) providing a final opportunity before most riders spend winter in the shed preparing for the next season. The sprint took place on October 26, 2014…
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NSA Southern Section
The National Sprint Association (Southern Section) held its AGM recently. As well as the regular club business there was also the welcome news that a full calendar is intended for next year…
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Easy-to-follow wiring loom kit from Paul Goff
Paul Goff has launched a simple wiring kit for alternator-equipped bikes that’s suitable for six or 12-volt systems using a regulator/rectifier such as the A Reg One, Powerbox…
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Harrogate Museum
Bonhams’ auction at the Yorkshire Event Centre on November 12, 2014, had a good selection of motorcycles, including a 17-strong collection of late 1970s and early 1980s Japanese machines, 16 of which sold for strong prices…
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Norton to be key feature at Classic TT
Iconic, British Motorcycle brand Norton, is set to be a key part of the 2015 Isle of Man Classic TT. The marque has been inextricably linked to the TT races from the very first races in 1907 through to Cam Donald’s fastest ever 500cc Norton lap of the Mountain Course in 2014…
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RealClassic 128 out now!
We like to finish the year on a high point, and are pretty chuffed with this issue of RealClassic magazine. It may not be big or particularly clever but it does have an awful lot of jolly interesting old motorcycles inside…
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Road Test: BSA Spitfire
One thing is for sure, these days in particular, the 1950s era of Trans Atlantic styling is eye-catchingly different…
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Road Test: BSA Spitfire
Whether the Americans truly desired the specification of machinery that we sent them, or whether it was merely the interpretation of the factory stylists in their smoky offices of the 50s remains arguable. However, one thing is for sure, these days in particular, that era of Trans Atlantic styling is eye-catchingly different…
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Looking back: 1977
It was a time of punk rock, Barry Sheene, Star Wars, page three stunners, big hair and even bigger flares. Welcome to the year that was 1977…
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Yamaha TZR250
Even in the second millenium a 250 ‘stroker is a potent missile and the TZR250 is quite possibly the considered weapon of choice…
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Pope Benedict’s Harley-Davidson to be sold for charity at Bonhams Paris sale
A Harley-Davidson motorcycle blessed with the signature of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and later received by Pope Francis, is to be sold for charity at Bonhams’ February 5 Paris sale…
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – December 2014
This month’s unearthed readers bikes and finds. If you have unearthed something recently and would like to share the news, or think I could help, write to me Mike Worthington-Williams, The Old Schoolhouse, Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire SA38 9JL email: [email protected] Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to…
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Classic Racer Jan-Feb on sale now!
The true story of the TT boycott, Ogier Laverda tested, sport down under, Bruno Leoni, Phil Mellor, plus all the usual regulars and archive stories. On sale now!
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2015 Pinup Calendar and Christmas cards
Forner CBG illustrator Louise Limb has announced her 2015 Classic Pinup Calendar is now available. Featuring some of her best known images from the Back Street Heroes archive plus a couple of brand new famous lovelies, the calendar makes the perfect Christmas present for the motorcycle enthusiast…
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Television scrambles
In December 1954, the first specially-staged TV scramble took place at Beenham. Little did anyone know just how popular the winter series would become…
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Classic Bike Guide on sale now – December 2014
Triumph TSX, Meriden’s last hurrah. Plus John Player Norton, British 500cc buyer’s guide, Magni MV Agusta, Ducati trail bike, BSA A7 restoratrion and all your favourite columnists and archive material. On sale now!
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Brands Hatch 1980: Anglo American Match Races
The story broke, in March 1980, that Barry Sheene would be missing from the British team for the Anglo American Match Races, after he had failed to agree start money terms with Motor Circuit Developments boss Chris Lowe…
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Milestones TT calendar
Pirelli may have dominated the workshop wall since the 1960s but now, at last, it has a rival – a blonde in Sheffield…
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Daytona reunion
During a few days in the Florida sun in October, which just happened to coincide with the AHRMA races at Daytona Speedway (what a coincidence) team Classic Racer caught up with old friends…
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In gear with Kinekt Design
Kinekt Design, based in Northern New Jersey, USA, has launched this Gear Necklace; the perfect gift for the motorcycling lady in your life. It was conceived as a complement to the Gear Ring…
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Road Test: Panther-Norton special
When Featherbed based specials are mentioned, several variations of power unit come to mind.
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Speedway JAP
Considering it was almost never made, the competition single had an extraordinarily successful competition career. It is fortunate that John Prestwich, founder of the world-famous company that manufactured JAP engines, had second thoughts after visiting a local speedway meeting in 1928…
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Road Test: Panther-Norton
When Featherbed based specials are mentioned, several variations of power unit come to mind but hardly ever would P&M’s slogging old sloper feature in the list. Jim Reynolds meets one such man for whom such ‘prejudices’ do not exist and finds that even the most bizarre concoction can produce remarkable results…
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The Wright time
Hard to believe, but this is the last chance for CDB to publicise the annual off-road extravaganza that was ‘Wrighty’s Show’
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Post haste for Pre-65
The entry form for the 2015 Pre-65 Scottish Trial is now available to download via the Pre-65 website page on www.ssdt.org
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John Bethell – racer and enthusiast
The northern scrambles scene lost a true enthusiast recently when John Bethell died aged 69 after a short, sudden illness…
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Robin Bark art
Robin Bark has spent much of his life drawing, painting or restoring old motorcycles. Now, after an extensive career in graphics and teaching at college and university level, he has returned to his greatest passion – the creation of art based around motorcycling…
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Andy Tiernan calendar
The theme for Andy Tiernan’s 2015 calendar is unusual/eccentric classics, as ever illustrated by the fabulous talents of Nick Ward…
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New Year, new start, Newark Bike Show
Motorcycle enthusiasts will be given an early chance to set themselves and their machines up for 2015’s riding as Newark Showground once again hosts its now traditional New Year motorcycle event…
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Reference: Ariel VH32 Red Hunter
This four-valve sporting Ariel single was only catalogued for the single season, though its name lived on…
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Road Test: BSA G14
The BSA G14 was, by the 1930s, a far-from-advanced piece of kit. But the qualities it possessed were still popular – and indeed still are today. This G14 has been restored by well-known Hertfordshire restorer Robin James and is a super example…
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Road Test: BSA G14
The BSA G14 was, by the 1930s, a far-from-advanced piece of kit. But the qualities it possessed were still popular – and indeed still are today. This G14 has been restored by well-known Hertfordshire restorer Robin James and is a super example…
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Reference: Ariel VH32 Red Hunter
This four-valve sporting Ariel single was only catalogued for the single season, though its name lived on…
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Classic Dirtbike out – issue 33
Kawasaki KX500 tested, Chase TY220, our tribute to Dave Bickers, 100 years of the Scott Trial, Win a Honda CRF450R, Dick Mann Matchless, replacing crank seals and all the usual articles and guest columnists. Subscribe now!
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2014 AMCA Skegness Beach race
With its rising reputation for being ultra-tough but still very raceable and enjoyable, it’s no wonder that the AMCA Skegness Beach race supported by the East Lindsey District Council is fast becoming one of the major end of season events in the off-road calendar…
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Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale – December 2014
Suzuki Spa Katana project bike ridden and rated, Laverda 3C quick spin, James Whitham joins CMM, Honda CBR600F and Suzuki GT750 ‘Kettle’ buyer’s guide and GT250 ridden. Plus all the regulars. On sale now!
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Yamaha FZ750: 25 things
Yamaha’s FZ750 was possibly the biggest leap forward of any Japanese motorcycle ever. Just 12 months after Kawasaki’s GPZ900R had seemingly secured the title. 25 years on much of the FZ’s design remains a blueprint for motorcycle engineering…
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Norton Commando: iconic engine
‘Versatility’ and ‘expediency’ were two buzz words in the British motorcycle industry. Versatility for the amount of uses an engine is put to and expediency for the reuse of components from earlier engines. Tim Britton traces the roots of the Norton Commando engine…
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Brooklands racer goes under the hammer
A 500cc Excelsior JAP with a fully documented history of racing at the famous Brooklands circuit recently went under the hammer at the H&H auction at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford…
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London to Brighton veteran car run
In 1896, an assortment of vehicles drove from London to Brighton to celebrate the change in the law that allowed them to move at 14mph and no longer be preceded by a man with a red flag…
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An engineer’s Goldie tribute
What does it take to stop you in your tracks at a motorcycle show? This beautiful BSA Gold Star did it for the Classic Dirtbike editor, Tim Britton….
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Beckham’s Triumph
Watching the advert for David Beckham’s new whisky, something struck a chord about the registration number of the Triumph the former England football captain was riding…
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NMM introduces ‘where are they now’ at show
The National Motorcycle Museum is bringing a brand new feature to the Classic Motorbike Show held at Birmingham’s NEC from November 14-16…
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Maria Costello rides again Down Under
The first woman to stand on the podium on the Isle of Man was is set to enter the Barry Sheene Classic in New Zealand…
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The Classic MotorCycle on sale – December 2014
Ariel’s excellent Huntmaster, BSA CB34 Gold Star, pre-war Speed Twins, JAP restoration guide, stunning Cammy AJS, Brighton Speed Trials, plus all your favourite columnists and archive stories…
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NMM Vincent Rapide prize draw results anounced
A trampolining John McGuinness selected the National Motorcycle Museum’s Vincent Rapide-winning raffle ticket at least weekend’s 30th anniversary celebrations…
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Rare Brough Superior at Bonhams auction
Designed with the legendary peaks of the Alpine Trial in mind, a 1929 Brough Superior 986cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sports is set to go inder the hammer at Bonhams’ forthcoming Bond Street sale…
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Dick Standing
A sad loss to the VMCC, Gold Star Owners Club and the Brooklands Motorcycle Team, Dick Standing died on October 24, following a series of stays in hospital…
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Moments of nostalgia
Former two-wheeled sporting stars Steve Parrish and Les Archer visited the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum in early October. Les’s visit was part of the ‘Memory Lane Celebrations’…
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International Dirt Bike Show
Selection of images from last weekend’s record-breaking International Dirt Bike Show, held at the National Agricultural Centre, Warwickshire… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert
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Road Test: Triumph Trident T160
Triumph’s three cylinder Trident provided the signature sound for racers in the early Seventies and led to the best of the bunch, the T160, made for just a year from 1975. John Nutting explains…
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