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Michael Dunlop to ride father’s Norton rotary at Classic TT races
Eleven time TT Race winner Michael Dunlop is set to ride his father Robert’s Rotary Norton in the ‘Joey Dunlop Road Racing Legends’ parade on the Isle of Man…
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Towcester ton-up day
The 1960s returned to Towcester on Sunday, July 13 when a Ton-Up Day organised by Chester Dowling resulted in the front of Jack’s Cafe becoming jammed solid with old English iron…
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BHR battles rage at Lydden Hill
British Historic Racing took full advantage of the one-mile Lydden Hill circuit in east Kent with a 44-race programme over the weekend of July 5-6…
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Road Test: AJS Model S3
The AJS S3 was a bright and bold new design from AJ Stevens of Woverhampton. Unfortunately, its release couldn’t have come at a worse moment…
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South Liverpool club gymkhana, August 30, 1930
The South Liverpool Motorcycle Club found a novel but not entirely unexpected way of injecting some more excitement into an egg and spoon race on August 30, 1930 – by seating the brave participants, spoons and all, on their motorcycles…
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Road Test: AJS Model S3
The AJS S3 was a bright and bold new design from AJ Stevens of Woverhampton. Unfortunately, its release couldn’t have come at a worse moment…
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RealClassic 124 out now!
Three Triumph motorcycles are featured in this month’s magazine, but not one of them is a twin. Two alternative V-twins also make an appearance; one Hesketh and one Moto Guzzi, and a whole heap of other classic bikes
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Dambusters2014: Bike to the Bridge
A bide ride is being organised to Arnhem in September as part of the 70th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden, the airborne attempt to capture the bridges that marked the route into the heart of Germany during the Second World War…
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Flintoff Goldie brake
This is a new twin leading shoe front brake plate, for fitment to the BSA 190mm front hub. Although it is based on the famous Eddie Dow Duetto, this brake has improvements over the Duetto design…
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The Classic MotorCycle on sale – September 2014
BSA Rocket Gold Star guide, original Velocette KTT story, MV Agusta scrambler, plus Scott guide, Ariel Model A, BMW R67, Royal Enfield Motor Carrier and all the usual regulars and archive articles. On sale now!
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – August 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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Action-packed Museum weekend ahead
Free test rides and incredible stunt displays will feature when Yamaha’s Dark Side MT Tour arrives at the National Motorcycle Museum on the weekend of August 2-3. Test ride opportunities will be available on models across the MT range, including the MT-09 as well as a host of other free activities…
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Blown BSA Sprinter
Built by Geoff Garside, this A10/A65 hybrid was built during the heyday of straightline racing…
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Classic Bike Guide on sale now – August 2014
Vincent Black Shadow, Ace Cafe Tritons, Moto Legende, Capriolo Boxer, wheels and waves and all the usual archive material, user guides and guest columnists. On sale now!
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Honda RC181 replica
There are almost as many Honda RC181 four race replicas around these days as Honda have built road bikes. And they range from fantastic, like the RC181 featured here, down to ‘really shouldn’t have bothered’. Malc Wheeler takes up the story…
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Ride to the Wall planned
A charity motorcycle event will be taking place on October 4, 2014, in support of the National Memorial Arboretum…
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Parallel twins
A classic layout, the parallel twin is experiencing a resurgence in the modern market, thanks to a new range of Hondas. But was the layout any good in the first place?
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Uncover your dark side at action packed Scottish Motorcycle Show
Free test rides, incredible stunt displays, the latest machines and competitive racing are among the attractions visitors can enjoy at Scotland’s biggest and best motorcycle show in just a few weeks’ time…
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Red Marley Freak Hill Climb
A test of speed, nerve and cunning every Easter Monday in Worcestershire 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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Sounds like a good idea
Using sound waves to clean tricky bits of a motorcycle is a non-invasive way of true cleanliness, Classic Dirtbike editor Tim Britton listens to an expert…
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British icon returns to racing
Bike insurance specialists Bennetts is backing the return of the iconic British Brough Superior brand by sponsoring the reborn marque’s one-off entry into the British Grand Prix at Silverstone next month…
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Dates announced for Festival Of 1000 Bikes
The Vintage Motor Cycle Club has announced that next year’s Festival of 1000 Bikes will be returning to Mallory Park on the weekend of July 11-12, 2015…
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NMM Friends membership scheme launched
The National Motorcycle Museum marks its 30th anniversary in 2014 with the launch of an innovative membership scheme and the chance to win a Matchless G80 in a free draw…
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New Classic TT Trophies
New Classic TT Trophies, named after four of the greatest names in TT history, have been created for this year’s Isle of Man Classic TT Races in August…
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Northern Brit Bike Series 2014
Action from the Classic Dirtbike/Rock Oil-backed Northern Brit Bike Series 2014. Great weather and highly competitive! 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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Classic archive: Long standing trick rider, 1952
Accompanying a picture in The Motor Cycle in March, 1952, was the explanation: “Forty years ago tomorrow, in the issue of The Motor Cycle dated March 21, 1912, there appeared an illustrated account of a trick riding performance by a slim young man by the name of Albert Milner. Now the slim young man is…
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Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale – August 2014
Suzuki GSX-R restoration, Morini 3½ review, seventies superstar, Ducati 900SS ridden, plus projects on Kawasaki ZRX1100, Yamaha RD350LC, Honda VFR400 and more. On sale now!
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Project Can-Am Strip down and rebuild Part 1
Classic Dirtbike editor Tim Britton begins the stripdown before the prettying-up begins of the Project Can-Am…
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Sounds like a good idea
Using sound waves to clean tricky bits of a motorcycle is a non-invasive way of true cleanliness, Classic Dirtbike editor Tim Britton listens to an expert… 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…
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Apico celebration
Apico – the biggest off-road parts distributor in the UK – turned 30 this year and celebrated with cake and a change of ownership Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines.
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The TT comes to the Wheatsheaf, Louth!
Less than two weeks to go for the TT Riders Association fundraising event in Louth, Lincs, organised by the TT RA in association with Classic Racer magazine…
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The Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance 2014
Salon Privé 2014 will be showcasing some of the best motorbikes, across two classes, for the fourth year in succession at Syon Park this September 3, 2014…
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Metzeler village at TT 2014
Accommodation is often a problem in the Isle of Man during TT time. The Metzeler village offers a solution to some; it’s camping, but without having to put up tents, as they’re assembled prior to ‘camper’s’ arrival…
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Gasket teach in
Engines, gearboxes, carburettors and some electrical components are assembled with a mass of joints, which need sealing to prevent oil and fuel loss, or the ingress of water. Despite advances in technology, gaskets remain the favourite joint sealer…
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Westonzoyland Sprint
The NSA (Southern Section) was blessed with better weather for the second of its two day meetings at the Somerset venue. As ever, a fascinating variety of machinery made its way up the quarter-mile course…
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Cameron Donald confirms classic TT return
Two time TT Race winner Cameron Donald will make his return to the Mountain Course in August for the Isle of Man Classic TT Races with the Australian ace contesting both the Bennetts 500cc Classic TT and Okells 350cc Classic TT Races for Ripley Land Racing…
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Sprinting returns to Leighton Hall
For the first time in 45 years, Leighton Hall, near Carnforth, Lancs will be hosting a Bike Sprint on Sunday, September 28, when the grounds will be open from 9.30am until 4pm…
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Michael comes onboard
The Classic MotorCycle gets a new full time staffer in the shape of 21-year-old Michael Barraclough, the Cottons owners club is holding a centenary rally next month and reporting from the recently held Les Newman Run…
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Norton rallygoers roar into Norfolk
Based at an ideal sports club venue at Hingham, Norfolk, and organised by the NOC’s Norfolk branch, the Norton Owners’ Club’s National Rally from June 20-22 enjoyed warm, sunny weather all weekend and attracted well over 120 members and their machines…
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All-Japanese show at Great Blakeham
If you fancy a good day out this month, why not head towards Ipswich and find your way to Great Blakenham village hall (IP6 0NJ) on July 20 between 10am and 3pm?
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COYS to auction over 90 motorcycles at Blenheim Palace
COYS is to put over 90 motorcycles under the hammer at Blenheim Palace on Friday July 11. Included in the auction is an extremely rare 1974 Ducati 750 and a Harley-Davidson XR750, described as one of the most famous racing bikes in American motorcycle history…
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Sporting icons, bikes, bikers and more
Giacomo Agostini heads the list of sporting icons lined up to take part in this weekend’s Bike Bonanza at Mallory Park. The multi-times World Champion and Isle of Man TT hero will take to the Leicestershire circuit aboard an MV Agusta…
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RealClassic 123 out now!
Big twins abound in the July issue of RealClassic; beefy classic bikes built in Britain, Italy and even America. Plus a couple of lightweights for fans of smaller motorcycles. Here’s how to read all about them…
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Restored Dot delivery tricycle revealed
No sooner do we mention buying tuppenny cornets from a Dot motorcycle ice cream trike (Stafford Show report, last issue) than Sammy Miller sends us a photo of one that he has just restored to perfection…
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Blindfolded pillion rider Chris raises awareness of sight loss
Riding pillion blindfold may sound like a crazy thing to do, but for Chris Bostock it had a very serious message…
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Middle Eastern adventure, 1956
If you are going to embark on an 8000 mile motorcycle holiday to see the ruins of some ancient Middle Eastern empires, you’re going to need a pretty special motorcycle. Enter BSA’s Golden Flash…
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The Classic MotorCycle out now – August 2014
Royal Enfield Constellation, extraordinary low-miles Norton Navigator, Panthers to suit all pockets, the Banbury Run, Reynolds runabout, plus all the usual archive features and columnists. On sale now…
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John Surtees presents £75,000 cheque to Air Ambulance charity
Motorsport Legend John Surtees OBE, has presented a £75,000 cheque to charity Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, on behalf of the Henry Surtees Foundation…
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VJMC parades at Donington’s WSB round
The UK Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club carried off a coup by running 20 machines from the 1988-96 WSB era around the Donington Park circuit on May 24-25…
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Workshop: Suzuki GS750 rebuild part three
After sorting through the pile of bits last month I’m now ready to start reassembling Jason’s GS750 engine…
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Workshop: Kawasaki Z400 rebuild: 3
After owner Steve tracks down some serviceable second hand pistons for his Kawasaki Z400 twin – and splashes out for some new rings – Rod Gibson completes the engine rebuild…
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Workshop: Suzuki GS750 rebuild part three
After sorting through the pile of bits last month I’m now ready to start reassembling Jason’s GS750 engine…
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Workshop: Kawasaki Z400 rebuild: 3
After owner Steve tracks down some serviceable second hand pistons for his Kawasaki Z400 twin – and splashes out for some new rings – Rod Gibson completes the engine rebuild…
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NMM art gallery is now open!
From now until November 1 there will be a ‘Pop Up’ art and photographic gallery in the foyer of the National Motorcycle Museum at Solihull…
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – July 2014
This month’s unearthed readers bikes and finds… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines.
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Alan Abrahams
For Alan Abrahams, motorcycling was a constant source of entertainment, whether during the time he spent in the workshop or better still, out on the road…
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The Mablethorpe Speed Trials, 1924
The Motor Cycle described it as a ‘fine and warm day’ in September 1912 when the Nottingham Motorcycle Club set up shop at the Lincolnshire coast for the Mablethorpe Speed Trials…
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Centurion joins the action for sidecar parade lap
The Mallory Bike Bonanza over the weekend of July 11-13 will host something of everything for the biking community, young and old, participating or just soaking up the array of machines and personalities…
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Workshop: Harley-Davidson Sportster service
The 1200cc vee-twin had delivered three years’ unblemished service to owner Kev but now was the time to visit ‘Dr’ Rod Gibson’s surgery for a medical…
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Workshop: Harley-Davidson Sportster service
The 1200cc vee-twin had delivered three years’ unblemished service to owner Kev but now was the time to visit ‘Dr’ Rod Gibson’s surgery for a medical…
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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…
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RRL Riders Tour Paris 2014
On Sunday, May 25, 2014 France witnessed the first custom motorcycle ride around the RRL universe. 200 motorcycles rode on 99kms run, leaving from Paris and during the three hour ride, popping in to the Dampierre Castle, La Vallée de Chevreuse, and Versailles, ending up in front of the Ralph Lauren flagship store, boulevard St…
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Reference: Velocette LE 1948 – 1971
Velocette’s LE had a long production life, which indicated success, but it also absorbed a colossal post-war investment from the company, which in hindsight arguably did irreparable damage to the manufacturer…
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Matchless charm
The road test of the new 347cc overhead cam single in 1924 revealed its sporting pretensions – and eccentricities…
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Reference: Velocette LE 1948 – 1971
Velocette’s LE had a long production life, which indicated success, but it also absorbed a colossal post-war investment from the company, which in hindsight arguably did irreparable damage to the manufacturer…
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TT stars to renew rivalry at Classic TT
Attention will shortly focus on the IoM Classic TT, which sees riders and machines tackle the Mountain Course again, and the curtain raising 500cc Classic TT Race is set to start the Islands race festival with a bang…
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Classic Bike Guide on sale now – July 2014
BSA and Triumph twins stripped down for action, Untitled T3 Guzzi, British 250 singles, Yamaha YR350, Paton S1 test, plus all the regular archive stories and columnists. On sale now!
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Spa Lucky Strike
Former Suzuki rider, Didier de Radiguès, will ride a Lucky Strike Suzuki at this year’s Bikers’ Classics at Spa Francorchamps over the weekend of July 4-6. The 56-year-old Belgian was a member of the team in 1991…
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Bexhill MotoFest
A festival celebrating all things motorcycle takes place in Bexhill-on-Sea on July 27. Bexhill MotoFest takes place over the whole day at the East Sussex town, which arguably is the birthplace of motorcycle racing, as from 1902 until 1924 the Bexhill Sprint was held there…
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Road Test: Norton ES2 and Matchless G3
By the mid-1960s the once-great independent Matchless and Norton motorcycle concerns had been amalgamated and product ranges rationalised, and the two firms – once great rivals – were now producing identical-bar-the-badge machines…
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Road Test: Norton ES2 and Matchless G3
By the mid-1960s the once-great independent Matchless and Norton motorcycle concerns had been amalgamated and product ranges rationalised, and the two firms – once great rivals – were now producing identical-bar-the-badge machines…
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Brighton Speed Trials open!
After doubts about whether the Speed Trials could continue, we’re pleased to hear that the 2014 event is now open for entries. Taking place this year on September 6, the Brighton Speed Trials have been taking place along Madeira Drive since 1905…
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Road Test: Neander V-twin
Visually striking and rarer than hen’s teeth, the Neander certainly stands out, with its designer clearly a man who knew his own mind…
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Magnificent Vincents
A stint at the NEC in November 2002 convinces James Robinson that the Black Shadow should be regarded as a pinnacle in British bike history…
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Road Test: Neander V-twin
Visually striking and rarer than hen’s teeth, the Neander certainly stands out, with its designer clearly a man who knew his own mind…
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Guy Martin in Pikes Peak challenge
Isle of Man TT hero and TV star Guy Martin never does things by halves – and his latest goal is to set a new motorcycle record at his first attempt on America’s Mountain in the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado on Sunday, June 29…
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Road Test: Matchless 250 G2CSR
Jim Reynolds learns that a relaxed attitude to all motorcycles can result in pleasurable experiences. Oh, he got wet as well…
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Road Test: Suzuki GS1000
Twenty-five years ago, the young Rod Ker always thought the GS750 was a better bike than its 1000cc successor. So it’s with some reluctance that we have to report that this test has done nothing to change the churlish Mr. Ker’s mind…
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Road Test: Harris Matchless G80
It’s a conundrum many marque enthusiasts have found themselves in and one, which causes a rumpus around equally as many owners’ club committees – when does your marque cease to become your marque, or is it always your marque irrespective? James Robinson sampled one such conundrum…
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Road Test: Matchless 250 G2CSR
Jim Reynolds learns that a relaxed attitude to all motorcycles can result in pleasurable experiences. Oh, he got wet as well…
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Road Test: Suzuki GS1000
Twenty-five years ago, the young Rod Ker always thought the GS750 was a better bike than its 1000cc successor. So it’s with some reluctance that we have to report that this test has done nothing to change the churlish Mr. Ker’s mind…
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Road Test: Harris Matchless G80
It’s a conundrum many marque enthusiasts have found themselves in and one, which causes a rumpus around equally as many owners’ club committees – when does your marque cease to become your marque, or is it always your marque irrespective? James Robinson sampled one such conundrum…
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An hour with Conor Cummins: Manx on Manx
Manx born and raised, it’s entirely fitting that TT star Conor Cummins’ Classic TT debut will be made on a quad of Tony Dunnell’s Manx Nortons this year. Bruce Wilson spends an hour with Conor to get the inside line…
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Classic Racer July/Aug issue on sale!
Dale Singleton – Daytona 200 winner, TT racer and GP rider and AMA champ, plus Barry Symmons profile, Jack Findlay’s Yamaha TZ750 tested, plus all the usual columns and archive material. On sale now!
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Barry Sheene Road Race and Rally Festival
This weekends’ Barry Sheene Festival at Oliver’s Mount Scarborough has attracted another first. Barry’s son Freddie will now ride an RG500 in the parade and the BBC are filming for a documentary about Barry’s career…
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Project RD350 YPVS part one
What is the Bertie Simmonds doing? Just when we thought he had his project for the year, he seems to have gotten another one. Stupid? You bet…
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Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale – July 2014
Yamaha RD400 review – super seventies stroker! Plus Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha TZR250 V-twin reviews and all the usual regulars and workshop features. On sale now!
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2014 Classic TT
Excitement is building for the second year of the Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts with just under 60 days to go until the start of qualifying on Saturday August 16…
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Classic Camera: Touring in Derybshire, Sept 1955
Family touring, with a heavy 1950s accent. The modes of transport could really be hardly any more typically ‘early-to-mid 1950s, as a big Panther single (probably a couple of years old at the time of the photograph) pauses for breath, while down below, a steam train passes…
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Lampkin finishes off-road charity run
Graham Lampkin has completed his off-road (mostly) charity run to Lerwick and back. He took the off road routes for most of the journey, with the aim of raising funds for cancer research…
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Spilsby Bike Night
With more than 1500 bikes, trikes and scooters crammed into every corner of the Lincolnshire market town on Tuesday, May 20, Spilsby Bike Night proved another outstanding success…
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Frankie Chili to make rare guest appearance at October’s Stafford show
Seventeen wins and 61 podiums from 276 World Superbike starts, five wins and 11 podiums from 102 Grand Prix starts and a total of 33 fastest laps throughout a career that stretched across two decades…
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Christmas celebrations at the National Motorcycle Museum
This December the National Motorcycle Museum is pulling out all the stops with Winter Wonderland themed parties, taking place every Friday and Saturday in the run up to Christmas…
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Apico Putoline British Trial GP only weeks away
With a little over five weeks to go, the Apico Putoline British Trial GP at Nord-Vue, Penrith is gearing up for the biggest weekend of the trials calendar on Saturday July 19-20…
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Road Test: BSA G13/33 World Tour
Eighty years ago, The Motor Cycle took BSA’s Model G on a world tour to test its rugged high mileage abilities. This well-used example, discovered half-buried in sand and cement dust, still clocks up big miles in all weathers, validating the magazine’s original test…
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Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles
You’ll have noticed the back cover adverts for Yesterdays over the last few months, featuring some fantastic machines. We decided it was worth a visit to meet the men behind the name – and have a look at some of their motorcycles…
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Road Test: BSA G13/33 World Tour
Eighty years ago, The Motor Cycle took BSA’s Model G on a world tour to test its rugged high mileage abilities. This well-used example, discovered half-buried in sand and cement dust, still clocks up big miles in all weathers, validating the magazine’s original test…
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Sidecar legend Rolf Biland at Bikers’ Classics
Swiss sidecar legend Rolf Biland will ride at one of Europe’s biggest classic race events, held July 4-5 at Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, the track where he celebrated so many great triumphs…
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Kawasaki W650 flat tracker
This bike may have looked like a 1999 Kawasaki W650 when Sean Kynnersley bought it but after just five weeks on the bench he’d transformed it into this stunning hand built, road-going flat tracker…
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Hadlow Down historic vehicle rally
Tinker’s Park, at Hadlow Down in the heart of the Susex countryside, has hosted steam rallies for nearly 50 years. While the steam powered traction engines and road rollers are the stars of the show, the supporting cast is for all types of historic vehicles, including motorcycles…
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