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Road Test: BSA M24 Gold Star
‘World’s finest standard sports 500’, so boasted BSA. But to some, Gold Stars are overpriced and unnecessary, though to many others – including our scribe – BSA was quite right, and they are simply the best ohv singles ever made…
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Buying Guide: Ariel 500cc
The history of British motorcycling is littered with what-might-have-beens. Jim Reynolds gets to grips – briefly – with one
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Buying Guide: Kawasaki Z650
Kawasaki’s Z650 set the standard for four-cylinder middleweights, but the company did it the hard way. Confirmed Suzuki GS750 fan Rod Ker concedes the Z was the bike to beat in the performance wars
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Buying Guide: Yamaha DT175MX
Everyone has had a Yamha DT175, ridden one, borrowed one and/or abused one. Given a diet of petrol, half decent two-stroke oil, the odd plug and sundry consumables these machines have rewarded their owners with dogged reliability and unstinting service…
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Road Test: Indian Model 741
They say that old Indians never die, and a thorough makeover does seem to have given this old warhorse a new lease of life…
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Historics at Brooklands
After a number of successful car sales, Historics at Brooklands included a motorcycle section in its recent June auction. The bike lots raised over £150k and could go much higher as a Black Lightning with an estimate of £105,000 – £140,000 is under offer…
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Road Test: BSA M24 Gold Star
‘World’s finest standard sports 500’, so boasted BSA. But to some, Gold Stars are overpriced and unnecessary, though to many others – including our scribe – BSA was quite right, and they are simply the best ohv singles ever made…
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July Classic Bike Guide on sale!
Peter Williams’ 1973 F750 TT winning bike tested, one man’s collection of Meriden-built Triumph twins, Sunbeam S8, Kott Hondas, Chinese customs, archive features, plus all the usual regulars and columnists. On sale now!
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Reference: BSA S26
BSA made its name on the back of solid, dependable machines, just like this one, suitable for hard work without complaint…
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Reference: Matchless G50
When Associated Motor Cycles’ engineers enlarged the 350cc AJS 7R to make the 500cc Matchless G50, one of the best looking racers of all time was created…
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Ariel Huntmaster rebuild: 8
Tin should not be damaged by fire. Frank Westworth discovers that you should never believe your own eyes. One of the reasons I was happy to pay out five hundred of HM’s most excellent pound notes for what may appear to have been a pile of scrap was because the toasted remnant had all of…
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Road Test: Vincent-Norton Viscount
Though this Vincent-Norton hybrid machine may be described by some as a ‘special’ it was intended as the forerunner of series production…
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Top bikes of the Seventies: 2
Getting closer to John Nutting’s final choice. Motorcycle league positions in this part are 20 down to 11…
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Reference: BSA S26
BSA made its name on the back of solid, dependable machines, just like this one, suitable for hard work without complaint…
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Reference: Matchless G50
When Associated Motor Cycles’ engineers enlarged the 350cc AJS 7R to make the 500cc Matchless G50, one of the best looking racers of all time was created…
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Road Test: Vincent-Norton Viscount
Though this Vincent-Norton hybrid machine may be described by some as a ‘special’ it was intended as the forerunner of series production…
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Sheene Trans Tasman Challenge
Hampton Downs will be the venue once again for the Barry Sheene meeting run over Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 25-27. There is huge enthusiasm from the New South Wales Post Classic Association with a larger contingent of Australians looking to make the trip across to New Zealand…
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Buying Guide: Velocette MDD 350
Matchless and BSA were famous for building military motorcycles, but Velocette produced their own 350 single in WD trim, too…
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Kempton’s cafe corner
The Ace Cafe roadshow greeted a huge number of biking enthusiasts arriving the Southern Classic Bike Show and Autojumble at Kempton Park racecourse…
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Latest Classic TT news
The Classic TT races have attracted more than 300 individual entries and a truly international line-up…
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Reference: BSA A65 Spitfire Hornet
As rarities go, they don’t come much more unusual than this US-only off-road BSA A65 competition twin…
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Reference: BSA A65 Spitfire Hornet
As rarities go, they don’t come much more unusual than this US-only off-road BSA A65 competition twin…
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BMW’s own retro reboot
Forty years on from the iconic R90S and BMW has revealed its latest tribute – the Concept Ninety.
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Road Test: BSA C10L
Never likely to set the pulses racing and often dismissed as ‘grey porridge’ and heaved onto the scrap man’s wagon, this BSA C10L – so representative of an era – is now a rarity. And that’s a real shame, because it has a charm which was overlooked when originally on sale. James Robinson explains…
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Road Test: BSA C10L
Never likely to set the pulses racing and often dismissed as ‘grey porridge’ and heaved onto the scrap man’s wagon, this BSA C10L – so representative of an era – is now a rarity. And that’s a real shame, because it has a charm which was overlooked when originally on sale. James Robinson explains…
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Cooper tests YCRT Yamaha
Ferry Brouwer’s Yamaha Classic Racing Team tested at Assen in April with Gloucester racer Dan Cooper, ahead of his ride on the OW45 Yamaha which he will race in August’s Isle of Man Classic TT Races…
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Buying Guide: Yamaha RD250
Yamaha’s RD250 two stroke twin was the first production bike to use reed valves to help deliver some midrange without killing performance elsewhere. But they were viewed with suspicion…
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Ending a 12 year hurt
Peter Williams, Norton factory rider and designer of the team’s new monocoque-framed machine, gave the company a well-overdue victory in the 1973 Formula 750 TT…
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Road Test: Triumph Bonneville
With the Triumph Bonneville celebrating its silver jubilee, the VMCC chose to offer up one such machine for their Christmas raffle prize. Always keen on a bargain, Jim Reynolds went to sample his quid’s worth…
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Buying Guide: Yamaha RD250
Yamaha’s RD250 two stroke twin was the first production bike to use reed valves to help deliver some midrange without killing performance elsewhere. But they were viewed with suspicion…
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Reference: A Triumphant tale
Triumph specialist Hughie Hancox spent many happy years at Meriden and had a ‘right royal time’. Here he shares some anecdotes, from archery in the Packing Department to covering up for test rider Percy Tait when a policeman chased him into the factory canteen…
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Road Test: Triumph Bonneville
With the Triumph Bonneville celebrating its silver jubilee, the VMCC chose to offer up one such machine for their Christmas raffle prize. Always keen on a bargain, Jim Reynolds went to sample his quid’s worth…
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July/Aug Classic Racer on sale!
At home with Bazza – Classic Racer shares a day in the Sheene workshop. Plus Gilera four tested, real not a replica, an hour with bright light track star Conor Cummins and all the usual regulars. Don’t miss it!
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Honda CBX anniversary watch
To help celebrate 35 years of six-cylinder silliness from Honda, the guys and girls at the CBX1000.US site have come up with this beauty…
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Historics at Brooklands Auction
After a number of successful car sales, Historics at Brooklands included a motorcycle section in its June auction. The Classic MotorCycle was there to capture the lots… 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…
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July Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale now!
Kawasaki GPz900R, Honda CB1100 – modern against classic, Suzuki GS1100 and T500, restorations on Yamaha LC350 and FZ750, plus workshop section and all the usual columists. With FREE 48 page ‘Summer of 78’ special supplement. Don’t miss it!
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US riders for Classic TT
A team of US racers is confirmed for the Classic TT which forms part of the 90th anniversary of the Manx GP in August…
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Road Test: BSA Rocket Three
BSA’s Rocket Three wasn’t appreciated in the all-important American market, with its boxy, jarring look, and it was a poor seller. A pity because the bike had many hidden talents under its skin. Tim Britton reacquaints himself with a stunning example in snow-flurried Norfolk…
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Road Test: BSA Rocket Three
BSA’s Rocket Three wasn’t appreciated in the all-important American market, with its boxy, jarring look, and it was a poor seller. A pity because the bike had many hidden talents under its skin. Tim Britton reacquaints himself with a stunning example in snow-flurried Norfolk…
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The way we were: July 1988
Randy Mamola took the 500cc factory Cagiva to its first ever podium finish in GP racing at the Belgian GP, held at the 4.312 mile Spa-Francorchamps circuit on July 3…
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Honda owners stalwart Dave Barton dies
Honorary vice-president of the Honda Owners Club GB, Dave Barton died at the end of May aged 66 after complications with his health that he had suffered over a number of years…
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Road Test: Ariel Square Four Model 4G
This largely original and unrestored Ariel Square Four spent many of the years since its 1938 build in Malta, where it was owned by one family until the present keeper acquired it…
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Road Test: Ariel Square Four Model 4G
This largely original and unrestored Ariel Square Four spent many of the years since its 1938 build in Malta, where it was owned by one family until the present keeper acquired it…
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Ace Brooklands celebration
The Brooklands Ton-Up Day, in association with Ace Cafe London, takes place on Sunday, June 23, at Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, Surrey
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Next weekend: Newark Bike Bonanza
A diary reminder for next weekend’s Bike Bonanza at the Newark Showground. Road racing stars John McGuinness and Conor Cummins, among others, will be on hand to meet visitors and talk bikes…
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Reference: Triumph Tiger Cub
The pretty Triumph Tiger Cub has always attracted a fair following, which continues to be the case…
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Workshop: Wheel building
Egged on by editorial pressure, editor Rod Gibson explores the art of wheel building for the first time, and discovers the black art isn’t as mysterious as it looks…
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Ducati desmodromics
The word desmodromic will not be found in many dictionaries. It was coined from two Greek words, meaning ‘controlled run’ and its mechanical function is to eliminate one of the phenomenon of valve float, or ‘bounce’. Mick Walker explains how Ducati stole a march on rivals…
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Workshop: Wheel building
Egged on by editorial pressure, editor Rod Gibson explores the art of wheel building for the first time, and discovers the black art isn’t as mysterious as it looks…
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Reference: Triumph Tiger Cub
The pretty Triumph Tiger Cub has always attracted a fair following, which continues to be the case…
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The way we were: July 1963
An entry of 657 riders started from locations around the UK at 11am on Saturday to criss-cross the country and cover at least 600 miles apiece, before converging 24 hours later at the finishing checkpoint on Battersea Park of the ACU’s annual National Rally, pictured…
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Kempton Park Classic Show
EGP Enterprises can chalk up yet another successful Classic Bike Show. The event was supported by the Ace Café that had organised a colourful array of superbly-engineered café racers, which caused many visitors to linger on their way into the main display area…
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The way we were: July 1937
Concerned over efficiency and the excess noise level of accessory house silencers, the ACU ran a series of tests to compare with the motorcycle maker’s standard fitment…
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Long serving TT marshal rewarded
Longest serving TT marshal wins PokerStars Spirit of the TT award on behalf of Isle of Man TT Marshals Association…
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Road Test: James Model 10
Engineering and style combine in an elegant outfit that has graced family occasions for several generations. Mike Lewis takes a closer look at James’s Model 10…
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Road Test: James Model 10
Engineering and style combine in an elegant outfit that has graced family occasions for several generations. Mike Lewis takes a closer look at James’s Model 10…
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The way we were: July 1938
Losing just nine marks, the British team of George Rowley (346 AJS), Vic Brittain (348cc Norton), Jack Williams (348cc Norton) and Stuart Waycott (595cc Velocette outfit) won the International Trophy in the year’s ISDT, held in Wales…
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Reference: Japan’s famous racing four
Honda’s slightly ‘oversquare’ 250 four is conventionally designed, aside from the four valves per cylinder, contributing to a healthy 45bhp output
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 3
Last month I stripped the engine down on our Honda CB750 project bike and found signs that it had been well cared for in its 34 years of service. I’ll be replacing the main and big end bearings, primary and camchains. There’s also a little wear on the cylinder bores, so I’ll get those checked…
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Reference: Japan’s famous racing four
Honda’s slightly ‘oversquare’ 250 four is conventionally designed, aside from the four valves per cylinder, contributing to a healthy 45bhp output
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 3
Last month I stripped the engine down on our Honda CB750 project bike and found signs that it had been well cared for in its 34 years of service. I’ll be replacing the main and big end bearings, primary and camchains. There’s also a little wear on the cylinder bores, so I’ll get those checked…
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Motorcycle security
Much of the info is anecdotal, but in the last couple of months, the anecdotes have been coming thicker and faster. Classic bike theft is on the rise. The latest tale involves a Rocket Gold Star replica stolen from a locked workshop…
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IoM: McGuinness takes his 20th win in Senior
John McGuinness took his 20th Isle of Man TT race victory on Friday when he won the Pokerstars Senior race by ten seconds from team-mate Michael Dunlop, to make it a record 41 podiums in total…
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Salon Privé announces 2013 line up
Salon Privé, the UK’s most exclusive and prestigious luxury supercar and motorcycle event and Concours d’Elégance, announces details of its 2013 line-up at West London’s Syon Park September 4-6 – the biggest and best in its eight year history…
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Crighton rotary to be launched at Festival of 1000 Bikes
News just in from the VMCC is the new Brian Crighton rotary race bike will be launched at the Vintage Motor Cycle Club’s Festival of 1000 Bikes at Mallory Park, July 13-14…
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Buying Guide: Norton ES400 Electro
The concept of pushing a button to start a motorcycle was regarded with as much ridicule in the 1960s as using a foot operated lever to start one these days would be…
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Buying Guide: Norton ES400 Electro
The concept of pushing a button to start a motorcycle was regarded with as much ridicule in the 1960s as using a foot operated lever to start one these days would be…
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Reference: Triumph Thunderbird
Triumph’s Thunderbird is undoubtedly one of the most famous names in motorcycling lore, with both the model’s achievements and a notorious film appearance adding to the legend…
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Straight from the plate: Easter meeting, Donington 1933
There was a host of big names attracted to Donington Park on Easter Monday, 1933, with a field of 107 competitors performing in front of record crowds…
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Reference: Triumph Thunderbird
Triumph’s Thunderbird is undoubtedly one of the most famous names in motorcycling lore, with both the model’s achievements and a notorious film appearance adding to the legend…
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IoM: Hillier wins Lightweight Race
Quattro Plant Kawasaki rider James Hillier wins Lightweight TT and smashes the lap and race records on his way to a maiden TT victory…
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The Classic MotorCycle on sale now!
Stunning restored BSA Spitfire, Norton’s Daytona story, Matchless G9/AJS Model 20 restoration guide, Alf Hagon interview, Triumph 3T engine rebuild, stylish Sunbeam S7, plus all the usual archive stories and regulars and columnists. On sale now!
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Buying Guide: Yamaha RD350B buying guide
Stories of 750 owners being traumatised by a well-ridden Yamaha 350 are not the stuff of legend, rather, a very well documented fact. Yamaha broke the mould with the RD350 – breathtaking performance, good handling and, bizarrely, economy too. The complete package…
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Buying Guide: Yamaha RD350B buying guide
Stories of 750 owners being traumatised by a well-ridden Yamaha 350 are not the stuff of legend, rather, a very well documented fact. Yamaha broke the mould with the RD350 – breathtaking performance, good handling and, bizarrely, economy too. The complete package…
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Normous Newark Autojumble
A reminder that the Normous Newark autojumble is being held this Sunday, June 9th at the Newark County Showground and it is THE place to be if you’re after spares and rare parts for your bike or car…
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IoM: Dunlop makes it four!
Michael Dunlop smashed his own lap and race records in a thrilling second Monster Energy Supersport race on Wednesday afternoon at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races to remain unbeaten for the week and become only the third rider to win four races in a week…
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Josh Brookes book signing at Douglas, Isle of Man
The scheduled Island Racer 2013 book signing by Josh Brookes last Sunday on the Island didn’t take place as it became a race day. The good news is we’ve re-scheduled it for this Thursday 6th at 2pm…
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IoM: Rutter takes SES TT Zero win
Michael Rutter and MotoCzysz took a thrilling victory in the SES TT Zero race in glorious conditions on the Isle of Man earlier this morning, officially breaking the previous clean emissions lap record that he set last year…
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Buying Guide: Triumph Trophy
The phrase ‘getting your fingers burnt’ took on a new meaning for Triumph Trophy owner Doug Webb as, after one lengthy rebuild and a best in show award, a jealous neighbour set fire to his shed! Jim Reynolds explains…
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Triumph Tiger 100
Belying its factory fresh appearance, this Triumph Tiger has been restored and then used for nearly 13 years. James Robinson takes up the story…
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Spread the work at work with the latest campaign day
Motorcycle and scooter riders across the nation are being encouraged to take to the roads for Ride to Work Day on Monday, June 17…
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Hat trick for Dunlop at IoM
Michael Dunlop completed a sensational hat trick at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races yesterday afternoon when he won a record-breaking Royal London 360 Superstock race…
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Road Test: AJS Model 16 Trials Special
Every now and then, something which leaves you a bit surprised comes along. This AJS – despite looking outwardly fairly standard – is one of those things, having had untold hours and endeavours laboured upon its recreation…
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Road Test: AJS Model 16 Trials Special
Every now and then, something which leaves you a bit surprised comes along. This AJS – despite looking outwardly fairly standard – is one of those things, having had untold hours and endeavours laboured upon its recreation…
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Victory for Michael Dunlop in Dainese Superbike Race
Michael Dunlop took his first ever Superbike TT victory yesterday afternoon at the Isle of Man TT Races, taking the lead at Ballaugh on the opening lap and going on to build a commanding 40 second victory from fellow Honda riders Cameron Donald and John McGuinness…
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RealClassic 110 out now!
In this month’s magazine we ride the Velocette Venom which is up for grabs in the VMCC’s summer raffle. There’s just time to read the feature and buy some raffle tickets…
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Rex’s is place to start for Yamaha dirt bikes
With Yamaha dirt bikes now firmly in the classic mould, interest is high in using the smart twostrokes, but the problem is they’re heading on for 40 years old and the ignition systems are getting a bit tired now…
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Celebrating Scotland’s one and only GP
There has only ever been one GP of any type held in Scotland though it’s not for lack of places to do it, or lack of enthusiasm on behalf of Scottish organisers…
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Iconic accessories: Get ahead, get a hat
As it is 40 years ago this month since the helmet law was introduced it’s worth pointing out that not everyone was so keen on wearing a safety helmet in the early days…
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Rules tightened with fitness test for worst drink drive offenders
The most dangerous drink drivers will now have to pass a medical fitness test before they are allowed back on the roads under a change in the law announced by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond…
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Steam and Velocettes at ‘extravaganza’
More than 130 models including Triumph, Matchless, Velocette, BSA, Francis Barnett, Greeves, Panther, Harley-Davidson and Moto Guzzi machines will be at the 39th Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza…
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Reference: Matchless G12 CSR
Sports twins were very much in vogue at the turn of the 60s and the offerings from AMC in Matchless and AJS guise were up among the best…
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Reference: Matchless G12 CSR
Sports twins were very much in vogue at the turn of the 60s and the offerings from AMC in Matchless and AJS guise were up among the best…
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Sell-out event to draw crowds at Banbury Run
Vintage motor cycle supporter and long-term VMCC insurance partner Footman James has once again decided to back the prestigious Banbury Run, which this year celebrates 65 years since its inception…
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Joey Dunlop stamps a sellout
The Isle of Man Post Office has launched a new Joey Dunlop collection after a special limited edition collectible sold out in just three days…
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – June 2013
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. Article continues below… Advert
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Buying Guide: Norton Navigator
Norton’s 350cc parallel twin with its semi-enclosing bodywork was developed with everyday transport in mind…
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Road Test: Kawasaki 750 H2 triples
Kawasaki’s potent H2 wasn’t the first two-stroke triple but it’s now probably the most sought after. Prices have rocketed in the last few years. We ride them again to find out why…
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Road Test: Kawasaki 750 H2 triples
Kawasaki’s potent H2 wasn’t the first two-stroke triple but it’s now probably the most sought after. Prices have rocketed in the last few years. We ride them again to find out why…
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Classic Bike Guide June issue on sale now
Stroked BSA B33 single, 90 years of BMW, Texas singles club, Triumph Thunderbird special, Kevil’s cool BMWs, historic Velocettes, Ducati Pantah cafe racer and pivotal two-strokes. On sale now!
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