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Rossi vs Biaggi: where did their rivalry begin?
The greatest rivalry of Valentino Rossi’s career was with Max Biaggi. Now that both men have retired and the dust has settled, Classic Racer discovers why they hated each other with such intensity.
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Forza Ducati!
After an 11-year title drought, Ducati finally recaptured the World Superbike crown in 2022. It was a remarkable year for the Italian manufacturer, where it also took the MotoGP championship, the Bologna-based factory now has a total of 15 titles in the WSB series since its inception in 1988. Impressive.
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I don’t think anyone saw…
The London to Land’s End trial first began as a reliability trial in 1908.
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Your guide to… Suzuki T500
We look at one man’s superb example of Suzuki’s large two-stroke that shows they are as useable as any other bike.
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Marsham Motorcycle Auctions & Auto Jumbles Ltd
Are you looking to buy or sell a classic motorbike, an off-road motorbike, motorbike parts or memorabilia, then Marsham Motorcycle Auctions and Auto Jumbles Ltd is the place to go! We run regular timed auctions, live auctions, and auto jumbles.
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From the archive: More questions than answers…
Mysterious picture of a motorcycle with right-hand attached sidecar in 1911 London, being blown a kiss by a stage star.
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How to fit a Helicoil | Step-by-step guide
If you tighten a bolt too far or too often, it will pull part of the thread out from what you are tightening it into. A Helicoil insert is a way of replacing that thread – and it’s really quite easy.
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From the archive: A momentous day…
In front of the jubilant home crowd, a young lad sets out his stall for future success in the heady world of motocross GPs.
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Romney Marsh Bike Show on 7 May Cancelled
The Romney Marsh Classic Bikejumble on Sunday 7th May at Hamstreet in Kent has been cancelled.
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Classic Racer: Enjoy some great vintage racing images from Mortons Archive
We delved deep into the Mortons Archive to pull out these rarely-before-seen racing images. Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Interested in seeing more? Explore the Mortons Archive here or take out a subscription to Classic Racer here.
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Meet motorcycle ace John Cooper at Kempton Autojumble
Another motorcycling legend will grace the stage at Kempton Autojumble next month – and you can meet him.
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A sensational summer of racing: Race calendar Summer 2023
It’s a jam-packed summer of racing! From the Isle of Man TT to Goodwood Revival, here are all the dates you need to know about.
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A few tips on buying a classic bike
Everyone wants you to enjoy your classic bike! But be aware that old bikes can break, leak and misfire. They assume some common sense – brakes are poor and lights are terrible. Most problems old bike specialists see are owners who don’t realise what they’ve got into, so follow our guide…
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Hailwood bike and more at Bonhams’ bumper Spring Stafford Sale this weekend
The Bonhams motorcycle team have had the privilege of offering many exciting machines… but this may be THE most exciting motorcycle we’ve ever discovered and brought in front of a Stafford audience – a 1960 Ducati works racing motorcycle – newly identified as the actual motorcycle campaigned by future Motorcycling World Champion Mike Hailwood.
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Silky Scotts
Here is a warming image of the works Scott team at the Isle of Man TT in 1925. It seems a far cry from today’s professional and serious garage set-ups, yet the work, the conversations, and the ultimate goal remain the same 97 years on.
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Rare Hailwood race bike up for auction this month
A 1960 Ducati ‘Barcone’ 125cc Grand Prix bike once owned and raced by Mike Hailwood will be auctioned off later this month.
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National Motorcycle Museum to host Dickinson’s Real Deal
ITV’s hit antiques show will be coming to the National Motorcycle Museum in May.
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Suzuki LIVE!
Suzuki Live will return for 2023, with a full weekend of activity planned at Cadwell Park on July 15-16, including track sessions, a new adventure bike zone, trade stands and displays, plus special guests.
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Celebrate National Ride It Day this month
National Drive It Day celebrates the One Thousand Mile Trial organised in 1900, to prove the viability of the new invention of the motor vehicle.
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Honda Six – Recreating a Masterpiece
One of the greatest engineering journeys in motorcycle grand prix history is told in George Beale’s much-awaited coffee table book, Honda Six – Recreating a Masterpiece.
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National Motorcycle Museum ‘Goes Live!’
National Motorcycle Museum LIVE continues in October 2023 but now as a two-day event.
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Renaissance Racing
Want to ride some classic 1990s race-replicas on your favourite tracks? Then check out Renaissance Racing.
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Chicken from scratch – building a Hesketh superbike
When the Hesketh superbike was launched, Tim Bolton knew that he could never afford one. But little did he know that, within a few short years, he would bebuilding his own from scratch…
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An auction no lover of “star quality” motorbikes should miss!
The catalogue for the upcoming auction on April 13 is varied and of outstanding interest!
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Kocinski cool!
John Kocinski is a legend and a double world champion, winning the 250cc Grand Prix world title in 1990, but also the World Superbike series in 1997.
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Must-have for motorbike enthuiasts!
Dust off your leathers and spring clean your classic… it’s time to get out on the road!
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Schwantz’s first superbike
The young Kevin Schwantz didn’t get into road-racing until comparatively late, but when he did he set the sport alight.
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Learn how to grow your own food with help from Kitchen Garden magazine
Download your free taster of the award-winning Kitchen Garden magazine to help you grow and cook your own delicious produce.
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The Sun that never set
All motorcycles are interesting, as well we know. But some come with history that brings an extra element to their stories. This is one such machine, as John Milton discovers.
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Ago’s British track career documented in new book
Celebrating the great Giacomo Agostini, winner of 122 motorcycling Grands Prix on his way to 15 world titles, Agostini: On the British Circuits by The Classic MotorCycle editor James Robinson, is a stunning collection of period photographs which captures him in action on racetracks in Britain.
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Entries now invited for auction of classic motorcycles and scooters
The Hampson Auctions team are delighted to announce details of our next sale – An Auction of Classic & Performance Motorcycles and Cars, to be held at Mavericks, Holywell on 13th May 2023.
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Your guide to… Honda CB175
We look at the baby CB750, the CB175, and also what it’s like to live with… with grateful help from John Child, his gorgeous CB175 and the wonderful Suffolk sunshine
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Have you seen these products from WE Moto?
Our friends at WE Moto have some great products if you haven’t seen them already!
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Win a lunch with Agostini!
The International Classic MotorCycle Show returns and this time their star guest is none other than Giacomo Agostini. Not only can you attend and catch him talking about his racing highlights across his famous career, but you also can win a lunch with the racing star and have some one-on-one time! All you must do…
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The Dukes of Wellington
Nitro-burning Ducatis, a short-stroke Pantah that revved to over 14,000rpm, one of the very first 851 Superbike engines housed in a custom frame. Things got a little crazy in New Zealand in the 1980s. And then came Robert Holden to ride them.
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Island Racer returns
Island Racer 2023 is the ultimate guide to this year’s TT and will be packed with 148 pages of the most incredible photos, articles and interviews with the modern gladiators who battle on the world’s most punishing motorcycle course.
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Panther Model 95
One of only three Model 95s that the Panther Owners Club is aware survives. Sandy Bloy’s example is a great study in restoration, while keeping a bike’s story on its sleeve
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Additional track time
When the Melbourne Corner section was added to the Donington Park circuit in 1938, the first motorcycle meeting saw a flock of stars in attendance.
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Ago at Stafford!
We are pleased to announce a real legend will be at April’s The Classic MotorCycle Show at Stafford.
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Mackenzie’s frenzies
Just a reminder that Niall Mackenzie will be appearing at a number of events in 2023, so pop along!
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Flywheel is back on!
Bicester Heritage welcomes its flagship Flywheel event back on June 17-18 – a weekend of classic wings and wheels – in both four and two-wheeled variety.
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Sammy Miller’s Norton Kneeler to star at Stafford
This year multiple world champ and museum owner Sammy Miller is bringing his 1953 350cc Norton ‘Kneeler’, also known as the ‘Silver Fish’.
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National Motorcycle Museum becomes official BSA merchandise dealer
The National Motorcycle Museum announced yesterday that it has signed a merchandise dealer agreement with the resurgent BSA company.
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Nick Sanders’ new film to premiere in Bristol
Record-breaking motorcycle adventurer Nick Sanders’ new film will have its Bristol premiere at Fowlers on Friday, March 24.
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Entries now invited for auction of classic motorcycles and scooters
The Hampson Auctions team are delighted to announce details of our first dedicated 2-wheel sale – our Auction of Classic Motorcycles and Scooters, to be held at Mavericks, Holywell on 13th May 2023.
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Your guide to… Francis-Barnett Cruiser 91 Sports
We look at a fantastic restoration of one of Francis-Barnett’s more outlandish models
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Alternative power – From the archive
As the eco movement gains more credence and applies pressure to the motorsports world perhaps there is room for change.
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Ducati 900 SSD Darmah
“You won’t get me off an old bevel.” So says the owner of this rare example of when Ducati aimed its sights at a sports tourer. With help from the storeman raiding the 900SS and Darmah shelves, this is the result of the work…
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Fantastic Fabrizio!
Fabrizio Pirovano was the original ‘pocket rocket’ and his all-action style, clambering all over his BYRD Yamaha OW-01 in the early 1990s, was the stuff of legend.
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Two-Legged Trauma – Hutch’s Workshop
A main stand gives up the ghost, leaving Hutch no choice but to get the heavy tools out.
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Celebrate more than 120 years of Triumph with The Classic MotorCycle editor’s new book!
It’s a triumph! In fact, many Triumphs spanning a dozen decades, beautifully portrayed in the pages of a new book by editor of The Classic MotorCycle, James Robinson.
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TT-winning motorcycle roars back to life after repairs
One of the most iconic machines in the history of motorcycling has roared back to life as preparations for the opening of a new TT Gallery gather pace at the Manx Museum.
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Bike grandad’s licence saved!
A grandfather and keen biker was wrongly denied a licence to ride his motorcycles for over three years, according to the national Ombudsman.
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Oxford celebrates 50 years
Oxford Products is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 and has a full calendar of celebrations to mark this special year.
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Iconic bikes at Charterhouse Auction
A brace of iconic 1990’s Honda RC45’s are estimated to sell for towards £100,000 in the Charterhouse auction of classic and collector motorbikes on 30th March.
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Living with an old bike for the first time
If you are tempted by the world of old bikes, you are entering one of wonderment. Of just going for a ride, of smiles per miles, of listening to folk’s stories about when they rode, and of just being your own person, not a sheep. On a summer’s evening, it can banish almost any woe.
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David Miller 1974 – 2023
It is with great sadness that Classic Motorcycle Mechanics heard of the passing of David Miller, the motivating force behind Bikesport News, in mid-January.
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CMM and Classic Racer go racing!
Some-time CMM contributor Rob Bean is going racing with his old Trumpet – and his race bike build and escapades will be featured in CMM and Classic Racer.
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BSA M20, Rudge Special and 100 years of BMW: This month in classic bike magazines
February is set to be a great month for our bike titles, with a Second World War BSA M20, a 1933 Rudge Special, and 100 years of BMW! Take a glimpse at what to expect in each title.
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The National Motorcycle Museum is here to stay!
You may have seen reports this week that the National Motorcycle Museum is closing – which is technically true, but not the one you’re thinking of!
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Intellectual Spannering – Hutch’s Workshop
Sometimes it isn’t having the right tools, but a logical mind working through the possibilities
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Book of the Week: Phil Read
This week’s book pick is a tribute to the late, great Phil Read.
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Is this Velocette Venom Thruxton replica as good as the real thing?
This Thruxton lookalike performs just as well as it looks, sharing many traits with the machine it apes, and having provided years of solid service.
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The Heritage Sprint
Although the calendar is full of events of all natures, there’s always room to welcome a new one… and that’s how Kev Riley found himself at Betteshanger Park in Kent one hot August weekend.
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Speed Records and the Triumph Tiger 100
In 1956 Triumph applied a ‘World Speed Record Holder’ decal to the nacelle of all machines to celebrate Johnny Allen setting a new motorcycle record at Bonneville the previous year; he returned to improve the time on September 6, 1956 and achieved 214.40mph.
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Buyer’s Guide: Kawasaki KE100
A well-known fast food franchise recently ran an advertising campaign with a slogan that read – ‘Like getting your money’s worth?’ Well, the Kawasaki KE100 rather neatly fits into the same slot!
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Elk Promotions’ magnificent seven
Elk Promotions has released its dates for 2023 and it’s going to be another busy year for Kent-based show organiser Julie Diplock.
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Tiny Tina and the Supermarine Scimitar
Details on this photo are sparse, but the naval pilots of the Supermarine Scimitar look to have been drafted in for a promotional photo to push the Triumph Tina. I wonder if they were offered one of the scooters in return?
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GRANTY!
Mick Grant was the straight-talking legend of 1970s and 1980s British bike racing.
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1931 Brough Superior 998CC SS100 to be sold at the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale
The Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale returns this April, with a 1931 Brough Superior among the confirmed lots – and there’s still time to sell yours.
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Fancy a day out in January 2023?
It’s that time of year when blowing away the cobwebs is a thing… What’s on in January 2023?
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Honda Transalp makes a comeback
It’s been missing for a decade. But one of Honda’s most endearing bikes, the Transalp, is back for 2023, with a new 755cc parallel twin engine and chassis based around the same platform as the new CB750 Hornet.
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Top motocross rider to star at Telford
This year’s Classic Dirt Bike Show sponsored by Hagon Shocks will deliver another off-road giant to Telford International Centre.
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Record-breaking Rudge back on track
November 25, 2022 marked the centenary of the last land speed record set by a motorcycle at the Brooklands motor circuit in 1922, when two riders rode for a total of 8½ hours in relay, setting new world records of 74.96mph over 500 miles, 71.27mph over 600 miles and setting a new overall speed record…
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Triumph Tiger 500SC – Jack Pine
Triumph’s success in American off-road competition gave birth to a dedicated racer with lights – the T100SC
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Mighty Atlas – Norton Atlas
Norton’s first 750cc twin, reluctantly designed for the power-hungry Americans, shook at speed, but, today, its many virtues make it a highly desirable classic.
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Subscribe digitally for 6 months, get 6 months FREE back issues!
Get your favourite magazine digitally every month for six months, AND get six months of digital back issues! Read anywhere at any time on your desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Choose from our entire magazine portfolio; classic motorcycles,
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Celebrate 120 years of Triumph Motorcycles with new collection
Hundreds of photographs spanning British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph’s incredible history are featured in a new collection specially selected by James Robinson, editor of The Classic MotorCycle magazine.
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Velocette KTT
The LE might have been for humdrum duties, but it came from the maker of one of the finest racing machines ever – the long-lived Velocette KTT
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Alternative Power
As the eco movement gains more credence and applies pressure to the motorsports world perhaps there is room for change.
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Custom Cream! Yamaha XS650SE takes the biscuit
Scoop reckons the Yamaha XS650SE Custom takes the biscuit as the most cost-effective way of buying one of these big twins: yummy!
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Game Changer
Motor Cycle contributor Roy Nixon takes a breather on what would have been a brand-new Honda CB77 305cc on his way back from the TT in 1961.
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Your guide to… Matchless G11 & AJS Model 30
AMC twins may be oft overlooked but are another wonderful way into British twin ownership
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Honda CB250RS
Lightweight and agile, Honda’s CB250RS conflicted with its own Superdream for sales and was never as popular. Now, they can be a great back-lane bike with big H reliability.
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The remarkable Olga Kevelos
One of this country’s most noted female trials and enduro riders, Olga Kevelos was, to put it mildly, quite a lady, as John Milton relates.
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Lightweight Performer – A history of BSA’s Bantam
BSA’s Bantam is everywhere in trials today, but how did it all begin? Tim Britton takes a look back at the early days.
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Your guide to… Moto Parilla MSDS 175
This wonderful bike has a wonderful story behind it, and the result is stunning.
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Happy 50th Birthday, Z
Kawasaki introduced the Z1 50 years ago, in 1972. We have a look at the early story of this, the original Kawasaki superbike
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Gus Kuhn Commando
Gus Kuhn was a speedway rider and TT racer, and competed in most other two-wheel sports. He also ran his own shop, but will always be best known for a bike he never saw – the Gus Kuhn Commando.
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Classic Bike Hub Christmas Gift Guide 2022
Christmas is just around the corner, meaning that it’s time to start present hunting yet again. Fortunately, we’ve made your life that bit simpler with our exclusive Christmas Gift Guide! Check out some of these fantastic picks for the classic bike fan in your life…
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When will I be famous… Honda Bros 400 and 650
Underrated, undersold, overlooked and over here. The Honda Bros 400 or 650 is one of the greatest, best-looking bikes around, especially if you like your bikes small and nimble
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Fast Eddie: Mondello to Macau!
Ireland has produced more than its fair share of top motorcycle racers over the years, and Eddie Laycock is one who made it all the way. His story is one of many ups and downs: here’s part 1.
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All our gifts wrapped up in 2022 Christmas catalogue
Christmas is just around the corner and we’ve lined up a huge range of special gifts for your loved ones (or yourself)… including a selection of subscriptions, books, show tickets and merchandise.
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Rare Ducati sells for over £170,000 at Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale
One of the most coveted classic Ducatis, a rare 1974 ‘round case’ Ducati 750SS which had been kept for most of its cosseted life in private collections, found a new custodian this weekend, selling for £172,500 and topping the Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale which realised a total of £3.66 million, with 96% of all lots…
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Top 10 Triumphs
In the December 2022 edition of The Classic MotorCycle, we’ve a feature on 10 notable Triumphs from the National Motorcycle Museum, the story produced in collaboration with Motorcycle Live!, the annual NEC, Birmingham, show, this year held over November 19-27.
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The 39th Loch Ness Rally
One of the most keenly anticipated events of the summer in the Scottish Highlands is the Highland Classic Motorcycle Club’s Loch Ness Rally and we are delighted that the club’s membership secretary Dode Fraser was there with his camera.
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