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Show’s ultra-rare racer adds to Bristol attractions
A faithful replica of a racing machine so rare you’re never likely to see one in the flesh has been added to the line-up for Bristol’s biggest and best gathering of classic motorcycles…
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Pre 65 trials bikes: Francis-Barnett
Pre 65 trials bikes these days bear little or no relation to the way such sporting bikes actually were pre 1965, Classic Dirt Bike has a look at a bike ‘as ridden’ in the day… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article…
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RealClassic 106 out now!
This month’s magazine features a bunch of British bikes, from Triumph, Norton, BSA and AMC; two Italians by Guzzi and Morini, and more steam engines that any other motorcycle magazine we’ve ever encountered…
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Hi-tech tyres
Continental has launched a new radial tyre designed specifically for British bikes from the 1960s and 70s and which suits Japanese motorcycles from the SOHC CB750 onwards…
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Get up early for 75th Pioneer Run
The annual Sunbeam MCC’s Pioneer Run will soon be upon us again, but this year, it will be very special in various respects…
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Beat that! Bill’s ‘Old Bill’ Pyrenees
As is often the case with visits to our archive, a search for one thing pitches up something else that refers to a totally unrelated conversation days before…
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Old Bike Mart: news in brief
Camera comp, racing up t’north, licence loophole closed and grab a coach to visit the Classic Motorcycle Show
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Workshop: Decoking two stroke exhausts
Is a 25 percent power increase for less than the cost of a takeaway for two really possible? Find out as we delve into the carbon-encrusted twilight zone that is often found in two-stroke exhaust systems…
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Straight from the plate: 1925 Amateur TT
By 1925, the Amateur TT was gaining momentum. First held in 1923, the third running, to start at 11am on September 10, attracted 47 entries (and 41 starters), with a 500cc capacity limit, though there was a separate cup for the best 350cc machine…
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Classic camera: Paris to Tibet April 1951
Four young Frenchmen set off on an intrepid expedition, leaving the Place de a Concorde in Paris, with the Obelisk of Luxor prominent, bound for Tibet. Their machines are 125cc Lambrettas…
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Classic Camera: Up Helvellyn by motorcycle – September 1913
Raymond Drinkall forces his 4½hp Quadrant onward and upwards, during his attempt to be the first motorcyclist to successfully reach the summit of Helvellyn in the Lake District. At 3117ft above sea level, it is third only to Scafell Pike and Scafell in terms of loftiness…
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Annual MoT
Do you approach the annual MoT with confidence or trepidation? OBM takes the VMCC’s Triumph SD along to Clarke’s Garage in Horncastle for ‘the test’…
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Suzuki RM125S pocket rocket
By 1975, it was clear to Suzuki’s motocross development team that the factory’s TM range of machines was no longer good enough to cut it in the real world of competitive racing
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Workshop: Decoking two stroke exhausts
Is a 25 percent power increase for less than the cost of a takeaway for two really possible? Find out as we delve into the carbon-encrusted twilight zone that is often found in two-stroke exhaust systems…
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Strong line up for Davies Motorsport
Davies Motorsport, founded by ex-racer John Davies, has lined up a strong pair of riders for its 2013 Classic TT campaign…
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National TV debut for Manx Grand Prix documentary
A behind the scenes documentary on the 2012 Manx Grand Prix is to get its world premiere on the Isle of Man on Monday…
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Identity parade
Ben Graham took time out from howling round race tracks on his T110 in BHR events to drop us a line…
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Ivor England – one of the greats
The scrambles world lost one of its greatest former riders when Ivor England passed away on Thursday, January 17. He was 82…
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Benelli GP 250cc ex-works racer start up
One of only a maximum of four (some reports say only three) 250cc Benelli racers built in 1959, these rare machines were campaigned by riders including Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood, Dickie Dale, Silvio Grassetti and Tarquinio Provini, with Provini�s 1964 US GP outing the model�s last �works� race.
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – February 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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The way we were: March 1913
The Royal Flying Corps ordered 12 Douglas Model O solos (348cc fore and aft twins with two-speed gearbox, but no clutch or kick starter) and eight single cylinder 3½hp two-speed P&Ms (image) for testing…
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SIP propane space heaters
Christmas may be a distant memory, but baby it’s still cold outside. If you’re lucky enough to have a sizeable workshop where you can fettle, you’ll need to keep yourself warm this winter…
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Vintage bikes go big in the States
Our US cousins can’t get enough of classics: the second annual vintage motorcycle festival is set to go ahead at the famous LeMay American Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington on August 24-25 this year…
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Reference: NSU-Vincent Fox
Vincent and NSU entered into a little known partnership, to sell lightweight commuter motorcycles on the British market. This is a rare survivor…
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Buying Guide: BMW singles
To most classic enthusiasts the hallowed name of BMW is associated with bikes having two cylinders sticking out sideways. Rod Ker offers a different point of view…
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Reference: NSU-Vincent Fox
Vincent and NSU entered into a little known partnership, to sell lightweight commuter motorcycles on the British market. This is a rare survivor…
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Buying Guide: BMW singles
To most classic enthusiasts the hallowed name of BMW is associated with bikes having two cylinders sticking out sideways. Rod Ker offers a different point of view…
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Workshop: Yamaha XS650 overhaul: 2
Rod Gibson rolls up his sleeves and completes the Yamaha’s engine and gearbox rebuild but it’s not going back in the frame just yet – the owner is so pleased with the motor that he’s now going for a full restoration…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 5
Rod Gibson carries out the final tweaks and adjustments to our project Honda CB750K2 restoration, and it looks like it’s just left the factory. But what does it ride like?
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 4
Looking good! Our project Honda CB750K2 takes a big step towards completion, as Classic Mechanics editor Rod Gibson finishes the engine and re-fits the wheels and suspension…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul:2
The engine from our restoration bike has given 33 years’ solid service and warranted a good looking-at before being pressed back into service. Now, I have to admit it’s some time since I last plunged into the innards of an sohc 750 Honda so I was relishing this opportunity to become reacquainted with the beast…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 1
The Honda had given 33,000 miles of solid service but an overhaul was due, so it was time to think about getting the engine out of the frame for a closer inspection of its internals. Rod Gibson dons his overalls…
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Workshop: Yamaha XS650 overhaul: 2
Rod Gibson rolls up his sleeves and completes the Yamaha’s engine and gearbox rebuild but it’s not going back in the frame just yet – the owner is so pleased with the motor that he’s now going for a full restoration…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 5
Rod Gibson carries out the final tweaks and adjustments to our project Honda CB750K2 restoration, and it looks like it’s just left the factory. But what does it ride like?
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 4
Looking good! Our project Honda CB750K2 takes a big step towards completion, as Classic Mechanics editor Rod Gibson finishes the engine and re-fits the wheels and suspension…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul:2
The engine from our restoration bike has given 33 years’ solid service and warranted a good looking-at before being pressed back into service. Now, I have to admit it’s some time since I last plunged into the innards of an sohc 750 Honda so I was relishing this opportunity to become reacquainted with the beast…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 1
The Honda had given 33,000 miles of solid service but an overhaul was due, so it was time to think about getting the engine out of the frame for a closer inspection of its internals. Rod Gibson dons his overalls…
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A scintillating single
The Venom sports version of the Velocette 500 single was added to the Veloce range in 1955 and rapidly won all-round approval…
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Rare Honda RC30 up for auction
Auctioneer Bonhams is set to sell Fred Merkel’s Honda RC30 and a Yamaha TZ250W used by French star Jean-François Baldé in Paris on February 6-7…
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Straight from the plate: The 1925 Amateur TT
By 1925, the Amateur TT was gaining momentum. First held in 1923, the third running, to start at 11am on September 10, attracted 47 entries (and 41 starters), with a 500cc capacity limit, though there was a separate cup for the best 350cc machine… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here…
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The way we were: February 1963
Snow, ice, bitter cold and sleet failed to deter thousands of enthusiasts converging on Gwrych Castle for the annual Dragon Valley…
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RME quick action throttles
Don’t poo-poo these as ‘modern contraptions’. These give you the option of a modern throttle, adjustable for four different ratios of turn for your classic road or race bike…
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Buying Guide: Kawasaki GPZ900R
Kawasaki took stock of the superbike market in the late seventies and invested heavily in R&D. In doing so it rewrote the rule book with the launch of the first GPZ900R, and created a new bloodline of cutting-edge sports bikes that inspired a generation…
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Buying Guide: Kawasaki GPZ900R
Kawasaki took stock of the superbike market in the late seventies and invested heavily in R&D. In doing so it rewrote the rule book with the launch of the first GPZ900R, and created a new bloodline of cutting-edge sports bikes that inspired a generation…
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Speedway reunion
Local dealer Shaw Harley-Davidson celebrated 10 years in business with a show at the Winter Gardens Theatre in Eastbourne last Sunday, Jan 13. The Eastbourne Eagles speedway team was represented and Chris McDonald was re-acquainted with a 1972 Jawa speedway bike raced by World Speedway champion, New Zealander Ivan Mauger…
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Ride the National Road Rally 2013!
The National Road Rally is one of the best excuses to use your bike this year. It involves a mid-summer weekend filled with riding your bike with other riders, finding and exploring some of the best roads in the UK and even getting an award…
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Workshop: Engine timing
There’s a time and place for everything in life, including that all important spark for your bike’s engine. This month Steve Cooper talks us through flywheel magneto engine timing…
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Workshop: Engine timing
There’s a time and place for everything in life, including that all important spark for your bike’s engine. This month Steve Cooper talks us through flywheel magneto engine timing…
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Dutch TT 1948
The photograph shows the start of the 350cc race, which began the day’s programme in dramatic fashion as a trio of riders crashed in a heap…
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Sammy’s 180mph marvel joins Bristol line-up
A machine ranked as one of the 10 greatest motorcycles of all time and regarded as a technological marvel of its time will be displayed at Bristol’s best bike show for the first time…
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Ariel Leader
The modern motorcycle, so proclaimed Ariel advertising slogans – and when the Leader was introduced, the firm could really be considered the makers of such a thing… 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: AJS Porcupine
One of the world’s rarest classic racers goes under the hammer this summer. Could this be a million dollar motorcycle?
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Help Chris go pure NUTs
The pre First World War era saw loads of development in the motorcycle world as the devices changed from bicycles with an engine bolted to them to properly designed and constructed machines in their own right…
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Isle of Man to see its first Chinese TT entry
History will be made this summer when Hampshire-based firm WK Bikes races the first Chinese bike ever to enter the Isle of Man TT. Australian rider David Johnson has been signed up to ride the 650cc twin in the Lightweight TT Race due to be held on Friday, June 8, the final race day…
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The way we were: February 1938
Under the headline ‘motor cycles for all’ The Motor Cycle’s editorial informed there were 320 motorcycles included in the year’s buyer’s guide published on February 10…
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Steve’s BSA Bantams
Steve Mitchell’s classic interest is for BSA Bantams – the rare Competition models to be precise. He defines the appeal: “They are unmistakeably Bantams, but the bikes carry nothing that isn’t absolutely essential”
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The way we were: February 1988
In plans recently announced during last month Le Mans was set for an £8 million facelift…
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Bullet Sports and T5 kits
Royal Enfield UK now offers two new kits that enable dealers or owners to customise motorcycles from the current range of 500cc Classic models…
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Workshop: How to keep the wheels turning
Restoring an old model including notes on spoke lacing, fitting new bearings, hub lubrication, brake reassembly and testing and primary drive transmission matters. Part 3…
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Straight from the plate: Land’s End Trial April 1953
The 1953 Land’s End Trial welcomed an entry of 260 motorcycles, including 31 sidecar outfits and three-wheelers, in addition to the 166 car competitors…
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Workshop: How to keep the wheels turning
Restoring an old model including notes on spoke lacing, fitting new bearings, hub lubrication, brake reassembly and testing and primary drive transmission matters. Part 3…
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Steve McQueen bike goes under hammer in Vegas
A 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross owned and ridden by film legend Steve McQueen is up for auction by Bonhams on January 10, 2013 at Bally’s Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas…
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Racer AJ prepares to take on the Mountain
South African star Allann-Jon Venter has confirmed that he will make his Mountain circuit debut at the 2013 Isle of Man TT…
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Glenn’s worldwide web to track down bike thieves
Combating the worldwide problem of motorcycle theft is the goal of a new website. The Stolen Motorcycle Directory was set up by Glenn Alderton following on from the success of another site he operates, the Stolen Dirt Bike Register, in Australia…
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RealClassic 105 out now!
In this issue, Ariel 500 test, AJS Model 18 and Kawasaki Z1R Turbo profiles, Morini 125 rebuild, Royal Enfield Bullet build part two and Rowena meets one of WW2’s less well-known warriors, the Triumph 3SW…
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Newark Classic Bike Show
Dozens of beautiful classic motorcycles and plenty of accessory stalls will be on hand this weekend at Newark to help enthusiasts kick-start the New Year at one of Britain’s fastest growing bike shows…
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Classic Camera: Ray’s Indian, July 1942
Welsh-born actor Ray Milland poses on his Indian Chief, with fellow movie star Mary Martin perched on the back…
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Road Test: Triumph Hurricane X-75
Triumph’s Trident and the similar BSA Rocket Three, both great bikes, bombed in America because of their blocky styling. Craig Vetter’s Hurricane addressed that styling issue. Tim Britton hits the UK coast on a restored Triumph Hurricane X-75 custom cruiser to see what all the fuss was about…
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Road Test: Triumph Hurricane X-75
Triumph’s Trident and the similar BSA Rocket Three, both great bikes, bombed in America because of their blocky styling. Craig Vetter’s Hurricane addressed that styling issue. Tim Britton hits the UK coast on a restored Triumph Hurricane X-75 custom cruiser to see what all the fuss was about…
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Straight from the plate: Land’s End Trial April 1953
The 1953 Land’s End Trial welcomed an entry of 260 motorcycles, including 31 sidecar outfits and three-wheelers, in addition to the 166 car competitors… 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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Classic Bikers Club Bike of the Year 2013
The Classic Bikers Club bike of the year award will be back for 2013, as it proved such a success. This time, however, it’ll have more bikes for the final vote…
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Race stars at Telford
The date for the Telford Off-Road and Road-Race Show is getting closer and organiser Alan Wright has been busy tying up guest appearances…
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Norton stand will be a racing cert
The Bristol branch of the Norton Owners’ Club is once again supporting the Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle show at Shepton Mallet in February…
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Andy’s MV ride
In a move, which shocked the classic racing world, Andy Kershaw has left Yamaha to ride for MV in 2013. (Didn’t some bloke called Agostini do something similar?)
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Classic action promises fun
One of the most dramatic TT Races of all time, the 1967 Senior, will become the underpinning theme to the inaugural Classic TT…
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Ultimate ear plugs
Up until 2001, I used any earplugs I could get hold of. The awful cotton-wool ones, the squidgy EAR ones, the dayglo orange rounded tip ones, but then I got a set of these made…
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Circus Life by Don Cox
The eight year labour of love has resulted in a large-format book that is nearly 500 pages and contains many previously unpublished photographs…
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Abba Superbike stand
Having a mildly gammy arm, working on my own in the garage and getting the bike off its wheels could be tricky…
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Toseland launches 400mph bike speed
Double WSB champion James Toseland has launched a UK attempt to break the official world motorcycle land speed record – aiming to achieve a speed of at least 400mph…
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Georges Jobe 1961 – 2012
It is with great sadness that we learn of the tragic passing of Belgian motocross giant Georges Jobe…
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Last call for Bristol
Museum owner, ace trials rider and retired Grand Prix star Sammy Miller promises a real treat for road race fans when he appears as guest of honour at the 33rd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show over the weekend of February 16-17, 2013…
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Buying Guide: Honda CX500
Loved by many, and derided by others as the ‘plastic maggot’, Honda’s CX500 was pretty radical stuff. Still is. Steve Cooper explains why…
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Buying Guide: Honda CX500
Loved by many, and derided by others as the ‘plastic maggot’, Honda’s CX500 was pretty radical stuff. Still is. Steve Cooper explains why…
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Conor Cummins signs for Milwaukee Yamaha
Milwaukee Yamaha has today announced that Isle of Man resident Conor Cummins will join William Dunlop in their international road racing squad for the 2013 season with the main objective being the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races…
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Unique Brit scooter exhibition launches
An unusual exhibition of every model of British motor scooter ever made has just opened at Coventry Transport Museum…
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One shock or two
If there’s one thing worse than shot rear shocks, it’s expensive shot rear shocks which can’t be rebuilt…
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Skill and safety, September 1958
Alan Baker of The Motor Cycle, keeps a close eye on J Bowe of the Tiger (Grays) Club, who wriggles his Villiers powered lightweight between the posts in the ‘wiggle-woggle’ during a test at the first Metropolitan Motorcyclists of the Year competition, held on the final Sunday of September 1958…
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Sun beams down for Jack Thompson trial
Conditions for this year’s Jack Thompson British Bike Trial were near ideal as sunshine cleared early frost…
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Oxford Products Maximiser
I have used this product for about five or six years now and overall I’ve been impressed…
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Southern Classic Off Road Show: Kempton Park
The annual Southern Classic Off Road Show at Kempton Park on December 8 had a broad definition of ‘off-road’, with plenty of categories and, hence, a good number of award winners…
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High performance brake discs for classics
If you’re looking for high-quality direct replacement brake discs or need bespoke discs made for your modern classic, then take a look at ISR’s high-carbon range…
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Kawasaki hosts ‘40 Years of Z’ at Bike Show
This year’s NEC Motorcycle Live show wasn’t just about the modern tackle. Creating a uniquely classic feel on the Kawasaki stand was a fantastic 40th anniversary display of Z machines…
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Norton Ariel Four
‘Specials’ are in a class of their own, particularly when it comes to taking on someone else’s unfinished project. Mike Lewis looks at the marriage of Ariel’s 997cc four-cylinder motor with Norton’s fine-handling wideline ‘Featherbed’ chassis… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines.…
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Road Test: Triumph TRW
Jim Reynolds rides a smart Triumph TRW, the side-valve 500cc twin that was standard issue to the Nato forces in the 1950s and 60s. It’s been a while since Jim had ridden a TRW but the bike’s quiet charm is perfect for making friends…
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Road Test: Triumph TRW
Jim Reynolds rides a smart Triumph TRW, the side-valve 500cc twin that was standard issue to the Nato forces in the 1950s and 60s. It’s been a while since Jim had ridden a TRW but the bike’s quiet charm is perfect for making friends…
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Hegarty and Mackman join Norton for TT 2013 challenge
Norton has announced an all-British two-man line up for their 2013 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy campaign…
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