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Buying Guide: 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 Dirtbike has a look at a bike ‘as ridden’ in the day…
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Archive pic: Nigel Rollason and Donny Williams
After an enviable run of TT and Manx Grand Prix results Nigel Rollason, with the late Donny Williams holding down the third wheel, finally stood on the top step of the TT podium after the second leg of the 1986 Sidecar TT, and in doing so made history…
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Buying Guide: 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 Dirtbike has a look at a bike ‘as ridden’ in the day…
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Classic Dirtbike on sale
In this issue, untouched Francis-Barnett plugger, JBR Honda profiled, an hour with ISDT Americans, hot CR250 Husqvarna, Montessa Cappra and all the usual regulars, columnists and technical features. On sale now…
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Classic Racer on sale
Exploding the RG500 myth, thinking small with a Bultaco TSS 50, Harley-Davidson racers, Honda collection, sport down under and all the usual regulars and columnists. On sale now!
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Video bike reviews from Bristol Show
The Classic MotorCycle editor James Robinson goes walkabout at the recent 33rd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show and talks about some of his favourite exhibits…
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Buying Guide: Yamaha RD400
This month we look at one of the classic scene’s seminal air-cooled strokers: they don’t get much better than the Yamaha RD400…
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Fergus Anderson on an AJS, February 1947
Fergus Anderson poses on a new AJS 7R racer – not a machine normally associated with him – in February 1949. One of the British pioneers of racing on the continent and a ‘continental circus’ founder member (with, among others, Ted Mellors), Anderson had a rich and varied life, which culminated in his racing…
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Buying Guide: Yamaha RD400
This month we look at one of the classic scene’s seminal air-cooled strokers: they don’t get much better than the Yamaha RD400…
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Workshop: BSA pre-unit service notes
‘Polly’ Palmer, chairman of the BSA Owners Club goes through the A7/10 Bri-Tie style!
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Workshop: Stud issues
A motorcycle strip-down will often stall with fasteners stubbornly stuck in situ. Before resorting to the electric drill, a range of agents, planned force and tools often removes all but the most awkward customers…
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Workshop: BSA pre-unit service notes
‘Polly’ Palmer, chairman of the BSA Owners Club goes through the A7/10 Bri-Tie style!
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Workshop: Stud issues
A motorcycle strip-down will often stall with fasteners stubbornly stuck in situ. Before resorting to the electric drill, a range of agents, planned force and tools often removes all but the most awkward customers…
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Star Bikers 35th Annual Egg Run
Sunday 17 March is the diary date for the Star Bikers 35th Annual Egg Run, a long-running charity rideout. Bikes will be setting off from the Brittania Stadium, Stoke on Trent…
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Buying Guide: Honda CB250
Honda’s twin was the learner-legal start for many who couldn’t bring themselves to buy a two-stroke. Here’s how to tell which is which…
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ON NOW! The 33rd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show
A spectacular display of classics is promised at this weekend’s 33rd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show. It’ll be a belter, with new traders joining the loyal regulars at what is now the third largest classic show in the United Kingdom…
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Buying Guide: Honda CB250
Honda’s twin was the learner-legal start for many who couldn’t bring themselves to buy a two-stroke. Here’s how to tell which is which…
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Bristol Show video
There’s still time to make it to Shepton Mallet and witness a stunning display of classic motorcycles and bike trade stalls. This video highlights some of the exhibits and attractions. The Show runs today until 5pm…
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Cloudless Sunday at Bristol bike Show
A cloudless day greeted the earlybirds at the Bath & West Showground for the second and final day of the ‘Bristol’ motorcycle show. Over 600 classics are on display and there’s something for everyone…
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Show winners picked at Bristol
Our independent judging panel have pored over the classics on display and come up with a winners list. It’s an unenviable task as there are so many good machines on display…
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Bristol Show closes its doors
Gates have closed and the sun’s setting on another superb Bristol Show. The weather behaved throughout the weekend and the biking community and enthusiasts flocked to Shepton Mallet as a result…
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Bristol Show gates open!
Sun’s shining and the padlocks have come off the gates at the much anticipated 33rd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show at the Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet…
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Norton Domiracer fired up at Bristol!
Chris Hawksley of Solo Motorcycle Products sent a shiver down the spines of showgoers earlier as he fired up his Norton Domiracer 500cc replica. This is as close as you’ll get to the original Sixties prototype which raced at the Isle of Man…
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Sammy Miller on stage at Bristol Show
Sammy Miller, our VIP guest of honour at this weekend’s 33rd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, has just finished his second stint on stage. Sam, always the crowd pleaser, reeled off one anecdote after another…
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Bristol show: setting up
Bikes are being wheeled in, positioned and polished and stallholders are setting up their displays. Her’s a short selection of our image favourites… 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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Bristol MotorCycle show: setting up for success
The Mortons Media team and Bristol bike stall holders are a hive of activity setting out their wares for this weekend’s blockbusting motorcycle show at Shepton Mallet…
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Privateer champion joins SMT Racing for TT ride
Former leading British Superbike Championship team SMT Racing will return to the Isle of Man TT Races in 2013 with reigning TT privateer champion Dan Stewart signed up to ride…
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Gravesend Thameside Cup Trial
The Gravesend Eagles MCC held its annual Thameside Cup Trial at Jacksons Wood, near Horsmonden in Kent last Sunday (Feb 10). Much rain before the event caused last-minute revisions of the sections, but the rain continued during the trial and turned it into a true mud-plug…
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Ride the hill at the Prescott Bike Festival
Set at one of the most prestigious hill climb venues in the UK against the beautiful backdrop of the Cotswold countryside, the Prescott Bike Festival offers a rare opportunity to ‘Run the Hill’ on your own bike…
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200 Miglia Imola Revival
The 200 Miglia Imola Revival, now in its third year, will take place on April 19-21, a date which is in line with the original 200 mile race. Organiser, DG Sport, promises a great weekend as it celebrates 60 years of the Imola circuit.
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The way we were: March 1938
The following is a direct quote from On the Four Winds, compiled by Nitor…
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VMCC Sprint section AGM
The Annual General Meeting of the VMCC Sprint Section recently took place at Brooklands. Before the main business, there was a presentation of awards…
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Old Bike Mart product news
Getting switched on with a magneto ignition key, big end bolts and nuts for BSA’s poplular A10 and A65 twins and a superb pair of despatch rider type gauntlets…
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Buying Guide: Honda CB900
The CB900 has always played second fiddle to its CBX1000 big brother. But this was Honda’s production racer for the biking masses and has got to be the biggest bargain on the classic market…
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Buying Guide: Honda CB900
The CB900 has always played second fiddle to its CBX1000 big brother. But this was Honda’s production racer for the biking masses and has got to be the biggest bargain on the classic market…
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YCRT prepares for finale
Yamaha Classic Racing Team (YCRT) founder Ferry Brouwer has announced that after nearly a decade of activity, 2013 will be the final season for the unique team of legendary racing bikes and riders from Yamaha’s golden era…
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Reference: Vincent Rapide
The Vincent name has always carried a certain exclusivity and mystique – and the pictures of this glorious Rapide perhaps help illustrate why…
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Road Test: Rudge Special (1938)
Though it was called a ‘Special’ the so-named model was actually the cooking 500cc single in the Rudge range – much to the embarrassment of one concours judge who awarded it first prize in the Specials’ Class at a classic show, much to the derision from Triton builders…
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Reference: Vincent Rapide
The Vincent name has always carried a certain exclusivity and mystique – and the pictures of this glorious Rapide perhaps help illustrate why…
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1926 Lightweight TT
The 1926 Lightweight TT descended into controversy and near farce when following the race, runner-up Pietro Ghersi, the Moto Guzzi star, was excluded from the results on a technicality. He had used a different spark plug than specified on his entry form…
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Road Test: Rudge Special (1938)
Though it was called a ‘Special’ the so-named model was actually the cooking 500cc single in the Rudge range – much to the embarrassment of one concours judge who awarded it first prize in the Specials’ Class at a classic show, much to the derision from Triton builders…
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The way we were: March 1988
The FIM banned the Norton rotary racer from the World Formula 1 championship. The international organising body stated its 2:1 ration rule put the Norton’s capacity at 1176cc, not the 588cc Norton claimed…
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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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