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Workshop: Yamaha XT500 part three
The motor’s rebuilt and all the parts are refinished. All that remains before the final assembly is to patch up the exhaust. Rod Gibson breaks out the welder
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Workshop: Triumph Trident T150V: 2
Rod Gibson finishes his rebuild of the complicated three cylinder engine with work on the transmission. A hugely satisfying job – but Japanese bikes are easier to work on he says
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Workshop: Triumph Trident T150V: 1
A box of engine parts arrives in Rod Gibson’s workshop masquerading as a 1973 Triumph triple engine. Rod is told that everything is there but inevitably he’ll have to go in search of some parts
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Workshop: Yamaha XT500 part three
The motor’s rebuilt and all the parts are refinished. All that remains before the final assembly is to patch up the exhaust. Rod Gibson breaks out the welder
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Workshop: Triumph Trident T150V: 2
Rod Gibson finishes his rebuild of the complicated three cylinder engine with work on the transmission. A hugely satisfying job – but Japanese bikes are easier to work on he says
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Workshop: Triumph Trident T150V: 1
A box of engine parts arrives in Rod Gibson’s workshop masquerading as a 1973 Triumph triple engine. Rod is told that everything is there but inevitably he’ll have to go in search of some parts
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Exotic classic bikes at Thundersprint 2012
Northwich will be rocking to the sound of some of the world’s most exotic bikes over the weekend of May 12-13 as the world’s biggest motorcycling street party comes to town…
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Mystery tool
Collective heads are being scratched at the CBC offices, as we wonder what mystery tool Classic Bike Guide editor Nigel Clark has stumbled across. It was part of a job lot from a garage clearout…
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Floating nicely
Anyone who has had a split carburettor float will appreciate this product from the AMAL Carburettor Company. Unsplittable floats, using military specification closed cell construction!
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Wistanstow gearing up for Show
Some of the finest examples of motorcycling history roll into a South Shropshire village on Sunday, March 25 for the 21st Shropshire Vintage and Classic Motorcycle show at Wistanstow Hall near Craven Arms…
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News snippets
War and Peace Show in Kent, replacement for Jim Reynolds steps up to organise the Borders Classic Bike Show, a September Challenge for pre-1931 machines
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Road Test: Suzuki GSX550
Poor old Suzuki. It’s not often that a bike that is technically advanced and a good performer gets sidelined very quickly, especially after it’s had a very positive reception from the press. However, it happened to the Suzuki GSX550…
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Road Test: Suzuki GSX550
Poor old Suzuki. It’s not often that a bike that is technically advanced and a good performer gets sidelined very quickly, especially after it’s had a very positive reception from the press. However, it happened to the Suzuki GSX550…
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Buying Guide: Suzuki TS125L
Suzuki was influential in moulding the tralbike concept and this TS125, launched in 1971 and following on from the Trail Cat, continued the theme
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Buying Guide: Suzuki TS125L
Suzuki was influential in moulding the tralbike concept and this TS125, launched in 1971 and following on from the Trail Cat, continued the theme
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Buying Guide: BMW R90/S
The R90/S was ground breaking when launched. Better equipped than the Japanese equivalents – albeit more expensive – and fast and exciting to ride
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Buying Guide: BMW R90/S
The R90/S was ground breaking when launched. Better equipped than the Japanese equivalents – albeit more expensive – and fast and exciting to ride
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Fine fabrication
If you’ve ever admired and hankered after some of the fancy alumiunium work seen on motorcycle ‘specials’, now there’s a company prepared to help realise your dreams…
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The Pioneering spirit…
A 1903 Triumph awaits the start of the 1951 Pioneer run… Riders start from Epsom racecourse, ending up on Madeira Drive in Brighton, where they form a magnificent display. It’s well worth a look –
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South of England Show Preview
At the South of England RealClassic Show on Sunday, March 11 sponsor RealClassic magazine will start its 10th anniversary celebrations with birthday cake, free giveaways and competitions for magazine subscribers
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Reference: Triumph Terror
In the early 1950s, small capacity race machinery was almost impossible to come by – this wonderfully preserved example shows how enthusiasts tackled the problem
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Reference: Triumph Terror
In the early 1950s, small capacity race machinery was almost impossible to come by – this wonderfully preserved example shows how enthusiasts tackled the problem
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Brough Superior SS100
This Brough Superior may look like any other 1926 SS100, but its vee twin engine outpaced Sir Henry Segrave’s two-litre supercharged Sunbeam racing car. Peter Watson tells the tale…
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Toolbox’s added attraction
If you’ve ever lost key parts when working on your motorcycle – and who hasn’t, let’s be honest – then this magnetic tray from Wemoto may just be the answer to your dreams
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Dinner with legend ‘Ago’
Racing fans will have the opportunity to sit down and have dinner with a legendary sports rider at the 32nd Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show at the Stafford County Showground over the weekend of April 28th and 29th
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The 32nd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show
A fantastic new auction with Bonhams, a brilliant new classic motorcycle website and record crowds meant this year’s 32nd Carole Nash Bristol classic MotorCycle Show was a massive hit
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Special military salute
This year’s Vintage Motor Cycle Club’s (VMCC) Founders Day at Stanford Hall on July 22, near Lutterworth, in Leicestershire will be bigger and better, with more autojumble stalls, and an extension to the classic clubs area along with more special interest exhibits…
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Bonhams inaugural sale of Collectors’ Motorcycles
You could hear a pin drop as attentive auctioneers listen to Bonhams’ Jamie Knight as he begins the company’s inaugural sale of Collectors’ Motorcycles at the recent 32nd Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show, held last weekend, February 18th. Show and auction were a huge success
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Tap and die set
Many is the time when restoring or repairing classic motorcycles that internal threads can be damaged or stripped or a stud can break or what have you, so a set of taps and dies is practically obligatory for the workshop…
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Kop Hill Revival 2012
Veteran and vintage motorcycles let rip on one of the country’s oldest hill climb courses – Kop Hill. This year’s event is scheduled for the weekend of 22nd and 23rd September. More pre-war entrants are invited to attend by the organisers…
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Road Test: Suzuki GSX 1100/1000 Katana
Every once in a while the Japanese produce a motorcycle that takes your eyeballs, stretches them, and then pops them back in their sockets. The sensational styling of the Suzuki Katana made it a motorcyling classic even when it was still on sale…
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Road Test: Suzuki GSX 1100/1000 Katana
Every once in a while the Japanese produce a motorcycle that takes your eyeballs, stretches them, and then pops them back in their sockets. The sensational styling of the Suzuki Katana made it a motorcyling classic even when it was still on sale…
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Bullet hits the spot
Did you know, last year 70,000 bikes rolled off the Royal Enfield production line and demand is so great that the company has begun work on a new factory, close to the existing one in Chennai?
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32nd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show video preview
A short video from setup day of the 32nd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show. Most of the show is indoors, so don’t let the forecast put you off the first major classic show of 2012. If you’re attending, do visit the Classic Bikers Club stand. We’ll be pleased to see you!
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Triumph Daytona
A Meriden Mini-Bonnie! True enough, brand-new from Triumph for 1967 comes a searing 500 sportster in five-hundred form, with twin carburettors, codenamed T100T
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Aviation Heritage Wolds Run
The ever popular, Classic Bike Guide-backed, Aviation Heritage Wolds Run is on Saturday, May 5 – that’s the Saturday of May Day bank holiday weekend. Make a date in your diaries as it promises to be a super day out…
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Weise Montana gloves
The Weise Montana is the first motorcycle glove to feature Thinsulate Supreme, a 120g liner designed to reduce bulk while offering maximum warmth and comfort. Featuring a Hipora inner liner, the Montana is also waterproof, windproof and breathable.
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Classy clothing
No matter what anyone says, modern clothing styles don’t look right on older motorcycles. Unless you’ve got a stash of period gear… and are still the right shape to fit it, what is the self respecting racer to do?
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Ariel pump from Morgo
New from Autovalues Engineering – the people behind Morgo – comes this Ariel single cylinder plunger oil pump. Designed as a straight swap with no modifications, performance is improved over the stock oil pump…
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The 32nd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show
All the clues are here that another great season for classic motorcycling is upon us. The days are getting a little longer, the sun has a little more warmth (he says hopefully), and it’s time for the Bristol Show once again.
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Activ8 oil additive
Activ8 oil additive gives outstanding metal-to-metal protection by reducing friction and heat generation thus reducing wear and running costs and increasing performance
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Manx GP Festival survey
A new 20-question survey has been launched to review all elements of the Manx Grand Prix Festival, to help organisers shape future events. Log on and make your views heard
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Road Test: Triumph 500 CD
With its range for 1932, Triumph fought shy of radical innovation. But they did list 350 and 500cc competition models for the first time, and by doing so started a trend which all other manufactuers have followed ever since. Alan Berry owns a rare survivor of the 500cc CD version…
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Road Test: Triumph 500 CD
With its range for 1932, Triumph fought shy of radical innovation. But they did list 350 and 500cc competition models for the first time, and by doing so started a trend which all other manufactuers have followed ever since. Alan Berry owns a rare survivor of the 500cc CD version…
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Bonhams Historic GP changes
For 2012 the Bonhams British Historic Grand Prix Championship (BBHGP) for original specification Group 1 GP machines, will be run on Avon control 19 inch tyres
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BSA Bantam eight spring clutch
The BSA Bantam’s standard six spring clutch is pretty marginal, especially on competition engines, and will start slipping and protesting with even modest engine tunes. But the good news is now there’s a reasonably priced answer…
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Newark 2012 – The Other Halls
Welcome to the first ever Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show at Newark Showground. Join me as I take a look around the private entries in the relative calm before the gates were open to the public. When you see the bikes on show, you’ll appreciate just how difficult a job the judges had to…
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Norton bearing shells
Andover Norton now has in stock newly manufactured Commando con-rod bearing shells, offering improved wear characteristics over the original equipment
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Moidart Peninsula Motorcycle Road Run 2012
A popular precursor to the Wines from Spain pre-65 Scottish Two Day Trial, mentioned earlier, is the Moidart Peninsular Road Run for pre-1979 motorcycles
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Bikers’ Classics goes Superbike
The Bikers’ Classics at Spa-Francorchamps will celebrate its tenth anniversary and will salute World Superbike machines and the heroic riders who raced them at Spa Francorchamps from Friday, June 29 to Sunday, July 1
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Pre-65 Scottish Two Day Trial
Well, the entries are confirmed, 180 riders have been chosen and there’s a healthy waiting list of hopefuls ready to jump in, in case any of those 180 riders decide not to take up their ride in the pre-65 Scottish Two Day Trial
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Buying Guide: Silk 700S
Rare in the extreme, so rare that few have seen a Silk let alone ridden one, but a design bristling with incredible ideas as befits the inspiration for the project – the Scott
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Buying Guide: Silk 700S
Rare in the extreme, so rare that few have seen a Silk let alone ridden one, but a design bristling with incredible ideas as befits the inspiration for the project – the Scott
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Joey Dunlop stickers
Tribute Joey Dunlop helmet stickers are being relaunched, with some of the proceeds going to the air ambulance charity in the Isle of Man
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Teaming up
Mortimer Classic MCC Ltd has just announced the date for the Dave Wootton Trophy 100 Mile Team race. It will take place on Saturday, May 12 at Ameys Copse, Near Theale in Berkshire
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MV Agusta engine profile
From fabled racing machines to fabulous road burners, this four cylinder engine has powered them all. Tim Holmes runs through the development
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Road Test: Harley-Davidson X90
Harley-Davidson’s X90 mini-bike was originally sold to tempt young owners into Harley ownership, under the banner of ‘the great American freedom machine’, but the bikes were actually made in Italy. We take a look at this restored example
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Top 20 two strokes, part one
Brian Tarbox’s top 20 Japanese two strokes between 1960 and 1990. If you disagree, make your voice heard on the forums! In part one we look at positions 20 to 11…
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Road Test: Harley-Davidson X90
Harley-Davidson’s X90 mini-bike was originally sold to tempt young owners into Harley ownership, under the banner of ‘the great American freedom machine’, but the bikes were actually made in Italy. We take a look at this restored example
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Suzuki Kettle DVDs
Suzuki ‘Kettle’ restoration specialist makes available ‘how to’ DVDs, to help other owners with the correct assembly procedure
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Newark 2012, Alan Carter interview
We caught up racing legend Alan Carter for an exclusive and in-depth interview hosted by Tony Carter at the 1st Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic show. Alan’s career and personal life has been filled by tragedy, and in the (long) interview he’s brutally honest about the past events which have shaped him…
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Reference: Royal Enfield Bullet
The Royal Enfield Bullet is a machine which has been in production for many years, though few look better than this superb example
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Eric Oliver profile
Pure riding skill and bulldog spirit kept Eric Oliver ahead of the opposition. A 500cc Norton outfit should not have been a match for the power of the Gilera 4, but Oliver won four world titles…
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Reference: Royal Enfield Bullet
The Royal Enfield Bullet is a machine which has been in production for many years, though few look better than this superb example
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Calthorpe Ivory
The Calthorpe Ivory is best known in its sloping engine guise, but John Pape’s model is the early upright version. Either way the company gained immediate acclaim from the motorcycle press and bike-buying public because of the machine’s clean and attractive design…
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Obituary: Norman Barrow
It is with regret we have to report the death of scrambles star Norman Barrow who died during December after a freak cycling accident
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Brooklands race circuit
With its 100ft wide concrete straights and 30ft high bankings, the Brooklands circuit at Weybridge, Surrey, was a daunting high speed challenge and only the strong survived…
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Vintage virgins
Rider training for ‘Vintage Virgins’ is back in 2012 when the VMCC will be holding two Vintage Motorcycle Training Days at the ‘Southern’ and ‘Midlands’ events in May and June
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Newark 2012, Steve Plater interview
Tony Carter caught up with motorcycle racing star Steve Plater at the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic show for an in depth and exclusive interview. Plater suffered some horrific injuries in the last two seasons and he speaks candidly about his recovery…
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Tony Carter interviews Wayne Rainey
Filmed during The 18th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, October 2011. Tony Carter, Editor of Motorcycle Sport & Leisure Magazine, interviews World Champion, Wayne Rainey
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Classic art
We just couldn’t resist visiting Classic Bike Guide’s regular artist Louise Limb’s website again…
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Workshop: Kawasaki Z400 rebuild: 2
Rod Gibson orders parts from Z-Power and is told that his Kawasaki twin is an older 400, not what he thought…
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Workshop: Kawasaki Z400 rebuild: 1
A neglected Kawasaki Z400 engine with all its road muck still on and left exposed to the elements without spark plugs fitted. Rod Gibson goes in…
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Road Test: 250cc Bultaco model 221
More usually model 221s are 175cc capacity but the owner of this one has gone large…
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Workshop: Kawasaki Z400 rebuild: 2
Rod Gibson orders parts from Z-Power and is told that his Kawasaki twin is an older 400, not what he thought…
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Workshop: Kawasaki Z400 rebuild: 1
A neglected Kawasaki Z400 engine with all its road muck still on and left exposed to the elements without spark plugs fitted. Rod Gibson goes in…
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Road Test: 250cc Bultaco model 221
More usually model 221s are 175cc capacity but the owner of this one has gone large…
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Newark 2012, Nigel Clark pt2 – The Club Stands – Main Hall
Welcome along to part two of my personal guided tour of the Carol Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show, at Newark Showground, where we take a trip around the remainder of the main hall and have a look at what was on show, just prior to the doors opening to the public on the…
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Newark 2012, Nigel Clark pt1 – The Private Entries
Welcome to the first ever Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Show at Newark Showground. Join me as I take a look around the private entries in the relative calm before the gates were open to the public. When you see the bikes on show, you’ll appreciate just how difficult a job the judges had to…
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Road Test: Greeves’ Scottish
Well aware of the rumours of exotica hiding within the body of Andy Roberton’s BSA, tester Vic Allan was pleased to find the machine was more a reflection of attention to detail by the builder
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Road Test: Greeves’ Scottish
Well aware of the rumours of exotica hiding within the body of Andy Roberton’s BSA, tester Vic Allan was pleased to find the machine was more a reflection of attention to detail by the builder
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Yamaha FS1E Project bike
Rod Gibson puts the finishing touches to our project Fizzy, and finds a seat at last!
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Onboard with Bruce – Oulton Park
On-board footage from an Oulton Park Focused Events trackday with National Superstock 600 rider Bruce Wilson who is also CMM’s Staff Writer.
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Two Triumph Tiger 110s
The Americans demanded bigger engines than 500cc, so Triumph gave them the 650cc Thunderbird… but even that didn’t satisfy them for long, so the stakes were upped with the launch of the Tiger 110
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Reference: Norton Commando S Type
Norton’s famous – and successful – Commando came in a number of guises, but is any more handsome than the S Type?
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Reference: Norton Commando
The first of Norton’s Commandos was a radical looking machine, as exampled by this stunning specimen
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Reference: Norton Commando S Type
Norton’s famous – and successful – Commando came in a number of guises, but is any more handsome than the S Type?
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Reference: Norton Commando
The first of Norton’s Commandos was a radical looking machine, as exampled by this stunning specimen
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Harley V-Rod custom exhaust upgrade
Want a set of loud pipes for your Harley V-Rod for less than £150? It’s now possible thanks to a man in a shed in deepest Norfolk who has come up with an ingenious solution to the old problem of making a V-Rod sound like a proper Harley should without breaking the bank
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Buying Guide: Triumph 6T and T120
Triumph 650s are among the most sought-after classic bikes, and there are always different models available in our classified ads to suit all budgets. We consider two very different machines; a pre-unit Thunderbird and one of the last of the T120 Bonnevilles…
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Buying Guide: Royal Enfield Interceptor (1968)
Not every Royal Enfield is an Indian-built single. Rod K in Canada has just rebuilt a 750 Interceptor twin…
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Buying Guide: Sunbeam S8
This revolutionary twin offered power, performance, personality and… problems!
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Road Test: Matchless G15CS
Frank Westworth reports from the saddle of a 750 Matchless, and includes a great big chunk of personal anecdote, revealing why he has never been comfortable in a leather hat…
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Bristol Show 2010: rare bikes
The 30th Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, Bristol 2010 – James Robinson talks on some of the rare and carefully restored motorcycles
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Stafford Show 2010: Bonham’s tour
From The 30th Carole Nash International Classic Motorcycle Show, Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th April 2010, Stafford County Show Ground
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Workshop: Kawasaki Z1 rebuild: 3
In the last part of the rebuild our Z1 engine was ready for reassembly. Rod Gibson rolls up his sleeves to inject new life into the king of motorcycles
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Workshop: Kawasaki Z1 rebuild: 2
In part one Rod Gibson stripped the engine on our 1972 Kawasaki Z1, despite a struggle to separate the barrels from the crankcase. Now all the components can be examined
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Workshop: Kawasaki Z1 rebuild: 1
The Kawasaki Z1 is the definitive Japanese four-cylinder motorcycle – the bike that launched a thousand clones. Rod Gibson strips an original 1972 model to see what makes it tick
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