Mark Lancaster
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Master of the Island: Joey Dunlop and the Honda RVF750 RC45
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Few riders in the history of road racing have commanded the respect, affection and quiet awe inspired by Joey Dunlop. Modest, intensely private and utterly uncompromising on the road, Dunlop became the most successful rider in Isle of Man TT history, redefining what greatness looked like on the Mountain Course. Despite his fame, Dunlop remained…
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Made to Measure: Why a Good Vernier Caliper Still Matters in the Workshop
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Precision measuring tools may not grab headlines, but in any serious motorcycle workshop they remain absolutely essential. In this Tool of the Month feature, Ralph Ferrand — a long-time tool specialist and supplier — explains why the humble vernier caliper still earns its place on the bench, even in the digital age. Ferrand’s experience with…
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Freddie Spencer at the Double: The Day ‘Fast Freddie’ Made Grand Prix History
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Few riders in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history have achieved what Freddie Spencer managed in 1985 — and fewer still have made it look so natural. Born Frederick Burdette Spencer, the Louisiana native earned his nickname “Fast Freddie” early, emerging from a racing family and becoming a multi-state champion across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi and…
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Does Riding Classic Motorcycles Really Make Us Immune to Injury? A Hard Look at Safety on Old Bikes
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Riding classic motorcycles offers huge rewards — character, heritage and a connection to the past — but does it also encourage riders to take unnecessary risks when it comes to safety? A frank look at what many classic riders wear suggests the answer may be uncomfortable. At bike meets across the country, it’s common to…
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Robert Bensley: Remembering the Unsung Hero Who Gave a Lifetime to Better Motorcycling
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Motorcycling has lost one of its quiet greats. Robert Bensley, a man who not only lived motorcycling but dedicated his life to helping others enjoy it more safely and confidently, passed away in the summer after complications from an aggressive form of cancer. Despite knowing his prognosis for some time, Rob continued to do what…
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Maria Costello MBE Joins Iconic Auctioneers as Motorcycle Consultant
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Maria Costello MBE, one of the most respected names in British road racing and classic motorcycling, has joined Iconic Auctioneers as a motorcycle consultant, strengthening the company’s growing specialist motorcycle team. With more than 30 years of competition experience, Maria Costello brings exceptional insight into classic and significant motorcycles, as well as a deep understanding…
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Ollie’s Oddjobs: Inside Ian Wagstaff’s Radical Moto Morini V-Twin Special
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Few engines inspire loyalty quite like the Moto Morini V-twin, and Ollie Hulme is the first to admit his long-standing affection for the marque. In this instalment of Ollie’s Oddjobs, he encounters fellow Morini enthusiast Moto Morini devotee Ian Wagstaff — a rider whose appetite for speed has resulted in a striking and technically ambitious…
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Kawasaki KMX125 Buyer’s Guide: What to Check, What to Pay and Why This Two-Stroke Trail Bike Still Delivers
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Kawasaki KMX125 Buyer’s Guide: A Green-Laned Icon Worth Owning? Few learner-legal motorcycles capture the spirit of the late 1980s quite like the Kawasaki KMX125. First registered for UK roads in 1987, the KMX arrived at a time when the 125cc learner laws had firmly reshaped the market, pushing manufacturers to extract maximum excitement from small-capacity…
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Love Lithium? Why Modern Motorcycle Batteries May Be the Wrong Upgrade for Classic Bikes
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Lithium motorcycle batteries have become increasingly fashionable in recent years, driven by their widespread use in consumer electronics, electric vehicles and modern machinery. Smaller, lighter and capable of delivering high cranking power, they are often marketed as an obvious upgrade over traditional lead-acid batteries. But are they really suitable for classic motorcycles? In this archive…
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Beta vs Abba: Two Professional Motorcycle Stands Put to the Test
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Choosing the right motorcycle stand is not just about convenience — it’s about safety, stability and protecting both bike and mechanic. In this Tool of the Month feature, experienced tool specialist Ralph Ferrand puts two respected options under the spotlight: a single-sided paddock stand from Beta Tools and the long-established Abba Superbike Stand. Ralph, who…
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