classic motorcycles
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Vindec Special: The German Motorcycle That Nearly Won the First TT
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The Vindec Special was actually built in Germany by Köln-Lindenthaler Metallwerke AG of Cologne. However, it is an interesting footnote in British motorcycling history because its distribution in this country was handled by the South British Trading Company with the assistance and advice of William Huntingdon ‘Billy’ Wells. Wells had moved to London from his…
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From shed-find moped to classic bikes: Pete Chatburn’s motorcycling story
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Pete Chatburn tells us about his start in motorcycling (and that’s how he titled his letter – we’re not being rude!) and wonders whether might be buried treasure on a local airfield. It all started for me in 1965 when I found my Granpa’s abandoned 1959 Raleigh RM1C moped in the shed behind his tailor’s…
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Looking for a Saint? One rider’s search for an ex-Metropolitan Police Triumph
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Given his occupation, readers will not be surprised by the title the Reverend John Lines MBE has have given this article, but he will now set the scene for you… In a previous article (Readers Tales, OBM485) I wrote about my beautiful Triumph Thunderbird that I have managed to get returned to the condition it…
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Hidden Gems: Honda SL350
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Steve Cooper introduces us to one of the prettiest – and most underrated – of Honda’s 1970s offerings. Some would argue that, when Honda dropped the hugely successful CB72/77 for its follow up K Series 250/350 it somehow cheapened the brand. To a point that’s correct, but for good reason – the outgoing models were…
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Historic Ford Model TT bus & classic bikes set for Shrewsbury Steam Rally
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Classic motorcycles will once again form part of the varied vehicle line-up at this year’s Shrewsbury Steam Rally, but one particularly well-travelled exhibit is set to attract plenty of attention of its own. From Welshpool and Oswestry to the National Motor Museum, Nick Onions’ Ford Model TT bus has travelled far during its long life.…
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Remembering… The Verus
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After the First World War Alfred Wiseman began manufacturing motorcycles in his Glover Street works in Birmingham under the Sirrah name (the name came from reversing the surname of the designer, a Mr Harris), motorcycles which used a number of proprietary engines and were aimed at the budget market. However, to complement the various Sirrah…
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Kempton Park Autojumble returns this July with live Iconic motorcycle auction
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Kempton Park Motorcycle Autojumble returns on Saturday, July 18, with an added attraction for classic, modern and retro motorcycle enthusiasts as Iconic Auctioneers brings its London Motorcycle Sale to the event. Taking place at Kempton Park Racecourse, near London, the well-established autojumble is already a firm favourite in the motorcycle calendar, attracting hundreds of visitors and more…
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Free 100+ page digital magazine celebrates the best of classic motorcycling and scootering
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Discover more than 100 pages of fascinating features, stunning photography and expert writing from some of Britain’s leading classic motorcycle and scooter magazines – completely free to read online. IF you’re passionate about classic motorcycles and scooters, we’ve got something special for you. We’ve created a brand-new, completely free digital showcase magazine, bringing together some…
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Leaping Lena: The daring Australians who built the world’s fastest sidecar
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John Milton looks at how a handful of young Australians took on the world to win the sidecar landspeed record. The nickname ‘Leaping Lena’ has been used countless times in all manner of ways – a woman who jumped out of a Philadelphia window to avoid police arrest in 1920, pigeons, racehorses, cars, trains, even…
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Len Vale-Onslow: the maverick who gave motorcycles the welded frame
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From childhood crashes to the first welded production motorcycle frame, Len Vale-Onslow’s story is one of invention, risk-taking and what might have been. The name of Len Vale-Onslow needs little introduction. Born Leslie Vale-Onslow in 1900, he was introduced to motorcycles in 1908 when he rode a machine built by his brothers. A police constable…
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