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Bristol bike show cements place as one of the UK’s favourites
THOUSANDS of motorcycle enthusiasts enjoyed two days of bikes, bargains and a brand new classic auction at Shepton Mallet’s Royal Bath & West this past weekend.
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Bookmark our fantastic new website
Written by experts and updated more regularly than any site in biking, morebikes.co.uk is the website motorcycling has been waiting for.
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Vehicle enthusiasts set for bumper February in the South West
FINAL preparations are being made for two of the UK’s premier classic vehicle shows which will take place this month at Shepton Mallet’s Royal Bath & West, just one week apart.
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Important update for Old Bike Mart February issue
Due to logistical complications, the mailing of the February issue of Old Bike Mart has been delayed and copies are not expected to be with UK subscribers until at least the scheduled publication date of Saturday, February 7.
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Trade and Press Trial returns at Dirt Bike Show
THE International Dirt Bike Show is set to host a returning Trade and Press Trial organised by the event’s owner, Mortons Media group.
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Charterhouse gears up for Bristol Show
Auctioneer Charterhouse is set to hold an exciting auction full of intriguing machines at the Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show in February. The show takes place on the weekend of February 7-8, 2015, at the Royal Bath and West showground in Shepton Mallet. Charterhouse has already confirmed some of the lots which will go…
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1938 Norton 16H
Ever since coming to Old Bike Mart last spring, I’ve been pondering over just what makes old bikes so appealing, and it was only after visiting Terry Potter in Buckinghamshire to take a close look at his gorgeous 1938 16H Norton a few weeks ago that the answer finally struck me – their purity of…
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Newly branded Telford show should be best yet
The newly branded Putoline Classic Dirt Bike Show, formerly known as ‘Wrighty’s Show’, which takes place at the Telford International Centre over the weekend of February 21-22, is ramping up the celebrations for 2015.
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The way we were: February
New lighting regulations, a new 98cc Villiers model and BSA dominates the annual Victory Trial in 1965…
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Classic British Legends: Brooklands
There are few places in Britain which so evoke the spirit of racing heroism as Brooklands. For decades it was at the epicentre of both motor racing and aircraft development. The banked circuit created by Hugh Locke King saw records tumble to men with nerves of steel who were determined to carve out their place…
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The Classic MotorCycle front covers
The Classic Bikers Club image gallery is continually updated, so regularly pop back for the latest period picture releases. If you like what you see, millions of other period images are available to purchase from the Mortons Motorcycle Archive, in various print and canvas formats, and make the perfect gift for the classic motorcycle enthusiast.…
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H-D Milestones Post-War
Mike Lewis takes a selective Post-War look at key models from the famous American motorcycle marque, Harley-Davidson… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert
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Triumph Trident T150V part two
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… > Part one gallery Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article…
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Triumph Trident T150V part one
A box of engine parts arrives in Rod Gibson’s workshop masquerading as a 1973 Triumph triple engine… > Part two gallery Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert
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TT Talk 1952/1956
As one of the most prestigious and time-honoured race events in the world, the Isle of Man TT has been the subject of much discussion and deliberation over the course of its history…
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Beckham’s Brazilian Bonneville arrives at the NMM!
Part Bonneville, part scrambler, part desert-sled this aggressive black jungle special is another chapter in the story of one of history’s most versatile motorcycles…
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National Children’s Day, September 1924
The National Children’s Day of 1924 was a truly special event for underprivileged children all over the country, and particularly those who were cultivating (or had already cultivated) an affinity for motorcycles and motorcars…
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Harris Collection to be auctioned
Following the recent news of an impressive assortment of early consignments to January’s auction, Bonhams has announced the addition of another renowned collection, that of Herb Harris…
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The Classic MotorCycle on sale – January 2015
Triumph’s small and perfectly formed 3TA profiled and tested, Panther 35, Moto Guzzi restoration guide, Trident recommissioning, plus all the usual archive stories and regulars. On sale now!
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Kawasaki W1 overhaul
“I don’t suppose you’d be interested in looking at my rebuilding of a Kawasaki W1’s motor would you?” asked owner Dave Jupp. Of course we would; we’d leap at the chance. Steve Cooper reports… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article continues…
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Reference: A to Z classic reference: Norton pre-war
Encyclopaedia of Classic Motorcycles: the definitive classic motorcycle guide
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Workshop: Kawasaki W1 overhaul
“I don’t suppose you’d be interested in looking at my rebuilding of a Kawasaki W1’s motor would you?” asked owner Dave Jupp. Of course we would; we’d leap at the chance. Steve Cooper reports…
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Girder forks
Feared by some, girder front forks were a light, reasonably strong early solution to steering and front suspension. Today, most are at least 50 years old, so need regular checks and maintenance to make sure they remain safe to use…
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Workshop: Kawasaki W1 overhaul
“I don’t suppose you’d be interested in looking at my rebuilding of a Kawasaki W1’s motor would you?” asked owner Dave Jupp. Of course we would; we’d leap at the chance. Steve Cooper reports…
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Douglas works, 1915
These Douglas motorcycles look rather dejected as they await a much-needed consignment of imported magnetos…
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NSA Sprint at Shakespeare County Raceway
This sprint was the last event of the season for the NSA (National Sprint Association) providing a final opportunity before most riders spend winter in the shed preparing for the next season. The sprint took place on October 26, 2014…
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NSA Southern Section
The National Sprint Association (Southern Section) held its AGM recently. As well as the regular club business there was also the welcome news that a full calendar is intended for next year…
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Easy-to-follow wiring loom kit from Paul Goff
Paul Goff has launched a simple wiring kit for alternator-equipped bikes that’s suitable for six or 12-volt systems using a regulator/rectifier such as the A Reg One, Powerbox…
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Harrogate Museum
Bonhams’ auction at the Yorkshire Event Centre on November 12, 2014, had a good selection of motorcycles, including a 17-strong collection of late 1970s and early 1980s Japanese machines, 16 of which sold for strong prices…
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Norton to be key feature at Classic TT
Iconic, British Motorcycle brand Norton, is set to be a key part of the 2015 Isle of Man Classic TT. The marque has been inextricably linked to the TT races from the very first races in 1907 through to Cam Donald’s fastest ever 500cc Norton lap of the Mountain Course in 2014…
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RealClassic 128 out now!
We like to finish the year on a high point, and are pretty chuffed with this issue of RealClassic magazine. It may not be big or particularly clever but it does have an awful lot of jolly interesting old motorcycles inside…
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Road Test: BSA Spitfire
One thing is for sure, these days in particular, the 1950s era of Trans Atlantic styling is eye-catchingly different…
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Road Test: BSA Spitfire
Whether the Americans truly desired the specification of machinery that we sent them, or whether it was merely the interpretation of the factory stylists in their smoky offices of the 50s remains arguable. However, one thing is for sure, these days in particular, that era of Trans Atlantic styling is eye-catchingly different…
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Looking back: 1977
It was a time of punk rock, Barry Sheene, Star Wars, page three stunners, big hair and even bigger flares. Welcome to the year that was 1977…
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Yamaha TZR250
Even in the second millenium a 250 ‘stroker is a potent missile and the TZR250 is quite possibly the considered weapon of choice…
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Pope Benedict’s Harley-Davidson to be sold for charity at Bonhams Paris sale
A Harley-Davidson motorcycle blessed with the signature of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, and later received by Pope Francis, is to be sold for charity at Bonhams’ February 5 Paris sale…
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – December 2014
This month’s unearthed readers bikes and finds. If you have unearthed something recently and would like to share the news, or think I could help, write to me Mike Worthington-Williams, The Old Schoolhouse, Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire SA38 9JL email: [email protected] Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to…
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Classic Racer Jan-Feb on sale now!
The true story of the TT boycott, Ogier Laverda tested, sport down under, Bruno Leoni, Phil Mellor, plus all the usual regulars and archive stories. On sale now!
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2015 Pinup Calendar and Christmas cards
Forner CBG illustrator Louise Limb has announced her 2015 Classic Pinup Calendar is now available. Featuring some of her best known images from the Back Street Heroes archive plus a couple of brand new famous lovelies, the calendar makes the perfect Christmas present for the motorcycle enthusiast…
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Television scrambles
In December 1954, the first specially-staged TV scramble took place at Beenham. Little did anyone know just how popular the winter series would become…
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Classic Bike Guide on sale now – December 2014
Triumph TSX, Meriden’s last hurrah. Plus John Player Norton, British 500cc buyer’s guide, Magni MV Agusta, Ducati trail bike, BSA A7 restoratrion and all your favourite columnists and archive material. On sale now!
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Brands Hatch 1980: Anglo American Match Races
The story broke, in March 1980, that Barry Sheene would be missing from the British team for the Anglo American Match Races, after he had failed to agree start money terms with Motor Circuit Developments boss Chris Lowe…
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Milestones TT calendar
Pirelli may have dominated the workshop wall since the 1960s but now, at last, it has a rival – a blonde in Sheffield…
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Daytona reunion
During a few days in the Florida sun in October, which just happened to coincide with the AHRMA races at Daytona Speedway (what a coincidence) team Classic Racer caught up with old friends…
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In gear with Kinekt Design
Kinekt Design, based in Northern New Jersey, USA, has launched this Gear Necklace; the perfect gift for the motorcycling lady in your life. It was conceived as a complement to the Gear Ring…
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Road Test: Panther-Norton special
When Featherbed based specials are mentioned, several variations of power unit come to mind.
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Speedway JAP
Considering it was almost never made, the competition single had an extraordinarily successful competition career. It is fortunate that John Prestwich, founder of the world-famous company that manufactured JAP engines, had second thoughts after visiting a local speedway meeting in 1928…
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Road Test: Panther-Norton
When Featherbed based specials are mentioned, several variations of power unit come to mind but hardly ever would P&M’s slogging old sloper feature in the list. Jim Reynolds meets one such man for whom such ‘prejudices’ do not exist and finds that even the most bizarre concoction can produce remarkable results…
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The Wright time
Hard to believe, but this is the last chance for CDB to publicise the annual off-road extravaganza that was ‘Wrighty’s Show’
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Post haste for Pre-65
The entry form for the 2015 Pre-65 Scottish Trial is now available to download via the Pre-65 website page on www.ssdt.org
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John Bethell – racer and enthusiast
The northern scrambles scene lost a true enthusiast recently when John Bethell died aged 69 after a short, sudden illness…
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Robin Bark art
Robin Bark has spent much of his life drawing, painting or restoring old motorcycles. Now, after an extensive career in graphics and teaching at college and university level, he has returned to his greatest passion – the creation of art based around motorcycling…
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Andy Tiernan calendar
The theme for Andy Tiernan’s 2015 calendar is unusual/eccentric classics, as ever illustrated by the fabulous talents of Nick Ward…
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New Year, new start, Newark Bike Show
Motorcycle enthusiasts will be given an early chance to set themselves and their machines up for 2015’s riding as Newark Showground once again hosts its now traditional New Year motorcycle event…
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Reference: Ariel VH32 Red Hunter
This four-valve sporting Ariel single was only catalogued for the single season, though its name lived on…
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Road Test: BSA G14
The BSA G14 was, by the 1930s, a far-from-advanced piece of kit. But the qualities it possessed were still popular – and indeed still are today. This G14 has been restored by well-known Hertfordshire restorer Robin James and is a super example…
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Road Test: BSA G14
The BSA G14 was, by the 1930s, a far-from-advanced piece of kit. But the qualities it possessed were still popular – and indeed still are today. This G14 has been restored by well-known Hertfordshire restorer Robin James and is a super example…
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Reference: Ariel VH32 Red Hunter
This four-valve sporting Ariel single was only catalogued for the single season, though its name lived on…
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Classic Dirtbike out – issue 33
Kawasaki KX500 tested, Chase TY220, our tribute to Dave Bickers, 100 years of the Scott Trial, Win a Honda CRF450R, Dick Mann Matchless, replacing crank seals and all the usual articles and guest columnists. Subscribe now!
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2014 AMCA Skegness Beach race
With its rising reputation for being ultra-tough but still very raceable and enjoyable, it’s no wonder that the AMCA Skegness Beach race supported by the East Lindsey District Council is fast becoming one of the major end of season events in the off-road calendar…
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Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale – December 2014
Suzuki Spa Katana project bike ridden and rated, Laverda 3C quick spin, James Whitham joins CMM, Honda CBR600F and Suzuki GT750 ‘Kettle’ buyer’s guide and GT250 ridden. Plus all the regulars. On sale now!
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Yamaha FZ750: 25 things
Yamaha’s FZ750 was possibly the biggest leap forward of any Japanese motorcycle ever. Just 12 months after Kawasaki’s GPZ900R had seemingly secured the title. 25 years on much of the FZ’s design remains a blueprint for motorcycle engineering…
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Norton Commando: iconic engine
‘Versatility’ and ‘expediency’ were two buzz words in the British motorcycle industry. Versatility for the amount of uses an engine is put to and expediency for the reuse of components from earlier engines. Tim Britton traces the roots of the Norton Commando engine…
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Brooklands racer goes under the hammer
A 500cc Excelsior JAP with a fully documented history of racing at the famous Brooklands circuit recently went under the hammer at the H&H auction at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford…
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London to Brighton veteran car run
In 1896, an assortment of vehicles drove from London to Brighton to celebrate the change in the law that allowed them to move at 14mph and no longer be preceded by a man with a red flag…
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An engineer’s Goldie tribute
What does it take to stop you in your tracks at a motorcycle show? This beautiful BSA Gold Star did it for the Classic Dirtbike editor, Tim Britton….
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Beckham’s Triumph
Watching the advert for David Beckham’s new whisky, something struck a chord about the registration number of the Triumph the former England football captain was riding…
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NMM introduces ‘where are they now’ at show
The National Motorcycle Museum is bringing a brand new feature to the Classic Motorbike Show held at Birmingham’s NEC from November 14-16…
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Maria Costello rides again Down Under
The first woman to stand on the podium on the Isle of Man was is set to enter the Barry Sheene Classic in New Zealand…
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The Classic MotorCycle on sale – December 2014
Ariel’s excellent Huntmaster, BSA CB34 Gold Star, pre-war Speed Twins, JAP restoration guide, stunning Cammy AJS, Brighton Speed Trials, plus all your favourite columnists and archive stories…
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NMM Vincent Rapide prize draw results anounced
A trampolining John McGuinness selected the National Motorcycle Museum’s Vincent Rapide-winning raffle ticket at least weekend’s 30th anniversary celebrations…
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Rare Brough Superior at Bonhams auction
Designed with the legendary peaks of the Alpine Trial in mind, a 1929 Brough Superior 986cc SS100 Alpine Grand Sports is set to go inder the hammer at Bonhams’ forthcoming Bond Street sale…
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Dick Standing
A sad loss to the VMCC, Gold Star Owners Club and the Brooklands Motorcycle Team, Dick Standing died on October 24, following a series of stays in hospital…
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Moments of nostalgia
Former two-wheeled sporting stars Steve Parrish and Les Archer visited the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum in early October. Les’s visit was part of the ‘Memory Lane Celebrations’…
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International Dirt Bike Show
Selection of images from last weekend’s record-breaking International Dirt Bike Show, held at the National Agricultural Centre, Warwickshire… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines. Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert Article continues below… Advert
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Road Test: Triumph Trident T160
Triumph’s three cylinder Trident provided the signature sound for racers in the early Seventies and led to the best of the bunch, the T160, made for just a year from 1975. John Nutting explains…
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Road Test: Triumph Trident T160
Triumph’s three cylinder Trident provided the signature sound for racers in the early Seventies and led to the best of the bunch, the T160, made for just a year from 1975. John Nutting explains…
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Clutch – a history
Pioneer riders, on direct drive motorcycles, struggled on steep hills and with starting their machines. The advent of clutches, along with methods of altering drive ratios, broadened their horizons immeasurably…
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RealClassic 127 out now!
The November issue of RealClassic spans half a century of classic motorcycling, from a vintage Vindec through to superbikes of the Seventies. Grab a copy here!
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Italian favourites part two
John Nutting’s concluding look at Seventies Italian classics, starting with the Ducati 350 Desmo and closing with a Moto Guzzi Le Mans Mkl…
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More than 400 bikes at Leighton Buzzard event
The Sand and Motorcycles event, held on the park next to the Leighton Buzzard Railway in Bedfordshire, on September 28, attracted more than 400 bikes of all ages…
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NMM celebration timetable
The National Motorcycle Museum promises to be abuzz with motorcycling attractions this Saturday, as the company celebrates 30 years in business with a free open day…
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Reward offered as Tiger Cub is stolen
It’s sad to report the theft of Nigel Eastwood’s 1954 T20 plunger model, registered 158 YUK…
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Geoff Duke holds Court
After dominating the 1954 500cc World Championship on his Gilera, Geoff Duke was a guest of Motor Cycle to that year’s Earls Court Motorcycle Show and offered his views…
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Classic Bike Guide on sale now – November 2014
Triumph at Goodwood, BMW boxers in Japan, Triumph Bobber, Tiger Cub buyer’s guide, Harley-Davidson XR750 history, Classic TT, collecting cutaways, plus all the usual archive stories and guest columnists. On sale now!
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – November 2014
This month’s unearthed readers bikes and finds. If you have unearthed something recently and would like to share the news, or think I could help, write to me Mike Worthington-Williams, The Old Schoolhouse, Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn, Carmarthenshire SA38 9JL email: [email protected] Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to…
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Leinster road races
In 1923, a handicap system determined the outcome of an all new 100 mile road races in the south of Ireland. It meant the fastest didn’t always come away with the spoils of victory…
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Italian Vincent
‘Vincent of Italy’ is what MM claimed for their motorcycles. Tim Holmes and Patrick Uden take a closer look at a painstakingly restored example by bike restoration expert James Tennant-Eyles…
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NMM 30th anniversary celebration weekend
A final reminder for the National Motorcycle Museum’s 30th anniversary celebrations this week, kicked off by world champion and BBC TV presenter Steve Parrish. Steve will be appearing live on stage on the evening of Friday, October 31…
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Offham Steam Rally
One day in every year, the village of Offham in Kent becomes ‘petrolheads’ paradise’…
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Robbie Allan 50/50 Memorial Event, Lanarkshire
Now that the dust has settled on what was clearly a unique and successful event the organisers are pleased that everyone who attended Tinto Park Moto and supported such a good cause seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves whether they were competing, spectating or helping out…
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Stafford Show, October 2014
Pictorial highlights from the recent Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford. Bikes, autojumble, auction and superb entertainment wherever you looked. Guests Frankie Chili and Carl Fogarty entertained on stage and a certain F1 champ, off stage… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our…
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Reference: BSA CB34
BSA’s Clubman Gold Star is one of the most iconic and revered British motorcycles ever made, and rightly so. This CB34 is a touch earlier – and rarer – than the more usual Beeza Clubman DBDs, but it still has plenty of pedigree…
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Road Test: Velocette singles
The keys to a successful marriage may be hanging in the garage, judging by the longevity of this Velocette-inspired union between two kindred spirits. Mike Lewis looks at a Velocette 250 MOV (WD) and the more traditional looking 350 MAC…
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Zundapp KS750
The Zündapp KS750 was designed as a go-anywhere, unbreakable military wagon, able to cope with extremes of weather…
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Road Test: Velocette singles
The keys to a successful marriage may be hanging in the garage, judging by the longevity of this Velocette-inspired union between two kindred spirits. Mike Lewis looks at a Velocette 250 MOV (WD) and the more traditional looking 350 MAC…
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Reference: BSA CB34
BSA’s Clubman Gold Star is one of the most iconic and revered British motorcycles ever made, and rightly so. This CB34 is a touch earlier – and rarer – than the more usual Beeza Clubman DBDs, but it still has plenty of pedigree…
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Top bikes of the Seventies: 3
Continuing with John Nutting’s look at Seventies specials. Here we’re focusing on league positions 30 to 21. Is your favourite included?
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