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Workshop: Kawasaki Z400 rebuild: 3
After owner Steve tracks down some serviceable second hand pistons for his Kawasaki Z400 twin – and splashes out for some new rings – Rod Gibson completes the engine rebuild…
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Workshop: Suzuki GS750 rebuild part three
After sorting through the pile of bits last month I’m now ready to start reassembling Jason’s GS750 engine…
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Workshop: Kawasaki Z400 rebuild: 3
After owner Steve tracks down some serviceable second hand pistons for his Kawasaki Z400 twin – and splashes out for some new rings – Rod Gibson completes the engine rebuild…
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NMM art gallery is now open!
From now until November 1 there will be a ‘Pop Up’ art and photographic gallery in the foyer of the National Motorcycle Museum at Solihull…
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – July 2014
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.
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Alan Abrahams
For Alan Abrahams, motorcycling was a constant source of entertainment, whether during the time he spent in the workshop or better still, out on the road…
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The Mablethorpe Speed Trials, 1924
The Motor Cycle described it as a ‘fine and warm day’ in September 1912 when the Nottingham Motorcycle Club set up shop at the Lincolnshire coast for the Mablethorpe Speed Trials…
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Centurion joins the action for sidecar parade lap
The Mallory Bike Bonanza over the weekend of July 11-13 will host something of everything for the biking community, young and old, participating or just soaking up the array of machines and personalities…
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Workshop: Harley-Davidson Sportster service
The 1200cc vee-twin had delivered three years’ unblemished service to owner Kev but now was the time to visit ‘Dr’ Rod Gibson’s surgery for a medical…
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Workshop: Harley-Davidson Sportster service
The 1200cc vee-twin had delivered three years’ unblemished service to owner Kev but now was the time to visit ‘Dr’ Rod Gibson’s surgery for a medical…
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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…
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RRL Riders Tour Paris 2014
On Sunday, May 25, 2014 France witnessed the first custom motorcycle ride around the RRL universe. 200 motorcycles rode on 99kms run, leaving from Paris and during the three hour ride, popping in to the Dampierre Castle, La Vallée de Chevreuse, and Versailles, ending up in front of the Ralph Lauren flagship store, boulevard St…
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Reference: Velocette LE 1948 – 1971
Velocette’s LE had a long production life, which indicated success, but it also absorbed a colossal post-war investment from the company, which in hindsight arguably did irreparable damage to the manufacturer…
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Matchless charm
The road test of the new 347cc overhead cam single in 1924 revealed its sporting pretensions – and eccentricities…
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Reference: Velocette LE 1948 – 1971
Velocette’s LE had a long production life, which indicated success, but it also absorbed a colossal post-war investment from the company, which in hindsight arguably did irreparable damage to the manufacturer…
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TT stars to renew rivalry at Classic TT
Attention will shortly focus on the IoM Classic TT, which sees riders and machines tackle the Mountain Course again, and the curtain raising 500cc Classic TT Race is set to start the Islands race festival with a bang…
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Classic Bike Guide on sale now – July 2014
BSA and Triumph twins stripped down for action, Untitled T3 Guzzi, British 250 singles, Yamaha YR350, Paton S1 test, plus all the regular archive stories and columnists. On sale now!
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Spa Lucky Strike
Former Suzuki rider, Didier de Radiguès, will ride a Lucky Strike Suzuki at this year’s Bikers’ Classics at Spa Francorchamps over the weekend of July 4-6. The 56-year-old Belgian was a member of the team in 1991…
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Bexhill MotoFest
A festival celebrating all things motorcycle takes place in Bexhill-on-Sea on July 27. Bexhill MotoFest takes place over the whole day at the East Sussex town, which arguably is the birthplace of motorcycle racing, as from 1902 until 1924 the Bexhill Sprint was held there…
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Road Test: Norton ES2 and Matchless G3
By the mid-1960s the once-great independent Matchless and Norton motorcycle concerns had been amalgamated and product ranges rationalised, and the two firms – once great rivals – were now producing identical-bar-the-badge machines…
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Road Test: Norton ES2 and Matchless G3
By the mid-1960s the once-great independent Matchless and Norton motorcycle concerns had been amalgamated and product ranges rationalised, and the two firms – once great rivals – were now producing identical-bar-the-badge machines…
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Brighton Speed Trials open!
After doubts about whether the Speed Trials could continue, we’re pleased to hear that the 2014 event is now open for entries. Taking place this year on September 6, the Brighton Speed Trials have been taking place along Madeira Drive since 1905…
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Road Test: Neander V-twin
Visually striking and rarer than hen’s teeth, the Neander certainly stands out, with its designer clearly a man who knew his own mind…
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Magnificent Vincents
A stint at the NEC in November 2002 convinces James Robinson that the Black Shadow should be regarded as a pinnacle in British bike history…
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Road Test: Neander V-twin
Visually striking and rarer than hen’s teeth, the Neander certainly stands out, with its designer clearly a man who knew his own mind…
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Guy Martin in Pikes Peak challenge
Isle of Man TT hero and TV star Guy Martin never does things by halves – and his latest goal is to set a new motorcycle record at his first attempt on America’s Mountain in the Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in Colorado on Sunday, June 29…
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Road Test: Matchless 250 G2CSR
Jim Reynolds learns that a relaxed attitude to all motorcycles can result in pleasurable experiences. Oh, he got wet as well…
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Road Test: Suzuki GS1000
Twenty-five years ago, the young Rod Ker always thought the GS750 was a better bike than its 1000cc successor. So it’s with some reluctance that we have to report that this test has done nothing to change the churlish Mr. Ker’s mind…
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Road Test: Harris Matchless G80
It’s a conundrum many marque enthusiasts have found themselves in and one, which causes a rumpus around equally as many owners’ club committees – when does your marque cease to become your marque, or is it always your marque irrespective? James Robinson sampled one such conundrum…
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Road Test: Matchless 250 G2CSR
Jim Reynolds learns that a relaxed attitude to all motorcycles can result in pleasurable experiences. Oh, he got wet as well…
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Road Test: Suzuki GS1000
Twenty-five years ago, the young Rod Ker always thought the GS750 was a better bike than its 1000cc successor. So it’s with some reluctance that we have to report that this test has done nothing to change the churlish Mr. Ker’s mind…
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Road Test: Harris Matchless G80
It’s a conundrum many marque enthusiasts have found themselves in and one, which causes a rumpus around equally as many owners’ club committees – when does your marque cease to become your marque, or is it always your marque irrespective? James Robinson sampled one such conundrum…
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An hour with Conor Cummins: Manx on Manx
Manx born and raised, it’s entirely fitting that TT star Conor Cummins’ Classic TT debut will be made on a quad of Tony Dunnell’s Manx Nortons this year. Bruce Wilson spends an hour with Conor to get the inside line…
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Classic Racer July/Aug issue on sale!
Dale Singleton – Daytona 200 winner, TT racer and GP rider and AMA champ, plus Barry Symmons profile, Jack Findlay’s Yamaha TZ750 tested, plus all the usual columns and archive material. On sale now!
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Barry Sheene Road Race and Rally Festival
This weekends’ Barry Sheene Festival at Oliver’s Mount Scarborough has attracted another first. Barry’s son Freddie will now ride an RG500 in the parade and the BBC are filming for a documentary about Barry’s career…
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Project RD350 YPVS part one
What is the Bertie Simmonds doing? Just when we thought he had his project for the year, he seems to have gotten another one. Stupid? You bet…
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Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale – July 2014
Yamaha RD400 review – super seventies stroker! Plus Kawasaki Z650 and Yamaha TZR250 V-twin reviews and all the usual regulars and workshop features. On sale now!
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2014 Classic TT
Excitement is building for the second year of the Classic TT Races presented by Bennetts with just under 60 days to go until the start of qualifying on Saturday August 16…
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Classic Camera: Touring in Derybshire, Sept 1955
Family touring, with a heavy 1950s accent. The modes of transport could really be hardly any more typically ‘early-to-mid 1950s, as a big Panther single (probably a couple of years old at the time of the photograph) pauses for breath, while down below, a steam train passes…
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Lampkin finishes off-road charity run
Graham Lampkin has completed his off-road (mostly) charity run to Lerwick and back. He took the off road routes for most of the journey, with the aim of raising funds for cancer research…
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Spilsby Bike Night
With more than 1500 bikes, trikes and scooters crammed into every corner of the Lincolnshire market town on Tuesday, May 20, Spilsby Bike Night proved another outstanding success…
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Frankie Chili to make rare guest appearance at October’s Stafford show
Seventeen wins and 61 podiums from 276 World Superbike starts, five wins and 11 podiums from 102 Grand Prix starts and a total of 33 fastest laps throughout a career that stretched across two decades…
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Christmas celebrations at the National Motorcycle Museum
This December the National Motorcycle Museum is pulling out all the stops with Winter Wonderland themed parties, taking place every Friday and Saturday in the run up to Christmas…
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Apico Putoline British Trial GP only weeks away
With a little over five weeks to go, the Apico Putoline British Trial GP at Nord-Vue, Penrith is gearing up for the biggest weekend of the trials calendar on Saturday July 19-20…
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Road Test: BSA G13/33 World Tour
Eighty years ago, The Motor Cycle took BSA’s Model G on a world tour to test its rugged high mileage abilities. This well-used example, discovered half-buried in sand and cement dust, still clocks up big miles in all weathers, validating the magazine’s original test…
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Yesterdays Antique Motorcycles
You’ll have noticed the back cover adverts for Yesterdays over the last few months, featuring some fantastic machines. We decided it was worth a visit to meet the men behind the name – and have a look at some of their motorcycles…
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Road Test: BSA G13/33 World Tour
Eighty years ago, The Motor Cycle took BSA’s Model G on a world tour to test its rugged high mileage abilities. This well-used example, discovered half-buried in sand and cement dust, still clocks up big miles in all weathers, validating the magazine’s original test…
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Sidecar legend Rolf Biland at Bikers’ Classics
Swiss sidecar legend Rolf Biland will ride at one of Europe’s biggest classic race events, held July 4-5 at Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Belgium, the track where he celebrated so many great triumphs…
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Kawasaki W650 flat tracker
This bike may have looked like a 1999 Kawasaki W650 when Sean Kynnersley bought it but after just five weeks on the bench he’d transformed it into this stunning hand built, road-going flat tracker…
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Hadlow Down historic vehicle rally
Tinker’s Park, at Hadlow Down in the heart of the Susex countryside, has hosted steam rallies for nearly 50 years. While the steam powered traction engines and road rollers are the stars of the show, the supporting cast is for all types of historic vehicles, including motorcycles…
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More Velocettes sought for Peak Tour
Although last year more than 60 Velocette riders entered the Peak Tour and enjoyed a great day out amid the stunning scenery of the Peak District, this time the organising East Midlands branch of the Velocette Owners’ Club is aiming for the three-figure mark when the event takes place on June 18…
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The way we were: July
In 1914 the maker of the Wooler horizontal single cylinder two-stroke motorcycle (pic) informed the press it was about to move into new premises at Old Oak Common Lane, Willesden, North London…
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100 Cottons reeled in for Brooklands centenary
The Cotton Owners’ and Enthusiasts’ Club is organising a special gathering at Brooklands on Sunday, July 20 to celebrate 100 years since Frank Willoughby Cotton patented the famous triangle frame, and hopes to attract more than 100 Cottons to the event…
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The Velocette ‘four’ that might have been
Fondly remembering his working days on Motor Cycle with Vic Willoughby and Bob Currie, Pete Kelly rifles through Mortons’ archives to find Bob’s imaginative description of a Velocette racer that never was…
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Motorsport at the Palace
This was the fifth year of ‘Motorsport at the Palace’ where the Sevenoaks & District Motor Club evokes memories of the years when the south London circuit hosted major road race events, many of which entered racing folklore…
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PokerStars Spirit of the TT Award
Frances Thorp, the Honorary Secretary of the TT Riders Association for the past eleven years, has been awarded this year’s PokerStars Spirit of the TT Award. The position is unpaid and subject to an election every year…
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Mallory Bike Bonanza set to roar
The Mallory Bike Bonanza on July 11-13 gives riders the chance to take to the track during the parade laps on road and race machines…
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Southern Classic Show, Kempton Park
Conditions were less than ideal with early rain at EGP Enterprises’ Southern Classic Show, although most of the exhibitors remained dry in the show area, comfortably accomodated on the ground floor of the huge grandstand at the Surrey race course…
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The Classic MotorCycle on sale – July 2014
Win a Vincent for just £2! Amazing Moto Major, Norton Jubilee profile, Italian motocross museum visit, stars of Stafford, plus all the usual archive stories and your favourite columnists. At a bookstall near you now!
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Expanding Scottish show draws closer
There are ambitious developments afoot at Classic Bike Shows and there’s no better example than the Carole Nash Great Scottish Bike Show. With a move to a new venue confirmed and star names such as Giacomo Agostini set to attend, the event is expected to make its mark in a big way this summer…
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Tonfanau road racing
Forthcoming race events at the Welsh circuit are on Sunday July 6 and Sunday August 24. For the July event expect special guest appearances in the parade from John McGuinness Nick Jefferies, Stan Woods and Tommy Robb. A day not to be missed!
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British bikes are back from USA
More than 40 British bikes, including a Dunstall Norton Commando, a Triumph-engined flat-tracker and a fire-damaged BSA Rocket 3, recently arrived in the UK having being sourced from the east coast of the USA by Phil Humphrey and Alan Millar of Totnes Classic Motorcycles…
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Ixion Cavalcade
This year’s run on May 11 started wet, cold and windy, but soon after the riders departed on the Cavalcade the rain stopped. Once into the country lanes, participants were protected by the foliage and could happily concentrate on the potholes…
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John McGuinness lightning quick in SES TT Zero
John McGuinness won his 21st TT race on this morning when he took the SES TT Zero race in record-breaking style. Riding the Mugen Shinden, McGuinness was always in the lead and with a stunning new lap record of 117.366mph, he came home 23.3s clear of team-mate Bruce Anstey…
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – June 2014
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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McGuinness fastest lap at Island
Yetserday John McGuinness responded to Bruce Anstey’s fastest electric bike lap ever, clocked last Sunday, in stunning fashion with a new fastest lap of his own…
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RealClassic 122 out now!
An eclectic collection of classic motorcycles awaits your reading pleasure in this month’s RealClassic magazine, including an Ariel Square, two-strokes from Greeves, Suzuki and Kawasaki, Enfield’s Meteor Minor, a much-modded Vincent Comet and heaps more. Here’s how to buy a copy
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Westonzoyland Sprint
This event was the first of this season’s NSA Southern Section’s visits to the venue, near Bridgwater, Somerset. The first day of competition was short-lived…
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TODAY! Superstar McGuinness set for Mad Sunday signing session at IoM
TT fans will get the chance to meet a true race legend this Sunday, as motorcycle superstar John McGuinness takes part in a signing session at the WHSmith store in the Isle of Man capital, Douglas…
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Cassington Bike Night is on!
Cassington Bike Night is taking place on the usual last Monday of June, with thousands of bikers expected to arrive to be part of the annual event…
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Buying Guide: MZ TS
In the cash-strapped times of the late 70s recession the East German MZ TS models were the machines of choice for wallet-savvy motorcyclists…
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Buying Guide: MZ TS
In the cash-strapped times of the late 70s recession the East German MZ TS models were the machines of choice for wallet-savvy motorcyclists…
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Photo comp at National Motorcycle Museum
To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the National Motorcycle Museum is holding a series of celebrations including a photography competition, from August 1 until the anniversary year culminates with the ‘free’ open day, on Saturday November 1 2014…
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Rare vintage motorcycles at British Car Auctions
A selection of rare vintage 1950s motorcycles are entered for BCA Peterborough’s next Motorbike Auction on Friday May 30 alongside a further 150 bikes from a variety of fleet, finance and dealer sellers…
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Reference: Triumph Bonneville T120R
Triumph’s Bonneville was, for many, at about its peak in 1969 as it had the twin leading shoe front brake and all the other refinements gradually introduced through the 1960s and was still pre oil-in-frame. This US spec example from that season underlines the point…
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Buying Guide: BSA A7 Shooting Star (1961)
Roger Steele’s 500cc pre-unit BSA Shooting Star came to him as a box of bits and has been rebuilt (more than once!) into a prize-winning concours champion…
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Reference: Triumph Bonneville T120R
Triumph’s Bonneville was, for many, at about its peak in 1969 as it had the twin leading shoe front brake and all the other refinements gradually introduced through the 1960s and was still pre oil-in-frame. This US spec example from that season underlines the point…
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The London to Edinburgh Run, 1914
The London to Edinburgh Reliability Trial was celebrated in the June 11, 1914 issue of The Motor Cycle with a report from a ‘competitor’s point of view’…
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Classic Bike Guide on sale now – June 2014
Lightning Clubman – BSA’s answer to the Thruxton Bonnie. Plus Triumph’s adventure bike, Ducati singles, Hailwood’s A65 and all the usual columnists and archive features. On sale now…
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Island Racer 2014 – digital version now available
Island Racer 2014 is the ultimate Isle of Man TT publication bringing together the greatest images, latest news and superb features from TTs, past and present. Now available as a digital download!
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Tales from the glory days of racing
Want to find out more about the world of 1920s motorcycle sport? The Classic MotorCycle magazine has produced a special 140 page digital edition of archive material from Motor Cycling, called Seen from the Saddle and originally published by editor Graham Walker – dad of Murray…
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CRMC championship
The CRMC (Classic Racing Motorcycle Club) enjoyed dry, sunny weather for the second of its national championship rounds. This time, the club was at Lydden Hill circuit in Kent…
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Brooklands: The 1940s relived
The 1940s Relived is a more recent addition to the Brooklands calendar, but succeeds in encouraging many people to dress up for the occasion, in uniform or period dress, to create a serious helping of nostalgia…
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Bonhams Banbury Run sale
A pair of Brough Superiors, four Vincents and a Nigerian King’s Rudge Multi set to make Bonhams Banbury Run Sale in Woodstock, Oxford on June 7, a motorcycle enthusiast’s dream…
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Bike Shed correction!
An eagle-eyed Classic Bike Guide reader has pointed out we got the dates wrong in the May issue of CBG. The event to be held at Tobacco Dock will be held on May 24-25, this weekend, and NOT May 23-24 as printed in the mag. Full report below…
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Iconic engines: Rotary valve Norton
Though often accused of sticking with the ohc concept, Norton did have the vision to experiment with a rotary valve engine around 1952. This isn’t to be confused with the Wankel-engined rotary Norton of much later but an alternative cylinder head on a Manx unit…
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Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale – June 2014
Suzuki’s svelte GT380 revealed and bargain Bandits, plus Yamaha SR400/500, RD350LC special, Niall McKenzie’s FS1-E and all the usual columnists and regulars. On sale now…
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Buying Guide: Yamaha XJ1100
The Yamaha XJ1100 Maxim was the last in a line of hairy chested, air-cooled, inline fours. Great grandfather was the revolutionary XS750, grandpa was the XS850 and dad bulked up to be the XS1100. Steve Cooper takes a closer look…
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Ducati Desmo dynasty
Ducati’s Desmo singles and twins hold a special place in the hearts of red-blooded bikers. Rod Gibson rode the biggest and smallest of the breed…
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Buying Guide: Yamaha XJ1100
The Yamaha XJ1100 Maxim was the last in a line of hairy chested, air-cooled, inline fours. Great grandfather was the revolutionary XS750, grandpa was the XS850 and dad bulked up to be the XS1100. Steve Cooper takes a closer look…
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The way we were in June
Mike Hailwood races his MV four at the Isle of Man, 400 spectators watch racing at Doncaster and a bad year for fatalities at the IoM in 1989. We look back at key events in June…
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In the frame
With the BSA Bantam being the up and coming bike in pre ’65 trials nowadays the little stroker has been the subject of a lot of attention, not least from Rob Homer…
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Road Test: Royal Enfield J2
Royal Enfield’s Redditch factory built a reputation for solid, reliable bikes that could surprise the better known opposition with their performance. But the company was innovative too. Jim Reynolds tastes the solid dependability of the simple single…
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Road Test: Royal Enfield J2
Royal Enfield’s Redditch factory built a reputation for solid, reliable bikes that could surprise the better known opposition with their performance. But the company was innovative too. Jim Reynolds tastes the solid dependability of the simple single…
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Vintage, veteran and classic show, Amberley, Sussex
The annual motorcycle show at Amberley is usually seeen as an opportunity to display a bike (25 years-old at least, please) while wandering off to enjoy the many attractions of the museum in the huge chalk quarry in the South Downs…
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Dusting off the opposition
Derek Rickman, well ahead of the field here in the 1964 Motocross des Nations at Hawkstone Park, was part of the British team that August and helped the home side to its 12th victory in the ultimate team scramble…
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Buying Guide: Kawasaki Z1A
Honda’s CB750 took and shook the motorcycle market but Kawasaki’s 900 raised the bar by a similar amount. More power, technology and performance than anything else. And affordable too. Rod Gibson tells the story…
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Classic Dirtbike on sale – issue 31
Sidecar superstar Nick Thompson interview, BSA Gold Star engine profile, plus sport and tech archives and articles on Bultaco, Montesa, Suzuki, Yamaha TY and AJS special…
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RRL Riders Tour
If you’re quick there’s still time to register for a unique 99km ride across Paris. The exclusive event that is taking place on Sunday May 25 on behalf of Blitz Motorcycles and Double RL…
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