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Road Test: BSA A65L Lightning
This A65L, the last of the line as far as BSA twins were concerned, makes a good case for being the firm’s best ever model…
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Road Test: BSA A65L Lightning
This A65L, the last of the line as far as BSA twins were concerned, makes a good case for being the firm’s best ever model…
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Scott celebrating centenary
Off roaders will know that the greatest one day trial in the world ‘The Scott’ will be 100 years old in 2014. Though no longer exclusively the preserve of Scott motorcycles the Yorkshire two-strokes are the reason for the event in the first place…
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Recognition at last: Stan Dibben
Sixty years on from winning the sidecar World Championship, as co-driver with Eric Oliver, Stan Dibben was finally presented with his FIM certificate at the inaugural Classic TT. The honour was carried out by Dave Molyneux…
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The way we were
Looking back at the significant motorcycling milestones which occurred during the month of January, starting with an announcement from Les Harris that his agreement with John Bloor to build Bonnies under licence had run its course…
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Jan/Feb 2014 Classic Racer on sale now!
Happy go lucky Marco Lucchinelli; Frank Weeink tells the Italian’s colourful story. Plus classic racing’s young guns, Ewen Haldane, Bob McIntyre Royal Enfield, Triumph project and all the usual archive material, news and paddock gossip. On sale now!
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January Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale now!
Ducati 916 buying guide, Honda CBX 550, Kawa GPZ750, Honda VTR250 guides, plus Yam TZR250 tuning, part one, a crazy Yamaha TDR500, Kawa H2A buying guide, plus all the regular workshop articles and columns…
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Road Test: Honda VF400F/VF500F
Honda’s 400cc and 500cc V-four sport bikes that appeared in 1983 were exotic high-revvers with a luxury feel – but they concealed a nasty secret. John Nutting delves into his MIRA files to find out what they were like…
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Road Test: Honda VF400F/VF500F
Honda’s 400cc and 500cc V-four sport bikes that appeared in 1983 were exotic high-revvers with a luxury feel – but they concealed a nasty secret. John Nutting delves into his MIRA files to find out what they were like…
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Jack Thompson Trial
The dry conditions for this year’s 24th Jack Thompson British Bike Trial for pre-1967 machines resulted in some low scores. Paul Edwards and Colin Mote, both riding 500 Ariels, carded zero marks lost, but Paul’s quicker laps in the Special Tests clinched the premier trophy…
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Two pedigree racers added to Las Vegas auction line-up
Following the recent news of the Pierce Museum collection of Harley-Davidsons and collection of Italian thoroughbreds from the Silverman Museum Racing at its Las Vegas auction in January, Bonhams, has announced two further, historically important auction additons…
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History of the modern superbike
If you want to know more about the history of the modern superbike then you could do a lot worse than consult Superbikes and the 70s by Dave Sheenan. Also, a new product for treating lacquered surfaces…
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Motorcycling tradition at the Bath and West
One of the showpiece events of the classic calendar is set to once again cater to the legions of motorcycle enthusiasts in attendance as the 34th Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show once again descends on the Bath and West Showground in Shepton Mallet…
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Calendar corner
As Christmas approaches (where did the last 12 months go?), moody classic motorcycle calendars come our way. Here’s our pick of the crop…
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Indian Four
Few of us will have had the good fortune of being given, as a birthday present, a motor cycle – especially something as exotic as a pre-Second World War 1265cc in-line Indian Four. Yet that is exactly what happened to Peter Sparkes when his wife decided to give him something extra-special…
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Brough at Brooklands
The Vintage Motorcycle Club has chosen Brooklands Museum as the place to display its Brough Superior SS80…
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VMCC British Historic Racing dates announced
British Historic Racing is an integral part of the Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) and it holds more than 20 championships over a calendar of six meetings at venues across the country, incuding the recently re-opened Mallory Park!
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Roadrunner reunited with Norman Hyde
Norman Hyde has been reunited with his record-breaking sidecar outfit ten years after it was almost totally destroyed in the fire that devastated the National Motorcycle Museum…
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Date set for 2014 VJMC Cardiff show
A date has been set for the VJMC’s hugely successful Cardiff show in 2014…
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Jake’s new forks
Exact replica cast steel lug prewar Triumph Speed Twin forks, priced at £2200, are being produced by Jake Robbins Vintage Engineering, mostly for export…
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Wild child of motocross at Telford
Californian motocross legend of the late 1970s, Brad Lackey, will be the guest of honour at Alan Wright’s 2014 show…
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Classic Camera: Returning traveller, December 1950
Theresa Wallach returns to London in the first week of December 1950, having covered 30,002 miles in the USA and Canada on her Norton International…
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Glass Plates: 1923 Grand Prix, Circuit de Touraine
France hosted the 1923 Grand Prix, on a 14 mile long circuit, and although the French contingent provided a strong challenge, British machines and riders won out…
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The Classic MotorCycle out now – January 2014
BSA A7 restoration, Velocette MSS, a young man’s motorcycle, Triumph Tiger Cub, AA and RAC outfits, plus BMWS ranging from £650 to £100k, Cyclemaster restoration and the usual blend of archive imagery and your favourire columnists. On sale now!
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Road Test: Velocette Street Scrambler
The Goodman family – manufacturers of Velocette – stopped making motorcycles circa 1970, right? Well, not quite. In 1998, Simon Goodman, the great grandson of the firm’s founder, made one last machine, and thanks to Neil Redley we’ve scooped a test on this unique machine…
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Road Test: Velocette Street Scrambler
The Goodman family – manufacturers of Velocette – stopped making motorcycles circa 1970, right? Well, not quite. In 1998, Simon Goodman, the great grandson of the firm’s founder, made one last machine, and thanks to Neil Redley we’ve scooped a test on this unique machine…
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Autobyk to Brighton
Among the many rideouts supporting the recent London to Brighton Veteran Car Run on November 3, was one organised by the East Surrey Section of the NACC (National Autocycle and Cyclemotor Club)…
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Road Test: Norton Ariel Four
‘Specials’ are in a class of their own, particularly when it comes to taking on someone else’s unfinished project. Mike Lewis looks at the marriage of Ariel’s 997cc four-cylinder motor with Norton’s fine-handling wideline ‘Featherbed’ chassis…
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Road Test: Norton Ariel Four
‘Specials’ are in a class of their own, particularly when it comes to taking on someone else’s unfinished project. Mike Lewis looks at the marriage of Ariel’s 997cc four-cylinder motor with Norton’s fine-handling wideline ‘Featherbed’ chassis…
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Sammy Miller Museum visit
Brooklands Museum volunteers had a recent outing to the Sammy Miller Museum in Hampshire. Also making the journey was an exhibit that does not often leave the confines of its Surrey home, the 1927 172cc Francis-Barnett raced to great effect by Tommy Meeten…
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – December 2013
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 Article continues below… Advert
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RealClassic 116 out now!
This month RealClassic magazine features classic bikes from Britain, Italy, America and the Czech Republic. Two-strokes, four-strokes, twins, triples and sporty singles. Here’s how to read all about them…
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Crowds flock to Lancaster Classic
Early indications show just under 65,000 people – 5000 up on 2012 – attended the 2013 Lancaster Classic Motor Show, at the NEC from November 15-17…
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BSA Bantam frame
What d’you think of this bonnie Bantam eh? It’s built from a kit of parts manufactured for Alan Wright and the lightweight frame comes with a comprehensive range of bits that mean you’ve only got to source the engine, wheels, tank and forks…
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Gorgeous Street Tracker
Check this out – a Street Tracker based on the Honda NX650 Dominator, built by our friend Daryll Young at IDP Moto…
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Road Test: Suzuki GT380
Rod Ker is reminded of breezing along through a blue haze of burnt two stroke oil when he rides the smallest of Suzuki’s three-cylinder trio…
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Road Test: Suzuki GT380
Rod Ker is reminded of breezing along through a blue haze of burnt two stroke oil when he rides the smallest of Suzuki’s three-cylinder trio…
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Do it digitally
Get your favourite classic magazine digitally. No more queuing at the bookstalls, hoping that your favourite bike mag hasn’t sold out…
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New president for TT Riders Association!
Congratulations to Classic Racer editor and Associate Director at Mortons Media Group, Malcolm Wheeler, who has been made the TT Riders Association President for 2013-14, one of the greatest honours in motorcycle sport…
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Sunbeam singles star in dirt track racing success
It wasn’t just England, Australia and America discovering the delights of dirt track racing in the 1920s. They were at it in the Dutch East Indies too…
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December’s Classic Bike Guide on sale
New Brough Superior, review and pics, Bonneville Broughs, plus Japanese cafe racers, Panther Model 120, winter lay up tips, the usual archive material and columnists and the CBG buyer’s guide: British 650s. On sale now!
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Meteor sidecar back in production
Watsonian relaunched its Meteor sidecar at this year’s Motorcycle Live show, more than sixty years after production of the original version ceased…
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Look at life: 1960s scrambling
Atmospheric look at the rising popularity of scrambling during the sixties, complete with behind-the-scenes footage at the Greeves factory. Eamonn Andrews narrates….
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Bling and Heaven at Telford
Have you gone to town on your twinshock or Evo? If so then Alan Wright wants your bike at Telford. The Bling and Heaven at the Twin Shock, Classic & Road Racing Show is open to all makes with any amount of modification…
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Yamaha TZ750
Between testing road bikes in the 1970s and 80s, John Nutting was occasionally invited to try racing machines, such as Yamaha’s stunning TZ750 two-stroke four. It was a sobering experience…
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Future classics
It’s interesting to see what bikes are becoming modern classics and what bikes people are beginning to restore. Last month’s Showstopper was a 1986 Kawasaki GPz1000RX and this is its successor the ZX-10…
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VMCC CEO to step down at end of year
Vintage Motor Cycle Club CEO James Hewing will step down from his role at the end of this year. James has been at the helm of the VMCC for nine years and is a regular and popular visitor at the classic bike shows…
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Hot exhausts from Higgspeed
That legend from the tuning world Higgspeed is now producing a range of gorgeous pipes with modern-looking end-cans for your two-stroke…
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Moto memories: 1971 British 500cc MX championship
On the hottest day of the year so far in the UK, Swede Ake Jonsson tackled the 1971 British 500cc MX championship at Farleigh Castle in Wiltshire with grit and determination to blow the series wide open…
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Project Honda NC30
Classic Motorcycle Mechanics photographer Joe Dick here is a V4-lover… but unfortunately he stacked his beloved NC30 and has had to do an eBay sweep to get the requisite parts to build his baby back to its best. What could go right?
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Classic Dirtbike on sale!
History of ISDT, Farleigh vets, Ossa, CZ, Bultaco and BSA and Triumph reviews, Rotax, iconic engine, looking back at the stunning Stafford show, plus all the usual regulars and columnists. On sale now!
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December’s Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale!
One man’s remarkable collection of Yamaha RDs, Montjuic Ducati rebuilt and ridden, Bimota KB2 Laser, Suzuki GT550 showstopper, Yamaha TX500 buying guide, plus all the usual columnists and workshop regulars. On sale now!
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Yamaha XS2 racer
A few big bore Yamaha XS650 versions found their way into sidecar outfits but, as far as solo racing was concerned, other more suitable machines were available. However, such rules do not necessarily apply in the world of the classic clubman…
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Tangible technical Triumphs
The second generation of big Japanese twins wasn’t really necessary – they’d already leapfrogged the formula. Strange then, that they couldn’t help but build some…
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Clearing the way
We’re not above pulling in favours here at CMM, so when Paul Berryman from Project SpaKat joined the team we knew we’d screw something decent out of him in return…
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Classic Bike Shows set to serve up a winter feast
1980s race-ace and 12 time British champion Roger Marshall will be the premier attraction as Newark Showground once again plays host to the event that kick-starts the classic motorcycling calendar…
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Australian team aiming for WSB glory
A racing team from down under led by former Honda and BMW crew chief Tom Larsen and double World Super Bike champion Troy Corser have revealed plans to field two BMW bikes in WSB next year…
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Reference: Vincent Comet Series A
Series A Vincent-HRD singles were the model which set the Stevenage maker on the road to immortality. The story goes that the engine was designed in under four months, as Vincent was disillusioned by the performance of ‘bought in’ engines…
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Write for RealClassic!
Have you got something to say about your classic bike? Would you like to see your pride and joy perfectly presented for all to admire? Yes? Now’s the moment to claim your 15 minutes of fame, then. Get that keyboard clattering and write for RealClassic…
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Reference: Vincent Comet Series A
Series A Vincent-HRD singles were the model which set the Stevenage maker on the road to immortality. The story goes that the engine was designed in under four months, as Vincent was disillusioned by the performance of ‘bought in’ engines…
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Motorcycles go live
Motorcycle Live will be the best way to get your biking fix this winter, so make sure you’re there at the show between November 23 and December 1…
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Veteran Run
After some wild weather the previous day, entrants in the annual London-Brighton Veteran Car Run enjoyed breezy, but bright conditions for the better part of the day…
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Sunbeam bobber features at Glasgow store
A 1952 Sunbeam S8 rescued from a museum and transformed into a bobber is to feature in the Belstaff Store, Glasgow over Christmas and New Year…
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The way we were: December
Apart from the Indian Hendee Special Model equipped with electric starter, lights and horn, other makers in 1913 are looking at equipping solo machines, sidecar outfits and cycle cars with electric lights…
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Owners of Italian classics drink up the Maltogiro
It has been said that owning classic Italian motorcycles can drive you to drink but the combined themes of fine single malt whiskies and classic Italian motorcycles made for an enjoyable September Maltogiro weekend in the Highlands…
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Royal Enfield Continental GT
Motorcycle Sport & Leisure’s Bruce Wilson offers his thoughts on the latest offering from Royal Enfield
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Road Test: ISDT TriBSA
Ridden by Arthur Lampkin in the 1966 International Six Days Trial, its one and only event, this slightly uneasy alliance between industry giants Triumph and BSA resulted in an ISDT Gold medal winner. Andy Westlake takes up the story…
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Road Test: ISDT TriBSA
Ridden by Arthur Lampkin in the 1966 International Six Days Trial, its one and only event, this slightly uneasy alliance between industry giants Triumph and BSA resulted in an ISDT Gold medal winner. Andy Westlake takes up the story…
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RA Douglas set for Harrogate
Bonhams’ Harrogate sale, on November 13, has an interesting cache of machines, with one of the star lots the Douglas pictured in the accompanying photograph…
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Rocking in to Brighton
As usual, the Ace Cafe’s Rockers Reunion attracted thousands to Madeira Drive, Brighton. While the main run, the ‘Brighton Burn-Up’, starts from the north London cafe, riders made their way to the city seafront from all directions…
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RealClassic 115 out now!
Britbikes abound in the new issue of RealClassic with tales of Triumph twins and the final incarnation of the Cub; Matchless big singles, a vintage JAP and the new Enfield café racer. Plus two very different types of Moto Guzzi and an unusual reaction to the Honda VFR. On sale here…
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Doing the dirty!
If you like getting down and dirty then there’s only one place to be – the International Dirt Bike Show. Held from this Thursday, October 31 to Sunday, November 3 at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, it promises to deliver all that’s best in the world of off-road…
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Classic Camera: BMWs on parade, August, 1958
German police riders rehearse in the Olympic Stadium, Berlin, in 1958, four up on a single flat-twin, which would appear to be a 600cc R67…
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TriBSA profile
BSA and Triumph were the undisputed leaders in the 50s motorcycle market, though some individuals decided to take parts from each manufacturer to fabricate their own ideal machine…
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The Classic MotorCycle on sale – December 2013
Vincent Black Shadow review, a look at Francis-Barnett’s simple-but-effective stroker, 100 years of Velocette, 1965 ISDT, Ariels from £1k to £12k, Kop Hill Climb and all the usual regulars and archive strories. On sale now.
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Road Test: Seeley-Velocette Thruxton
At the risk of offending Velocette purists everywhere, I have to suggest that their revered Hall Green machines handled well in spite of their frames, rather than because of them. And it can be improved upon, as this fine Seeley example demonstrates…
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Road Test: Seeley-Velocette Thruxton
At the risk of offending Velocette purists everywhere, I have to suggest that their revered Hall Green machines handled well in spite of their frames, rather than because of them. And it can be improved upon, as this fine Seeley example demonstrates…
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Archive: Triumph’s Brooklands Speed Trials reported
In late 1933 the Val Page-designed 6/1 twin was put through its paces to prove its speed and reliability to the discerning British motorcycling public…
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BSA brake-through
The later pre-unit BSA twins and singles suffer from a spongy and unsatisfactory back brake, mostly down to the cable operation and the company’s policy of using whatever parts came to hand. But they can be improved…
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Full throttle: The Glory Days of British Motorbikes
A forthcoming BBC documentary, Full throttle: The Glory Days of British Motorbikes, promises to explain, explore and celebrate the lure and evolvement of the British motorcycle…
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November’s Classic Bike Guide on sale now!
Matchless thumper, plus 10 more reasons to love AMC singles, Ariel bobber, Honda CB750 cafe, Ace reunion, the bike shed, plus all the usual regulars and FREE 2014 CBG calendar. Don’t miss it!
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New 2014 Honda/Montesa Cota 4RTs ridden and rated
We put Honda/Montesa’s latest offerings to the test on their UK debut. See what Bruce and Broderick Wilson make of the new models after a day on the dirt
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – November 2013
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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Alfred Angas Scott profile
In the history of the British motorcycling movement the name of Alfred Angas Scott stands highest, in the estimation of many impartial observers. The Yorkshire genius, who died on August 11, 1923, was an uncompromising engineer who had strong views on motorcycle design…
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Get ahead with Lacey
New from those clever Ducati people at Lacey are these Misano cylinder heads…
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Book dedicated to golden years of racing
The world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing today is completely different from the scene of the Seventies…
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Dave Johnson’s Francis-Barnett
Dave Johnson has owned his 1953 Francis-Barnett Falcon 58 for 54 years! “The bike talks to me now,” the 71 year-old claimed. Dave is chairman of the Francis-Barnett Owners’ Club and his bike featured on the club’s stand at the recent South of England RealClassic Show…
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Road Test: Suzuki GT185
Suzuki’s GT185 two-stroke twin typified Japanese lightweights of the early 70s: conventionally styled but with generous and sporty detailing. But, as John Nutting recalls from when he tested it in 1973, the glitter concealed some peculiarities
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Road Test: Suzuki GT185
Suzuki’s GT185 two-stroke twin typified Japanese lightweights of the early 70s: conventionally styled but with generous and sporty detailing. But, as John Nutting recalls from when he tested it in 1973, the glitter concealed some peculiarities
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A great classic feast
Despite the fears of the Classic TT ‘taking over’ from the Manx Grand Prix the two events cohabited well, with the only real moan being the length of the scrutineering line…
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Classic Mechanics show marks its 20th year
Two decades of the Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show were celebrated in style this past weekend as the ever-popular Staffordshire County Showground event saw one of its busiest days…
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Road Test: Norvin café racer
Any marriage of ‘the world’s fastest standard motorcycle engine’ to ‘the world’s best roadholder’ should be a contract made in heaven. And in this particular case, it is. Mike Lewis tells the story of an immaculate Vincent-engined special…
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Road Test: Norvin café racer
Any marriage of ‘the world’s fastest standard motorcycle engine’ to ‘the world’s best roadholder’ should be a contract made in heaven. And in this particular case, it is. Mike Lewis tells the story of an immaculate Vincent-engined special…
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Stafford Motorcycle Show
Welcome to the biggest show in the classic calendar. You’ll find everything from death-defying stunts to the very best motorcycle restorations in the land and the largest Japanese auto-jumble. This weekend’s CMM Stafford show has it all…
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Day two from Stafford
It’s a sunny start for day two of our show weekend in Stafford. Yesterday was packed and we’re expecting another bumper turnstile turnout. Two of the highlights today include the mighty Bonhams auction and our show award presentations…
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Show time at Stafford!
Back by popular demand, Steve ‘Mr Showtime’ Colley’s stunt display is a visual treat and defies belief. Steve has three performances scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Don’t miss them!
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Stafford show winners announced!
After much midnight oil burning the best in show at Stafford was awarded to an extremely rare Yamaha YDS1 and the winner of the Classic Bikers Club Bike of the Year 2013 competition was Rodney Hann’s Husqvarna 180 546. Full winners list below…
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Steve Colley at Stafford
Stunt star Steve Colley gives a hint of his incredible skill at the 20th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show…
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