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Buying Guide: Yamaha RD250
Yamaha’s RD250 two stroke twin was the first production bike to use reed valves to help deliver some midrange without killing performance elsewhere. But they were viewed with suspicion…
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Reference: A Triumphant tale
Triumph specialist Hughie Hancox spent many happy years at Meriden and had a ‘right royal time’. Here he shares some anecdotes, from archery in the Packing Department to covering up for test rider Percy Tait when a policeman chased him into the factory canteen…
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Road Test: Triumph Bonneville
With the Triumph Bonneville celebrating its silver jubilee, the VMCC chose to offer up one such machine for their Christmas raffle prize. Always keen on a bargain, Jim Reynolds went to sample his quid’s worth…
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July/Aug Classic Racer on sale!
At home with Bazza – Classic Racer shares a day in the Sheene workshop. Plus Gilera four tested, real not a replica, an hour with bright light track star Conor Cummins and all the usual regulars. Don’t miss it!
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Honda CBX anniversary watch
To help celebrate 35 years of six-cylinder silliness from Honda, the guys and girls at the CBX1000.US site have come up with this beauty…
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Historics at Brooklands Auction
After a number of successful car sales, Historics at Brooklands included a motorcycle section in its June auction. The Classic MotorCycle was there to capture the lots… 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…
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July Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale now!
Kawasaki GPz900R, Honda CB1100 – modern against classic, Suzuki GS1100 and T500, restorations on Yamaha LC350 and FZ750, plus workshop section and all the usual columists. With FREE 48 page ‘Summer of 78’ special supplement. Don’t miss it!
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US riders for Classic TT
A team of US racers is confirmed for the Classic TT which forms part of the 90th anniversary of the Manx GP in August…
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Road Test: BSA Rocket Three
BSA’s Rocket Three wasn’t appreciated in the all-important American market, with its boxy, jarring look, and it was a poor seller. A pity because the bike had many hidden talents under its skin. Tim Britton reacquaints himself with a stunning example in snow-flurried Norfolk…
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Road Test: BSA Rocket Three
BSA’s Rocket Three wasn’t appreciated in the all-important American market, with its boxy, jarring look, and it was a poor seller. A pity because the bike had many hidden talents under its skin. Tim Britton reacquaints himself with a stunning example in snow-flurried Norfolk…
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The way we were: July 1988
Randy Mamola took the 500cc factory Cagiva to its first ever podium finish in GP racing at the Belgian GP, held at the 4.312 mile Spa-Francorchamps circuit on July 3…
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Honda owners stalwart Dave Barton dies
Honorary vice-president of the Honda Owners Club GB, Dave Barton died at the end of May aged 66 after complications with his health that he had suffered over a number of years…
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Road Test: Ariel Square Four Model 4G
This largely original and unrestored Ariel Square Four spent many of the years since its 1938 build in Malta, where it was owned by one family until the present keeper acquired it…
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Road Test: Ariel Square Four Model 4G
This largely original and unrestored Ariel Square Four spent many of the years since its 1938 build in Malta, where it was owned by one family until the present keeper acquired it…
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Ace Brooklands celebration
The Brooklands Ton-Up Day, in association with Ace Cafe London, takes place on Sunday, June 23, at Brooklands Museum, Weybridge, Surrey
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Next weekend: Newark Bike Bonanza
A diary reminder for next weekend’s Bike Bonanza at the Newark Showground. Road racing stars John McGuinness and Conor Cummins, among others, will be on hand to meet visitors and talk bikes…
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Reference: Triumph Tiger Cub
The pretty Triumph Tiger Cub has always attracted a fair following, which continues to be the case…
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Workshop: Wheel building
Egged on by editorial pressure, editor Rod Gibson explores the art of wheel building for the first time, and discovers the black art isn’t as mysterious as it looks…
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Ducati desmodromics
The word desmodromic will not be found in many dictionaries. It was coined from two Greek words, meaning ‘controlled run’ and its mechanical function is to eliminate one of the phenomenon of valve float, or ‘bounce’. Mick Walker explains how Ducati stole a march on rivals…
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Workshop: Wheel building
Egged on by editorial pressure, editor Rod Gibson explores the art of wheel building for the first time, and discovers the black art isn’t as mysterious as it looks…
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Reference: Triumph Tiger Cub
The pretty Triumph Tiger Cub has always attracted a fair following, which continues to be the case…
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The way we were: July 1963
An entry of 657 riders started from locations around the UK at 11am on Saturday to criss-cross the country and cover at least 600 miles apiece, before converging 24 hours later at the finishing checkpoint on Battersea Park of the ACU’s annual National Rally, pictured…
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Kempton Park Classic Show
EGP Enterprises can chalk up yet another successful Classic Bike Show. The event was supported by the Ace Café that had organised a colourful array of superbly-engineered café racers, which caused many visitors to linger on their way into the main display area…
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The way we were: July 1937
Concerned over efficiency and the excess noise level of accessory house silencers, the ACU ran a series of tests to compare with the motorcycle maker’s standard fitment…
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Long serving TT marshal rewarded
Longest serving TT marshal wins PokerStars Spirit of the TT award on behalf of Isle of Man TT Marshals Association…
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Road Test: James Model 10
Engineering and style combine in an elegant outfit that has graced family occasions for several generations. Mike Lewis takes a closer look at James’s Model 10…
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Road Test: James Model 10
Engineering and style combine in an elegant outfit that has graced family occasions for several generations. Mike Lewis takes a closer look at James’s Model 10…
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The way we were: July 1938
Losing just nine marks, the British team of George Rowley (346 AJS), Vic Brittain (348cc Norton), Jack Williams (348cc Norton) and Stuart Waycott (595cc Velocette outfit) won the International Trophy in the year’s ISDT, held in Wales…
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Reference: Japan’s famous racing four
Honda’s slightly ‘oversquare’ 250 four is conventionally designed, aside from the four valves per cylinder, contributing to a healthy 45bhp output
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 3
Last month I stripped the engine down on our Honda CB750 project bike and found signs that it had been well cared for in its 34 years of service. I’ll be replacing the main and big end bearings, primary and camchains. There’s also a little wear on the cylinder bores, so I’ll get those checked…
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Reference: Japan’s famous racing four
Honda’s slightly ‘oversquare’ 250 four is conventionally designed, aside from the four valves per cylinder, contributing to a healthy 45bhp output
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 3
Last month I stripped the engine down on our Honda CB750 project bike and found signs that it had been well cared for in its 34 years of service. I’ll be replacing the main and big end bearings, primary and camchains. There’s also a little wear on the cylinder bores, so I’ll get those checked…
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Motorcycle security
Much of the info is anecdotal, but in the last couple of months, the anecdotes have been coming thicker and faster. Classic bike theft is on the rise. The latest tale involves a Rocket Gold Star replica stolen from a locked workshop…
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IoM: McGuinness takes his 20th win in Senior
John McGuinness took his 20th Isle of Man TT race victory on Friday when he won the Pokerstars Senior race by ten seconds from team-mate Michael Dunlop, to make it a record 41 podiums in total…
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Salon Privé announces 2013 line up
Salon Privé, the UK’s most exclusive and prestigious luxury supercar and motorcycle event and Concours d’Elégance, announces details of its 2013 line-up at West London’s Syon Park September 4-6 – the biggest and best in its eight year history…
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Crighton rotary to be launched at Festival of 1000 Bikes
News just in from the VMCC is the new Brian Crighton rotary race bike will be launched at the Vintage Motor Cycle Club’s Festival of 1000 Bikes at Mallory Park, July 13-14…
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Buying Guide: Norton ES400 Electro
The concept of pushing a button to start a motorcycle was regarded with as much ridicule in the 1960s as using a foot operated lever to start one these days would be…
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Buying Guide: Norton ES400 Electro
The concept of pushing a button to start a motorcycle was regarded with as much ridicule in the 1960s as using a foot operated lever to start one these days would be…
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Reference: Triumph Thunderbird
Triumph’s Thunderbird is undoubtedly one of the most famous names in motorcycling lore, with both the model’s achievements and a notorious film appearance adding to the legend…
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Straight from the plate: Easter meeting, Donington 1933
There was a host of big names attracted to Donington Park on Easter Monday, 1933, with a field of 107 competitors performing in front of record crowds…
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Reference: Triumph Thunderbird
Triumph’s Thunderbird is undoubtedly one of the most famous names in motorcycling lore, with both the model’s achievements and a notorious film appearance adding to the legend…
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IoM: Hillier wins Lightweight Race
Quattro Plant Kawasaki rider James Hillier wins Lightweight TT and smashes the lap and race records on his way to a maiden TT victory…
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The Classic MotorCycle on sale now!
Stunning restored BSA Spitfire, Norton’s Daytona story, Matchless G9/AJS Model 20 restoration guide, Alf Hagon interview, Triumph 3T engine rebuild, stylish Sunbeam S7, plus all the usual archive stories and regulars and columnists. On sale now!
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Buying Guide: Yamaha RD350B buying guide
Stories of 750 owners being traumatised by a well-ridden Yamaha 350 are not the stuff of legend, rather, a very well documented fact. Yamaha broke the mould with the RD350 – breathtaking performance, good handling and, bizarrely, economy too. The complete package…
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Buying Guide: Yamaha RD350B buying guide
Stories of 750 owners being traumatised by a well-ridden Yamaha 350 are not the stuff of legend, rather, a very well documented fact. Yamaha broke the mould with the RD350 – breathtaking performance, good handling and, bizarrely, economy too. The complete package…
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Normous Newark Autojumble
A reminder that the Normous Newark autojumble is being held this Sunday, June 9th at the Newark County Showground and it is THE place to be if you’re after spares and rare parts for your bike or car…
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IoM: Dunlop makes it four!
Michael Dunlop smashed his own lap and race records in a thrilling second Monster Energy Supersport race on Wednesday afternoon at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races to remain unbeaten for the week and become only the third rider to win four races in a week…
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Josh Brookes book signing at Douglas, Isle of Man
The scheduled Island Racer 2013 book signing by Josh Brookes last Sunday on the Island didn’t take place as it became a race day. The good news is we’ve re-scheduled it for this Thursday 6th at 2pm…
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IoM: Rutter takes SES TT Zero win
Michael Rutter and MotoCzysz took a thrilling victory in the SES TT Zero race in glorious conditions on the Isle of Man earlier this morning, officially breaking the previous clean emissions lap record that he set last year…
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Buying Guide: Triumph Trophy
The phrase ‘getting your fingers burnt’ took on a new meaning for Triumph Trophy owner Doug Webb as, after one lengthy rebuild and a best in show award, a jealous neighbour set fire to his shed! Jim Reynolds explains…
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Triumph Tiger 100
Belying its factory fresh appearance, this Triumph Tiger has been restored and then used for nearly 13 years. James Robinson takes up the story…
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Spread the work at work with the latest campaign day
Motorcycle and scooter riders across the nation are being encouraged to take to the roads for Ride to Work Day on Monday, June 17…
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Hat trick for Dunlop at IoM
Michael Dunlop completed a sensational hat trick at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races yesterday afternoon when he won a record-breaking Royal London 360 Superstock race…
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Road Test: AJS Model 16 Trials Special
Every now and then, something which leaves you a bit surprised comes along. This AJS – despite looking outwardly fairly standard – is one of those things, having had untold hours and endeavours laboured upon its recreation…
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Road Test: AJS Model 16 Trials Special
Every now and then, something which leaves you a bit surprised comes along. This AJS – despite looking outwardly fairly standard – is one of those things, having had untold hours and endeavours laboured upon its recreation…
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Victory for Michael Dunlop in Dainese Superbike Race
Michael Dunlop took his first ever Superbike TT victory yesterday afternoon at the Isle of Man TT Races, taking the lead at Ballaugh on the opening lap and going on to build a commanding 40 second victory from fellow Honda riders Cameron Donald and John McGuinness…
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RealClassic 110 out now!
In this month’s magazine we ride the Velocette Venom which is up for grabs in the VMCC’s summer raffle. There’s just time to read the feature and buy some raffle tickets…
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Rex’s is place to start for Yamaha dirt bikes
With Yamaha dirt bikes now firmly in the classic mould, interest is high in using the smart twostrokes, but the problem is they’re heading on for 40 years old and the ignition systems are getting a bit tired now…
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Celebrating Scotland’s one and only GP
There has only ever been one GP of any type held in Scotland though it’s not for lack of places to do it, or lack of enthusiasm on behalf of Scottish organisers…
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Iconic accessories: Get ahead, get a hat
As it is 40 years ago this month since the helmet law was introduced it’s worth pointing out that not everyone was so keen on wearing a safety helmet in the early days…
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Rules tightened with fitness test for worst drink drive offenders
The most dangerous drink drivers will now have to pass a medical fitness test before they are allowed back on the roads under a change in the law announced by Road Safety Minister Stephen Hammond…
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Steam and Velocettes at ‘extravaganza’
More than 130 models including Triumph, Matchless, Velocette, BSA, Francis Barnett, Greeves, Panther, Harley-Davidson and Moto Guzzi machines will be at the 39th Gloucestershire Steam & Vintage Extravaganza…
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Reference: Matchless G12 CSR
Sports twins were very much in vogue at the turn of the 60s and the offerings from AMC in Matchless and AJS guise were up among the best…
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Reference: Matchless G12 CSR
Sports twins were very much in vogue at the turn of the 60s and the offerings from AMC in Matchless and AJS guise were up among the best…
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Sell-out event to draw crowds at Banbury Run
Vintage motor cycle supporter and long-term VMCC insurance partner Footman James has once again decided to back the prestigious Banbury Run, which this year celebrates 65 years since its inception…
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Joey Dunlop stamps a sellout
The Isle of Man Post Office has launched a new Joey Dunlop collection after a special limited edition collectible sold out in just three days…
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – June 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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Buying Guide: Norton Navigator
Norton’s 350cc parallel twin with its semi-enclosing bodywork was developed with everyday transport in mind…
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Road Test: Kawasaki 750 H2 triples
Kawasaki’s potent H2 wasn’t the first two-stroke triple but it’s now probably the most sought after. Prices have rocketed in the last few years. We ride them again to find out why…
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Road Test: Kawasaki 750 H2 triples
Kawasaki’s potent H2 wasn’t the first two-stroke triple but it’s now probably the most sought after. Prices have rocketed in the last few years. We ride them again to find out why…
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Classic Bike Guide June issue on sale now
Stroked BSA B33 single, 90 years of BMW, Texas singles club, Triumph Thunderbird special, Kevil’s cool BMWs, historic Velocettes, Ducati Pantah cafe racer and pivotal two-strokes. On sale now!
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IoM: rain disrupts practice
For the third night in a row, conditions on the Isle of Man worsened as the day wore on and just when practice was due to commence, rain in the North of the Island led to a delay in proceedings…
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Fleet Lions’ classic run in the sun
Blessed with the glorious weather of this year’s Early May Bank Holiday, the 30th Fleet Lions Classic Motorcycle Run and Concours couldn’t fail to be anything less than a resounding success…
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Reference: Norton 40 International
The stylish Norton International was a mainstay of the Norton range for over 25 years, affording road riders the opportunity to straddle a close relative of the famous Manx…
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Reference: Norton 40 International
The stylish Norton International was a mainstay of the Norton range for over 25 years, affording road riders the opportunity to straddle a close relative of the famous Manx…
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Oxford Products Chatterbox Duo
Bluetooth technology is all the rage when it comes to communicating rider to rider or rider to pillion. The Chatterbox Duo fits any helmet (according to Oxford) and allows rider to passenger or rider to rider communication up to 100 yards…
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The way we were: June 1963
Eager to increase sales, Innocenti slashed £15 off the price of its then smallest scooter, the Li125, making it the cheapest in its class on the UK market. The ‘Slimstyle’ scooter ran on a petroil mix of 50:1 and could top 50mph…
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Tragedy at IoM: ACU statement
ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that Japanese rider Yoshinari Matsushita, 43, was killed during the qualifying session at the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races in an incident at Ballacrye in the North of the Island….
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TT: Dunlop and Molyneux/Farrance set the pace
Perfect conditions greeted competitors as the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races got underway with bright sun, light winds and dry roads all around the 37¾-mile course…
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All’s fair in charity press trial
Generally speaking, bending the rules in a sporting competition is frowned on, after all, the rules are there to see fair play being carried out…
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Alldays and Onions on the Isle
Every year the Isle of Wight section of the VMCC holds a rally for pre 1931 motorcycles. It’s rather wonderfully called the ‘Scurry’ and this year it will be held from September 13 to 17…
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New TT races app
You can now follow all the action from the Isle of Man TT Races via your mobile devices – as it happens – with the new free to download Isle of Man TT Races app, available from iTunes and Google Play…
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Reference: Cammy Norton singles
Few motorcycles look better than an overhead camshaft Norton single; it’s the truth. Whether a vintage CS1 or a late Manx, each and every one is a stunner. And of course they have the performance to back up the pizazz…
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Reference: Cammy Norton singles
Few motorcycles look better than an overhead camshaft Norton single; it’s the truth. Whether a vintage CS1 or a late Manx, each and every one is a stunner. And of course they have the performance to back up the pizazz…
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Conor Cummins and John McGuinness to attend Newark Bike Bonanza
Road racing stars John McGuinness and Conor Cummins will be two of the premier attractions of a fantastic new motorcycling event set to debut in just a few weeks…
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Brit bike bonanza
Fancy a full weekend of motorcycle sporting action as it used to be? Then get along to the Rickman Motorcycles sponsored British Bike Bonanza on June 29-30 where AJS legend Gordon Jackson is the top billed special guest…
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Legless springing
Yamaha took suspension to new levels when it devised what was then generally referred to as a cantilever system but nowadays would be termed monoshock…
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Spirit of Joey Dunlop
Not many visitors to this year’s Isle of Man TT races will realise that on the June 4 2013, they will have an opportunity to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Joey’s first TT win for Honda…
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Reference: BSA A65 Lightning Clubman
The BSA A65 Lightning Clubman was the top of the range unit construction BSA, in many ways the replacement for the Rocket Gold Star as BSA’s twin-cylinder racer on the road…
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Reference: Oil pumps explained
Oil pumps are usually hidden in the depths of an engine. Unfortunately the age-old saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’ often applies. As they are the heart of our motorcycle engines, lubricating vital bearings and other moving surfaces, they deserve regular health checks…
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Reference: BSA A65 Lightning Clubman
The BSA A65 Lightning Clubman was the top of the range unit construction BSA, in many ways the replacement for the Rocket Gold Star as BSA’s twin-cylinder racer on the road…
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Reference: Oil pumps explained
Oil pumps are usually hidden in the depths of an engine. Unfortunately the age-old saying ‘out of sight, out of mind’ often applies. As they are the heart of our motorcycle engines, lubricating vital bearings and other moving surfaces, they deserve regular health checks…
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Enter Sandman!
Get sand well and truly kicked in your face this year with the fourth annual AMCA Beach Race at Skegness which takes place on November 16-17…
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Evo encouraged
The South East Enduro Combine has announced that it will be continuing the Tollring Evo class for classic bikes this year…
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The next generation
Sam Grief (age 15, from Willington, near Derby) spent a week on work experience with The Classic Motorcycle in early April…
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Reference: Magnat-Debon Poum
Ace restorer John Guy is well known on the show circuit, for his collection of vintage and post-vintage machines, six of which are SOS two-strokes. To find John as the owner of the featured French-built Magnat-Debon, then, was a bit of a surprise…
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Reference: Magnat-Debon Poum
Ace restorer John Guy is well known on the show circuit, for his collection of vintage and post-vintage machines, six of which are SOS two-strokes. To find John as the owner of the featured French-built Magnat-Debon, then, was a bit of a surprise…
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Amberley Museum annual show
The Amberley Museum is located within a network of roads which offer some fine motorcycling. With a few hundred years of technology in various features at the destination and factoring in fine weather; it had all the makings of being a great day out. And so it proved…
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VMCC Banbury Run 2013
Another reminder that June 16 sees the return of Vintage Motor Cycle Club’s Banbury Run, to be held at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Warwickshire. It will be the largest gathering of veteran and vintage machines in the world…
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Mick Andrews: two in a row
Ossa ace Mick Andrews scored his second win in the prestigious Scottish Six Days Trial in 1971…
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