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Alternative power – From the archive
As the eco movement gains more credence and applies pressure to the motorsports world perhaps there is room for change.
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Ducati 900 SSD Darmah
“You won’t get me off an old bevel.” So says the owner of this rare example of when Ducati aimed its sights at a sports tourer. With help from the storeman raiding the 900SS and Darmah shelves, this is the result of the work…
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Fantastic Fabrizio!
Fabrizio Pirovano was the original ‘pocket rocket’ and his all-action style, clambering all over his BYRD Yamaha OW-01 in the early 1990s, was the stuff of legend.
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Two-Legged Trauma – Hutch’s Workshop
A main stand gives up the ghost, leaving Hutch no choice but to get the heavy tools out.
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Celebrate more than 120 years of Triumph with The Classic MotorCycle editor’s new book!
It’s a triumph! In fact, many Triumphs spanning a dozen decades, beautifully portrayed in the pages of a new book by editor of The Classic MotorCycle, James Robinson.
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TT-winning motorcycle roars back to life after repairs
One of the most iconic machines in the history of motorcycling has roared back to life as preparations for the opening of a new TT Gallery gather pace at the Manx Museum.
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Bike grandad’s licence saved!
A grandfather and keen biker was wrongly denied a licence to ride his motorcycles for over three years, according to the national Ombudsman.
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Oxford celebrates 50 years
Oxford Products is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 and has a full calendar of celebrations to mark this special year.
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Iconic bikes at Charterhouse Auction
A brace of iconic 1990’s Honda RC45’s are estimated to sell for towards £100,000 in the Charterhouse auction of classic and collector motorbikes on 30th March.
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Living with an old bike for the first time
If you are tempted by the world of old bikes, you are entering one of wonderment. Of just going for a ride, of smiles per miles, of listening to folk’s stories about when they rode, and of just being your own person, not a sheep. On a summer’s evening, it can banish almost any woe.
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David Miller 1974 – 2023
It is with great sadness that Classic Motorcycle Mechanics heard of the passing of David Miller, the motivating force behind Bikesport News, in mid-January.
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CMM and Classic Racer go racing!
Some-time CMM contributor Rob Bean is going racing with his old Trumpet – and his race bike build and escapades will be featured in CMM and Classic Racer.
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BSA M20, Rudge Special and 100 years of BMW: This month in classic bike magazines
February is set to be a great month for our bike titles, with a Second World War BSA M20, a 1933 Rudge Special, and 100 years of BMW! Take a glimpse at what to expect in each title.
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The National Motorcycle Museum is here to stay!
You may have seen reports this week that the National Motorcycle Museum is closing – which is technically true, but not the one you’re thinking of!
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Intellectual Spannering – Hutch’s Workshop
Sometimes it isn’t having the right tools, but a logical mind working through the possibilities
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Book of the Week: Phil Read
This week’s book pick is a tribute to the late, great Phil Read.
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Is this Velocette Venom Thruxton replica as good as the real thing?
This Thruxton lookalike performs just as well as it looks, sharing many traits with the machine it apes, and having provided years of solid service.
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The Heritage Sprint
Although the calendar is full of events of all natures, there’s always room to welcome a new one… and that’s how Kev Riley found himself at Betteshanger Park in Kent one hot August weekend.
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Speed Records and the Triumph Tiger 100
In 1956 Triumph applied a ‘World Speed Record Holder’ decal to the nacelle of all machines to celebrate Johnny Allen setting a new motorcycle record at Bonneville the previous year; he returned to improve the time on September 6, 1956 and achieved 214.40mph.
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Buyer’s Guide: Kawasaki KE100
A well-known fast food franchise recently ran an advertising campaign with a slogan that read – ‘Like getting your money’s worth?’ Well, the Kawasaki KE100 rather neatly fits into the same slot!
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Elk Promotions’ magnificent seven
Elk Promotions has released its dates for 2023 and it’s going to be another busy year for Kent-based show organiser Julie Diplock.
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Tiny Tina and the Supermarine Scimitar
Details on this photo are sparse, but the naval pilots of the Supermarine Scimitar look to have been drafted in for a promotional photo to push the Triumph Tina. I wonder if they were offered one of the scooters in return?
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GRANTY!
Mick Grant was the straight-talking legend of 1970s and 1980s British bike racing.
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1931 Brough Superior 998CC SS100 to be sold at the Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale
The Bonhams Spring Stafford Sale returns this April, with a 1931 Brough Superior among the confirmed lots – and there’s still time to sell yours.
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Fancy a day out in January 2023?
It’s that time of year when blowing away the cobwebs is a thing… What’s on in January 2023?
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Honda Transalp makes a comeback
It’s been missing for a decade. But one of Honda’s most endearing bikes, the Transalp, is back for 2023, with a new 755cc parallel twin engine and chassis based around the same platform as the new CB750 Hornet.
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Top motocross rider to star at Telford
This year’s Classic Dirt Bike Show sponsored by Hagon Shocks will deliver another off-road giant to Telford International Centre.
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Record-breaking Rudge back on track
November 25, 2022 marked the centenary of the last land speed record set by a motorcycle at the Brooklands motor circuit in 1922, when two riders rode for a total of 8½ hours in relay, setting new world records of 74.96mph over 500 miles, 71.27mph over 600 miles and setting a new overall speed record…
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Triumph Tiger 500SC – Jack Pine
Triumph’s success in American off-road competition gave birth to a dedicated racer with lights – the T100SC
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Mighty Atlas – Norton Atlas
Norton’s first 750cc twin, reluctantly designed for the power-hungry Americans, shook at speed, but, today, its many virtues make it a highly desirable classic.
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Subscribe digitally for 6 months, get 6 months FREE back issues!
Get your favourite magazine digitally every month for six months, AND get six months of digital back issues! Read anywhere at any time on your desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. Choose from our entire magazine portfolio; classic motorcycles,
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Celebrate 120 years of Triumph Motorcycles with new collection
Hundreds of photographs spanning British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph’s incredible history are featured in a new collection specially selected by James Robinson, editor of The Classic MotorCycle magazine.
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Velocette KTT
The LE might have been for humdrum duties, but it came from the maker of one of the finest racing machines ever – the long-lived Velocette KTT
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Alternative Power
As the eco movement gains more credence and applies pressure to the motorsports world perhaps there is room for change.
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Custom Cream! Yamaha XS650SE takes the biscuit
Scoop reckons the Yamaha XS650SE Custom takes the biscuit as the most cost-effective way of buying one of these big twins: yummy!
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Game Changer
Motor Cycle contributor Roy Nixon takes a breather on what would have been a brand-new Honda CB77 305cc on his way back from the TT in 1961.
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Your guide to… Matchless G11 & AJS Model 30
AMC twins may be oft overlooked but are another wonderful way into British twin ownership
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Honda CB250RS
Lightweight and agile, Honda’s CB250RS conflicted with its own Superdream for sales and was never as popular. Now, they can be a great back-lane bike with big H reliability.
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The remarkable Olga Kevelos
One of this country’s most noted female trials and enduro riders, Olga Kevelos was, to put it mildly, quite a lady, as John Milton relates.
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Lightweight Performer – A history of BSA’s Bantam
BSA’s Bantam is everywhere in trials today, but how did it all begin? Tim Britton takes a look back at the early days.
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Your guide to… Moto Parilla MSDS 175
This wonderful bike has a wonderful story behind it, and the result is stunning.
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Happy 50th Birthday, Z
Kawasaki introduced the Z1 50 years ago, in 1972. We have a look at the early story of this, the original Kawasaki superbike
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Gus Kuhn Commando
Gus Kuhn was a speedway rider and TT racer, and competed in most other two-wheel sports. He also ran his own shop, but will always be best known for a bike he never saw – the Gus Kuhn Commando.
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Classic Bike Hub Christmas Gift Guide 2022
Christmas is just around the corner, meaning that it’s time to start present hunting yet again. Fortunately, we’ve made your life that bit simpler with our exclusive Christmas Gift Guide! Check out some of these fantastic picks for the classic bike fan in your life…
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When will I be famous… Honda Bros 400 and 650
Underrated, undersold, overlooked and over here. The Honda Bros 400 or 650 is one of the greatest, best-looking bikes around, especially if you like your bikes small and nimble
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Fast Eddie: Mondello to Macau!
Ireland has produced more than its fair share of top motorcycle racers over the years, and Eddie Laycock is one who made it all the way. His story is one of many ups and downs: here’s part 1.
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All our gifts wrapped up in 2022 Christmas catalogue
Christmas is just around the corner and we’ve lined up a huge range of special gifts for your loved ones (or yourself)… including a selection of subscriptions, books, show tickets and merchandise.
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Rare Ducati sells for over £170,000 at Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale
One of the most coveted classic Ducatis, a rare 1974 ‘round case’ Ducati 750SS which had been kept for most of its cosseted life in private collections, found a new custodian this weekend, selling for £172,500 and topping the Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale which realised a total of £3.66 million, with 96% of all lots…
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Top 10 Triumphs
In the December 2022 edition of The Classic MotorCycle, we’ve a feature on 10 notable Triumphs from the National Motorcycle Museum, the story produced in collaboration with Motorcycle Live!, the annual NEC, Birmingham, show, this year held over November 19-27.
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The 39th Loch Ness Rally
One of the most keenly anticipated events of the summer in the Scottish Highlands is the Highland Classic Motorcycle Club’s Loch Ness Rally and we are delighted that the club’s membership secretary Dode Fraser was there with his camera.
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These fuelish things!
It seems that Mark has had some issues with his bikes and their reliability…
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Wonderful Whippet!
Our Andy places his posterior on a perfectly lovely little two-stroke that he’s been gagging to ride for years: Yamaha’s SDR200.
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Death throes of a once-great industry
Looking back at his Motor Cycle years during the mid-1970s, Pete Kelly recalls the drawn-out saga of Norton Villiers Triumph and the Meriden workers’ co-operative along with a few more memorable tales.
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Mike Hailwood’s Grand Prix crash x-ray is up for auction
A genuine x-ray from Mike Hailwood’s Grand Prix crash, alongside a copy of the new book Mike Hailwood in 100 Objects, is currently accepting bids on eBay.
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BSA my way
It’s a brave move these days to create a personal take on such a model as the BSA Gold Star. Here’s one man’s amazing take on a classic – and it’s not even silver!
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Norton unveils new generation Commando 961 SP and CR
Norton Motorcycles has unveiled its new generation Commando 961 SP and CR – the best Commando ever produced.
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The Autumn Stafford Sale At The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Staffordshire County Showground 15 & 16 October 2022
Landmark Ducati 750SS and Gold Star winning Grindlay-peerless lead top-level sportsbikes, racers and classics in October auction.
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The Autumn Stafford Sale At The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Staffordshire County Showground 15 & 16 October 2022
LANDMARK DUCATI 750SS AND GOLD STAR WINNING GRINDLAY-PEERLESS LEAD TOP-LEVEL SPORTSBIKES, RACERS AND CLASSICS IN OCTOBER AUCTION
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Renold Classic Motorcycle Chain now available online
The bush roller chain was the first design patented by the Hans Renold Company, all the way back in 1880.
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Moped, Scooter and Motorcycle Auction. Turin. Tuesday, October 18
Aste Bolaffi’s October auction will host another great collection of machines!
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Two weeks until The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show
Celebrating the growing popularity of emerging and modern classics from the 1970s, 80s and now covering the retro-cool bikes of the 90s, the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show has grown in popularity year after year and now regularly welcomes more than 30,000 enthusiasts through its doors.
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Bond bike raises £138k for a Shropshire hospice
The motorbike ridden by Daniel Craig in the latest James Bond film has been auctioned for £138,600 in support of Severn Hospice
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Reasons to work in advertising for Mortons Media Group
Are you looking for a job in advertising? Here’s why the Advertising Sales Execuitve role with Mortons Media Group is the perfect fit.
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Tribute Twin
Ariel enthusiast Dave Owen owns one of a small run of alloy-engined KHA twins built to celebrate the marque’s fine achievements in the ISDT.
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Vindication!
Back in 1981 I knew I had a chance, and was confident of an Isle of Man TT victory when I lined up for the start of the Formula One race.
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Lucky Seven! Barry Sheene’s final winning machine at Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale
A Manx Norton ridden by motorcycling great Barry Sheene to victory in his last winning race will be one of the stars at Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale on 15/16 October, featuring alongside a host of trophies won by the late World Champion. The latter are offered direct from the Sheene family.
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Family affair!
Delwyn Llewellyn lives in Tonypandy in the Rhondda Valley and he had an urge to get himself his dream bike… again. What followed was a joyous team effort from the trio of dad, son and grandson…
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Blast from the Past – AMC Anorak 20 – Playing in the Dirt
If you want to ride your classic bike roughshod, then you simply can’t beat the real thing! Frank Westworth’s been playing in the dirt…
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Classic Motorcycle Mechanic’s Workshop Q&A
Our very own wizened sages, Messrs Mark Haycock and Steve Cooper, are here to answer all of your woes, be they mechanical or spiritual. Every month we will be giving advice, as well as some general tips. Don’t forget to send in your own tips, too.
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Dressed to Thrill: BSA Rocket Gold Star
This BSA Rocket Gold Star isn’t perhaps what it appears to be – but then its owner is perfectly happy to acknowledge that.
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From the archive: 1952 was the year when…
Sometimes a chance comment changes the direction of a feature ever so slightly… in this case, by spanning a few more decades.
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Winds of Change
By 1936, BSA were in a trough. For once, their competition team ofBert Perrigo, Jack Amott, Harold Flook and Marjorie Cottle failed to win a major trial, and sales, although steady, weren’t picking up, as the UK struggled out of the world recession. Time for a different approach.
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From the archive: 1962 was the year when…
…Sammy Miller won his first of five SSDTs and the quarter litre scrambles class gained world championship status.
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31 Speedway Motorcycles to be auctioned at Stafford this October
This October’s Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show features an extraordinary collection of 31 Speedway Motorcycles, reflecting the glory years of a sport, once the second most popular in the UK.
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Book of the Week: Taking it to the Limit
Our book of the week this time around is Taking it to the Limit by the award-winning Peter Starr!
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Blast from the Past- AMC Anorak 19 – Life of Lore
No matter how much (probably useless) information you acquire, there is always more. Frank Westworth looks back on a life of lore…
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Blast from the Past – AMC Anorak 18 – Underdog
How do some folk get to be famous? Why do people rate Triumph and Norton engines so highly? Frank Westworth champions the AJS & Matchless underdog…
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Blast from the Past – AMC Anorak 15 – Swearing’s Caring
Things rarely turn out the way you expect, even if your expectations were pretty modest! Frank Westworth always wanted to be an expert…
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Blast from the Past – AMC Anorak 16 – Dream Machine
Do you harbour a hankering for a particular model? Do you lie awake at night wondering whether your dream machine is waiting for you? Frank Westworth savours simple delusions…
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Blast from the Past – AMC Anorak 17 – First Love
Where did it all start? No no, not the AJS and Matchless marques; Frank Westworth’s fascination with AMC motorcycles, that’s what
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The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club turns 40!
It’s hard to believe but one of the most modern clubs in the classic bike scene is actually turning 40 this year. They’re bringing over 50 bikes to Stafford this October to celebrate!
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Blast from the Past- AMC Anorak 13 – Sold!
Frank Westworth is supposed to know lots about AJS and Matchless motorcycles. So, naturally, people ask him questions about Nortons which turn out to be Matchlesses really. Really!
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Blast from the Past – Amc Anorak 14 – Stop and Go
An Electric-start Matchless? Frank Westworth waxes nostalgic for a bike he’s never owned (although he did get close)…
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Overseeing changing times
In 1969, none other than the Duke of Edinburgh graced the Isle of Man TT with his presence. The prince first visited the TT in 1949 and by all accounts really enjoyed the spectacle; he was regularly seen riding a Honda Monkey bike on the Royal estates.
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Rocket Ron
It’s refreshing to have a colour photo from the archive for once and Ron Haslam’s smile sums up the love so many have of racing. The scene appears to show a typical club racing scene, with friends helping out.
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Not so much an American dream
“I don’t recognise your bike, but your fez is familiar?” This PR scene is from where else but Hollywood, where the Triumph Speed Twin, complete with ‘bathtub’ rear bodywork, was never popular Stateside.
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Blast from the Past – AMC Anorak 11 – Burning Questions
Why do you ride the bike you do? Why do you not ride the bikes you don’t? Frank Westworth has a head filled with puzzles…
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Blast from the Past: AMC Anorak 8
AMC bikes are superb examples of the very best British motorcycle engineering. But RealClassic readers already know that. Frank Westworth does a little missionary positioning…
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Blast from the Past: Reminiscing – AMC Anorak 9
It’s Matchless memory time! Frank Westworth remembers distant days when he used to ride bikes from time to time, and A Glowing Tribute to The Wobbly Bike Shoppe
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Blast from the Past – Spare Parts – AMC Anorak 12
Frank Westworth loves his AJS and Matchless motorcycles and make a point of securing spare parts for them whenever possible. Here, in an unusual example of Hoarder’s Downfall, he explains how his prize collection of AMC originals gets beaten to bits…
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Blast from the Past: Teenage Kicks – AMC Anorak 10
Things change. Sometimes for the better; sometimes not. Frank Westworth is a keen observer of how this change affects the AJS and Matchless machines of his acquaintance…
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Laps of the Gods!
For the 1967 Senior TT Mike Hailwood faced a bit of a challenge in his bid to score his second hat-trick of wins around the Isle of Man course – but lady luck was smiling…
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Totally Top Triple!
Was the last of the triples the best of the bunch? Frank Westworth thinks so. Well, he thinks so today, at least.
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Hammer of the Gods!
Twenty years ago, a sound was emanating from the tracks and pit lanes in Grand Prix racing that hadn’t been heard in quite some time…
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Talented Tony
From enjoying a short but spectacular career as a racer, to running one of the country’s best bike dealerships, to guiding the career of a TT legend, Tony Jefferies’ entire life revolved around motorcycles.
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Mission Impossible
Did anyone really think that even with the combination of Steve Hislop’s amazing talent and the sheer speed of the Norton NRS588 that they would win the 1992 Senior TT?
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