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Reference: NSU-Vincent Fox
Vincent and NSU entered into a little known partnership, to sell lightweight commuter motorcycles on the British market. This is a rare survivor…
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Buying Guide: BMW singles
To most classic enthusiasts the hallowed name of BMW is associated with bikes having two cylinders sticking out sideways. Rod Ker offers a different point of view…
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Workshop: Yamaha XS650 overhaul: 2
Rod Gibson rolls up his sleeves and completes the Yamaha’s engine and gearbox rebuild but it’s not going back in the frame just yet – the owner is so pleased with the motor that he’s now going for a full restoration…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 5
Rod Gibson carries out the final tweaks and adjustments to our project Honda CB750K2 restoration, and it looks like it’s just left the factory. But what does it ride like?
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 4
Looking good! Our project Honda CB750K2 takes a big step towards completion, as Classic Mechanics editor Rod Gibson finishes the engine and re-fits the wheels and suspension…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul:2
The engine from our restoration bike has given 33 years’ solid service and warranted a good looking-at before being pressed back into service. Now, I have to admit it’s some time since I last plunged into the innards of an sohc 750 Honda so I was relishing this opportunity to become reacquainted with the beast…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 1
The Honda had given 33,000 miles of solid service but an overhaul was due, so it was time to think about getting the engine out of the frame for a closer inspection of its internals. Rod Gibson dons his overalls…
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Workshop: Yamaha XS650 overhaul: 2
Rod Gibson rolls up his sleeves and completes the Yamaha’s engine and gearbox rebuild but it’s not going back in the frame just yet – the owner is so pleased with the motor that he’s now going for a full restoration…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 5
Rod Gibson carries out the final tweaks and adjustments to our project Honda CB750K2 restoration, and it looks like it’s just left the factory. But what does it ride like?
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 4
Looking good! Our project Honda CB750K2 takes a big step towards completion, as Classic Mechanics editor Rod Gibson finishes the engine and re-fits the wheels and suspension…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul:2
The engine from our restoration bike has given 33 years’ solid service and warranted a good looking-at before being pressed back into service. Now, I have to admit it’s some time since I last plunged into the innards of an sohc 750 Honda so I was relishing this opportunity to become reacquainted with the beast…
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Workshop: Honda CB750K2 overhaul: 1
The Honda had given 33,000 miles of solid service but an overhaul was due, so it was time to think about getting the engine out of the frame for a closer inspection of its internals. Rod Gibson dons his overalls…
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A scintillating single
The Venom sports version of the Velocette 500 single was added to the Veloce range in 1955 and rapidly won all-round approval…
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Rare Honda RC30 up for auction
Auctioneer Bonhams is set to sell Fred Merkel’s Honda RC30 and a Yamaha TZ250W used by French star Jean-François Baldé in Paris on February 6-7…
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Straight from the plate: The 1925 Amateur TT
By 1925, the Amateur TT was gaining momentum. First held in 1923, the third running, to start at 11am on September 10, attracted 47 entries (and 41 starters), with a 500cc capacity limit, though there was a separate cup for the best 350cc machine… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here…
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The way we were: February 1963
Snow, ice, bitter cold and sleet failed to deter thousands of enthusiasts converging on Gwrych Castle for the annual Dragon Valley…
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RME quick action throttles
Don’t poo-poo these as ‘modern contraptions’. These give you the option of a modern throttle, adjustable for four different ratios of turn for your classic road or race bike…
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Buying Guide: Kawasaki GPZ900R
Kawasaki took stock of the superbike market in the late seventies and invested heavily in R&D. In doing so it rewrote the rule book with the launch of the first GPZ900R, and created a new bloodline of cutting-edge sports bikes that inspired a generation…
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Buying Guide: Kawasaki GPZ900R
Kawasaki took stock of the superbike market in the late seventies and invested heavily in R&D. In doing so it rewrote the rule book with the launch of the first GPZ900R, and created a new bloodline of cutting-edge sports bikes that inspired a generation…
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Speedway reunion
Local dealer Shaw Harley-Davidson celebrated 10 years in business with a show at the Winter Gardens Theatre in Eastbourne last Sunday, Jan 13. The Eastbourne Eagles speedway team was represented and Chris McDonald was re-acquainted with a 1972 Jawa speedway bike raced by World Speedway champion, New Zealander Ivan Mauger…
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Ride the National Road Rally 2013!
The National Road Rally is one of the best excuses to use your bike this year. It involves a mid-summer weekend filled with riding your bike with other riders, finding and exploring some of the best roads in the UK and even getting an award…
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Workshop: Engine timing
There’s a time and place for everything in life, including that all important spark for your bike’s engine. This month Steve Cooper talks us through flywheel magneto engine timing…
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Workshop: Engine timing
There’s a time and place for everything in life, including that all important spark for your bike’s engine. This month Steve Cooper talks us through flywheel magneto engine timing…
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Dutch TT 1948
The photograph shows the start of the 350cc race, which began the day’s programme in dramatic fashion as a trio of riders crashed in a heap…
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Sammy’s 180mph marvel joins Bristol line-up
A machine ranked as one of the 10 greatest motorcycles of all time and regarded as a technological marvel of its time will be displayed at Bristol’s best bike show for the first time…
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Ariel Leader
The modern motorcycle, so proclaimed Ariel advertising slogans – and when the Leader was introduced, the firm could really be considered the makers of such a thing… 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: AJS Porcupine
One of the world’s rarest classic racers goes under the hammer this summer. Could this be a million dollar motorcycle?
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Help Chris go pure NUTs
The pre First World War era saw loads of development in the motorcycle world as the devices changed from bicycles with an engine bolted to them to properly designed and constructed machines in their own right…
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Isle of Man to see its first Chinese TT entry
History will be made this summer when Hampshire-based firm WK Bikes races the first Chinese bike ever to enter the Isle of Man TT. Australian rider David Johnson has been signed up to ride the 650cc twin in the Lightweight TT Race due to be held on Friday, June 8, the final race day…
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The way we were: February 1938
Under the headline ‘motor cycles for all’ The Motor Cycle’s editorial informed there were 320 motorcycles included in the year’s buyer’s guide published on February 10…
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Steve’s BSA Bantams
Steve Mitchell’s classic interest is for BSA Bantams – the rare Competition models to be precise. He defines the appeal: “They are unmistakeably Bantams, but the bikes carry nothing that isn’t absolutely essential”
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The way we were: February 1988
In plans recently announced during last month Le Mans was set for an £8 million facelift…
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Bullet Sports and T5 kits
Royal Enfield UK now offers two new kits that enable dealers or owners to customise motorcycles from the current range of 500cc Classic models…
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Workshop: How to keep the wheels turning
Restoring an old model including notes on spoke lacing, fitting new bearings, hub lubrication, brake reassembly and testing and primary drive transmission matters. Part 3…
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Straight from the plate: Land’s End Trial April 1953
The 1953 Land’s End Trial welcomed an entry of 260 motorcycles, including 31 sidecar outfits and three-wheelers, in addition to the 166 car competitors…
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Workshop: How to keep the wheels turning
Restoring an old model including notes on spoke lacing, fitting new bearings, hub lubrication, brake reassembly and testing and primary drive transmission matters. Part 3…
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Steve McQueen bike goes under hammer in Vegas
A 1970 Husqvarna 400 Cross owned and ridden by film legend Steve McQueen is up for auction by Bonhams on January 10, 2013 at Bally’s Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas…
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Racer AJ prepares to take on the Mountain
South African star Allann-Jon Venter has confirmed that he will make his Mountain circuit debut at the 2013 Isle of Man TT…
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Glenn’s worldwide web to track down bike thieves
Combating the worldwide problem of motorcycle theft is the goal of a new website. The Stolen Motorcycle Directory was set up by Glenn Alderton following on from the success of another site he operates, the Stolen Dirt Bike Register, in Australia…
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RealClassic 105 out now!
In this issue, Ariel 500 test, AJS Model 18 and Kawasaki Z1R Turbo profiles, Morini 125 rebuild, Royal Enfield Bullet build part two and Rowena meets one of WW2’s less well-known warriors, the Triumph 3SW…
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Newark Classic Bike Show
Dozens of beautiful classic motorcycles and plenty of accessory stalls will be on hand this weekend at Newark to help enthusiasts kick-start the New Year at one of Britain’s fastest growing bike shows…
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Classic Camera: Ray’s Indian, July 1942
Welsh-born actor Ray Milland poses on his Indian Chief, with fellow movie star Mary Martin perched on the back…
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Road Test: Triumph Hurricane X-75
Triumph’s Trident and the similar BSA Rocket Three, both great bikes, bombed in America because of their blocky styling. Craig Vetter’s Hurricane addressed that styling issue. Tim Britton hits the UK coast on a restored Triumph Hurricane X-75 custom cruiser to see what all the fuss was about…
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Road Test: Triumph Hurricane X-75
Triumph’s Trident and the similar BSA Rocket Three, both great bikes, bombed in America because of their blocky styling. Craig Vetter’s Hurricane addressed that styling issue. Tim Britton hits the UK coast on a restored Triumph Hurricane X-75 custom cruiser to see what all the fuss was about…
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Straight from the plate: Land’s End Trial April 1953
The 1953 Land’s End Trial welcomed an entry of 260 motorcycles, including 31 sidecar outfits and three-wheelers, in addition to the 166 car competitors… 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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Classic Bikers Club Bike of the Year 2013
The Classic Bikers Club bike of the year award will be back for 2013, as it proved such a success. This time, however, it’ll have more bikes for the final vote…
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Race stars at Telford
The date for the Telford Off-Road and Road-Race Show is getting closer and organiser Alan Wright has been busy tying up guest appearances…
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Norton stand will be a racing cert
The Bristol branch of the Norton Owners’ Club is once again supporting the Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle show at Shepton Mallet in February…
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Andy’s MV ride
In a move, which shocked the classic racing world, Andy Kershaw has left Yamaha to ride for MV in 2013. (Didn’t some bloke called Agostini do something similar?)
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Classic action promises fun
One of the most dramatic TT Races of all time, the 1967 Senior, will become the underpinning theme to the inaugural Classic TT…
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Ultimate ear plugs
Up until 2001, I used any earplugs I could get hold of. The awful cotton-wool ones, the squidgy EAR ones, the dayglo orange rounded tip ones, but then I got a set of these made…
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Circus Life by Don Cox
The eight year labour of love has resulted in a large-format book that is nearly 500 pages and contains many previously unpublished photographs…
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Abba Superbike stand
Having a mildly gammy arm, working on my own in the garage and getting the bike off its wheels could be tricky…
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Toseland launches 400mph bike speed
Double WSB champion James Toseland has launched a UK attempt to break the official world motorcycle land speed record – aiming to achieve a speed of at least 400mph…
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Georges Jobe 1961 – 2012
It is with great sadness that we learn of the tragic passing of Belgian motocross giant Georges Jobe…
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Last call for Bristol
Museum owner, ace trials rider and retired Grand Prix star Sammy Miller promises a real treat for road race fans when he appears as guest of honour at the 33rd Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show over the weekend of February 16-17, 2013…
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Buying Guide: Honda CX500
Loved by many, and derided by others as the ‘plastic maggot’, Honda’s CX500 was pretty radical stuff. Still is. Steve Cooper explains why…
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Buying Guide: Honda CX500
Loved by many, and derided by others as the ‘plastic maggot’, Honda’s CX500 was pretty radical stuff. Still is. Steve Cooper explains why…
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Conor Cummins signs for Milwaukee Yamaha
Milwaukee Yamaha has today announced that Isle of Man resident Conor Cummins will join William Dunlop in their international road racing squad for the 2013 season with the main objective being the 2013 Isle of Man TT Races…
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Unique Brit scooter exhibition launches
An unusual exhibition of every model of British motor scooter ever made has just opened at Coventry Transport Museum…
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One shock or two
If there’s one thing worse than shot rear shocks, it’s expensive shot rear shocks which can’t be rebuilt…
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Skill and safety, September 1958
Alan Baker of The Motor Cycle, keeps a close eye on J Bowe of the Tiger (Grays) Club, who wriggles his Villiers powered lightweight between the posts in the ‘wiggle-woggle’ during a test at the first Metropolitan Motorcyclists of the Year competition, held on the final Sunday of September 1958…
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Sun beams down for Jack Thompson trial
Conditions for this year’s Jack Thompson British Bike Trial were near ideal as sunshine cleared early frost…
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Oxford Products Maximiser
I have used this product for about five or six years now and overall I’ve been impressed…
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Southern Classic Off Road Show: Kempton Park
The annual Southern Classic Off Road Show at Kempton Park on December 8 had a broad definition of ‘off-road’, with plenty of categories and, hence, a good number of award winners…
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High performance brake discs for classics
If you’re looking for high-quality direct replacement brake discs or need bespoke discs made for your modern classic, then take a look at ISR’s high-carbon range…
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Kawasaki hosts ‘40 Years of Z’ at Bike Show
This year’s NEC Motorcycle Live show wasn’t just about the modern tackle. Creating a uniquely classic feel on the Kawasaki stand was a fantastic 40th anniversary display of Z machines…
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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… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines.…
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Road Test: Triumph TRW
Jim Reynolds rides a smart Triumph TRW, the side-valve 500cc twin that was standard issue to the Nato forces in the 1950s and 60s. It’s been a while since Jim had ridden a TRW but the bike’s quiet charm is perfect for making friends…
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Road Test: Triumph TRW
Jim Reynolds rides a smart Triumph TRW, the side-valve 500cc twin that was standard issue to the Nato forces in the 1950s and 60s. It’s been a while since Jim had ridden a TRW but the bike’s quiet charm is perfect for making friends…
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Hegarty and Mackman join Norton for TT 2013 challenge
Norton has announced an all-British two-man line up for their 2013 Isle of Man TT Races fuelled by Monster Energy campaign…
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The way we were: December 1913
The All-British Engine Company invited selected members of the press to view its new 3½hp horizontally opposed ohv twin-cylinder engine at Brooklands…
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The way we were: December 1938
Having announced its coming season’s range in autumn 1937, BSA unveiled a new inexpensive simple lightweight in January aimed at the economy market…
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Classic Camera: High-flying Brett, July 1949
Jack Brett leaps into the air, at Oliver’s Mount in 1949. Aboard his Norton, Brett finished third in the 350cc final, bested by Dickie Dale and Syd Barnett…
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The way we were: December 1963
A Motor Cycle feature from January 10 led with ‘take an isolated race circuit high in the Eifel Mountains, name a day in winter when the weather is sure to be bad, and then send a clarion call to motor-cycle enthusiasts. That was the formula for the German Elephant held at the Nurburgring last weekend’…
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New Villiers products
Two new products should appeal to Villiers owners. First is a kickstart, available in two shaft sizes, and the second is a piston kit for 31A through to 37A models…
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High gloss polishing at ACM Finishing
Ever wondered how to get the perfect finishing touch? The team at Anglia Custom Metal Finishing could have the answer…
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Earlswood Christmas crackers
Ideal for Christmas gifts, is Earlswood Vintage and Classic’s made to order range of replica tax discs, key fobs, cufflinks and other merchandise, including tax disc holders…
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Celebrate Harley-Davidson’s 110th with tour double
Two new adventure tours have been announced for 2013 by authorized Harley-Davidson motorcycle tour operator Orange & Black…
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Straight from the plate: Varsity Velocity, February 1932
Held on land belonging to Sir James Hill, Baronet Bradford, who had placed the drive of his abode Hexton Manor, near Hitchin, at the disposal of the Cambridge University Auto Club, an ‘exceptionally strong’ entry consisting of 29 solos and six three-wheelers congregated for the Varsity Speed Trials…
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The Classic MotorCycle on sale now
In this issue, Triumph’s terrific Trophy, Gilera’s take on the 500cc sporting single, buying a BSA unit twin, Ariel Square Four restoration guide, Norton Model 18, Victoria KR26 and all the usual regulars and columnists…
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Twinshock Trailfinder – orienteering with motorcycles!
The best trail-riding in Europe combined with Austin Vince’s legendary dirt-bike orienteering challenge… novice or expert, this could be just what you need…
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Honda CX500
Loved by many, and derided by others as the ‘plastic maggot’, Honda’s CX500 was pretty radical stuff. Still is. Steve Cooper explains why… 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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Road Test: AJS H9 Touring Model
The 4.98hp AJS Touring Model quickly earned a reputation for versatility. It offered a broad top-gear performance range and an impressive load-carrying ability, which appealed equally to commercial carriers and private enthusiasts. In this instance, patience seems to be the key to owning this flat-tanker…
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Road Test: AJS H9 Touring Model
The 4.98hp AJS Touring Model quickly earned a reputation for versatility. It offered a broad top-gear performance range and an impressive load-carrying ability, which appealed equally to commercial carriers and private enthusiasts. In this instance, patience seems to be the key to owning this flat-tanker…
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Honda TT Legends line-up for 2013 revealed
Racers Michael Rutter and Michael Dunlop will join 19-time Isle of Man TT winner John McGuinness in the new look Honda TT Legends team for 2013…
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Green light for historic Japanese bikes
Japanese motorcycles will be able to enter a range of British Historic Racing classes as non championship points scoring entrants for the first time next year…
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Triumph Speed Twin test
Triumph’s Speed Twin was restyled in the late 1950s, its demure appearance suggesting life at a much slower pace… 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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Andy Tiernan calendar
Having acted on suggestions for improvements – at least those that were physically possible and legally acceptable – the 2013 Andy Tiernan calendar has an entirely new look…
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RealClassic 104 out now!
A Norton desert sled, two BSA 500s, a Royal Enfield Bullet, BMW R60 and a Triumph Bonnie! Plus a woman in a nurse’s uniform! It’s all in the new issue of RealClassic…
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Winter precison with lever sleeves
Cold fingers and wet metal aren’t a great combination when it comes to careful clutch control and precision braking. Bare metal levers can be cold and slippery in bad weather, and they transmit vibration through the bars leaving the rider with tingling digits or full-on numbness…
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Champion Gwen reunited with trophy 60 years on
Former trials star Gwen White (nee Wickham) took a trip down memory lane when she was reunited with a trophy she first won 60 years ago…
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Insurer snips value red tape
Agreeing the value of your classic with your insurance broker can be something of a faff: many insurance companies require an independent assessment of the machine before they will settle on a figure…
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AJS H9 Touring Model
The 4.98hp AJS Touring Model quickly earned a reputation for versatility. It offered a broad top-gear performance range and an impressive load-carrying ability, which appealed equally to commercial carriers and private enthusiasts. In this instance, patience seems to be the key to owning this well-documented vintage flat-tanker… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle…
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Pip Harris profile part two
Pip Harris was for many years one of the stars of British sidecar racing. This is the second part of his career…
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Classics go for a wobble at Canada Heights
There was brilliant sunshine as more than 125 riders took part in the Sidcup and District Motorcycle Club’s Beginners and Wobblers Trial at Canada Heights in Kent…
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Reference: AJS and Matchless twin: iconic engines
When AMC introduced its parallel twin engine to an eager public in 1948 at the Motorcycle Show, it proved that the firm was not frightened of bucking the trend in engine building…
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