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Archive news 1972: Evel Knievel
In 1967, a largely unknown small town daredevil named Evel Knievel had a dream to jump the Grand Canyon on a motorcycle. Unsurprisingly, the Arizona authorities turned him down…
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Pip Harris profile part one
For many years, Pip Harris remained at the forefront of sidecar racing. Here, in part one of a two-parter, we chart the early years…
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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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Classic Bike Guide on sale
In this issue, Triumph T100C restorer’s guide, BSA Gold Star test, Kawasaki GPZ900R, daredevil Evel Knievel profile, riding Ducati’s SD900, running a minimalist Royal Enfield Bullet and buying a British twin guide. On sale now…
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Fast Aussie Josh gets his first TT ride
Australian racer Josh Brookes will make his Isle of Man TT debut next June. The Sydney born 29-year-old, who was runner up in the 2012 British Superbike Championship, will line up for Northern Ireland based Tyco Suzuki team – one of the most successful teams in TT history…
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Museum gifted Collier machines
The grandson of the great Bob Collier, Matt Collier, has gifted three of his grandfather’s last remaining bikes to the Sammy Miller Museum Trust. Needing full restoration, they will then join the other Collier bikes in the museum…
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Champion McGuinness joins Classic TT line-up
The latest rider to confirm his participation in the new Classic TT races in the Isle of Man is John McGuinness…
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – December 2012
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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Don Overall
Don Overall (featured in TCM, Dec 11) has died, just months short of his centenary. Don was a ‘survivor’ in every sense and he had an enormous fund of adventurous stories to prove it…
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Latest Show news
To avoid any confusion, the next Classic Bike Show to be held in Lanark will be on 11-12 May 2013…
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Oulton Park, 1956
50,000 spectators at Oulton Park, on 2 April 1956, were treated to a masterly display by Scotsman Bob McIntyre, who, on Joe Potts prepared 250, 350 and 500cc Nortons, claimed victory in each of those capacity classes
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Eppynt road race may 1953
With sunshine bathing the Brecknockshire mountains, spectators perched on those slopes were treated to a day of racing which, said Motor Cycling, ‘…could hardly have been bettered’
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Veterans battle the elements
Heavy rain and hail battered this year’s London-Brighton Veteran Car Run, which included 15 tricycles and forecars aged between 108 and 115 years old…
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Simply sidecars
A new all-steel sidecar suitable for classic, lightweight and twinshock machines has just been launched
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Saddle sure
If you’re suffering from a soggy bottom then Viking Motorcycle Seats might just be your saviour…
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Surtees at JD Classics
More than 1000 people attended the JD Classics breakfast meeting at its Maldon, Essex premises, where Sir John Surtees held court over an absorbed audience…
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Famous Metzeler 2013
This year celebrates the 20th edition of the Metzeler Classics calendar, which features some fantastic black and white shots of motorcycle competitions from the end of the Sixties along with superb ‘dream garage’ photographs…
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Manx GP gets FIM International meeting status
The Manx Grand Prix, the Mountain Course race run in August on the Isle of Man, has this year received ‘FIM International’ status in its 90th year, replacing the event’s previous ‘European Open’ status…
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ISDT Royal Enfield Bullet
This bespoke Royal Enfield Bullet was built in 1966, when the model was obsolete, to tackle the International Six Days Trial… 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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Modern TT stars sign up for classic races
Isle of Man TT track aces Michael Dunlop and Conor Cummins have confirmed that they will compete in the 2013 Classic TT…
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Classic Motorcycle Mechanics on sale now
BMW RG100GS Paris Dakar test, Suzuki’s meaty GSX100EF, Honda’s CB400 Four, exhaust port tuning, Honda Dream 50, Garelli Cross 5V ‘ped, Yamaha FS1E…
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Royal Enfield range revamp
As 2013 looms into view, there’s a radical rejig going on with the Royal Enfield range of single-cylinder motorcycles, and a special celebration of the parent company’s current success. Time to bag a bargain Bullet…
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Brough’s Dream Fours
Four times George Brough experimented with a four cylinder engine layout and four times he was thwarted
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Cold Killers collection
Cold Killers may sound like a new pop band that make a terrible racket that your kids love, but they are in fact a top range of windproof clothing…
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Smiths digital chrono speedo and tacho
These are classic-looking, but modern interpretations of those timeless speedos and tachos seen on many British bikes: Smiths clocks…
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Reference: A to Z classic reference: A – Adler
Encyclopaedia of Classic Motorcycles: the definitive classic motorcycle guide. To view other content within this reference work, you must be a subscriber
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Road Test: Fantic 245
In Issue 21 we were invited along to a secret test location in Derbyshire to see half a dozen air-cooled monoshock trials bikes put through their paces by Mick Andrews and Nigel Birkett. This issue we’re going to have a closer look at Danny Littlehales’ Fantic 245…
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Road Test: Fantic 245
In Issue 21 we were invited along to a secret test location in Derbyshire to see half a dozen air-cooled monoshock trials bikes put through their paces by Mick Andrews and Nigel Birkett. This issue we’re going to have a closer look at Danny Littlehales’ Fantic 245…
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Classic Dirt Bike on sale
Bruce gets to grips with the internals of his CCM, Baja racers in the US, talking Italian with Fantic’s 245, a special Maico and BSA’s ‘mad’ marketing, which actually paid off, as a virtually stock bike won the ISDT!
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Reference: Ariel pressed steel frame
Innovative motorcycle manufacturer Ariel was arguably ahead of its time when it produced the pressed steel frame for the Leader and Arrow. It didn’t catch on at the time, sadly…
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Reference: Ariel pressed steel frame
Innovative motorcycle manufacturer Ariel was arguably ahead of its time when it produced the pressed steel frame for the Leader and Arrow. It didn’t catch on at the time, sadly…
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Modern day riders sign up for Manx classic TT races
Works Suzuki TT star Guy Martin and former British Champion and up and coming TT star Daniel Cooper are the first modern day TT riders to commit to the new Classic TT Races due to be held for the first time next year…
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Can-Am 250cc winner announced at Stafford
It’s been a long time coming but finally the winner of the Can-Am 250cc enduro bike has been announced at the 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at the Stafford Showground…
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JD centenary run
Entries are now open for the centenary Johannesburg-Durban classic motorcycle regularity rally – the JD Rally – which will take place from March 7-9. The event will celebrate the first Johannesburg-Durban motorcycle race, held in 1913…
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The way we were: December 1937
Despite the build up of tension in Europe, motorcycle trade began to enjoy better times with a rise of almost 20% in sales in two years. Official figures confirmed the total sales of all makes and types of motorcycles for 1935 were 46,311 rising to 56,077 by close of play on December 31, 1937. Of…
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Rare racers for sale
A collection of four BMW racing motorcycles will be offered at the Bonhams Las Vegas Motorcycle Sale in January…
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See Louise’s lovely ladies all year round
Artist Louise Limb’s beautiful drawings of saucy screen sirens posing with classic motorcycles from the pages of Classic Bike Guide are featured on a new classic pinup 2013 calendar…
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Just bootiful
Eccles Racing Cruiser boots might just be the ticket if you’re after waterproof, stylish and sturdy boots with the classic look…
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Road Test: Henderson Model E
Henderson’s four-cylinder marvel was unparalleled for its era and history records that the ‘Rolls-Royce of Motorcycling’ epithet would attach itself to a rival English firm. Yet, it was a Henderson ‘four’ that first circled the globe during 1913… Mike Lewis explains
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Road Test: Henderson Model E
Henderson’s four-cylinder marvel was unparalleled for its era and history records that the ‘Rolls-Royce of Motorcycling’ epithet would attach itself to a rival English firm. Yet, it was a Henderson ‘four’ that first circled the globe during 1913… Mike Lewis explains
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Road Test: Honda CB250
When learners in 1980 chose their first bike, it was more often than not Honda’s sensible and impressive looking CB250N. John Nutting rode the bike and its predecessors…
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Buying Guide: Suzuki TC90J
The Japanese are experts at miniaturisation. Suzuki’s TC90J is a perfect example of the oriental art of small but perfectly formed. CMM takes a spin on the diminutive TC90J, owned by Chris Brealey…
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Buying Guide: Suzuki TC90J
The Japanese are experts at miniaturisation. Suzuki’s TC90J is a perfect example of the oriental art of small but perfectly formed. CMM takes a spin on the diminutive TC90J, owned by Chris Brealey…
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Enjoy a great show over in Brum
It’s a classic show… and motorcyclists would be mad to overlook it. Birmingham’s NEC hosts the Footman James Classic Motorshow from November 16-18, and there will be plenty for two-wheel fans to enjoy…
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Beating the crusher
Ray Palmer acted quickly when a friend warned: “There’s an old motorbike in the local scrapyard.” Even so, it was too late for the frame, which had already gone to the crusher. The scrap-men said: “It was all rusty – you wouldn’t have wanted it.”
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Pip Harris profile
For many years, Pip Harris remained at the forefront of sidecar racing. Here, in part one of a two-parter, we chart the early years… 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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The way we were: December 1987
Yamaha proudly unveiled its new on/off dual purpose machine the TDR 250 in Yugoslavia. In effect a TZR 250 engine installed in an off road type chassis the versatile machine proved an instant hit with the press testers on hand…
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Moidart Run 2013
A popular associated event for attendees to the Pre-65 Scottish is the Moidart Run out on the Moidart Peninsular across from Fort William. It generally takes place on the Thursday before the Pre-65 and 2013 will be no different…
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The way we were: December 1962
Sidecar ace Florian Camathias broke three sidecar world records at Monza on December 4, on an outfit comprising a single wheel ‘token’ sidecar hitched to a factory Honda 250cc four-cylinder racer…
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RealClassic 103 out now!
This month’s RealClassic magazine is stuffed full of specials: a Triumph sprinter, a cammy Norton and a featherbed Suzuki (pardon?). Just as well there’s also a BSA Bantam, an Ariel single, a Moto Guzzi twin and a Laverda triple to ground us in reality. Here’s this month’s contents and how to buy a copy…
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Day three at Dirt Bike Show
Day three of the International Dirt Bike Show 2012 and the crowds flocked in to the halls intent on checking out the bikes, grabbing a bargain and visiting the autojumble…
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Dirt Bike Show: Moto Jumble
The International Dirt Bike Show ‘EvoShock’ Moto Jumble will again open its doors today and is proving a huge success with Show visitors…
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Dirt Bike Show: Extreme MTB stage act thrills crowds
Danny Butler and his team continues to wow the International Dirt Bike Show crowd with daring displays of dexterity, coordination and complete team trust as they perform their choreographed dancing bikes stage act at Stoneleigh Park…
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Dirt Bike Show: day three starts
Day two of the Dirt Bike Show, at Stoneleigh Park, has closed and the Show was packed with off-road celebs and enthusiasts…
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International Dirt Bike Show 2012
Running untill late Sunday, get on over to Stoneleigh for all that’s best in the dirt bike world – the bikes, meet the top riders and see and get the latest dirt bike products and kit…
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Classic Camera: Tommy hitches a lift, Ulster 1964
Road racer Tommy Robb hitches a lift on the back of a Triumph Tiger 100A ridden by scrambler Billy Hutton, after he was forced out of the 1964 125cc Ulster GP. Following a crash at the 2012 Mallory Park Festival of 1000 Bikes, Tommy has now decided to hang up his helmet and leathers and…
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Classic camera: Tommy hitches a life, Ulster 1964
Road racer Tommy Robb hitches a lift on the back of a Triumph Tiger 100A ridden by scrambler Billy Hutton, after he was forced out of the 1964 125cc Ulster GP…
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International Dirt Bike Show
The International Dirt Bike Show opened its doors yesterday and trade was brisk as visitors took advantage of a half priced admission ticket deal. Trade and exhibitor reaction to the Mortons Media Group takeover of The International Dirt Bike Show was overwhelmingly positive…
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Dirt Bike Show: classic display
A popular addition to the 13th Show to be held at Stoneleigh Park is the Evo/Twinshock classic display in hall three where visitors will find some wonderful examples of old trials and motocross bikes…
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Mecatecno race through night to get to Show
Spanish electric trials machine manufacturer Mecatecno drove overnight from Barcelona to get its new T14 youth class machine to the International Dirt Bike Show in time for opening today…
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Buying Guide: Motobecane 350
When Peter Barker heard of a rare 350 triple Motobecane rumoured to have been imported in a batch of bikes to Western Australia, he decided to embark on a mission to find it…
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Buying Guide: Motobecane 350
When Peter Barker heard of a rare 350 triple Motobecane rumoured to have been imported in a batch of bikes to Western Australia, he decided to embark on a mission to find it…
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Road Test: Honda RC30 v Yamaha 0W01
Prices have doubled in less than 10 years and yet there’s never been a better time to buy a Honda RC30 or Yamaha OW01. Steve Rose explains why…
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Road Test: Honda RC30 v Yamaha 0W01
Prices have doubled in less than 10 years and yet there’s never been a better time to buy a Honda RC30 or Yamaha OW01. Steve Rose explains why…
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Sammy stars
Evergreen Sammy Miller is to be guest of honour at the 33rd Carole Nash Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show over the weekend of February 16-17…
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Suzuki TS250
Suzuki produced a wealth of lightweight off-road machines in the 60s and 70s and the TS250 proved to be one of the company’s most enduring models… 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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Straight from the plate: Arpajon, August 1930
At Arpajon, in August 1930, the Motorcycle Club de France organised its annual record attempts meeting, arranging for over four miles of the main Paris-Orleans road to be closed, so speed men from around the globe could congregate and attempt to establish new world’s bests…
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French postpone new breathalyser rule fines
Bike breathalyser fines put back until next March The fines were due to be enforced from November 1 this year, with all drivers in France, including motorcyclists, now required to carry a breathalyser kit. The
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French postpone new breathalyser rule fines
Fines for motorcyclists who are caught without a breathalyser kit will be implemented in France from March next year, according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists…
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Straight from the plate: Arpajon, August 1930
At Arpajon, in August 1930, the Motorcycle Club de France organised its annual record attempts meeting, arranging for over four miles of the main Paris-Orleans road to be closed, so speed men from around the globe could congregate and attempt to establish new world’s bests… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click…
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Workshop: Can-Am 250cc rebuild: 1
Are we mad? ‘Yes’ seemed to be the popular answer to that question from visitors to Wrighty’s show, where our new Can-Am project bike was unveiled. But we’re determined to get this Can-Am up and running for a grand – £1000 for those reading outside the UK…
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Workshop: Can-Am 250cc rebuild: 1
Are we mad? ‘Yes’ seemed to be the popular answer to that question from visitors to Wrighty’s show, where our new Can-Am project bike was unveiled. But we’re determined to get this Can-Am up and running for a grand – £1000 for those reading outside the UK…
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TT racing, American style, Sept 1957
Classic Camera: high-speed action as Californian George Everett, in western ‘hold-up’ garb, steals the lead from Indiana’s Roger Howk; both ride BSA twins in the 80 cu in (1300cc) National Championship race at Peoria, Illinois…
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Superior price for ‘Old Bill’
A marque as legendary as Brough Superior has plenty of mystique about it anyway but even so, certain models attract even more of an aura about them. And they’re always interesting when they come up for auction.
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Editor wanted for Classic Motorcycle Mechanics
The best job in biking is up for grabs! This is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of the classic motorcycle scene and to find, ride and work on the best examples of the bikes that matter for Britain’s fastest growing biking sector…
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Old Bike Mart Unearthed – November 2012
This month’s unearthed readers bikes and finds Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading, Click here to subscribe to one of our leading magazines.
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The way we were: December 1912
Among the unexpected at the London Show, which opened in late November, was a twin cylinder 486cc two-stroke Scott with a Laird-Menteyene machine gun fitted to its handlebars. Show visitors apart, the first many knew of the project was the publication of the accompanying John Bryan cartoon in the December 3, 1912, issue of Motor…
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The way we were: November 1912
Wolverhampton-based AJS enjoyed substantial sales success during 1912, so much so that competition activity was slashed, though AJS capitalised on the reflected glory of privateer success, detailing the achievements of AJS riders…
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Honda CB250
When learners in 1980 chose their first bike, it was more often than not Honda’s CB250N. John Nutting rode the bike and its predecessors… 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: Kawasaki 650cc-750cc fours
When ‘Father of the Z1’ Ben Inamura designed the Z650 in 1976 he could never have realised that derivatives would still be in production 30 years later. John Nutting tested a number of the original versions at MIRA…
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Road Test: Kawasaki 650cc-750cc fours
When ‘Father of the Z1’ Ben Inamura designed the Z650 in 1976 he could never have realised that derivatives would still be in production 30 years later. John Nutting tested a number of the original versions at MIRA…
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Stafford Show, October 2012, The 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show
Massive crowds, great weather, brilliant displays and bumper prices at auction proved that this year’s 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show was simply ‘Peerless’…
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Stafford Show: Classic Racer GP Paddock
Journalist and occasional Classic Racer contributor Andy Kershaw deafens the spectators with a 500cc MV four at the GP Paddock at the recent 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show held over the weekend of October 20-21 2012…
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Stafford Show: trials demo two
Trials demonstration by the Dales Classic Trials Club, caught performing and negotiating a typical assortment of trials obstacles with their pre-65 and twin shock machinery at the Stafford Show, held over the weekend of October 20-21. Commentary was provided by Classic Dirt Bike editor, Tim Britton… Article continues below… Advert Enjoy more classic motorcycle reading,…
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Keanu’s Kustom Kompany
Hollywood star Keanu Reeves has gone into collaboration with a renowned custom bike builder to form the Arch Motorcycle Company…
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Stocking filler
Paul Goff has a battery charger specifically designed to suit the smaller batteries fitted to motorcycles. Useful because car chargers can cause damage through overcharging…
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Championship winning MV Agusta 500cc four makes sweet music
Hear the musical sound of Phil Read’s Championship winning 500cc MV Agusta, as screamed to 8000rpm in the Classic Racer GP paddock from the recent Stafford bike Show, held over the weekend of October 20-21 at the County Showground…
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Stalker stars at Newark
Popular British Superbike ace Chris Walker is to be guest of honour at the season opening Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic…
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Yamaha YDS3
Can a five decade old two-stroke really be a viable machine in the days of 170bhp motorcycles? At CMM we say yes, absolutely…
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Road Test: Laverda SF750 part 1
In the 1970s Dave Minton first greeted the idea of a high-speed, high-mileage 750cc parallel twin with suspicion, but he was fast won over. Here’s how, and why…
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Day One: The 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show
Gates opened at 9am sharp this morning and the crowds are flocking in at the 19th Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford’s Showground…
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The 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show
The 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford County Showground is, for thousands of bike enthusiasts, the highlight of the year. Over the course of two days, more than 30,000 of you will visit what is probably the largest show of its type in Europe…
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The 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show
The 19th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show at Stafford County Showground is, for thousands of bike enthusiasts, the highlight of the year. Over the course of two days, more than 30,000 of you will visit what is probably the largest show of its type in Europe…
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Stafford Show highlights – Oct 2011
The classic motorcycling fraternity turned out in force at The 18th Carole Nash Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show over the sunny weekend of October 15-16 2011, as one of the true greats of racing, three-time 500cc World Champion and ever-popular Wayne Rainey, made his appearance…
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Free first-aid info now at hand
A new first-aid device which could help save bikers’ lives is now available free in the north west of England…
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Cleaning your motorcycle – the Classic Dirt Bike way (Muc-Off)
We put Muc-Off to the ultimate test with our project Can-Am
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MZ TS
In the cash-strapped times of the late 70s recession the MZ TS models were the machines of choice for wallet-savvy motorcyclists… 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: Honda GB500TT
Honda’s GB500TT was the coolest of the Japanese big singles. This one’s been tweaked to make it even cooler, and it’s also our competition prize. Steve Rose takes up the story…
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Road Test: Kawasaki 250S1
Still drop dead gorgeous and probably the best looking 250 of the 70s, the Kawasaki S1 inspires many a middle aged man to relive his teens…
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Road Test: Honda GB500TT
Honda’s GB500TT was the coolest of the Japanese big singles. This one’s been tweaked to make it even cooler, and it’s also our competition prize. Steve Rose takes up the story…
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