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Long distance covered, and more to come
Through having a responsible outlook, sheer determination, a lot of hard work and talking to the right people, the MECVC got their LDT series moving again on July 18. A new start venue in Tow
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Motorcycle industry recovering with another sales surge in August
The motorcycle industry continuing its recovery from the COVID-19 lockdown with another surge in motorcycle sales in August, with all kinds of motorcycles seeing a spike in sales compared to August 2019, according to figures released by MCIA.
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Benellis top the Bonhams bill
Two exquisite grand prix 250cc Benellis were top of the huge Bonhams’ ‘live and online’ summer sale, held behind closed doors from August 14-16. Top price was the £149,500 1964 four (right), used by Tarquinio
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On this day: TT winner Reg Armstrong born
A rash of chain breakages hindered his title aspirations – luckily the TT one happened at the right moment!
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Honda Ron Haslam Race School to close
Ron Haslam has announced that his well-known race school will soon be closing its doors after 24 years as one of the UK’s most reputed and recognisable motorcycle track-based tutoring centres. Founded on the reputation
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Does BSA’s Clubman DB32 have a claim as the best Gold Star?
There are myriad different Gold Stars, each with acclaim as being the ‘best’ – but the late 350cc version, the Clubman DB32, makes a strong claim.
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Exhaustive search under way for project pipe
While some of our loyal subscribers rely on just Old Bike Mart for their classic motorcycle reading, we know that many also read and/or subscribe to one or more of our sister titles. Those folk
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Two-wheelers at Blenheim Palace
While the exclusive Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance is well-known for the pristine presentation of hugely expensive classic cars, the recent inclusion of motorcycles is perhaps not as obvious. However, for the third year running, the
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Motorcycle Live cancelled
Show organisers for Motorcycle Live regretfully announced that this year’s show would be postponed until 2021, with concern for public safety and the well-being of industry colleagues being central to the decision following the coronavirus
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Bikers turn out in hundreds to support teen with brain tumour
Hundreds of motorcycle riders turned out to show support for a teenager with an untreatable brain tumour.
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Record-breaking Benellis sold at Bonhams’ most successful motorcycle sale
Two grand prix 250cc Benelli racing motorcycles were top of the huge Bonhams’ ‘live and online’ summer sale, held behind closed doors from August 14-16.
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Virtually Brooklands, the results
Although the Brooklands Museum remains closed until August, over the weekend of July 4 and 5 the museum’s motorcycle team held two virtual motorcycle days in place of their annual motorcycle show. The event, which
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Win a pair of Weise Union gloves worth £69.99!
We’ve teamed up with our friends at Weise to offer you the chance to win a pair of Weise Union gloves worth £69.99.
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Covered is safe
Irrespective of how dry and dust free your garage is, it’s always sensible to keep a cover over your pride and joy. Not only can this keep any airborne dirt from settling on the pristine
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Stunning summer sale
Bonhams’ August sale (what earlier this year we were calling ‘April Stafford’) is set to be immense… despite being a few months behind original schedule! It will feature a vast array of machines, including the
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Stafford still due in October
While there is still the potential for change, October 10-11 are still the dates for this year’s one and only Stafford Show, with the Carole Nash-sponsored event being the 27th anniversary for the Classic Motorcycle
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Visitors are back at the Miller Museum
Visitors are now able to get back in and see the superb machines on display at one of the UK’s top classic attractions. In early July, the Sammy Miller Museum at Bashley Manor, Hampshire, was
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Normous Newark Autojumble cancelled over spike in COVID-19 cases
The Normous Newark Autojumble, due to be held this Sunday, August 16, has unfortunately had to be cancelled on official advice due to a worsening spike in coronavirus cases in the Newark and Balderton areas over the last couple days.
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Bonhams Summer Sale in Bicester
Due to be held over three days, from August 14 to 16, the Bonhams Motorcycle Department’s Summer Sale will take place in the incredible surroundings of Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire. The lots will be on view
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Classics on the Island
While there is no Classic TT on the Isle of Man this year, there are still plenty of treats for the classic motorcycle enthusiast who wishes to visit ‘Ellan Vannin’. Anyone who’s attended any of
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Archive: 1930 European Grand Prix at Spa
At Spa Francorchamps on July 17, riders roar away from the startline of the 1930 European Grand Prix in Belgium.
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The shoots of recovery!
After a year of cancellations, disappointments and frustration, Normous Newark autojumble returns on August 16. As we went to press details were still to be finalised, but planning is underway as to how all the
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Life after COVID-19: Lessons from past pandemics
With lockdown restrictions easing slightly in UK, this is perhaps a time to reflect on the past months, and look forward to what a world could look like once the COVID-19 pandemic has gone, if ever.
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The Jumbler
After what seems like an eternity under lockdown, doors are opening, fields are being laid out and autojumbles are back on the agenda! Already we’ve seen ’jumbles taking place – as Ian Kerr’s report here
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Brighton Speed Trials’ future confirmed
Given the Covid-19 issues surrounding motorcycle events this year, it comes as no great surprise to hear that this year’s Brighton Speed Trials will not be taking place. However, not all of the news regarding
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Normous Newark Autojumble to go ahead on August 16
THE biggest and best regular Autojumble in the UK is back with bang… but we’ll be making a few changes to keep you safe.
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Museum raffle tickets in this issue!
I’m sure that every reader and subscriber to Old Bike Mart knows that the National Motorcycle Museum is a vital asset to the work of classic, vintage and veteran motorcycling. However, maybe not everyone is
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MoreBikes relaunches with brand new website!
Bringing together the best of Fast Bikes, Motorcycle Sport and Leisure, Classic Motorcycle Mechanics and Back Street Heroes – MoreBikes.co.uk is about to get bigger and better than ever before. Motorbikes are awesome. And so
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National Motorcycle Museum LIVE 2020 postponed
The National Motorcycle Museum has announced that their Museum LIVE event is postponed until October 2021.
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Throwback: John Surtees at the BBC
Back in August 1957, John Surtees took viewers for a ride when the BBC’s television programme, ‘Let’s go motor cycling’.
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Ardingly brings light to the end of the tunnel
While we’re all having to wait a little longer for some of the planned 2020 events (many until next year), it seems that we can finally see an end to the restrictions which we’ve undergone
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Gone missing
Tragically, even during the lockdown period, light-fingered ‘tealeaves’ abound in the shady underground world of bike thievery, and we’re still hearing about bikes being stolen… The two you see here were stolen, along with the
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Cotton owners going virtual
The regular Annual Rally of the Cotton Owners and Enthusiasts’ Club, held in Gloucester, is one of the numerous events that has had to be cancelled this year because of the risks posed by Covid-19
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Vincent treatment transport
I am a regular reader of your magazine and was particularly interested in the article in the June issue on the Vinc ent-HRDs – I completely agree with you on the handling between Series As,
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Rare official Joey Dunlop replica SP1 star of George Miller auction
A host of rare classic and modern motorcycles owned by the late George Miller are set to go under the hammer this month.
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National Motorcycle Museum launch emergency Covid-19 appeal
The National Motorcycle Museum has launched an urgent appeal because of concerns about how and when the museum will be able to reopen.
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Flashback: Howard R Davies’ story
Howard R Davies won the Senior TT, the world’s most important race, on a motorcycle he had built.
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Beautiful 650cc Triumph Bonneville does not disappoint
This beautiful 650cc Bonneville from what was arguably the pre-unit T120’s top year, does not disappoint.
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Beautiful 650cc Triumph Bonneville does not disappoint
This beautiful 650cc Bonneville from what was arguably the pre-unit T120’s top year, does not disappoint.
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Flashback: Howard R Davies’ story
Howard R Davies won the Senior TT, the world’s most important race, on a motorcycle he had built.
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Hislop vs Foggy: Best battle in TT history?
Arguably the Norton Rotary racer’s finest hour – Steve Hislop winning the 1992 Senior TT.
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Hislop vs Foggy: Best battle in TT history?
Arguably the Norton Rotary racer’s finest hour – Steve Hislop winning the 1992 Senior TT.
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Clubmans’ Corner: Panthers on the prowl!
Along with many other events, the national rally of the Panther Owners’ Club had to be postponed this summer. However,
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Bike T-shirt to back NHS
SPARES SPECIALISTS WEMOTO are backing the NHS with this year’s charity T-shirt. For the last five years, the profits of Wemoto’s charity T-shirts have been destined for the Manx Grand Prix Supporters’ Club, a charity
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Three Decades At Drags
Engineer Mick Holmes is one of the behind-the-scenes guys at British bike specialist Draganfly Motorcycles. He’s an engineer in their
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Triumph’s Rocket 3 R recreates iconic tablecloth trick
Triumph Motorcycles has taken on the oldest bike stunt in the world to showcase its ultimate high-performance muscle roadster, the Rocket 3 R.
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Srm are rolling again
BRITISH ENGINE SPECIALISTS SRM have reopened their Aberystwyth workshops and are taking webshop orders. In line with Government guidelines, the company have to operate using social distancing and so work may take slightly longer than
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Triumph Silver Jubilee Bonnie: one to win
In 1977, Triumph celebrated the Queen’s silver jubilee with a ‘Silver 750’ T140 limited edition, a Bonneville with a distinctly
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Jawa fans face a long wait for singles
THE ARRIVAL OF new Indian-built Jawa four-stroke singles in Europe is some distance off, according to the UK importers. The new retro-styled Jawa singles have been a big hit in India and are built by
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International Dirt Bike Show postponed until 2021
The International Dirt Bike Show will be back in 2021 and dates will be confirmed in due course.
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Ardingly Autojumble: two days in July
Now that restrictions are being carefully relaxed, how can we get back into the classic motorcycling swing of things? Julie
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Racing Classic Motorcycles – First you have to finish
By Andy Reynolds I really enjoyed this book by Andy Reynolds. I met Andy for the first time last year, when he was scrutineering at a damp and cold Classic Racing Motorcycle Club meet at
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Giacomo Agostini: Life and career in pictures
Giacomo Agostini celebrates his 78th birthday today (June 16) so there’s no better time to reflect on the Italian’s illustrious career.
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Pauline Hailwood, wife of Mike Hailwood, dies after long illness
Pauline Hailwood, wife of Mike, passed away after a long illness, on Saturday, June 13.
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Here’s a bright move
I’VE BEEN CONSIDERING getting one of the current generation of LED worklights for my unpowered garage for some time, but I find most of those on offer are more suited to builders than workshops, as
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Big value… that’s the size of it
I’M NOT A big fan of labels, particularly if it means paying an extra 30 quid for a badge. When hunting for a decent set of good quality, warm and ideally waterproof gloves, I’d much
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What’s inside the June issue of RealClassic?
Our brand new June edition of RealClassic magazine is packed full of classic machines, tales from the shed, in-depth interviews and striking photography.
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Barry Sheene’s first 500cc Grand Prix win
It took Barry Sheene nearly four years to win a GP again.
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Archive: John Surtees wins the 1960 Senior TT
Magnificent shot of John Surtees in 1960, en route to winning the Senior TT.
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Archive: John Surtees wins the 1960 Senior TT
Magnificent shot of John Surtees in 1960, en route to winning the Senior TT.
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A Continental Conundrum
RC reader Ray is getting to grips with his second Royal Enfield rebuild. He’s building up a 250 Continental GT
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Obituary: Angus McPhail
The world of motorcycles lost one of its most eccentric geniuses when coronavirus claimed Angus McPhail in April. He was best known in drag racing and sprinting circles, particularly for Jade Warrior that had him
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Magni MV Agusta 750S Tributo test
The names Magni and MV Agusta are well acquainted, but only now are the two united in one bike – the 750S Tributo.
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Look inside the June issue of Classic Bike Guide
Check out part one of our illustrious British Bike Guide! Plus, we escape Europe in lockdown on a classic!
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BIKE SHED RIDERS TAKE TO THE STREETS
LONDON’S BIKE SHED MCC has mobilised its motorcycle community to help out during the Covid-19 pandemic. When The Bike Shed was forced to close its doors they decided to create a volunteer riders’ group to
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Support the NHS with Wemoto’s NEW charity t-shirt
Wemoto’s just released its latest charity t-shirt – and this year, it’s donating the profits to the NHS.
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Stafford Classic Motorcycle Show postponed until October
Following the UK Government advice on the coronavirus pandemic we have unfortunately had to postpone our April/August Stafford Classic Motorcycle Show once again.
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Norton to return with new owners
THE COLLAPSE OF Norton appears to have been short-lived with a new owner emerging. India’s TVS Motor has bought the company, pledged to double its workforce and launch more products. The factory does seem set
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WIN A JUBILEE
THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM has unearthed another astonishing ‘new old stock’ classic for its summer raffle. The bike is a 1977 Triumph T140J Silver Jubilee Bonneville which has never been run or registered and is
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We’re still all here!
Classic Bike Guide looks at how our trusty old bike specialists and traders are still looking after us and how we can help them, despite coronavirus Words by Oli WITH PRETTY MUCH everything in lockdown
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Timeless Honda Super Cub resurrected
The timeless Super Cub has been resurrected. Now let’s see how it fares in wintry Lincolnshire.
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BMW Airhead Twins – The Complete Story
by Phil West When the publishers first told me there was yet another book on BMW airheads coming out, my first thought was: ‘ Oh great, another book on BMWs no one wants’. There’s just
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Trio of Brough Superiors, right? Wrong.
Three big V-twins, featuring plated petrol tanks and even at a glance a fine specification, with speedometers and lighting sets apparent. Brough Superiors, right? Wrong…
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Ashley Watson Klisham longsleeve top
Ashley Watson makes some cracking bike clothing, which doesn’t look like all the rest. It’s expensive, but you get more than you pay for, as the quality, material and design is better than any other
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Have you seen Mortons Books’ brand new book catalogue?
Here are some fantastic new titles to explore while you’re stuck at home during lockdown.
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LED headlight bulb
AFTER A FEW scary evening rides on my T140V last year, I resolved to avoid riding it in poor light until I could find some way of improving the old Lucas headlight. At the Bristol
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world’s biggest classic motorcycle publisher, Mortons Media Group, unleashes new website and app
That’s right, classic bike fans – we’ve been busy during lockdown and May 8 will see the launch of the Classic Bike Hub.
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Can you help find this wedding BSA Shooting Star?
Classic Bike Guide reader John King is trying to track down his old BSA for a romantic reunification. Could you help him?
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World’s biggest classic motorcycle publisher unleashes new website and app
That’s right, classic bike fans – we’ve been busy during lockdown and May 8 will see the launch of the Classic Bike Hub.
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Vecta key safe
The average burglary takes just 45 seconds. And most of us apparently leave our keys by the door – makes sense – but also makes it easy for a scumbag to grab them on the
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From the Archive: Trading Post – YAMAHA SR500/SR400
Still Running, Still Riding: The traditional half-litre single is still on sale! Yamaha’s SR road banger has been in production since 1978. That is a very long time indeed, so it must be something special…
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From the Archive: International Dirt Bike Show
Though a modern event, there is still the odd thing for us classic enthusiasts at the Motul- sponsored International Dirt Bike Show… With all that’s best in the modern dirt bike scene on display at
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From the Archive: Austin Hockley – Fearless Fighter
Ask any of the competitors who raced regularly against Austin Hockley and the most common description they give him is ‘fearless’. Chris Carter charts his varied career. Words: Chris Carter Photographs: Austin Hockley Collection and
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Austin Hockley: The Fearless Fighter
Ask any of the competitors who raced regularly against Austin Hockley and the most common description they give him is ‘fearless’.
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COOPER’S PLACE OF HONOUR AT THE NMM
THE NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM is currently closed, but when visitors are welcome again, there will be a new attraction. This new feature is dedicated to racing legend John ‘Mooneyes’ Cooper and includes not only his
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Remembering Bill Crosby
Well known motorcycle dealer and museum proprietor Bill Crosby passed away in hospital after a brief illness on Sunday, March 29, 2020, a month before his 88th birthday.
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Surfing for new book titles?
With Mortons Media – the publisher not only of Old Bike Mart, but several other classic motorcycle titles such as Classic Racer, The Classic MotorCycle, Classic Dirt Bike and Classic Bike Guide – adding book
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James Bond’s BSA Rocket III to go to auction
The fact that a BSA Rocket III will be under the hammer at the Charterhouse auction in May isn’t anything out of the ordinary.
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Stafford set for August
Owing to the ever-changing nature of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, there’s another date change for the ‘April’ Stafford show, with the new date being August 15/16. “Following the recent announcements from the UK Government, Mortons
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From the archive: Take five – whichever suits your style
Before Royal Enfield’s sensationally-styled Continental GT made its debut, the 250cc Crusader line had already evolved into two variations on a very agreeable five-speed theme – the leading link front fork Super 5 and the
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Archive: Testing Royal Enfield Super 5
Before Royal Enfield’s sensationally-styled Continental GT made its debut, the 250cc Crusader line had already evolved into two variations on a very agreeable five-speed theme.
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Extra Assen date for Endurance Championship
Coronavirus permitting, a fourth round at Assen has been added to this year’s FIM Europe Vintage Endurance Championship calendar. The Assen date is June 5-7, and joins Paul Ricard (May 8-10), Spa (July 3-5), and
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From the archive: War Baby
Not everyone loves dogs, but this little Corgi is one that some folk might like to have yapping at their heels WORDS BY MARK WILLIAMS PHOTOS BY ALEX RAMSAY Funny things, wars. They can cause
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Tune in to Motorcycle Views: A magazine with a voice
A NEW RADIO show and podcast about the world of motorcycling has been launched. Motorcycle Views is on the online streaming radio service FAB Radio International at fabradiointernational.com. Presented by Kawasaki classic four guru Dave
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Pat French
Pat French died this summer. Nigel Green says goodbye to the man behind the MRD-Métisse… On 30th July 2007 Pat
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Apollo 11: The Mission to the Moon
This Thursday (16/07/20) marks the 51st anniversary of the Moon landing and AllMyReads has the perfect book to discover the story behind one of the most important events in space exploration. Check out this preview from the fantastic bookazine, Apollo 11.
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What’s inside the April issue of Classic Bike Guide?
We take a look at the Clymer Indian Enfield – an American, British and Italian beauty – taken well before its time! Plus, will Guy Martin Triumph over McQueen?
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FIVE PAIRS OF TICKETS UP FOR GRABS TO PRESCOTT BIKE FESTIVAL THIS SUMMER!
We have teamed up with our friends at Prescott Bike Festival and have five pairs of tickets for Sunday, June 16.
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Celebration of heroes
While so many events are being cancelled and postponed, it still seems reasonably safe to consider that those towards the end of the summer will be taking place. So, it’s time to put self-isolation to
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