Features

By the mid-1960s the once-great independent Matchless and Norton motorcycle concerns had been amalgamated and product ranges rationalised, and the two firms – once great rivals – were now producing identical-bar-the-badge machines…

Visually striking and rarer than hen’s teeth, the Neander certainly stands out, with its designer clearly a man who knew his own mind…

A stint at the NEC in November 2002 convinces James Robinson that the Black Shadow should be regarded as a pinnacle in British bike history…

Manx born and raised, it’s entirely fitting that TT star Conor Cummins’ Classic TT debut will be made on a quad of Tony Dunnell’s Manx Nortons this year. Bruce Wilson spends an hour with Conor to get the inside line…

It’s a conundrum many marque enthusiasts have found themselves in and one, which causes a rumpus around equally as many owners’ club committees – when does your marque cease to become your marque, or is it always your marque irrespective? James Robinson sampled one such conundrum…

Twenty-five years ago, the young Rod Ker always thought the GS750 was a better bike than its 1000cc successor. So it’s with some reluctance that we have to report that this test has done nothing to change the churlish Mr. Ker’s mind…

Jim Reynolds learns that a relaxed attitude to all motorcycles can result in pleasurable experiences. Oh, he got wet as well…

What is the Bertie Simmonds doing? Just when we thought he had his project for the year, he seems to have gotten another one. Stupid? You bet…

Family touring, with a heavy 1950s accent. The modes of transport could really be hardly any more typically ‘early-to-mid 1950s, as a big Panther single (probably a couple of years old at the time of the photograph) pauses for breath, while down below, a steam train passes…

Eighty years ago, The Motor Cycle took BSA’s Model G on a world tour to test its rugged high mileage abilities. This well-used example, discovered half-buried in sand and cement dust, still clocks up big miles in all weathers, validating the magazine’s original test…