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Forty-two years after it rolled off the production line, owner Tony Clements reckons that it’s possible to keep an 650 Thunderbolt in better-than-new condition, and he’s got the prizes to prove it…

Suzuki’s GT185 two-stroke twin typified Japanese lightweights of the early 70s: conventionally styled but with generous and sporty detailing. But, as John Nutting recalls from when he tested in 1973, the glitter concealed some peculiarities

Was Suzuki’s 500cc two-stroke twin doomed to become extinct before its time? John Nutting recalls the bike that started the Hamamatsu factory’s big-bike era and the last of the line.

Though the Norton Model 50 is often derided for its lack of pace, it’s more a case of an exceptional frame, rather than a disappointing engine that has led to this largely unjustified criticism. Roy Poynting tells the story…

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…

When Kawasaki launched the GPz900R 25 years ago it turned the world of motorcycling on its head, shook it up and spun it around so many times that when everything settled back down the scene was almost unrecognisable…

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

Between testing road bikes in the 1970s and 80s, John Nutting was occasionally invited to try racing machines, such as Yamaha’s stunning TZ750 two-stroke four. It was a sobering experience…