Road Tests

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 it in 1973, the glitter concealed some peculiarities

Any marriage of ‘the world’s fastest standard motorcycle engine’ to ‘the world’s best roadholder’ should be a contract made in heaven. And in this particular case, it is. Mike Lewis tells the story of an immaculate Vincent-engined special…

Abingdon King Dick, or the company’s safer internet search name AKD, were early pioneers of the tricycle, motorcycle and took an active lead in the development of its own range of engines, which was unusually forward looking and gained the company a lot of respect…

MV Agusta’s exotic sports bikes of the Seventies offered a glimpse into the technology of two decades earlier, and limited production made them even more exclusive and desirable. John Nutting tested a number of versions while at Motor Cycle. Here’s his verdict…

This immaculate AJS Model 18S has been in the same ownership since the early 60s – it’s a relationship that’s passed the test of time with flying colours…

Sunbeam always had an image of being a machine for gentlemen – and this three-speed veteran single certainly fits the bill…

Quick and Quickly puns apart, the NSU Quick 50, based on a proven design, became one of the forerunners of the renowned sports 50s of the 1970s, though the diminutive NSUs are now rare…

This 250cc Aermacchi Ala Verde provides plenty of smiles, with a lively engine allied to a superb chassis, making it well-suited for the motorcycling many classic riders do. It’s a small price to pay for the lack of comfort…

Oh bliss. Oh joy. Oh sweet smiles of happiness! What a pleasant motorcycle this is. Can I ride it for a while or two? I can. Splendid. The Sunbeam S8 is as modern and as much fun as a decent game of croquet on a summer’s afternoon…