The Classic MotorCycle

Started in 1903, The Classic MotorCycle has more to offer the true vintage motorcycle enthusiast than any other publication, backed by Europe's largest motorcycle image archive.

Welcome

The Classic MotorCycle

Picture of speed • Though the subject is blurred, this atmospheric South African photograph makes up for it with the way it is composed.

News & Events

Time-created enigmas • Both Coventry Victor, the motorcycle depicted, and Pa Cowley, the pictured rider, seem to have been well known in their day, but now, information is scant.

Taking a trip to Brighton • This contingent of Belgian enthusiasts had journeyed to the show on the English south coast. There’s some mainland European motorcycles in the picture, too.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Fun times • There’s something about 500cc Triumphs which brings a smile to the face, exampled perfectly by this willing, beautifully presented version.

Guy brings them in • Star guest on Sunday, Guy Martin, proved a popular draw – though there was plenty more to see at Stafford too.

Véloréacteur! Jet bike! Rocket bike! • Only six years after the last flying bombs landed on London, a French inventor proposed a new use for the pulsejet engine. Step back in time and imagine the scene...

Flathead favourite • Celebrating its 90th year, this glorious big twin Harley-Davidson continues to offer a great deal of pleasurable motorcycling.

A right good scramble • The Centenary Scramble 100 was a celebration of the first motorcycle ‘scramble,’ the 1924 event the precursor to what was to become motocross and enduro.

Like Stanley had • Velocette never sold a 500cc version of its famous KTT, but this motorcycle, the engine of which has been subject to a huge amount of work, provides an insight into the sort of machine the title-referenced Woods rode.

Dual spring-in for Elk shows • In a ‘two for one’ offer, here’s reports from the South of England Classic Motorcycle Show, Ardingly, March 24, and the Ashford Classic Show, Kent, on April 1.

Better electrics? • Electronic ignition has been, and still is, marketed as the modern cure-all ignition system, largely true. But it isn’t new, appearing first in the late 1940s and later as an aftermarket product for classic motorcycles for over 50 years

A winning combination • The remarkable story of a Scottish road racer who won a Clubman’s TT on his self-prepared and financed Vincent-HRD.

Jawa 634 – 350cc solo (and sidecar overleaf)

Sketchbook Travels presents: MOTORCYCLE SPECIALS • The Feet Forward Motorcycles of Malcom Newell

Time to time • Ignition timing has probably caused more frustration in the world of classic motorcycles than any other subject… bar valve timing.

Diary

Loss Leader? • When the answer was so obvious, in that Ariel’s two-stroke tourer needed a bigger engine, how could it be ignored? Perhaps other motivations were at play.

Keep them wheels turning… • Time for a refresh and to get the hubs and rims sorted, in preparation for spring and summertime riding.