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

Champions chat • On the starting grid at Mallory Park in 1969, Giacomo Agostini, standing, and Mike Hailwood in conversation.

News & Events

Tales told at the mill • The annual Norman Day, in Willesborough, Ashford, was held on May 19, 2024, bringing together a host of machines and people connected to the Kent marque.

THE WAY WE WERE IN SEPTEMBER

Book Review

We’ve come a long, long way together… • An intrepid explorer poses on his Scott in Nairobi, Kenya, a then British colony in East Africa.

When I’m 64… • An ex-TT rider and motorcycle trickster shows he’s still got his old skills, going forwards and backwards, aboard a 122cc James Cadet, one year before his pension would have then been due.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Enduring love • This Moto Guzzi has been a steadfast, solid and fun part of most of the author’s adult life. And the fire still burns.

On top of their game • From ploughing to Grands Prix, Arter Bros. was the main feature at Elk Promotions bank holiday show on May 29.

Reputation redefined • More than just being a staid ‘Mr Sensible’, the AJS 16MS offers surprising performance and plenty of period charm for modern riders.

Pressed steel Boxer • Celebrating the 95th anniversary of BMW’s first volume production motorcycle, the R11 was a solid and dependable machine, with 7500 built over five years.

Trials and tribulations • Though it wasn’t an easy ride, owing to a few issues, it was good to be back riding at the Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) Banbury Run, this year on June 16.

French fancy • Frenchman Jean Nougier, often in league with brother Henri, developed an impressive array of racers, generally starting with a more basic machine.

The Dream • Smallbrook Stadium, at Ryde on the Isle of Wight, hosted the Island 500 flat track meeting, bringing classic sideways thrills and skills to the south coast.

Chasing speed • The upcoming book ‘Speed Monarch: the short life of Eric Fernihough and the world’s motorcycle speed record’ embraces the story of one of the great Brooklands racers who died trying to regain the record for Britain in 1938.

Puch Maxi • Everyone can save money with Maxi

BANKED TRACK HEROES Presents: The Fast Times of Harry Martin Chapter Four

Alter one thing… • ….and it changes another. Bits from different bikes are notoriously uncooperative when expected to fit together, so some fettling has to happen.

Diary

Down to earth • Buying a classic motorcycle in need of ‘recommissioning’ will doubtless involve work on the electrical system.

Steaming mad • As two big events in the nostalgia world disappear, is it time for a radical rethink to save others going the same way?

Classic carbs • Despite moving effectively into the modern world of engine management systems, Dell’Orto boast a 90-plus year history of carburettor manufacture. And while today’s instruments have evolved, company founders Giuseppe and Luigi Dell’Orto would instantly recognise their concepts which they launched in 1933.