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

On the sand • Recently the scene of an horrific incident, happier times at Southport with racing on the sand in the early 1920s.

News & Events

Timed flyers – when you’re having fun… • During June 2024, the now-closed Manston Airport in Kent was the place where a number of classics were given the opportunity to stretch their legs.

THE WAY WE WERE IN OCTOBER

Book Review

With a Douglas in Spain • An account of touring on a machine deemed ‘unsuitable for the task’ presents an encouraging and positive picture all round.

Jump to it • This police display team was joined by Bob Currie, The Classic Motor Cycle’s founding editor, for a training session – though, wisely, the journalist kept out of the way for the bit pictured!

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Rare Rocket • Small Heath’s final triple had plenty of flash – and this one boasts an electric start.

Bracebridge Street at Brooklands • The theme of the Brooklands Motorcycle Day for 2024 was Norton, and there was a fine showing of the marque, plus a strong supporting cast, too.

First of the few • There weren’t many HRDs made in Wolverhampton, nor later HRD-badged Vincents in Stevenage after the name changed hands – which makes this a rare survivor, in the original company’s centenary year.

It’s all about the chat • Though the autojumble is great, the arena and show side also good, the biggest draw to Founders’ Day, organised by the Taverners section of the VMCC, is the chance to catch up.

A nod to the past • Forget the legendary Manx Norton or the exotic Black Shadow – for Chris Sawyer, it was the modest Velocette LE that kindled his love for classic British motorcycles.

From strength to strength • Held on June 29/30, 2024, despite being a relatively recent creation, and having to endure the Covid times, this friendly event is doing well.

Ancestral Ariel • This motorcycle is now 121 years old, for over half that time it has been in the ownership of one of Britain’s motorcycle competition and industry greats.

Right to buy • Bonhams have only relatively recently come to the world of online-only motorcycle sales, but the results have proved encouraging.

Side by side with the Americans • The 1964 International Festival of Drag Racing was the first of its kind, an event which was to introduce a new motorsport to the UK.

MORINI 3½– THE FIRST DECADE

Sketchbook Travels • MOTORCYCLES, SEEN THROUGH THE SKETCHBOOKS OF MARTIN SQUIRES

The popularity paradox • There’s a lot of waiting around in bike rebuilding, most of it caused by wanting someone good to do work the owner can’t.

Diary

Restoration processes • Patina is a prized finish in today’s classic world, though in order to keep machines looking the part, but still usable, some techniques may need adopting.

Tanks (sic) for the memory • So long as things work as they should, does it matter what they look like? Of course, the best results are where functionality and attractiveness are successfully combined.