Real Classic

RealClassic magazine features the very best British motorcycles from all eras, plus charismatic Continental machines (and the odd Japanese classics crops up occasionally, too). Long term classic riders will recognise many of the members of the RC team, which includes authors, historians and journalists like Steve Wilson, Dave Minton, Matt Vale, Odgie, Jacqueline 'PUB' Bickerstaff, Rowena Hoseason and editor Frank Westworth -- but the magazine's key feature is that it is firmly grounded in the real world. Our articles are written by real life riders and reflect far more than a simple road test ever can. We're never scared of getting grubby in The Shed (and we even admit it when things go horribly wrong!)

WHO'S DONE WHAT

FROM THE FRONT

Honda's HOOLIGAN • Smooth, oh so smooth, this Hooligan. Ian Woolley sings the praises of his Honda. One of his Hondas, that is…

INCOMING! • RC readers write, rant and rattle on… Summat to say? Send your comments, hints, tips, tales of woe and derring-don’t to RCHQ@RealClassic.net

Electrified AMBASSADOR • Alan Cathcart introduces us to Kaye Don, an outstandingly successful speed merchant, who went on to build Ambassador motorcycles, leading to this remarkable self-starting device…

THE MILLER MUSEUM

THREE SPORTING THREES • Improving legendary motorcycles is a risky business. LP Williams performed the miracle three times with Triumph’s top triples. John Young guided Frank Westworth through the What, the Why and the When…

SONS OF SAM

One Man's MONEY PIT • Is motorcycle restoration a form of madness or a pathway to personal redemption? Dr Kevin Lemire isn't quite sure…

THE HISTORY BIT

RIGHT Royal Racers • Ever wanted to ride very fast in circles? Paul Henshaw and his brother dipped a toe into the world of historic motorcycle racing and ended up building some very fast bikes indeed…

Road Race REUNION • Back in 1904, the first (unofficial) motorcycle road race was won by John Paul Burney aboard a Royal Enfield. Joan Crawford organised this summer’s 120th anniversary event, when stalwart riders retraced his route from Belfast to Derry and back…

RIDING LIFE • Colin Leighfield takes us on a whistlestop tour of some of the bikes he’s owned in the past 60 years, the ones he rides right now, and the stories they tell…

READERADS

PLUGS & LEADS

Too old to ROCK n ROLL • Alan Smith's first classic bike restoration is complete and Doris the Dominator is back in action. Time to head for the horizon!

STARFIRE SCRAMBLER • It’s the penultimate instalment of Odgie’s budget flat-tracker build. Six months ago he had a BSA engine, a Can-Am chassis and a lot of work to do. And now, the end – if not the actual motorcycle – is in sight!

BUILD BOOK BETTER!

PUB TALK • PUB has been visiting the Welland Steam and Country Rally, and so has the WD/RE Flying Flea

Ollie's ODDJOBS • Remember the French invasion of the 1950s? Ollie stumbled across this handsome MotoConfort and is plainly impressed…

TALES FROM THE SHED • Right then! Time to put the latest acquisition onto the bench and take a close look at things. Many things…

Members' Enclosure