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!)

FROM THE FRONT

The GOLDEN Vibe • The modern Gold Star has stolen the limelight of late. But, as Rowena Hoseason explains, BSA built a rip-snorting roadster back in 1962, one which combined the best that both the 500 single and the 650 twin had to offer…

RESCUED FROM A CANAL

FACTS & FIGURES

IN COMING • 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

JUST DANDY!

DAYTONA PEACH

FRANK’S MISFIRE

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

SELLER BEWARE!

MATCHLESS!

SERVICE STARS

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

SUN SPOTS

NATURAL SELECTION?

BE A PIONEER!

BLOOD BIKES!

TIGRESS TIMES

CATCH A COMET • Half a twin or a delight in its own right? Frank Westworth has been reacquainting himself with Mr Vincent's Comet

BOXING CLEVER • Remember the pre-war German flat four? Thought not. Alan Cathcart reveals the Zündapp alternative…

THE MILLER MUSEUM

BEST-KEPT SECRET On A LITTLE ZÜNDAPP HISTORY

GO GIRO • For many years, Corey Levenson longed to experience this unique Italian event. Finally, aboard a BMW R90, he gets his chance to savour Tuscany in the company of 200 exquisite motorcycles

Riding Life REASONS TO RIDE • Last month, Rowena asked what inspired you to take to two wheels for the very first time. And everyone answered…

SUPER SINGLE • Stu Thomson wonders if Yamaha’s Italianate SZR660 was a flawed failure or, like a fine wine, an acquired taste which improves with age…

SELLING THE SUPER SINGLE

THE RIVALS

MUTABLE MABSA • Odgie is building a lighter rolling chassis to house the Matchless motor and gearbox from Scott Speed's flat- track race bike. Last month saw all the major frame surgery done, this time let's see if he can get it close to standing on its wheels…

COSMIC COMET • Last month, Peter Brown upgraded the engine and electrics on his Vincent single. But why stop there? Better suspension and brakes are on the agenda for his galaxy-spanning, 21st century Comet…

PUB TALK • ‘Elementary my dear Watson’, as Sherlock Holmes may never have said*. PUB has had to re-learn the elementary in a month of getting reluctant and broken machines back to working order…

Ollie’s ODD JOBS • Out like a lion, in like a Lambretta? Ollie rediscovers small wheel appeal…

TALES FROM THE SHED • How many steps forward? How many back? Frank's been suffering reversals…