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

An unusual view • Three riders pass the camera, which captures the scenic nature of the Isle of Man in the background.

News & Events

African odyssey • An anthropologist gives a ride to adults and children in the then Belgian Congo in late 1957, having ridden there from the UK.

King Cole on his throne • The star presenter, Henry Cole, and his band of television soldiers, headed by Allen Millyard, prove as popular as ever, attracting huge crowds to the National Motorcycle Museum Live event.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Dedicated followers of fashion • In the late 1950s, it became ‘on trend’ to offer motorcycles with enclosure, particularly of the real wheel.

The ‘Bobs’ of war • This intriguing BSA-based ‘bobber’ draws on two classic traditions... and its owner’s predilections.

A marsh mellow meander • On September 10, the Sunbeam MCC hosted its Romney Marsh Run, for pre-Second World War motorcycles.

Skeleton in the closet • Although not the only two-stroke Ducati ever made, the 1970s 125cc two-stroke trailer was the last and probably worst…

A classic event • The Arbuthnot Trial celebrated the 100th anniversary of the event’s first running, with a fine collection of old British machinery in attendance

Right to buy • There’s something about the excitement of an auction, especially once a mind is made up to make a potential purchase…

Mighty machine • This 1000cc V-twin from 1914 examples the high-quality V-twins emerging from Hugh Mason’s Newcastle factory in the veteran era.

Sunbeam’s sunny success • The decision to make some changes to the Pioneer Run, including moving the finish away from Madeira Drive and the date later in the year, paid dividends with 2023’s fine event.

Knock-on effects • The adoption of saddle tanks can be regarded as fashion, which it was, but there was also a real need for change and accompanying frame revision. It was a trend which that most unlikely of trendsetters, BSA, took to a new level.

A brief chat with... Duncan Dunbar – race engineer and classic enthusiast

BSA B44 – road models

Sitting comfortably • A slight back-track caused by unexpected bits turning up means progress has happened... just not the way it was intended.

Diary

High interest rates • The classic motorcycle represents a sensible way of combining many facets that make up our fascinations with old vehicles.

Show and tell • You meet all sorts at classic shows of any size, and there’s always conversations to be had, even if they are sometimes slightly bizarre.

In search of a smooth ride • Needing to contrive rear suspension for their motorcycles without dramatic frame redesigns, some makers opted for plunger rear suspension, as discussed in TCM, December 2023, while another choice, favoured by Triumph, was the sprung hub.