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

Beardmores both • This photograph illustrates the period when the Glasgow-based engineering firm Beardmore had both locomotives and motorcycles on its books – among other things.

News & Events

Getting on track • This unusual picture shows the facility available to and operated by members of the Owyhee Motorcycle Club (OMC) in Boise, Idaho, where a varied multitude of events were – and are – held.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Buried treasure • This Vincent Black Lightning has been hidden out of sight for nearly 25 years, though now it’s being offered in Bonhams’ April Stafford sale.

Headed for the hill • The 24th Talmag Trial was held on January 28, 2024, attracting a couple of hundred riders, plus many spectators, to its famous Hungry Hill venue.

Nice and slow • Sunbeam’s first 250cc single was outdated and overweight on its first launch, let alone relaunch, but is still possessed of plenty of charm.

Hidden treasures • The historic and beautiful city of Dubrovnik is perhaps not the place one would expect to find a museum dedicated to the Indian marque.

Sidecar survivor • This whopping, 750cc Rudge single has spent its entire existence as a motorcycle and sidecar, while it continues to be oft-used, despite its 100th birthday having been passed.

The cockerel crows again • This Moto Guzzi Galletto (Galletto being Italian for cockerel) was brought back to life, after more than five decades of slumber.

Münch’s earlier masterpiece • While the Mammoth is Friedl Münch’s most widely-known creation, he built an earlier British-influenced racer. The Norton theme would remain strong through his career.

A Wiffen Matchless performance • The Jack Thompson British and Classic Bike Trial, held in December 2023, brought success for Matchless-mounted Phillip Wiffen.

Travelling by Terrier • The concluding part of riding a 150cc Triumph from the east coast of Spain to the west coast of Portugal.

Military hardware • This look at interwar (so between the First and Second World Wars) military motorcycle designs shows up all sorts of attempts put forward to try and secure lucrative government contracts.

Velocette MSS – Rigid Model

BANKED TRACK HEROES • Presents: The Fast Times of Harry Martin

Diary

Rallying to the cause • As with so many aspects of motorcycling, the ‘club rally’ comes in many different forms, shapes and sizes.

Tyred and emotional • A damaged, nearly new tyre is frustrating to say the least, though one inspection leads to another and some useful information is gleaned.

Drum roles • While not the first twist grip concept, the drum-type soon became popular, with its versatility – it could be used for various purposes and roles – and cheapness, suiting motorcycle makers.