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

Time piece • In this wonderful, truly period 1960s picture, an American actress in a flamboyant outfit (white boots on a Triumph!) gives a British pop star a ride to a film premiere.

News & Events

Taking the reins • This impressive device was something of a star on the Moto Guzzi scene in late 1940s/early 1950s Italy.

Guy Martin’s Best of British • In the first of our two-part special, the country’s most famous rider and daredevil discusses his love of classic British motorcycles.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

The repair shop • Mobile service in the southwest of the UK, offered by Plymouth company Chapman’s, is put to work righting a rear tyre ‘issue.’

Self help • The DBD34 BSA Gold Star is arguabl the most iconic of all British motorcycles, a smile-bringer to faces for years. It is, however, perhaps not the easiest to live with, although this one is better than most.

Good do all round • Some special classics, friendly faces, good pasties and it didn’t even rain that much… The Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, over February 24/25, was a happy occasion.

Hog on the High • This is the rarest and most desirable of all Harley-Davidson V-twins, built during a period when the Milwaukee firm ruled the racetracks of America.

Italian finery • Though it’s ‘just’ a modest 175 Turismo, this excellent Moto Morini enjoys many of the attributes which make its more exotic stablemates so revered.

Ready to go • When we visited last year, this interesting project in Derby was just that, but now, it’s a fully-fledged, up-and-running enterprise.

Friends reunited • Over 60 years ago, both the writer of this article and the subject machine joined Bristol police. Now, both long retired, they’re back together again.

A true one-off • New Zealander Burt Munro, subject of a major Hollywood film in 2005, was a fascinating and determined character, dedicated to motorcycles – his Indian in particular.

A brief chat with... The Norton OC • Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, the club dedicated to the products of Bracebridge Street and beyond continues to thrive.

AMC 500cc Heavyweight Singles

Better foot forward • How do you like your footrests – forward, rear-set or standard?

Diary

Too much of a good thing? • Is it possible to have too many motorcycles? Well, when one considers all the different models required for different events and so on, it all becomes eminently justifiable…

Prospective project purchases • What does taking to the classified ads to see what can be bought as a restoration project, especially by somebody on a budget, show?

Make or break • From 1895, mechanical contact breaker systems have served petrol engine electrical ignition, and then, later, electromagnetic devices undertook vehicle voltage regulatory roles. Both types have drawbacks and limitations, which are overcome by replacing them with solid state devices.