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

IN THE Swing • For many Ariel enthusiasts, the company's four-cylinder tourer would be pretty much perfect if only it had improved rear suspension. Surely it can't be too tricky to combine a Huntmaster chassis with a Square drivetrain? Stuart Francis finds out

THE HISTORY BIT

INCOMING

TOP 200

Paraller Lines • When Kawasaki decided to go retro, they produced a machine which aimed to please everyone but polarised opinion. Frank Westworth decided to try one for size

AN OWNER SPEAKS

ANOTHER OWNER SPEAKS

KAWASAKIW6SOFACTPACK

THE GIFT HORSE • Have you ever been offered a pile of scrap metal, free, gratis and for nothing? That's exactly what happened to Len Page, who chose to turn a rusty wreck back into a roadgoing motorcycle ...

THE Long SLOG

One OWNER FROM NEW

RIDING Life • Back in the day, going fast on Britbikes could be achieved on a very tight budget. David Kidd recalls his racing days ...

Classic TECHNIQUES • Powder-coating has become the popular no-fuss paintwork solution, but it's far more satisfying to apply good old-fashioned enamel paint -by brush. Oily Boot Bob explains how to achieve a finish fit for an Old Master ...

Making SPARKS FLY! • The development of the ignition systemhow it worksand a few maintenance tips. JacquelinBickerstaff (aka PUB) explains the fizzicks behind sparking performance. Part Four: Flywheemagnetos with external HT coils (including Energy Transfeand CD/) and Lucas SR rotating magnet magnetos

I LOVE Lucy PART TWO • Last time, Simon Wall started the first rebuild of Triumph Bonneville. This time, he finishes the first rebuild  ••• and starts the second!

THANK TO

PUB TALK • The long lingering death of the long mingling spark ...

Ollie's ODD JOBES • 'Sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast' said Alice in Wonderland. Perhaps one of them was the Stray Panther  •••

TALES FROM THE SHED • Everyone tells us to support our local bike shops. This is a great excuse for seasonal laziness, says Frank