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.

Editor’s welcome

Classic Motorcycle

Secret seven • A group of Sunbeam riders, who had ridden all the way from Palestine to London, prepare to head back to their homeland.

Stafford show time

NEWS IN BRIEF

Bonhams at Stafford

Back on form

Book Review • “Le Vack’s Legacy – JAP overhead camshaft engines 1922-1925”

THE WAY WE WERE IN NOVEMBER

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

STAR LETTER

THIS MONTH’S STAR LETTER WINS

Back to Brooklands • Held on August 15, 2021 – a month later than its usual July date – Brooklands Motorcycle Day nevertheless provided an event worthy of the historic venue.

’Bird in a bikini • This well-patinated 1964 Triumph 6T came from an era when Thunderbirds were the low men on Meriden’s 650 totem pole.

Marking the spot • An information board has been unveiled back in the town where it all began for Panther motorcycles.

Thunderbike! • With its fearsome name matching its equally intimidating specification, this 70mph veteran V-twin single-speed Thor creates quite a storm.

Tiger, tiger, burning bright… • The Garelli Tiger Cross, in its eye-catching livery, was a star of the 1970s ‘sixteener’ scene.

FINER DETAILS

The pursuit of perfection • In 1968 Helmut Fath was man of the year in British publication Motor Cycle News, which is some going for a German sidecar racer world champion.

The Pursuit of Perfection

What’s in a name? • The question of how the Brough Superior was given that name has long been the subject of speculation. This is the true story...

Fun, fun, fun • Ducati’s light and lithe single-cylinder Scrambler makes for a joyous backroad – or indeed urban – tool.

The new version of the Ducati Scrambler

A world beater • The words ‘Greeves Scottish’ prompt many questions. This feature will answer some, which you’ll replace with more. What can’t be questioned, is that developments of the Scottish scooped a European Trials championship (no world titles then) and uncountable individual trial victories.

“Looking for adventure, Perris decided to take off for the continent to race his Velocette KTT – as well as ride it there!”

Ducati Widecase Singles

The numbers game • In anticipation of The Special Nut arriving, other tasks have been tackled, which means there’s now an oil tank in situ.

A CERTAIN LACK OF FLUIDITY

The ‘V’ sign • The V-twin is the engine configuration which quite simply won’t go away, with versions available in the early pioneer days, and the layout still in use today.

Missing the bleeding obvious… • On purchase, failing to spot a really rather obvious issue with the VeloSolex results in having to revisit some skills not used for years. Though another problem won’t be so easily solved.

You were asking • Your queries resolved with Richard Rosenthal

Diary

Yes we cam • Few, if any, motorcycles, including two-strokes, are devoid of cams. As well as lifting poppet valves for most four-stroke engines, they’re found in ignition and braking systems, switch gear, gear selection and more.

Scene of abandonment • Remarkable picture from inside the Gilera factory, with priceless, apparently discarded exotica strewn about the floor.

High and mighty Last of the line A65 • The Classic MotorCycle is brought to you by...