Classic Bike

Classic Bike helps and inspires enthusiasts to get more from their passion for classic motorcycles. The magazine shares their fascination with motorcycling’s heroic past while also helping them buy, fix and improve the bikes in their shed. Our main areas of content are: - Inspirational and entertaining reads that celebrate the glory of motorcycling, from riding stories that put the reader in the seat of history’s greatest bikes to incredible racing tales - Restoration stories and instructional features that inspire and help people get their tools out and sort out their old bike - In-depth technical features from the most expert and authoritative writers in motorcycling If you share our passion about classic motorcycles from the last century, you'll enjoy reading Classic Bike.

SMARTIE’S SWEET VICTORY

Current thinking • This 1931 Velocette 250 has been plugged into the modern world with a battery and electric motor. So how does it work and what’s it like to ride the world’s first classic hybrid?

Shipshape and Bristol fashion • Two big events at the same site on successive weekends kickstarted the classic year in style

In the field and the factory

A BRUSH WITH THE OLD BILL

Hello Zigolo • The saga of Robin Carter’s Moto Guzzi goes way back, as does his affection for the Zigolo

My Ducati double • A reader makes a welcome return to the pages of CB with a resounding replica

How Dick did Daytona • Inside info on Klamfoth’s Manx racer – and why it didn’t dig the beach

GETTING INTO THE SWING

GIVING IT SOME KANE

Time to cram it all in • There’s more than ever to see and do as the event season gets into full swing

TURNING POINT • Fifty years Ducati’s ago,fortunes Paul Smart forever, changed catapulting Ducati them history into by the winning Big Time. the Her Imola tale 200 of on that a great 750SS. victory Alan Cathcart – and what recalls it’s like that togreat ride that victory legendary –m and the day he got a chance to ride the legendary machine himself

SMART MOVES • His Imola-winning year was one of huge contrast for Paul Smart – he jet-setted from a regular gig racing a screaming two-stroke in the States to leaping on a lumbering Italian V-twin, showcasing his great versatility

GOING GREEN • CB man Alan Cathcart got in early by ordering a 750SS in 1972 – and has owned a couple more since. He still races one of the iconic green-framed Ducatis. Just try not to get too envious as you read his diary of desmo desire…

JUST LUST • Few other models have the loin-stirring potential of Ducati’s original 750SS, which means you have to be committed to own this instant classic that became an enduring object of desire

Moto dei Miti • Genesio Bevilacqua has assembled an incredible line-up of legendary racing machines and bikes which mean a lot to him personally. We paid a visit to the passionate Italian’s collection

HUNGRY FOR ACTION • The 45th Talmag Trial saw the Pre-65 Trials crew back on Hungry Hill after being starved of competition last year

Mark Coombs • The boss of famed frame makers Wasp Motorcycles talks brazing, BSAs and why Featherbed frames are on his agenda

Flat out • Maurice Warner decided to instal a modern Japanese parallel four into a spare Douglas Dragonfly frame, rather than the bike’s original flat-twin engine. He explains how...

A LACK OF APPLIANCE • This prototype Triumph 200cc two-stroke twin, based on a motor designed originally for washing machines and other utilitarian purposes, showed great potential. But personal prejudice meant it never made it to dealers’ showrooms

Rick’s Fixes

Wire we here? This man knows • Back on course with the Project Triumph this month – and after an illuminating visit from Ferret, Rick finds...