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!)

Real Classic

FROM THE FRONT

GOOD AS GOLD • The problem with lusting after a legend is that it might not live up to expectations – or expense. Rowena Hoseason meets an owner who was inspired by BSA’s Gold Star to build his very own special sporting single…

INCOMING! • RC readers write, rant and rattle on…

Glide PATH • Twenty years ago today…Harley-Davidson were building a touring bike for Europeans. Ian Woolley bought one

Riding Life • Once upon a time, John Webster bought his dream machine. Then fell in love. Then sold his Norvin to buy his girlfriend a diamond ring. And then…

Missing Link? • If ever there was a marque we might expect to be revived, it’s Vincent. Alan Cathcart reports on a project which got nearer than most…

Little ITALY • Last month, Stu Thomson told us all about classic Italian tiddlers. Are they good value at the moment, we wonder?

SIDEVALVE SUPERIOR • Was the Brough Superior actually superior? Frank Westworth takes a ride, ignores advice from other riders, while Rowena Hoseason adds actual facts and stuff…

THE LONG RIVER • The Cháng Jiāng’s namesake – the Yangtze river – flows for a remarkable 4000 miles. And the modern CJ 650 combination is equally capable of going the distance, as Andy Carrott discovered…

OUTWARD BOND • Rides, rallies, shows and jumbles! Point your wheels this way…

Grease IS THE WORD • If your speedo unit is functioning fine, and the cable ain’t broke, then there’s only one thing left to fix. Oily Boot Bob gets to grips with the speedo drive on the rear wheel…

Fluid DYNAMICS • Riding an automatic Moto Guzzi should be like a sublime flight on a magic carpet. It should not leave a sticky trail behind it. Eventually, Nick Adams could ignore the evidence no longer…

REALCLASSIC READING

Ollie’s ODDJOBS • From a time long ago, a time when nobody wanted to buy Ducati singles, Ollie has discovered an Odd Job…

PUB TALK • Arthur Pentney, a regular writer of letters to RC (and other publications) sent in an old photo for PUB to identify and comment upon. He noted that the registration AH is an early Norfolk issue, and that ‘FJ Gibbs’ and ‘Reepham’ can be read on the side. He adds that Reepham is a small market town in North Norfolk, where Gibbs were ironmongers in the town. He then asks ‘I wonder if this is a home-made job, hired out looking like the two on it are off to a wedding’. Arthur could not see an engine and also comments ‘a bit more modern than the Bollée, is it?’.

TALES FROM THE SHED • It’s a runner! job done! well, not entirely. Frank’s been attending to those minor things (lights, brakes) which are so useful on the road…