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

BATTLE OF THE BRITS! • Two trad Britbikes from the 1950s: one single cylinder and one twin. The Velo has a reputation for being tricky to live with while Turner’s twins are famously user friendly. Stu Thomson tells the truth about long-term ownership of both…

INCOMING! • RC readers write, rant and rattle on… Summat to say? Send your comments, hints, tips, tales of woe and derring-don’t to: RCHQ@RealClassic.net

Quarter-litre Curiosity • Way back in the 1950s, BSA’s chief designer produced a prototype 250 single based around the company’s 500 twin engine. The bikes and their engines were all destroyed, except… Ollie Hulme uncovered a sole survivor, and rode it, too

Mid-Atlantic Motorcycle • Time for a real hybrid. Alan Cathcart remembers an unusual mating procedure…

THE Ultimate HYPING MAC- HINE • Vincent built the Black Knight. Enfield almost invented the Dreamliner. But many claim that BMW created the first truly functional motorcycle fairing. Paul Miles gets his RS in gear…

THE British BULLET • Now that prices of Indian 350 Bullets are rising, the Redditch- made original looks rather more affordable. Paul Henshaw fettles a 1951 example, and finds out what it’ll do…

ALTERNATIVE TWIN • RC readers have requested suggestions for manageable motorcycles that come with all mod cons and classic styling. Nick Adams delivers all of the above plus actual heritage…

RECOMMENDED READS

SHOWSTOPPERS • Thanks to everyone who stopped by the RealClassic stand at the Mechanics Show at Stafford: it was lovely to see so many familiar faces after a long time away. For those folk who couldn’t come, Rowena Hoseason chose a selection of intriguing machines from the hundreds of display bikes for you to admire…

KRAFT WERK • RC regular John Lay set out to buy a BMW but came home with a rather diafferent German motorcycle, one with which he and we are utterly unfamiliar…

Classic techniques • Back in the day, if a component didn’t quite fit then a fitter would spring into action to ensure it was fit for purpose. Dave Simmons continues this grand tradition in adapting a screen to suit his Triumph

BAD VIBRATIONS • Do old British bikes really vibrate more than their contemporary counterparts? That’s open for debate* but Neil Cairns was shocked when his 650 twin buzzed so much that it became entirely unrideable. (*feel free…)

PUB TALK • PUB has been out on the vintage HRD, the scruffy Suzuki, and a pair of very tired legs / feet…

TALES FROM THE SHED • Well, it’s a runner! It rides, too, although the stopping is a little challenged. FW does (more) Matchless stuff

WRITE 4 REAL • Have you got something to say about your old bike? Would you like to see your P&J preserved on the printed page? Claim your 15 minutes of fame and write for RealClassic…