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.

Welcome

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The Classic MotorCycle

Pump it up • An unusual early motorcycle is used for an equally unorthodox application, as it turns water pump.

Last call for a classic

Chance to win this Goldie

NEWS IN BRIEF

Mecum Las Vegas

Prince of Speed tribute

Book Review

Super prices at H&H NMM sale

NEWS IN BRIEF

Norton stars getting ready for Bristol

Tiernan’s charity calendar

Hurricanes to sale forefront

Postal issues having an impact

FEBRUARY

Sale of the extraordinary • The Dr Peter and Ulrike Bühner Collection of Important Pioneer and Collectors’ Motorcycles and Motor Cars will be auctioned by Bonhams on February 1, 2023, at the Grand Palais Éphémère, Paris.

Little Engine touring • Velocette’s LE – for Little Engine – doesn’t perhaps spring immediately to mind as a long-distance mount, but that didn’t deter this 1956 tourist.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Recycling centre • The Kempton shows and autojumbles have done – and continue to do – much to ensure the continued good health of the classic scene, with countless machines benefiting from parts sourced at the show.

The big show • Motorcycle Live at the NEC in Birmingham, is still a grand day out.There were plenty of classics to appreciate too.

One of the family • After more than half a century in the ownership of the King family, this AJS will forever be an integral clan member.

The second coming • After a long lay-up, this 1972 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport is back on the road and enjoying a second wind, though still sporting much of its original patina.

Another fine season • The Lansdowne Classic Series has enjoyed a very busy and successful 2022, with eight meetings at eight different circuits, with five different clubs.

Lightweight boxer • This rare Italian 150cc flat-twin has a fascinating backstory, which, once known, makes it no surprise the product is of such high quality.

Spring time • In the natural world, springtime signals a new beginning. In motorcycle trials, spring time did much the same thing, as a new order took over.

Forgotten effort • The strongest frame, the fastest engine, the neatest looking and the most reliable. Those were just some of the claims for the Armac motorcycle in 1908. But by 1913, it was all over.

More military service • Following the Triumph Model H’s success as a WD machine, the maker was eager to gain further military contracts, offering models through the 1920s and 1930s in small numbers until the Second World War. Then the German bombing raid on Coventry in 1940 destroyed Triumph’s factory, but they rallied and resumed manufacture.

Restoration guide | Expert advice

As easy as that • Apparently, all you do is assemble the bits… but the bits fight back.

Sketchbook Travels • MOTORCYCLES, SEEN THROUGH THE SKETCHBOOKS OF MARTIN SQUIRES

You were asking • Your queries resolved with Richard Rosenthal

Diary

Testing the theory • That the UK’s motorcycle licence test has gone through several incarnations is well known, though it still seems hard to believe there were no restrictions on learners not that many years ago.

Exciting discoveries • The barn find – we all seem to love them. However, recommissioning such a discovery costs roughly the same, no matter if it is an early vintage Harley-Davidson or a 1970s Puch Maxi.

Wiring diagrams untangled • With early vehicles fitted with electric lights and accumulator batteries, the...