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

The Precursor • Although the factory never built one, there was a Norton parallel twin before the Dominator. Alan Cathcart has ridden it…

THE MILLER MUSEUM

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

SPOKEN WORD

CAUTIONARY TALE

A SELLING STORY?

WHAT CAR?

SERVICE STARS RC READERS RECOMMEND…

WAY (TOO MUCH) OF A WRENCH

ROTOR RIDERS

ROUGH RUNNING

QUITE RACY?

LADDIES WHO LUNCH

REAL NOT RETRO

BOMSHELL! • BSA's notorious 250 single is infamous for its exploding engine. But they don't do that in real life any more… do they? Charles Hallam knows the answer (and why)

TWO-WHEELED Deux CHEVAUX? • Too often, commentators dismiss a machine by criticising what it's not. Ian Woolley celebrates what it great about Enfield's lightweight soft-roader…

A BIT ON THE SIDE • The rear suspension on Geoff Stovold's Sunbeam was a bit too bouncy. So he fitted a sidecar to dampen it down – like you do!

THE PRACTICAL CLASSIC • Suzuki's parallel twin middleweight two-stroke is one of those Japanese classics which appeals to British bike riders. John Walton recently owned one…

TIGRESS! TIGRESS! • As many of his friends are shifting to scooters, Frank Westworth decided to join in the fun. Briefly…

Riding LIFE • Before Ken Chicken's Matchless was a classic, it was everyday transport for a penniless student – and only slightly modified from standard…

Long RANGER • You want to travel serious distances on your classic motorcycle? No problem. Stuart Giles goes back to basics with a boxer…

DESTINY'S CHILD • Luke's Ariel 650 has been a lifelong project, one which placed him on a pathway towards practical problem-solving. Over time, they've both benefitted…

BEVEL BOUNCEBACK • Every now and then a project bike pops up which has so much history and context that it just has to be done. Derek Stevenson revives a rusted wreck…

FLAT OUT! • Odgie is building a world-beating vintage-class flat-tracker with a beefed up B50 engine. He's waiting on wheels but there's plenty to do in the meanwhile…

PUB TALK • The year 2023 starts with the trusty HRD demanding attention, when it is freezing outside, and little better in the garage. The scruffy Suzuki also needs looking over for its MoT, which reveals a salty and stiff chain, and a thinning front tyre…

Ollie's ODDJOBS

THE SHED • Frank's finally parked his ex-American Commando on the bench for a decent dose of looking at. Hmmm…