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

The Classic MotorCycle

The super Swedes • This spectacular image captures in action one of the last ‘heavyweight’ four-stroke 500cc Motocross GP machines, from the five-year period of Swedish domination.

News & Events

THE WAY WE WERE IN MARCH

Book Review

Herts performance test • There’s a fine country estate setting for a motorcycle speed event, in which the fastest time of the day was so fast as to be implausible.

Sleeping arrangements • This agent had devised his own solution to the issue of ‘finding a bed for the night’ on his journeys as a representative for Ariel.

Readers’ Letters

Ice cold in Newark • Though it was blisteringly chilly weatherwise, the enthusiasm and dedication all-round at the CBG Winter Classic was warming in itself.

Very Special SS • If you had the pick of the British 650cc parallel twins, Norton’s 650SS would have to be high on the list. It was number one for one particular collector.

The Special One • Rather confusingly, the Coventry-based Rudge motorcycle making company called the base model in its 500cc range the ‘Special.’ But actually, it was a tag well suited.

The Spirit of ’72 – Part Deux • The 1972 Triumph Bonneville with full engine rebuild was going well, but with Triumphs, and most old motorcycles in general, things are never that simple…

Matchless German • The Horex Regina 350 was a hugely important and big-selling model mainly on its German home market, but never came to the UK officially.

Sunbeam season finale • The Pioneer Run was held on October 16, 2024, which – somewhat belatedly – we are now able to report on.

Simple rules for a reliable restoration • Bringing an old and worn-out motorcycle back to life can be a hugely rewarding experience. Here, a veteran of many such undertakings shares his experience and advice.

First flight • Aermacchi’s first foray into the two-wheeled world was a far-cry from the World Championship-winning racers, while that initial offering’s quirky looks hide some very interesting engineering.

The genesis of the Rocket Gold Star • The tale of how Eddie Dow supposedly built the first BSA Rocket Gold Star (RGS) has been told many times, including by ourselves, but it isn’t the true story, as explained here…

Decisions, decisions… • As the TS engine strip down reaches stage two, it reveals good and bad news, and throws up a couple of dilemmas.

Sketchbook Travels Presents: Motorcycle Specials 1927 Walker Bullpup

Weights and measures • Making a motorcycle lighter has long been the aim of the competition world, and with the aid of fancy metals some surprising results can be had by certain factories.

Diary

Spot of recommissioning • A chance meeting in an antiques centre leads to two Pre-Second World War motorcycles returning to life.

Dealing without wheeling • The enduring popularity of autojumbles, and the buying and selling that goes with it, sees enthusiasm for that facet of the hobby undimmed.

Mineral oils • It has been drummed into us since we were knee-high to a grasshopper that we should lubricate our classic motorcycles with mineral oils. Ignoring the correctness, or otherwise, of this observation, ‘What is a mineral oil?’