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

London-Lugano Run • It’s all smiles, joviality and bonhomie as a group of riders ready themselves to set off on a long-distance European ride.

News & Events

WAY WE WERE IN NOVEMBER

Book Review • “Brough Superior - The Complete Story”

Rallying around the clock • The ACU National attracted around 600 riders attempting to ride 600 miles in its 1963 edition.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS Email jrobinson@mortons.co.uk or write to The Classic MotorCycle, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, LN9 6JR.

Cammy chance • There’s no hope of acquiring the one and only period-made overhead camshaft V-twin AJS, but this exquisite replica is coming up for sale.

A sunny Sussex saunter • Held at Poynings on July 13, there was a good turnout of old machinery for the weather-blessed southeast riding event.

The one and only • We’re all familiar with Triumph Saints, Velocette ‘Noddy bikes’ and Interpol Commandos, but what about a big twin Matchless? This is probably the only survivor.

Simply lovely • The Bullnose Sunbeam Model 90 is nothing overly complicated, rather a good formula, executed well. And never better illustrated than by this remarkable example.

The maestro’s creation • When his employer Count Agusta said he’d no longer supply John Surtees with an MV for non-GP races, Surtees built his own superb special, a machine which became beloved by others too.

Fab four • The Brough Superior BS4 not exclusive enough for you? Try this, then, the Pegasus, powered by the same four-cylinder engine and apparently just six of which were built.

The end or a new start? • The Montée Historique du Puy Notre-Dame took place on July 27, signalling a change in direction for a long running French event.

Racing survivors • The second part of our story on the rare 1939 BMW R51RS production racer details some of those extant, including the return to the racetracks of ‘numbers 12.’

MOTO GUZZI V50 - 1977-86

User error • With the engine back in the frame, the clutch was next on the list. Excitement was building and progress was being made. What could possibly go wrong?

BANKED TRACK HEROES • Presents: The Fast Times of Harry Martin Chapter Five

Flattening the bumps • Front suspension has moved on a long way since the idea of running tubes inside other tubes ousted forged links as a way of smoothing out the bumps.

Diary

Do you dress to impress? • Motorcycle clothing purchases are a balance between functionality and style, as well as between price and protection.

Knock-on effect • The old joke about each 10-minute job being only one broken bolt away from being a 10-hour ordeal has become annoyingly apt.

The stopping game • Slowing a motorcycle is as vital for speed work as tuning it to go faster. Or putting it another way, many races have been won by slower machines which out-braked their rivals.