This charming 1954 Francis-Barnett has been owned by a father and then his son from new. It was off the road for some years, though has now been restored to its former glory. Roy Poynting tells the tale...
At the risk of offending Velocette purists everywhere, I have to suggest that their revered Hall Green machines handled well in spite of their frames, rather than because of them. And it can be improved upon, as this fine Seeley example demonstrates...
Though the Norton Model 50 is often derided for its lack of pace, it’s more a case of an exceptional frame, rather than a disappointing engine that has led to this largely unjustified criticism. Roy Poynting tells the story...
Launched in 1975, the low, lithe S3 was a visual treat. This Moto Guzzi S3 has been superbly restored and uprated by its owner, and is now capable of what the Italian factory originally claimed for it…
Californian Bud Ekins was that rarest of things – a jack-of-all-trades, but also a master of all of them. Desert racer, scrambler, long distance trials rider, dealer and stuntman, he was near the top of his profession whatever the motorcycling discipline
Honda's slightly 'oversquare' 250 four is conventionally designed, aside from the four valves per cylinder, contributing to a healthy 45bhp output
The AJS (and Matchless) CSR 'range toppers' were never quite as revered as the Triumph Bonnie or hot Beesa twins, but they were quick and popular machines nonetheless
Panther had a long and proud history of making big, long-stroke ‘lazy’ singles – though the Yorkshire firm also made a range of quality 250 and 350cc models too. But it was for its ‘big ones’ which Panther has enjoyed an enduring fascination...
It was a simple premise – build a upmarket commuter motorcycle for everyman, one that would appeal to everyone and be capable of doing all things for all men. And it succeeded when others fell by the roadside. So why was Velocette's flawed LE so special?
Yamaha's V-Max is a two-wheeled thug, created so impressionable American bike buyers took notice. The scoops and tank were fake, but the high-octane performance was real. We look behind the scenes at the development...
Current Issue: Issue 40-06 - June 2013
• Joan Westbrook interview
• Jerry Thurston column
• Archive photograph
• Which model? (Norton 500cc twins)
• BSA M20 super profile
• Moto Guzzi Bicilindrica – history and test
• Reader’s restoration – Triumph Tiger 100
• Straight from the plate – 1963 Thruxton 500 miler
• Ted Mellors’ reflections
• Bantam engine build
• Restoration guide - Triumph 3T
Issue 40-06 - June 2013
Where legends come to life...
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