Features

Swan Motor Manufacturing

by

Mark Lancaster

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26th May 2026

The Swan Motor Manufacturing began life in Frodsham High Street in Cheshire in around 1910 and exhibited its first motorcycle at the Olympia Show in 1911. This was an open-frame machine with, unusually for the time, front and rear suspension. The founder of the company was FH Thornton who lived in a large house opposite…
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An early Triumph

by

Mark Lancaster

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13th May 2026

Though the firm missed out on success in the inaugural 1907 Isle of Man TT, it took top honours in the 1908 event, courtesy of the man and mount pictured here. Words: SIMON ROBINSON In this wonderful photograph, we see works rider Jack Marshall astride his Triumph 3½hp single in racing trim. The 1908 running…
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Unsung scramblers

by

Mark Lancaster

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6th May 2026

Two of the lesser-known – and less successful – machines used for off-road speed work, in action at a mid-1950s event. Words: SIMON ROBINSON Published in the April 26, 1956 edition of The Motor Cycle magazine, this picture shows Royal Enfield-mounted F. M. Bussell being followed by Tony White on his Velocette. The action is…
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Dave Degens (1939–2026)

by

Mark Lancaster

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5th May 2026

The legendary racer and constructor who enjoyed success across many years, particularly in production racing, and often on his own-made machinery. Words: SIMON ROBINSON Dave Degens, legendary Triton guru and ex-racer, has died at the age of 86. Pictured here at Castle Combe in 1965 in a typically cheeky pose, sticking his tongue out at…
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BSA Bantam: The history

by

Mark Lancaster

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29th April 2026

The most famous motorcycle ever made? Certainly in Britain the BSA Bantam has a substantial claim to that title. It’s not possessed of the glamour of its Gold Star stablemate or the Triumph Bonneville, but the little BSA was known intimately and ridden extensively by a whole lot more riders than those two put together.…
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This is Sparton!

by

Mark Lancaster

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26th March 2026

Sparton was a collaboration between Barton Engineering and Spondon Engineering and for a short time in the 1970s the most powerful race bike in the world was built in a converted chapel in North Wales. There Barry Hart built racing two-stroke engines and in 1974 he joined forces with the noted frame builder Spondon to…
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Top Picks: Trusted Specialists for Classic Bike Owners

by

Mark Lancaster

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25th March 2026

Looking for parts, services or expert help for your classic motorcycle? From carburettor specialists to engine rebuilders, workshop equipment and consumables, here’s a selection of trusted businesses supporting the classic bike scene. Supporting the Classic Bike Community Keeping a classic motorcycle on the road takes more than enthusiasm — it takes the right people. Whether…
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The one and only Matchless G12 police issue

by

Ian Kerr

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14th January 2026

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.
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Rebuilding an Indian Powerplus

by

Ian Kerr

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8th December 2025

What should you do if you find yourself with a load of old Indian motorcycle bits? Why, build up a machine, obviously, as best as you can and with what’s to hand.
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Rare rides: Triumph Thruxton Bonneville

by

Ian Kerr

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24th October 2025

The Triumph Bonneville was perhaps ‘the’ motorcycling sportster of the 1960s – so what does that make the rare ‘Thruxton’ production racing variant?
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