Features

  • The need to diversify

    The need to diversify

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    Though his primary interest was producing high-quality performance machines, Philip Vincent was keen to look at other opportunities too. Words: ROY POYNTING Photography: TERRY JOSLIN It’s tempting to think Philip Vincent was an impractical dreamer who bankrupted his company making prestige motorcycles that few could afford, but that would be grossly unfair. For one thing…

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  • Replicas, specials, fakes and forgeries

    Replicas, specials, fakes and forgeries

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    The seamy world of fakes, replicas and specials is one which can be navigated when armed with an understanding of what constitutes those terms, as well as a bit of nous to ensure you’re not being taken for a ride. Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: MORTONS ARCHIVE While it may be an ugly topic and not…

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  • Cowboys & Indians

    Cowboys & Indians

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    When it first arrived in 1934, the Indian Sport Scout divided opinion. There were those who were so enamoured by the earlier 101 Scout model that nothing could compare, and there were those that readily embraced this sportier newcomer. In the years following its introduction the Sport Scout grew and matured, and became increasingly popular.…

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  • Spiritual homage

    Spiritual homage

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    With lots of late 1960s and 1970s BMWs ending up as café racers this more authentic take, paying tribute to the beautiful Rennsport, makes a refreshing change. Words and photography: IAN KERR In 2014, Michael Dunlop, son of Robert and nephew of TT legend Joey, gave BMW its first solo class TT win since Georg…

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  • Coventry Eagle: Flying machine

    Coventry Eagle: Flying machine

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    There are few motorcycles which are in an elevated class, separated from the vast majority of their peers. This, though, is one of them. Words: JAMES ROBINSONPhotography: GARY CHAPMAN During the 1920s, the bosses of several firms cast their lines into the waters of the 1000cc ohv V-twin pond, but most quickly found that the…

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  • Bracebridge Street bonanza

    Bracebridge Street bonanza

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    There was a definite Birmingham accent in the motorcycling halls at this year’s Race Retro event at Stoneleigh. Words and photography: ALAN TURNER This year, Norton was the main theme for the motorcycling element of this huge three-day show, occupying four halls of the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. The stand from the National Motorcycle…

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  • Terrific Telford

    Terrific Telford

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    The Classic Dirt Bike Show, sponsored by Hagon Shocks, again proved its value to the classic community as thousands gathered at Telford’s International Centre to peruse the event’s enthralling assortment of attractions. Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: LEANNE MANDALL This year’s Classic Dirt Bike Show, which took place on the weekend of February 20-21, was an…

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  • A social history of motorcycling: The Golden Era (1925-1946) – Episode 2

    A social history of motorcycling: The Golden Era (1925-1946) – Episode 2

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    In this second extract from his forthcoming book, Mike Lewis looks at the evolution of social motorcycling in Britain and the USA. Words: MIKE LEWIS Photography: MORTONS ARCHIVE By 1925 in America, a brand new Model T Ford Roadster undercut the purchase price of a motorcycle and sidecar combination by as much as one third,…

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  • Touring beautiful Brittany

    Touring beautiful Brittany

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    Touring holidays can be memorable for reasons both pleasant and decidedly unpleasant, though Mary Adams and husband Huw had a fantastic time in Brittany thanks to Roger and Linda Nicholls of Countryside Holidays in France. Words and photography: MARY ADAMS We (husband Huw and I) first met Roger and Linda Nicholls four years ago on…

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  • Life after COVID-19: Lessons from past pandemics

    Life after COVID-19: Lessons from past pandemics

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    With lockdown restrictions easing slightly in UK, this is perhaps a time to reflect on the past months, and look forward to what a world could look like once the COVID-19 pandemic has gone, if ever. Life after COVID-19 investigates past epidemics and their aftermath, seeking to draw parallels with the world of today and…

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