Features

If in 1922 the IoM TT races were regarded as the premier motorcycling speed event, then the ACU Six Days Trials was the leading reliability test. Riders strived for gold medals, makers to showcase new models and organisers endeavoured to run a fair but tough trial. Simple? Well, actually not so simple, and controversy reigned…

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When John Surtees fractured his arm in the 350cc event, thus ruling him out of any further racing, the 500cc GP event was thrown wide open. Even then there was no guarantee who would scoop the top spot. Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: MORTONS ARCHIVE The German Grand Prix of 1956 took place at Solitude near…

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There are a few to choose from when picking your ideal early 1960s British big twin. They are all the same, yet subtly different, and it is these subtleties that can tip the balance and dictate whether you say “yea” or “nay” to a possible motorcycle. Words: ROY POYNTING Photography: TERRY JOSLIN An enthusiast looking…

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In this series of extracts from his forthcoming book, Mike Lewis looks at the evolution of social motorcycling in Britain and the USA. Words: MIKE LEWIS Photography: MORTONS MEDIA GROUP On December 12, 1896, an exciting new mode of transport featured on the front cover of Scientific American. Described as a ‘motor cycle using benzine’…

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The second half of the Lansdowne campaign brought more close racing, with four champions duly crowned. Words: Richard Adams Photography: Sports-Pics and Richard Adams At the end of May, the Lansdowne Series was invited by Bemsee to Oulton Park, which is a great circuit for classic motorcycles and a firm favourite with most riders. Mike…

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When John Surtees fractured his arm in the 350cc event, thus ruling him out of any further racing, the 500cc GP event was thrown wide open. Even then there was no guarantee who would scoop the top spot. Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: MORTONS ARCHIVE The German Grand Prix of 1956 took place at Solitude near…

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Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: WORLD’S GREATEST MOTORCYCLE RIDES Henry Cole’s television programmes about travelling the world form the cornerstone of the audio-visual diet of those afflicted with wanderlust. Spending up to five weeks at a time riding one of his bikes through a new country, Henry spends a huge portion of his life on the…

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It was 110 years ago when a well-known motorcycling name undertook a feat of endurance on a Triumph.A group of enthusiasts felt it had to be recognised… Words: Nick Jonckheere Photography: John Mijatovic In 1905, the motorcycling world was having a few issues as the public began to have doubts about whether motorcycles were practical,…

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A bounty of thrills at Crystal Palace: A 10,000-strong crowd turned up to watch the racing on Sydenham’s mile-long circuit in May 1927, and they were treated to some fine displays of skilful riding from the entrants. Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: MORTONS MEDIA ARCHIVE The remarkable turnout made for a fantastic start to the day’s…

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