Features

An oft-used and overused term in motorcycle sport is ‘all-rounder.’ However, it does fit Ronald John Langston quite well – and in his case, it could be prefixed with ‘successful’ too. Words: TIM BRITTON Photographs: TIM BRITTON AND MORTONS ARCHIVE For someone so associated with Gloucestershire, it was a surprise to learn Ron Langston was…

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Using an AMC twin as transport – and a place on which to lean! Photograph: MORTONS ARCHIVE From the early days of motorcycling, right through to the 1970s, the artist was an important part of the press process, but rarely do we get to see the men behind the work, which makes this an interesting…

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Mystery JAP motor Chatting to Oz Ellison (one of our much younger enthusiasts) at Founders’ Day this year, the conversation drifted to a 250cc ohv JAP engine, which, along with a carburettor, BTH racing magneto and a four-speed Albion gearbox, was literally thrust on him two years ago. An older neighbour was selling up and…

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The small Paton concern punched well above its weight in 1960s GP racing. And it still regularly enjoys that successful feeling today, with John McGuinness pictured here on his way to winning this year’s Classic Senior TT. Words: Rachael Clegg Photographs: Steve Babb and Mortons Archive It’s almost impossible to miss a Paton racing past…

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Bought new by its current owner in 1963, this DOT Demon still provides its owner with sterling service and fun aplenty. Words: ANDY WESTLAKE Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN Mention the name ‘DOT’ to any classic off-road motorcycle enthusiast and they will be instantly taken back to that golden era of off-road sport in the late 1950s…

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These two pretty T20 Tiger Cubs from 1960/1961 display the strengths and weaknesses of Edward Turner’s best shot at the lightweight market. Words: STEVE WILSON Photographs: JONATHAN FLEETWOOD Angela Carter ticks many of the boxes from the original brief for Triumph’s Tiger Cub. She’s young, and keen on Triumphs – her 250cc Tigress scooter featured…

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At a time when transport for the masses was in hot demand, the Cykelaid offered ananswer for many. Words: ROY POYNTINGPhotographs: TERRY JOSLIN A quick glance at the Cykelaid gives the impression that it was some sort of antecedent to the ubiquitous post-Second World War VeloSolex. Well it is, and it isn’t. The idea of…

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Sometimes a specification sheet can give the totally wrong impression of a bike. The MV Agusta 350S might just be the best example of such a phenomenon… Words: PHIL TURNER Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN The early 1970s was a difficult time for MV Agusta. Not least because in the January of 1971, while accompanying the President…

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Intrepid motorcycle tourist Ida Crow and two companions take a European jaunt on their TR5 Trophies. Words: ADAM REARPhotographs: MOTONS MEDIA ARCHIVE At first glance, the photograph asks more questions than it answers, with a particularly intriguing scene taking place. In the foreground, a 1951 Triumph TR5 Trophy can be seen fitted with some rather…

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