Features

This fabulous Royal Ruby V-twin has a rather regal bearing, which issomewhat ironic, as it was the overthrow of the Russian royal familythat most likely led to its non-delivery. Words: Rachael Clegg Photographs: Gary Chapman/Mortons Archive/Colin Wall The Royal Ruby 976cc V-twin stands majestic in Hall One of the National Motorcycle Museum. Its tank –…

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Designed to mobilise the postwar northern Italian workforce, Moto Guzzi’s Galletto offered function in quite a strange form, but it’s not without its charms. Words: Phil Turner Photographs: Gary Chapman Few countries enjoyed a post-Second World War boom quite like Italy. A generous pot of aid courtesy of the Marshall Plan, the demand for raw…

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This fascinating, charming and ultra-rare motorcycle comes from the early days of Vincent-HRD manufacture. Words: James Robinson Photographs: Gary Chapman When I was a child, I was obsessed with a book called ‘The Vincent HRD Gallery’ by Roy Harper. I loved that book, mainly as it had pictures of every Vincent and HRD made, and…

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For a first ride on a rigid frame, girder-forked machine, what better place to do it than at Mallory Park, during The Festival of 1000 Bikes. Words: Chelsea Borchert Photographs: Matt Hull The rejuvenated Vintage Motor Cycle Club (VMCC) event, The Festival of 1000 Bikes, takes place annually at Mallory Park (this year over July…

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The D1 version of the BSA Bantam is the purest one of all. And it’s still great fun to ride. Words: STEVE WILSONPhotographs: JONATHAN FLEETWOOD When I was in Africa in 2009, I found that any motorbike, irrespective of make, was referred to as ‘a Honda’ in the same way that in 1950s Britain, any…

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This hot 500cc Triumph from 1972 is proof in the metal and on the road that racing improves the breed. Words: STEVE WILSON Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN It wasn’t the best day for it – a wet morning in the middle of a dry summer. But schedules had to be stuck to, and Chris Brasier, keeper…

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This pair of sporty New Imperials enjoyed a good day at a Japanese speed event. Photograph: MORTONS ARCHIVE This fascinating, fabulous picture is dated ‘June 24, 1926’ on its reverse. It was published in The Motor Cycle of that date, though further information remains scant. All it effectively says in the issue is: ‘G Maruyama,…

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Only one Japanese rider has taken a TT victory. We remember the late Suzuki loyalist. Photograph: MORTONS ARCHIVE Mitsuo Ito, the first and only Japanese rider to win an Isle of Man TT, has passed away at the age of 82. Born on January 1, 1937, Ito was a lifelong Suzuki employee and made his…

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For many post Second World War classics and some older machines, parts, from individual items to complete components, are available from specialist engineers, dealers or clubs – for older or rarer models, self-help is the way forward. Words and photographs: RICHARD ROSENTHAL Many of us, including me, don’t have the skills, engineering knowledge or equipment…

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Roe motorcycle I’ve been advised to contact you as I’m trying to find information for a Roe motorcycle I purchased a little while ago. It was first registered to Robert Corteen in the Isle of Man. I haven’t been able to find any pictures or references relating to any other surviving Roe motorcycles and all…

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