Features

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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More trials and tribulations along the way prove that if life is easy, you’re doing it wrong… Words and photographs: Tim Britton Deciding to assemble a pile of parts into a working motorcycle seemed to have several advantages. It would free-up shelf space for a start and allow a bit of relaxing ‘working with my…

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Hoppy was always one for the art of getting a move on. Words: Adam Rear Herbert ‘Bert’ Hopwood was a Midlander who held very definite views and had no hesitation in expressing them in a forthright manner. Born in Birmingham in 1908 to a poor family, he left school aged 14 and started work at…

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For a few years, Team JAP have been making a bit of a name for themselves in classic motocross. We chat to team manager Cecil Pearson. Words and photographs: Tim Britton The classic motocross scene is an interesting one and it encompasses an almost bewildering range of classes to hopefully ensure all sorts of bikes…

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The year of 1965 was not, on the whole, a good one for the British motorcycle industry. Confusion, doom and panic led to some baffling decisions from the chaps in charge. Yet, from this tumult came some worthy models, like this AJS Model 33. Words: RACHAEL CLEGG Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN It’s doubtful that Sir Norman…

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Since its inception in 1947, the Motocross des Nations has been held annually with the 72nd event run at Red Bud in the US in 2018. During its lifetime, the event title has been anglicised and the format manipulated. Here, we look at the inaugural quintet of events. Words: Richard Rosenthal Photographs: Mortons Archive After…

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