Features

As hoards of TT fans make the mass exodus off the Isle of Man after this year’s races, a 250cc Rex-Acme affords the opportunity to step back to the 1923 Lightweight TT. Words and photographs: RachaEl Clegg Archive photographs: Mortons SOME things need to be seen in their proper context, so with the mighty Lightweight…

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The BSA Fleet Star was one of a number of smaller capacity modified ‘civilian’ machines that were used by the police. Words: ROY POYNTING Photographs: TERRY JOSLIN Mention of police motorcycles tends to conjure up images of Triumph, BMW and Velocette twins, but a surprising number of other manufacturers managed to get a toehold into…

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Dismissed by some, derided by many, Norton’s 400cc push-button start and indicator-equipped Electra was nonetheless a valiant effort by the British motorcycle industry at competing with the Japanese. Words: Phil Turner Photographs: Gary Chapman Berliner Motor Corporation was the US distributor for all but a handful of European motorcycle marques from the 1950s right through…

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From the veteran days through to the 1920s, the Zenith marque possessed a deserved reputation for excellence – it’s not hard to see why. Words: ANDY WESTLAKE Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN A ‘revolutionary in motorcycles’ was the way the period press described the new hub-steered ‘Bi-Car’ when it was launched at the Crystal Palace show in…

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This collection of British ultra-lightweight losers should have been depressing – but putting them through their paces proved a right hoot! First off, the BSA Dandy and Beagle… Words: STEVE WILSONPhotographs: JONATHAN FLEETWOOD Ken Powell is a welder from the Isle of Wight and the Other Island seems a suitably eccentric time-warp for his extensive…

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Egli-Vincents were an Anglo-Swiss creation which have sustained enduring popularity. In the land where they were produced, a single and a twin are compared. Words and photographs: Colin Taylor Visit the Canton of Jura in Switzerland, not far from Basel, and you’ll encounter most of the things for which the country is famous. Perfectly kept…

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The 1956 Thruxton nine-hour endurance race was eventually wonby a 350cc Gold Star, which covered 651 miles. Photographs: MORTONS ARCHIVE There were 60 motorcycles due on the line for the 1956 Thruxton 500 mile road race, to be held over the kidney-shaped 2.7574 mile course. Organised by the Southampton and District Motor Cycle Club, practice…

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The specialist Tony Donnithorne is the Vintage MCC marque specialist for Zenith. Recognised as a leading authority on the manufacturer, Tony even has some of the official factory records. We are grateful for a generous measure of his time in helping out with this guide. Vintage Motor Cycle Club: www.vmcc.netTel: 01283 540557 Model history Spurred…

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Your queries resolved with Richard Rosenthal Royal Ruby postcard Knowing I have a lightweight Royal Ruby, friend and fellow vintage motorcycle enthusiast John White, from the south coast, recently gave me this period promotional postcard. Dating from 1914, the image depicts the maker’s then recently introduced 2½hp direct drive two-stroke model. The subject machine is…

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Your queries resolved with Richard Rosenthal Girls’ day out at Brighton Here’s another photograph for you to identify, please. Stuart Nicholson, email. A super image, Stuart, of a circa 1915-21 499cc P&M, built by Phelon and Moore Ltd of Cleckheaton, Yorkshire. At intervals, the advertising copy writers for modern motorcycle makers can’t resist drawing attention…

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