Features

Among the ISDT machines auctioned at Stafford in April were these two majestic Triumph twins, each bearing the hallmarks of a lifetime in trials. But there’s more to these machines than medals – NEA 1F and HUE 256D are microcosms of motorcycle history. Words: RACHAEL CLEGG Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN/MORTONS ARCHIVE It was the beginning of…

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During the 1950s and 60s, the Arter Brothers’ business supported British racing, with success continuing into the 1970s. Words: ALAN TURNERPhotographs: MORTONS ARCHIVE From his earliest involvement in sponsorship, Tom could be sympathetic to any overseas riders, hopefuls from around the globe who had sold up everything to finance a trip to Britain to try…

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A series of discreet modifications ensure a 1930s cammy Velo is comfortable in the modern world. Words: TIM BRITTON Photographs: Gary Chapman Does anyone remember the early classic press, as far back as 1977, when a ridiculous idea was launched for a magazine about old motorcycles. ‘ Everyone’ laughed at the absurdity of the idea……

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The four-stroke Gilera B300 twin is a good but often overlooked machine that was made in significant numbers. Words: James Adam Bolton Photographs: Sara Zinelli Chatting to an Italian friend the other week, he was telling me he fancied buying another old bike, but perhaps a machine a bit different to the older singles he…

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There are myriad different Gold Stars, each with acclaim as being the ‘best’ – but the late 350cc version, the Clubman DB32, makes a strong claim. Words: ANDY WESTLAKE Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN In a variety of guises which included scrambles, one and six-day trials, touring, racing and clubman’s trim, there is little doubt that the…

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In the June issue of The Classic Motorcycle, we catch up with Chelsea Borchert, who built her own Wasp framed Rickman Metisse-style motorcycle late last year.

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Late last year, we featured an article on a lady who’d built her own motorcycle. Time for a catch up… Regular readers may remember my story from November 2018’s issue of The Classic MotorCycle about my Wasp-framed Rickman Metisse-style motorcycle build. This account was, of course, only the beginning. One year on, I can report…

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Three big V-twins, featuring plated petrol tanks and even at a glance a fine specification, with speedometers and lighting sets apparent. Brough Superiors, right? Wrong… At a glance – and to be fair, even a reasonably sustained look – for all intents and purposes, this is a trio of Brough Superiors, posed together at the…

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In 1961, MZ’s Walter Kaaden unleashed the world’s first internal combustion engine able to deliver 200-plus bhp per litre, when his 125cc GP racer’s power output measured as 25bhp at 10,800rpm. The world was left playing catch up. Words: Richard Rosenthal Photographs: Rosenthal family archive Two months ago in part one (March 2019 issue) I…

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The specialist An anonymous owner, we will refer to him as ‘Val’, has hands-on experience of GTPs and offered advice on running and restoration. Spares, if required, are wherever you can find them. Marque specialist Grove Classics has some GTP parts, but warns demand is low and will not warrant the investment for manufacturing further…

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