Features

Most of us can recall that magical moment when we first saw the motorcycle of our dreams. For me, it was an August day in the early 1960s when I witnessed Mike Hailwood on his howling MV Agusta win the main race at Thruxton on the Italian ‘fire engine.’ But, for a young lad from…

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It’s hard to think of something to say about the BSA Gold Star that hasn’t been said already, such is the impact it’s had – and arguably still has – on motorcycling and its followers. In engineering terms the Goldie is simplicity itself, yet in both 350 and 500cc guises it represents a true high…

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A plus B2 It was machines like the 250cc B2 that helped BSA build their reputation for rugged, reliable motorcycles. But these little singles prove that dependable definitely doesn’t have to mean dull. Words: PHIL TURNER  Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN It was during the 1930s that BSA cemented their reputation for building dependable motorcycles. Of course…

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Start of something… The Moto Guzzi V-twin has enjoyed 50 years in production and this relatively early version proves the formula was right from the off. Words: ANDY WESTLAKE  Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN With the rumbling of the big ‘V’ reverberating across the water and the late autumn sun dappling through the trees, it took little…

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Mixed identity Its cowhorn handlebars and footboards are rather at odds with the lusty overhead valve engine of the Douglas OB. Words: ROY POYNTING Photographs: TERRY JOSLIN If motorcycles can be said to have characters, then the Douglas OB is an out-and-out extrovert. From its unusual engine and gearbox layout, to handlebars like the horns…

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Keith Newton’s CBX1000 Honda – an across-the-frame six – was chosen as the top machine at the October spectacular. Words: GARY CHAPMAN  Photograph: JOHN ROBINSON The October Stafford show, which runs under the title of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, attracts a varied and eclectic range of machinery, and although the accent is Japanese, there’s plenty there…

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Riding four motorcycles – two Velocettes and two Morinis – around Cadwell Park isn’t a bad way to spend a day! Words: JAMES ROBINSON Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN The Morini Riders’ Club track day at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire has been running for 35 years and for whatever reason, has always attracted good support from the…

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Of its time There was a range of James’ known as Pineapples in the pioneer period. This is a lightweight survivor that gives a valuable insight into the period in which it was built. Words: ROY POYNTING Photographs: TERRY JOSLIN It’s an unfortunate fact that financial constraints usually delayed the application of advantageous developments to…

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This full-dress, flawed but fun 350cc light twin was your tester’s first motorcycle – a very long time ago! Words: STEVE WILSON Photographs: JONATHAN FLEETWOOD If I had one distinction during my student life at Oxford, it was in 1963, persuading the uni film society to show the still-banned 1954 movie ‘The Wild One’ –…

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This special build is the result of lots of hard work and determination, the result being a stunning creation. Words: CHELSEA BORCHERT Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN Many people have asked me “Why one of these?” Surely, you only have to look at it to understand. I fell in love with the Rickman Metisse look and story…

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