Features

Tucked away, off an unremarkable West Midlands dual carriageway, in an unremarkable West Midlands industrial complex is an unremarkable industrial unit. But it’s here where some of the world’s most extraordinary motorcycles are restored. As they say, you can never judge a book by its cover. This is the workspace of Colin Wall, who’s been…

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  Park a Bantam of any age in any British town and I’d wager you’ll not stand there long before you’re approached by someone who: “…rode to work on one of those…” or for whom “…it was my first bike…” The opening gambit is usually followed by a brief outline of what said person went…

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It’s oft stated that necessity is the mother of invention and when Gerry Cain was creating his ‘ultimate’ Velocette, he felt it was necessary his interpretation of the best Venom available had a five-speed gearbox – and as one wasn’t available, there was only one option. He explains: “It was 10-12 years ago and I’d…

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    Look in just about any motorcycle manufacturer’s catalogue from the 1930s and you’ll find a competition model listed. Designed for the man who liked to ride to work during the week and enter off-road trials on Saturday or Sunday, these bikes usually featured knobbly tyres on 21in wheels, high-clearance mudguards so that they…

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A cautionary tale to begin with: if you happen upon a motorcycle auction, be warned that you may end up taking home more than just a catalogue – as Gordon can confirm… “The Aermacchi? I bought it in Bonhams’ sale at the Stafford Show in April last year. “I was showing a bike on the Italian…

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Brooklands, November 29, 2017: De Dion Bouton Tricycles are lined up on the start-finish straight opposite the clubhouse to celebrate an event that took place 120 years ago to the day, and 10 years before the famous banked concrete oval was built. Twenty riders are here to commemorate the first motor race on British soil.…

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What’s the ideal old motorcycle? Of course, everyone has their opinion – but Triumph’s TR6 makes a strong case for the crown. Words: James Robinson Photographs: Gary Chapman Famous name – check. Good looks – check. All-round capability – check. Reasonably priced – check. The Triumph TR6 has a lot going for it, as exampled…

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This 1954 Gold Star rigid-frame competition offering takes us back to a period when trials was a very different sport. It’s now found a home on the road. Words: Andy Westlake Photographs: Gary Chapman Weighing in at over 300lb and with no rear suspension, it’s difficult to comprehend that in the early 1950s this Gold…

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There are certain models that define an era. From the 1920s the ‘Bullnose’ Sunbeam Model 90 is one. Words: James Robinson Photographs: Gary Chapman/James Robinson The Sunbeam Model 90 has always been, so far as I’m concerned, one of the vintage motorcycles in a select band of the crème de la crème of pre-1931 offerings.…

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Ariel’s 1000cc Square Four was famous for its instant acceleration. Would this rare and meticulously rebuilt 1948 iron-engine 4G justify the reputation? Words: STEVE WILSON Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN “The 1000cc with the astronomical acceleration – the Monarch of the Multis.” That was how Ariel’s own publicity in 1947 described the 4G Square Four. Equipped from…

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