From The Archive
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The pastime and industry in France
From 1912, a report on motorcycling over the Channel, featured in The Motor Cycle. Correspondent Dagobert (presumedly taken from the Frankish king, who lived c603-639) reported on motorcycling in France, highlighting the many differences that exist ‘in the pastime and the industry’ between the country and Britain. Mortons Archive “It is at first sight surprising…
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Stock Tiger test
In the early part of 1937, ‘a demonstration of the high speed reliability of Triumph Tigers’ was undertaken. Our rather remarkable picture was one of a series used to illustrate an article covering a strenuous, ACU-observed trial, undertaken with three Triumph Tiger single cylinder models – a 250cc Tiger 70, 350cc Tiger 80 and 500cc…
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Paul Smart (1943-2021)
After years of racing and riding, on October 27, 2021, Paul Smart was killed, riding his motorcycle, in a road traffic accident, which is the subject of investigation by the police and coroner. Image from Mortons Archive Paul will forever be remembered primarily in motorcycling circles for his association with Ducati. In the accompanying picture,…
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A look at the 1961 TT
In 1961 Mike ‘the Bike’ Hailwood became the first competitor in the history of the Isle of Man TT to win three races in a week. Hailwood’s wins in the 125cc Lightweight and 250cc Lightweight (both on Hondas) and the Senior (riding a Norton) were the talk of the TT, though there were plenty of…
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The need to diversify
Though his primary interest was producing high-quality performance machines, Philip Vincent was keen to look at other opportunities too. Words: ROY POYNTING Photography: TERRY JOSLIN It’s tempting to think Philip Vincent was an impractical dreamer who bankrupted his company making prestige motorcycles that few could afford, but that would be grossly unfair. For one thing…
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Replicas, specials, fakes and forgeries
The seamy world of fakes, replicas and specials is one which can be navigated when armed with an understanding of what constitutes those terms, as well as a bit of nous to ensure you’re not being taken for a ride. Words: MICHAEL BARRACLOUGH Photography: MORTONS ARCHIVE While it may be an ugly topic and not…
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Cowboys & Indians
When it first arrived in 1934, the Indian Sport Scout divided opinion. There were those who were so enamoured by the earlier 101 Scout model that nothing could compare, and there were those that readily embraced this sportier newcomer. In the years following its introduction the Sport Scout grew and matured, and became increasingly popular.…
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Spiritual homage
With lots of late 1960s and 1970s BMWs ending up as café racers this more authentic take, paying tribute to the beautiful Rennsport, makes a refreshing change. Words and photography: IAN KERR In 2014, Michael Dunlop, son of Robert and nephew of TT legend Joey, gave BMW its first solo class TT win since Georg…
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Coventry Eagle: Flying machine
There are few motorcycles which are in an elevated class, separated from the vast majority of their peers. This, though, is one of them. Words: JAMES ROBINSONPhotography: GARY CHAPMAN During the 1920s, the bosses of several firms cast their lines into the waters of the 1000cc ohv V-twin pond, but most quickly found that the…
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Bracebridge Street bonanza
There was a definite Birmingham accent in the motorcycling halls at this year’s Race Retro event at Stoneleigh. Words and photography: ALAN TURNER This year, Norton was the main theme for the motorcycling element of this huge three-day show, occupying four halls of the National Agricultural Centre, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire. The stand from the National Motorcycle…
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