News

Held at Canada Heights in Swanley, Kent, in December, the Jack Thompson Trial is a celebration of diversity. Words and photographs: ALAN TURNER The Talmag Trial has achieved an enviable reputation for evoking the time when big four-stroke singles ruled the roost in postwar mud-plugs. The Jack Thompson Trial has a more liberal approach. There…

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If the CBG Winter Classic was anything to go by, then this year is going to be a good, busy one. Words: JAMES ROBINSON Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN With trade stand numbers up, exhibitor spaces full, and visitor numbers higher – much higher – than ever before, the move to a weekend later than traditional (so…

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The Southern Off-Road and Racing Show at Kempton Park was held on December 7, once more showing that classic sport is alive, well and thriving. Words and photographs: ALAN TURNER Kempton Park Race Course (horses, not bikes) was established more than 140 years ago, but for the last 30 of those, it has also been…

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Les Archer, European 500cc Motocross Champion in 1956, died at his home in Spain just before Christmas. He was 90. Born on February 27, 1929, Archer was born into a family of racers – his dad was a New Imperial (among others) works rider and record-breaker of high repute, while grandfather Jim was proprietor of…

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There’s some interesting machinery already confirmed for Bonhams’ April Stafford sale, in particular, a couple of rare vintage V-twins. One, a 1927 Matchless M3/S, of 990cc, right; the other a 1928 Montgomery, powered by a 680cc V-twin JAP engine, above. Vintage Matchless machines seem to have only survived in penny numbers, with this type of…

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Team Obsolete is seeking a skilled race mechanic/engine builder for their Brooklyn, New York, shop. This is a unique opportunity to work on the world’s most exotic ‘Holy Grail’ historic race bikes, such as Hailwood’s Honda 250cc ‘six,’ Agostini’s MV Agusta multis, AJS Porcupine and Triple Knocker, Dick Mann’s G50s, Gold Stars and BSA triples,…

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The Classic Dirt Bike show, sponsored by Hagon Shocks, takes place at Telford over the weekend of February 15/16, and has American trials star and 1979 world trails champion Bernie Schreiber and also 1970 British 500cc motocross champ Bryan ‘Badger’ Goss as joint guests of honour. Details from www.classicbikeshows.com or 01507 529529. Read more News…

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The Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, to be held over April 25/26, at Stafford showground, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. 2020 also marks the 75th anniversary of VE Day, so something of a 1940s theme will be instigated, with several historic machines from the period – including the Norton bought brand-new by then…

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The Tour Poitou-Charentes Motos Anciennes sees a fine collection of old machines take to the rural roads of western France. Words and photographs: MIKE DAVIS For those who want more than a day in the company of like-minded riders, similar motorcycles and the perfect way to experience south-west France, the biennial Tour Poitou-Charentes for vintage…

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