New & Features

There were hundreds of classic motorcycles on show in the huge tent at the Germiston High School near Johannesburg. “This year’s event raised more money than ever, with a number of charities as well as Germiston High the benefactors,” said the chairman of the Classic Motorcycle Club (CMC) and main organiser of the 1000 Bike…

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On September 7, 45 riders on machines of varying degrees of age and suitability will start to wend their way south from Scotland’s northernmost tip. Everything from 98cc Villiers powered tiddlers up to 1000cc behemoths have done the run with Bob in the past and this year’s range of machines (and riders) is likely to…

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McQueen’s Harley-Davidson Hopper's Husqvarna 250T Commando is one of only 300 made and includes many special features. The rare motorcycle was acquired by a private collector in 2011 and underwent a year-long restoration. Steve McQueen's 1931 Harley Davidson VL 74  is a twin-flathead which was one of the most popular touring bikes Harley ever produced.…

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On the MZ two-fifty, David Dixon develops the kid-glove technique out of Old Hall corner From 1958 to 1971, David was on the staff of Motor Cycle, and was reckoned to be the first European journalist to ever ride a Honda. He tested many exotic machines, including top ‘works’ machinery, as well as being a…

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Hampshire exhibitor, Shane Burrows and his 1923 600cc Sunbeam Model 7 complete with Sunbeam No.1 sidecar In the contrary way of the British weather, exhibitors and visitors had to endure tropical temperatures this year. The organisers tried a new site layout to try and make everything more accessible, as the show caters for all forms…

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Derek Prior answers questions about the Brough Superior SS100 he has owned for nearly 30 years When it was owned by his friend, Derek said: 'If ever you want to sell …' His chance came in 1984 and, since then, the bike has been ridden far and wide. In very clean condition, the bike seems…

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His mean speed of 408.3mph for the flying kilometre beat John Cobb’s car land speed record of 394.2mph and Bill Johnson’s 224.5mph set on a motorcycle… but as it wasn’t a four-wheeler the car world didn’t want to know and it gave the FIM a headache as its solo and sidecar records are for vehicles…

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It is a car event, but the motorcycle presence increases every year. For those of a liberal outlook, there were plenty of interesting cars as well as automobilia stands and even period dance displays. The speed activity of the re-created event is centred on a sprint around part of the the Mercedes-Benz test track. Among…

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Riding his 998cc Vincent-HRD V-twin Ginger (S) Wood recorded 12.50 seconds to set second best time, gain the Fernihough Cup for the best non-expert time and move status upwards to expert. Just three one-hundredths of a second behind Wood was sprint motorcycle builder Francis Williams with his 498cc Cotton-Blackburne. The Motor Cycle’s scribe finished his…

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Trying to ignore the soaking conditions, Jack Bennett gets his International Norton off the line Like most hill climbs, the course is narrow, sinuous and, with a long downhill start, very fast in places. While more competitive riders use modern v-twins or motocross machines, the club also encourages the use of older bikes that contest…

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