The Classic MotorCycle
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Chaos theory
The year of 1965 was not, on the whole, a good one for the British motorcycle industry. Confusion, doom and panic led to some baffling decisions from the chaps in charge. Yet, from this tumult came some worthy models, like this AJS Model 33. Words: RACHAEL CLEGG Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN It’s doubtful that Sir Norman…
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A fitting celebration
The Rickman Enthusiasts’ Day, held at the Sammy Miller Museum on June 23, brought an eclectic range of machinery and people together. Words and photographs: James Robinson Don and Derek Rickman, motocross royalty and innovative manufacturers of many products, were on hand to witness what was the biggest attendance in nine years at the Sammy…
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The first five years
Since its inception in 1947, the Motocross des Nations has been held annually with the 72nd event run at Red Bud in the US in 2018. During its lifetime, the event title has been anglicised and the format manipulated. Here, we look at the inaugural quintet of events. Words: Richard Rosenthal Photographs: Mortons Archive After…
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Old soldier
If only motorcycles could tell stories then this Indian would surely have plenty to tell, quite possibly from battlefield to silver screen. Words and photographs: James Adam Bolton Approximately one hour and 32 minutes into the epic 1977 war film ‘A Bridge Too Far’ (a staple Saturday afternoon film for Second World War-obsessed kids of…
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The unloved: Part Two
In the second part of our feature on the BSA Group’s misadventure in the lightweight market, we come to the nadir – the Ariel 3 and the NVT Rambler. Words: STEVE WILSON Photographs: Jonathan Fleetwood 1970 K2 Ariel 3 What was it? The moped market was growing in the late 1960s. Because UK legislation allowed…
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Motorcycle of mystery
This V-twin, branded an ‘ECW’, is a real conundrum, without any information about where, when or by whom it was built. Words: Rob Davies Photographs: Rob Davies/Peter March Too many motorcycles, too little time; that’s a saying that could apply to many of us. My small area of interest and perhaps expertise – if I…
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Greeves Scottish: Relationships rekindled
This machine has been restored by a man who rode a similar model on his Scottish Six Days Trial debut, while it has significance to the man who tested it too… Words: ANDY WESTLAKE Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN As the Villiers two-stroke crackled into life, I was transported back to the day in 1972 when, on…
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Place correction
With regards to the Louie McLean article in the August 2019 issue and the statement that her husband George “went on to run a motorcycle dealership in Perthshire”. George McLean’s business was in Dundee and I would have accepted Angus or Forfarshire, but not Perthshire! As you can see from the attached photograph, the motorcycle…
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Back to Banbury
The Vintage Motor Cycle Club’s (VMCC) annual showpiece event once again attracted a strong and enthusiastic entry. Words and photographs: JAMES ROBINSON ‘The largest gathering of veteran and vintage motorcycles in the world’ is the proud proclamation of the Banbury Run, those words writ large across the front cover of the programme for this year’s…
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More on Meier
With reference to Herman Meier, as featured in You Were Asking in the TCM of August 2019, I met Herman several times. The pictured bike was ridden in sprints by John Kimberley, and I suggest the photo was taken at Church Lawford. Norton expert Bill Stuart did much of the machining Herman needed when he…
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