The Classic MotorCycle

  • You were asking: Your queries resolved with Richard Rosenthal

    You were asking: Your queries resolved with Richard Rosenthal

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    Hub centre steering production models For the past three months, two hub centre steering questions have been lurking on the YWA computer desktop, waiting for inspiration, or maybe intervention. Both readers have had their queries answered directly as both wanted to remain anonymous – they were both considering buying a vintage Neracar and were after…

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  • Rolling… almost

    Rolling… almost

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    It seemed such a simple thing – throw a few Triumph parts together and go ride it somewhere… Words: Tim Britton Photographs: Tim Britton and Fiona Watson Despite the occasional setback, progress is being made on the Triumph, the project being a ‘real world’ type of rebuild and not one done with a vast pile…

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  • Record (but not tank) straightening

    Record (but not tank) straightening

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    Just to set the record straight in Tim Britton’s 1927 Ariel story in the April issue. ‘KO 1097’ was never mine; she belonged to my mate Miles, but I was always very jealous! We were both 21 years old in 1985 when he got the Ariel and although used to 650cc Triumphs, found the Ariel…

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  • My old Matchless

    My old Matchless

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    With regards to EJJ 64 (March issue, p6) I bought it from a Michael Collins (killed in the Junior TT, 1970) for £3 in the mid-1960s. The story was it was owned by the factory until 1945 when an employee living in Dartford bought it and used it to commute to the Woolwich factory. For…

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  • BRAND NEW BOOKAZINE TELLS THE STORY OF JOHN ‘MOON EYES’ COOPER

    BRAND NEW BOOKAZINE TELLS THE STORY OF JOHN ‘MOON EYES’ COOPER

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    Moon Eyes tells the remarkable story of this down-to-earth racing legend in his own words.

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  • A brief chat with… Colin Washbourne

    A brief chat with… Colin Washbourne

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    The life and times of a BSA apprentice who became an engine builder… and also did some sidecar passengering. Words: Tim Britton Photographs: Colin Washbourne/Mortons Archive How many young lads went in through BSA’s doors to begin an apprenticeship with the engineering giant? There must have been a goodly number and it seems like a…

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  • Lightweight triumph… For Triumph

    Lightweight triumph… For Triumph

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    Motor Cycling’s headline for the 1959 SSDT read ‘Golden Jubilee Scottish’. Anniversaries apart, it was a significant year, with a lightweight recording afirst win for an under 340cc machine and the entry of three scooters. Words: Richard Rosenthal Photographs: Mortons Archive SSDT landmarks From the first Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT) – well, actually, five…

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  • High calibre trials

    High calibre trials

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    A museum-worthy collection of ex-trials machines is to be auctioned by Bonhams at the April Stafford sale. Here’s the story behind this knobbly-tyred assembly and the remarkable man who put it all together. Words: Rachael Clegg Photographs: Gary Chapman Gail Bristow didn’t have a clue who Bud Ekins was when she first met him more…

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  • Three wheels on my wagon…

    Three wheels on my wagon…

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    The tricycle was the first lightweight motorised vehicle developed for daily use.A new book covers its fascinating first seven years. Words and photographs: Michael Edwards When Georges Bouton introduced his half horsepower motorised tricycle to the crowds gathered at the Horseless Carriage Exhibition in Tunbridge Wells in October 1895, a great many of the forward…

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  • The ugly duckling

    The ugly duckling

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    Velocette’s LE was never going to win any beauty contests. But once sorted, this unique, high specification lightweight had much to offer. Words: STEVE WILSON Photographs: GARY CHAPMAN Following his ‘Most Original’ award at Stafford for his RE Model G (see TCM, December 2017), Alex Taylor suggested that I have a go on his regular…

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