The Classic MotorCycle
-
Lightweight triumph… For Triumph
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…
-
High calibre trials
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…
-
Three wheels on my wagon…
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…
-
The ugly duckling
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…
-
The show does go on
Despite the weather causing a postponement, the Bristol Classic Motorcycle show took place after all, three weeks later than planned. Photographs: Dave Manning Originally scheduled for the weekend of February 2/3, heavy snow meant that organisers were left with no option but to call off The 39th Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show (actually held…
-
Young guns rising
First time winners and debutants make their mark at the annual – and this year well supported – Talmag Trophy Trial. Words and photographs: Andy Withers The Talmag is addictive for classic riders and enthusiasts alike. Traditionally held on the last Sunday in January, it’s etched on calendars as a must-see winter event, with many…
-
Bespoke insurance from the classic specialists
When you buy a classic motorcycle – whether it’s a Tangerine Dream ‘59 Bonneville or a seen-better-days, faded red finished ex-GPO Bantam choosing the right insurer is vital. The last thing you need when you’re anxiously stripping down your new pride and joy to see what horrendous bodges have been perpetrated against it by previous…
-
Inspired by the Saints
I do not usually get to see The Classic MotorCycle, but a member of my congregation has donated me a copy of your April edition. The reason being that although I am now a Methodist church minister, I was a Metropolitan traffic patrol officer from around 1963 to 1985, when I retired. As such, I…
-
The sublime Dordogne
An A65, BSA’s unit construction 650cc twin, proves an ideal choice for touring in the beautiful south-west of France. Well, it does after a few modifications… I’ve made many trips to France but had never been to the Dordogne before. The region lies in south-west France between the wild uplands of the Massif Central in…
-
A Kentish legacy
The first instalment of a two-part story detailing the life and times of Tom Arter – racer, enthusiast, sponsor and supporter. Words: ALAN TURNERPhotographs: ALAN TURNER/MORTONS ARCHIVE There are many motorcyclists with workshop skills. Some of them seem able to solve any problem that an errant combustion engine might possibly throw at them. But the…
Free Digital Issue
Search
Tags
AJS Bonhams Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show British motorcycle history British motorcycles Brough Superior Carole Nash classic bike autojumble Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic Classic Bike Hub Classic Bike Shows classic motorcycle events UK classic motorcycle history Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show classic motorcycles Editor’s Intro International Classic MotorCycle Show Island Racer Isle of Man TT JAP engine Kempton Autojumble Letters Mortons Archive Mortons Books motorcycle autojumble motorcycle history motorcycle restoration News Normous Newark Autojumble Norton Norton motorcycles Old Bike Mart pre-order Sponsored Content Stafford Classic Bike Show Stafford Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show Stratford Autojumble TCM The Classic MotorCycle The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show Triumph Velocette veteran motorcycles Vintage motorcycles
