The Classic MotorCycle

Local hero James Cadet

by

Sam Hewitt

–

16th July 2018

This little James has never left the area in which it was bought when new, serving several owners, just a few miles apart, well. In 1958 the hula-hoop was invented, rock star Elvis Presley topped the charts with ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ Wolves won English football’s first division and in the UK the price of an average…
Continue reading »
Optical illusion Triumph T120/140 Bonneville

by

Sam Hewitt

–

14th July 2018

With this cleverly modified Meriden-made Bonneville twin, what you see is not what you are really seeing… The illusionists’ art has been in the news recently, when well-known magician David Copperfield was taken to court after one of the punters at his show chosen from the audience to participate in a disappearing/reappearing trick, fell and…
Continue reading »
Long-term lightweight 1959 Bianchi Gardena 75

by

Sam Hewitt

–

12th July 2018

On my way to examine Adrian Coole’s unmolested-looking Bianchi Gardena 75, I once again ask myself a question that always stumps me when I go and report on a sub-125cc motorcycle from the past. What is it that’s changed so much over the decades that small capacity, lightweight motorcycles have so dropped out of favour…
Continue reading »
An unapproachable Norton Model 21

by

Sam Hewitt

–

10th July 2018

Not all Nortons are deserving of the famous phrase, but this one is. To say Norton’s designation of its various models was rather obscure is a bit like suggesting Geoff Duke was quite a good racer – true, but a gross understatement. As well as the occasional use of letters, Norton coined names for the…
Continue reading »
Top dog – BSA Gold Star

by

Sam Hewitt

–

8th July 2018

This track-day Gold Star has been built up with many goodies from specialist Phil Pearson, including a 604cc conversion. But don’t worry, owner Barry Winter’s got a stock Goldie as well! Barry Winter is a lucky man, but it’s the kind of luck that comes out of sustained effort. With a successful career as a skilled…
Continue reading »
August 2018

by

Sam Hewitt

–

6th July 2018

Archive photograph News Banbury Run Letters Subscribe and save BSA Gold Star Norton Model 21 Bianchi Gardena Lansdowne round-up Triumph T140 (T120 Lookalike) James Cadet Rex-Acme and the TT Closer look Brian Crichton interview Men who mattered – Luigi Taveri Triumph 3TA/5TA rebuild Roy Poynting column Jerry Thurston column Sketchbook Travels You were asking Restoration…
Continue reading »
Editor’s Welcome

by

Sam Hewitt

–

6th July 2018

This year, I decided against riding at Banbury, instead going along purely in an observatory capacity without the added complication of trying to ride as well as undertake my other duties on the day, which basically entail note-taking, pictures and talking. Lots of talking. I arrived there at 9am, left at 4pm and save for…
Continue reading »
Norman invasion day

by

Sam Hewitt

–

6th July 2018

Closing in 1961, ending 40 years of production in Ashford, Norman Cycles Ltd was Kent’s only major manufacturer. A number of Norman motorcycles can still be seen at Dover Transport Museum, while at Willesborough Windmill in Ashford, the barn (now serving as a cafe) also has a collection of Norman bicycles. The restored windmill at…
Continue reading »
Fifth Museum Live open day

by

Sam Hewitt

–

6th July 2018

Following the continued growth of Museum Live over the past four years, Saturday, October 27, will this year see the National Motorcycle Museum host its fifth annual open day, when everyone will be invited to visit the museum collection free of charge. There will also be a host of other free attractions including the ever-expanding…
Continue reading »
Brighton speed trials

by

Sam Hewitt

–

6th July 2018

The VMCC Sprint Section will once again be organising the motorcycle side of things at the annual Brighton Speed Trials, by kind invitation of The Brighton and Hove Motor Club. The Brighton Speed Trials is considered to be the longest running motor sport event in the world as it first ran in 1905. Jump forward…
Continue reading »

The Classic MotorCycle

Latest Issue

Free Digital Issue

Search

Tags