The Classic MotorCycle

Started in 1903, The Classic MotorCycle has more to offer the true vintage motorcycle enthusiast than any other publication, backed by Europe's largest motorcycle image archive.

Welcome

The Classic MotorCycle

Sunday at Spa High-speed • There was high-performance action in Belgium, as the world’s best racers battled it out during the first world championship Grand Prix season.

News & Events

Shattering the peace • The Chatsworth estate was generally a genteel location, certainly not one accustomed to hosting hundreds of vehicles and thousands of members of the public.

Salt in the wounds • A battle-scarred Triumphpowered record-breaker rests on the platform of a stylish Ford Ranchero in Utah, 1960.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Here comes the sun • With the annual The Classic MotorCycle-backed Stafford spring show bathed in weekend-long sunshine, it made for a positive experience.

Record breakers • Two ex-works 500cc GP racers, from different eras, set new benchmarks in the world of classic pricing.

Missed chance? • If the Norton Dominator had been launched as early as it was ready, it might’ve been a different story as to which motorcycles defined the 1950s.

Aged anachronism • Though it’s 100 years old, this Douglas was already an outdated design and concept even when it was brand new.

Rocket men • As crowds fell, speedway turned to ‘gimmicks’ to make it more spectacular – witness the ‘Rocket Bike’, this being a faithful replica of the one a brave soul rode…

Rear view

Sent TO THE colonies • Though not made in great numbers and produced right at the end of the Velocette company’s life, the Australiaonly Sportsman retains an enthusiastic following.

Blue remembered haze • This year’s early season Ardingly show chose as its subject an endangered but beloved species.

From the vault

It runs! • After months of rebuilding, rewiring and head-scratching, the little MZ finally bursts into life.

Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show 2026 • MOTORCYCLES. SEEN THROUGH THE SKETCHBOOKS OF MARTIN SQUTRES

Diary

Barn finds • Granted, not many motorcycles could now be described as genuine ‘barn finds’ in the literal sense, but the words can still be used to describe appropriate discoveries.

Big bang theory • The limits of raising compression ratios aren’t a compromise, but an optimum. While side-valve design limits maximum to circa 8:1, ohv and ohc engines usefully employ higher.