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.

Editor’s welcome

Yewsix of the Moors • One of the star performers of early 1920s trials riding – a gold medal ISDT winner among many other successes – Billy Moore was later part of the organising team.

Bonhams back at Bicester

News & Events

THE WAY WE WERE IN NOVEMBER

Book Review • ‘No Room for Watermelons’ A man, his 1910 motorcycle and an epic journey across the world.

Recommended reads • Although some of us may be able to start getting out and about for a few rides, there’s no likelihood of big congregations or events anytime soon. To keep you entertained, here’s a bit more suggested reading.

Readers ’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

The first modern motorcycles? • With an overhead camshaft engine and fully circulating oil system, plus sparkling performance, the first generation ‘cammy’ Velocettes certainly make a case.

Marks explained

Top level twosome • The second and final part of our story on the racing careers of the New Milton-based Rickman brothers covers the glorious days of the 1960s.

A long call from Sussex • An AJS with a hidden history led to a long weekend away for its current owner.

Store cupboard special • Month four – and more frustration. Problems come to light as reassembly gets underway, but all will be resolved…

Show star • The early ‘new’ Triumphs are now eligible for lots of VMCC events, offering a realistic, usable, comfortable club run motorcycle. This one has a special history, too.

1995 Triumph Thunderbird Model T300

Lakeside lovelies • Tucked away in Mandello Del Lario, near the Moto Guzzi factory and by the shores of Lake Como, is a cache of fabulous Italian lightweights.

Little treasure • This Bantam D10 Sports has never been restored and stands with 6000 miles on the clock, which we’re sure is genuine.

Museum management • It’s been an incredibly tough time for museums – though one establishment has been celebrating its collection of rare foxes.

LAKELAND MOTORCYCLES

VISIT THE MUSEUMS

Trip to the TT • Riding factory Nortons, Ray Amm won the 1953 Senior and Junior IoM TT races, Fergus Anderson (Moto-Guzzi) took the Lightweight 250cc and Les Graham (MV Agusta) was the 125cc victor. A chance buy of an enthusiast’s small archive allows us to glance behind the scenes.

Robbing Peter… • Sometimes needs must and cannibalising one bike to forward another is a temporary, necessary evil.

Duff gen on the net • So JAWA was a JAP subsidiary? Which based its two-strokes on Villiers? That and other gems available on the World Wide Web…

A fitting memorial • Sure, Brooklands race track is no longer what it once was, but what is there, perhaps provides enough of a tribute.

You were asking • Your queries resolved with Richard Rosenthal

CHATER-LEA 545cc  SPORTS/SIDE-VALVE 1924-36

New business • In common with many UK motorcycle industry players, JAP was feeling the financial pinch during later 1920s. Then, in 1928, the motorcycle sport of ‘speedway’ arrived in Britain, and led to a new branch of JAP development.

All lit up • The machines readied for the 1966 Welsh Three-Day Trial twinkle under floodlight illumination.

Clipping along • Hard-working Royal Enfield

Classic Motorcycle