Classic Bike

Classic Bike helps and inspires enthusiasts to get more from their passion for classic motorcycles. The magazine shares their fascination with motorcycling’s heroic past while also helping them buy, fix and improve the bikes in their shed. Our main areas of content are: - Inspirational and entertaining reads that celebrate the glory of motorcycling, from riding stories that put the reader in the seat of history’s greatest bikes to incredible racing tales - Restoration stories and instructional features that inspire and help people get their tools out and sort out their old bike - In-depth technical features from the most expert and authoritative writers in motorcycling If you share our passion about classic motorcycles from the last century, you'll enjoy reading Classic Bike.

THE MAGIC OF METISSE

Classic Bike

‘On the road AND in the shed’ • That’s the mantra of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022. Here’s the background to a club that encourages riding as much as restoration

Cooler than ever • Postponed Giro presented extra challenges to an already gruelling road trip

Fastback comeback • Stateside rebuild and upgrades restore Commando to active duties

Looking back at my two-wheeled journey

Bred by Butterworth • A reader’s letter leads us to reveal how an Archie Butterworth engine ended up in a drag bike

Warming up for 2022 • Shows, trials and jumbles keep the home fires burning as we blaze into the new year

Metisse THREE-PIECE • What kind of bike does a man who’s built 130 classics create for himself? In ex-racer and seasoned restorer Steve Tonkin’s case it’s these three immaculately turned-out Rickman Metisse specials – and they suit him down to the ground

Norton Metisse • Isolastic Commando 850 with a ‘Tony Jefferies’ vibe

BSA Metisse • Bored-out Goldie replica was a tight squeeze

Steve Tonkin Classics • He might not have plans for more specials just yet, but the man behind these Metisses will still take on a resto...

ALL OF A PIECE • Built from Rickman’s best bits and a Commando engine, this bike propelled Tony Jefferies to racing fame. Now Steve Tonkin has helped to restore it after 42 years in storage

Huggy’s BEARS ALL • Huggy’s Speedshop at Mallory Park is more like a mechanical wonderland than a bike dealership. We enter this temple of temptations with our wallets quivering...

Rocking up at Huggy’s... • Since starting their weekly ride-ins (every Wednesday and the first Saturday of the month) a few months ago, a growing number of classic riders are embracing the Huggy’s experience. We met a few when we visited on a glorious, sunny Wednesday...

ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES • Discovering Triumph’s first evolutionary step into motorcycle creation was a dream come true for avid collector Dick Shepherd. Here’s how it all came about...

TIMELINE

THE BICYCLE

THE ENGINE

Austin Clews • The former CCM boss, British motocross champion and innovative motorcycle engineer is steeped in motorcycling. We drag him out of his workshop for lunch...

SUPER TROUPER • In terms of famous Swedish exports, Husqvarna trails way behind ABBA and Volvo. The 500cc V-twin GP bikes they built 90 years ago are even more obscure, even though they were race winners in their heyday

BREATH OF FRESH AIR • Richard Stubbs was inspired to take his airhead BMW R100RS on a long UK road trip after a traumatic event in his life. It proved the perfect way to put things into perspective and focus on what really matters

Classic Workshop • Spannering supremo Rick Parkington welcomes you to our

Rick’s Fixes • Solving the problems of the classic world

Things are really rolling along • That was quick...