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

Dragons in the sun • Well-attended tribute to the famous Welsh rally, with warm weather unlike anything which ever blessed the event proper.

News & Events

WAY WE WERE IN DECEMBER

Book Review • “Jack Findlay - Hero of the Continental Circus”

In distant lands • From over 100 years ago, an AJS and sidecar being put to use touring in Japan, pictured in the hot-spring coastal town of Kinosaki.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Top award for Avenger • The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics always throws up some interesting machines, from across the motorcycling spectrum, with this year no exception.

Multis make the money • Underlining the old adage ‘quality always sells,’ there were some strong prices for the top end machinery at Bonhams’ October Stafford sale.

Sweet Sloper • Though the trend for sloping engines was started by BSA, near-neighbour Ariel had a good go at the concept too, as exampled by this splendid machine.

Remembering Ralph • An exhibition in the town it was once located remembers the motorcycle shop run by Ralph Seymour and then his daughter Liz.

Jump to it • It was 50 years ago that daredevil American Evel Knievel entertained a London crowd, a mass which included one man who has made his own tribute to the doomed effort.

Shall we try again? • The International West Kent Run was held at the Friars, Aylesford, Kent, over August 2-3, 2025.

Tales of the Dales • Taking a pair of 1930s singles on a few days riding in North Yorkshire proves a reliably relaxing experience.

On active service • Motorcycles have long played a part in military life, with this and the anniversary of the end of the Second World War marked by the display at 2025’s Motorcycle Live.

Fitting centenary • Realising that it was 100 years since the ISDT visited their area, local VMCC members set out to organise an appropriate tribute – which they duly did.

Suffolk stars • The Stella minibike was short-lived but spirited and, if it had been afforded the chance, could have perhaps provided an answer to Britain’s growing traffic problem.

SIGNING OFF

Chain of events • While waiting for replacement clutch parts, attention turns to the MZ’s drive system – and one or two fresh challenges emerge.

BANKED TRACK HEROES • Presents: The Fast Times of Harry Martin Chapter Six: Thunder at Canning Town

In the beginning • An idea emerged to see if a working classic could be created for not a lot of money.

Diary

In fine fettle • Part of the enjoyment of classic motorcycling is the art of ‘fettling.’ Just so long as you know what it is…

Kings of cool • During a summer outing to a pre-Second World War machinery meeting, the realisation struck that, perhaps, older motorcycles are starting to attract a different crowd.

Braking points • The history of vehicular disc brakes spans over 120 years, with the goals of improving braking and later lessening brake fade. In racing terms, better brakes mean later braking and improved lap times, making them as effective a tuning aid as engine development.