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

Charge of the lightweight brigade • For a few years only, starting in 1948, the Isle of Man Lightweight TT featured a massed start; here, competitors hare off at the beginning of the 1950 event.

News & Events

THE WAY WE WERE IN JANUARY

Book Review • “The Complete Book of BMW Motorcycles”

The policeman’s holiday • Vintage line up in Northern Ireland, depicting the Royal Ulster Constabulary Motor Cycle Club men and machines.

Brotherly collaboration • This rather distinctive sidecar outfit was built by a trio of siblings, using an OEC chassis and Rover car engine, among its components.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Festival of BMW • Having made motorcycles continuously for over 100 years, there’s plenty for BMW to celebrate – which it does with style.

Triple Triumph • This late T150V Trident, fully and expertly rebuilt by keeper Peter Hall, finally sells your tester on three-cylinder power.

Rear view

Sound stroker • Pretty much unheard of in the United Kingdom, that situation is a shame, for the 400cc Maico two-stroke twin Taifun is a quality product.

2025 index

Something a bit special • The most famous 350cc AJS is probably the Big Port, while the best-known overhead camshaft 350cc AJS is the 7R. But the 1928 K7 deserves to be included in both those conversations.

Bravo Bretagne • Though a relative newcomer to the classic calendar in France and perhaps not as ‘spectacular’ as certain other events, this one still has its charms, not least in its organisation.

From the vault

Everyday Excelsior • Blending the practicality and reliability essential for Depression-era transport with a touch of racing flair, Excelsior’s C4 offered more than most lightweights of its time.

Enjoying a skid at Lydd • There’s a dedicated band of enthusiasts who ensure that old speedway machines – and riders – still have the opportunity to race.

Sparks of inspiration • The clutch finally goes back together, the drive side gets buttoned up – and thoughts turn to the dark art of electrics.

BANKED TRACK HEROES The Monsters at Canning Town

Time for a Bathtub • Triumph’s styling trend had a lot of influence, so the model of course has a certain appeal.

Diary

Making acceptable advances • Progress in motorcycle technology has come a long way, perhaps now too far on some machines, which makes the motorcycles we enjoy the happy medium.

The joy of decluttering • With thoughts of a new project being required, it’s perhaps time to assess and evaluate what’s been on the shelf for many years.

Go faster petrol • Fuel alone won’t tune engines, and there is no such thing as ‘go faster fuel.’ But inappropriate choices of petrol can hamper performance efforts and, in extreme cases, damage motors.