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

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The Classic MotorCycle

The first of the three-wheelers • For 1923, a Sidecar TT was introduced, which, while not universally agreed with by the trade, certainly provided thrills and spills on its first running.

Come and say hello at Kempton

NEWS IN BRIEF

Unique Hurricane a fabulous opportunity

Exciting lots at Cheffins’ sale

NEWS IN BRIEF

NMM summer raffle

Three score at the windmill

Book Review

THE WAY WE WERE IN AUGUST

Back to the future • Pictured in The Mall in 1948, this Triumph Speed Twin and Sunbeam S7 provide an interesting comparison of motorcycles then, now and to come – in perhaps not the way one might expect.

On a high • Stopping for a chat with some cyclists while climbing the heights in the Lakeland Hills with an Ariel Arrow and a Velocette Venom.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

The Snow-Mann – scooped by a scooter • The Snow Man Regularity Trial, at Selmeston, East Sussex, on April 30, resulted in a winner with little wheels.

Happy being blue • This one owner from new, low-mileage R75/5 BMW, an example of the German company’s most important motorcycle, has brought its owner much happiness over the years – plus a little pain too.

Heading back to the summit • The Coupes Moto Legende will celebrate its 30th running next year, and while times change and things move along, in its rejuvenated form it’s once more nearing the top of the classic ‘to do’ list.

Old faithful • In its current ownership for over 50 years, this Mk.II Velocette KSS has proved a solid companion, steadfast and reliable, for decades.

Tangerine dreams • This Laverda museum opened in July 2022, to celebrate the famous, often orange-finished machines. The following celebrates the museum, then gives a history of the marque.

LAVERDA HISTORY: The story so far…

Time well spent • Resurrecting a rare machine can be a tricky, and at times frustrating, endeavour, but the end product is not always the goal, as the story behind this particular Excelsior Talisman Twin eloquently illustrates.

A trio for the track • These three motorcycles all have links with, and draw inspiration from, the famous Brooklands circuit, where they are photographed.

Fun in France • This good-fun event can make for a great weekend break, with a good deal of riding in lovely scenery.

The name games • Every motorcycle maker wanted its models to stand out from the crowd. Recognisable logos, brands and model designations were a favourite approach, though the achievement of this ranged from the professional to haphazard.

Adler 250

Best foot forward… • …or backwards actually, as foot positioning is causing some headaches.

Stanley Woods 1922 Cotten Sporting

F for frustration… • What seemed like a few simple finishing-off jobs has now basically resulted in a load of annoyance and two Velocettes that still don’t go. Otherwise known as ‘the joy of old motorcycles…’

Diary

Horses for courses • The joy of the 350cc motorcycle – although perhaps forced on some by economics, actually, then as now, a machine of that size is all that’s required the majority of the time.

First time around • Is a classic a viable proposition as a learner machine? Probably, but as with so many things, it all depends on what you’re prepared to put in, and what you want out of it.