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

Wooler men at work • These innovative and distinctive machines only appeared at two TTs – the first and second running of the event after the First World War.

News & Events

THE WAY WE WERE IN JUNE

Book Review

It’s an air race • BSA twin plays its part in a newspaper-backed, military-supported, celebrity-featuring competitive dash between London and New York, and back.

An epic adventure • What vehicle would one choose for an overland trip to Australia? Well, for this returning old solider it had been a tradesman’s bicycle, powered by a 49cc bolt-on engine.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Hallowed surroundings • The Brooklands site remains a special place, with the otherworldly presence of the speed merchants of the pre-Second World War era tangible.

Rocket men • BSA’s hot 650cc pre-unit twins were, in order, the Road Rocket, Super Rocket and Rocket Gold Star. This handsome specimen photographed is the middle of the trio, while what follows is an overview of the model, then on the pages directly after, the start of the rebuild sequence in three parts.

Fly me to the moon • Fond memories of an old A10 led to the acquisition of a superbly-patinated ‘Super Rocket’ to recapture that old flying feeling.However, it soon turned into a flight with some turbulence…

Fitting legacy • This unusual sporting Ariel has been in the same family for over half a century, restored (twice, in fact) by the father, and now maintained by the son.

A hard day’s ride • For over 40 years, the Golden Valley Classic Motorcycle Club’s March Hare long-distance trial has thrived – and continues to do so, as a newcomer finds out.

French Boxer • Born out of the Second World War, the Ratier flat-twin became a fine motorcycle in its own right, which could have been a real success.

Take two • Chris Sawyer’s 500cc TriGreeves shares more than a little DNA – and a fair few hand-made components – with his other, previously-featured 3TA-engined creation.

A life in trade • For about 50 years, Bill Saker-Smith, known by many as ‘Trident Willy’, has been involved in the motorcycle industry.

Keeping track • Held at Broxbourne, Herts, on March 16, 2025, this yearly gathering at the Speedway Museum offers up an insight into the sport.

JAMESCOMET

Rolling with it • It’s a big moment for the MZ this month, as – with a lot of huffing and puffing – it’s back on two wheels.

Sketchbook Travels • MOTORCYCLES, SEEN THROUGH THE SKETCHBOOKS OF MARTIN SQUIRS

A change of tack • A couple of unconnected events mean a slightly different Triumph is the focus of this rebuild slot, this time and a bit more next month.

Diary

Testing our patience • That the yearly MoT vehicle test was disbanded for vehicles over 40 years old, was met with widespread joy. But as questions are asked, is it best to get retaliation in first?

Always the last thing • How does it seem to be that when a motorcycle won’t start, the problem always seems to be the last (and often most expensive) thing to check?

First steps • Tuning aids part one detailed Joel Pennington’s ‘long mingling spark’ as the first design intended as an aftermarket tuning buy, as well as providing ignition for his own vehicles. Initially, however, engine development was itself a tuning aid.