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

Made in Yorkshire • From 103 years ago, the North Yorks seaside town of Scarborough hosts its speed trials, with this motorcycle pictured being made in the same county, albeit 90 miles southwest, in Sheffield.

News & Events

THE WAY WE WERE IN SEPTEMBER

Book Review

Jolly boys’ outing • For the launch of the 1959 model range, Triumph took to the Shropshire hills, with MD Edward Turner leading the ride out.

Self-built scooter • Canadian Wing Commander and passenger aboard the scooter the Royal Canadian Air Force flier had designed and built.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

A swing at the Sixties • A rare two-stroke from a company best known for heavyweight singles, the Model 50 Sports was Panther’s answer to changing times, but it never quite found its place.

The return to Aston • This event actually marked the 100th anniversary of an event which never happened, when a last-minute cancellation was enforced.

A timely reminder • Acknowledging the centenary of a special achievement, by a man on his own-made machine.

Historic racer • There’s a poignant family story to this splendid Rickman-framed Commando racer, pictured with owner Peter Cunliffe. But the machine’s early history was unknown, though when uncovered, it added even more provenance to an already special motorcycle.

The boys are back in town • A host of participants were welcomed back to the Chinon Classic in France, an event which ever grows in popularity.

End game • The innovative, fascinating S3 came at the time when its maker, AJS of Wolverhampton, was in its death throes.

Understated island gem • Housed in Nicosia, capital of Cyprus, this collection is recognised as the country’s classic motorcycle museum.

An Ashford history day • The Norman motorcycle celebrations took place on May 18, 2025, remembering a time when the factory was a large employer in the Kent town in which it was based.

The art of compromise • What should you do if you find yourself with a load of old Indian motorcycle bits? Why, build up a machine, obviously, as best as you can and with what’s to hand.

NORTON BIG 4

On any Sun-day • Held on June 29, 2025, the Hamstreet classic show was blessed with good weather and fine machinery, including an award-winning Sun.

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

Some inspiration • A rejuvenated enthusiasm, triggered by seeing how someone else had done something, and a bit of welding, advances Project Triumph.

Diary

A crisis of confidence • We’re all guilty of thinking that our classics are perhaps less hardy than they really are.

Spring time… • After musing on preventative maintenance, a start is made clearing shelves of stuff that may never be used, during which hard-to-find parts for the Norton that have eluded for decades, come to light.

Getting into gear • There’s little point in developing ever more power from a motorcycle engine if the chosen gear ratio, or ratios, is/are inappropriate, as pointed out by multi world champion Geoff Duke.