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

Plenty of giddy-up • Dressed in his overcoat and full wet-weather get-up, S Lees monowheels his overhead-valve ‘Bullnose’ twin-port Sunbeam.

News & Events

THE WAY WE WERE IN FEBRUARY

Book Review • “Tommy Price & Bill Kitchen” British speedway legends

Hero of the continental circus • The headline used here is also the title of a new book on 1960s and 1970s racer Jack Findlay, here pictured in 1968.

Something to smile about • This happy trio are mounted on Brough V-twins, while one of their number would go on to make his own famous machines, with just such an engine configuration.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

The plus factor • Held on October 5, 2025, the revised version of the Pioneer Run welcomed a class for vintage machines, the category being known as ‘Pioneer Plus.’

Schoolboy dream • After three decades of waiting and doodling, a teenage fascination with café racers comes to fruition.

An appetite for Aermacchi • Though perhaps not as revered as many other Italian marques, one Frenchman has an insatiable interest in the Varese-based concern.

From the vault

Kelsall steam up • We’re rewinding the months, back to June 2025, for a visit to the rolling green Cheshire countryside that hosts the Kelsall Steam and Vintage Rally.

French fancy • This glorious, advanced Magnat-Debon veteran is a wonderful example of the rare lightweight V-twin.

Rear view

Young man’s motorcycle • The owner of this Harley-Davidson is just 25, which is young in the classic motorcycle world, albeit probably older than those early DR riders.

The 100,000 mile promise • Born into Italy’s post-war economic miracle, MV Agusta’s 125 Turismo Rapido ‘Centomila’ offered everyday riders a touch of Grand Prix glamour with durability to match.

99 NOT OUT • As this Royal Enfield nears its century, the fact it remains an unrestored gem — and has never strayed far from its place of registration — only adds to its allure.

Electrical wizardry • A handy helper makes tackling the MZ’s wiring slightly less daunting.

Sketchbook Travels presents: MOTORCYCLE SPECIALS Bōsōzoku Motorcycles

Diary

Striking sparks • There are two main ignition set-ups on our classics – coil and magneto – and both have long had their advocates and doubters.

Cam cam • Playing with cams on a 1920s overhead-valve engine will result in a lot more valve overlap and, hopefully, a boost in performance.

Potent potions • As discussed last month, fuels alone don’t deliver dramatic performance gains, but when an engine is developed to run on a specific specialist fuel, the rewards in power output can be impressive.