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

Spanish mystery • This innovative six-cylinder motorcycle was apparently the property of an enthusiast for multis – but what was it? And what,even, was it called?

News & Events

Getting back under way • As road racing returned to the calendar, a group of sidecar outfits roars off the start line at Cadwell Park in 1947.

Victor on film • Although now largely forgotten, the 1966 film from which this still was taken had a strong cast – and an even bigger name responsible for its music.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Winner, winner • Poor man’s BMW? Not a bit of it. If this one’s anything to go by, the post-Second World War Douglas twins are more exclusive and affordable, making them a boxer knockout.

Enduring love • Seemingly as busy as ever, the VMCC’s Founders’ Day, organised by the Taverners’ section, remains a ‘must-go-to’ for fans of old motorcycles.

Best of breed • There’s an argument to be made that the 1928 version of Norton’s 16H is the finest of all so-named models – despite being listed for another 25-plus years.

From the vault

Breganze brawn • The Laverda twin came from a company established to make agricultural and farm equipment, and though it was sophisticated, it retained that air of toughness and durability.

Old hands and young guns • Hamstreet in Kent hosted its annual gathering of classic machinery on June 28, 2026, with the top prizes going to an experienced entrant and a relative newcomer.

Minibyke madness • Lawrie Bond was an ideas man who came up with many concepts to get a nation recovering from war moving again. The machine before us is one of his many efforts.

A day for all reasons • Taking place at Brooklands Museum in Weybridge, Surrey, on July 5, 2026, Motorcycle Day attracted a healthy number of both participants and spectators.

Rear view

Good show all round • The Yorkshire Bike Show enjoyed another successful running, in its 23rd year, with a raft of sparkling class winners and plenty raised for charity.

Staying together • From the start of motorcycling until welding took over several decades later, petrol and oil tanks relied on soldered joints.

MOV-ing the project on • With parts books bought and some of the obviously necessary items (like an exhaust system) purchased, it’s onwards and upwards.

Sketchbook Travels Presents: MOTORCYCLE SPECIALS • Build After Hours: Ron Phillips and the British tradition of the home-built Grand Prix racer

Diary

Epic rides • There’s been a long history of motorcyclists undertaking long and arduous rides, with the 1920s arguably the golden era for such derring-do.

Hot or cold, sir? • Oils are a vital motorcycle component, both as a lubricant and in engine heat control. Their role in cooling engines is known, but they have been used to warm motors too.