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

Geneva convention • Motorcycle makers came from around the world to the Swiss show, where it was the turn of small-capacity machines, including a new AMC launch, to take centre stage.

News & Events

Injured soldiers’ Sunday outing • Taken 110 years ago, this photograph, posed in the centre of Shrewsbury, shows local motorists taking injured soldiers for rides into the countryside.

Trials at the top • Well known within the ACU and the British – and indeed international – trials scene, Harold Taylor is seen in immediate postwar action during arguably the halcyon days of off-road sport.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Lots to see here • The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics show brought together a diverse bunch of motorcycles and people in another successful running.

Change of use • All cammy Nortons were racers and speedy sportsters, right? Wrong, as this gleaming ex-works trials machine demonstrates.

A tale of two V-twins • The standout prices in Bonhams’ October Stafford sale were both achieved by V-twin motorcycles, although very different examples of the breed.

The archaeology of a motorcycle • This 1961 Velocette Venom Clubman may not be as it left the company’s Hall Green factory, but its modifications have stories to tell of their own.

Multiple benefits • This early AJS is the third-oldest example of the marque known to exist, making it an appealing rarity, while its specification also makes it potentially surprisingly usable.

Rear view

Come rain or shine • With conditions best described as ‘inclement’ for the most part, the 2026 edition of this established event at least finished in sunshine.

From the vault

Lilac blossom special • The Marusho-made Lilac range of motorcycles was sophisticated, smart and oozed quality, though it was never quite the success its specification perhaps deserved.

From the vault

Finishing off • Recounting the last touches made to the project Velocette MOV, as it returns to the road for the first time in considerably more than half a century.

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

Diary • YOUR EVENT SHOULD BE HERE The Classic MotorCycle is anxious to learn all about your motorcycle-related events. Contact us at The Classic MotorCycle, Mortons Media Ltd, Diary Listings, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6LZ or email obmwallplanner@mortons.co.uk

Historical interests • Though, to many, motorcycling is all about riding, restoring and maintenance, there is lots of early history which it’s worth looking into too.

Bring on aluminium • Early motorcycle engineers realised aluminium dissipated heat better than cast iron, but its use for cylinder heads and barrels with liners was slow in coming.