Features

In this instalment, we reveal how fate played its hand not only in the career of ‘Mike the Bike’, but also in a much wider context – and with brutal irony – in the building of one motorcycle empire as another collapsed and crumbled. For now though, let’s rewind to 1967, and start at the…

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Words: Oli PHOTOGRAPHY: Gary Chapman IN THE EARLY 1950s BSA could claim the title of the largest producer of motorcycles in the world – “One in four” went the famous slogan “is a BSA”. The reason for this was partly down to the hard work of the German DKW company, not BSA’s design shop. Its…

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Take a look at the kind of motorcycles that British manufacturers were turning out in the mid-1930s and you can see why Triumph’s 500cc twin was such a revolutionary design. Words by Oli PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY CHAPMAN Most 350 and 500cc British motorcycles of the era were singles, mass market machines fitted with side valve…

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Read more News and Features in the May 2019 issue of CBG –on sale now!

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Words by Oliver Hulme photography by Gary Chapman FINDING A TRULY practical classic is something of a hunt for the holy grail. If you’ve grown up with modern bikes with refinements like electric starts and brakes that work, then finding something you are going to be able to live with narrows the field considerably. If…

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The pride and joy of the Coventry-based Rudge-Whitworth factory, the Rudge Ulster was born out of self-congratulation Words by RACHAEL CLEGG PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY CHAPMAN The sun, as they say, always shines on the righteous. So it seems only right that this 1937 Rudge-Whitworth Ulster is photographed in gleaming sunshine at Davolls classic motorcycles in…

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Rubbing, rubbing, rubbing. A paint finish is only as good as the preparation, but boy is it tedious. Until you see the final finish, then it’s all worthwhile… Words and photography by Matt special thanks to: Nick and Jack at Ashtons Classic bodyshop (01362 692271), Elk promotions, Steve the welder (thanks buddy you are an…

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Our single-cylinder Matchless G3L had its head rebuilt last month, so now it’s time to start putting it all back together. Tenacity and perseverance by Hutch (HTE motorcycles 01328 700711) Words, photography and inane questions by Matt Read more and view more images in the April 2019 issue of CBG – on sale now!

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Geoff Stray usually saves his time for V-twins, but this gorgeous Panther keeps stealing him away Words: Adam Bolton Photography: Marco Giuliani LEGEND SAYS THAT Panthers were built for hauling sidecars around and transporting Foreman Arkwright from his home to t’ mill. And just as their first owners were a special breed, those who retain…

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In this chapter, Part Eight: The Bucking Bronco, Rachael Clegg chats to Hailwood’s team-mate Stuart Graham about the 1967 season, and lifts the lid on the two-wheel monster that was the RC 181. WORDS: Rachael Clegg Photography: Mortons archive The near sonic boom of the Honda Six was one of the most defining sounds of…

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