Classic Bike Guide

The world never stops changing, but I instantly found myself smiling at this photograph. My first job was as a petrol pump attendant, though by the 1980s a shirt and tie was not necessary and to be honest, I spent more time watching the mechanics and helping the MoT tester than serving the public… But…

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WORDS and PHOTOGRAPHY: Robert Davies and Lee Chambers If you had the privilege to own a GS 750 back in the day, you will have the greatest respect for this superb all-round four-stroke. It is quite remarkable, since this bike was Suzuki’s first big four-stroke and with it the company plunged headlong into competing with…

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Many of us enjoy seeing something that’s been crafted from aluminium, but it’s rarely something we can do ourselves. So we went to see Ian Davies, owner of ETTO Motorcycles, who has started giving courses on welding aluminium and metal-shaping. How hard can it be? Words and photography by Matt Expertise, patience and enthusiasm by…

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You can pick up a second-hand set of barrels and pistons, but how do you check what you’ve got? Words By HUTCH, HTE MOTORCYCLES (01328 700711) PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHELLEY It’s starting to look like my faithful old T140 is going to need a top end refresh. I think the exhaust pushrod seal is starting to…

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Don’t be scared – tackling bike electrics can be hugely rewarding! If motorcycle wiring scares you witless then you can take some comfort from the fact that you’re not the only one. For many, bike electrics are a black art form but they don’t need to be; in fact, given the right kit it’s actually…

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I’ve been riding around on a brand new Royal Enfield 500 Bullet recently, loving the old feel with the back up that a new bike brings. But, as we know, Enfields don’t change that often and that includes the sidestand. It’s only short, which means it feels like the bike is going to fall over,…

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Words: Matt Photography: Chippy ‘I’ll just stand in that field’ Wood Ever gone to a bike event and not seeN a modern Bonneville? Despite John Bloor’s reservations of retrieving the famous name to adorn a Hinkley product, it’s been a commercial hit of massive proportions. We hadn’t tried the 1200 model, so it was best…

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