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

Pa and his pa • Though always known as ‘Pa’ Norton, this picture shows the company founder with his own pa. Plus, some famous faces look on.

News & Events

Dapper policing • This photograph, taken in Florida, shows a collection of Miami PD Harley-Davidsons and their bow-tie-wearing riders being loaded into an aeroplane in a seemingly novel manner.

Shining at the Palace • Though John Clark, pictured, did well and enjoyed success, it was another star – and star machine – that shone brightest at Crystal Palace at Easter 1956.

Readers’ Letters • YOUR VOICE & YOUR OPINIONS

Jeff Smith 1934-2026 • The Lancastrian great of the off-road world, in which he was twice 500cc champion, has died in his adopted home in America.

The emu that flies • Big-twin BSAs built Down Under prove that where there’s a will, there’s a way, and that specials can soar.

The Pioneer’s quick turnaround • After being held in autumn for five years, it was back to a spring date for the 2026 incarnation of the Pioneer Run.

Aye, aye Captain • Following its launch shortly after the Second World War, the Captain was to be a mainstay of the James range until the factory closed its doors in 1966.

Bristol extra • Further to last month’s show report, we’ve a few extra pictures to share, courtesy of friend and exhibitor Mark Blacklock.

Single endeavour • Though it was mainly four-cylinder machines that the Pierce Motorcycle Company built, they made some quality singles too, as exampled here.

Rear view

The pinnacle of achievement • Though James made motorcycles for years after this overhead-valve V-twin, it perhaps never reached such heights again.

In short supply • There was plenty of demand for new motorcycles after the Second World War, but supply was the issue.

From the vault

Off with his head! • An earlier decision comes back to haunt the build just as the first sparks appear.

Sketchbook Travels presents: George Todd’s racing Bantams • Part 2: The GTS and Todd BSĀ years

Diary

Braking (sic) bad • A seemingly ingenious solution to keeping muck away causes other problems in its own right.

Under pressure • True, compression ratios aren’t components, even if you push the envelope. But work on engine parts facilitates compression-ratio alterations. So components they are!