Features – Real Classic

Triumph TSX Shock Shrouds Back In Stock

20th September 2019 RowenaH Features Leave a comment

Among classic British bikes, Meriden’s venerable unit twins have perhaps the greatest range of parts still available at a reasonable price. That goes a long way towards explaining why the later T120s, T140s and TR7s make such straightforward restoration projects. However, Triumph’s rarer models have a nasty habit of using parts made from pure unobtanium, and the West-coast inspired factory…

The Toastmaster Challenge: Part The Thirteenth (unlucky for some)

9th September 2019 Web Editor Bikes, Features Leave a comment

The End of the End. Looking back: what it cost, what went wrong, and sundry Awful Truths. Frank Westworth considers whether it was worth it… This is it. This really is The End. All twelve-part series should have at least thirteen parts, don’t you agree? And this is the last. I think I’d have to commit either ritual murder or…

The Toastmaster Challenge: Part The Twelfth

2nd September 2019 Web Editor Bikes, Features Leave a comment

The End. It’s been over a year, but now The End is finally at hand. Frank Westworth rides his rebuild… The Toastmaster saga started in a pub. I know you’ll find this hard to believe, but before I started this rebuild I was known to take a drop or two of soothing libation, and it was while my mind was…

The Toastmaster Challenge: Part The Eleventh

26th August 2019 Web Editor Bikes, Features Leave a comment

Is it The End? Or maybe the beginning of the end? Frank Westworth rediscovers Fear Of Finishing… Being An Expert carries with it considerable responsibilities. For a start, Experts are masters of bodgery levels way beyond those of mere mortals. Experts are able to overcome all obstacles, and to boldly go where the sane would fear to tread. Experts can…

The Toastmaster Challenge: Part The Tenth

19th August 2019 Web Editor Bikes, Features Leave a comment

The end is in sight. Or at least it would be if the lights worked. Frank Westworth wrestles with Lucas… Everyone hates wiring. Everyone hates electrics. I know this. I know this because I hate and fear anything electrical. At least … I used to hate electrics, but that has all changed now. I have become a better, more complete…

The Toastmaster Challenge, Part the Ninth

12th August 2019 Web Editor Bikes, Features Leave a comment

And now for something wheely different. Frank Westworth discovers that you should never think you know everything about Ariels… This is not the instalment I’d expected to write. I had intended to offer you a learned treatise on the vexed subject of Wiring For Idiots, and will hopefully have a bash at that next month (don’t hold your breath), but…