Frank’s Famous Last Words #45

Is today a BSA day? Frank Westworth remembers 1971 or so, when the threat of precipitation in biblical proportions affected which old Britbike was likely to be pressed into service… ‘It’s a BSA day!’ That was my friend Geoffrey, back somewhere in the mists of time, coming out with what became something of a favoured phrase among the small group…

Matchless G50 CSR

Nicknamed the Golden Eagle, the Matchless G50 CSR is ridiculously rare – an homologation special of an exclusive, limited edition works / clubman’s racer. Not the sort of thing you see on the streets every day, but we know where you can find one. Or two! The National Motorcycle Museum at Solihull display this 1962 G50 CSR among the collection’s…

Rudge Sports Special

Rudge Whitworth promised ‘grace, speed and silence’ in the shape of their svelte 500cc sporting single, the aptly named Sports Special. This was one of the final motorcycles made by the high-class concern in the years leading up to the outbreak of war. It may not be the fastest bike Rudge ever built, nor the most technically innovative, but it’s…

Douglas Trials 350

In the world of British classic motorcycles, the Douglas horizontally-opposed 350s are a long way from the typical post-war parallel twins built by the likes of BSA, Norton and Triumph. With a cylinder stuck out each side, a Douglas looks more like a BMW than a traditional British bike. While those Bristol-built roadsters are unusual enough, the firm’s foray into…

BSA Bantam

We celebrate what some folk suggest is the ultimate flying featherweight, the D14/4 Sports, in the August issue of the magazine. The lively lightweight evolved considerably from its launch in 1948 until it finally stopped swingin’ as the Sixties swerved into the Seventies. Here are some of the Bantam highlights – and a stack of nostalgic ads for your entertainment……

A totally tram-tastic day!

Some 1500 visitors made the most of the summer sunshine at Crich Tramway Village in July, when it hosted a Classic Motorcycle Day in conjunction with the Vincent Owners’ Club. Over 300 British and international classic bikes were displayed, creating an extra special atmosphere as the old bikes mingled with vintage trams in this unique location. ‘I came up from…