Workshop Archives - RealClassic

Classic Techniques: a lighter clutch

22nd November 2023 John Blackburn Features, Workshop

It’s heavy maaaaan! Certain Italian classics demand a strong hand on the clutch and brake levers. John Kennewell says he’s gone beyond getting a grip, and seeks assistance from a Moose instead… Many moons ago in RC198, Paul Miles waxed lyrical over the merits and very few de-merits of his beautiful Laverda 750 SF. His main gripe was the standard…

AJS Model 8: making a prop stand

23rd June 2022 RowenaH Features, Workshop

During lockdowns, Simon Huntington assembled an AMC 350 lightweight from an assortment of scrap metal. When you read the July22 issue of RealClassic magazine (RC219), you’ll be entertained by Simon’s bold rebuild of an AJS basketcase. He’d never even seen one of these machines before he bought his Model 8, in boxes. There were, erm, ‘significant challenges’ to be overcome.…

Triumph T15 Terrier

18th June 2022 RowenaH Features, Workshop, Your Ride

David Pearce had his heart set on a British lightweight four-stroke, and he was delighted to find a Triumph Terrier within his budget. But it did need a little bit of work before he could ride it… I was one of those chaps who was well and truly messed up by the driving licence regulations change back at the end…

Yamaha TZR125

13th March 2022 RowenaH Buying Guide, Features, Retro Classic, Reviews, Road Tests, Workshop, Your Ride

Phil O’Hara wanted to make his learner-legal Yamaha stroker go faster. He also wanted to stop it oinking like a pig. The results of his experiments were a revelation… It was 1990 and I’d sold my car and required transport. These days one car generally replaces another, but this was then, not now. To substitute the metal box that had…

Gilera Nuovo Saturno 350, Part 4

29th January 2022 RowenaH Buying Guide, Features, Workshop

Stu Thomson is refurbishing an unusual single-cylinder Italian sportbike. This time, finishing touches… and will it run? The powdercoat was rubbed down with 600 grade then given three coats of 2k carmine red 2k. I rubbed down the tank again with 600 grade and then applied three more coatings, and left the paint to fully set which can take a…

Gilera Nuovo Saturno 350, Part 3

6th January 2022 RowenaH Buying Guide, Features, Workshop

Stu Thomson’s rebuild of this unusual single-cylinder Italian sportbike continues. This time he addresses some electrical issues and moves on to the wheels, suspension and preparation for paint… Electrical items on the Saturno are fairly standard for the period, 3-phse alternator, 180W, regulator-rectifier and CDI electronic ignition triggered from the alternator rotor. There’s also a separate rev-limiter box which has…