New Map 250

In his earlier report from the VMCC Banbury Run®, Richard Jones remarked upon how many vintage French motorcycles took to the roads this year. This time he reports upon a bright blue beauty which is definitely French, although its name has a distinctly English ring to it… You may wonder where the Gallic phrase sacré bleu came from. Apparently it…

Prester Autocycle

Did we detect a distinctive Gallic air at the VMCC Banbury Run® this year? Not that the riders were being sent on their way with croissants and a glass of vin rouge, but rather there seemed to be more marques from la belle France than usual. Maybe, muses Richard Jones, machines from across La Manche are more affordable? Here’s one…

Kawasaki Z900

45 years ago, Richard Jones couldn’t afford a Big Zed and these days he can’t justify the five-figure cost of a 1970’s Z900. Conveniently, Kawasaki offer a modern alternative. But can it possibly capture the charisma of the original machine? I still remember, as a callow youth, the excitement of reading MCN’s road test of the Kawasaki Z1 in 1973…

Royal Enfield Meteor Minor

Some of you may remember the story of a Royal Enfield Meteor Minor which appeared many years ago on the RC site, written by one ‘Gerry Attric’. As a young boy I always remember seeing my father’s motorbike in the garage under a cover, gathering dust. Some days, if the weather was nice and he was having a clear out…

Brough Superior 11-50

How often do you see a Brough Superior that hasn’t been restored? At the least they’re mildly titivated, but ‘better than original’ seems to be the order of the day. There’s nothing wrong with this if that’s your thing, but sometimes, says Richard Jones, I long to see one that looks like it has actually survived 80 or 90 years……

Rudge Ulster GP Special

The Scottish Classic Motorcycle Show takes place in Ayr at the end of June, and the indoor halls are usually packed full of eye-catching classic bikes. Last year, this 1932 Rudge was one among them, showing off its famous bronze-head and four-valve top end arrangement… In the late 1920s and early 30s Rudge were one of the top teams competing…