RealClassic Archives - RealClassic

Classic Choice: BMW or Moto Guzzi?

5th December 2023 Alex Bestwick Features

A while back we wondered which 1970’s sports-tourer would you want to call your own, if you had to choose between a pair of Continental classics? We’re talking big twins: one boxer, one V-twin, both shaft drive. If you could own either, then which one would you want in your shed? We asked RealClassic readers – in an entirely imaginary…

December 2023

4th December 2023 Alex Bestwick Latest Issue RC

RealClassic revels in the nuts and bolts of running, riding and rebuilding real classic motorcycles. Expert and enthusiastic real-life riders from across the world share their passion for old bikes. This month: Norton Commando Mk3 Electric starter? Twin disc brakes? Easy-adjust Isolastics? Frank Westworth renews a long-lost acquaintance… Seeley Condor Take a race engine, install it in a race frame,…

Velocette LE: the perfect commuter classic?

28th November 2023 Geoff Stovold Features

Looking for a classic lightweight? You’re not alone. RC regular Geoff Stovold has tried a 1960s two-stroke, then a four-stroke unit single. Finally he’s discovered the perfect commuter classic: Velocette’s ‘motorcycle for everyman’… I always enjoy the articles in RealClassic about lightweight bikes like the Triumph Blazer SS seen in RC202. It brought back memories of my own quest to…

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…

Moto Morini Strada 350

17th November 2023 Mark Holyoake Features

Morini’s 3½ Sport tends to get the bear’s share of the attention. Mark Holyoake offers an argument in favour of the underdog, the Sport’s touring counterpart. Rowena Hoseason fills in the background… After their launch in 1971, the Morini Sport and Strada 350s were largely lauded by the press and largely ignored by the public. A high initial price tag…

BSA Singles: C15 vs B40

15th November 2023 John Blackburn Features

The BSA C15 and B40 are famously long-lived, robust old bikes. But which is better? John Blackburn has owned both… BSA singles often appear in RealClassic and in Paul Henshaw’s article on the BSA B40 in RC213 he mentions that ‘the B40 offers more of everything for the same size and style of machine as the C15, but with larger…