Ariel Red Hunter

The Ariel singles which came to be known as Red Hunters can be traced back to Val Page’s creations of 1926. Originally they were kitted out in black, and those Black Ariels have cultivated a cult following all of their own. The equine connection wasn’t established until Edward Turner flexed his influence in the 1930s. From 1931, the top of…

Norton Navigator

Classic bike riders often ignore Norton lightweight twins, put off by the bad reputation of the 250 Jubilee. But its bigger brother is an altogether better proposition with a pukka Roadholder front end, decent brakes and an energetic 350 engine… Throughout his long career at the core of the original Britbike industry, designer Bert Hopwood rarely made a monstrous mistake.…

Sunbeam S8

The August issue of RealClassic magazine features a splendid story of perseverance and commensurate success, as RC regular Stuart Urquhart fettles one of Sunbeam’s unique inline twins. There wasn’t space in print to show off the delightful original illustrations to best effect – so here they are in full-size web-o-vision, along with a quick history of BSA’s luxury shaft-drive 500,…

August issue out now

RC160 rolls off the production line and this month’s magazine covers more than half a century of classic motorcycling, with tall tales about Continental classics from Italy, Germany and Denmark, plus a selection of brilliant British bikes, and the Japanese interpretation of the trad big Brit single. Here’s exactly what’s inside the issue – available in print or digital formats……

British and Classic

Back in 1977 Paula Davis and Beaver Hughes, interested in old British motorcycles, said ‘let’s start a club.’ Six people took the idea to heart and founded the North West Wales British Motorcycle Preservation Society. This year, the Society celebrated its 40th anniversary, and Richard Jones was there to capture the highlights for us… The anniversary event took place at…

Classic Bikes at Baston

Local vintage vehicle events offer all sorts of variety and a warm welcome from the enthusiasts who organise them. Roy Workman found BSA, Vincent and Douglas classics at this one, as well as a tribute to the major American marques… Sunday saw me heading off to Baston in Lincolnshire. This car and bike show has only been going a few…