Real Classic

RealClassic magazine features the very best British motorcycles from all eras, plus charismatic Continental machines (and the odd Japanese classics crops up occasionally, too). Long term classic riders will recognise many of the members of the RC team, which includes authors, historians and journalists like Steve Wilson, Dave Minton, Matt Vale, Odgie, Jacqueline 'PUB' Bickerstaff, Rowena Hoseason and editor Frank Westworth -- but the magazine's key feature is that it is firmly grounded in the real world. Our articles are written by real life riders and reflect far more than a simple road test ever can. We're never scared of getting grubby in The Shed (and we even admit it when things go horribly wrong!)

Real Classic

FROM THE FRONT

The Boys’ RACER • One of the most successful over-the-counter racers of all time is also one of the most handsome motorcycles ever manufactured. Rowena Hoseason gets waylaid by something bright and shiny…

INCOMING • RC readers write, rant and rattle on…

LETTER FROM AMERICA • In a triumph of optimism over experience, a ratty old 1968 Kawasaki W2SS 650 returns to the road. Hope, it seems, springs eternal…

Easy Living • In this age when lighter weight models are gaining favour, Frank Westworth borrowed a most sensible middleweight…

LEAP FROG • Reg Eyre was looking for a stalwart workaday European two-stroke, something to suit a wet British winter. Unexpectedly, he ended up with a rip-snorting sportster!

Doun Under Double-Knocker • Unique race bikes can enjoy a very long life of their own - especially when they’re as special as the Eldee specials. Alan Cathcart tells us all about the DOHC Velocette…

THIRTY MILES in an hour • When you’re riding an old bike, around 30 miles in a single hour is perhaps the perfect pace. Not too fast; not too far. Mark Brett shares his favourite route…

Norton NEVERWOZZERS • Pre-production prototypes offer unique insights into what went on in the old British bike industry. Many were broken up and their unique components consigned to the scrap heap. It’s hard enough to rebuild working replicas… but what if you actually want to ride them? Paul Henshaw fettles two of the bikes which Norton never made…

A Major REVIVAL • Oily Boot Bob is recommissioning a 1965 AMC 500 single. This is the ‘grit your teeth and get on with it’ episode, with all the horrible jobs…

Small Heath Survivor • A postwar BSA ohv 350 single should be a pretty simple proposition for a rapid rebuild. At least, that’s what Odgie thought, until he discovered that his B31 dates from a ’difficult’ year…

PUB TALK • The weather gods were kind to Vintage Stony and team Léon Bollée on New Year’s Day - but it was a close run thing…

Ollie’s Oddjobs • In which Ollie flirts with the dark side: not one but two eccentric customs…

TALES FROM THE SHED • Frank’s still taking the Thudderbird apart. It is a journey strewn with obstacles, but he does have a big hammer and big, strong friends…

Members’ Enclosure • The newsletter for RealClassic subscribers only