Classic Bike

Classic Bike helps and inspires enthusiasts to get more from their passion for classic motorcycles. The magazine shares their fascination with motorcycling’s heroic past while also helping them buy, fix and improve the bikes in their shed. Our main areas of content are: - Inspirational and entertaining reads that celebrate the glory of motorcycling, from riding stories that put the reader in the seat of history’s greatest bikes to incredible racing tales - Restoration stories and instructional features that inspire and help people get their tools out and sort out their old bike - In-depth technical features from the most expert and authoritative writers in motorcycling If you share our passion about classic motorcycles from the last century, you'll enjoy reading Classic Bike.

Welcome • JULY 2024 ISSUE #534

CONTRIBUTORS IN THIS ISSUE

Beach ball • The fifth running of Race the Waves, a drag race on sand, on Bridlington Beach in East Yorkshire brought out 120 classic bikes – and even though Saturday racing was cancelled due to thick sea mist, there was plenty of action on the Sunday

Spaghetti function • You don’t have to have an Italian motorcycle to join in the fun at this event – but lovers of Latin machinery are at the heart of it

Keeping classics on track • Mallory Park is the place to be on the first weekend in July, says Yamaha fanatic Keith Alderman. He explains why this track-focused extravaganza is a must-go for fans of race and road classics

More dates for July

My idea of a true classic

Classic Bike

Show us yours • We love to see your acquisitions, regular rides and projects – keep ’em coming to the address above

LIGHTING UP THE RACE TRACK • Tobacco companies coughed up vast sums to sponsor motorcycle racing from the 1970s into the next millennium. The formula of ash, cash and thrash produced some memorable teams and liveries

LUCKY MAN • Cagiva celebrated their 1990 Paris-Dakar rally win with a limited edition model based on the desert racer. Three decades later, Harry Metcalfe bought this one

Elefant origins

The Marlboro Men • Rob McElnea and Niall Mackenzie were factory GP riders when cigarettes bankrolled racing. But that’s not their abiding memory. No, what they’ll never forget are the Americans…

Kawasaki 750 Turbo • For a time in the 1980s, it looked like turbocharging was the future – and one bike soon blew the rest away. But was Kawasaki’s 750 Turbo a winner or just a load of hot air?

The other blown contenders • Marc Earl has owned examples of all the production turbo bikes; he gives his impressions of the Kwak’s rivals

WHEN ONE ENGINE’S NOT ENOUGH • If excess is your thing, the world of drag bikes is hard to beat – especially the era that spawned these outrageously mad multi-engined machines

Hondas are easy, right? • Well, not this one. Seasoned bike restorer Joe Brock got a shock after riding this 1977 Honda CB550 K3 home– what seemed like a simple project turned into a nightmare. Here’s how he turned it into a daily rider

Joe’s five essential tips

GET SIX MONTHS FOR £27.50

BUYING RIDING FETTLING • Welcome to the sharp end of Classic Bike. Your hosts are spannering supremos Rick Parkington and Alan Seeley, along with market guru Gez Kane

Intriguing project • Building a bike from a mystery 1920s V-twin has a fascinating allure – but it’ll be a costly shot in the dark

Imperial Fixes • Problems Rick cogitates with old on iron? your imperial Rick can problems help

At the workbench

Metric Fixes • European and Japanese classic bikes sorted with Alan Seeley

At the workbench

THE STING IN THE TALE Just look at it – a resplendent, running Beeza. • But in Rupert’s voyage of...