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!)

WHO'S DONE WHAT

FROM THE FRONT

The Ride of MY LIFE? • Apparently, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. Ian Woolley’s memory works perfectly, and yet…

INCOMING! • RC readers write, rant and rattle on… Summat to say? Send your comments, hints, tips, tales of woe and derring-don’t to RCHQ@RealClassic.net

Breva NEW WORLD • Thirty-five years separate Moto Guzzi’s 850 Eldorado and the 1100 Breva. Nick Adams owns both, and considers whether the mostly modern motorcycle is a worthy successor to its 1970s counterpart…

All Our Yesterdays • Royal Enfield are gearing up for the 2025 season with a range of new models. Alan Cathcart has been entertaining himself with the new Classic 650…

Smoothly DOES IT • Triumph’s sporting and scrambles twins tend to get all the attention. Paul Henshaw discovers the charms of the softly-tuned touring alternative…

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

A Commanding PERSPECTIVE • Norton’s newest owners have upgraded their flagship twin-cylinder Commando considerably. Martin Hughes-Games was so impressed with his test ride that he splashed the cash and bought one…

The Last CRUSADE • Oily Boot Bob sets his sights on an Aegean odyssey aboard an old Enfield lightweight. But before he can undertake his most ambitious adventure aboard a classic bike, he’d better make sure it’s up to the challenge…

WASHOUT! • Team Eureka and Team NZ travelled 12,000 miles from New Zealand to take part in this year’s Manx GP, contesting the Junior and Senior classic classes. Stuart Francis went along– with his waterproofs…

CHRISTMAS CRACKERS!

PART THE FIRST Marlboro MAN • Paris-Dakar legend Gaston Rahier inspired one BMW enthusiast to build a very special tribute GS. Keith Rowles also happens to own an R1100, and tells both their stories…

PUB TALK • Amber the Ambulance gets a reprieve, the Flying Flea attempt on ‘A Bridge Too Far’ peters out, but septuagenarian PUB unexpectedly hasa baby…

TALES FROM THE SHED • Major structural work! Frank admits feebleness and recruits a little professional help…

(Not Quite) Ollie's ODDJOBS • While Ollie takes an almost deserved break, we encounter Andrew Rae and his Eastern European refugee…

Members' Enclosure