Motorcycle Classics

moto guzzi turns 100

A hundred years is a milestone birthday when it comes to any manufacturer, but especially one that builds motorcycles. Few companies manage to change with the times in such a way as to stay in business that long. Technology moves on and riders' tastes can change, but Moto Guzzi has stayed strong. To celebrate 100 years of Moto Guzzi, this issue we take a look back at an icon from Mandello del Lario: the fabled Moto Guzzi 500 V8 race bike of the type Guzzi developed from 1955-1957. Motojournalist extraordinaire and Motorcycle Classics regular Alan Cathcart tells us the history and development of the V8 racer, and also what the fabled creature is like to ride at speed. Check it out on Page 20. In keeping with the times, Alan also takes…

“this bike now sits in our living room, as a motocross bike, in its full glory.”

Remembering Dick Mann While there is much to like about Motorcycle Classics, I particularly enjoy articles by Dain Gingerelli and Alan Cathcart. His tribute to Dick Mann was comprehensive, appreciative without being maudlin, and of course, up to his usual high standards of journalism. I was a huge fan of Dick Mann and had the good fortune to see him race short track at Santa Fe Speedway, the Peoria TT witnessing one of his many wins there, road racing at the old Ontario Speedway, and the legendary half mile Ascot Park. Great Stuff. Thanks. Terry Zeri/Bellingham, WA, Member: Washington Vintage Motorcyclists Living room Rickman I read an article written by Bud Ekins about Rickman Metisses when I was motocross racing a stock Triumph. I had to have one. My father, while on vacation, went…

1970-1973 norton 750 roadster — the common commando

The 750 Roadster enjoyed a production run longer than any other variety of Norton’s Seventies superbike, with production running from March 1970 to October 1973. It’s also the most commonly found variety — though easy interchangeability also means that many Roadsters became Interstates, Fastbacks and other models. The Commando was introduced in April 1968. Styling was eccentric, featuring a swooping fiberglass gas tank, wraparound dual seat (orange on early bikes) and “boat-tail” rear bodywork. Within a year, two offspring, the Models R and S had joined the Fastback (as it was now called). The more conservative R model continued the Fastback’s exposed oil tank and low-level Atlas-type mufflers, but with a new shaped gas tank and more conventional dual seat. The S was the wild child, with buckets of chrome, high…

two more 750cc twins

1970-1973 BMW R75/5 Difficult to believe, but in the late 1960s BMW almost abandoned motorcycle production. Sales were slow, and the aging / 2 series was obsolete. Fortunately, they decided instead to design a new engine and chassis with assembly at a new factory in Spandau, Berlin. The / 5 borrowed technology from the company’s automobile engines, with a forged crank running on plain bearings and chain drive to the camshaft (now below the crank). A dry single-plate clutch connected the engine to a 4-speed gearbox with shaft final drive. Electrics were 12 volt with battery/coil ignition replacing the / 2’s magneto, and Bing CV carbs were fitted. The drivetrain was mounted in a new lighter welded frame with the driveshaft comprising the right-side swinging arm. A Sachs front fork and dual…

single scrambler

High school English classes usually include lessons on the many works of Shakespeare. In choosing a name for his high-wheel bicycle circa 1870, British industrialist James Starley did well to recall his own study of The Tempest — opting to insinuate that if Ariel could fly, so too could his bicycle. Starley was not, however, likely thinking that any of his wheeled products would ever fly — even if it was off a dirt jump set up for scrambles or motocross action. But that’s what the 1955 Ariel Hunter Scrambler seen here on these pages could do. Ariel’s story begins in 1869, when engineer and inventor Starley was working as a foreman for the Coventry Sewing Machine Company of Birmingham, England. According to the Ariel Motorcycle Club of North America, the company…

a stunning capture of an elegant engine

The Ariel Red Hunter engine print will inspire you to hop on your bike and take a ride! This 16 x 20-inch print-on-demand metallic print was created by professional motorsports photographer Daniel Peirce. And being a metallic print, this beautiful piece features an unmatched depth and color richness, plus a subtle 3D effect. To top it off, each print is signed and numbered by Peirce himself. This item is available at store. MotorcycleClassics.com or by calling 800-880-7567. Mention promo code: MMCPALZ5. Item #3548.…