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Metalwork masterclass

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A bright restart

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Moped Mania

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A dream come (half) true

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At Lunch With… Nick & Charlie

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April 2024

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March 2024

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February 2024

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Become a Classic Bike subscriber

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January 2024

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December 2023

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October 2023

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September 2023

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August 2023

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July 2023

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June 2023

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Stately pile-on

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Get up for the Kop

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Time for a T140?

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Rick’s Fixes: cold comfort in the shed

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hole sideways

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SKY HIGH HILLCLIMBING

Did this Curtiss really do over 136.36mph at Ormond Beach, Florida in 1907? Nicksy thinks not...

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A RECORD OF EXAGGERATION

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HOW TO: MAKE A JET BLOCK EXTRACTOR

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BARON’S STROKE OF BAD LUCK

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How To: Make vintage bike grips

HOW TO: RECYCLE OLD CAR PARTS

THE ISLAND’S BIGGEST DRAW

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KEEPING THE FAITH

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HOW TO: FIT AN AMAL CARB TICKLER EXTENSION

HOW TO: REPLACE BSA BEARINGS

Offers and Competitions

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Features

Rick's Fixes

Mike Nicks

Magazine

Magazine Issues

**Rick needed a new handlebar lever mount for his 1914 Blackburne, but you can’t buy such things. Only one solution – make one from a lump of aluminium**

**Rick Parkington:** 1914 Blackburne racer

Rick’s extensive array of sheds contain lots of ancient bikes, heaps of spares and some large machine tools. With a lifetime of old bike experience and expertise, if he hasn’t got we he needs, he’ll make it himself.

‘Billet’ implies a component machined from solid, rather than turned out of foundries in thousands. It’s a popular term in customising – even if most ‘billet’ custom parts are actually turned out of Chinese CNC machine shops in thousands. But not this one.

Most of the time, replacing a part means buying one – but what do you do when you can’t get one? I had found the perfect throttle lever assembly for my ‘Scarlet Runner’ Brooklands racer – but the mounting bracket was made from Mazak, a high-zinc alloy that produces detailed castings but absorbs moisture, eventually causing corrosion and crumbling. I’ve had a few of them – but they are all 100 years old and all broken. So how about making one? Instead of casting, it seemed worth trying to machine one from solid. Luckily, I had enough broken bits to work out the shape it needed to be, so I had a go.

What did I learn? Well, if you have the tools, it’s not difficult – this is not precision work. The difficult bit, as so often in engineering, is holding the workpiece securely. It’s easy to paint yourself into a corner by removing metal you’ll need to grip later. Jobs like this are a series of steps; it’s an odd shape and gets odder as you go, so the trick is to think of and number all the steps, then arrange them in an order that will work. The obvious place to start is not always the best.

#### To read more head into stores and grab the latest issue of Classic Bike, or why not :a[check out our subscription options so you never miss an issue!]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=article_metalwork_masterclass' } {#h-to-read-more-head-into-stores-and-grab-the-latest-issue-of-classic-bike-or-why-not-check-out-our-subscription-options-so-you-never-miss-an-issue}

###### **PROJECT HARRIS MAGNUM** - **PART 8** {#h-project-harris-magnum-part-8}

The Magnum project is back on the rails, with a painted chassis, anodised brackets and an engine refurb underway

**WORDS:** ALAN SEELEY **PHOTOGRAPHY:** ADAM SHORROCK & ALAN SEELEY

Alan Seeley attempts to make a fast period-style bike from a bunch of old bits

Back in January the Harris Magnum project came to a juddering halt when we discovered the horrors lurking within the Suzuki GSX1100 power unit. Stripping down our secondhand engine revealed that it had eaten a piston, with the subsequent case of indigestion rendering the barrels and crank cases as scrap too.

After standing back to take a deep breath, we decided that the best way forward would be to find another set of cases and barrels, and take the opportunity to rebore and fit oversize pistons to increase engine capacity. We have now found those parts, and the new cases are being Ceracoated in anticipation of engine reassembly next month. But as you’d imagine, the budget has taken a big hit. It’s all part of the reality of building a project bike.

Meanwhile, we can jump ahead and arrange for the finishing of various chassis parts, so that assembling the complete bike can be done as soon as the engine’s finished.

The first step was to have the frame, swingarm and wheels powder coated. Modern powder coat offers an extraordinary array of colours and finishes. Forget the thick, plasticky coatings of 20 or 30 years ago, the latest finishes are equal to that of the best paint. The modern automotive industry only uses old-fashioned wet paint for bodywork.

Specials deserve a level of bling, so we wanted to push against the boundaries of good taste with the colours of the Harris. For the frame, I considered something with a light metalflake effect that would reveal itself only in sunlight, but that didn’t really fit the period feel I’m after for Project Magnum. Then someone suggested a clear finish that would show off the raw steel of the tubework, and the exquisite bronze welds that hold it together. Not a bad shout, but the work required to remove blemishes and polish the steel soon ruled that out. Eventually, I came full circle and plumped for the striking red that has always been the hallmark Harris hue. No metalflake either.

#### To read more head into stores and grab the latest issue of Classic Bike, or why not :a[check out our subscription options so you never miss an issue!]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=article_a_bright_restart' } {#h-to-read-more-head-into-stores-and-grab-the-latest-issue-of-classic-bike-or-why-not-check-out-our-subscription-options-so-you-never-miss-an-issue}

For thousands of riders, a 50cc machine was their first taste of independent travel and freedom. We celebrate three decades of change which saw the moped transformed from humble commuter to totem of teen rebellion, with first-hand accounts of why the buzz of these little beauties gets under your skin and can be a difficult habit to kick

### **1960s Workers’ playtime** {#h-1960s-workers-playtime}

The moped was basically a commuter device, but also a passport to freedom for teenagers. Publisher and pedal-pusher **David Beare** describes his initiation to the road

When I was a teenager in mid-1960s Switzerland owning a moped provided a form of freedom unknown in previous years. I was no longer tied to bus timetables or having to cadge a lift from my parents. A moped represented complete freedom of movement and a canny way of increasing my geographical network of girlfriends, a very important aspect of being a teenager! Back in those days, neither helmets nor protective outerwear were required. We just rode around in whatever we were wearing on the day – unless it was wet, in which case a mackintosh was used.

My first moped was a 1963 Paloma, a French make with a Lavalette engine, but it was restricted to 30kph (18mph) by legislation then current in Switzerland. It soon became apparent that French-sourced Palomas were a lot faster than this, so I bought all the derestricted bits in France (bigger carb and inlet pipe) and knocked out the restrictor ring fitted to the inlet port. It was a revelation! However, I got arrested several times for speeding by municipal cops pursuing me in a VW Beetle, so had to put back all the restricted gear to get it through the technical inspection again.

#### To read more head into stores and grab the latest issue of Classic Bike, or why not :a[check out our subscription options so you never miss an issue!]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=article_moped_mania' } {#h-to-read-more-head-into-stores-and-grab-the-latest-issue-of-classic-bike-or-why-not-check-out-our-subscription-options-so-you-never-miss-an-issue}

Desperate to own a Vincent but can’t quite stretch to it? Easy – just persuade your old man to go halves

I BECAME INTERESTED in older bikes while still at school during the mid-1970s, when projects included a 1948 Royal Enfield single and a 1932 Indian Scout. My interest in Vincents started when I saw a photograph of a Series C Rapide in the book ‘Know Thy Beast’ by EMG Stevens.

My dad’s interest in bikes went back many years; he’d owned a Scott and Brough Superior back in the 1940s. So, when a Series C Rapide came up for sale, we went 50/50 to buy it. I had to sell my almost-new Yamaha XT500 to come up with my share and even then I was still a bit short.

The Vincent was being sold by an old Italian cane farmer near Lucinda in the far north of Queensland – a two-day drive in my dad’s two-door Range Rover. When we got there, we found that the guy had a collection of Vincents – including a Comet, which my dad seemed more interested in than the Rapide. But we struck a deal for the Rapide, which we partly disassembled so it would fit into the back of the Range Rover for the journey home...

#### To read more head into stores and grab the latest issue of Classic Bike, or why not :a[check out our subscription options so you never miss an issue!]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=article_a_dream_come_half_true' } {#h-to-read-more-head-into-stores-and-grab-the-latest-issue-of-classic-bike-or-why-not-check-out-our-subscription-options-so-you-never-miss-an-issue}

**TT race week** kicks off in June, so what better excuse to take a long lunch with road racing greats Charlie Williams and Nick Jefferies – a riveting TT double act with vast knowledge and no qualms about ruffling feathers…

**Interview** JOHN WESTLAKE **Photography** DAVE COLLISTER

After 20 minutes trying to steer the conversation of these two racing titans, I give up. It’s impossible.

One of them answers a question, and then the other, instead of answering it too, fires off on a fascinating and often hilarious tangent, never to be seen again.

And so, dear reader, pull up a comfy chair, set any hopes for coherent structure to one side, and enjoy the company of two genial mates who’ve won 10 TTs between them and a Manx GP each.

“The worst conditions I completed a race in was the 1987 Senior,” says Nick, as we sit down at our table after a brief discussion about the erratic weather at last year’s Manx. “Only Joey managed a 100mph lap – he was on a Honda 500 triple. I finished fifth. It was lashing with rain – I set off with a full wet front and intermediate rear. The conditions were atrocious.”

> ‘I hit the bank and my body crunched like a dropped chandelier. That was all down to ego. I thought I could do no wrong. Turns out I could...’
> 
> NICK JEFFERIES

“The 1974 125 race was my worst,” says Charlie, his laconic delivery somehow ill-fitting a man who was so blisteringly fast on both GP and road circuits. “I’m not exaggerating to say you couldn’t see across the road, the rain was that bad.” Nick gently interrupts with an “um” and Charlie pauses. “Do you mean 1972?” asks Nick, a TT encyclopaedia in human form.

“Oh yes, so I do,” says Charlie good-naturedly – the pair have been friends for years and he’s clearly used to Nick correcting him on his own racing history. “It was my first TT and it was terrible all the way round. It was enough for Ago \[who refused to come back\]. It should have been abandoned – the Italian rider Gilberto Parlotti crashed and died at the Verandah in thick fog. And of course Barry Sheene competed in the Lightweight the year before in terrible conditions, and that was enough for him too \[Sheene slid off at Quarterbridge on the second lap\].”

“Yeah, he was there to try and pick up a few world championship points,” says Nick. “But the bad weather really affected his asthma – he never felt well all week. Things could have been different if the weather was better or they cancelled the race. But it had to be so, so bad for them to abandon a race back then.

#### To read more head into stores and grab the latest issue of Classic Bike, or why not:a[check out our subscription options so you never miss an issue!]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=article_at_lunch_with' } {#h-to-read-more-head-into-stores-and-grab-the-latest-issue-of-classic-bike-or-why-not-check-out-our-subscription-options-so-you-never-miss-an-issue}

Want to know when and where all the top events for 2024 are happening?

If you do, buying the **bumper 140-page** April issue of Classic Bike is a must – it contains a **65-page guide to all the places, races, festivals and shows happening this year**. As well as comprehensive listings of the dates and locations of the choice events happening in the classic motorcycling world, you’ll also find related features reliving the glory days of Le Mans, Santa Pod, the Isle of Man and the BMF Show.

There’s also 90 years of Cadwell Park in unseen pictures, tales from people closely involved with Ducati’s 916 launch 30 years ago, TT tales from Nick Jefferies and Charlie Williams, plus a road test of a 1913 1000cc Excelsior V-twin with no brakes. It’s the most entertaining way to plan your classic year.

The April issue of Classic Bike is out now at all good newsagents, or why not :a[subscribe]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=newissue_clb' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} so you never miss an issue.

## :a[Choose your subscription here]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=newissue_clb' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} {#h-choose-your-subscription-here}

The cover story on the March issue of Classic Bike magazine is a restored Suzuki GS1000S that was unearthed in a garden and transformed into a reliable road bike by its owner. The tale of how Hinckley Triumph’s first factory-supported racer became a winner is also told by Alan Cathcart – who rode it and was instrumental in its development in the 1990s.

More off-the-wall stories come in the form of motocross legend Roger Harvey revealing how a lawnmower mechanic made his Grand Prix Husqvarna faster – and tarmac-skimming tales from TT winner Roy Hanks about his amazing sidecar-racing family. There’s also a road test of a rare Vincent – a 1938 Rapide Series A – along with all the usual workshop tips, project updates and great readers’ photographs from past and present.

The March issue of Classic Bike is out now at all good newsagents, or why not :a[subscribe?]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=newissue_clb' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}

The February issue of Classic Bike features a colourful mix of offbeat bikes, along with the regular nitty-gritty of riding, spannering and fixing – from taking in the exotic French café racers of Moto Martin to road testing a nobly British Hesketh V1000. The hilarious tales of historical high jinx from former Norton test rider Bob Rowley will raise a laugh, while CB’s investigation into the murky world of fake classics will raise an eyebrow. There’s the usual round-up of our bikes on the bench, market analysis and a Suzuki GSX1100 buyers’ guide too. All this and a granny racing a sidecar off-road – what more could you want?

The February issue of Classic Bike is out now at all good newsagents, or why not :a[subscribe?]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=newissue_clb' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}

**Hesketh Owners Club members recently converged on Easton Neston, family seat of the Lord who conceived the bikes as patriotically-produced all-British V-twins. The reunion featured the oldest and newest of the breed**.

EASTON NESTON has a special place in the hearts of Hesketh fans, but the last time the owners club met there was when Lord Hesketh sold his country pile in 2005. So a reunion was well overdue. The stately home is currently owned by Russian-born fashion entrepreneur Leon Max, who was positively enthusiastic when a motorcycle get-together was suggested.

Ten riders and 11 bikes made the trip (organiser Dave Sharp brought two), though in true Hesketh fashion there were a few reliability issues – two bikes had to be trailered because of oil pressure problems, and one only just made it after the oil light came on.

Continue reading in the **October 2023** Edition of Classic Bike magazine, or**:a[get instant access on your device for only 99p.]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/read/october-2023/stately-pile-on?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=teaserarticle_stately_pile_on' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}**

## **Choose from one of three options and read Classic Bike in a way that suits you** {#h-choose-from-one-of-three-options-and-read-classic-bike-in-a-way-that-suits-you}

Classic Bike Magazine is your perfect guide for fixing and enhancing the bikes resting in your garage with our practical workshop tips to help keep your bike running sweetly. We’ll also bring you insightful buying advice every month to help you make great buys and you can read great tales from motorcycling’s heroic past as well as reader restorations and rebuilds. Enjoy all this and more every month with Classic Bike.

Make sure you never miss an issue by taking out a subscription. Choose the best plan below to suit you:

## :a[Print subscription]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=promo_subsarticle_print' }

## :a[Digital subscription]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=promo_subsarticle_digital' }

## :a[Print + Digital subscription]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=promo_subsarticle_printanddigital' }

A Print + Digital subscription combines the best of both - you'll get:

## **:a[Choose between a range of subscription plans here]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=promo_subsarticle' }** {#h-choose-between-a-range-of-subscription-plans-here}

:a[If you already have a Digital or Print + Digital subscription, you can read all Classic Bike's articles on the Members-only website here]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/membership?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_classicbike&amp;utm_content=subspage' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}

The all-new 2024 Devitt Insurance MCN London Show promises to be better than ever!

The 2024 Devitt Insurance MCN London Show will be better than ever, with a host of fresh features, including three new stages, the latest bikes and kit from top manufacturers, plus a fantastic range of bike displays and live action. There really is something for everyone at the show, so don’t miss out!

See the latest new machines from brands big and small. BMW, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Kymco, Triumph and Yamaha will have all their 2024 models on display – with many more top factories confirming in the next few weeks.

## **Incredible live action** {#h-incredible-live-action}

Prepare to be captivated by Extreme Enduro – a UK debut that will showcase the finest off-road riders pushing their limits on a fast-paced obstacle course. Watch as they navigate heart-stopping drops, thrilling jumps, and gruelling technical sections.

With a wide range of brands to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect kit for your needs and budget. Plus, with plenty of discounts and special offers, you can save even more money. So don't miss this opportunity to stock up.

Prepare to be blown away by the incredible race bikes on display across the London Show, including a tribute to the much-missed Paul Bird, boss of the phenomenally successful PBM Motorsport team, who sadly passed away in September. The celebration of his life will include the British Superbike title winning Ducati Panigale V4R and the 2013 MotoGP machine ridden by Eugene Laverty.

## **Free bike parking and half-price car parking**

Bike parking is free at the ExCeL venue in London’s Docklands. If you’re arriving by car, book your show tickets in advance and get all-day parking for just £12. To take advantage of this offer, add car parking to your order when purchasing your tickets. Half-price parking is limited to 1000 cars per day, so book now!

Immerse yourself in the world of adventure, mind-blowing racing, buying advice and workshop tips with three new stages.

The Devitt Insurance MCN London Motorcycle Show takes place at London ExCel on 16-18th February, and Advanced tickets are on sale now!

## :a[BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW]{href='https://www.mcnmotorcycleshow.com/?utm_source=clb&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign= advance_tix&amp;utm_content=button' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}

Terms and conditions: \*Advanced Ticket Offer is priced per person and closes 23:59 Thursday 15 February 2024. Limited daily availability for Half Price car parking, tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All bookings subject to a £1.50 transaction fee. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Details correct at the time of going to press, organisers reserve the right to alter content as is deemed necessary.

Adrenaline-pumping action, live shows, and new bikes!

Classic Bike magazine bursts into 2024 with a bumper 140-page January issue celebrating 1974.

Our top writers reflect on the standout events from 50 years ago – Agostini winning at Daytona, the rise of the rotary engine, the arrival of the six-cylinder Benelli Sei, Evel Knievel’s Skycycle jump and more.

Plus: We test a Brough Superior and a Morini that you could loan, have a blast on a fabulous Yamaha RD400 reader restoration, take a Scarlet Runner to the Brooklands banking… and get a big shock with our project Harris Magnum!

The January issue of Classic Bike is out now at all good newsagents, or why not :a[subscribe?]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=newissue_clb' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}

## :a[Choose your subscription here]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=classicbike.co.uk&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=newissue_clb' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} {#h-choose-your-subscription-here}

The December issue of Classic Bike pays tribute to the work of classic motorcycle clubs – with a very special 900cc Triumph Trident prototype being ridden on the cover. Recreated by the Triumph Trident and Rocket 3 Owners Club, it’s a glimpse of what might have been for the British bike industry.

There’s also the tale of three friends reliving their youth on 1970s Yamaha two-stroke twins, with the help of contacts in the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club.

And if you fancy joining one yourself, a comprehensive list of clubs along with their activities and contacts is printed in this month’s issue. All this plus the regular workshop tips, auction reports and updates from the CB team’s personal classics.

The December issue of Classic Bike is out now at all good newsagents, or why not :a[subscribe?]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=newissue_clb' }

## :a[Choose your subscription here]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=newissue_clb' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} {#h-choose-your-subscription-here}

The October issue of Classic Bike takes a trip to the Isle of Man for the :a[Manx Grand Prix]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/read/october-2023/how-about-this-for-diversity?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=content_how_about_this_for_diversity' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, reporting on all the thrills of the racing and the great diversity of bikes and riders that make the pilgrimage.

You’ll also find tales of famous British V-twins from Vincent and Hesketh – as well as a very intriguing road test of a :a[Douglas MkV]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/read/october-2023/rick-rides-douglas-mkv?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=content_rick_rides_douglas_mkv' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}. For fans of Italian metal, a very special Jota is taken on an intense ride, while power games of another kind are covered in the :a[Honda v Yamaha wars]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/read/october-2023/when-two-tribes-go-to-war?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=content_when-two-tribes-go-to-war' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} of the 1980s, featuring the models that stood toe-to-toe.

All that, plus the latest on the :a[Harris Magnum project]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/read/october-2023/building-a-loom-without-the-gloom?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=content_building-a-loom-without-the-gloom' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, and the usual workshop tips and market insights.

The October issue of Classic Bike is out now at all good newsagents, or why not subscribe?

## :a[Choose your subscription here]{href='https://www.greatmagazines.co.uk/classic-bike-magazine?utm_source=dynamic&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=newissue_clb' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} {#h-choose-your-subscription-here}

**Kop Hill in Princes Risborough will be closed to local traffic on the weekend of September 16/17 for the annual Hilllclimb – but this is one road closure you don’t want to avoid. _Classic Bike’s_ very own Rick Parkington has enjoyed the experience as a spectator and as a rider**

Kop Hillclimb has a dark past and a bright future. Adopted for motorcycle sport in 1910, with the cars following a little later, an accident in 1925 involving a car killing a spectator ended not only this event but also all closed roads motor sport in the UK. Revived as a charity event in 2009, matters went full circle when just a few years ago its safety record and success (an astonishing £107,000 was collected last year, contributing to the present £977,000 total) proved instrumental in the closed roads ban being finally lifted.

"A full day's entertainment with some pretty rare stuff to see"

Continue reading about the Kop Hillclimb in the September 2023 Edition of Classic Bike magazine, or**:a[get instant access on your device for only 99p.]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/read/september-2023/get-up-for-the-kop?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=teaserarticle_get-up-for-the-kop' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}**

For the September issue, Classic Bike has gathered together the :a[50 Greatest Things In The Classic Bike World]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/read/september-2023/50-greatest-things-in-the-classic-bike-world?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=content_50_greatest_things_in_the_classic_bike_world' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} – a countdown that includes some well-loved favourites along with a few surprises.

What we can reveal is that it includes proof that riding classics is good for your mental health and general wellbeing, a philosophical treatise on :a[BSA Gold Star ownership]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/read/september-2023/50-greatest-things-in-the-classic-bike-world-7-restoring-your-bike?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=content_50_greatest_things_in_the_classic_bike_world_7_restoring_your_bike' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} and top-flight Grand Prix journalist Mat Oxley on :a[why the Honda RC30 was a giant leap forward for motorcycles]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/read/september-2023/50-greatest-things-in-the-classic-bike-world-36-honda-rc30?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=content_50_greatest_things_in_the_classic_bike_world_36_honda_rc30' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}.

We can’t reveal any more than that – you’ll have to read the mag to find out the rest. But we can confirm that the issue also includes all the :a[workshop tips]{href='https://members.classicbike.co.uk/read/september-2023/lads-working-in-tandon?utm_source=referral&amp;utm_medium=bws&amp;utm_campaign=bau_clb&amp;utm_content=content_lads_working_in_tandon' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, market analysis and ongoing updates on the team’s regular rides and projects that Classic Bike readers have come to expect and enjoy.

The September issue of Classic Bike is out now at all good newsagents, or why not subscribe?

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