# The Vintage Idiot

> Old cars. Old bikes. Old guy.


## Posts

- [‘Made at the Manx’ lap takes centre stage at Manx GP centennial](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/made-at-the-manx-lap-takes-centre-stage-at-manx-gp-centennial/): A ‘Made at the Manx’ lap will be part of the special events being held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Manx Grand Prix on Saturday 26 August 2023.
- [Private classic motorcycle collection auction in Penzance, Cornwall](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/private-classic-motorcycle-collection-auction-in-penzance-cornwall/): Nine classic British motorbikes including Triumph, Norton, Zenith, Ariel and New Imperial come up for sale later this week at an Antiques & Interiors auction being held in Penzance, Cornwall by David Lays Auctioneers.
- [Egli-Vincent with 1200cc Godet engine sells for £53k](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/egli-vincent-with-1200cc-godet-engine-sells-for-55k/): An Egli-Vincent rebuilt in 2006 by Patrick Godet under licence from Fritz Egli using a new magnesium 1200cc Godet engine sold for £53,000 (+auction costs) at the Charterhouse Classic Motorcycle auction at the Haynes Motor Museum on 29 June 2023.
- [California Dreaming! Stunning BSA X-75 Hurricane up for sale](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/one-off-bsa-vetter-rocket-3-x-75-hurricane-prototype/): The early 1970s were a torrid time for the British motorcycle industry. Famous brand names had disappeared or were closing.
- [Historic Triumph Ricardo that changed engine design](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/historic-triumph-ricardo-that-changed-engine-design/): A truly historic Triumph motorcycle is up for sale at the H&H classic motorcycle auction at the National Motorcycle Museum on Wednesday, 12 July.
- [Lambretta GT200 raced in Isle of Man trials may fetch £20k plus](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/lambretta-gt200-raced-in-isle-of-man-trials-may-fetch-20k-plus/): UPDATED 22 May 2024: OK, I'll admit straightaway that I cannot see how the auctioneer's estimate of £22,000 to £24,000 for this 1965 Lambretta GT200 scooter can possibly be right.
- [Royal Enfield: Recreating its first 1901 motor-bicycle](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/royal-enfield-recreating-its-first-1901-motor-bicycle/): How do you recreate a motorcycle first seen in 1901 when you have no surviving examples, no technical drawings and just a handful of period photos?
- [Seventies Kawasaki Z makes an auction statement](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/seventies-kawasaki-z-makes-an-auction-statement/): If anyone needed proof of the rising values of 1970s Japanese motorcycles then here it is.
- [Wow! The Norton Commando is back](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/wow-the-norton-commando-is-back/): Blimey, is it really 50 years since I joined Motor Cycle News as a hugely enthusiastic but very inexperienced journalist?
- [Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2023 sets new records](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/distinguished-gentlemans-ride-2023-sets-new-records/): More than 100,000 riders, across 900 cities in 107 countries, took part in the 2023 Distinguished Gentleman's Ride on 21 May.
- [Three Nortons from 'Norton George' collection up for sale](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/three-nortons-from-norton-georges-collection-up-for-sale/): Norton George... what a great name! Evocative and intriguing at the same time. And it rang a distant bell, though I'm still not sure from where.
- [Moto Guzzi's military 500cc single Falcone](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/moto-guzzis-military-500cc-single-falcone/): As well as its more famous vee-twins, Italian manufacturer Moto Guzzi also made a 500cc single cylinder motorcycle.
- [Bike Of The Week: ‘Time capsule’ 1958 BMW R50](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/time-capsule-1958-bmw-r50-on-auction-at-national-motorcycle-museum/): The speedometer reads 81,115 miles on this 1958 500cc BMW R50 but it hasn’t been ridden in a long while – possibly since 1997 looking at the final tax disc.
- [Pre-WWI Douglas 350 for sale at Shuttleworth auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/pre-wwi-douglas-350-for-sale-at-shuttleworth-auction/): The First World War from 1914 to 1918 was vile.
- [Elvis Presley’s Harley is in the building! OK, auction…](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/elvis-presleys-harley-is-in-the-building-ok-auction/): Who knew rock ‘n roll star Elvis Presley was into motorcycles?
- [How much for that Suzuki in the crate?](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/how-much-for-that-suzuki-in-the-crate/): Have classic motorcycle auctions gone crazy or is $20,000 a good price for a 1975 Suzuki TM250 dirt bike? Not just any old TM250 though.
- [Brough Superior SS100 sells for £281,750 at Bonhams auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/brough-superior-ss100-sells-for-281750-at-bonhams-auction/): A very special 1931 Brough Superior SS100 sold for an amazing £281,750 at Bonham's Spring Stafford auction at the International Classic Motorcycle Show on 22 April 2023.
- [Kent man reunited with stolen Ariel after 27 years](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/kent-man-reunited-with-stolen-ariel-after-27-years/): A vintage motorcycle enthusiast has thanked Kent Police and others for reuniting him with his stolen motorcycle after 27 years.
- [National Motorcycle Museum Live back for two days in October](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/national-motorcycle-museum-live-back-for-two-days-in-october/): The National Motorcycle Museum Live event will be back as a two-day event on 28-29 October 2023.
- [The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride 2023](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/the-distinguished-gentlemans-ride-2023/): 'Riding Dapper for a Cause' - that's The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride that's now become an annual event across the world.
- [Charterhouse reaches 75% sale rate at March auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/charterhouse-reaches-75-sale-rate-at-march-auction/): Charterhouse Auctioneers says its classic and vintage bike auction on 30 March at the Haynes International Motor Museum was a great success with nearly 75% sold, with the total value reaching just over £500,000.
- [Mike Hailwood's 1960 125 Ducati up for sale](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/mike-hailwoods-1960-125-ducati-up-for-sale/): Wow! A 1960 Ducati 125cc raced by a young Mike Hailwood is coming for sale at Bonham's Spring Stafford sale at the International Classic Motorcycle Show on 22 April 2023.
- [H&H achieves 84% sale rate at NEC classic motorcycle auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/hh-achieves-84-sale-rate-at-nec-classic-motorcycle-auction/): Auctioneer H&H has released results of its sale of classic motorcycles and scooters at the National Motorcycle Museum on 29 March 2023.
- [No Congestion Charge for Historic Motorcycles in London](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/no-congestion-charge-for-historic-motorcycles-in-london/): Classic motorcycles will NOT be subject to the London Congestion Charge, a point which has been clarified by Transport for London after the subject was raised by the National Motorcyclists Council (NMC).
- [Let the good times roll with Italy's classic motorcycle tours](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/let-the-good-times-roll-with-italys-classic-motorcycle-tours/): How does the idea of riding a 1970s classic motorcycle through the sunny, warm backroads of Italy's most scenic countryside sound? Terrific!
- [Ducati 900SS: looks like it's doing 90mph when standing still](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/ducati-900ss-looks-like-90mph-when-standing-still/): Here's an opportunity to snap up a Ducati 900SS at what appears to be a bargain price - on live auction with Bonham's The Market. UPDATE: Sold for £2,875.
- [Bike Of The Week: 1936 Indian Four, a rare survivor](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/1936-indian-four-rare-survivor/): A rare Indian Four motorcycle dating from 1936 will be coming up for sale at the next H&H Classics auction to be held at the National Motorcycle Museum on 29 March 2023.
- [Million dollar motorcycle!](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/million-dollar-motorcycle-1908-harley-davidson-sells-at-mecum-auction/): Almost $1 million for a classic motorcycle... seems incredible but it's true.
- [Brough SS100 outfit at Charterhouse Auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/85-motorcycles-at-charterhouse-auction-on-30-march-2023/): Among the 85 motorcycles listed so far in the Charterhouse Classic & Vintage Motorcycle Auction at the Haynes Motor Museum on 30 March is an extraordinary 1936 Brough Superior SS100 with an Alpine Grand Sports sidecar.
- [In praise of older motorcycles: The Velocette Venom](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/in-praise-of-older-motorcycles/): I absolutely love motorcycles and motorcycling. Not just the nuts & bolts of the machines but the riding, the experience, the camaraderie.
- [A lap of the Isle of Man TT circuit with racing legend John McGuinness](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/a-lap-of-the-isle-of-man-tt-circuit-with-racing-legend-john-mcguinness/): Since his TT debut in 1996, John McGuinness MBE has completed thousands of laps of the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course.
- [Frontline MGA: The classic British sports car with a thoroughly modern sting](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/frontline-mga-the-classic-british-sports-car-with-a-thoroughly-modern-sting/): The MGA was always one of the prettiest British sports cars ever made.
- [Triumph's new Bonneville T40: Half the cylinders, all the style?](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/triumphs-new-bonneville-t40-half-the-cylinders-all-the-style/): Triumph has done something rather clever.
- [Clarkson clears out three Grand Tour cars – including the very last one he drove](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/clarkson-clears-out-three-grand-tour-cars-including-the-very-last-one-he-drove/): There comes a point in every man’s life when he looks into the garage and realises he owns too many cars.
- [Preparing an old MG for the road trip of a lifetime](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/preparing-an-old-mg-for-the-road-trip-of-a-lifetime/): The plan for 2027 was always to take a month off and drive around Italy.
- [Fast 500s with somewhere to put your socks: BSA DBD34 Gold Star and Matchless G80CS](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/fast-500s-with-somewhere-to-put-your-socks/): The BSA DBD34 Gold Star and Matchless G80CS earned their reputations through competition.
- [New emissions law targets post-2001 motorcycles – older classics escape](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/new-emissions-law-targets-post-2001-motorcycles-older-classics-escape/): Classic motorcycles built before 2001 appear to be outside proposed new emissions rules, but owners of more recent machines could face tougher restrictions on modifications and maintenance.
- [Mike Hailwood’s World Championship Honda: £1 million motorcycle?](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/mike-hailwoods-world-championship-honda-1-million-motorcycle/): This is a very very special motorcycle.
- [Bike Of The Week: Virtually Unused 1981 Yamaha XT500](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/bike-of-the-week-virtually-unused-1981-yamaha-xt500/): A remarkably preserved 1981 Yamaha XT500, showing a scarcely believable 47 kilometres from new, is on the virtual auction block at Bonhams' Online Summer Sale until 15 June with an estimate of £8,000–£12,000.
- [Bike Of The Week: BSA Y13, The V-Twin Birmingham Never Forgot](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/bsa-y13-the-v-twin-birmingham-never-forgot/): If you spot a V-twin wearing a BSA badge it's almost certainly going to be a BSA Y13.
- [Ten Great Classic Motorcycles for under £5000](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/ten-great-classic-motorcycles-for-under-5000/): The days of stumbling across a Vincent for the price of a family hatchback are long gone.
- [Allen Millyard’s Maddest Machines Under the Hammer – Including Viper V10](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/allen-millyards-maddest-machines-under-the-hammer-including-viper-v10/): Most of us, when faced with a spare engine and a bit of time, might think about a winter rebuild or perhaps a café racer project.
- [Banbury Run 2026: Best places to watch](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/best-places-to-watch-the-2026-banbury-run/): Where can spectators watch this year's Banbury Run, the premier road riding event run by the UK's Vintage Motor Cycle Club?
- [Matchless G80CS: The Desert Sledgehammer](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/matchless-g80cs-the-desert-sledgehammer/): There are motorcycles that impress on paper, and then there are motorcycles that earn their reputation the hard way.
- [Bike Of The Week: 1965 'works' MV Agusta 500 tops Bonhams Stafford auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/1965-works-mv-agusta-500-tops-bonhams-stafford-auction/): If you’re a fan of motorcycling history, it doesn't get much bigger than this.
- [Bike Of The Week: 1937 BSA Empire Star, a pivotal classic but I missed it!](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/missed-it-1937-bsa-empire-star-a-pivotal-classic/): Kick, kick, kick...
- [Over the ton and still going: early Rudge and BSA](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/over-the-ton-and-still-going-early-rudge-and-bsa/): There's something very appealing about motorcycles more than 100 years old.
- [Vintage Motor Cycle Club celebrates 80th anniversary in 2026](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/vintage-motor-cycle-club-celebrates-80th-anniversary-in-2026/): The Vintage Motor Cycle Club of Great Britain (VMCC) will mark its 80th anniversary in 2026, celebrating eight decades of preserving, riding and understanding historic motorcycles.
- [Entries open for The Banbury Run 2026](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/entries-open-for-the-banbury-run-2026/): Entries are now open for the 76th Banbury Run, which takes place at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, Warwickshire on Sunday 7 June 2026.
- [World's biggest classic motorcycles auction: Mecum Las Vegas 2026](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/serious-stuff-classic-motorcycles-auction-at-mecum-las-vegas-2026/): The world's biggest auction of classic motorcycles is the Mecum Annual Vintage & Antique Motorcycle Auction.
- [Classic motorcycle racing pioneer Rob Iannucci RIP](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/classic-motorcycle-racing-pioneer-rob-iannucci-rip/): Robert ‘Rob’ Iannucci, one of the world’s most passionate and influential men when it came to racing classic motorcycles from the ‘golden age’ of racing – early-1950s to mid-1970s in his view – has died at the age of 80.
- [Stolen: Rare Riley motorcycle sold as '1970s Special' at auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/stolen-rare-riley-sold-at-earlier-auction/): One of only two surviving Riley motorcycles dating from 1904 has been stolen from the great-grandson of the man who designed it.
- [Smoky Treasure: Charlie Sanby’s TT Ducati 750SS](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/smoky-treasure-charlie-sanbys-tt-ducati-750ss/): Ducati’s 750SS is already one of the most mythical motorcycles of the 1970s —mgreen-framed, bevel-driven and built in the smallest of numbers.
- [Bike Of The Week: 1975 Ducati 900 Super Sport: Raw and Raucous](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/raw-and-raucous-1975-ducati-900-super-sport/): Somewhere around the mid-1970s, Ducati fever overtook me and half of the motorcycle world.
- [Iconic Auction shows classic motorcycle prices 'resetting'](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/iconic-auction-shows-classic-motorcycle-prices-resetting/): One of the last big auctions of 2025 was the Iconic Auction on 9 November – what did we learn?
- [Bike Of The Week: Scott Flying Squirrel – Two-Stroke Royalty](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/scott-flying-squirrel-two-stroke-royalty-holding-value/): In the history of great British motorcycles, the Scott Flying Squirrel sits slightly apart.
- [Honda CB1000F: will the retro Fireblade match original CB900F?](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/honda-cb1000f-will-the-retro-fireblade-match-original-cb900f/): When the Honda CB900F Super Sports first arrived in 1979, it took a little time to realise just how good it was. After all, wasn’t it just another UJM?
- [1970 Honda CB750: The Original Superbike Heads to Auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/1970-honda-cb750-the-original-superbike-heads-to-auction/): There are few motorcycles that changed the course of motorcycling history quite like the Honda CB750.
- [The Curious Case of the 1970 Indian Velocette Venom 500](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/the-curious-case-of-the-1970-indian-velocette-venom-500/): In the twilight years of the British motorcycle industry, when storied marques were either folding or floundering, an American entrepreneur named Floyd Clymer attempted to write one last heroic chapter.
- [1988 Yamaha XT500: Still Crated After All These Years](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/yamaha-xt500-1975-1989-trail-bike-that-defined-adventure/): If you had to pick one motorcycle that set the template for the modern adventure bike, the Yamaha XT500 would be a strong contender.
- [DVLA updates classic motorcycle registration system](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/dvla-updates-classic-motorcycle-registration-system/): The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) has unveiled a major update to some of its vehicle registration policies, making it significantly easier for enthusiasts to register repaired, restored and modified vehicles including classic motorcycles.
- [Route 66 at 100: EagleRider’s Once-in-a-Century Ride](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/route-66-at-100-eagleriders-once-in-a-century-ride/): Some roads are just tarmac and paint. Others become legends. And then there’s Route 66 — the Mother Road.
- [Kawasaki GPz900R: Top Gun Legend That Changed Motorcycling](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/kawasaki-gpz900r-top-gun-legend-that-changed-motorcycling/): Some motorcycles are remembered for their technical brilliance. Others for their cultural impact. A select few, like Kawasaki’s GPz900R, manage both.
- [The BSA Bantam 350 flies again](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/the-bsa-bantam-350-flies-again/): Some names in motorcycling carry more than just letters on a tank. They carry memories. The smell of two‑stroke smoke on a damp morning.
- [Climbing Legends: 1928 Harley-Davidson FHAD Hillclimber](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/climbing-legends-1928-harley-davidson-fhad-hillclimber/): In the smoky, oil-rich atmosphere of 1920s American racing, the hillclimb was the gladiator arena of the motorcycle world.
- [BMW R 12 S: Boxer with a Dash of Daytona](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/bmw-r-12-s-boxer-with-bite-and-dash-of-daytona/): BMW has a knack for this sort of thing.
- [All Routes Italy overtakes Ride 70s tours: 2026 dates](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/all-routes-italy-overtakes-ride-70s-tours/): Remember Ride70s, the Italian company running a series of tours of spectacular regions of Italy on classic motorcycles?
- [Royal Enfield kicks off 2025 'JDM' rides in Northants](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/royal-enfield-kicks-off-2025-jdm-rides-in-northants/): The first 2025 Royal Enfield ‘Journey, Destination, Memories’ (JDM) event has been announced, with all riders welcome to join the opening ride at Cooperb Motorcycles in Northants on 3 July.
- [Insider Guide to National Motorcycle Museum Live 2025](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/insider-guide-to-national-motorcycle-museum-live-2025/): If you love bikes, banter and a good rummage through an autojumble, then clear your diary: NMM Live 2025 is rolling into the National Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October.
- [Fancy a bit of Hollywood history? Bud Ekins’ Matchless G80S](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/fancy-a-bit-of-hollywood-history-bud-ekins-matchless-g80s-up-for-grabs/): If ever a motorbike could wear sunglasses and a leather jacket, this would be it.
- [Royal Enfield Returns to Wheels & Waves in Biarritz](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/royal-enfield-returns-to-wheels-waves-in-biarritz/): Royal Enfield is back at Wheels & Waves in Biarritz this 11 to 15 June, bringing with it a new fleet of custom bikes, a racing chopper called Samurai and a competition prize that could take you halfway around the world to ride the roads of southern India.
- [1928 BSA Sloper: A Jolly Green Giant is calling](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/1928-bsa-sloper-a-jolly-green-giant-is-calling/): There's a certain quality and star status afforded classic motorcycles with girder forks.
- [Purpose Built Moto’s Royal Enfield Bobber](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/purpose-built-motos-royal-enfield-bobber/): There’s something beautifully irreverent about unbolting a brand-new Royal Enfield straight out of the crate and taking an angle grinder to it.
- [Slice of Americana: 1918 Harley-Davidson Model F](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/slice-of-americana-1918-harley-davidson-model-f/): Meet the 1918 Harley-Davidson Model F, a motorcycle that predates television, the BBC, and sliced bread — but still manages to look like it could roar into town and cause a stir.
- [First Look: BMW R 12 G/S – Retro Spirit, Modern Grit](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/first-look-bmw-r-12-g-s-retro-spirit-modern-grit/): You don’t get many motorcycles that wear their heritage so proudly and yet feel like they’ve just burst out of the prototype lab.
- [A Proper Motorcycle: The 1937 Vincent-HRD Rapide Series-A](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/a-proper-motorcycle-the-1937-vincent-hrd-rapide-series-a/): Motorcycles are wonderful things. They allow you to enjoy the open road, go quite fast, and in some cases, terrify yourself.
- [Honda NRX1800 Valkyrie Rune: Aye, the Druids have it](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/honda-nrx1800-valkyrie-rune-aye-the-runes-have-it/): +VIDEO The Honda NRX1800 Valkyrie Rune, or as some people call it, mostly Druids, the Rune, is one of those motorcycles that makes you pause and wonder what on earth the engineers were thinking.
- [Six Of The Best: RC30 heads Charterhouse March auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/six-of-the-best-rc30-heads-charterhouse-march-auction/): Here’s another of our Six Of The Best series, this time from the Charterhouse auction taking place at the Haynes Motor Museum on 13 March.
- [1969 Vespa SS90: Speedy Gonzales Of Scooters](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/1969-vespa-ss90/): Right, let’s talk about something rather special. Not a Ferrari. Not a Spitfire. Not even a particularly well-engineered teapot.
- [Six Of The Best: Classic Motorcycles at Bonhams’ Spring Stafford Sale 2025](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/six-of-the-best-classic-motorcycles-at-bonhams-spring-stafford-sale-2025/): Bonhams has announced an extraordinary lineup for its highly anticipated Spring Stafford Sale, set to take place on 26-27 April 2025, at the Staffordshire County Showground.
- [Two-Wheel Time Capsule: Brand New 2005 Honda Fireblade](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/two-wheel-time-capsule-brand-new-2005-honda-fireblade/): Let me introduce you to something that’s not just a motorcycle but an engineering masterpiece that could make the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
- [UK’s biggest collection of Yamaha racing bikes up for auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/uks-biggest-collection-of-yamaha-racing-bikes-up-for-auction/): Ah, Yamaha! The mere mention of the name conjures images of thrilling track days, ear-splitting two-stroke exhaust notes, and a history of racing dominance.
- [Classic TT stars at 2025 Manx Grand Prix week](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/classic-tt-stars-at-2025-manx-grand-prix-week/): Some say the Manx Grand Prix week is more enjoyable than the regular Isle of Man TT races in June with fewer people and less traffic on the island.
- [Suzuki GSX-R750: brilliant racer on the road (despite the nickname)](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/suzuki-gsx-r750-brilliant-racer-on-the-road-despite-the-nickname/): Whoever came up with the nickname ‘Gixxer’ for Suzuki’s stunning 1980s GSX-R750 was a moron.
- [Triumph launches 2025 range of Modern Classics](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/triumph-launches-2025-range-of-modern-classics/): Triumph Motorcycles has announced a new collection of seven Modern Classic Icon Editions for 2025, featuring a Triumph logo dating back to 1907.
- [World record for Olympia Vincent at Bonhams £3.2m autumn auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/world-record-for-olympia-vincent-at-bonhams-3-2m-autumn-auction/): A new world record price was set at Bonhams' Autumn Stafford Sale in October for a very famous motorcycle: the 1936 Olympia Motorcycle Show Vincent-HRD 998cc Series-A Rapide.
- [Six Of The Best: Bonhams Autumn Stafford sale](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/six-of-the-best-bonhams-autumn-stafford-sale/): Here's another of my personal Six Of The Best - this time from Bonhams Autumn Stafford Sale at the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show on 12-13 October 2024.
- [Six Of The Best: Charterhouse Auction October 2024](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/six-of-the-best-charterhouse-auction-october-2024/): Here's a new idea (from me): Six of The Best from an upcoming motorcycle auction.
- [First Look: 2025 Triumph Speed Twin 1200 and 1200 RS](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/first-look-2025-triumph-speed-twin-1200-and-1200-rs/): Looking for a modern bike with retro looks and plenty of style and performance?
- [Triumph's very first 'unit' construction twin: the 1957 350cc 'Twenty-One'](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/triumphs-very-first-unit-construction-twin-the-1957-350cc-twenty-one/): A seismic change in British motorcycle design happened in 1957: the introduction of 'unit' construction combining the engine, primary drive and gearbox in one case.
- [Shell's Time Machine: Watch Geoff Duke win the 1954 Dutch TT](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/shells-time-machine-watch-geoff-duke-win-the-1954-dutch-tt/): +VIDEO Geoff Duke was one of the most successful British motorcycle racers of all time, winning six world championships and six Isle of Man TT races during his racing career from 1948 to 1959.
- [Barber Vintage Festival beckons US classic motorcycle riders](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/barber-vintage-festival-beckons-us-classic-motorcycle-riders/): UPDATED US classic motorcycle enthusiasts are gearing up for one of the events of the year: the Barber Vintage Festival, held over 11-13 October 2024 at Barber Motorsports Parkway in Birmingham, Alabama.
- [Moto Guzzi Spada Royale: The Luton Job](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/moto-guzzi-spada-royale-the-luton-job/): Back in the 1970s and early 80s, Luton dealer Coburn & Hughes was the UK agent for two Italian manufacturers, Ducati and Moto Guzzi.
- [Classics included in BMF's Manifesto for Motorcycling](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/classics-included-in-bmfs-manifesto-for-motorcycling/): It's general election year so expect plenty of politics, debate and lobbying - and motorcycling is on the agenda too.
- [Bonhams Spring Sale touches 95% of lots sold](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/bonhams-spring-sale-touches-95-of-lots-sold/): Bonhams Spring Stafford sale on 20-21 April at the International Classic MotorCycle Show reached a total value of £3m.
- [Grand Prix roadster: street legal 1962 Honda CR93 racer](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/grand-prix-roadster-street-legal-1962-honda-cr93-racer/): Take a good look at this Honda coming up for auction with Charterhouse on 6 June. It’s a rare, and I mean very rare, Honda CR93 from 1962. How rare?
- [Govt launches survey on future of classic vehicles](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/govt-launches-survey-on-future-of-classic-vehicles/): How best to preserve classic vehicles for the future? Where to draw the line between a restoration and a 'new build' from parts?
- [Distinguished Gentleman's Ride launches 'Side by Side' campaign](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/distinguished-gentlemans-ride-launches-side-by-side-campaign/): +VIDEO On Sunday 19 May 2024, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) is coming to a city near you.
- [Will this 1972 750cc Ducati Imola racer top $1m?](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/will-this-1972-750cc-ducati-imola-racer-top-1m/): The Big Question in the classic motorcycle auction world right now is: are we about to see a multi-million dollar motorcycle sale?
- [National Motorcycle Museum Auction Hits 90% Sale Rate](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/national-motorcycle-museum-auction-hits-90-sale-rate/): Almost 90 percent of the classic motorcycles and scooters offered for sale at H&H Classics’ first motorcycle and scooter auction of 2024 were successfully hammered away on 27 March, for a combined total of more than £800,000.
- [LiveWire launches all-new S2 Mulholland American cruiser](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/livewire-launches-all-new-s2-mulholland-american-cruiser/): +VIDEO American style cruisers are typically styled around the petrol tank which on an electric motorcycle, clearly, is unnecessary so in a bold move Livewire has styled its latest motorcycle, the Mulholland, wihout that focal point.
- [Zero completely updates its A1 S model for 2024](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/zero-completely-updates-its-a1-s-model-for-2024/): + VIDEO & GALLERY The Model S is the original Zero electric motorcycle, the longest surviving in the Californian manufacturer’s range.
- [What motorcycle licence do I need - and how do I get it?](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/what-motorcycle-licence-do-i-need-and-how-do-i-get-it/): The motorcycle licence system in the UK seems fiendishly complicated at first glance.
- [How to get a motorcycle licence: AM Moped](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/how-to-get-a-motorcycle-licence-am-moped/): Read the full article: What motorcycle licence do I need – and how do I get it?
- [How to get a motorcycle licence : A1 Light Motorcycle](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/how-to-get-a-motorcycle-licence-a1-light-motorcycle/): Read the full article: What motorcycle licence do I need – and how do I get it?
- [How to get a motorcycle licence: A2 (Motorcycle)](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/how-to-get-a-motorcycle-licence-a2-motorcycle/): Read the full article: What motorcycle licence do I need – and how do I get it?
- [How to get a motorcycle licence: Category A  Motorcycle (when aged 21 to 23)](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/how-to-get-a-motorcycle-licence-4-a-motorcycle-when-aged-21-to-23/): Read the full article: What motorcycle licence do I need – and how do I get it?
- [How to get a motorcycle licence: Category A Motorcycle (when aged 24 or over)](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/how-to-get-a-motorcycle-licence-5-a-motorcycle-when-aged-24-or-over/): Read the full article: What motorcycle licence do I need – and how do I get it?
- [Royal Enfield ups power and features for 2024 Himalayan 450](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/royal-enfield-ups-power-and-features-for-2024-himalayan-450/): Looking for an adventure motorcycle that doesn't cost the earth to buy, run and insure? One with sensible proportions, power and weight?
- [Review: Katbo 2-amp battery charger](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/review-katbo-2-amp-battery-charger/): One of the fun parts about running a motorcycle that's been restored or rebuilt by someone else is the little things you discover after a few months of ownership.
- ['Special' Brough Superior SS100 sells for £241,500](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/special-brough-superior-ss100-sells-for-241500/): A very special 1938 Brough Superior SS100 sold for an incredible £241,500 at the Iconic Auction staged at the NEC Classic Motor Show, Birmingham on Sunday, 12 November 2023.
- [Mixed fortunes at Charterhouse October auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/mixed-fortunes-at-charterhouse-october-auction/): What to make of the results from the Charterhouse auction of classic & vintage motorcycles on 26 October 2023?
- [Bike Of The Week: Triumph TR5, The original 'Trophy'](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/triumph-tr5-the-original-trophy/): Over the years, Triumph has bandied around the name 'Trophy' willy-nilly.
- [Rare Mondials to appear at world's biggest motorcycle auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/rare-mondials-to-appear-at-worlds-biggest-motorcycle-auction/): FB Mondial is one of those motorcycle manufacturers bathed in myth and legend, dominating grand prix racing during the early and mid 1950s.
- [Triumph Scrambler 1200: modern day TR5 (sort of)](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/triumph-scrambler-1200-modern-day-tr5-sort-of/): In case you haven't noticed, Triumph is really going for it at the moment.
- [Brough Superior SS100 Pendine replica sells for $220,000](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/brough-superior-ss100-pendine-replica-sells-for-220000/): Top of the top ten results at the Mecum John Parham auction earlier this month was a 1927 Brough Superior SS100 Pendine Replica, said to be one of the finest examples of the model in the world.
- [The Vincent story: Speed Is Expensive DVD released](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/the-vincent-story-speed-is-expensive-dvd-released/): Speed Is Expensive – yup, we know that and there’s a movie to confirm it.
- [Ride70s opens bookings for 2024 Italy classic motorcycle tours](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/ride70s-opens-bookings-for-2024-italy-classic-motorcycle-tours/): Where do you want to ride in Italy and on what classic motorcycle?
- [BSA Bantam GPO: the Little Red Rooster](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/bsa-bantam-gpo-when-delivery-motorcycle-were-red-and-fun/): Mess with institutions at your peril and few have been messed around more than the UK Post Office.
- [Nearly new JMC Norvin classic motorcycle up for auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/nearly-new-jmc-norvin-classic-motorcycle-up-for-auction/): A new Norvin… is that even possible? A new Vincent 1,000cc vee-twin engine in a Norton Featherbed frame with modern cycle parts?
- [Fifty? No, just one shade of grey for Venhill cables](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/fifty-no-just-one-shade-of-grey-for-venhill-cables/): Specialist cable maker Venhill has added a new grey colour option to its motorcycle speedo and tacho cable range.
- [UK's National Motorcycle Museum acquires surviving BSA Vetter triple](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/uks-national-motorcycle-museum-acquires-surviving-bsa-vetter-triple/): The sole surviving roadworthy BSA Vetter Rocket 3 – prototype of the Craig Vetter designed triple that became the Triumph X-75 Hurricane – will join the collection of classic motorcycles at the UK’s National Motorcycle Museum.
- [Entries open for next year’s Moto Giro d’Italia](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/entries-open-for-next-years-hugely-popular-moto-giro-ditalia/): Entries for the 2024 Moto Giro d’Italia are now open and anyone thinking of taking part is urged to register as soon as possible.
- [Watch a rusty old Jawa come back to life](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/watch-a-rusty-old-jawa-come-back-to-life/): US YouTube channel Rescue Story is restoring a 1960s Jawa motorcycle found in a dilapidated state. View the whole series here.
- [Tony East's Isle of Man classic motorcycle collection for sale](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/tony-easts-isle-of-man-classic-motorcycle-collection-for-sale-with-bonhams/): Lifelong motorcycle enthusiast Tony East amassed a world class collection of classic motorcycles over the years which became a Collection open to the public at Kirk Michael on the Isle of Man TT course.
- [R90S: the superbike that changed BMW motorcycles for ever](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/r90s-the-superbike-that-changed-bmw-motorcycles-for-ever/): Up until the early 1970s, BMW motorcycles were known for their high quality of manufacture and finish… and also for being a tad dull.
- [Rare John Player Special Norton Commando in online auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/rare-john-player-special-norton-commando-in-online-auction/): Live in-person sales aren't the only way to bid at auctions.
- [Pioneer Run for pre-1915 motorcycles set for October](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/pioneer-run-for-pre-1915-motorcycles-set-for-october/): It's astonishing to think that the youngest motorcycle taking part in this year's Pioneer Run will be at least 107 years old – there may even be one that's 126 years old!
- [Nine classic motorcycles at fair prices in Penzance auction](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/nine-classic-motorcycles-at-fair-prices-in-penzance-auction/): Where can you find a bargain these days? Specifically, where are the classic motorcycles being sold at fair, not inflated prices?
- [Is this 1987 Matchless G80 the ‘Great Pretender’?](https://thevintageidiot.co.uk/is-this-1987-matchless-g80-the-great-pretender/): If the heart of a motorcycle is its engine, then it’s hard to say with conviction that this 1987 Harris G80 really lives up to its Matchless name.

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