It was the best advert for a new motorcycle – ever… It’s March 16 1986 and it’s the annual Transatlantic races taking place at Donington Park. For the first time the race was held at
Read moreFrom the archive: Ron Haslam on a stocker VFR
Author: Bertie Simmonds
As a child Bertie (well, Robert back then… blame his sister for the nickname) was exposed to motorcycles thanks to his uncles. They would show up at his house with a lovely lady as pillion throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
After a naughty time on field bikes (it’s what we did back then) Bertie passed his test in the early 1990s and became a reporter for MCN in 1995, moving to the sports desk and covering World Superbikes in 1996.
With a change to Bike Magazine in 1997, he stayed until 2000 as news, features and road test editor. Moving into PR with Cosworth, Bert was bored with cars and returned to bikes in 2001 with Two Wheels Only, becoming editor in 2002 and leaving to be freelance at the end of 2004.
With almost a decade freelancing, Bertie joined Mortons in 2013 and became editor of Classic Motorcycle Mechanics, a post he’s desperately clung to, to this day. And no, he’s never had a pretty girl on the back of his bike.
[email protected]
Racer-replica!
In a rich history of ‘racer-replicas’ they don’t get much better than this… Words: Bertie Simmonds Photographs: Gary D Chapman/Mortons Archive Racing surely improves the breed, which is why road-riders have enjoyed the benefits of
Read moreHonda Six – Recreating a Masterpiece
One of the greatest engineering journeys in motorcycle grand prix history is told in George Beale’s much-awaited coffee table book, Honda Six – Recreating a Masterpiece. The book documents the fascinating 25-year project by the
Read moreHonda Six – Recreating a Masterpiece
One of the greatest engineering journeys in motorcycle grand prix history is told in George Beale’s much-awaited coffee table book, Honda Six – Recreating a Masterpiece. The book documents the fascinating 25-year project by the
Read moreRenaissance Racing
Want to ride some classic 1990s race-replicas on your favourite tracks? Then check out Renaissance Racing. Renaissance Racing have a five bike fleet for 2023: the Ducati 996, Suzuki GSX-R750 SRAD, Yamaha YZF750, Honda SP-1
Read moreNational Motorcycle Museum 'Goes Live!'
National Motorcycle Museum LIVE continues in October 2023 but now as a two-day event. As always, the visit is free of charge (save for car parking, bikes park free) and once more there are a
Read moreSchwantz's first superbike
The young Kevin Schwantz didn’t get into road-racing until comparatively late, but when he did he set the sport alight. Words: Bertie Simmonds Photographs: Mortons Archive In 1984 he was a club racer, known for
Read moreOxford celebrates 50 years
Oxford Products is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023 and has a full calendar of celebrations to mark this special year. Imagine all the stuff we bikers have thanks to the motorcycle and push-bike firm,
Read moreBike grandad's licence saved!
A grandfather and keen biker was wrongly denied a licence to ride his motorcycles for over three years, according to the national Ombudsman. Paul Olsen, a graphic designer who airbrushed the one of the original
Read moreLaps of the Gods!
For the 1967 Senior TT Mike Hailwood faced a bit of a challenge in his bid to score his second hat-trick of wins around the Isle of Man course – but lady luck was smiling…
Read more