The July issue of Classic Bike takes a big draw from the days when motorcycle racing was supported by tobacco sponsorship, looking at some of the iconic bikes, liveries and team names from John Player Nortons to Lucky Strike Suzukis, plus an interview with Marlboro Yamaha Grand Prix legends Niall Mackenzie and Rob McElnea.
Elsewhere in the magazine there’s more high-speed antics with a test ride of a Kawasaki 750 Turbo and a look at the crazy era of multi-engined drag bikes. For those who prefer a more sedate pace, there’s a tale of a Honda CB550K restoration that took much longer than expected and, on a similar note, Classic Bike’s project BSA Thunderbolt 650 is finished… or is it?
And to finish, there’s a look back to the days when 16-year-olds could hop straight onto a Gold Star race bike after passing their test.
The July issue of Classic Bike is out now at all good newsagents, or why not subscribe so you never miss an issue.
