The Classic MotorCycle Magazine November 2025 Back Issue

Welcome to The Classic Motorcycle November 2025 issue!

In the last issue, we ended up with a slight three-wheeler theme; this time, it’s very much a ‘specials’ thread running through, even more so than last time’s three-wheelers.

The use of the word ‘special’ in a motorcycling context has many different applications, several of which are exampled within our pages this month.

First of all, there’s the perhaps most traditional usage, insomuch as a motorcycle built by someone, other than a factory. If we play motorcycle word association for a minute, and say ‘special’ how many would say ‘Triton’ as the first thing that comes into their head? Quite a few, I’d wager. In that context, three of our offerings – the AJS V-twin, the Surtees 7R and the Pegasus four – sort of come into that bracket,
taking things made by a manufacturer (or manufacturers) and adding to it, or modifying it, or repurposing it, thereby creating something unique.

Then we have the Sunbeam Model 90 Bullnose and the BMR R51RS, which are special by their dint of excellence and rarity, with the Sunbeam featured afforded extra gloss by its impeccable provenance; the model is special enough as it is, this one is extra special due to its remarkable, full history. Then the R51RS is almost a factory special, a low volume manufacturer-produced effort, its rarity elevating its
desirability today. Effectively, BMW did what a private special builder would perhaps do, taking a standard model and making it better, or at least fit for another purpose, in this case racing, in every way.

Enjoy the issue! James Robinson, Editor