Motor Cycling (magazine)
 |
|
| Editor | Norman Sharpe 1964 to 1967 |
|---|---|
| Former editors | Bob Holliday 1954 to 1964, Graham Walker 1938 to 1954 |
| Staff writers | Bruce Main-Smith, Mick Woollett, Graham Forsdyke, Mike Bashford |
| Categories | Motorcycles |
| Frequency | Weekly |
| Publisher | Temple Press |
| Year founded | 1910 |
| Final issue | 1967 |
| Country | UK |
| Based in | London |
| Language | English |
Motor Cycling was one of the first British motorcycle magazines. Launched in 1910, the front covers often had varying degree of green background, green or contrasting text and B&W illustrations or photographic images. This common theme resulted in almost a 'trademark' appearance, being called "The Green 'un", distinguishing it from its rival publication The Motor Cycle which had variation on blue background colouring with contrasting text and images ("The Blue 'un").
The editor from 1938, Graham Walker, was a dispatch rider in the First World War and had a successful racing career with Rudge, Sunbeam, and Norton, winning the Ulster Grand Prix in 1928. He rode many times in the Isle of Man TT, winning the lightweight (250cc) class in 1931, and became president of the TT Riders Association. He was also the father of racing commentator Murray Walker.
Many issues throughout the 1940s and 1950s had the strapline "Read wherever motorcycles are ridden!"
In 1959 it became Motor Cycling with Scooter Weekly. The magazine continued until 1962 when it changed to newspaper format, later merging in 1967 with Motor Cycle which had hitherto remained as magazine format.
Traditionally, Motor Cycling had a sporting-bias whilst Motor Cycle had more of a technical grounding. In his first-page article of the last magazine-format of Motor Cycle dated 3 August 1967, Editor-in-Chief of the new venture Harry Louis stated:
"Besides bringing two famous, long-established publications together, we are uniting the star writers on both into one team operating from Dorset House. These enthusiasts who, basically all-rounders but with specialized interests when they punch their typewriters, form the most experienced, knowledgeable and liveliest bunch of motor-cycling journalists ever in our field."
...
Wikipedia