READING, RIDING REALCLASSIC
RealClassic writers and readers, by their own admission and evidenced by the content of the magazine, seem to have an eclectic taste in two-wheeled transport and an interest in its history. There are just the occasional letters from people who think the mag should be devoted solely to really old bikes. Maybe that is why the magazine has retained its popularity over the years and has a loyal and varied group of subscribers and contributors around the world. This is due in no small part to the feeling that you’re a member of a club, where you can contribute views, opinions and helpful tips – you’re not just a subscriber to a faceless magazine.
As for the bikes, in each issue there are some large capacity, tiny capacity, modern, some old, some not so old, some unusual, some weird or odd (maybe like some of the contributors!), some specials, and now and again some brand new machines – but those built with the old values of usability and value for money and not outright performance.
The appeal for me is that each issue is unpredictable, unlike many of the magazines out there. In RC there may be something out of the ordinary, or a visit to an area / era forgotten by the mainstream motorcycling press. You don’t have to like every article or bike or contributor appearing in the mag, or in fact agree or disagree with any views by readers or contributors.
RealClassic also sets a seed of interest about ownership in bikes that hitherto have been bypassed, ignored or just plain forgotten. The magazine can definitely help someone in the process of their own traumatic rebuild or challenge. The formula works, and keeps the magazine, website and Facebook group alive. So contribute to the debate and content, and I will continue to do the same. Stu Thomson, member 2256
Thanks, Stu. As with so many other things in life, RC is exactly what you make of it… and if anyone would like to see a certain type of bike featured here then the best way to get that ball rolling is to drop us a line and suggest a story! Rowena@RealClassic.net