CLASSIC BRITISH MOTORCYCLES

In the modern era, mass-produced motorcycles tend to be Japanese or Italian, with the “big four” Asian manufacturers dominating the market. However, this wasn't always the case. Until the 1950s and even into the ’60s, British makers such as Scott, Rudge, BSA, Norton, and Vincent ruled the roost. These legendary companies sold their bikes worldwide, winning racing championships and setting speed records as they went. They, and many smaller British firms like them, are motorcycling's founding companies.

This is the story of those pioneering firms whose engineers– (many self-taught) were fired by racing ambition, commercial rivalry, patriotic duty, and, above all, a passion for innovation. Superbly illustrated with more than 150 color pictures, many previously unpublished, Classic British Motorcycles is a captivating and highly informative account of the men, machines, race meetings, and world events that shaped the development of the motorcycle from its bicycle origins.