British Custom Motorcycles


Book Description

Many books have been written about British bikes and their racing history, but no one has devoted an entire book solely to the British-only custom motorcycle, and its chopper, cruiser, bobber and trike scene ... until now.




The Manx Norton


Book Description

The most famous of all British racing motorcycles, with an ancestry dating back to the very dawn of the internal combustion engine, the 'cammy' Norton is inseparable from the era of British domination in motorcycle racing. It is linked with the legendary heroes of the sport, Jimmie Guthrie, Harold Daniell, Geoff Duke, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood and the age when Britain had the world's finest motorcycle industry. This revised edition of the definitive history contains additional material and traces the design, development, the leading riders and tuners. It presents a superb collection of photographs, many previously unpublished. The Manx Norton covers not only the Manx itself, but also features boardroom battles, Norton's early history, record breaking, sidecars, Formula 3 cars, scrambling (motocross); the Domiracer; racing at Daytona and today's classic scene.




The Motorcycle


Book Description

The Haas Moto Museum in Dallas, Texas, houses a unique world-class collection that spans the history of motorcycles across thirteen decades. From early prototype models that featured a gas tank simply strapped onto a bicycle to today's radically new designs that push the limits of imagination and technology, more than 230 motorcycles are chronicled here. Whether the unnamed stars of classic movies such as Akira and Easy Rider or the object of devotion in the lives of riders and collectors, the motorcycle has been a symbol of freedom throughout pop culture. The Motorcycle celebrates these iconic machines in this beautifully curated monography with sleek images and accompanying essays from the world-class Haas Moto Museum. In addition to showing the evolution of motorcycles from 1899 to present day, this official museum monograph features 60 custom motorcycles– many of which were commissioned for the collection– from prize-winning builders from around the world including Mitsuhiro Kiyonaga, Maxwell Hazan, Jay Donovan, Cristian Sosa, and Craig Rodsmith. THE PERFECT GIFT: Featuring historical images from the Haas Moto Museum as well as custom builds that are recognized as fine art, The Motorcycle makes the perfect gift of anyone who’s a fan of motorcycles, art, or photography. FROM THE HAAS MOTO MUSEUM: Curated from the collection of the world’s premier motorcycle museum 230+ MOTORCYCLES: Explore hundreds of motorcycles, from the first motorized bicycles to custom cycles created for collectors, to cycles in pop culture and history 350+ IMAGES: See up-close portraits of magnificent motorcycles, as well as factories, races, cycles at work and in film CUSTOM BUILDERS: Discover the unique creations of builders, including Mitsuhiro Kiyonaga, Maxwell Hazan, Jay Donovan, Cristian Sosa, and Craig Rodsmith.




A Guide to Motorcycle Racing


Book Description

United States motorcycle enthusiasts can learn a lot by looking to their peers in Europe, which has as rich a history as they do. Hedley J. Cox was living in England when he became involved in racing in the early 1950s. An engineer of the first order, he raced and designed machines and traveled with a team to International Grand Prix meetings in Europe. In this behind-the-scenes look at the world of motorcycle racing, youll learn the answers to questions such as: How does management politics affect racing? Why did British motorcycle manufacturers lose the spirit of adventure that is so necessary in racing? What happened when that sense of adventure was lost? He also examines the state of racing in the Canada, where he raced for a big manufacturer after moving to the United States. At every turn and curve, he encouraged others to embrace new ideas to beat competitors. Join the author on a fascinating journey that spans thousands of miles with three different manufacturers with A Guide to Motorcycle Racing.




British Motorcycles of the 1960s and ’70s


Book Description

For the first half of the twentieth century, Great Britain led the world in motorcycle design and production, exporting its products to countries all over the globe. However, by 1960 this once-great industry had fallen into what was to be a terminal decline. During the 1960s and '70s Britain still manufactured a wide range of machines, but a combination of poor management, lack of investment, foreign competition (notably from Japan), and the arrival of the small, affordable car conspired to sound the death knell for most British motorcycles by the end of the 1970s. Mick Walker uses a host of colourful illustrations to explore the models produced by British companies and their foreign competitors, and explains what the industry did to fight its ultimate demise.




Velocette 350 & 500 Singles


Book Description

This Essential Buyer's Guide includes everything the potential Velocette buyer needs to know: assessment of engine, transmission, frame, paintwork and chrome, tinwork, wheels and tyres, brakes, electrics, an explanation of engine and frame numbers. With a detailed run down of the various models, and an assessment of which offers the best investment potential, there's also plenty of advice on buying at auctions, essential paperwork, problems caused by lack of use, and details of useful contacts.










It's Not Just about Cars


Book Description