How the model was originally conceived in secrecy, its development and subsequent production, discussing in depth those features it shares in common with the other Vincent models and those that differentiate it.

The ultimate guide to the Norton Commando’s year-by-year evolution and to authenticity The story of the Norton Commando – conception, design and production, how it compared to the competition (British and Japanese).

A definitive history of Triumphs two most popular models in the 1940s and 1950s In depth information on the Thunderbird not previously available. Year-on-year development history on both models. Year-by-year engine and frame numbering enabling correct identification. Colour schemes used throughout the model life. Photographs and colour prints showing each model in detail. Competition success and achievements for both models.

The Fifties and Sixties were years of great splendour in British motorcycle history, an era in which all enthusiasts turned to the country’s marques knowing that they would find the maximum in elegance, fascination and performance. At the time, British motorbike production included numerous big cubic capacity models mainly destined for America, often with twin cylinder engines; an important technical choice that distinguished home market production from that of other European countries. The success of historic brands like BSA, Triumph, Norton, Royal Enfield, Matchless and Velocette was also favoured by a lack of competition from Japan, a phenomenon that would soon explode onto the scene. But the British giants bolstered by their dominant position in the marketplace, did not invest in re-tooling or the development of new models. A conservative choice which made their lives difficult as early as the late Sixties, leading to their definitive demise and marking the end of an epoch.

THE 10 ENGLISH BIKES THAT MADE THE ’50S and ’60S:


• BSA 500 Gold Star
• BSA 650 A 10 Rocket Gold Star
• BSA 650 Spitfire
• Matchless 650 G 12
• Norton 500 Dominator 88
• Norton 750 Atlas
• Royal Enfield 700 Constellation
• Triumph 650 T 110 Tiger
• Triumph 650 T 120 Bonneville
• Velocette 500 Thruxton

For almost half a century the Bristol-based Douglas marque was a stalwart of the British motorcycle industry, and was famed for its flat-twin engines. Douglas: The Complete Story is a detailed account of the motorcycles from the Douglas company from 1907 until 1957. The author delves deep into the design, production and use of these classic British bikes.

The book presents the 350, 500, 650, 750 Twins & Trident models.

A total of 44 articles drawn from British and North American Journals lead us through the development of Ariel’s Leader and Arrow models. Included are road, racing, maintenance, comparison and classic tests, new model introductions and updates, full technical and performance data plus useful advice on engine and fork stripping together with a detailed “engine analysis”. Further articles cover super-tuning, servicing and history of the marque.

The diminutive BSA Bantam is one of the icons of British motoring in the twentieth century. It was not fast, or glamorous, or particularly well built; but it was cheap, easy to ride and reasonably reliable. This book charts the huge success of the little bike from Birmingham that started its life in pre-war Germany and went on to conquer the world.

The BSA A7 500cc twin of 1946 started a line of engines that culminated in the Rocket 3 triple.

Experts report on the life and times of the Hesketh V1000, Vampire and V2 Vortan. Included are road tests, model introductions, technical specifications, performance data, history and comparison tests against a Harley Davidson FXRT and Vincent Black Knight.

The Royal Enfield 250s provided the young motorcyclists of the day with bikes for learning to ride, commuting to work, touring and cafe racing. This new book features 39 articles on this popular classic British bike including new model introductions, tuning, buying secondhand, classic reports, engine analysis, performance and technical data. Models reported on: Crusader, Sport, Super 5, Airflow, Turbo Twin, 246cc Grand Prix Single, Continental.

The firm of Royal Enfield was one of the best-known names of the British motorcycle industry, but curiously its products have never received the adulation bestowed on the products of Triumph, BSA and others. In this complete history, top motorcycle authority Mick Walker shows that there was, in fact, much for the Redditch-based firm to be proud of, in the shape of good-looking, innovative machines that inspired a generation. And what other company can boast a model still in popular production sixty years after its launch?

Velocette is one of the most respected names in the history of the motorcycle. Though not as numerous or as successful, as some machines, the motorbikes produced by the Veloce company in Birmingham command a special respect and an extremely loyal following, and machines such as the KTT and Thruxton are among the most desirable classic bikes you can buy today. In this book motorcycle historian, Mick Walker, chronicles the history of the Veloce company and the bikes they produced between 1905 and the winding up of the company in 1971.

Reprinted articles from major automotive magazines deal specifically with your favorite Vincent models. Filled with road tests, specs, driving impressions, articles on model introductions, history, and tuning. Models covered include: Firefly, Egli-Vincent, NorVin, Comet, Meteor, Rapide, Grey Flash, Black Shadow, Black Prince and Black Lightning.

This book covers every aspect of one of the best loved classic racing machines, from its beginnings back in Wolverhampton to the classic racing scene of today. The book is lavishly illustrated in black and white.

A total of 49 reports on the Commando S, SS, Production Racer, Roadster, Fastback, Dunsfall 810, 850, Interstate, Mk.2A, John Player Special and Mk.3. Included are road tests, new model introductions, specifications, history, technical and performance data plus an ’engine rebuild’ and ’buyers guide’

A delightful and often humorous account of life with the Triumph motorcycle company in its hayday.