Ariel’s pressed frame was ahead of its time Looking at the British motorcycle industry 40 years from its demise the casual observer could be forgiven for thinking there was a complete lack of imagination throughout
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Reference: Velocette Viper: iconic engines
Viper engine produced impressive power output Of the many motorcycles the company produced the 500cc Venom and 350cc Viper have to be the ones that catch the attention of enthusiasts in 2012. Though the Venom
Read moreReference: JAP: a history
JAP works in Northumberland Park, Tottenham, London, 1946 In any technology, it is only a matter of time before one of its early pioneers makes a significant breakthrough, perhaps to achieve world-wide acclaim for his
Read moreReference: When was it that? Royal Enfield
Royal Enfield 500cc vertical twin When civilian motorcycle production resumed after World War 2, manufacturers knew that if they were to make any impression on the market they would need to take into account new
Read moreReference: When was it that?
Now when was it that? Now when was it that? to give it its true print title, is a compilation of milestone snippets from the motorcycle history books. Originally written by Old Bike Mart founder
Read moreReference: When was it that? Book 4
Now when was it that? Book 4 Now when was it that the mighty Ariel produced a three-wheeled 'Pixie'? When did Douglas return to the Isle of Man after a 17-year absence? When did Edward
Read moreReference: When was it that? BSA
BSA Beeza scooter It is widely believed today that the scooter is an Italian invention, whereas in actual fact nothing is further from the truth. The idea originated in this country well before the 1914-18
Read moreReference: When was it that? Norton's first twin
It was on the 1st April 1947 that Bert Hopwood joined Norton Motors Ltd, in the capacity of Chief Designer. His immediate priority was to design a vertical twin that would help revitalise the company's
Read moreReference: When was it that? Norton
Norton ES2 Of all the British motorcycle manufacturers, Norton Motors must surely have held the record for keeping what was basically the same model in production for the longest period. Their side valve models were
Read moreReference: When was it that? Matchless
1947 Matchless, with a little more brightwork than on earlier versions It was the only way the government could conserve this country's precious fuel supplies, which had to be shipped either from the USA or
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