British motorcycle history

Singer: the Coventry car maker that began on two wheels

by

Mark Lancaster

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28th July 2026

Although best known for its cars, Coventry-based Singer began by making motorcycles, while its connection with two wheels goes back even further. In 1875, George Singer and his brother-in-law, James Stringer, founded a cycle company, and Singer went on to build the world’s first safety bicycle. By 1883, Singer was one of the country’s largest…
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Remembering… The Verus

by

Mark Lancaster

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22nd July 2026

After the First World War Alfred Wiseman began manufacturing motorcycles in his Glover Street works in Birmingham under the Sirrah name (the name came from reversing the surname of the designer, a Mr Harris), motorcycles which used a number of proprietary engines and were aimed at the budget market. However, to complement the various Sirrah…
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Motorcycle Legends 2: BSA – Pre-Order Now and Get FREE Delivery

by

Mark Lancaster

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9th July 2026

The next chapter in the exciting new Motorcycle Legends series is almost here, celebrating one of the most iconic marques in British motorcycling history: BSA. Following the incredible success of Motorcycle Legends 1: Triumph – which has already sold out – Motorcycle Legends 2: BSA is set to be another must-have collector’s edition for motorcycle…
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Len Vale-Onslow: the maverick who gave motorcycles the welded frame

by

Mark Lancaster

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24th June 2026

From childhood crashes to the first welded production motorcycle frame, Len Vale-Onslow’s story is one of invention, risk-taking and what might have been. The name of Len Vale-Onslow needs little introduction. Born Leslie Vale-Onslow in 1900, he was introduced to motorcycles in 1908 when he rode a machine built by his brothers. A police constable…
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How Saracen rose and fell in Britain’s mini trials motorcycle boom

by

Mark Lancaster

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23rd June 2026

Along with friend and scrambler Frank Underwood, trials enthusiast and school teacher Ron Goodfellow designed, built, rode and sold the Saracen mini trials motorcycles in kit form, inspired by a desire to create an affordable alternative to the then-expensive Bultaco models. Working in a small Cirencester workshop, Mr Goodfellow brazed up a chassis using preformed…
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Swan Motor Manufacturing

by

Mark Lancaster

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26th May 2026

The Swan Motor Manufacturing began life in Frodsham High Street in Cheshire in around 1910 and exhibited its first motorcycle at the Olympia Show in 1911. This was an open-frame machine with, unusually for the time, front and rear suspension. The founder of the company was FH Thornton who lived in a large house opposite…
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British motorcycle history

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