In 1961, a production 500cc Velocette Venom Clubman Veeline achieved a world record, twenty-four hours at a speed of 100.05 mph. It was the first motorbike of any size to perform the feat. It was the culmination of almost fifty-five years of technological excellence from the Birmingham factory.
An account of the motorcycles from the Douglas company from 1907 until 1957.
This book sets out to record the amazing achievements of a real British industrial empire, the Wolverhampton-based Villiers Engineering Company; spanning over 100 years of production, from the original cycle business to the final sell-off of the remaining industrial engine arm at the beginning of this century.The first Villiers engine arrived in 1912 and during the great years of the British motorcycle industry many products were Villiers-powered. But it didn’t stop there as Villiers also sold its products to manufacturers world-wide. The list of Villiers engine users is truly immense, and as far as motorcycles are concerned its like a who’s who, with names including AJS • Ambassador • Cotton • Coventry Eagle • DMW • DOT • Triumph • Vincent HRD.Rob Carrick and Mick Walker have also included many of the other British two-stroke engines available in the period, such as Alpha • AMC • Anzani • Excelsior • JAP • RCA and Royal Enfield.Villiers Everybody’s Engine is a wonderful, informative piece of British industrial history.
The British industry was exhorted to 'export or die', and until well into the 1950s the majority of the British bikes were sold abroad. During this period, the industry continued to develop various exciting machines. This book tells the story of the British post-war motorcycle during this golden age of the industry.
Italy has a reputation for style in all things, not least in motorcycles. The first pure-bred Italian motorcycles made their appearance at the beginning of the 20th century and included Bianchi, Borgo, Prinetti and Stucchi and Ferrera. By the 1920s these companies had been joined or replaced by a number of newer concerns. Then came the period of the pentarchia, comprising Benelli, Bianchi, Garelli, Gilera and Guzzi, who fought tooth and nail for a share of the market. The golden age of Italian motorcycling lasted until 1957 when the three largest and most successful teams, FB Mondial, Gilera and Guzzi announced their retirement from the sport. This improved the chances of marques such as MVAgusta, Bianchi, Benelli, Morini and Ducati who continued to fly the red, white and green flag of Italy with considerable success. Italy not only produced a host of world-beating machinery, but also a number of top riders including Carlo Ubbiali, Umberto Masetti, Tarquinio Provini, Libero Liberati and most notably Giacomo Agostini. Aermacchi, Aprilia, Benelli, Bianchi, Bimota, Cagiva, Ducati, Garelli, Gilera, Laverda, FB Mondial, Morbidelli, Moto Guzzi, Moto Morini, MV Agusta, Parilla, Paton and Rumi. A total of 258 fully illustrated pages. Soft Bound.
For 50 years, Dr. Fabio Taglioni was the inspirational force behind the extraordinary success of Ducati motorcycles on both road and track. This revealing new book explores Dr. Taglionis radical visions as an engineer and how his designs made Ducati the most charismatic Italian motorcycle marque.
An account of how to restore and maintain Ducati single motorcycles, covering road and off-road versions. Many contemporary photographs and exploded diagrams are included to help owners achieve more authentic and safer results more rapidly.
Mick Walker provides an in-depth study of one of the greatest motorcycle racers, John Surtees. In this fully illustrated book, he gives a detailed account of Surtees's seven world titles plus descriptions of his greatest races.
Focusing on the evolution of motorcycle design, this beautifully illustrated guide showcases iconic models and influential manufacturers from the late 19th century to modern times. It highlights pioneers such as Gottlieb Daimler and Hildebrand & Wolfmller, alongside renowned brands like Harley Davidson, Ducati, Honda, BMW, Aprilia, and Triumph, celebrating the artistry and innovation that define motorcycles as a symbol of style and engineering excellence.
Mick Walker tells the story of one of Italy's premiere post-war marques.With a history steeped in aviation including the MC72 World Speed Record holder and World War II fighters, Aermacchi began building motorcycles in 1950.At the 1956 Milan Show the futuristic Chimera, an OHV horizontal single with enclosed bodywork was launched. Later in the decade the Chimera was undressed to create some of Italy's best sports and racing machines, including the Ala Verde and the Ala d'Oro. In 1960 Harley Davidson bought 50 percent of Aermacchi then in 1978 the Varese factory was sold to Cagiva.A number of Aermacchi personalities have contributed to this book, giving it additional authority.Contents Before Bikes, Early Motorcycles, Chimera, Ala Rossa-Ala Verde, Wet-Clutch Racers, Transatlantic Partnership, Off-Road Competition, Dry-Clutch Racers, European Roadsters, The Linto Project, Two-stroke Racers, End of the Road, The Classic Rebirth.