"Tracing the history and allure of the motorcycle, this book illustrates the diverse spectrum of bikes from the earliest prototypes to battery-powered machines of the modern age. It showcases motorcycles in all their forms, from humble scooters that offer mobility to the masses, the scrabblers and racers that delight enthusiasts, to the iconic choppers and cruisers that can cross continents"--Publisher's description.
An illustrated guide to the history of motorcycle design that profiles bikes from around the world, describes technical and stylistic innovations, and includes photographs.
Chronicles the history of the motorcycle and presents brief details on more than two thousand manufacturers, profiles of selected manufacturers, and over a thousand photos.
During the early years of World War I, motorcycles started to enter military service, replacing the mounted despatch rider and providing a means of mechanizing machine-gun and stretcher units. This fully illustrated book covers the lively history of the military motorcycle,highlighting the varied role motorcycles have played, as well as how the vehicles have evolved over time. It provides a country-by-country overview of military motorcycles in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, the USA, the USSR and Japan. An expertly written volume, it provides enthusiasts with key information about the history of these diverse multi-tasking vehicles.
What is it about bikes that leaves so many of us powerless to resist? This entertaining guide charts the history of the bike from its origin as a cheap means of transport to its modern incarnations: a symbol of rebellion, a high-tech racing machine and the rich kid's plaything. Richard Hammond, passionate biker and collector of bikes, looks at the machines that have propelled people across the world to work, to school - and occasionally to their doom. With his trademark expertise and wit, Hammond examines bikers of every type, from the happy farmer trundling through fields on his Honda Cub to the Hells Angel terrorising towns on their hog.
Beginning with the early motorcycle manufacturers, such as Pope, Thor, and Merkel, this book continues right up to the long tenure of Harley-Davidson and includes a 32-page directory of manufactures. 500+ photos.
Harley-Davidson motorcycles are true American icons, representing a brand of human expression unrivaled by just about any other vehicle. This impressive, compact volume describes in detail the developmental history and technical specifications of every Harley-Davidson production model from 1918 to present, as well as several custom creations. The book is generously illustrated with fantastic color photography capturing the spirit embodied by the motorcycles.
A beautiful and comprehensive celebration of the art and design of classic motorcycles, from the early twentieth century through the 1950s. This is the most beautiful book of its kind: celebrating the art and design of the luxury motorcycle by presenting forty of the best-designed and most enduringly iconic motorcycles ever made, spanning half a century. The book showcases forty rare and exceptional motorcycles, from 1905 to 1956, presented in chronological order, illustrated with stunning studio photographs that present the machines as works of art and wonders of design in themselves. An international roster is featured: a 1905 Peugeot Factory Racer, a 1916 Indian Power Plus, a 1929 Majestic, a 1936 Excelsior Manxman, a 1951 Harley Davidson 750CC WR, a 1951 Vincent 1000CC Black Shadow, and a 1955 Triumph Tiger Cub, among others. Written by a motorcycle collector and expert, the book presents the history of the motorcycle through the most significant makes of all time. Each is accompanied by detailed images and texts covering the bike's background, legends behind the machines, feats of design and engineering, and tales of classic races, rallies, and motorcycle shows. The book is enhanced with reproductions of period ads and historic photos, evoking a sense of time and place.
More than nine hundred photographs illustrate over two thousand alphabetically arranged entries detailing the history, technology, and performance of each bike covered and a survey of the history of the motorcycle.
