<p>Today there is still doubt about who made the first motorcycle. Early experiments in Britain were handicapped by a 4 mph speed limit, repealed in 1896. Now the motorcycle became a practical proposition, early designs originating from the Continent. British designs soon followed, as did a process of refinement, through the adoption of the spray carburettor, the high tension magneto and mechanically operated valves. Competition successes helped boost sales, as did the inauguration of the Isle of Man TT and the opening of Brooklands in 1907. A further step forward was the introduction of variable gears. By 1910 the motorcycle had become a dependable means of transport, and the British motorcycle industry the world leader. When war broke out in 1914 the motorcycle assumed a new role, that of a rapid means of communication under hazardous conditions.</p>

Veteran Motorcycles (Shire Library)

Engineering & Transportation

CLEW, Jeff

Automotive

Shire Publications

After the close of the First World War, the British motorcycle industry rose to prominence as British motorcycles became almost unbeatable in competitions. However, a shortage of these new model bikes pushed prices to a premium and most people were forced to settle for prewar designs. These high prices led to greater competition, and greater competition lead to swifter and more innovative development. By the mid 1920s the overhead valve engine came into its own, with enhanced performance, and then the overhead camshaft engine with even greater potential. Internal expanding hub brakes kept safety in step with increased performance. The later 1920s brought about further significant changes when wired-on tyres came into general use and electric lighting replaced acetylene lights. Appearance was improved when chromium plating took the place of nickel and the saddle tank rendered the old flat tank superfluous. Packed with illustrations of the bikes in use , this book is a celebration of the golden years of British motorcycles.

Vintage Motorcycles (Shire Library)

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Antiques & Collectibles

Shire

Scott motorcycles never fail to draw a crowd. Conceived 100 years ago by an unorthodox Yorkshireman who invented the vertical two-stroke twin and then placed his engine in an open frame machine, the Scott motorcycle was at the time viewed as beautiful, well-built and smooth - but certain eccentricities meant it was not always easy to ride. Jeff Clew's authoritative and incredibly illustrated book, re-issued to meet continuing demand, tells the full story of the machine described as 'the Bugatti of motorcycles'.

The Scott Motorcycle: The Yowling Two-stroke

Clew, J. R

Haynes Pub. Group

Lucky All My Life, The Biography of Harry Weslake

G T FOULIS CO LTD

THE DOUGLAS MOTORCYCLE: 'THE BEST TWIN'.

Foulis/Haynes

<p>255 pages. Profusely illustrated. Extensive Index, plus Bibliography and Sources This book chronicles the success of John Alfred Prestwich (J.A.P.) and the company and products that bore his name, from the earliest of days to their heyday in the mid-twenties. Illustrated with many rare early photographs hitherto unpublished; this is undoubtedly a very exceptional and valuable book. Much sought after.</p>

J. A. P: The Vintage Years

Science & Math

Technology

Haynes Publishing Group

The Restoration of Vintage and Thoroughbred Motorcycles

Haynes Pubns

Honda Owner's Workshop Manual: Fifty Ohv and Ohc '62 Thru '71

Haynes, John Harold

Home Improvement & Design

Honda 65, 70 and 90 Owners Workshop Manual

Triumph 650 and 750 Twins Owner's Workshop Manual

J H Haynes Co Ltd

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Books by CLEW, Jeff