The Glory Days of British Motorbikes - BBC Timeshift Series 13
Timeshift returns with an exploration of the British love of fast, daring and sometimes reckless motorbike riding during a period when home-grown machines were the envy of the world. From TE Lawrence in the 1920s, to the 'ton up boys' and rockers of the 1950s, motorbikes represented unparalleled style and excitement, as British riders indulged their passion for brands like Brough Superior, Norton and Triumph.
But it wasn't all thrills and spills - the motorbike played a key role during World War II and it was army surplus bikes that introduced many to the joy and freedom of motorcycling in the 50s, a period now regarded as a golden age. With its obsession with speed and the rocker lifestyle, it attracted more than its fair share of social disapproval and conflict. Narrated by John Hannah.
I was a Ton-up woman with my late husband ,Raymond, on a 1,000 cc Vincent Rapide going over “The Hogs Back” My younger brother , 17 yrs younger than myself, had , still has? a Triumph Bonneville bike . I’m now nearly 78 yrs old. My husband died in 2011 aged 72 yrs old. He had Parkinson’s disease. He was also a brilliant bricklayer and built extensions to our bungalow.❤️
a younger ton boy says well done good man .. . . . . .
I am a young biker, started riding when I was 17 now 23 and still don't own a car. Motorcycling is just one of those things that just gets under your skin and never leaves.
I remember the mod and rockers days. I was a rocker and rode a Norton. I'm 70 now and still have a bike a 1982 Triumph t-140es I'll hang up my leathers maybe when I reach 80. I am a survivor and have stood the test of time. I have had a bike of some sort or other for the last 55 years.Two words of advice to the young blokes out there is #1 never ride above your ability!! #2 Never ride above your ability.
Keith Phillips A good rule, but did you ever know anyone who kept it? :) I was a London rocker. Maybe we met sometime at the Ace? Every Friday or Saturday night there were about 200 bikes parked outside. You didn't dare turn up on anything less than a 500 (or at least a 350) and when you walked in you more than likely had to duck a flying sauce bottle which was about the only thing not screwed to the floor.
Keith Phillips Don't you DARE "hang up your leathers Keith!..... I got my bike licence in 1962. I'm almost 73 now and still riding ('88 CBR600 Honda), and don't intend stopping until I just can't get my leg over the bike any more... :-) The ton is so easy these days though.... my little 600 will get to 125 breathtakingly fast, and it's 27 years old, although it does make 85hp, which is 15 more than a Black Lightning Vinnie.... Going hard through the gears, 100mph comes up in 4th with the engine pulling like a train and two gears still to go. This is no great shakes these days, with bikes like the big litre Supersports that will touch the 'double ton', and more with the artificial limiters taken off the ECU. The old British bikes do have a certain 'je ne sais quoi' though, with all their faults. I always liked the BSA A65L, but you'd have to pay a kings ransom to get one in decent running order now..... These young 'uns don't know they're born, eh?... :-)
KathrynLiz1 Good for you Kathryn I also have a Honda VFR750F it's an 91 model I bought it brand spanking new and I have done 65 000 miles. I change the oil and filter every six months and throw a set of plugs at it now and again. It goes like the clappers also but I don't ring it's neck very often. another year or two and i becomes a classic. Only seems like yesterday I bought it haha Stay upright girl and thanks for the comment.cheers
+KathrynLiz1 Your right, my generation does suck😯
Keith Phillips
Absolutely great documentary. I'm 66 years old and my first bike that actually belonged to me (up until then I had to be satisfied with loaners) was a 1968 650 Lightning. Loved that bike, what I loved about the British bikes was they had personality. No two were exactly alike in their behavior.
I had a 69 Lightning, the fastest armchair on wheels ever. 13 miles from the picture theatre to home in under 10 minutes :-)
im 61 an stil ride a old enfiled bullet cant beat the brit singels 58 year old and i still use it every day its a way of life
Was that with the sprung-hub?
Only 47 and I really miss my Bike, the freedom it brought me, the joy of a perfect ride on a sweeping country road on a summers day, when every gear change is smooth and perfect, and every bend is like flying. Sadly I am now disabled, and can only walk short distances using sticks. My son was hit by a car on his way home from work just 2 years ago. He is well now but lost half his liver, his spleen and one kidney. He fractured every vertebrata, 3 are now plated and screwed. Both his shattered thighs are pinned top to bottom and he has more screws in him than my shed has holding it together. Given the choice both my son and I would buy bikes again and ride but the ladies in our lives are against it. Car drivers please keep your eyes peeled on the road and put away your mobile phones. To all the bikers, keep it shiny side up and God bless you all. Stay safe out there folks.
You need someone to build you a 'combo with controls in the chair , knock back out chair fit flat board and clamps for wheelchair, and away you go ,brill.just like 'ogre 'might have spelt it wrong .
Nothing gives the feeling of freedom like riding a motorcycle. Freedom from work, freedom from the wife, freedom from ...., well you get the picture. If you want a little more freedom, twist the throttle a little more, or a lot more.Excellent video.
lowell mccormick Freedom from mobile phones and technology.. Good luck gettimg your phone out of your pocket to answer a call. Take the long way home from work. :-)
This is a great documentary. Riding since 1962.... and I'm still riding off road, too.
Mountain Meadow Mormonism born in 62 still riding. You got me by 14 good years first bike my dad gave me a ride on was a 62 greaves 250! Still remember the smell of blenzo in the garage.
"You can only die once, after that...nothing and no one can harm you."
My first bike was a 1966 Suzuki X-6 "Hustler" !!! Try & find one now...I traded in my sports car & took some cash & the bike In Montreal in 69...I used to stick my Fender Mustang guitar between the peg & kickstand & ride around the city jamming & such !!! What a memory !!!
It's easy to agree with the statement at the beginning about how "going 70 mph on a British motorcycle feels like you're going 170 mph."
John Ratko Very true. To do a ton then you had to work hard just to keep the bike on the road.
Ian Hawthorn Thain It's what makes it a thrill.
Things get better with time. I now have a 2018 Triumph street twin and I love it!
I have great memories of the great British bikes of the 50's & 60's that ruled the motorcycling world! I was a kid, but all my older cousins & uncles dreamed of or had Nortons, BSAs & especially Triumphs!! To this day, a Triumph Bonney is still my dream bike, and the new ones still retain a piece of that amazing heritage!
Nothing has changed then still avoiding potholes and this is 2018 unbelievable
My father's parents came over to america after the war. My dad was a baby then. He loved Norton and triumph and pieced together a Vincent black shadow. As my dad would have said, a British bike is fun at 40, or 140!
Been round the clock bikewise, started on a 1952 98cc James Comet - girder forks and no rear sus, it had a sprung saddle haha, went on thru Matchless G80 and G80s both 500 singles, then came my Road Rocket, damn near killed me several times, then came my one and only new bike, a 250 Golden Arrow, what a lovely quick bike, sounded a bit tinny, but smashing ride white and gold in colour and at 199gns meant I had two years credit. Several half decent Japanese bikes (Honda 90, Yamaha 350LC and a 400/4 before I got a ex police Pan European 1100 ST, what a bike, trouble was it didn't like going round corners, it wanted to stand up, so you had to work it in the twisties. Then came the first of me armchairs - I had a total of 7 Goldwings, 1000, 1100 and 1200. Wonderful riding bike, so comfortable and not slow either. Now, at 73, I've got the ultimate joker bike, and I love it to bits. It's a 250 MP3, those two wheels on the front are crazy but what a great bike to ride. It'll do for me, probably my last bike so I'm going enjoy it while I can. Be safe and keep the rubber on the road.
I hope I’m still riding at 73 👍
Father Bill Shergold and his 59 Club, were very well-known outside of London. Anybody who rode a bike back then- knew that if they were stuck overnight in London, we could rent a pew for a couple of bob, (but we had to be out before morning services started. And they sometimes had rock concerts in the basement.) Decent people! In '65 or '66, the Borough Council in West Kingsdown, (over near Brands Hatch) decided to pull a 'Father Bill' on the yobs who hung out at the Johnson's Transport Caff. This was the Johnson's Motorcycle Club. Harry Johnson had only one rule: "You never show up here, under the influence of drugs or alcohol- and if you ever bring any of that here, you are gone and you don't ever come back! Is that clear?" Anything else was okay........ So one nite, we was hanging out- and the front door crashes open, (like John Wayne entering the saloon) and like- this guy is dressed in leathers/boots/helmet- and he shouts out: "Anybody wanna go for a 'burn up'? Then we see that he is wearing a dog collar!?! So- we all files outside. Wandering along the row of bikes, the vicar stopped at a Triumph Bonneville- and he said: "Oooo- this bike has twin carburetors- I wish my bike had twin carburetors!" One of the lads replied: "But Vicar- you are riding a 650 SS Norton. Your bike already has twin carbs on it." Haw! (But make no mistake- Harry Johnson CARED about us. Just as Father Bill cared about his flock......... Personally- am still doing it, (approaching 73 years old). I just bought a brand new motorbike- because 'The Flying Nun' told me to! Good documentary- tells it like it was! (And who ever thought that this scene would ever come back!)
Hi I remember Father Bill Shergold He confirmed my brother and me in 1955 when he was at St Georges in Hanworth then he left to London and the 59 club.
I got a job helping an old man tune up and rechain a Royal Enfield a few years back. After he paid me, he handed me the key and said to take it around the block to see if everything works right. I cant remember the year of the bike but it was from the 50's or 60's. It was a joy to ride. Not the same powerful machine my Harley is, it was a bit more tame but at the same time powerful enough to let you know it would move if you wanted it to. It was a bit rough riding but also well planted well balanced and stable. I really enjoyed my ride which was about 10 miles all together. I am hoping one day that I will be able to get my hands on one.
Honda's 6 cylinder 250 is prime example of development. Honda took the TT very seriously indeed.
Getting a Triumph Scrambler this fall, and man is the wait hard.
It's no longer British, being made in Thailand. Today's Triumph isn't the same.
59 years old. Bought a ZZR600 Kwaka. Owned many bikes but now a member of the 150+mph club. Brave new world with Japanese bikes capable of 170mph. The ton-and-a-half club
Crazy! Fastest I ever went on a bike was 130 and it was all I could do to hold on ! Sounds like you've got a good grip and steel balls.
3rd generation biker , started age 3 in 1970 . Currently 52 . Never stopped , never going to. Great film says it how it is .
Thanks for uploading! I've had my BSA's 29 years and there are no other bikes I like to ride as much. Never owned a car too. -441rider
I woosed out in my mid 40's... ah, this makes me reconsider my present sinful ways
first road bike CB400 four 1976 - really great vid - been riding for 40 yrs and love it more now than ever. Graduated to Ducati's and Harley's now but still want to build a proper café racer.
"We have to stop these youths from gathering to drink coffee and ride motorcycles. I mean, what's next!!!!???? Listening to rock 'n roll and dancing!!!??? Oh the humanity!" How many of us would take this form of rebellion these days?
my first bike was an old WW2 BSA M20 of 1941 vintage, I was 12 years old and used to ride it in the fields around my home. As soon as I reached 16,and could legally get a motorcycle licence, I bought an Excelsior Talisman Twin, 250cc. I passed my test on that, and worked and saved and bought a 1956 BSA A10 Gold Flash., 650. From then on I never looked back. I loved my bikes, usually Beezers. Still have one at 74 years old.
The Ace cafe juke box test did have one slight hazard, namely a set of traffic lights between the Ace and the Hanger Lane roundabout. If they were green you were ok. If they were red you had a more exciting evening, but with a less than fifty-per-cent chance of survival. Those days will never come back unfortunately.
I love all bikes but the look of the Bonnie has always been very desirable for me, the tank shape the motor and the sound.....
I had to redux my comment as i hadn't seen the entire doc. This is Incredible. One of the coolest and best doc's I've seen yet. As an American, I am not ashamed to say I'm Anglophile. Love the Brit culture, Language, and certainly the dark, BITTER beer, haha. Currently I'm restoring a 1972 Honda CB350. never ridden, first bike and as I type, it sits lovely in the midst of my room, feet away from my bed like a center piece. My aim is to LEARN. From knowing every nut and bolt, to. fine tuning, and getting maximum performance, to riding smart, and safe while raising a bit of Hell at the same time. It may not be a Norton, or Triumph, but it's a start and a perfect teacher. My choice bike, my personal holy grail that i want one day: Vincent. i don't care if its the Lightning's, Comet, Rapide, or Black Shadow. I just want one. For me, that is The finest looking machine that's been crafted by man, and from what i understand, the finest performer. It's fucking blasphemous that Vincent ceased in 1955, but how can i not respect a man who prefer death over selling out and making shit bike's (@ least that's the story told to me) When the day comes that I make my way to Britain, I look forward to it. The ton up boys are top dog and should be respected always, and I hope to meet a few. Me, I just want to stay as Scotty. I'm not building a cafe racer, nor am i interested in running around here in my best ace/hell's/ etc gear. I just want to ride, to knock around the world and make friends, make live to beautiful woman, see beauty throughout every country. Thank you for sharing this and cheers to every rider out there. 😉👌
+Scott Munsey Good on ya mate! I'm an Americanophile! and also not shamed to admit it haha!
Scott Munsey brilliant documentary isn't it, if you only do it once go to the iom, magical place.
Just to let you know Scott, Honda ain't British, in fact it's anti British. Glad you like bitter. Oh, just seen your comment was 2 years ago, good luck to you Scott.
I had a CB250K4 I put the CB350 top end on to it (325CC) watch out for the rubber cam chain tensioner wheels, they disintegrate destroying valves etc.
Come to England and you can ride a load of classic Brit bikes. just remember the gears are on the wrong side the Right side!
Still got my 1960 BSA A10, it runs as good as the day it left the factory!
%Tiger cub then a BSA 650 which the guy built as a copy Gold Star eg clip on bars, rear set rests, twin clocks, white tank with red unicorns painted, twin carbies ( if you could tune) gold star hubs, red painted frame with drilled mounts to save weight and a star twin head ( not a good idea) I was 16/17 in Edinburgh. Those were the days and rmeber when you stopped at lights you put hands down to heat and feel the pain as circulation came in. Ah these were the days my friend and I thought they would never end!
My first legal aged bike I owned and still own is a 1965 BSA Lightning.I bought it off my stepdad for $500.When him and my mother got married in 1969 he owned 21 BSA’s,Triumph and Norton.He sold all of them over the years but one and I’m getting it this spring it’s a rare 1971 5speed BSA ROCKET III.
thanks a lot Rylan .......you are a good man, cheers!
Motorcycles are a big part of who I am, from the age of around ten all I wanted was a bike with an engine, yes I had my first scooter then pushbikes but these were only practise ,I knew all the steep hills, would turn the imaginary twist grip, this obsession made school stuff seem boring , the first I rode was a little single Panther didn't seem to have much more performance than my pushbike but the rush in my brain was amazing, I mowed lawns picked up golf balls & knocked on doors with telegrams till I saved enough for a BSA 125 Bantam, Wow now this was fun, then It was a 56 Red Hunter then at sixteen & nine months a nearly new 67 Bonneville, 63 now and still enjoy riding..
Super Insight into the real world of British bikes, thank you for sharing
Always a Biker, first bike a 250 BSA in 1959 passed my test and traded up to a 500 BSA Shooting Star then Triumphs, could not afford a Bonneville so a second hand T110 had to do. I kept the Tiger for 50 years then when I got to 71 years old it became too heavy and too tall for me so I sold it and bought a Triumph Twentyone 350 which I still ride,when the sun shines. We were known as Ton Up Boys before Rockers and then Cafe Racers, there was and is nothing to compare with a Triumph.
Bad all the way 98 u
In the late '70's, I had a BSA 441 Shooting Star and my brother had a Dunstall Norton (the lightest 750 and one of the fastest bikes at the time). I saw a group racing on tight twisty back country roads (full range of European and Japanese bikes). A Norton was back in the pack. I later saw them parked and asked the Norton owner about his position. He showed me that the lever for the front brakes could easily be squeezed all the way to the handlebars. He had stayed close despite no front brakes! P.S. The Shooting Star was fun and torquey, but short on power.
I was riding bikes along the lanes at age 14. Past the test at 17 then went down hill from there on. Last bike was a Norton commando. Though I started on bantams. Great days.
Hi I had a Bantam for a very short while couldn,t lean into a corner with out scrapping the foot rest Bloody Dangerous Got rid of it
I have a Norton Commando that belonged to my late husband . My father used to ride a Bantam.
Great show, really brought out the essence of the whole phenomenon.
Really enjoyed this. What history there is in the film.
thanks for the great coverage
Wow..Loved it. Thanks Rylan.
Those were the days... Riding hardtails on cobbled streets, they don't make hemorrhoids like that anymore.
My Grandfather worked at Brough he used to put the spokes in the wheels. The moved to Raleigh when Brough shut . Ended up as the manager 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed this, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.!! Subbed & liked & best wishes from Scotland 🏴 🙏 ❤️
If it wasn't for the TT, motorbikes today would not have the road holding and handling that they have, all thanks to the famous TT
Brit bikes were my first love. I still prefer the Sportster because it is more like it than any bike I can depend on in the long run.
Great Video Thanks For Sharing
Brilliant video. Better days.
Met Steve Wilson on his visit to Royal Enfield factory here in Chennai, I personally showed him the factory where the Enfields are handmade :) #proud
My first Brit that I rode was a 69 Lighting, the person who owned it removed the mirror because it was useless, the first Brit I bought myself was a 76 Norton 850 Commando but due to financial difficulties I had to sell it. Since then I have and still own a BMW K75, and a Tryumph T100 Black, ride em don’t hide em.
Outstanding!
that was brilliant....thanks
brill series and great documentary about motor bikes.
Those were the days. My second bike was a 1958 Triumph TR6 in 1965. Then a 1966 Bonneville, just loved those bikes. Last year was able to pick up a 1968 TR6 in stock condition and a 1966 TR6C that is a project. Looking forward to the sound of the engines again‼️😎
1968 Triumph,2008 Harley Sportster,2005 Harley Electra Glide, 2011 Harley Dyna,Rocker till I die ,67 years young.
Fantastic. Covers so much over such a long time. Excellent, than you!
I used to have a Triton with a race tuned T120R pre unit motor when all my mates had things like Yamasuki GPZXRR1100's. There's nothing like a British bike, even if they do tend to fall to bits when you actually use them.
Lock-tight friend! British bikes never seemed to have the right hardware and things tend you loosen on them..
Excellent video!
Loved the clip of our Double Zero coffee bar in Birmingham for all of us that were north of the 'smoke'. At 3.00 and 41.34
I've owned two British bikes a Norton Commando and a triumph Bonneville and was very sad when both companies went belly up and am not a real fan of the new companies using the old names . I love my Harley but at some point I would love to get a Royal Enfield because even though it is made in India it is still a British design and the only bike in continuous production that even predates the Harley by a couple of years .
Very balanced report! Even with cars’ new driver’s aids, it is emerging that the safer drivers feel having this ‘driver assistance’ on board, the less attention and more risks are likely to be taken. More risk awareness is needed than counteraction for risk taking.
Very interesting, detailed documentary on British motorbikes. Okay, I may not be a rocker but I am not a mod either. I own a TVS XL-100 motorcycle which is more of a moped than a bike but definitely not a scooter (although it has the same riding control handles as that of bicycle or a scooter).
really nice !! so cool .
I had a 1972 650 Triumph Bonneville that I loved, I rode bikes from the age of 15 until I was disabled at the age of 68. I seldom rode in a car anywhere, I was all over the USA on bikes and was never in an accident. never went down.
Great memories for me an old man who’s been there and done it before
on bikes 27 years, never gets old
265 miles in 3 1/2 hours ? Average 75 mph on a ‘30s bike, leather helmet. Insane 😮
Here in Australia during WW11, our Motorcycle Despatch Riders were called 'Don R's, and held in very high esteem.
My 1st street plated bike 79 XL 185 S Honda, Liked it so much my next was an 83 XL 600 the 600 would crack the ton.
and Vincent also has the best motorcycle engine sound EVER!
I wish that i lived at that time, oh my good i love the history. I would like it would be a Little like today
Good video. Riding my V-twin is my meditation. The sound alone... Mods, ahhhhgg. Scooters? Practical and... um, ...
I started riding at 16 in 1970, 53 years later I'm still riding at 69,
Lovely story. I will have a norton and triumph some day.
lol. the part about the furniture being nailed down is hilarious . back in the day ,i was at many places that that would have been a good idea.
Great documentary but certainly a totally different era..
Allo Lennie Patterson, old mate , an bike engineer, Nice to see yer still kickin
1930s machines travelling at 120mph imagine the vibrations and handling, suspension and brakes (or lack of) from another world for 3-1/2 hours. bet them guys knew they'd been in a race.
In the U.S. the best British motorcycles were probably the Norton 750's and the British Royal Enfields. The Triumphs were quick and handled well but notorius for having cloth covered wiring that was prone to vibration wear and shorting out. The zenor diodes that British motorcycles had were problematic because when due to vibration when the mount broke the motorcycle lost ground and just shut down. I rode a Harley and one of my buddies rode a Triumph. I don't remember how many times we had to stop and use mechanic's wire to reconnect it to the frame until we got home and he could fabricate another mounting bracket.
Joe Lucas, prince of darkness!
ive had several bikes,one of my faves was a 71 triumph bonaville tt pipes toswept out pipes wider handlebars,just fit it was fasthandled great, id like to get a 69 boni,maybe someday,got a 883 sportster now,different bike,trail riding on an antique at the time 360 yamaha enduro,bikes and cars are a blast,ride safe
Always loved Brit bikes and have had many, still do, but now I mainly ride a 2nd gen Kawasaki ZZR1400 and nothing comes close, it is pure excellence.
War of the Worlds landing site, Horsell Common. A sandpit. My mate and I rode our bikes out to find a free flight aircraft that decided to go too far. We saw in the distance mods on scooters riding the common. We turned around, headed back to the sandpit to get our bits. Around the edge of the 20-foot drop was a clear area. We went between a couple of bushes and did a hard right. The scooters didn't do a hard right. It was fur, wing mirrors, anoraks and chrome all over the place. When we got back to the six crossroads roundabout we informed a police car, and we took them back on foot. They took a statement from us and apart from ambulances all over the place, I don't think anyone died. We never heard any more. I won't mention the council roadworks cones they filled with concrete, because mods were kicking them over. They woke me up. Bits everywhere. No, I was not a rocker, I just liked bikes.
No mention of the great Matchless dispatch bike??
Great docco! Mods and Rockers? The Who's" classic album, "Quadrophenia" took an interesting look at all that..
My dad drove motorcycles in the Second World War dispatch rider in the army. I had a BSA, a triumph an a fanny Barnet
British motorcycle engineering was second to none but management were complacent, they failed to invest in new models/ technology, and they looked down on the first Japanese bikes to enter the UK market; they certainly were not laughing when sales of imports flew past home produced bikes and factories began to close. Engineers like Edward Turner, Val Page, were in the fore front of development but not fully supported by senior managers or share holders. The "British Disease" was prevalent throughout the second half of the 20th century and infested the car industry, which some would say suffered a similar fate.
+Starbar Rothschild Will never forget a mag cartoon showing a bunch of satisfied management types sitting around a boardroom table feet up, and the caption said something like," These Japanese bikes will never amount to anything." The most telling thing in the entire cartoon was a plaque on the wall inscribed, " 1936 Design Trophy."
+Starbar Rothschild It's not only the management. As far as I figured, many people in the UK suffer from this British Disease. I lived here for a while now (born and raised in another eu country) and still don't get it why the "Brits" want to waste all potential of british engineering. I'm also in engineering, and it is as impressive as it is frightening to see how effectively UK people can block off any product, idea, process, etc. Also got the impression that this took over by the 50s, when british products increasingly started to fall behind the competitors (Being to expensive for their quality/performance, less innovative etc.). I really wonder where this is coming from and why the british (even the young!) are so keen on destroying their own industry.
Yes, a conundrum... I logged 30 years in aircraft engineering.... I suspect you are spot on in your assessment.... why the crest of the wave played out I don't know. The greatest item, the Supermarine S6B Schneider Trophy winner of 1931 still sends chills down my spine. I am today, still building models of Mitchell's brilliant creation. The S6B was followed by the Spitfire which I would hope every British school child knows about to this day... and so what happened after 1945. Complacency and what. ??
So you miss the happy Margaret days and the destruction of workers unions and rights ?
It was a communist plan to move production of things to other countries, you think it's all a coincidence that politicians in western countries allowed so much industry to move to Red China?
Dude he sounds so tough the way he speaks English but you can't understand a word that he's saying so cool
As a teen I used to ride my bike flat out everywhere and the risk of dying didn't bother me in the least that buzz was so addictive
I'm really enjoying this, thank you! But a minor quibble, one man said that Lawrence rode his "10 hp ton-up bike". The Brough Superior had far more than 10 hp, anywhere from 45 hp up to 74 hp.
+Kelly Cox The 10 hp refers to a old R.A.C. rating used for road taxation calculations, similarly unlikely R.A.C. ratings were applied to bikes, cars and commercials. This calculation did not take the engine's stroke or combustion efficiency or volumetric efficiency into account and assumed a mean engine speed of 1000 rpm. Hence the 16H and CS1 Nortons would have the same R.A.C. ratings although the CS1, because of its exotic O.H.C. design, produced much more power and revs than the humble 16H sidevalve which was much more suited to utility uses.
That's the old Brit 'tax horsepower' rating, not bhp. It was calculated on the diameter of the piston, not engine output.
My Mum was a Mod in the 60's, I however turned the right way and became a bit of a rocker, all leather (fake leather) Denim, loud music, and motorbikes, I don't think she's ever been too pleased about that.....
my 1st bike was a 1964 BSA D14/4 175cc. loved it to bits. not very reliable but rode it everywhere. easy to fix roadside when it broke down. bought it in 1981. stripped it down striped all the paint of it repainted and rebuilt it. didnt have a clue about mechanics. bought a workshop manuel for it used that to rebuild it. After i did that my girlfreinds uncle bought a new house and in the garage was loads of bike frames and boxes of parts. he gave them to me so set about finding out what bikes they were and rebuilding them. there was a 1949 vincent black shadow GT in there. 1000cc of pure power. it would cruise at 125 MPH. never got to ride it though after i put it back together as i never got round to taking a test on bikes. Had to get rid of the BSA as well as they changed the law from 250cc to 125cc for L plates. skid lid laws just came in as well and hated wearing them. couldnt see very well or hear what was around me. it was like wearing blinkers and headphones. gave up riding as skid lids made it far more dangerous to ride bikes. Accident rates for bikes shot up when crash helmet laws came in as we just couldnt see as well. 1st time i rode with a skid lid i had my 1st accident. couldnt see the truck next to me which decided to turn left and i went straight into the side of it and slid under the back wheels. the bike saved my life cause it was a solid built british bike. even the police said if it had of been a jap bike i would of been dead. the trucks back wheels went over the bike and i was under the bike. i ended up with 2 fractured ribs and a punctured lung. the bike a couple of dents in the fuel tank and a broken headlight lense. it started up 1st try wen i was able to ride it again. only repairs i had to do was change the headlight lens. I was only doing 30mph the truck was speding and overtook me then turned in front of me leaving me nowhere to go. cause of the skid lid i didnt see the truck till it was too late. Crash investiagtion team said the accident could of been avoided if i wasnt wearing the skid lid. as it restricted my vision to the sides and rear. Had a honda CD 175 bought that cause it looked like a BSA with the chrome tank but it just didnt handle the same. the honda CB125 twin i had was fast and reliable but didnt like it. looked cheap and nasty. no chrome hardly any metal. nearly all plastic. didnt sound nice either. didnt have the roar of brit bikes. swapped my drapes and crepes for leathers when i started riding bikes so changed from teddy boy to rocker lol. should of been born earlier as i missed the rock,n,roll era and the brit bikes as when i started riding very few brit bikes left on the roads. im 59 now but still prefer music from the 50's and 60's most of that music was made before i was born. i still wear my leather jacket but my transport now is a mobility scooter lol.
The best motorcycles in the world,now gone like everything else made in England,great history lesson,at least we still have triumph & norton.
Viewing this again. Makes me want "ta Fixa Cappa Tea". And go out to visit, and hug my 1960 Triton... Modern things and people this day and age. Just don't have that soul!
Passed test on bsa bantam, then straight on to bsa clubmans gold star ..... 17 years old ! ..... 100mph ..... then change into 3rd.....madness. seems like a century ago, 69 now, miss my bikes.
I lived in England as a youngster when the Japanese were taking over...I hated them and loved British bikes., even though mine were always breaking down. Went to get help from a neighbor to fix the gearbox on a BSA 250 Starfire. He showed me his bikes: 1) 1938 Vincent 1000, 2) a 1952 Black Shadow, 3) a Vincent 500 single, and 4) a Morton Dominator....I about soaked my pants.
Damn that was good.
The Gpz 900r was the bike that went from old to new.
Yo Dave Crashford was at brands hatch with John Surtees Amateur Racing was a blast
Reviving the good old era with the re release of thehe Royal Enfield continental gt cafe racer
Good times, good to remember Beatles "when I'm 64th"