British motorcycle history

The Thorough: the short-lived motorcycle that offered unusually long test rides

by

Mark Lancaster

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8th September 2026

At the end of the 19th century George Featherstone was an ironmonger living in Bethnal Green but he had a son who was interested in the great strides that transportation was taking. It seems likely that it was John Featherstone who persuaded his father into producing a motorcycle in 1903. By then, John, now in…
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Vindec Special: The German Motorcycle That Nearly Won the First TT

by

Mark Lancaster

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27th August 2026

The Vindec Special was actually built in Germany by Köln-Lindenthaler Metallwerke AG of Cologne. However, it is an interesting footnote in British motorcycling history because its distribution in this country was handled by the South British Trading Company with the assistance and advice of William Huntingdon ‘Billy’ Wells. Wells had moved to London from his…
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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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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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Velocette centenary celebration

by

Mark Lancaster

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12th May 2026

On Sunday, June 14, 2026, the Isle of Man Centre of the Velocette Owners’ Club will celebrate the centenary of Veloce’s first Isle of Man Tourist Trophy win with a ride around the TT circuit. In 1926, the legend goes that following a test ride, star rider Alec Bennett, already a two-time Senior TT winner,…
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The Quasar Returns: Rare ‘Cabin Motorcycle’ Set for Stafford Show

by

Mark Lancaster

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24th March 2026

One of the most unusual motorcycles ever built — the Quasar — will be on display at the VMCC stand at the Stafford International Classic Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Carole Nash. With just 17 ever produced (1975-1982), this rare machine continues to fascinate riders and enthusiasts alike. A Motorcycle Like No Other Love them or…
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British motorcycle history

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