British motorcycle history

  • Remembering… The Verus

    Remembering… The Verus

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    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

    Motorcycle Legends 2: BSA – Pre-Order Now and Get FREE Delivery

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    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

    Len Vale-Onslow: the maverick who gave motorcycles the welded frame

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    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

    Swan Motor Manufacturing

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    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

    Velocette centenary celebration

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    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

    The Quasar Returns: Rare ‘Cabin Motorcycle’ Set for Stafford Show

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    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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