Finally! The world's most incredible motorcycles are given the artful representation they deserve. The motorcycle should have disappeared with the advent of the inexpensive automobile, since Henry Ford's Model T usurped the motorcycle's position as a primary form of utilitarian transportation, but a funny thing happened on the way to extinction - the motorcycle not only survived but thrived. Enough people were enamored of the thrill and beauty of the two-wheeled mechanical beast to ensure it would continue to exist indefinitely. And exist they have! Many of the motorcycles manufactured over the past century truly fit the description of "classic," and many consider these machines works of art. Written by noted motorcycle author Patrick Hahn, Classic Motorcycles presents the history of motorcycling as told through the most significant, iconic, classic motorcycles of all time, with both period photography and modern portrait photography. All the best domestic and international makes are represented here, from BMWs, Indians, and Triumphs to Vincents, Ducatis, and Harley-Davidsons - the most classic models. You'll drool over the 1933 Matchless Silver Hawk. Each motorcycle was shot in a studio setting using photographer Tom Loeser's light-painting technique. Period ads and relevant historic photos and documents are spread throughout the book to supplement the portraits of the bikes, really evoking a sense of time and place. Prepare to be in awe of the undeniably classic motorcycles in this collection. It's the only motorcycle history you'll need.

Covers the entire history of motorcycles, documenting the major innovations in engineering and design that have driven the evolution of these thrilling vehicles.

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.

The ultimate reference for Triumph lovers and fans of British motorcycles, The Complete Book of Classic and Modern Triumph Motorcycles 1937-Today collects all of the motorcycles from this iconic brand in a single illustrated volume. In this revised and updated edition, you'll find the all-new Bonneville lineup introduced for the 2016 model year as well as other Triumphs through 2019. Originally formed as a bicycle company in 1885, Triumph produced its first motorcycle in 1902, which was simply a bicycle fitted with a Belgian Minerva engine. From there, the company, in various iterations, went on to build some of the most iconic motorcycles of all time. Written by respected Triumph expert Ian Falloon, this luxurious reference covers all of the major and minor models, with an emphasis on the most exemplary, era-defining motorcycles such as the Thunderbird, Tiger, Trophy, Bonneville, and new machines such as the Speed Triple, Thruxton, and Daytona 675. Detailed technical specifications are offered alongside compelling photography, much of it sourced from Triumph's archives. The Complete Book of Classic and Modern Triumph Motorcycles 1937-Today also features important non-production models and factory racing and speed-record-setting motorcycles that have become integral parts of Triumph's stellar reputation. This is a book no Triumph fan should be without!

The book is the fruit of hands-on experience gained in the workshop as well as knowledge gleaned over years of consulting books, manufacturers’ manuals and specialist magazines by one of the leading technical journalists in the sector, Massimo Clarke. It is intended as an easy-to-read guide with clear, precise contents regarding the restoration of classic bikes, with attention being focused not on pre-war models but those from the 1960s and '70s, those on which we still work most frequently today. All aspects of restoration are dealt with special reference to mechanical work on the engines and the chassis components, those which enthusiasts can do themselves in their own garages, using tools that are easy to find at reasonable costs. The book is enhanced by an in-depth examination of the reassembly of the crankcase and two chapters dedicated to the final drive and the spark plugs. A guide of fundamental importance for those who want to “get their hands dirty” around their classic bikes.

Everything you need to know to restore or customize your classic Japanese motorcycle. Whether you want to correctly restore a classic Japanese motorcycle or create a modified, custom build, you need the right information about how to perform the mechanical and cosmetic tasks required to get an old, frequently neglected, and often long-unridden machine back in working order. How to Rebuild and Restore Classic Japanese Motorcycles is your thorough, hands-on manual, covering all the mechanical subsystems that make up a motorcycle. From finding a bike to planning your project to dealing with each mechanical system, How to Rebuild and Restore Classic Japanese Motorcycles includes everything you need to know to get your classic back on the road. Japanese motorcycles have been the best-selling bikes in the world since the mid-1960s, driven by the "big four": Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. Of course certain bikes have always had a following - Honda CB750, 305 Hawk, CB400-4, Benly; Suzuki GT750, Katana, GS1000S; Yamaha XS650, RD400 Daytona, TZ; Kawaski H1, H2, Z1R - and these have now become the blue-chip Japanese bikes leading collectors to seek out more common (and now more affordable) alternatives. This is the perfect book for anyone interested in classic Japanese motorcycles, as well as prepping a bike to build a cafe racer, street tracker, or other custom build.

An impressive photo-gallery of BMW motorcycles, fully annotated, reveals the fascinating history of the marque from early models to today's super machines.