During the early years of World War I, motorcycles started to enter military service, replacing the mounted despatch rider and providing a means of mechanizing machine-gun and stretcher units. This fully illustrated book covers the lively history of the military motorcycle,highlighting the varied role motorcycles have played, as well as how the vehicles have evolved over time. It provides a country-by-country overview of military motorcycles in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Great Britain, the USA, the USSR and Japan. An expertly written volume, it provides enthusiasts with key information about the history of these diverse multi-tasking vehicles.

A complete guide to over 160 of the most significantmachines, including well-known makes such asHarley-Davidson and Indian from the USA; Norton, BSA, Matchless and Royal Enfield from the UK; BMW, NSU and Zündapp from Germany; and other famousmanufacturers from around the world, such asHusqvarna, Kawasaki and Peugeot

The story of the military motorcycle, from the early years of the 20th century to the present day, with an illustrated A-Z of over 160 vehicles from around the world, with 550 photographs.

As the motorcycle approaches its centenary, this reference work reveals the vast scale of military production. A comprehensive illustrated history, it describes every type of machine within its historical and national context

Perhaps the most far reaching of the many changes wrought on the military by the First World War was the mechanization of the armed services. After many centuries of use by the Army for patrols and communications, the trusty horse was finally supplanted by the new-fangled motorcycle. This mechanization process gathered pace during the interwar years and in particular for the military motorcycle between 1925 and 1939. By the outbreak of the Second World War the motorcycle had become an important part of the military inventory and deemed 'suitable for WD (War Department) requirements'. When it was first published in 1995, this fully illustrated book was unique in looking at all military motorcycles of British origin known to have been tested mainly by the Mechanical Warfare Experimental Establishment (later called the Mechanisation Experimental Establishment). Ten years on, the authors are producing a fully revised and updated new edition of their book that will include three new chapters covering standard parts, bike markings and paint schemes. There will also be a picture spread that illustrates despatch rider's clothing. New to this edition will be a 16pp colour section that will illustrate restored WD bikes, including detail shots of engines and components.

Over 200 classic motorcycles are presented in this work, from the Harley Davidsons and Indians of America to the Nortons and Triumphs of Britain. With the emphasis on the 1950s and 1960s, each classic is described, and illustrated, in technical detail.