As this book explains, the Japanese did not suddenly become proficient in the design and development of motorcycles when they first appeared in Europe at the end of the 1950s. Instead, the Japanese had been involved with motorcycles since the beginning of the 20th century. True, early Japanese motorcycles copied Western design - a trend that continued for several years after WWII. But soon they designed a succession of highly innovative machinery, not only to the Grand Prix world's benefit but to the paying 'over-the-counter' customer, too. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha, plus Bridgestone and Tohatsu, have all built and sold racing motorcycles which the public could also buy and enjoy.

Under very different political regimes for a considerable period, East and West Germany produced some highly innovative & competitive racing machinery. German motorcycles were often in the vanguard of technical progress & were good enough to win world titles. In this respect, the top names in the solo categories were NSU and Kreidler, while BMW, Fath, Munch, & König did the business on three wheels. Like Japan, Germany was faced with rebuilding a shattered country following World War II. Like the Japanese, they overcame all the problems not only to create an economic miracle, but also to construct world-beating motorcycles. Germany's success contributed to the development of the sport in a wide variety of ways -- engineers, machines, riders, circuits, & even record-breakers.

This book is the fifth in the Mick Walker Racing Motorcycle series. It covers the Grand Prix Motorcycles from Japan.

While the history of European ompetition motorcycles has been largely dominated by Italian, British, and German marques, other builders around the continent have also played significant roles from the turn of the century to present. Arranged by nation, this book examines more than two dozen important marques, including Bultaco, CZ, Elf, Husqvarna, KTM, Ossa, Peugeot, and many others. A wealth of rare photography, including a special color section, includes candid shots of the top personalities and the bikes both at rest and at speed.

The most famous of all British racing motorcycles, with an ancestry dating back to the very dawn of the internal combustion engine, the 'cammy' Norton is inseparable from the era of British domination in motorcycle racing. It is linked with the legendary heroes of the sport, Jimmie Guthrie, Harold Daniell, Geoff Duke, John Surtees, Mike Hailwood and the age when Britain had the world's finest motorcycle industry. This revised edition of the definitive history contains additional material and traces the design, development, the leading riders and tuners. It presents a superb collection of photographs, many previously unpublished. The Manx Norton covers not only the Manx itself, but also features boardroom battles, Norton's early history, record breaking, sidecars, Formula 3 cars, scrambling (motocross); the Domiracer; racing at Daytona and today's classic scene.

An illustrated guide to the history of motorcycle design that profiles bikes from around the world, describes technical and stylistic innovations, and includes photographs.

Velocette is one of the most respected names in the history of the motorcycle. Though not as numerous or as successful, as some machines, the motorbikes produced by the Veloce company in Birmingham command a special respect and an extremely loyal following, and machines such as the KTT and Thruxton are among the most desirable classic bikes you can buy today. In this book motorcycle historian, Mick Walker, chronicles the history of the Veloce company and the bikes they produced between 1905 and the winding up of the company in 1971.