There have been plenty of books published about Italian motorcycles, and a few covering the café racer genre, but none has covered the evolution of the Italian sportsbike into the Italian café racer – until now. Coming from a nation with a great motorcycle racing heritage, Italian motorcycles have, unsurprisingly, always had a sporting flair. This book lifts the lid on the growing trend of custom Italian café conversions, illustrated in detail with stunning images of select sporting, racing, and caféd Italian motorcycles. Italian Café Racers celebrates stunning Italian bikes from all over the globe. From the old to the modern, from horizontal-singles to inline sixes, this book reveals these stylish machines in all their innovative glory. Whether you’re a entusiasta, a follower of the café racer culture, or simply appreciate beautiful bikes, this book is guaranteed to interest and inspire … see the ‘caféd’ side of Italian bikes.
This is the first book to solely concentrate on the British-powered café racer motorcycle. Renewed interest in custom British café conversions is illustrated with stunning images of select sporting, racing, and ‘café’d’ British motorcycles. From single-cylinder to four-cylinder variants – see the ‘café’d’ side of British bikes!
DIVIn Café Racers, master photographer Michael Lichter and motorcycle culture expert Paul d’Orléans visually trace café racer motorcycles from their origins in the mid-twentieth century all the way into modern times. /div
The Café Racer is one of the most enduring styles of motorcycle ever created, encapsulating the rebellious spirit of the 50s. Featuring a huge, global Café Racer directory alongside a unique mix of personal memories, previously unseen photos, iconic machines and chassis builders in profile, this book is a must for any 'ton-up' rider.
Ton Up! A Century of Café Racer Speed and Style focuses on the story of the ton-up boys and their café racers. But it's much more than just that. Illustrated with historic and modern photos and featuring a text by one of the world’s motorcycle historians, it's really the story of motorcycle speed and style evolved from the early 1900s right through today. Cafe racers are most associated with the young, rebellious rock-and-rollers of 1960s Britain. These riders created the quintessential café racers—fast motorcycles customized to resemble the racing bikes of the period. They were called “café racers” because their riders raced on public roads, from one café to the next. The goal was to do “the ton” (exceed 100 miles per hour) on these runs, which led to their designation as “ton-up boys.” Today, ton-up culture is more popular than ever and recognized worldwide with a following of young and long-time riders alike.With Ton Up!, enjoy a scenic ride through the history of this vibrant scene.
The 2007 centenary of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy launched the TT into a new era of success. In this book, Charlie Lambert – Manx Radio TT’s lead commentator – tells the story of this sensational upturn, from his own role behind the microphone, to the pressures, controversies, laughs and sadness that go with being the man at the heart of the world’s most famous motorcycle road race.
The BSA and Triumph motorcycles designed for the 1971 model year, including Ariel 3 and the 750cc Triumph Hurricanel. A study of related promotional and racing events, the US organisation, and BSA’s financial position prior to 1971’s devastating trading loss announcement.
Racing Line is the story of big-bike racing in Britain during the 1960s – when the British racing single reached its peak; when exciting racing unfolded at circuits across the land every summer; and when Britain took its last great generation of riding talent and engineering skill to the world.
Few people have been as deeply involved in motorcycle sport as Chris Carter, a larger than life character and raconteur who was for a great number of years a journalist, commentator and broadcaster at the very top level of motorcycle sport. This memoir is a funny, fascinating and unique insider view of professional motorcycling over more than six decades. From scrambling in the 1960s, to four decades of international road racing - including Daytona and Macau - as well as trials and speedway. Packed with remarkable stories and amusing anecdotes, as well as interesting reflections and astute observations, it is a light-hearted, highly readable autobiography which lifts the lid on an extraordinary world. In past times, racing paddocks were open and friendly, and Chris felt part of a big, happy family. He lived cheek by jowl with the very top riders and shared their triumphs and tragedies; to many, he was a friend and confidante. Honest, frank and direct, Chris tells things exactly as they were, and provides insights into a fast disappearing world.
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.
Until now, Gary Hocking was the only World Motorcycle Champion of his era without a book dedicated to his life. This book reveals Gary’s life in Rhodesia, how he was helped to become a World Champion, his dedication, and retirement at a young age – and the accident that cost him his life.
