Classic Motorcycles: The Art of Speed

Description

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, and you'll want to tear out the page displaying the 1956 Triumph Thunderbird and frame it. 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. Cover......Page 1 Half Title......Page 3 Tilte......Page 5 Copyright......Page 4 CONTENTS......Page 6 PART I THE EXPERIMENTAL YEARS......Page 8 1903 Mitchell......Page 10 1910 FN......Page 14 1913 Thor......Page 18 1914 Indian Hendee Special and 1938 Sport Scout......Page 22 1915 Militaire Deluxe......Page 32 1921 Mars 1000 Replica......Page 40 1922 Megola......Page 44 1922 Motosacoche......Page 48 1923 James......Page 52 1924 Moto Guzzi C4V 500cc, 1947 Bicylindrica, 1955 V-8 Replica, and 1956 250 DOHC......Page 56 1927 Henderson Four......Page 68 1928 Neander......Page 74 1929 Harley-Davidson JDH and 1975 XR750......Page 78 PART II FINDING THE GROOVE......Page 88 1929 Norton CS1......Page 90 Circa 1925 Rudge......Page 94 1932 Brough Superior......Page 98 1933 Matchless Silverhawk 4 and 1960 G50......Page 102 1936 Zündapp K800......Page 110 1938 Benelli Monotubo......Page 114 1938 DKW SS350......Page 118 1939 BMW Rennsport Kompressor......Page 122 1939 Vincent Series A Rapide, 1947 Series B Rapide, and 1949 Black Lightning......Page 128 1940 Crocker......Page 140 1951 Velocette KTT Mark Eight and 1966 Truxton......Page 146 1953 NSU Rennmax and 1955 Sport Max......Page 154 1955 AJS 7R......Page 162 PART III THE ART OF SPEED......Page 166 1955 Triumph TR5 and 1959 Bonneville......Page 168 1957 Maico Typhoon......Page 178 1959 MV DOHC 125 and 1965 350......Page 182 1960 JAWA Factory Racer and Jawa Ice Racer......Page 192 1963 Honda CR93, 1966 CB450, 1970 CB750 K0, and 1992 NR750......Page 198 1969 Villa Grand Prix Racer......Page 210 1974 Ducati 750 Sport......Page 214 Britten V1000......Page 218 PHOTOGRAPHER’S NOTES......Page 224 Z......Page 226