Designers and Entrepreneurs
Howard Raymond Davies
One of the all time classic motorcycle marques has to be Vincent. The company and bikes were named after the founder: Philip Vincent. But it was another name that adorned the fuel tanks of the first bikes: Howard Raymond Davies(HRD).
John Bloor
Money Magazine profiles John Bloor, the entrepreneur who rescued Triumph Motorcycles from fading into history with his innovative new models and a savvy marketing campaign.
George Barber
George Barber started his collection of classic motorcylces in the 1980s when he realized that no museum existed to tell the American experience through the history of motorcycles. Barber Museum now contains the biggest collection of classic motorcyles in the world.
William Sylvester Harley
In the summer of 1901, then 21 year old William Harley drew up plans for a small gasoline engine that was meant to propel an ordinary pedal bicycle. This design would lead to the beinning of a dynasty in classic motorcylce design.
Phillip Vincent
In 1928 Phillip Vincent acquired the HRD trademark and and Vincent HRD & Co was born. By 1934, seven different models of the Vincent were available.
Massimo Tamburini
Massimo Tamburini is a legend. He was chief designer on two of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made: the Ducati 916 and the MV Agusta F4.
Classic Motorcycles, Unusual Designs Quiz
From mufflers in the swing-arm, to a sprung rear hub, bike manufacturers have tried pretty much everything. So, just for fun, can you identify the strange designs and the bikes in our quiz?
Classic Motorcycle Design Quiz
Motorcycle manufacturers have tried pretty much everything. From engine configurations to bizarre suspension set ups, the world of motorcycle design is always busy. So, just for fun, can you identify the strange designs and the bikes in our quiz?
Vespa
History of the Vespa scooter. The first Vespa's were designed by aeronautical engineer and inventor Corradino D'Ascanio, with the first machines being offered to the public in 1946.
Norton
Norton, the iconic English motorcycle manufacturer, was founded by James Lansdowne Norton. The Manufacturing Company was established by Norton in 1898 in Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham, England.
Villiers, The Early Years
For many companies associated with bicycle manufacturing, the fast-growing markets for motorized cycles were becoming hard to ignore. For Villiers the decision to commence engine manufacturing was one that would take the company onto the world stage for motorcycles.
Dresda
Dave Degens started producing frames under the Dresda name in the 60s. Returning to their roots, the company now makes Dresda Tritons for the booming café racer market.