Engine Type
Triumph Tiger
1939 Triumph Tiger 100, first year for this hot new model. Note Rigid frame & girder front suspension. A TIGER IS BORN The Triumph Tiger was the natural evolution of the constant & relentless quest for more & more power. The <a href=”https://www.classic-british-motorcycles.com/triumph-speed-twin.html”>Triumph Speed Twin</a> had literally changed the motorcycle world in 1938, and was …
Matchless G9
MATCHLESS G9 BACKGROUND Like everyone else in the British motorcycle industry at the time, when Triumph rocked the world with their 1938 Speed Twin, the world’s first modern 500cc vertical twin, AMC (Associated Motor Cycles), parent company of Matchless, and AJS, developed a new 500 vertical twin for both brands. As always, there would be …
Norton Manx
NORTON MANX BACKGROUND The Manx was developed in 1937, in both SOHC and DOHC form, to compete in and win the Isle of Man TT. Before fully developed, World War II intervened, and production of the Manx was delayed until 1946. The Manx quickly gained a reputation for its speed and reliability, allowing it to …
Velocette Thruxton
VELOCETTE THRUXTON BACKGROUND By the 1960s, the motorcycle market had clearly shifted away from practical, economical commuters, and toward high-performance bikes with sporting aspirations. Triumph and Norton were killing in this market, and by the mid-60s, the Japanese were taking a major bite out if it for themselves. Velocette, never having developed a vertical twin, …
Matchless G12
MATCHLESS G12 BACKGROUND Just prior to World War II, Triumph rocked the world with their seminal 500 Speed Twin, but the world had to wait for the war to end before the rest of the industry would have a chance to catch up. At war’s end, BSA was first to respond with their own 500cc …
Norton Model 7
NORTON MODEL 7 BACKGROUND Following Triumph’s lead, Norton, along with nearly every other British motorcycle manufacturer, entered the parallel twin race with its own new 500 twin in 1949. Known as the Model 7 and also the Model 7 Dominator, it was Norton’s first twin, and the first in the storied Dominator line. It was …
Norton Commando
ABOVE: 1974 Norton Commando 850 Roadster. BIRTH OF THE COMMANDO While the Commando was a direct descendant of the the Norton Atlas & the Dominator line before that, the Commando was definitely not evolutionary. It was revolutionary, a true game-changer. Not because of some amazing new engine, not because it was all that faster than …
Triumph Trident
TRIUMPH TRIDENT: AHEAD OF THE CURVE? The story of the Triumph Trident and her sister-bike, the BSA Rocket 3, is one of the most interesting, and at the same time most exasperating, tales in all the annals of Classic British Motorcycles. Interesting because the Triumph Trident might actually have been one of the few instances …
Velocette KTT
VELOCETTE KTT BACKGROUND Velocette built the KTT expressly for racing, hence the “KTT” designation. “K” for Kammer, which is German for ‘cam’, which indicated an Overhead Cam (OHC) in Velocette’s parlance. The “TT” differentiated it from the other Velos in the K-series, TT denoting its purely racing intent. They were essentially factor racers which were …
Triumph Bonneville
ABOVE: This 1965 Triumph Bonneville represented Triumph and the Bonneville at its peak, and was one of the fastest bikes on the road in 1965. The Japanese hadn’t started building fast bikes yet, but they were coming. BONNEVILLE BACK-STORY While the first Bonneville hit the streets in 1959, the story hardly begins there. Triumph motorcycles …
Vincent Comet
VINCENT COMET BACKGROUND Vincent was a very low-volume producer of premium motorcycles. During the entire span of the company’s existence (1928-1955) they barely made 11,000 bikes. The big V-twin Rapides and Black Shadows may have been the stars of the show, but the 499cc single-cylinder Comet was their biggest seller, by a wide margin. So …
Triumph 350 Twins
BACKGROUND OF TRIUMPH 350 TWINS Triumph rocked the world with the introduction of their seminal 1938 5T Speed Twin. Designed by the legendary Edward Turner, the first ‘modern’ parallel twin was copied by nearly every other British motorcycle manufacturer, but World War II intervened before any reached production. But when civilian production resumed in 1946, …
1963 Triumph Tiger Cub
1955 BSA A7 Pre-Unit 500 Twin 1955 BSA A7 BACKGROUND The 500cc A7 was BSA’s first vertical twin and marked its entry into that very lucrative market, started by the Triumph Speed Twin just prior to the war. At war’s end, virtually every British motorcycle manufacturer fielded their own vertical twin, usually starting out at …
1964 Norton Atlas
1964 Norton Atlas 1964 NORTON ATLAS BACKSTORY The story starts not with a Norton at all, but with the 1938 Triumph 500 Speed Twin, the world’s first “modern” vertical twin. The rest of the British motorcycle industry went nuts and rushed to field their own 500 twins. But WWII got in the way, putting things …
1953 Vincent Rapide
1953 Vincent Rapide Series C 1953 VINCENT RAPIDE BACKGROUND Vincent built its reputation on it’s robust 499cc Comet single. Prior to the war, they figured out that if they doubled it, they could create a 998cc V-twin and the series A Vincent Rapide was born. Few were built prior to World War 2, which curtailed …
1926 Brough Superior SS80
1926 BROUGH SUPERIOR SS80 WAS AN EARLY BIKE Brough Superior was established by George Brough in Nottingham, England in 1924. He bucked convention and rather than mass-producing huge volumes of identical machines, he designed every bike to meet the exact specifications of the customers. The bikes were literally ‘fit’ to the riders’ size, weight, needs …
2002 Royal Enfield Bullet
2002 Royal Enfield Bullet 2002 ROYAL ENFIELD BULLET BACKGROUND Royal Enfield had been building sturdy, reliable motorcycles since the turn of the century. They produced military motorcycles for the British army in both world wars. They struggled at the edge of insolvency throughout most of the 1930s but managed to hang on until the the …
1966 Triumph Mountain Cub
1966 Triumph Mountain Cub 1966 TRIUMPH MOUNTAIN CUB BACKGROUND The 200cc T20 Tiger Cub was produced from 1956 through 1968 and sold quite well for Triumph. The original Cub was introduced in 1953 at the Earls Court Motorcycle Show in London England as a 150cc commuter, at a time when there was a very big …
2021 Suzuki V-Strom 1050 [Model Overview]
The Big V-Strom: Suzuki’s V-Strom 1050 Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 is one of the most versatile models in the 2021 Suzuki line-up. In the US, it’s the same model as the one from 2020. However, across the border in Canada, it’s a 2021 model. Now, if you’re …
2021 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Adventure [Model Overview]
The Range-Topping Adventurer: The Suzuki V-Strom 1050 XT Adventure Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The top of the range adventure motorcycle in the 2021 Suzuki line-up is the formidable V-Strom 1050XT Adventure. Now, it’s not a 2021 model for residents of the USA, however, for those in Canada, it’s being sold with …
2021 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT [Model Overview]
Adventure-Ready: The 2021 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The V-Strom 1050XT joins the 2021 Suzuki line-up, depending on what side of the border you’re sitting on. In the US, it remains the same as the previous 2020 model. However, in Canada, it’s a new model for 2021. Though, it’s …
2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 [Model Overview]
The Tuono Unleashed: The 2021 Aprilia Tuono 660 Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links Celebrated Italian motorcycle manufacturer Aprilia has seriously outdone itself lately. It recently announced that the new Tuono 660 would be available as part of the 2021 Aprilia line-up in North America. It’s a mid-sized sportbike that takes its DNA …
2021 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe [Model Overview]
The 2021 Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe: Retro cafe vibes, modern cafe technology Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links Kawasaki’s 2021 Z900RS Cafe is a throwback to the lightweight, four-cylinder road rockets that raced between cafe stops in the 1960s and 1970s. A lowered seat height, raked back clip ons, and the aerodynamic headlight cowling …
2021 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT / XT Adventure [Model Overview]
More Adventure, More Action, More V-Strom: The 2021 V-Strom 650 XT / XT Adventure Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links As usual, the 2021 Suzuki line-up includes a couple of adventure-focused variants of the already impressive V-Strom 650 model. These variants include the V-Strom 650 XT and XT Adventure models: two Japanese motorcycles …
2021 Suzuki V-Strom 650 [Model Overview]
Famously Versatile, Incredibly Reliable: The 2021 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The updated V-Strom 650 is one of the stars of the 2021 Suzuki line-up. For years, the venerable V-Strom 650 has gained a cult following as a solid commuting machine with adventure and sports touring capabilities. It’s such …
2021 Suzuki GSX-S750Z / GSX-750Z ABS [Model Overview]
Sports Performance In A Street Package: The 2021 GSX-S750Z / ABS Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The GSX-S750Z joins the 2021 Suzuki line-up with a few nice upgrades over the last model. It’s a powerful and muscular naked sportsbike that borrows a lot of its DNA from other Suzuki motorcycles, such as …
2021 Suzuki GSX250R ABS [Model Overview]
Suzuki’s Compact Racer: The 2021 Suzuki GSX250R ABS Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The smallest GSX model, the GSX250R, returns as part of the 2021 Suzuki line-up with a few new additions for the new model year. Borrowing most of its DNA from the GSX-R line—arguably the most famous Suzuki motorcycles in …
2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000 [Model Overview]
The King of Sportsbikes: The 2021 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The Suzuki GSX-R1000 is one of the most famous Suzuki motorcycles ever made, and one of the most famous motorcycles of all time! It’s a powerful and recognizable sportsbike with a long and illustrious history. The 2021 Suzuki line-up …
2022 Suzuki Hayabusa [Model Overview]
The Hayabusa Returns: The 2022 Suzuki Hayabusa Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The Hayabusa is back! Though it’s badged up as a 2022 model, it’s very much a part of the 2021 Suzuki line-up. Over the years, the Hayabusa has become one of the most recognizable Suzuki motorcycles ever made, featuring advanced …
2021 Aprilia RS 660 [Model Overview]
The 2021 Aprilia RS 660: High technology and Stunning Looks at a Middleweight Price Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links Aprilia Motorcycles says “If you want to go unnoticed, this is not the bike for you,” and as far as the 600cc sport bike segment goes, they could well be right. With its …
2021 Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100 [Model Overview]
The 2021 Aprilia RSV4 Factory 1100 Goes from the Dealer to the Track in One Easy Step Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The 2021 RSV4 Factory 1100 is Aprilia’s top-of-the-line superbike, as close to a race bike as a consumer can buy. A new double-fairing design eliminates the need for external winglets …
2021 Aprilia RSV4 [Model Overview]
The 2021 Aprilia RSV4 Brings the MotoGP Experience to the Streets Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The 2021 RSV4 is the less expensive version of the RSV4 Factory, and nearly the same as the Factory to boot. The new double-fairing design shared by the RSV4 bikes eliminates the need for external winglets …
2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 Adventure [Model Overview]
Middleweight Adventurer: The 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 Adventure Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The KLR 650 Adventure is the top-spec KLR model in the 2021 Kawasaki line-up. It’s an impressive motorcycle that takes everything that we already love about the newly revived KLR 650 but fuses it with a shopping list of …
2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 Traveler [Model Overview]
The 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 Traveler: A US Exclusive Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The KLR 650 Traveler variant is exclusive to the US 2021 Kawasaki line-up. It’s not available in Canada, sadly. This model is almost identical to the base model KLR 650, though it features a number of accessories that …
2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 [Model Overview]
The Dual-Sport King Returns: The 2022 Kawasaki KLR 650 Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links Despite being a part of the 2021 Kawasaki line-up, the famously green Japanese manufacturer has decided to badge up the new KLR 650 as a 2022 model. Don’t worry though, it’s very much available in 2021! The arrival …
2021 Yamaha Zuma 125 [Model Overview]
Rugged, Economical, and Fun: The 2021 Yamaha Zuma 125 / BWs 125 Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links Japanese motorcycle manufacturers really know how to make practical and economical small-capacity scooters, and Yamaha has outdone itself with the Zuma 125—A.K.A the BWs 125 in Canada. This small commuting machine returns as part of …
2021 Yamaha XMAX [Model Overview]
Yamaha’s Smart City Slicker: The 2021 XMAX Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The compact and practical Yamaha XMAX returns for the new year with a number of exciting updates. Along with the Zuma 125, the XMAX is one of the most economical commuting options in the 2021 Yamaha line-up. When it comes …
2021 Suzuki DR650S [Model Overview]
Updated For 2021: The Suzuki DR650S Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The DR650S is a formidable dual-sport motorcycle that many riders will agree is one of the best dual-sport machines on the market. It joins the 2021 Suzuki line-up with a handful of new updates, though nothing terribly drastic. But for real …
2021 Suzuki Boulevard C50 / C50T [Model Overview]
The Classic Suzuki Metric Cruiser: The Boulevard C50 and C50T Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links “Classic rumble, modern comfort” – that’s the tagline that goes with the latest Boulevard model from the 2021 Suzuki line-up. For fans of metric cruisers, the Boulevard line is one of the most respected. For years, these …
2021 Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S [Model Overview]
Suzuki’s Big Boy Performance Cruiser: The 2021 Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S Contents Model Overview Specifications Features Photos Videos Links The venerable Suzuki Boulevard M109R B.O.S.S is the heavyweight cruiser option from Suzuki Motorcycles. It returns for the new year as part of the 2021 Suzuki line-up with a few updates to keep things fresh. Like other …
