Introduction
We hope you enjoy this book. When the idea was conceived the sole aim was to produce a reference book that would be cherished by not only avid collectors of old motorcycles but equally so by those looking to move in to this fascinating hobby.
It would have been all too easy to produce a picture book of old motorcycles and no doubt there are many on our bookshelves, bought as last minute stocking-fillers by the children and hurriedly wrapped in time for Christmas morning.
We set the bar far higher, culminating in what we believe to be one of the most comprehensive books of its type ever published. In order to make research easy, we followed some simple rules. Most of us can follow the alphabet and providing you have mastered that rudimentary element of the English language you will find hours of enjoyment in the book. It’s that simple.
Start at the beginning - with A for ABC Skootamota
Author Richard Rosenthal has researched all the motorcycles you are likely to still find in existence. However, we cannot guarantee there won’t be some marques that haven’t made it to print but these must be put in context. Particularly during the early years of motorcycle production, many small companies only produced a handful of machines and were often little more than a proprietary engine ‘strapped’ to a sturdy cycle frame. What constitutes a motorcycle being described as a classic has always been a talking point among two-wheeled fans.
For the purposes of this book Richard has, by and large, used ‘the 25-year rule’ which is generally accepted by most people in so far as if a motorcycle is 25 years old or older, then by definition it is vintage and recognised as such by the Vintage Motor Cycle Club. Those of a pedantic nature would argue that just because it’s 25 years old or more doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a classic… the debate will run and run!
Terry Clark, Editor
