UNLIMITED

Classic Bike Guide

PAUL D’ORLÉANS

I’ve been dug-in the past few months, trying to finish a book about the history of café racers, their long bloodline in the industry, and the subcultures that have sprung up surrounding them. Their genotype of brash, peculiarly dressed speed freaks goes far back in time, past the origin of motorcycles themselves, with kindred spirits popping up in literature reaching back centuries.

Obviously, a fast horse was the preferred mount before the ‘Noughts, with unsanctioned 19th century riding and illegal carriage racing clubs looking very Fast

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Classic Bike Guide

Classic Bike Guide6 min read
Classic News
World 500cc Champion from the days when racing engines had more power than the tyres could take, the one and only Wayne Gardner is set to take centre stage at the Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic show, taking place at Newark Showground on January 11
Classic Bike Guide7 min read
Sensible Mods
FOLLOWING SHAUN’S THOUGHTS IN THE JULY 2024 CBG letters page, I bought my 650 BSA Lightning at the start of the long, hot summer of 1976, eight years and 30,000 miles from the production line in totally original trim and with an un-rebuilt engine. Ju
Classic Bike Guide3 min read
David Silver Open Day And 50th Anniversary Of The CB400F
THE DAY WAS SUNNY, AND THOUGH we have five Hondas, I took a BMW. Fireblade-riding Maria enjoyed mocking that, but it’s a long way on an MSX125 (Grom), the CL350 was new to us and unproven, while both CBRs are in bits. I’m sticking with that excuse… B

Related Books & Audiobooks