A History Of British Motorcycling

So, you want to learn about the history of British motorcycling.  Well, lace up your boots and grab your helmet, because this is a ride like no other…

Production

             Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? The history of British motorcycling began all the way back in 1884, when the first commercial design for a self-propelled bicycle was invented by Englishman, Edward Butler. The Butler Petrol Cycle was a three-wheeled contraption, powered by a 600cc engine that generated 0.6bhp. It was the first design to be shown at the 1885 International Inventions Exhibition in London, but failed to become commercially successful as Butler could not secure sufficient funding for its ongoing production.

        It wasn’t until ten years later that the term ‘motorcycle’ actually appeared in the English language, when a gentleman named E.J. Pennington was developing the machines. Unfortunately, these two-wheeled vehicles also halted their progression, and never made it past the prototype stage.

E.J. Pennington's Patent - History Of British Motorcycling
E.J. Pennington’s ‘Motor Vehicle’ Patent (1896)

        However, in 1896, the Coventry based Excelsior Motor Company, began the production of the first publicly available motorcycle. Five years later, in 1901, Royal Enfield produced their first motorcycle – complete with a 239cc engine that drove the rear wheel using a belt. In 1902, Norton would also join the scene, as well as the British Small Arms Company (BSA) in 1910.

        Triumph had been working on their first motorcycle since 1898, and began producing them in 1902. They quickly became the largest motorcycle manufacturer by 1903, producing 500 units annually. In 1915, the Model H, also known as the ‘Trusty Triumph’, was widely regarded as the world’s first modern motorcycle. Built with a three-speed gearbox and belt transmission, this 550cc model set the stage for the motorcycle as we know it today.

Triumph Model H - History Of British Motorcycling

Triumph Model H a.k.a. the ‘Trusty Triumph’

        In 1924, records were being set by British motorcycle manufacturers. Chater-Lea, who started production in a purpose-built five-storey factory in London, created the first 350cc motorcycle to exceed 100mph. They later became popular machines used for racing in the Isle Of Man TT.

        Meanwhile, across the pond in the United States, Indian and Harley Davidson were the only two motorcycle manufacturers for a whopping 22 year period, starting in 1931. In contrast, over 80 manufacturers were based in the United Kingdom by the 1930’s, from big names like Norton, to the lesser knowns, like New Gerrard. The rivalry between Indian and Harley Davidson eventually came to an end in 1953, when Indian closed their factory in Springfield, Massachusetts, and Royal Enfield took control of the brand.

        Between 1937 and 1950, WWII created a substantial demand for new motorcycles. Among others, BSA and Royal Enfield produced motorcycles for the armed forces – the latter providing a 125cc lightweight model that could be dropped from an aircraft, and land safely in its parachute-fitted tube cage. The officially titled Royal Enfield WD/RE, was perhaps better known by its moniker, ‘The Flying Flea’.

Royal Enfield WD/RE a.k.a. the 'Flying Flea'

Royal Enfield WD/RE a.k.a. the ‘Flying Flea’

        After the war, in 1951, BSA purchased Triumph and subsequently became the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer. They claimed the production of ‘1-in-4’ of the two wheeled vehicles at the time, until Honda overtook them in 1959. The title of world’s largest manufacturer remains with the Japanese company, to this day. British motorcycles’ dominance faded over the next few decades, as motorcycling became less of a practicality, and more of a lifestyle.

Culture - A History Of British Motorcycling

        Although the Japanese were becoming the dominant force in motorcycle production, British motorcycling culture thrived in the 1950’s, and beyond. After WWII, motorcycles became more affordable as a mode of transport for the working class. This resulted in motorcycle subcultures emerging, such as the Ton-Up Boys, Café Racers, the Rockers and the Mods.

        Thrill-seekers and rebels, the Ton-Up Boys were named after the 100mph speeds their self-modified motorcycles were capable of doing. After stripping back the machine to its bare minimum, they would pair the fastest racing engines with the best handling frames, to create a Café Racer. Consisting of a Triumph engine, housed in a Norton frame, the ‘Triton’ is an excellent example of one of these. These were high performance machines in the early 60’s, designed by the Ton-Up Boys in order to get them around as quickly as possible. They sacrificed looks for efficiency, but in doing so created an iconic type of motorcycle that is still admired today.

History Of British Motorcycling -Triton Cafe Racer

Triton Café Racer

        Where were they off to in such a hurry? Two of the popular meeting spots for Ton-Up Boys were cafés, hence the name Café Racer. The Ace Cafe in Stonebridge, and the Busy Bee in Watford, were places the Ton-Up boys could listen to a jukebox, tinker with their bikes and socialise with like-minded people. The 59 Club, which was started by a reverend in 1962 after a visit to the Ace Cafe, was also one of the many haunts in the capital where motorcyclists gathered.

History Of British Motorcycling - Ace Cafe (2007)

Ace Cafe (2007)

        The Ace Cafe remains a common meeting place for motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world, hosting regular meets and events, outside of pandemic times!

         In the mid 60’s, café meets and rock music were also intertwined with the image of a Rocker, but the title itself actually derives from the rockers found in the 4-stroke engines that powered their motorcycles. Also labelled ‘greasers’ on occasion – a term referring to the product that they tamed their pompadour hairstyles with – Rockers were influenced heavily by the music of the 50’s. Metal studded leather jackets, jeans and combat boots were the fashion, and a hatred toward drug users defined them. This hatred was directed mainly toward another British motorcycling subculture, known as the Mods. Between them, bad blood spilled like a leaky oil pan.

History Of British Motorcycling - The Rocker Image

The Rocker Image

        Infamous for their loutish and unruly behaviour, Mods were the bitter rivals of the Rockers. They used amphetamines to party all night, and rode 2-stroke scooters such as Vespas and Lambrettas, while mocking their enemies for riding motorcycles. Mods viewed themselves as superior to their scruffy Rocker counterparts, because they wore snazzy tailored suits, and listened to modern music – which is where their label originates from. They took pride in their scooters, and personalised them with extra headlights and mirrors. 

Mod Scooter

Mod Scooter

    Quadrophenia (1979) is a classic film that focuses on the tension between the Mods and Rockers during the 60’s and 70’s, and it is an insightful portrayal of the riots they caused in South England.

Quadrophenia (1979) Trailer
To listen to more of the music that shaped the British motorcycle culture of this era, check out my Best Of British playlist, on my Motorcycle Music page.

Racing - A History Of British Motorcycling

        Whilst motorcycles became more common on the roads of the UK, British racers were standing out on the world stage. From the first 500cc World Championship in 1949, when Leslie Graham from Merseyside won the competition, British talent was leading the way.

        Geoff Duke would continue the winning trend into the 50’s, earning both the 350cc and 500cc World Championship titles in 1951. The man from Lancashire won the 350cc class again the following year, and three consecutive 500cc titles, between 1953 and 1955. In addition to his six World Championships, Duke won six Isle Of Man TT races, setting new lap records along the way.

History Of British Motorcycling - Geoff Duke (1952)

Geoff Duke with 350cc Norton (1952)

        In 1956, Duke received a six month ban for supporting a strike against the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), for more starting money. This presented the opportunity for his number one challenger to take over. John Surtees, from Surrey, won the 500cc World Championship that year, then dominated both the 350cc and 500cc championships by winning both titles for three years in a row, from 1958 to 1960. Surtees went on to win the 1964 F1 World Championship, and remains the only person in history to win both the two and four wheeled premier class titles.

        The British reign didn’t stop in the 50’s, as in 1961, Mike Hailwood became the first man to win three Isle Of Man TT’s in one week. He was also the first racer to win win four consecutive 500cc World Championships, between 1962 and 1965. His illustrious career saw him win 250cc World Championships in 1961, 1966 and 1967, as well as 350cc Championships in 1966 and 1967. Oxford born Hailwood is considered one of the greatest racers of all time.

Mike Hailwood (1967)

Mike Hailwood (1967)

        World Championships were aplenty throughout the 70’s, with Phil Read winning the 500cc title in 1973 and 1974, and four 250cc titles in 1964, 1965, 1968 and 1971. He also won the 125cc class in 1968, and racked up eight TT wins in his career. Though the champion from Luton was undeniably talented, he was often overshadowed by his compatriot, Mike Hailwood. In 2002, the FIM named Read a Grand Prix ‘Legend’.

        Another British Grand Prix ‘Legend’, is Barry Sheene. He won consecutive 500cc Championships in 1976 and 1977, and remains the last Brit to win the premier class title. His legacy lives on as the cockney Londoner who mixed with the stars and lived life in the fast lane, on and off the track.

History Of British Motorcycling - Barry Sheene (1975)

Barry Sheene (1975)

        For some excellent documentaries on Barry Sheene and Geoff Duke, visit my Motorcycle Media page, where I’ve listed my top recommendations for motorcycle watchables.

        The 80’s proved to be a dry spell for British motorcycle racing, and it wasn’t until the mid 90’s that trophies were once again being won. Another star from Lancashire, by the name of Carl Fogarty, won four Superbike World Championships in 1994, 1995, 1998 and 1999. Neil Hodgson, from the same county, won the title in 2003 and went on to compete in the MotoGP in 2004. Lack of sponsorship and a failure to properly set up his Ducati resulted in him finishing 17th in the Championship.

        In 2004, Yorkshireman, James Toseland became the youngest person to win the Superbike World Championship, one day under the age of 24. He won the Championship again in 2007, then went on to compete in MotoGP, racing for the Yamaha team, Tech 3. Again, the British racer struggled in the premier class, failing to find consistency.

James Toseland

James Toseland

        Britain maintain strong representation within the Superbike World Championship, but the illusive MotoGP is still British history waiting to be written.

        And, in the end? The history of British motorcycling is rich and enlightening, boasting over 125 years of inventions, lifestyle trends, world records and trophies. A time-span that saw pioneers come forth and launch the heritage of British motorcycling into what we appreciate so fondly nowadays. Who knows what the future holds for British motorcycling, but one thing you now know – you can be proud of its history!