British motorcycle history
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Len Vale-Onslow: the maverick who gave motorcycles the welded frame
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From childhood crashes to the first welded production motorcycle frame, Len Vale-Onslow’s story is one of invention, risk-taking and what might have been. The name of Len Vale-Onslow needs little introduction. Born Leslie Vale-Onslow in 1900, he was introduced to motorcycles in 1908 when he rode a machine built by his brothers. A police constable…
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How Saracen rose and fell in Britain’s mini trials motorcycle boom
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Along with friend and scrambler Frank Underwood, trials enthusiast and school teacher Ron Goodfellow designed, built, rode and sold the Saracen mini trials motorcycles in kit form, inspired by a desire to create an affordable alternative to the then-expensive Bultaco models. Working in a small Cirencester workshop, Mr Goodfellow brazed up a chassis using preformed…
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Swan Motor Manufacturing
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The Swan Motor Manufacturing began life in Frodsham High Street in Cheshire in around 1910 and exhibited its first motorcycle at the Olympia Show in 1911. This was an open-frame machine with, unusually for the time, front and rear suspension. The founder of the company was FH Thornton who lived in a large house opposite…
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Pete Sylvester – 44 Reliants!
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Brian Crichton meets a man with a passion for Reliant’s three-wheelers. [STANDFIRST] Pete Sylvester, now 81, has never had a car licence, having relied instead upon on a motorcycle licence since he was 16, back in 1960, which allows him to ride and drive three-wheelers as well as bikes. In 1967 he bought a Reliant…
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Velocette centenary celebration
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On Sunday, June 14, 2026, the Isle of Man Centre of the Velocette Owners’ Club will celebrate the centenary of Veloce’s first Isle of Man Tourist Trophy win with a ride around the TT circuit. In 1926, the legend goes that following a test ride, star rider Alec Bennett, already a two-time Senior TT winner,…
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The Quasar Returns: Rare ‘Cabin Motorcycle’ Set for Stafford Show
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One of the most unusual motorcycles ever built — the Quasar — will be on display at the VMCC stand at the Stafford International Classic Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Carole Nash. With just 17 ever produced (1975-1982), this rare machine continues to fascinate riders and enthusiasts alike. A Motorcycle Like No Other Love them or…
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