can anyone recomend any good motorcycle books something that covers all models that were used in service would be good, ive found a couple on web sites but would like to hear what people think before i buy them.
If you're referring to machines used by the British then there's no substitute for Orchard & Madden's 'bible'. British Forces Motorcycles 1925-45: Amazon.co.uk: Chris Orchard, Steve Madden: Books It is well researched, covers all contracts and is an essential basis if you want to research further. Gavin Birch's book has interesting photos from the IWM but won't give you much info. Motorcycles at War: Images of War, Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives: Amazon.co.uk: Gavin Birch: Books Two earlier books by David Ansell and Roy Bacon don't really come up to the same level but do both cover other nations. There are a couple of French language books which cover continental machines better. When it comes down to specific makes then the individual marque histories often throw up interesting aspects. What's your particular interest ? Rich
i thought i would start with a general research and see where it takes me. i would think that i will mostly be looking at the british bikes, id be very interested to know what models were used during the d day landings and also the paratrooper bikes.
You couldn't go wrong at full price so £1.80 is cheap. If it's the first edition then it does not differ significantly although the later print has additional info about REME and RAOC systems etc and photo reproduction is better. I actually prefer the first edition as they later transferred the contract and serial number info to a landscape format and it's seriously unhandy for looking things up. If you're interested in motorcycles and the Normandy landings then you might like this one :- Commando Despatch Rider: From D-Day to Deutschland 1944-45: Amazon.co.uk: Julian Thompson, Raymond Mitchell: Books
ive been riding bikes since the age of three work on them for a living run a large club and im a qualified instructor but i have never looked into the war time bikes. When i started to find out about my grandfathers in the war it sparked an interest in all things WW2. The subject is so large its impossible to learn about everything so i thought id look at motorcycles football and D Day (grandfather was there) off to Normandy tomorrow so hopefully ill come back with more knowledge. thanks the book link that does look a good read
...and a plug for the two best WD motorcycle sites on the internet. Norton wd 16h and wd big4, British military motorcycles of world war 2 THE BSA WD M20 WEBSITE
nice sites with some fantastic pictures i can see me owning something like that very soon if i can find one
