Classic Motorcycles: The Art of Speed

Finally! The world’s most incredible motorcycles are given the artful representation they deserve. Classic Motorcycles: The Art of Speed is a stunning visual encyclopedia of history’s best bikes.

The motorcycle should have disappeared when Henry Ford’s Model T usurped the motorcycle’s position as a primary form of utilitarian transportation. But a funny thing happened on the way to extinction — the motorcycle not only survived, but thrived.

Written by noted motorcycle author Patrick Hahn, Classic Motorcycles: The Art of Speed presents the history of motorcycling as told through the most significant, iconic, classic motorcycles of all time, with both period photography and modern portrait photography.

All the best domestic and international makes are represented here, from BMWs, Indians, and Triumphs to Vincents, Ducatis, and Harley-Davidsons – the most classic models. You’ll drool over the 1933 Matchless Silver Hawk, and you’ll want to tear out the page displaying the 1956 Triumph Thunderbird and frame it.

Each motorcycle was shot in a studio setting using photographer Tom Loeser’s light-painting technique. Period ads and relevant historic photos and documents are spread throughout the book to supplement the portraits of the bikes, really evoking a sense of time and place. Prepare to be in awe of the undeniably classic motorcyclesClassic Motorcycles: The Art of Speed is offering. It’s the only motorcycle history you’ll need.

Format: Hardback
Pages: 224
Imprint: Motorbooks US
Publication date: 01/12/2016
Illustrator: Loeser, Tom