Motorcycles Books

This Illustrated History of Douglas Motorcycles is LAVISHLY illustrated! Every single page has one or more historical photos, many of them are printed full page. Very few of them are studio photos, most are interesting candid shots of the bikes on tours or in races. Some are publicity photos taken in idealistic locations. Also has some factory and some mechanical detail shots.

From the front flap:

"Far away from the Birmingham and Coventry heartland of the Midlands, this Bristol-based manufacturer became famous for the manufacture of machines powered by a horizontally-opposed twin engine. Founded by William and Edward Douglas, two foundrymen of Scottish descent, the company commenced the manufacture of motorcycles in 1907, when they took on Joseph Barter, who had pioneered the horizontally-opposed twin cylinder motorcycle engine. William Douglas soon departed to form Hoare and Douglas manufacturers of boots and shoes, this being an area in which the trade was well established. Early Douglas competition successes were overshadowed by a win in the 1912 Junior TT, which paved the way for the supply of machines in large numbers to the armed forces during the Great War. Further wins in the 1923 Senior and Sidecar TT races ensured the consolidation of a thriving business that carried the company successfully through the depression of the late twenties. Even royalty endorsed the company's products when Prince Albert (later King George VI) and Prince Henry became enthusiastic Douglas owners. Machines were also supplied to the Royal Household of Spain.

"During the early thirties the company experienced a series of financial crises after William Douglas had relinquished his interest in the company, which eventually forced him to buy it back to retain control to safeguard its survival. But not even he could save it and after his death in 1937 the decline continued until World War 2. A fresh start seemed assured in 1946 with some promising new designs, but it was not to be. Always undercapitalised and following the appointment of an Official Receiver, it remained an uphill struggle until production finally came to a close in 1957."

An interesting history and fantastic photos. I highly recommend this book!

This book was never written, let alone published. It appeared on one provisional publishing list several years ago but never came about.

This book is exactly what I expect from a book about a specific subject.
The complete history about Indian Fours is covered. Not only very nice photos from all the different modelyears, but also the exact (technical) differences in the evolution of this model throughout the years and the history behind the development starting with the ACE-motorcycles and ending with the last Chief model. Technical drawings of timing, crackcase etc. etc. are provided together with photos about the subjects.

From what I have seen I think this is the best book available for anyone looking for all the information about the Indian Four's and at a reasonable price.
Definately a very good book for your collection!

I need this book for restaural my scooter of 1955.-

Full of detailed info about color schemes and part changes on a year by year basis. If you are restoring a vintage harley, especially a pre-1920 model, you will enjoy this book!

As a vintage racer, I have several bikes covered in this manual. The repair and specification documentation for many of these bikes no longer exist in any other form. The book covers major repairs, tuneups and performance modifications. When I race, I don't leave home without it. Others, knowing that I carry it, use this manual to quick fix their bikes on the track.

Excellent read! This book is much more readable than most motorcycle travelogues, in which the riders attempt to describe their thoughts and surroundings with such tortured metaphors. Werner comes across as a wonderful humanist and all around good guy, with a real appreciation for what he sees and experiences. He shares this appreciation well, and I found myself wishing I were riding with him.

This is the softcover version of the hardcover book by the same author.

This book is the best history and evolution on the Jaguar XJ-S/XJS models.This beautifully presented book maintains the high standards that "Veloce publishing" are known for.Very impressive.Plenty of colur and b&w photos throughout with great detailed text make this the ideal reference on these Jaguars.Photos of rare one off Jaguars too.

An impressive book.

I read this book in 3 days! It was difficult to put down. This book takes you through the authors difficulty and heartache of recovery, and leaves you feeling hopeful satisfied. Recommended to all ages!

i thought that this book was excelent. my brother took apart my bike and didn't know how to put it back together. in a panik i went on the net and came accross amazon books. when i found out about this book i was releived and i ordered it right away thanx a lot! ps. my brother ended up paying for it! hehehe