nick303

126 months ago

 - via web

- Story

The Glory Days of British Motorbikes - BBC Timeshift Series 13

Timeshift returns with an exploration of the British love of fast, daring and sometimes reckless motorbike riding during a period when home-grown machines were the envy of the world. From TE Lawrence in the 1920s, to the 'ton up boys' and rockers of the 1950s, motorbikes represented unparalleled style and excitement, as British riders indulged their passion for brands like Brough Superior, Norton and Triumph.

But it wasn't all thrills and spills - the motorbike played a key role during World War II and it was army surplus bikes that introduced many to the joy and freedom of motorcycling in the 50s, a period now regarded as a golden age. With its obsession with speed and the rocker lifestyle, it attracted more than its fair share of social disapproval and conflict. Narrated by John Hannah.

You must be logged in to comment
Login now

alex

126 months ago

I was just about to post the self-same video. Damnit! Good watch though. I tried to simulate what it was like back then by placing a small puddle of oil under my chair

marina

126 months ago

Nice find! British riders helped create the legend of the motorcycling rebel for speed and style. "The second day motorbikes were invented, two people met and had a race". Great doc. @senorfrog