More information from 1916 might well come to hand. But for now, at least, with nigh on 44,000 words, countless pics, a library of period adverts and a yarn to make your eyes water, it is ready for you. You’ll find new machines, roadtests, technical innovations—and an almost complete ban on civilian motor cycle production as that damned bloody war ground on for another year. I’m going to take a day or two off in the garage where several motor cycles lie neglected before getting stuck into 1917.
By the way, when I talk of starting on another year, there is already plenty of copy running throughout the 1920s and ’30s and lots to read from the ’40s and ’50s. And when you’re browsing through the early years of the 20th century, do take a gander at some of the features, from TT reports to long-distance trials. They contain the memories that must have been so precious to the young chaps in the trenches, ploughing through Flanders (and Messpot) mud on the Triumphs, Duggies and P&Ms and, in increasing numbers, taking to the skies.
Motorcycle Timeline 