Hold on tight, because if you like your vintage motorbikes and think modern machines lack a bit of character, you’re in for a treat with this picture selection.
It harks back to a time before the Japanese invasion and is a reminder of the rich motorcycle heritage of Wolverhampton and Britain generally. AJS, Ariel, Scott... they are names to resonate down the ages.
Today those of that special breed who prefer two wheels to four continue to enjoy the sensations and freedoms of motorcycle motoring which have always been an attraction, while benefiting from advances in technology and safety.
So take your seat and rev up for a trip down motorcycling memory lane.
- Missed our gallery from 1975? Take a look at all 63 pictures here.
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5. New trials
Life revolved around two wheels for Staffordshire couple Erik and Helen Dorman, seen here with their Harley-Davidson in July 1980. The pair, from Handsacre, near Lichfield, had an impressive collection of 11 motorcycles at their home and were in the process of building a trials bike. | Express & Star archive
6. Four into three won't go
Revving up for their school's motor fair in July 1979 were some of the girls from Earls High School, Halesowen. The original caption has four names - Sara Claridge, Dawn Freeman, Lorna Dibble and Donna Freeman - although there are only three on the picture. Ho-hum, but at least they'll know who they are. They are pictured with a 650cc BSA motor trike, which was one of the attractions on show. Money raised at the event in the school grounds was going towards the school minibus fund. | Express & Star archive
7. The old and the new - in 1959
This picture from a Rugeley motorcycle showroom in 1959 gave some idea of how motorcycle design had progressed. In the foreground is a 1911 Calthorpe. Behind it stands a 1959 Ariel Leader. | Express & Star archive
8. Charging into the future
Security guards Harry Pritchard and Jack Ward take possession of what were claimed to be the first electric-powered mopeds in Britain, made by a factory in Brierley Hill. No petrol, no pollution and virtually noise free - that was the claim for the two-wheeled vehicles made by factory manager Colin Shaw, of Solo Power Equipment, back in December 1973. The first 100 mopeds had already been bought by Securicor. They could do up to 25 miles before recharging. | Express & Star archive