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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13. We're not to blame
Scooter youths Mark Wells (left) and Paul Handley were looking fed up in October 1983, and the accompanying story explained why: "A group of Wednesbury mods say 'don't blame us' after complaints about motorcycle gangs who are said to be terrorising people on estates in the town. Councillors say they have had a flood of protests about high speed riders roaring around. But 10 mods who gather in St Luke's Road, Mesty Croft, claim they are being held responsible unfairly. One, trainee coremaker Paul Handley, aged 16, of Kent Road, Woods estate, said: 'It is ridiculous to say our bikes are high speed. My scooter's top speed is only 25mph.' Mark Wells, also 16, of St Luke's Road, said their group caused no noise." | Express & Star archive
14. Centre of attention
Seen through one of the tyres she was selling at the tenth annual Midland Motor Cycling Show at Walsall's Alumwell Centre is Louise Newman, of Solihull. Motorcycling enthusiasts who went along in February 1980 got a preview of some of the new bikes about to come on the market. Special competition cycles and sporting bikes were also on display at the four-day event which was attended by more than 5,000 people. | Express & Star archive
15. A matchless Matchless
A 996cc Matchless sidecar outfit discovered, restored, owned and ridden by Dick Taylor of Stourbridge. It was made in 1922 yet it was completely sprung, both front and back wheels. The date is uncertain, but possibly April 1955. | Express & Star archive
16. Ahead of its time
Standing beside a 1920 Ascot-Pulling, which he built himself, is Cyril Pullin. The photo dates from 1953 when the machine was expected to take part in a vintage motorcycle rally that formed part of Stourbridge's coronation programme. It had various features which were ahead of its time - complete enclosure of working parts, scooter-like riding position, all weather protection, and swinging arm rear suspension. | Express & Star archive