Japanese Production Racing Motorcycles

Mick Walker owned a Honda CB92 Benly Super Sport and he was soon convinced that the Japanese could build excellent machines and that the CB92 had already surpassed existing European and British designs in many areas. As Grand Prix Racing Motorcycles explains, the Japanese did not suddenly become proficient in the design and development of motorcycles when they first appeared in Europe at the end of the 1950s. Instead, the Japanese had been interested, involved even, with motorcycles since the beginning of the 20th century. True, early Japanese motorcycles copied Western design - a trend that continued for several years after the end of the Second World War. But soon they were to prove that they were very much their own men, by designing a succession of highly innovative machinery, not only to the Grand Prix world’s benefit but the paying ‘over-the-counter’ customer too. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha, plus Bridgestone and Tohatsu have all built and sold racing motorcycles which the public could also buy and enjoy. Soft bound. Size 280mm x 210mm over 800 pictures in colour and black & white. 336 pages.
Author: Mick Walker