British Bikes

For three decades, British motorcycles were the world standard. BSA was the largest manufacturer. Norton won races. Triumph sold dreams. The vertical twin engine note — that distinctive thump-thump-thump — was the sound of motorcycling itself.

Then Honda showed up with the CB750 in 1969, and within five years the British industry was effectively dead. BSA folded. Norton went bankrupt. Triumph survived on life support before being reborn in the '90s as a different company entirely.

What the Japanese bikes had in reliability and value, the British bikes had in character. Oil leaks, Lucas electrics ("the Prince of Darkness"), and kick-start rituals are part of the ownership experience. These bikes demand a relationship, not just a rider. That's either a dealbreaker or the entire point.