British bikes

Triumphs, BSAS and Nortons had relatively simple engines that even an amateur could maintain, but shaggedout machine tools, poorly-paid, unhappy assembly workers and low-quality bought-in components meant they wore out quickly and broke down lots. Not for nothing was Joe Lucas, purveyor of all manner of electrics and lighting, known as the ‘Prince of Darkness’.

Triumphs are now superb (but not made in the UK). Norton? We’ll have to see what happens there. And BSA are on the way back thanks to Indian backing. The next decade could be golden for British bikes.