The British motorcycle industry once stood at the top level of world production. Before and after the Second World War famous names such as BSA, AMC, Matchless and Vincent led the world in design, sophistication and popularity.

Then it all went horribly wrong.

Perhaps British bikes were too large, too focused on the sports end of the market, or perhaps just old-fashioned and unreliable? In the face of stiff competition from imported machines, the British industry imploded, and by the 1970s it was teetering on the brink of financial collapse. From a position of dominance -- both in sales and in technical competence -- the British motorcycle industry was in its death throes. To many the collapse seemed indicative of a wider malaise in British manufacturing industry. But what was the real explanation?

At long last Steve Koerner presents an original and in-depth explanation, based on hitherto unused sources, of what went so badly wrong. Fascinating and detailed.

STEVE KOERNER has a BA in history from the University of Victoria (Canada) and a PhD in Social History from the University of Warwick (England). Koerner lives in Victoria B.C. Canada. He is a long-time motorcycle enthusiast and owns a 1958 500cc Matchless G-80, a 1974 850cc Norton Commando as well as a 2000 Harley-Davidson Road King.