ABSTRACT
The continuing stagnation of wage levels, especially in blue-collar jobs, has contributed to the depressed market for new motorcycles; changing sociocultural attitudes and consumer preferences have also played a part. The collapse of the British motorcycle industry, in a remarkably short period of time, carries an aura of perplexity even for those who have studied its inner workings. The Harris G80 combined the Austrian-made Rotax 500cc engine with wheels, brakes, and suspension parts from Italy, all fitted to an oil-bearing frame made in England. The Barber Museum displays motorcycles made by more than 200 manufacturers from more than 20 countries. The United States has its equivalent to England’s Classic Racing Motorcycle Club, which sponsors the Lansdowne Championship Races along with other events, in the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (A.H.R.M.A). With more than 100 events on its annual schedule, including road racing, motocross, trials, and flat track contests, the A.H.R.M.A.
