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Rockets from the crypt

The 21st Century has put lumberjack beards onto men’s couture runways, banjos into rock music and weariness into riders assessing the so-called Universal Japanese Motorcycle. The generic UJM lasts forever but can run light on character. Motorcyclists are demanding tradition, authenticity and uniqueness. In response, and inspired by the resurgence of Triumph, entrepreneurs have revived names dormant for decades. Most can claim heydays with speed records, military service and celebrity riders – Marlon Brando and Lawrence of Arabia among them. The trend is doing wonders for wire-spoked wheels and crowned steel fenders, and for nostalgists keen to make contact with riding’s halcyon early days, it's irresisitible. Here is a look at nine prime examples driving the trend. (Photo: Midual)