Introduction I

’ll let you into a trade secret. Books like Classic Superbikes II are conceived at lavish planning meetings where all the team, and making a book like this is very much a team effort, sit round an immense table where we sip champagne and eat expensive nibbles while impeccably dressed staff hover discreetly to meet our every need.

Star billing is given to the author, who is treated with awe by the rest of the team as they hang on his every word.

Then I hit the bedroom floor and the dream finished!

In fact, what really happened is that I was walking along the Bridgewater Canal, which is near us, at the height of Lockdown. The towpath was deserted because it was blowing a gale along with dense clouds of wet, penetrating sleet fighting to soak us.

From inside my anorak, I felt my phone buzzing. I dug it out and saw that it was my boss at Mortons, Steve O’Hara, so naturally I took off my gloves and accepted the call.

Steve was as positive as ever – he always is. The bottom line was that the first Classic Superbikes had sold very well, despite Covid and the multiple Lockdowns, and now Steve wanted another book in what was becoming a series.

I stuck the phone inside my woolly hat and the conversation went like this:

Steve: “ CSB (our internal name for the book) has sold really well. Do you fancy doing another one?”

Me: “For sure. That’d be great.”

Steve: “Okay then. You know what to do. Got to go now but we’ll speak later.”

And that was how CSB II was conceived – on a tow path, in a wet gale with my fingers frozen.

The reason I could accept Steve’s offer was that Carol –my wife, best friend, editor and business partner – and I had enjoyed making CSB so much. In fact, I’d already started to working out a rough of the new book – as the pre-planning is called – just in case Steve did call me.

The bikes, and stories, in the book reflect what a great time I have had with motorcycles all my life. They are all machines which have delighted me, made me angry or left me in wonder. They’re bikes which actually reach into my motorcycling soul. Critically, the stories put the bikes into historical context.

I’ve also included some chapters on the inspirational things which have happened to me – and none more so than coming to know Sammy Miller so well. Sammy is one of the world’s greatest all round riders and the genius behind the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, in Hampshire.

Author and Concept: Frank Melling

Editor and Photography: Carol Melling

Archive Images: Jane Skayman and Jonathan Schofield

Design: Michael Baumber and Druck Media Pvt. Ltd.

Publisher: Steve O’Hara

Then I had to include the story of how I, very briefly, became a six times World Champion – and believe me, such fame for a clubman rider like me is not quite as attractive as it might seem.

I feel certain that if some government official, or pressure group, ever reads how much fun I have had writing CSB II then I’ll get banned, or sent for ‘re-education’ to bring me into line with current politically correct thinking. Until then, I’ll just say that I have had a brilliant time writing the book – and I hope you enjoy reading the stories as much as I have enjoyed writing them.

Printed by: William Gibbons and Sons, Wolverhampton

Published by: Mortons Media Group Ltd, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 6JR. Tel: 01507 529529

ISBN: 978-1-911703-02-0 © 2022 Mortons Media Group Ltd