Since 1993, Brooklands has been a leading company in the sale and research of spare parts for classic and vintage British motorbikes in Italy. After more than thirty years, passion and competence are still the driving force and foundation of what, for us, is not simply a business or a job. It is a true feeling of admiration and respect towards an era, its style, its culture, and above all, its motoring creations, which have indelibly marked the memories of those who lived through those times and the dreams of younger generations who have only heard about them.

Brooklands was born from an idea by Gabriele Ravasi who, later joined by his brother Attilio, decided at the beginning of the 1980s to embark on a new path—one made of dedication, study, and in-depth research into one of his greatest passions since the 1960s: English motorcycles. From the days spent at vintage markets and in our basement, learning and deepening our knowledge of these British machines, the creation of a space of our own was a natural step—though not an easy one.

Those early days were fundamental and gave Gabriele the opportunity to understand just how deep the passion, warmth, and love surrounding these motorcycles truly is. We can describe that time as the starting point for the idea of creating this company and this space, where we hope you can experience the same feelings and sensations he felt when he laid the first brick. Having a well-stocked warehouse with more than 40,000 items and a showcase for beautiful vintage motorbikes is just one part of what we are. We consider this place a meeting point for all British motorbike enthusiasts—a place where we can share our knowledge and values, talk about what we love, and do it all surrounded by the roar of engines. The motivation is, once again, the love for these iconic and timeless motorbikes: Triumph, Norton, B.S.A., AJS, Matchless, Ariel, Velocette, Vincent… These brands have always represented outstanding examples of originality, mechanical excellence, style, and fashion—and they still do today. It's truly difficult to find other motorcycle brands that have had such a profound cultural and societal impact. Their greatest strength lies in their cross-generational and cross-cultural influence—a legacy that goes far beyond engineering. From sports competitions to cinema, from music to countercultural movements, British motorcycles have stood beside some of the most iconic figures and events of the 20th century.

Everything happened during a pivotal time in our recent history—an era that redefined boundaries in every field, socially and culturally. Few periods have so clearly marked a “before and after.” Just think about the many moments and domains in which these motorcycles made their mark—whether directly or alongside figures who have since become almost mythical. Like the incredible journey undertaken by Ted Simon, who travelled around the world on a Triumph Tiger. His four-year adventure across 45 countries is vividly recounted in his book Jupiter’s Travels, still considered one of the most captivating stories and finest publications ever written on the subject. Or the unforgettable trip across South America by two young medical students, Alberto Granado and Ernesto Guevara, riding a Norton Model 18 nicknamed La Poderosa ("The Mighty One"). During their odyssey, they encountered injustice, beauty, contradiction, and empathy—experiences that changed them forever, along with the course of history. During World War II, these same brands made a crucial contribution to the Allied Forces by supplying their motorcycles for military use. In the world of racing, their legacy is equally remarkable. The very first 500cc World Championship—considered the premier class of motorcycle racing—was won by Leslie Graham on an AJS Porcupine. In the years that followed, Norton Manx machines claimed numerous victories, especially in the legendary Tourist Trophy, arguably the most iconic (and dangerous) race in the world. Extraordinary riders like Geoff Duke, Mike Hailwood, Phil Read, and Ray Amm all etched their names into history on these British machines. Even overseas, the legacy continued—with Gary Nixon’s triumphs in flat track racing and at Daytona riding a Triumph.

How can we forget icons such as Steve McQueen, James Dean, and Marlon Brando? These legendary figures literally leapt off the screen, transcending their acting careers to become cultural icons—and they created an inseparable bond with the Triumph brand in particular.

Actresses like Ann-Margret and Honor Blackman were symbols of a world in constant change—of progress and emancipation. By taking to the saddle of a motorbike, they challenged and overcame outdated prejudices. It’s not hard to find photographs of famous musicians and singers—Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, and many others—riding British motorcycles. At the same time, you can find images of groups of Rockers astride their Café Racers, alongside vintage pictures of Queen Elizabeth riding a BSA. This cross-generational and cross-cultural appeal endures today, making these motorcycles timeless symbols of an era that may have passed but still magnetically attracts everyone who comes into contact with them. These bikes do not represent a distant mirage or an impossible dream; rather, they are companions with which to build and live out your own dreams.

Our journey began with an old AJS. Since that day, hundreds of British motorcycles have passed through our doors. We take pride in thinking that we’ve contributed—even in a small way—to preserving or reviving each one. Not just by providing spare parts, but by sharing the knowledge we’ve gathered along the way.

Promoting and spreading the culture around British motorcycles is essential to keeping the flame alive. These stories—full of adventure, passion, and legacy—must not be forgotten. On the contrary, they should serve as a foundation for building new ones.

One of the key milestones in our journey was the creation of our own spare parts catalogue, later published in three different editions. Complete with illustrations, part numbers, and technical insights, it became, for many years, an essential tool for connecting with fellow enthusiasts. A cornerstone of our—and hopefully your—search for parts, it evolved with each edition, eventually becoming a true archive. Even today, flipping through its pages and retracing the steps that led to its creation feels like stepping back into a distant yet incredibly captivating era—almost like reading a history book.