Sammy Miller: Motorcycle Legend

Quite simply, Sammy Miller is a legend in his own lifetime, as probably the world's greatest ever all-rounder in motorcycle sporting events. He excelled as a trials rider, raced at Grand Prix level and also tried scrambling and grass track racing.

Not only had Sammy been the most successful trials rider, with over 1400 victories, but the Ulster-born star raced at Grand Prix level for the likes of NSU, FB Mondial, Ducati and CZ. He was also a very capable scrambler (motocross) and grass-track racer.

Back to trials, Sammy rode a wide variety of machinery, including James, Honda, SWM, Aprilia and Armstrong, but most of all Bultaco and Ariel. But he didn't just ride the bikes, he also developed them and in the process changed trials bike design forever.

Besides his competitive career, Sammy Miller built probably the most successful dirt bike dealership in the UK and has gone on to create the world-renowned Sammy Miller Museum, which houses both sporting and street motocycles.

His restorations are truly meticulous, and are carried out for both the museum and paying customers. If all this is not enough, Sammy still rides many of his machines in historic events all around the world.

About the Author

Mick Walker is acknowledged as one of the world's leading motorcycle authorities. In a career which has spanned over 45 years, he has written over 100 books and curated several exhibitions.

He has also been a successful racer, tuner, team manager and talent scout. In 1998 he was involved in The Art of the Motorcycle exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

There is virtually no aspect of the motorcycle industry in which he has not been involved. During the 1980s, he was editor of Motorcycle Enthusiast magazine and, in 1999, Ducati presented him with a lifetime achievement award, the first ever of its kind.