The Metzeler Classics Calendar has long been a sought after memento in the two-wheel world. More than just a practical wall calendar, the exclusive photo essay is made even valuable as only a few will be able to hang one on their walls.

The theme for this year’s Metzeler Classics Calendar pays homage to Japan as it celebrates memorable moments from Japanese two-wheeled competition history and the success of Japanese motorcycle manufacturing throughout the decades.

In a similar fashion, last year’s calendar paid tribute to the historic Café Racer movement and the 2010 iteration commemorated the Moto Club Classic Cuba (MOCLA).

The history of Japanese motorcycle manufacturing began in the ‘50s. After the Second World War, Japan captured the growing popularity of motorcycles in Europe and the United States by manufacturing its own motorcycles for both the domestic and international markets. Since then, Japanese motorcycles are now among the most innovative and technologically advanced models available to riders the world over.

 

“An important part of international motorcycling history has been written by Japanese bikes,” said Francesco Pietrangeli, Marketing Director for Metzeler. “This is why it seemed right to honour them and the entire Japanese population at this particular moment, after the great disaster which struck them so fiercely this year – a disaster to which they have reacted in an exemplary way.”

Originally launched in 1994 and now in its 19th edition, the 50 x 53 cm Metzeler calendar is printed on very high-quality paper using a five-colour printing process and an opaque finish. Featuring 22 subjects, the calendar is two-sided and provides a bilingual English and German description of each image. The 2012 edition is limited to just 6,000 copies worldwide.