The Ton-Up Boy

Ton-Up Boys were motorcyclists whose very title suggested speed; 'doing a ton' being slang for driving at breakneck speeds. The Ton-Up boy usually dressed in leather and became popular before the term 'swinging sixties' was even thought of. They often frequented tea stalls, coffee bars, and cafes of the time. They were often perceived as tough or 'bully boys' by those outside of their circle.

In fact, Dick Emery was a keen motorcyclist and owned several large bikes himself. The bikes his Ton-Up Boy was seen riding in the TV series were his own. He wrote of the character: "He needs little in the way of make-up, except for a thick wig. In addition to his basic motor cycling gear, his jacket is adorned with chains and badges, and he wears a military helmet. I have never intended to ridicule motor cycling enthusiasts through this character or make him the butt of our fun. The Ton-Up Boy has been a member of my television family from the earliest series. He is happy-go-lucky, full of the kind of jokes he might have picked up at his group's last gathering, and above all dedicated to his bike."

Interviewer: Excuse me, sir.
Ton-Up Boy: Wotcher, son.
Interviewer: Tell me, do you find there's a strong community spirit in your neighbourhood?
Ton-Up Boy: Fantastic, that's what it is, fantastic. Take what we've done for Charlie the window cleaner. He fell off his ladder and broke his arm. There he was, poor old soul, wearing himself out trying to carry on one handed.
Interviewer: Oh, what a shame.
Ton-Up Boy: Yeah, he just wouldn't stop work-so the lads stepped in and helped him out.
Interviewer: You mean, you cleaned the windows for him?
Ton-Up Boy: Nah, we broke his other arm.