Polychromatic Blue – here’s an off-road sorted ’58 pre-unit Triumph currently for sale on eBay in the U.K. It would make a good tool to haul over the desert like Steve MCQueen was doing in yesterday’s blog. I’m filing this one for a future project…
June 15, 2017
Rough Rider
June 14, 2017
Red ‘n’ White Chequered
Wednesday Wheelie- we need a bit of Harvey Mushman leaping out of the screen to see us into the latter part of the wee. “Number 14! Give ‘er some wellie!”
June 13, 2017
Roundel Clad
Aces High – the little fighter is complete. Though I rushed and mucked up the tissue a bit, it is presentable and probably decent enough to wind up and fly.
June 12, 2017
Petrol Head
Gas Up – quick fueling stop mid-ride. Filling with 93 octane. The old valve seats would prefer leaded to protect them from regression but lower compression and trying to avoid ethanol additives help too.
June 11, 2017
à vendre sur la route
The Classifieds – a grand day with perfect summer weather and quiet roads. Getting out at 7 helped too before the heat and traffic built up! New carbs have given the Bonnie a new lease of life. Spied this ’71 example up near Antioch; in nice shape and waiting for a rider.
June 10, 2017
POW!
BATMAN – looking back it’s a very tongue-in-cheek version of the caped crusader and his crime fighting escapades. But growing up with the show when Bruce Wayne was played cooly by a serious Adam West and your Corgi Batmobile would recreate his daring-do along with Boy Wonder Robin, there was nothing better. Sadly we hear of the recent passing of Adam West who owned this role – grey one piece, yellow utility belt, and satin glove and all.
June 9, 2017
Drum Roll
A Skin Game – delicate less than paper thin tissue sheets glued over the spars, ribs and stringers; then a spray down with water and the covering becomes drum tight. Need to find a cellulose dope alternative to give the paper added strength.
June 9, 2017
Merlin Rubber Band
Supermarine – the balsa Spitfire is taking great shape. Indeed the classic elliptical wing designed by Canadian aerodynamicist Beverley Shenstone is obvious. RJ Mitchell’s overall layout is pure in form and elegant in execution. Tissue paper covering next!
June 7, 2017
Tour of Duty
War Machine – BSA M20 in military patina. In marvelous aged appearance; the greyed olive drab is ready to thump over European lanes.
June 6, 2017
Of Wine & Cheese
“Cracking toast Gromit!” As part of the frenzied inventor with his dedicated sidekick hound, and as one of the youthful hearted pensioners in a long running sitcom, Peter Sallis became a household name as a cheese and cracker gastronome and Holmfirth scallywag respectively. Sadly he passed away today at the grand age of 96. His voice and demeanor were calm and reassuring and he seemed to fit both characters perfectly.
“Did I lock the door?”
June 5, 2017
Tickler
Amal – the engine is getting a new lease of life. I have acquired a pair of brand spanking new carburetors to invigorate fuel delivery making sure the motor has plenty of oomph through the rev range. These classic concentric carbs are nice clean castings, good materials, serviceable parts, anodized slides, and are practically a bolt-on and ride item. I’ve had to carry out a couple of slight adjustments for my bike but hopefully I can put the air cleaners back on tomorrow and connect the fuel tank.
June 4, 2017
Shere Khan
Bengal Tiger on the Prowl – Bollywood actor Salman Khan sits with a marvelously restored Triumph Tiger. He had the bike restored for his father Salim Khan who owned such a model in the late fifties. It would be fun to ride an older motorcycle through rural India.
June 3, 2017
Brother in Arms
Sultan of Swing – Dire Straits lead man and impresario guitarist Mark Knopfler knows how to bang out a catchy tune or two. But another aspect to his musician life is collecting classic motorcycles; here proudly leaning on a legendary HRD Vincent. That would be a perfect ride to take along the seafront between Cullercoats and Whitley Bay.
June 2, 2017
Whiskers Galore
Cats Meow – feline rider on a Bonnie SE. Cute kitty ears on her lid will catch the breeze.
June 1, 2017
St Mary’s Road
Vanishing Point – Look ahead: the future converges at a distance yet to be reached. Keep an eye on where you’re at, with the odd glance on where you’ve been. But mostly keep a butcher’s on the approaching road; it’ll be upon you before you know it.
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