X75 Variant- typically the orange and yellow blaze tanked three cylinder Hurricane sits under a Triumph badge. Developed by bodywork guru Craig Vetter they have become much sought after Motorcycles. Here’s something a little more different and in some ways even better looking. A BSA Rocket Three ‘gin shoehorned into a Norton Featherbed frame… NorBSA X75s is the sublime creation. One-Two pipes, alloy rimmed wheels and decent front stoppers say this bike means business.
Recuperation Plans – when you’re idle unable to get much done other than rest, read and recover; it’s a perfect time to devise schemes for future projects… this mostly complete ’74 Trident is sitting on Ed Zender’s showroom floor waiting for some unsuspecting soul who needs to tinker…
Reach for the Skies – Sir Douglas Bader (1910-1982) was. WWII fighter ace who flew Spitfires and Hurricanes against the German Luftwaffe onslaught early on in the hostilities. However he’d lost both legs ten years prior and was not recommended for flying duties. Being very impressionable, with Air Command and a lack of skilled pilots he was recommissioned into the RAF. He flew over Dunkirk and in the Battle of Britain (One of The Few). However he had to bail out over France in August 1941, was captured, and spent the remaining part of the War imprisoned at the infamous Colditz Castle. As was required of RAF POW’s he continually attempted to escape. He was threatened with confiscation of his prosthetic legs. Very much a traditionalist conservative on many issues; he’s still considered one of Britain’s hero’s.
Why is this blog subject posted today you may ask? Well I had hip surgery to repair damaged tissue in the joint and shave some protruding bone down. So in my post operative discomfort I can think of Kenneth More Douglas Bader as inspiration.
Green Goddess- one of my favorite colors is apple green (well, Kawasaki Green to some…) so I particularly like that hue perfectly used on this late 60’s Trident. The black accent swoops on the tank balance perfectly with the eyebrow tank badges.
Trinity in One – still like the look of these three cylinder Meriden ‘super bikes’, especially with the big tank such as on this fine example. Designed by Triumph engineers Bert Hopwood & Doug Hele it went on in BSA Rocket Three guise to sweep the field at Daytona. Gold ‘n’ Black.
Light at the end of the Tunnel – heading into the darkening days of December it seems the warming weeks of Spring seem far away. Well, it passes quick and before we know it days lengthen and temperatures rise.
On Any Sunday (1971) by Bruce Brown, who passed away yesterday at the age of 80, is considered the very best documentary that covers motorcycle racing action in Dirt Track, Road Race, Moto Cross, Hill Climbs, Bonneville Salt Flats World speed records and more. The movie stars Steve McQueen (who also backed its production), Malcolm Smith, Mert Lawill and Gene Romero. At nearly 50 years old, it still remains as a “MUST SEE” required viewing if you have anything to do with motorcycling.
All Hail Soviet Physical Culturists! – propaganda poster from the early CCCP days has a huge Red Flag emblazoned with Stalin’s profile unfurled and being proudly held aloft by some Communist country-proud woman. The machine gun weaponized PMZ 750 V-Twin transports the prone Driver and flag bearer. This year marks 100 years since the October Revolution. Poster by Aleksandr Druzhkov. The motif is clear and powerful, the message strong, and the population are driven.
Soviet era posters exhibition at Smart Museum, University of Chicago
Hair: Birds-eye view of a Triumph Thruxton and its lucky owner. Some motorcycles sure do have a good shape when viewed from this angle.
Wooler – one of the more esoteric motorcycles from the mid Twentieth Century was the swansong of John Wooler. A vertical flat four with truly inspiring styling for its day – (vertical H) The petrol tank extending beyond the steering head with front mounted headlight are signature.
Sidenote: I grew up in a village in North Northumberland called Wooler.
Insomnia Mechanics – a wide-eyed and wakeful Robert Crumb -like character has a fitful nocturne wondering about the engine reassembly. A three dimensional jigsaw that must come to life upon completion. A cup of Horlicks on the bedside table is needed, with a workshop manual on hand, and a cat on the bed to keep you company.
Black Electrical Tape – this about sums it up. After poring over maps to memorize roads, junctions, towns, and other landmarks; you’d take a folded-up map and either stuff it in a front pocket or, as in this case, tape it onto your bike. Ideally in a waterproof Ortlieb clear map case.
Deepening Shadows- one thing about riding at this time of year is the light is low and the world around you has a sharp contrast between light and dark. Makes for great black & white photography. The photo was taken along The Melvin Amstutz Expressway IL 137 in Waukegan.
December – a last hurrah with near 60 degree temperatures and a suitable run to Wisconsin and our usual diner in Zion. Sunny skies, grey leafless trees and fairly quiet roads. Temperatures expected to drop below freezing over the next week or two then we be back out in Spring ’18.
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