Pedal, pedal, pedal… Wheels go round.

Most of the older motorcycle manufacturers started out as bicycle makers, such as BSA, Raleigh and of course Triumph. The cycling arm went off as a different branch but the two-wheeled family tree has common roots. These mid-century ‘safety frame’ bikes are worthy of hanging on the wall with their balanced mechanical perfection.

Hot weather here in Chi-Town (98 degrees plus) calls for a plentiful supply of t-shirts; my newer BSA is a current fave.

“The most Popular Motorcycle in the World”

The latest Motorcycle Consumer News arrived in the mail today; and even though it had a appetite sating article on the globetravelling busting Triumph Explorer I stll dozed off mid-article. Retracing Jupiters Travels on this one would be an Adventure, that’s for sure. Ted Simon, where are you?

Wicked Moto in Wicker Park: sno-white tank like some speech bubble that should say: “VAROOM!”. Black as coal engine and cast 70’s period wheels give snappy look for this hipsters ride. As some might say : “Dude!”.

Someone has kindly informed me that the motorcycle my grandfather, George, is seen on is actually a Norton 16H. The ubiquitous mode a rapid transit during the Second World War. Over 100,000 were manufactured between 1932 when the War Department approved the design of this 490cc Single until 1945 by which time models in olive, khaki and RAF blue were scattered around the globe. Some solo, some with a combination chair and some with sidecar ‘box’.

I’m currently poring over the great Haynes Workshop tome for the Bonnie, spending most of the time in the electrical section. It’s near illuminated script like writing gives step by step guiding in all things mechanical and an attempt of thing electrical. Along with the Meriden published Owners Workshop and Parts Manual is absolutely essential for any Trumpet tinkerer or hair puller…

Guard rails are great when they are thought out and help prevent head-on vehicular collisions thus saving lives: however, when a steel cable system is utilized they just give me the willy’s. Here’s an example of cables used along a Minnesotan roadside; and seen in other Midwest states too. This is a contentious issue on European roads where the motorcycle is a more common mode of day-to-day transportation and riders safety is given more consideration. Some research from places such as Australia and Germany are not fully conclusive however some testing shows both the posts and cable rails create issues. Racetracks use W profile barriers (and hay bales!) More thought is needed in this area.

Just a quick photo to show off the new Sparx handlebar switch. Whoop-de-doo! Well it’s better than no news of lack of spark from the ignition.

Got the Bonnie rewired with a new handlebar switch, a nicely made item from Sparx in the UK. Well, all the light, horn and indicators worked out good. Coloured wire to coloured wire. So… I took ‘er out for a run around the blocks for a cobweb blow; all fine and dandy. A couple of start and stops to see it kick over. No problems. Bring it back to the garage and kaput! Dam, dam and blast it! Nearly there… But not quite (quietly fume).