March 22, 2016
Belgium took the brunt of World affairs today with the heinous and cowardly attacks by terrorists in Brussels. Many dead, a shocked population and a further need to eliminate crazed fundamental belief systems that wish ordinary folk just trying to get on with their lives to be murdered for their empty cause. Just plain Wrong! Civilization needs to advance folks! Not degenerate into a Dark Ages.
Here’s a beautiful 1933 Belgian 500cc Gillet Herstal Supersport to remember that there are great things in the world to enjoy.
Oh. And Belgian Chocolate…
Posted in 30's, History |
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July 6, 2015
My favorite Harley is the mid thirties 61c.i. Overhead valve E or EL models offering sporty 1000cc of engine in a beautiful machine. Engineering detail which epitomized the technology of its day.
The very distinctive valve covers give the bike its unofficial name looking like a clenched knuckle.
A period article extols the virtues of the good oil supply used to cool these power thirsty engines.
Posted in 30's, Harley Davidson |
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July 5, 2015
We had a day out to Milwaukee… Finally went to the Harley Davison Museum.
I static test rode a Fat Boy: comfy saddle and fairly slick operation. The wind-blown effect was an (appropriately orange) fan.
Early grey fellows commenced a yearly procession of models. Basically bicycles with engines in ’em!
A wall of engines: flathead, knuckle, pan, evo… Even the BMW-like flat twin for desert warfare. The rorting sounds could be conjured at the press on an interaction screen.
One view was a complete motorcycle…
Another its component parts…
Beautiful examples of all golden age bikes.
And an illuminated wall of tanks of the ages.
A worthwhile destination when visiting Wisconsins Brew City.
Posted in 30's, Harley Davidson, History |
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July 1, 2015
there was plenty of eye candy at Motoblot. Each belonged to a dedicated owner who loves showing off their steed. Each washed to a mirror shine reflecting admirers faces in their perfectly designed curves. Each represents a history unto itself.
What was old now is new:
Indian. The new cruiser looks set for a haul along Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. The old police bike would be a great ‘big road’ rider.
Kawasaki? Team Green knows about power – like this canny Eddie Lawson bicep is set for action.
The Purple People Eater: two stoke powerband terror of the seventies would scare the mane off a lion. The Mach IV
The bumblebee world traveller is the much desired BMW GS1000. Big legs for long distances.
A weary looking edge worn Beemer yearns for Barvarian strasse to plod along…
More fun than a barrel of baby sloth (look it up you’ll agree that’s a lot of fun!)
Posted in 30's, 40's, 70's, 80's, BMW, Chicago, Design, Indian, Kawasaki, Vintage |
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June 25, 2015
Hugh (the other) Laurie on his chosen ride: a Triumph Bonnie. We also know him as Bertie.
Wooster with indispensable essential valet Jeeves. The perfect pairing for a perfect comedy fro PG Wodehouse…
Posted in 30's, Film and TV, Triumph Bonneville, Writing |
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June 20, 2015
If you just so happen to be at the old banked racetrack in Montlhery France this weekend you could do a lot worse that go and see vintage racers haring around the velodrome. This years promotional poster is aptly graphic for a period event. Three color screen is just perfect! (Well a couple of other colors too) Red haired checker waver is suitably elegant.
Posted in 20's, 30's, 40's, cafe racer, Gals, Graphics, History, Motorcycle Poster, Racing |
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June 4, 2015
Quite a dapper chap in his spats, plus fours, cardigan and briar pipe perched on his lip. Missus looks on in glamorous attitude: no doubt looking forward to a wind blown spin letting her coat drift behind. Das ist ein gut mottorad.
Posted in 30's, Motorcycle Poster, Triumph Motorcycle |
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December 17, 2012
Rufus T. Firefly: “I’m in a hurry! To the House of Representatives! Ride like fury! If you run out of gas, get ethyl. If Ethel runs out, get Mabel! Now step on it!”
The Freedonia ruler in ‘Duck Soup’ along with the small kingdoms agent provocateurs Pinky and Chicolini use a ’26 Harley Davidson JS outfit to get about from escapade to escapade. These three are of course Groucho, Chico and Harpo – as well as straight man Zeppo. The silent one taking the reins of this ride.
“Hello, I must be going, I cannot stay,
I came to say, I must be going.
I’m glad I came, but just the same,
I must be going.”
Posted in 20's, 30's, Harley Davidson, Movie |
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April 22, 2012
American Iron: The swap meet was well represented with Harleys; about 80 percent was glitzy fittings for your Hydra-King-Fat-Glide, not my cup of tea; but a few older pieces caught my eye. This old tank with suicide gear knob is mechanical art to some eyes.
Elsewhere an eye-catching Indian in gloss black sat proudly. A true classic whose lines still hold their beauty. A Garbo, Grable or Gish from the age of the first talkies.
This tank shows off the shiny controls and dials, the Indian Head medallion completes the delicious detail.
Finally, there was an old Knucklehead Harley Davidson, in original condition sitting by itself drawing many onlookers. In this condition these are worth a good $45k; some would say a further $20k to restore. Me? I would get the engine running, all controls greased, new tires, an ‘oily rag’ polish and ride it the way it is; a time-worn patina that looks perfect. This is a ’39 EL. A rugged Clark Gable to match the Hollywood belle’s mentioned above.
Posted in 30's, Harley Davidson, Indian |
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April 10, 2012
Pack the tent, food hamper and don’t forget the missus. Enjoy life on the open road with: fresh air, countryside and nature as your companions. As well as a dripping canvas fly sheet. “pass the pork pie pet and crack open the bottle of stout will you?”
Posted in 30's, Photography, Sidecar, Triumph Motorcycle |
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March 14, 2012
Nice pencil sketch of a 1937 Triumph Speed Twin. nearly like some charcoal scribbling by Leonardo of a future 2-wheeled transport.
Posted in 30's, Motorcycle Art, Triumph Motorcycle |
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December 4, 2011
Ralph and Phyllis met in 1925 on a street corner in Sheffield, he worked in the steelmills of the Don Valley; they finally married in 1933 and have remained happily so ever since. On the meager wage of £3 per week they invested in a Triumph motorbike which he rode with Phyllis all over on, and, as this picture shows, with her sister Muriel.
Posted in 30's, Triumph Motorcycle |
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November 3, 2011
Whilst searching for the M21 outfit information I happened upon this item needing much TLC. It’s the earlier M33 ‘sloper’; the early thirties model with distinctive engine angle. About 6 hp thumping from the single pint sized jug just enough low end to haul around a chair. Suitable for the country lanes of England at the time for sure!
Here’s a happy owner on their BSA enjoying the delights of a countryside jaunt.
n.b. “slapping slopers” is a climbing move practised in the rounded but rough gritstone edges of the Peak District. Here’s a climber craggin’ on a Stanage Edge classic: Congo Corner HVS 5b stretching out on a long reach sloper. “Slap it youth!”
Posted in 30's, BSA, Sidecar |
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