Triumph by Vetter – these a lovely looking machines.. a combination of the BSA triple engines and the sleek bodywork of Craig Vetter, visionary motorcycle designer. These saw limited production for the US market to create a trendy look whilst the early Japanese superbike invasion was underway. The color scheme, three into three exhaust, and a solid looking motor give it a confident roadworthy air.
October 22, 2017
Hurricane
October 21, 2017
Autumn Day
All Fall in – we’re still experiencing unseasonably mild weather for late October day. A good ride out was planned, undertaken and enjoyed.
We stopped off at Morries Place in Ringwood McHenry County before a 40 mike sojourn into Wisconsin. I always enjoy peering at the old stuff Ed Zender has in his ‘showroom’ . A sample of vintage ‘cycles from the 30’s to the 70’s. The signs on the walls a suitable backdrop too. His workshop is lined up with many projects, maintenance jobs and carefully catalogued and shelved parts.
October 19, 2017
The camshaft’s connected to the connecting rod
Technical Exploded Drawing – parts in a state of disassembly. I always like to see how the engineering draughtsman put the components together in a form so you can visualize how they fit together.
October 10, 2017
Leaf Compost
Autumn – once the temperatures wane and drizzly overcast day become more common then we’re heading into my favorite time of the year. Nature’s fireworks abound in leaf color; fresh skies; and earthy smells. A bit like this worn out ‘79 T140 Triumph Bonneville. Oil encrusted engine and rusty pipes adorn a barn worn patina where a family of mice may live under the side covers.
October 7, 2017
1973 Muscle
Closing In – some decent complete Trident examples are being unearthed for a potential project. Merely (?!) needing some tuning, some elbow grease to polish-up the chrome, and gas in the tank. … the sixties superbike.
September 27, 2017
Rocket
Mach 3 – Redhot firestarter. Three cylinder 500cc two-stroke in immaculate restored condition. This hooligan toy was loud, fast, and dangerous. Kawasaki H1 was the quarter mile king for a short while in the early 70’s
September 26, 2017
Countin’
NBT DGR FAB – plenty of vintage motorcycles out on the road last Sunday. These ones in particular piqued my interest. A pre-unit featherbed framed Triton (owned by organizer Larry Fletcher), a BSA C11 single , and a clean example of the great Triumph Trident. Like a one, two, three..
September 22, 2017
K West – 23 Heddon Street
Lady Stardust-
People stared at the makeup on his face
Laughed at his long black hair, his animal grace
The boy in the bright blue jeans
Jumped up on the stage
And lady stardust sang his songs
Of darkness and disgrace
And he was alright, the band was altogether
Yes he was alright, the song went on forever
And he was awful nice
Really quite out of sight
And he sang all night long
Femme fatales emerged from shadows
To watch this creature fair
Boys stood upon their chairs
To make their point of view
I smiled sadly for a love
I could not obey
Lady stardust sang his songs
Of darkness and dismay
David Bowie – Tge Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust & the Spiders from Mars (1972)
September 21, 2017
Nine
Three by Three – something like this would make a terrific early birthday present for me… boxes of components; frame and wheels; engine cases with crank and head. Would need a parts book, workshop manual, clear workbench, and several spare evenings (honey?). Well, I don’t smoke, gamble or drink heavily… gotta have at least one vice!
September 19, 2017
Dealer
Repairs under Warranty – that’s what was behind the dealers doors in the 70’s. Poor management, product, and development back in the U.K. Meant shiploads of Bonneville’s, Trophy’s, and Tridents were sent ‘Statesward in various levels of quality… the red overlay hints at the bloodshed that was to be… well as they said back then: “You meet the nicest people on a Honda!”
September 18, 2017
Three is the Magic Number
Triptych- I’m starting to put feelers out for a project. This time instead of a rebuild using a plethora of parts from all points of the compass I’d like to start with a solid mostly original titled bike that runs and do a clean restoration to make it more Show-worthy. These Triumph triple Tridents seem like a worthy undertaking.
September 16, 2017
A Door Ajar
When is a Triumph not a Triumph? When it’s a Kawasaki KZ400… some youth punk has blacked-out his little twin; draped an old anorak over the back as a saddle; and daubed the Triumph logo across its tank in red, the modern Hinckley logo mind you! Like some Lisbeth Salander (she with the Dragon Tattoo) heap- it’s both goth and grunge.
September 15, 2017
Built for Speed
Donkey & Horse – “The story with the next one will be much more interesting. Built up as a road racer in 1973 with the best stuff available. Never finished and sat for 43 years. Now I get to finish it. New Trackmaster frame, trick motor, Magnesium wheels, Cieriani forks, Hunt plasma sprayed aluminum rotors, Lockheed calipers, Fontana master cyl, TR2 Yamaha tank and seat. It’s gonna be awesome!!! ” Richard Pollock (Mule Motorcycles)
September 13, 2017
mule
The Dog’s Pollocks – SoCal bike builder extraordinaire Richard Pollock Can conjure up a mean moto. He puts his able hands to many models but the tracker Triumphs are his most sublime offerings in my opinion. Tight geometry that will direct the riders control with immediacy; engines that have been fettled to a symphonic tune; and exotic frame elements, such as the 70’s Panther oil-in-frame & under-braced swingarm; all make for Mule badged machine. A Pegasus Burro.
geordiebiker.com 