Bank Robbery – a 1971 film starring Ernest Borgnine and Bette Davis as an unconventional pair of thieves. In wigs and fake beard disguises their getaway vehicle is non traditional too: a Triumph Trophy 250, bit of a cream-puff when it comes to power. I know this was the bike I had when first arriving in the ‘States and indeed got my motorcycle license on. I wouldn’t do errands on it never mind a bank robbery!
March 19, 2017
Bunny O’Hare
March 15, 2017
Over the Top
Hump Day – well, this is one way to overcome midweek. Take a vintage Montessori Cota 349 trials and loup over the roof of a classic Volkswagen Beetle. The Pfederstall, or horse stable, restaurant Is a suitable backdrop of motorcyclists rendezvous for such antics.
February 27, 2017
Cannon Ammo
Tee Shirt Fashion – wear what you believe! One thing about this ubiquitous short sleeved item of clothing is that they can promote ideas, express thoughts, present art, denote vision, advertise companies; the written word; or a graphic style. It’s like a walking billboard, moving, a breathing gallery. Here are some speed loving characters garbed appropriately in the t-shirt garment: Barry Sheene sporting a Gary Nixon top (Venezuelan rider Johnny Cecotto is seated next to him); Steve McQueen and his Triumph brand across his chest, coffee at the ready; Jackie Stewart and his F1 Elf; and Burt Munro – the worlds fastest Indian.
January 4, 2017
Buongiorno trionfo
Psychedelic Rome – true 70’s imagery from the guys in Milan for the twin & triple machines going head-to-head with the Ducati’s and Moto Guzzi’s of the day. A kind of grounded Peter Max look but used effectively on clothing sewing patterns of the early hippie seventies.
December 28, 2016
Trident
Three in a Row – Superbike of the Seventies: the swarthy triple was a suitable power ride back in its day… possibly not up there with the new kids on the block Honda CB750 or the Kawasaki KZ900 but the engine has ample racing heritage makes it a worthy steed.
December 27, 2016
I am One with The Force, The Force is with me.
Speeder Bike Chase – Princess Leia in control of an imperial speeder bike as it zooms through the forest moon of Endor. One of the greatest scenes in Return of the Jedi. Well, today saw the passing of Carrie Fisher at age 60. As well as her hair-do’s and clothing, such as the classic Jabbas sail barge bikini, she made the role her own.
December 6, 2016
Speed Stripes
Magic Arrows – Stark graphic with multicolored speedy arrows and definitive action of the (then) new Triumph triple superbike.
December 2, 2016
Utility Mini
Baby Blue – clear out that back couch and the micro truck had many more uses: as a work horse (or pony) the rear barn doors offered ample access to the rear space. Breakdown. (RAC or AA), police work, workmans tote, camper van, or just plain truck. It sure was a versatile little car. Second only to the Model T in regards to adaptive use.
November 30, 2016
Minx
Clubman – also known in original guise as the Traveller, Estate, Austin ‘Shooting Brake’. People loved Sir Alec Issigonis’ diminutive Mini but needed a slightly larger carrier. Hence the longer wheelbase.
November 22, 2016
Kong
He is the Law! And you’d better believe it! Judge Dredd takes on a towering simian who is wreaking havoc on Mega City One. From the saddle of his Lawmaster he’s reading the riot-act and probably sentencing this hominid perp to time. Comic artist Brian Bolland’s artwork for the cover of this rerelease is stunning in intricate detail of contrasting scales.
The original story in 200AD Prog 5 back in March 1977 was about a rampaging movie-prop robot perp. The story climax has Joe Dredd riding his bike into the fanged maw of the gorilla. 
October 27, 2016
TBT 27102016
Oil in Frame – this is what my current Bonneville would have looked like rolling out of the factory. Mustard yellow, conical front drum brake, and a hefty oil filled backbone in the frame. Doesn’t look like that now! It’s a unique Geordies Bike!
October 21, 2016
Tax Disc Aug 71
Flares – the early seventies sure were an interesting time for fashion: Platform boots and bell-bottom trousers. Package holidays at the Costa del Sol; Dad’s Army or On the Buses on the Telly. Decimalization in the wallet, Harvey Smiths V-sign to the Establishment. What better way to venture beyond the Age of Aquarius than on a sturdy Triumph?
October 1, 2016
ACE
Top Trump – Top Triumph – classic schoolyard card game of seeing which specification of different collections of vehicle match against each other. Aircraft, ships, cars, military, commercial, racing. I had a set of racing motorcycles and fighter jets.
September 16, 2016
Letraset
Dry Transfer Graphics – sheets of lettering, symbols and line work were used for crisp artwork before desktop publishing on computers. I remember rubbing down titles and labels letter by letter, or tracing fonts from the extensive catalogue. Here’s their motorcycle line work used for scale elevation or plan drawings. It’s all CAD Adobe Photoshop or a plethora of other graphics programs we use today. Now don’t get me started about Letratone or Letraline…
September 5, 2016
Crazy little thing called Love
Freddie Mercury- today he would have been seventy, impossible to fathom; forever seen as that exuberant performer who stole the worlds attention at Wembley in ’85 for LiveAid. I remember when this video would come on Top of the Pops and the big motorcycle playing a pivotal role in his leathered persona was impressive to an eight year old.
I gotta be cool, relax, get hip
And get on my track’s
Take a back seat, hitch-hike
And take a long ride on my motorbike
Until I’m ready (Ready Freddie)
Crazy little thing called love
