Mechanical Beauty: the motorcycle is an astounding vehicle and when looking at its parts there is a nice balance of purpose and aesthetics. None more-so than the classic Triumph twin. Both music to the ears and eyes!
April 1, 2012
Vanishing Point
The forecast was to be a record-breaking eighties warmth and sun… instead chilly overcast typically April weather. But still manages to get out. Put the thermals on had a warming coffee half way on the ride.
March 27, 2012
“Short, back and sides Sir!”
Fabulous image of Paul Newman lounging lazily atop a Triumph getting a trim from the studio barber. Even reading the New York Times he looks cool.
The date can be confirmed by the cover photo of Lyndon Johnson confirming Thurgood Marshall to Supreme Court. This was July 13th 1966. A few days before “Harper” was released in which he starred.
March 24, 2012
Moto part Deux
Half Litre Gee Pee Zee: With some miles under my belt with the 125 I traded in for this outstanding Kwak. The twin cylinder sporty bike was a LOT of fun for zooming around the Big Smoke, home counties, as well as trips farther afield. The parallel engine had a great sound and nipping through the traffic was a doddle. Late night flights over the Thames bridges as well as my daily commute over Tower Bridge was truly memorable. Sadly I had to sell it for my move to the ‘States in ’98.
March 23, 2012
Número Uno
Back in the mid-nineties soon after I got my motorbike license; I picked up this fun ride to gain experience toting around London. The fates must have known I would one day own an old British classic as this Italian Cagiva 125cc had it’s fair share on mechanical and electrical foibles. It was a screaming two-stroke with low plump seat, hefty back wheel and a somewhat smile inducing ride. On the open road it had a speed of its own measured by the calendar. It could manage single digit A roads but no more.I tried the M4 for 50 miles but even with feet back on the passenger pegs, a prone riding position and thrashing it on the downhills the traffic cruising along at eighty sped ahead with ease. A city-bred roadster this was, and ideal for learning the craft of basic road sense too!
March 21, 2012
38°BTDC
Stroboscopic Disco Inferno time! A smidgen adjustment had to be achieved on the Boyer pick-up points. With the aid of a strobing time gun, with it’s pick-up lead attached to cylinder #1’s plug lead and the engine revved to 3000 rpm, the timing mark on the rotor could then be lined up with the timing pin at 6 o’clock in the inspection opening. Twiddle pick-ups a wee bit and Bob’s yer uncle! She then revved up like a good un when the throttle was twisted with attitude. Just need to take ‘er out on the road to see what the pick-up is like and power as the speed increases…
March 20, 2012
“Makes you think all the worlds a sunny day”
The light of days past: here is an evocative snapshot of a Triumph owner from sometime when the Bonnie was the Latest and Greatest. Here a ’66. The clarity of those old Kodachrome photographs is sublime. A ’63 Mercury Comet sits in the shade behind. Apparently this is Thompsonville CT. The colour scheme for that year was white with a triple orange pinstripe throught the tank; complete with chrome fenders, grey topped seat and a sorted 650 engine: about as good as it gets.
March 19, 2012
Pin-Up
Milla Jovovich (илица Йовович) – action gal of The Fifth Element as well as Resident Evil, here tops off a vintage Triumph in fine modelling style. ATGATT? Not Likely Mate!
March 18, 2012
Confectionaire de l’orange
Le Bon-Bon. The Triumph looked decidedly delicious in the spring sunlight yesterday. A photograph was taken for the album!
March 4, 2012
On The Road..
A few choice images of Triumphs in various guises: be it travelling with your mates, racing or touring. Whatever the scene smiles abound! The mud covered, big tanked and laden moto is a classic shot of a true motorcyclist!
March 3, 2012
Jacques à coté de sa Triumph … la bougie est belle !!
Checking out the condition of his spark plug (la bougie), Our french friend Jack smiles mid ride of a damp and muddy yomp through some wintery copse (bois). From the looks of the leathers, boots and hairstyle this looks like early seventies. (The high front mudguard of the trailly behind him gives it away too!)
March 2, 2012
Three in a Tub…
A simply marvellous image of youthful fun. Here are three friends crammed saddleward atop a lovely ‘bathtub’ Thunderbird. Hope they kept up two-wheeled enthusiasm in later life!
February 22, 2012
Tic, tic, tic
The beat of a Triumph’s heart. Whilst taking off the timing cover I get to see the timing gear and oil pump. Mechanical Artistry.
February 17, 2012
Wooler High Street
An old postcard from sometime in the fifties of the small town of Wooler in North Northumberland. Here a idyllic quiet scene along the High Street. This is where I grew up and have fond memories of the beautiful countryside around and the muckle Cheviot Hills behind. Well, a lone ‘driver’ of what looks like an AA combination is tooling along in this image, and my family have a strong suspicion that this is my grandfather George Lawrie; he was an AA Patrolman during that time and was one of the only ones in that corner of the country.
February 12, 2012
Bonny Bonnie
Lovely black and white photograph by Giles Clement of a very clean early seventies oil-in-frame Bonneville; this time not in the usual greasy cafe scene imagery. Fancy a dip pet!
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