Sometimes it just takes a different viewpoint to see something with fresh eyes; here an overhead perspective lets the elegant hourglass lines of a Bonnie be shown off to great effect. When new bikes are shown off it’s always the side views, but the rider spends most of the time astride the machine looking down from the saddle across the tank to the bars. That’s one of the prime aspects of a moto to enjoy.
The sun not only didn’t set on the Empire; it also shone on the chrome details of British Iron. The motos of Triumph, BSA, Norton, to name a few, were shipped around the world. One of the great exports! Indeed in the early fifties the BSA Group was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in the world. Here is an appropriately named Coventry City being loaded with crated bikes stamped ‘Handle With Care’.
Don’t make a Habit of it! Trying to invigorate the religious communities, some young brethren took to the roads on Triumphs to preach their gospel. Leathers over the robes, here’s Bother Maurice ready for a heavenly chat down the caff… “More Tea Vicar!”
British Iron of the toughest sort: the BSA Goldstar, a big 500cc single with bellowing sound. The only way it should be set-up: rear-sets, clip-ons, siamese pipe and that big polished panel tank. The Union Flag offers backdrop to make any British bikers heart thump. Whether cafe bound, or to Brighton over the Downs this is your steed of choice!
A study in highlight and shadow: a dimly backlit moto showing off its fine classic lines, clean outline and balanced form. The perfect combinations of circles, curves and engineering to create the epitome of two-wheeled transport.
Rollie Free stripped down to his bathing trunks to reach 150 mph at The Salt on The Vincent; creating one of the most iconic motorcycle images. Is this a way to achieve speed on a Bonnie 750? This slim gal is assuming so.
…heres the Vincent photo…
Blonde on Blonde: slap on a vinyl LP of one of Dylans masterpiece poem/songs and lay back and soak in the words, rasping voice and the images evoked in what some regard as his masterpiece.
“…and these visions of Johanna are now all that remain.”
A moody Miss Blanchett lookin’ the part ready to rip over the Downs to Brighton. The Triumph grill-badge buckle tops off a “don’t mess with me” attitude. Remember she’s played Dylan so the Triumph provenance is strong. Wotch Out you Mod Guys an’ Gals; Cafe Cate will sort you aht!
None of this fair-weather cruisin’ for the lads and lasses in blighty! For the autumn and winter months in you need to wrap up and get out on the roads. Pannier rack and caked on road grime for the ’65 moto at the side of the road shows a rider intent on getting out for a no matter what. The damp pavement surface, leafless trees, grey misty distance; I feel a need for a warming cuppa at the transport cafe down the road! “Make it a pint of tea; milk, no sugar!”
A beautiful trio: the burly and sublime B-17 Flying Fortress (which I luckily got to fly on earlier this year with my father); an Ava Gardner looking brunette beauty; and a classic Norton Dominator (Dommie). evocatively shot by photographer Giles Clement.
…did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree
Where Ralph, the sacred rider ran
Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea.
after Samuel Taylor Coleridge
An unbadged (why?) Triumph Thunderbird used to great effect as an African explorers mode of transport. Hitch up yer skort pet, kick ‘er over and cavort along the rugged track into the Rwenzori Mountains. (not with those heeled sandals she’s not!)
“Dr Livingstone I presume?”
A stunning photo our our daredevil friend Evel Knievel jumping the fountain at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas. What a showman!
You can keep yer Nimbus 2000! Get on yer bike and ride! This here’s Tom Felton; known to folk as the sly bleach headed young Draco Malfoy. Good black & white photography with a 60’s look to it: looks like ‘es ready to ride down Carnaby Street.
Scrambler; Thruxton, Speed Triple and a Bonneville: what beautiful models to admire.
geordiebiker.com 