Swap Shop – there were a few folding tables and tarpaulin with various items for any restorer looking for that all essential original part. Amal carburetors by the shoeboxful, Smith’s instruments displayed three by three, and a drawer of Lucas fun ‘n’ games for the mystical art of classic bike electrics.
October 3, 2017
39-016 WIS plate
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 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 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 6, 2017
This’ll keep yer busy!
The Projection – lost under a tarpaulin for several decades here’s a suitable time and money sink. Complete of sorts and a bit of a mongrel with a Beeza pre-unit chassis and similar vintage Triumph engine. It needs elbow grease, vision and moderately deep pockets.
August 22, 2017
Mr Universe
Pumping Iron – each of these were forces to be reckoned with in their day. From the ’71 BSA Rocket Three which briefly had its moment in the spotlight before Honda’s CB750 turned up on the scene. Honda’s 450 Black Bomber heralded reliability in mechanics and electrics. The scaremongering H2 Mach IV 750 from Kawasaki to quote a contemporary Moto journalist “scarily fast, good-looking, no holds barred motorcycle”.
Finally the grandsire of all modern superbikes Kawasaki’s Kz900. The example here was sublime in finish, a looked like its engine was straining at the seams for a good thrash along the highway. It was also for sale…
August 21, 2017
Red ‘n’ Green
On Show – there was some superb vintage cycles on show yesterday; here’s a small selection: a forest green Triumph TRW. The military 500cc side-valve developed for multi-use tasks: courier, sidecar, MP. A smart item that’ll keep service like a Sam Browne belt holding a holstered Webley revolver.
Orion’s Belt – This ’37 Ariel Red Hunter was parked up with a polished engine, gauge cluster, and high pipes. Tomato red tank accent and gold pin-stripe adds a splash of color. These were the sports bikes in the pre-war period.
The Green Enduro – New knobbly off road tires behoove this ’68 Sachs powered Penton 125 Six-Days KTM built ‘crosser. Would be a good woods bike to hare through the forests of Michigan; which it looks like this one already does!
August 3, 2017
‘shop scene
Morrie’s Place – the busy workshop at Ed Zenders place is a hive of activity. With all four workstands taken up with motorcycles under repair, a workbench full of engines, parts, tools; and more bikes awaiting attention, there’s a healthy dose of work in this great vintage ‘shop. Overhead the old signs herald days past when more local garages kept owners rides roadworthy.
July 13, 2017
The Part of Sums
Knolling: a Norton motorcycle in pieces. Laid out components and complete. Assembly required…
June 24, 2017
Motoblot 2017
Bikes etc. – the annual gathering of the ‘alternate’ motorcycle scene on Fulton Street was enjoyed with plenty to look at. Here’s a taster in a four panel collage. The Kawasaki KZ was in more-than immaculate condition. A bobbed Triumph in ratty patina had a fun tank badge and leopard motif. A 1912 Indian with oily rag wipe down appearance. And a latter-day Royal Enfield looking the part for twisty secondary roads. More to come!
June 15, 2017
Rough Rider
Polychromatic Blue – here’s an off-road sorted ’58 pre-unit Triumph currently for sale on eBay in the U.K. It would make a good tool to haul over the desert like Steve MCQueen was doing in yesterday’s blog. I’m filing this one for a future project…
June 5, 2017
Tickler
Amal – the engine is getting a new lease of life. I have acquired a pair of brand spanking new carburetors to invigorate fuel delivery making sure the motor has plenty of oomph through the rev range. These classic concentric carbs are nice clean castings, good materials, serviceable parts, anodized slides, and are practically a bolt-on and ride item. I’ve had to carry out a couple of slight adjustments for my bike but hopefully I can put the air cleaners back on tomorrow and connect the fuel tank.
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