Skeletal Remains – like some machine archaeology the bare bones of a Trident frame and accessory components hint at a fully assembled and running motorcycle. Fossil remnants of a T-Rex giant lizard displayed through the interior spaces of a museum are only a cursory attempt at the frightening might they must have been. Likewise this assemblage of rolling chassis need fleshed-out to achieve brutal speed along a roadway.
ROAR! Midweek Cat on a tank! Seen at last years Motoblot bike show, hipster fun on two wheels. It’s like some WW2 warbird nose art.
Ran when parked – however if it was parked in a damp chicken coop then it’s probably too far gone to fulfill the dream, and empty the coffers, of a restorer. Better just wipe ’em down with an oily rag and prop ’em against the wall as a warning to those who set their sights too high…
Twenty – Maestro rider Mike ‘The Bike’ Hailwood took the bulbous faired lines of a Rocket 3 through its paces on the banked track of Daytona in ’70 & ’71. His machine broke down but other riders took the triples to sweeping victories.
We have all the time in the World – Double Oh Seven actor George Lazenby only played James Bond once; however feeling that the Cold War misogynistic spy was a dated character he didn’t sign on for further adventures. He took the role to heart however enjoying a sixties lifestyle knowing he was the coolest fellow in a tux toting a Walther PPK. The superbike of the day was the Trident/Rocket 3 from the Triumph/BSA stable. He got hold of one to commute to Pinewood Studios when filming began.
Stormin’ Norman – here’s Walking Dead’s Daryl looking proud astride a beautiful black Triumph Tiger. No crossbow but the wax Belstaff jacket may keep the zombies at bay.
Descriptive Leader – when illustrating the superlative virtues of a new and better item it was all the rage to label obvious physical particulars as top-notch characteristics you couldn’t do without. Of course… draping a lassie along the length of it goes a long way too…
Homage to Loewy- further examples of Alastair Laurie’s ballistic bikes. Sleek machines which practically need a pilots license for sub-orbital flight.
Special Three – polished to a high speed. Isle of Man custom racer with blown engine from 1981 built by scot Alistair Laurie. Hailing from Dalbeattie, Dumfries in The Borders he took great pains to ensure integrity with lightness and style.
X-Ray Spex – cutaway engine with internals visible. Typically the sliced faces are in red and a hidden motor drives the contraption so the workings can be seen in motion. Best way to see engineering at work!
Alley Cats – a couple of greased hair rockers compare their Triumph machines in an atmospheric image.
Winter is Here. As January draws to a close we’ve had a couple of unseasonably warmer days here in Chicago. Don’t let that fool you! It’s forecast to snow later this week and plunging temperatures are anticipated again. Here’s a classic image of an AA officer coming to the help of a broken-down Hillman Minx.
Combination Lock – ready to drive around the Ring of Kerry with your partner by your side is this emerald patterned sidecar outfit a la Trident. Quite daring in its appearance but back in those days all this psychedelic were the rage.
“Oh, we ain’t got a barrel of money,
Maybe we’re ragged and funny
But we’ll travel along
Singing a song
Side by side.”
‘Zine Cover- sunny lemon backdrop and a profile portrait of a racing green Trident and coo’ing model in pure sixties vibe. Fifty years ago when the T150 was introduced.
Number Nine – Today also sees the birthday of Gary Nixon, 60’s & 70’s Triumph team roadracer who took the hearty triple to good results. In his own words: “Watch the starter, get a good start, ’n then in a few laps, start lappin’ guys. An’ then you win the race.” Sound easy? Well it was for him.
Oh, it’s my birthday too!
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