February 17, 2017
Three Twins and a Triple – let’s close the week off with this clutch of Hinckley goodies. The new cafe 900 Street Cup in bumblebee yellow striping and black engine cases certainly looked the part. A pearly tanked Speed Triple sitting like a repose cat ready to strike its prey. ‘Hard tail’ Bobber sits low and purposeful (I felt a bit cramped on it) ready to customize with a catalogue full of eye candy. Finally the sublime Thruxton in ‘Go-Faster’ red: I could look at this all day…
For some reason I didn’t take any photos of the Tigers… the 800 seems to be the most practical bike out there.
Posted in Bobber, cafe racer, Chicago, Design, Photography, Triumph Motorcycle |
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February 16, 2017
Big Opposing Twins – whether from Springfield MA, Milwaukee WI, Berlin Germany, or Mandello del Lario in Italy; these beauties all have a pair of cylinders in flat or vee form, longitudinal or transverse. But, the all make good power and each have individualistic looks, sounds, and heritage. Dang! This is all good stuff! Current motorcycle models on offer make the prospective owners spoilt for choice.
Posted in BMW, Chicago, Engineering, Harley Davidson, Indian, Photography |
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February 15, 2017
A Good Viewpoint – there’s nowt better than being in the pilots seat of a fast motorcycle. Low bar angle, poise for streamlining, and a speedo maxing out at the double ton. The Big Green ZX14 from Kawasaki is one such beast. Surely a rocket of the ballistic type. It feels sturdy. Then there’s the cockpit of the Thruxton. Beautiful detailing and exquisite visual balance. I’ll take one of each please!
Posted in Chicago, Design, Kawasaki, Motorcycle Art, Triumph Motorcycle |
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February 14, 2017
L❤️VE IS – gazing adoringly at the sublime lines of classic British motorcycle engines. They are the pulsing heart of these machines; the very cardiac cycle of an industries history. These examples were beautiful examples of their marque on display at the motorcycle show.
Posted in 50's, 60's, BSA, Chicago, Norton, Photography, Triumph Motorcycle, Vincent |
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February 13, 2017
Built like a Gun – or so their advertising header says. Now from the sub-continent, these classic singles look like they hark from the fifties; but with modern day build. Some polished models with pinstripe details, others in olive drab military garb. The single-minded cafe racer Continental GT certainly looked that part too. All still have their kick-starts as standard too!
Posted in 50's, cafe racer, Chicago, Enfield, Military, Photography |
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February 12, 2017
Customs Officer – there were some superlative one-off builds at the show. Here are a couple of period Triumph bobbers in similar style yet very different execution. One has a brushed finish, luscious tank paint, open primary case, and a Jow Hunt magneto for spark. The other was polished to a mirrored finish – nearly to the point of distraction- with a sublime red flake frame paint job. All great work though.
Posted in 60's, cafe racer, Chicago, Engineering, Triumph Motorcycle |
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February 11, 2017
On Display – plenty of new motorcycle models to ogle over, swing a leg over, and consider as real-world rides. The vast acres of Rosemont Convention Center contained the shiny, colorful products of the two-wheeled industry. Obviously Triumph was well represented, but we also enjoyed the models from Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and the Big Kawasakis. Indian Vee-Twins; Royal Enfield singles; Guzzi’s and Ducatis; and the sumptuous Teutonic BMW’s. A splendid collection of vintage cycles, as well as the usual polishes, sunglasses and patches. I’ll spend the coming week posting the show offerings (we don’t need to look at the Moto-chatchkis.)
The Thruxton is a gorgeous bike, but I think I’m a bit tall for it. The larger GS styled bikes are more my going.
Oh yeah! They had complimentary tattoo’s too.
Posted in Chicago, Photography, Triumph Motorcycle, Vintage |
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February 10, 2017
Tiny Touring Tiger – though a diminutive Moto, some find it adequate to load up and take on a mini adventure. If you had all the time in the world, narrow country lanes, and an inquisitive eye, then the Cub could certainly be an able steed.
Posted in 60's, Gals, Travel, Triumph Cub |
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February 9, 2017
Black ‘Gin – after the ‘new’ Cub we saw yesterday here’s another approach. A well sorted trials with a plethora of goodies from J&M Enterprises. Mostly engine parts: 250cc piston with matching barrels and other lightweight components.
Posted in Engineering, Trials, Triumph Cub |
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February 8, 2017
A New Wave – what a gen of a motorcycle: this seriously upgraded Triumph Cub looks like it breezed off a designers screen and rolled off the assembly line. Big able tires for sure underfootedness, disc brake up front to screech the rubber to a stop. Good suspension, and brown leather upholstered saddle. Blinkers let other know where you’re going.
Ten out of Ten for this one!
Posted in 60's, Engineering, Restoration, Triumph Cub |
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February 7, 2017
Smart and Savvy – some suited gent about town looking the part on his perfectly clean spanking new Triumph Tiger Cub. Tweed jacket, thin black tie and vee-neck, drainpipe trews and black suede ‘brothel creepers’. The Moto is an ideal tool to tootle around with the crew.
Posted in 60's, Clothing, Photography, Triumph Cub |
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February 6, 2017
At the third stroke it shal be eight thirty precisely- fancy illuminated dealership wall clock. Backlit with neon it would let salesmen know when it was their tea break or buyers know how long they’d been ogling the latest models.
Posted in 60's, Design, Graphics, Motorcycle Art, Triumph Motorcycle, Watch |
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February 5, 2017
Back-End – weekend is var nigh over so we’ll take a Sunday evening pause and enjoy this sturdy Moto. Based on the legendary Trident racer #67 Slippery Sam this modern day homage certainly looks the part for hurling it down the road.
Posted in 60's, Racing, Triumph Motorcycle |
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February 4, 2017
Bug Cub – like some emerald carapaced bug, the wee trials bike was brought out into the chill February air. I took it around a parking lot to let the engine and gearbox ‘stretch their legs’.
Posted in Chicago, Maintenance, Photography, Restoration, Trials, Triumph Cub |
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February 3, 2017
Mirror, Mirror – sometimes it’s best not to see what’s rearing up behind you, nor see where you’ve just been. You should ideally concentrate on the road ahead whilst making sure you’re looking good when traveling upon it.
Posted in Clothing, Gals, Roads, Triumph Motorcycle |
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Three Twins and a Triple – let’s close the week off with this clutch of Hinckley goodies. The new cafe 900 Street Cup in bumblebee yellow striping and black engine cases certainly looked the part. A pearly tanked Speed Triple sitting like a repose cat ready to strike its prey. ‘Hard tail’ Bobber sits low and purposeful (I felt a bit cramped on it) ready to customize with a catalogue full of eye candy. Finally the sublime Thruxton in ‘Go-Faster’ red: I could look at this all day…
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