December 14, 2016

Snow Tiger

Ski Do! Some danged northern State inventive motorcycle mechanic has adapted this current model 800 Tiger into a mean snow bike. Hefty ski up front with stout damper and a sharp spiked rear tire for traction across the icy wastes of Wisconsin trails or frozen Minnesotan lakes.

December 13, 2016

List

Winter Projects – as the warm weather recedes into a distant memory now is the time to figure out the tasks to undertake on the bikes. Still some sorting of the Cub; cables, wiring, a timing cover seal, a little more carb fettling. The the Bonnie is getting a new front sprocket; two teeth up for a little more top speed, then fresh clutch plates for bite… some oil line work…. it never ends keeping these running! 

December 12, 2016

Winter is Here

Snow Days – the first white blankets of winter arrived over the weekend; perhaps I can use this ski tow as an exciting escape for seasonal fun! I’m sure the tires are spiked too!

December 11, 2016

Fly the Flag

Poster – strong graphical imagery for the Small Heath armory and motorcycle makers. From gun to enjun they were one of the big British exports during the days of the Empire. The pre unit twin cylinder motor is the centerpiece of this ‘colliery banner’.

December 10, 2016

Red Tank

BSA Bobber print – crisp ink impression of a lowrider Beeza by artist Blake Wiley. Thumbprint signature is a neat touch. 

December 9, 2016

Eleven

Legs Eleven – Isle of Man TT competitor W Hall’s 500cc Triumph gets its race number hand painted by some official ennumerator.

December 8, 2016

A Day in the Life

I read the news today oh boy – alas another day of infamy. December 8th 1980. John Lennon was shot dead and the world lost a force of creation. He was a complex chap, possibly hypocritical on his stance of world peace versus his personal life, but, either solo or with Paul, could write a damn good tune.

December 7, 2016

Pearl Harbor

image

“December seventh, 1941, a date which will live in infamy, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. We will gain the inevitable triumph, so help us God.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt

December 6, 2016

Speed Stripes 

Magic Arrows – Stark graphic with multicolored speedy arrows and definitive action of the (then) new Triumph triple superbike. 

December 5, 2016

Capacity

Size Matters – from the small single cylinder Trophy, the mid-size Daytona, through the classic Bonneville, rounded out by a burly triple Trident; ceecee’s reign when selecting a moto for your desired two-wheeled fun. Great advertising in simple bold Helvetica font. 

December 4, 2016

Jeff Lebowski

The Dude Abides – yep, Mr Bridges is 67 today. Putting in another year being an Achiever; hangin’ on like the best of ’em as El Duderino, enjoyin’ his beverage and keepin’ his opinion to himself whilst respecting yours. Even though he has to reckon with strikes and gutters, as well as ups and downs, we should take great comfort he’s still out there takin’ it easy for all us sinners. But heck, I’m paraphrasing… as well as ramblin’ … catch y’all down the trail.

December 3, 2016

Going Straight 

Desert Dust – actor Forrest Whitaker romps around the Southwest in his film Two Men in Town, an ‘ex con trying to make good’  thriller from 2013 also starring the indefatigable Harvey Keitel. This is a late model T100 given a ‘Hollywood’ treatment to appear with a well travelled patina for the US Mexico border locale.

December 2, 2016

Utility Mini

Baby Blue – clear out that back couch and the micro truck had many more uses: as a work horse (or pony) the rear barn doors offered ample access to the rear space. Breakdown. (RAC or AA), police work, workmans tote, camper van, or just plain truck. It sure was a versatile little car. Second only to the Model T in regards to adaptive use.

December 1, 2016

The Traveller – the original British ‘woodie’ was the longer wheelbase Mini with distinctive rear bodywork decorative trim. Also called the Countryman it was the luxury Mini for those Barbour wearing, Hunter booted rural wannabes. Well, back in the sixties there was no such things as hipsters or yuppies. But, this diminutive estate was a cool runabout.

November 30, 2016

Minx

Clubman – also known in original guise as the Traveller, Estate, Austin ‘Shooting Brake’. People loved Sir Alec Issigonis’ diminutive Mini but needed a slightly larger carrier. Hence the longer wheelbase.