Neat little 1:24 scale model of Steve McQueen spluttering through the East German mud aboard his Tr6 #278.
July 14, 2015
Diorama
July 13, 2015
Maybe Baby…
Hugh (the other) Laurie and co-star Joely Richardson as motorcycling couple in the 2000 film ‘Maybe Baby’. Rom-com shenanigans ‘n’ all that! Probably a good date movie…
His ride: a Triumph Thunderbird. The triple stalwart of the resurgence of Hinckley Co. A sturdy and decent scoot….
One on the local Craigslist for $3600… Perfect for two-up! Bags, passenger backrest, screen…. Open road beckons …
July 12, 2015
when character has be built enough…
Old motorcycles are great: they have character, every ride is an adventure, you learn a lot about mechanics, a deep connection to history, other riders always talk to you about your ride, kids wave from the backseat of cars, they sound like a deep resonant music, smell as a aged machine with miles under its tires, air through its feathers, you learn what your level of patience can be…
But…. A new Speed Triple would be just marvelous!
Marvelous! Push button, no nonsense twist ‘n’ ride….
Pennies accepted to fill the piggy bank!
July 11, 2015
Number One
When Willie G Davidson came to work as head designer in the early seventies he went about rebranding an already three quarters of a century old company to make it #1. The U.S. Tank badge is iconic.
The other vee twin motorcycle that truly was number one is of course Vincent. Their gold Mercury heralding the wheels of speed.
July 10, 2015
Some Assembly Required
Like a three dimensional jigsaw puzzle a collection of parts sits waiting for a spanner handed Triumph nut to cobble them together into its sum.
July 9, 2015
Bonneville or Bust
In 1936 Joe Petrali set a new land speed record of 136.183 mph on a modified Harley-Davidson WL 61 cubic inch knucklehead.
Today it was announced that our canny bloke Guy Martin is going to attempt a new motorcycle land speed record using a double engined Triumph Rocket streamlined ‘Lincolnshire Ceegar!” Over 1,000 bhp and over 4.6 liters. The team are hoping to reach 400mph.
“That’s proper fast that!”
July 8, 2015
Mods & Rockers Hawg Style
Brighton MA bound? Then watch out for a clash with the scooter lads and rocker kids….
July 7, 2015
Way Ahead
Just love these three-color screen print poster for the late fifties Harley Davidson range of motor’sickles’. Loose lively line work with simplistic onlookers waving arms and cheering on. The top frame model line up and title footer balance the overall page well. Sans serif bold font anchors the scripted ‘sound bite’ itself a precursor to Hondas “Meet the Nicest People” or Kawasakis “Let the Good Times Roll” slogan. Ad men were having fun then….
July 6, 2015
Knucklehead
My favorite Harley is the mid thirties 61c.i. Overhead valve E or EL models offering sporty 1000cc of engine in a beautiful machine. Engineering detail which epitomized the technology of its day.
The very distinctive valve covers give the bike its unofficial name looking like a clenched knuckle.
A period article extols the virtues of the good oil supply used to cool these power thirsty engines.
July 5, 2015
Hog Wild
We had a day out to Milwaukee… Finally went to the Harley Davison Museum.
I static test rode a Fat Boy: comfy saddle and fairly slick operation. The wind-blown effect was an (appropriately orange) fan.
Early grey fellows commenced a yearly procession of models. Basically bicycles with engines in ’em!
A wall of engines: flathead, knuckle, pan, evo… Even the BMW-like flat twin for desert warfare. The rorting sounds could be conjured at the press on an interaction screen.
One view was a complete motorcycle…
Another its component parts…
Beautiful examples of all golden age bikes.
And an illuminated wall of tanks of the ages.
A worthwhile destination when visiting Wisconsins Brew City.
July 4, 2015
The Fourth of July
The Star Spangled Banner: a strong symbol to many and flown proudly on this day.
I’m wearing my #278 ISDT tee which was Steve McQueens race number in the 1964 International Six Day Trials Where he bore the flag for the U.S. Team. In the parade through East Germany’s Erfurt he held Old Glory in what he considered one of his proudest moments. Bud & Dave Ekins, John Steen and Cliff Coleman marched with him.
July 3, 2015
The Bike with the Dragon Tattoo
The coiled serpent twisting its scaly body around the tank of this Big Zed fuels its embodiment of strength from the liter powerhouse.
Fire breather! Roaring Worm!
July 2, 2015
A Horse, a Horse my Kindom for a Horse
Rise of the White Knight: under the banner’d canopy of Hinckley Triumph here is a thoroughbred oyster pearl. Like some chivalrous band of brothers these racers stand proudly under standards of Rats, Rocker, & Ton-up.
July 1, 2015
More Goodies
there was plenty of eye candy at Motoblot. Each belonged to a dedicated owner who loves showing off their steed. Each washed to a mirror shine reflecting admirers faces in their perfectly designed curves. Each represents a history unto itself.
What was old now is new:
Indian. The new cruiser looks set for a haul along Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. The old police bike would be a great ‘big road’ rider.
Kawasaki? Team Green knows about power – like this canny Eddie Lawson bicep is set for action.
The Purple People Eater: two stoke powerband terror of the seventies would scare the mane off a lion. The Mach IV
The bumblebee world traveller is the much desired BMW GS1000. Big legs for long distances.
A weary looking edge worn Beemer yearns for Barvarian strasse to plod along…
More fun than a barrel of baby sloth (look it up you’ll agree that’s a lot of fun!)
June 30, 2015
Top Trump
one of the best looking bikes last weekend was this superlatively detailed late 70’s Triumph. 
Centrally mounted tachometer bolted onto the usually handlebar clamp holes. The clip-ons mounter directly to the fork tubes. The sage colored tree is a nice touch.
Swing out kicker to clear the rearset pegs. Crinkle textured powder coating covers are a smart touch. Oil piping run in neat ship-shape fashion. 
So clean it makes my grubby oil burned motor look like a disheveled scoot…
Wee oil gauge… Again, blackened valve covers…nice grey tank… Everything so deliberate. Tiger head with two carbs.
All in all a pretty decent machine! 10/10 in my books.
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