July 17, 2011
Last couple of fun items from the museum: the Coca Cola Chopper, customized in true sixties style as well as a gas tank with cool looking ice cubes built into the metal…
A ride sitting out in the sun, where it should be, looking road weary; it certainly should be after the thousands on miles from its ride across the US in the Cannonball Run last year. Bikes had to be older than 1920 to run. Dedicated bikers indeed! This was Dave Walkslers 1915 Harley Davidson, he came in 11th after 3292 memorable miles.
Posted in Harley Davidson, Racing, Vintage |
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July 16, 2011
It wasn’t just Harley’s at the Wheels Through Time; other marques were represented also. Some known like Indian and others lesser known such as the Traub. An interesting selection.
A brace of Excelsior Autocycles from 19-teens, the Model X; these were the first ‘ton’ bikes, fast indeed for the time. Bought by Schwinn which folded in Hendesron later; these would become Excelsior “X” Henderson.
Thor Motorcycle from the ‘teens. A board racing machine set up for rapid laps of the racing boards. From Aurora Illinois. With the huge number of bicycle manufacturers around Chicago it was a natural step to motorcycles at the turn of the century.
JAP Single: JA Prestwich motor from the UK used for grasstrack and speedway racing.
ELK: more about this unique cycle from Dale Walksler, owner of the museum.
Finishing on a couple of Indians. Only true major compeition to HD, based in Springfield MA from 1901-1953. Representing this important maker is a Powerplus (above) and Deluxe Sport 4 (below)
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July 16, 2011
A large selection of HD’s from the last hundred years or so filled the museum, the waft of engine fumes tinged the air. They still fired many of these up! One racing specimen was kicked into life while I was there, a hearty roar and pungent gasoline smell. Heart thumpin’ stuff!
An early forties WLA, 45 cu. inches WWII machine (80,000+ built)
1928 JD, here in fetching blue trim.
Model F (1915 on) Early 61 cu. inches (1000cc) V-Twin configuration; this one with original patina: marvellous!
Flathead engine (side valve) used in HD’s between the 30’s and 50’s. Here a U model with recirculating lubrication; the Squirt logo adorning the oil pump! Ribbed side cover aids cooling.
1933 VLE 74 cu. inches. Beautiful bird tank graphic for this year only.
XR750: Dirt-Track racer extraordinaire!
Posted in Harley Davidson, Vintage |
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July 15, 2011
Whilst driving through North Carolina we stopped at Maggie Valley where a little gem of a place resides: the Wheels Through Time Museum. A building filled with American Motorcycles from the teens of last century up through to the seventies. Harleys mostly, but well worth a visit to see the set up they have. Biking paraphenalia also colours the exhibit. Lovely machines. I’ll start a few days run with this Evel Knievel XR stunt bike…
Don’t forget your lunchbox boy!
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July 14, 2011
At a folk creative workshop in North Carolina I worked in the print class. Using old credit card swipe machines and carefully carved lino sheet a small reproducable print could be made. I worked on an image of my Triumph. Came out pretty good for second go at printmaking…
Posted in Motorcycle Art, Triumph Bonneville |
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July 1, 2011
The Thompson Twins and Snowy take fright as our intrepid hero de jour takes flight on his motorcycle.
There’s a good chance he’s astride a Terrot, the makers of the Gallic ‘cycle brand that was based in Dijon. Here’s a 1930 model the 350cc HST
Note: Hergé was the pen name of Georges Prosper Remi, writer and artist (1907-83) his name being his initials backwards RG in french of course!
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June 30, 2011
Here’s a stunning rendition of Judge Dredd on his Lawmaster, action shot riding whilst shooting his Lawgiver. The pencil sketch shows great form and the rendered image gives it life! Smashin’ stuff! (artist: Lee Carter)
Posted in Motorcycle Art, Superhero |
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June 29, 2011
This could be prior to his infamous moped accident in late ’66. Where he cut his lip and chipped a tooth. Anyway he’s atop a Thunderbird, glossy black with spiffy nacelle headlight.
I don’t know why she’s ridin’ so high.
She oughtta think twice.
She oughtta do right by me.
A 1962 Thunderbird
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June 28, 2011
A McQueen fix, here’s wor Steve looking on at the ISDT rides quarantined from the riders pre-race. His is the one in front no doubt “278”. Pensive before the six days ahead!
Posted in Racing, Steve McQueen, Triumph Motorcycle |
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June 26, 2011
A new model in the Triumph line-up: the 1600cc parallel twin cruiser in a blackened finish called the Thunderbird Storm. Twin headlights, wide seat and chunky rubber underfoot. It looks like a GOOD ride, comfy width seat and bars, with, I’m sure, power to boot! Well, if ever I did go down the cruiser route, this is the one for me!
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June 25, 2011
In the last breath of life in the Meridan existance of the Triumph name, one model was promoted in a small way for a very specialist use: the street scrambler. Using a name made from desert racing no doubt, the Tiger 750 model, TR7R, was, in 1982, given a fresh lick of paint, big front hoop with knobbly tire, long front forks, engine bash guard and natty headlight mesh. A little too heavy against the lightweight two-strokes offered by Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawaaki and Honda; or even the 600 4 stroke singles for that matter. The only direct competions would be the newly released BMW GS80, embryonic monster trail, grandpappy of the big GS1150 used by globetrekkers now.
The blackened engine is aimed at the Yamaha crowd of the time. As is the boxy silencer.
Here’s a clean example on display at the Motorcycle Museum in London, wheel displayed aloft in expected ride style! Big plastic off-road mud guard in front, very un-triumph!
A clean example at the Ace cafe; a brace of enthusiastic onlookers enjoy it’s company!
Left hand gears, disc brake front, drum rear, short seat, wide braced bars, kick starter. This looks like it would actually be a fun ride for adventure travel! Just need some period looking aluminium panniers! Shades of todays Scrambler 900 model? Here’s a couple more views of this little corker of a ride! Enjoy! Oh, and it seems to be as rare as hens teeth!
Posted in 80's, Motorcycle Poster, Triumph Motorcycle |
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June 25, 2011
A few cafes from other makes also made appearances at Delilahs: starting off with a sweet Kawasaki W650, the twin based on a 60’s motor; more so than the newer Bonnies. Clubmans, alloy petrol tank, ally rims, rear-sets, bum stop seat: what more could you want?
Triton, Triumph, Egli-Vincent! A Hat trick!
The Triton, resplendent with well patch’d leathers and chequered puddin’ bowl.
The Pre-Unit BSA A10, a smashing example of this fine, fine motorcycle. Very close to my very own RGS.
Geordies ‘cycle… the blue Parilla racer. Streamlined noses abound!
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June 24, 2011
Why Triumph? Is it the name?
tri·umph
play_w2(“T0370800”)intr.v. tri·umphed, tri·umph·ing, tri·umphs
1. To be victorious or successful; win.
2. To rejoice over a success or victory; exult.
3. To receive honors upon return from a victory in ancient Rome. Used of a general.
4. To be in motion rapidly along a roadway, either straight or curvilinear in alignment, upon a two-wheeled transport from the Midlands area of the United Kingdom. See: to hare
n.
1. The fact of being victorious; victory or conquest.
2. A noteworthy or spectacular success.
3. Exultation or rejoicing over victory or success.
4. A public celebration in ancient Rome to welcome a returning victorious commander and his army.
5. The pre-eminent motorcycle from the Midlands area of the United Kingdom.
….seems about right!
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June 23, 2011
Here’s an ample selection of details from the bike at the show; all Triumph of course! Starting with the tank badge of my favorite, the green Speed Triple. The mean bug-eyed monster.
Clocks from a newer Bonnie, nice clamp name detail.
Bonneville ‘Oil Tank’ name and flag. Patriotic or what!
Center tank bolt cover badge. I need one for my tank.
The Lucas Ammeter, the ‘Lord of Darkness’ reigns supreme! Or so this indicates!
A Tiger and its stripes.
The clean monochrome look on the Trophy touring bike. Sublime.
…and finally the Smiths Chronometric speedo; 120 m.p.h. sir? On a Bonnie in favorable conditions? Nearly! Neverthless a beautiful graphic, used in British ‘cycles and sports cars of the period.
Posted in Chicago, Motorcycle Art, Triumph Bonneville, Triumph Motorcycle |
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June 22, 2011
Here are the older Meriden Triumphs at the street show, each with their owners mark on them, each with mileage and aged patina giving an certain ‘life’ to them.
Plum late 60’s Bonnie: Simply Gorgeous.
Mid 70’s oil in frame left shift 750 Bonnie. Carefully prepared and maintained.
A bobbed 650, pinstriped thruugh like Blackpool Rock!
My Bonnies dark brother, A clean 71/72 OIF Bonnie.
Mid 60’s Unit lump; A fine engine.
Super clean early 70’s OIF, nice white ‘horns’ on the ebony tank.
Pre-Unit hardtail chopper. Funky ape hangers, high, high pipes and batwing pinstriping.
Mirror finish cafe’d Trumpet. Rocker ready!
Posted in 60's, 70's, cafe racer, Chicago, Triumph Bonneville, Vintage |
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