As they say: “Bikes defy Gravity, cars just suck!”
March 28, 2011
The ’72 Bonnie Cafe Project so far…
The updates to the bike have been taking shape over the winter. The bars have been swapped out for a pair of M-bars, a shape developed to work specifically with the 70’s steering triple tree where clubmans won’t fit. These are from Norman Hyde in England; he specializes in upgrades for both Meriden and Hinckley Triumphs. Also from NH are a pair or rearsets, these change footing position with well manufactured cast aluminium plates and gear and brake levers. There was some fanagling with the fitting points as these were developed for the pre oil in frame unit models. There is still some tweaking with the fine adjustements and mounting to ensure the kick start lever swings cleanly, the gear change pivots correctly and rear brake rod arm levers well.
The tank was repainted to include a Gulf decal, adding to the Le Mans theme. Also a narrow nosed seat from a T140V has been included, swapping out the boxier seat that came with the original project bike. New downpipes and long Dunstall mufflers complete the clean, low fast look I’m trying to achieve with this bike.
…looking forward to warm spring days!
March 22, 2011
Gulf Racing Colors
More and more bikes are cropping up with the sky blue, orange and navy pinstripe colors of the Gulf Oil scheme. It’s the one previously mentioned in this blog being Steve McQueens Porsche appearance in Le Mans.
Michael Delaney: “A lot of people go through life doing things badly. Racing’s important to men who do it well. When you’re racing, it… it’s life. Anything that happens before or after… is just waiting.”
One german garages version of an upgraded Bonneville (mark II 2000 models)
Another with swept back exhausts and racing fairing.
Ducati, orange frame ‘n’ all. Sublime…
The muscular Triumph Rocket Three; a drag strip racer.
March 10, 2011
Batgirl on her Batbike
March 10, 2011
Superheros on Toy Motorcycles
Even those who have to save the world see the need to zip about on two wheels when the need arises… yes they have their batcars and such, but any chance to rort after the bad guys with their cape fluttering behind!
Well, growing up there was of course the bike toys to support the DC and Marvel comics and TV shows. The Hulk one seems like a stretch and the Pink Panther drag bike? I remember the cool pink hot rod car, perhaps a custom Pink Panther motorcycle would be a good build.
The Boy Wonder.
Please don’t make me angry, you won’t like me when I’m angry…
Shazam!
Th Rinky Dink!
February 20, 2011
60’s in the 70’s
In an attempt to stir nostalgic values to the 750 Bonneville in the seventies here they advertise with sixties imagery, harking to diners and hot-rods, sunsets and black & white photo’s; the chinzy 80’s airbrush look detracts fom the bike, coloured to look like the ’68 zenith Bonnie. Note the NVT logo used for this Calirornian dealership (Norton Villiers Triumph); the conglomeration of the remnants of a once sucessful British motorcycle industry.
February 19, 2011
Rebel Yell
Punk Rocker Billy Idol, also a biker has used the triumph logo and a drawing of a twin for a concert poster.
February 18, 2011
A Triumph Scooter
Triumph short foray into the world of the runabout included the four stroke 250cc Tigress and a year or two later the two stroke Tina; The artwork is enduringly 50’s. Just think about all those Mods and Rockers all on Triumphs!
February 13, 2011
Chicago Motorcycle Show
Triumph Motorcycles had a stand with their latest models this year (for the first time) at the International Motorcycle Show held at the Rosemont Convention Center.
That iconic logo…
The Scrambler model is upright an comfortable. I’d take one of these please sir!
A coffee and cream T100 Bonneville harks to the sixites models. Sublime.
Whereas a T100 set up to look like the later 70’s model Bonnies with cast wheels looked superb also.
The chunky tires, single seat, rear rack give the scrambler a focus. All I’d need is a Belstaff wax jacket and off I go!
The Thruxton racer model is my favorite. Drop bars, alloy rim wheels, rearsets and a stainless exhaust adorn a juicy red bike. I’d be at one with the road upon this steed. My ’72 Bonnie is going to be adapted to this style.
February 4, 2011
Toy Triumphs
A police 5TA Speed Twin – with rear ‘bathtub’ fairing.
Same Speed Twin 5TA Die-cast but this time a faired racer.
A Lesney Matchbox Triumph T110 with sidecar. Great detail of the pre-unit engine on the timing side.
And finally a modern detailed Triumph Bonneville from Altaya. Good enough to ride!
February 2, 2011
Triumph Bonneville – Gulf Colours
Here’s someones modern interpretation of the Bonnie in the sky blue and orage of the Gulf Oil racing colors (just like I want to achieve with my bike!) looks good, especially with the orange frame.
The blue rims may be a little overkill, perhaps just black would be fine, but this does look like a cafe McQueen would be seen on!
February 1, 2011
The White Helmet Display Team – Royal Signal Corps
These guys are another early memory of motorcycling. They would ride around arenas across the country, as well as at the Royal Tournament, in perfect syncronized fashion, either piled up on one bike, or through flaming hoops, or on one great feat, ride towards each other in a X-shape just missing each other by fractions of an inch. Bike skills and control are superb. They are a volunteer team within the Signallers and are one of the oldest motorcycle display teams in the world. 80 years.
Their bike of choice: a 750 Triumph, with loud TT pipes, knobbly tires and a red flash’d tank to match their pistripe trousers. More tuned to their machines against the modern street stunt riders who rely on wheelies, burnouts and stoppies.
The classic flaming jump.
The Pyramid
Juggling backwards.
Sidesaddle standing with no hands, cool control.
9 guys as well as the rider on one bike.
Atop a ladder and riding around.
Two wheeled gymnastics.
