Western Avenue – I snapped this photo on Saturday whilst driving along the long thoroughfare that runs north to south for 23 miles through Chicago. A happy couple on their bright mirror-finish chrome Harley’s, rumblin’ along with the slow weekend traffic.
From the Earth to the Moon – short jaunt up north to dust the cobwebs from the owld bikes. Coffee stop at the Full Moon diner on Route 41 where an impromptu gathering of motorcycles occur at weekend mornings. Nice T595 Daytona parked next to the Geordie-Bonnie, which, for a 20 year old bike still looks fresh in looks. This triple superbike was the true relaunch of the modern Triumph marque as the 20th Century came to a close.
Coffee was hot & fresh, eggs sunny side up and sausages tasty.
Test Ride – went down to Johnny Scheff’s Motoworks and took this sweet machine out for a spin… let’s just say a deposit has been made…
Soapbox – under a bright Californian sun a bleach-blond lass stands by a true desert sled. The L&M t-shirt is apt for the location too. The old 50’s Glendale shop was owned by speedway and dirty oval racers. I include vintage matchbook art and a shop flyer.
Long Legs – we got ourselves a double-decker fork chopper here. Bouncing springer front end that crosses the State line half an hour before you get there. The cruciform tank; the German eagle badge on the owners leather vest; and the missing front teeth from a happy smile tell an intriguing story.
Chopper Wednesday – stretched and wrung out: these Brit iron have been chopped into next week. Including a rosy red hardtail Trident with double decker headlight and stepped king and queen seat, as well as a ape hangered Bonnie with taller than an elephants eye sissy bar seat with quilt buttoned saddlework. The Norton in the lower right frame could be restored to original fairly easily but you’d be brave to keep the flamed tank.
Easy Rider? Sure ask Captain America for directions!
Repair – here’s Dean picking up his ’69 Bonneville after some minor restoration from the spill back in May. All fettled and running fine. Ed Zender looks on explaining the work carried out. The workshop is busy and all lifts have projects parked upon them.
Two by Two – some choice images from the splendid offerings at Morries Place captured at the weekend. It illustrates the changing tanks and badges over a couple of decades. Each different and then quite individual. The art of the motorcycle for sure.
Pocket Bike – Detail photograph of the folding motorcycle manufactured in the 40’s by Indian. Originally called a Corgi and developed to be packaged into a equipment canister and parachuted along with commandos into Europe giving easy speedy transport through the French & Belgian countryside. The design was rebadged for civilian use in the US providing popular efficient transport in cities or around campgrounds. The graphic is perfect for this marque.
Adventure awaits – trying for size… “Suits you Sir!” Still my fave (Bill?)
Boldest – Friday brings a twofer where the bikes play second fiddle to the gals who pose coyly at prospective buyers of these single cylinder cycles. Starfire was the quarter liter starter machine, the Victor was more off road styling fit for gravel trails. Soft focus anyone?
In a Bottle – nighttime fun on the town. The Lightning 650, which starred under a golden rocket launching fairing in the James Bond film Thunderball, was in direct competition with Triumphs Bonneville for top dog in the motorcycle world. It’s a classic bike and deserves the bolder advertising of the day.
The Cavalry – the BSA sportsbike of the sixties sits pretty next to the horse borne regimental troops that protect Her Majesty in London & at Windsor. The 650cc Thunderbolt is akin to the ceremonial dress of the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons). The chrome tank matching the red plumed helmet and cuirass armor; the star blazed tank badge like the Order of the Garter Star.
Sadly the ladies gaze on haughtily in their leather jackets. I’d rather they sat astride the motorcycle as proud riders, like their equine companion.
Jet Setter – from Oceanside to the skyward scene. BSA’s Shooting Star makes for a snappy runway runabout between the airport lounge and the private jet. Aviator look to the rider and sixties bombshell for the wing perched gal in the leopard skin coat. The louche world of the swingin’ sixties…
Spearfishing – this week we’ll delve into the world of misogynistic sixties advertising, when men were told to be manly, and the ladies attractively adorn the scene. All very James Bond-like… this BSA Victor certainly looks the part in this coastal location. The polished tank with a distinctive sun yellow accent catches the glint of ocean waves perfectly. Beach scramble anyone?
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