“You are never truly fast unless you are the fastest.” – Don McBride. My friend McBride held the Land Speed Record for 1000 CC (4 wheels) off and on for several years during the 90s. At one point he held 1k natural aspirated gas and fuel AND 1k supercharged gas and fuel at the same time. Land Speed Racing is …
February 10-12 in Portland – The One Motorcycle Show
In 3 weeks, one of the nation’s best custom motorcycle shows is about to enjoy their 8th anniversary. So if you’re in Portland (or need an excuse to visit), you need to check out See See Motorcycles’ The One Show. This year they’ve got a new location and it’s going to be bigger and better…while still somehow being free for …
Sonic Weld Frame – 1966 Triumph 650
Sonic Weld was another of those companies that built custom frames for racing. Think along the lines of Trackmaster, Rickman, Cheney or Champion. It was common in the 70’s and 80’s to take an engine from a stock Bultaco, Ossa, Triumph, Yamaha, etc, and put it into a custom frame for racing. The factory frames were not up to the …
Press Bike – 1971 AJS Stormer 250
1-21-17 Update: 2.5 years later, this Stormer is back up for sale – and it looks like the most recent seller is on pace to make a profit. Find this bike now in Goleta, California with bidding up to $3,500 and 4 days left on the bidding here on eBay. Post-Sale Update: After 36 bids on eBay, this AJS Stormer …
Story Intermission – The Timeless Ride
After reading my tale about LABV on a Ural, reader Robin M (the man behind the excellent site, Robin’s Classic Motorcycles) told me about Hubert Kriegel, a man who is now in his 13th year of a sidecar trip all around the world.
Bookends – Harley Davidson VLs: 1930 and 1936
The Great Depression ravaged the entire economy of the United States, and Harley Davidson was no exception. Total production plummeted and dealers and the company struggled to survive. The 1930 model year saw the introduction of a brand new 74 CID V-Twin motor. Sidevalve design it would become known as ‘the Flathead’ in the HD lexicon. It offered a huge …
Custom Streetfighter in Australia – 2008 KTM RC8R
Starting with KTM’s RC8 superbike, Australia tuner MC RoadRunner (MCRR) has created a hell of a naked speedster after over 200 hours of work. Is it easier to wheelie? Absolutely. Would you rather have this than a stock RC8R? You tell me.
One Year Only – 1936 Harley-Davidson VLH with Sidecar
A one year only model, the VLH was arguably Harley’s ultimate flathead. This example stands out as it was ordered with several choice options: the 80 ci engine, 4-speed transmission (a $15 option), 19″ wheels/tires, speedometer, and a sidecar. It has been sitting for 3 decades but it runs and rides!
Video Intermission – MotoGP Bike on Ice
For reasons I haven’t really been able to ascertain (besides “why not?”), Marc Marquez just rode a MotoGP bike up Hahnenkamm mountain in the Alps.
1949 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide
1948 was the first year for the PanHead motor which featured alloy heads and hydraulic valve adjustment. In 1949 Harley Davidson introduced hydraulic telescopic fork front suspension to their big twins. The combination put a dagger in Indian’s heart. Harley had become the technology leader by a large margin. Hydra Glide. Doesn’t seem like much today, but the Hydra Glide …
RM Sotheby’s in Paris – 1932 Rudge 500 TT
View Post1911 Harley-Davidson Model 7
1911 was a very big year in the history of Harley Davidson. The motor company expanded from 150 employees in 1910 to 550 at the end of 1911. They put out a stunning 5,625 units, more than double the 1910 production. All were model 7, and most were the 30 CID single cylinder but the Model 7 D featured a …
1970 Rupp Enduro
In the 70s, Rupp was one of the leading producers of minibikes in the US. They introduced the Enduro in 1970 along with a company-wide new design for the frame and carb.
Rare Trials – 1982 SWM TL320
SWM started building the Rotax-powered TL320 in 1977. Incremental upgrades were put into play until the bike was killed off in 1984, but the highlight of the model run was right about when this specific bike was built – in 1981, Gilles Burgat won the FIM World Trials Championship. This example has been restored so you can do your best …
280 Miles – 1969 Suzuki AS50 Maverick
This tiddler was Suzuki’s baby street scrambler – good for 59 miles per hour and 114 miles per gallon. This example still needs to be broken in as it has just 280 miles on the odometer.