Joined Nov 2013
1K Posts | 1+
Inland SoCal
From the ridiculous to the sublime
All true, too. Couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
In 2007 we went on two big trips - to the Centenery TT at the IOM and on a guided tour to China and Tibet.
First pic - another VMCC "parade" at the IOM; this time on our friend's Velocette Venom Clubman. A quick bike! The Bushy's tent had four bars, and filled one end of the Promenade. Imagine 20,000 bike racing crazies all on a bender for two weeks...that's the TT.
Besides the races there were various performers...including these guys, the Purple Helmets. That's a chariot race using cut-down trash bins, and a performer on piano, sidecar mounted. Hide the women and children! The blue-and-white Bushy's tent is in the background.
And then Lhasa. Most amazing place I've ever been. Period. When we got our chance to visit the Potola, we had the usual tourist trap stop at a rug factory at the very base of the Palace. I found this gem there, parked with the other worker's bicycles. Rossi fans are everywhere!
While we were up in the Palace that day, we noticed a lot of sirens, and could see smoke rising from various parts of the city. Turned out that the news had filtered in about the Dalai Lama receiving an award from the US Congress. It was incense smoke! Of course the Chinese shut the celebration down right away.
Sorry to be a bit political, but visitors can easily see how the Chinese are turning this historic (and sacred) place into a theme park. Not good.
All true, too. Couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
In 2007 we went on two big trips - to the Centenery TT at the IOM and on a guided tour to China and Tibet.
First pic - another VMCC "parade" at the IOM; this time on our friend's Velocette Venom Clubman. A quick bike! The Bushy's tent had four bars, and filled one end of the Promenade. Imagine 20,000 bike racing crazies all on a bender for two weeks...that's the TT.
Besides the races there were various performers...including these guys, the Purple Helmets. That's a chariot race using cut-down trash bins, and a performer on piano, sidecar mounted. Hide the women and children! The blue-and-white Bushy's tent is in the background.
And then Lhasa. Most amazing place I've ever been. Period. When we got our chance to visit the Potola, we had the usual tourist trap stop at a rug factory at the very base of the Palace. I found this gem there, parked with the other worker's bicycles. Rossi fans are everywhere!
While we were up in the Palace that day, we noticed a lot of sirens, and could see smoke rising from various parts of the city. Turned out that the news had filtered in about the Dalai Lama receiving an award from the US Congress. It was incense smoke! Of course the Chinese shut the celebration down right away.
Sorry to be a bit political, but visitors can easily see how the Chinese are turning this historic (and sacred) place into a theme park. Not good.
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Joined Nov 2013
1K Posts | 1+
Inland SoCal
Prewar rarity
As long as I'm a bit off topic, here is a bike very few of you have seen, or even heard about. The owner, Virgil Eling, has a lovely museum in Solvang, California and is a member of AHRMA. He attended (and raced at) their event last year at Willow Springs Raceway near Rosamond, CA. He brought his 1938 DKW 500 GP racer, one of two in the world.
This is a twin 'split single' design, water cooled with an air cooled fifth cylinder underneath pressurizing the crankcases. And not only did he display this bike, he did a lap on it. Back when it was raced at the IOM TT they said it was loud enough to hear 'on the mainland' (England). The noise it made was unbelievable. Each firing pulse had a wavefront like a wall, sharp and loud.
I note that the same event is this coming weekend, for any local riders who may be interested. There is always an interesting static display and many historic racers. The weather will be cold and windy, unlike the other two kinds - hot and windy and just plain windy.
As long as I'm a bit off topic, here is a bike very few of you have seen, or even heard about. The owner, Virgil Eling, has a lovely museum in Solvang, California and is a member of AHRMA. He attended (and raced at) their event last year at Willow Springs Raceway near Rosamond, CA. He brought his 1938 DKW 500 GP racer, one of two in the world.
This is a twin 'split single' design, water cooled with an air cooled fifth cylinder underneath pressurizing the crankcases. And not only did he display this bike, he did a lap on it. Back when it was raced at the IOM TT they said it was loud enough to hear 'on the mainland' (England). The noise it made was unbelievable. Each firing pulse had a wavefront like a wall, sharp and loud.
I note that the same event is this coming weekend, for any local riders who may be interested. There is always an interesting static display and many historic racers. The weather will be cold and windy, unlike the other two kinds - hot and windy and just plain windy.
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Joined Nov 2013
1K Posts | 1+
Inland SoCal
And now some American Iron
I have a riding buddy who is a rather hard core Harley guy. First pic is of Terry and his Softail Heritage. This is the perfect example of "All mods by owner." Note Cadillac taillights and completely home-built bag set. Had a monster S&S motor and a custom six speed. His son was killed on it a few years ago.
Terry also has an E-glide Classic. When it was new we went on a HOG ride on our Trophy with him plus wife on the E-G. Then we swapped bikes, big mistake. The wifey fell in love with the relaxed seating position offered by footboards and backrest. So I found a used 2001 and bought it. I replaced a couple of missing parts, added the tail trunk and a kit stereo and we rode it to Daytona. Spent a week near Miami with friends and rode it home. It used a half quart of oil and I had to wash it once. That taught me that the bikes are as capable as any, and better than most for travel on the Interstate. Sold it to make room once I got my 2008.
Then we went crazy and got this 2004 Sportster 1200 for the wifey. It had some cosmetic issues; I fixed them and added the bigger fuel tank and other typical accessories ('farkles' just doesn't sound right for these things). Then she woke up and realized what a bed of nails it was. One of the happiest moments of my life was when I watched it roll away under its new owner. Beats me how they keep selling these things.
And our current heavy tourer - 2008 Road Glide. ABS, ride-by-wire, cruise control. A veritable magic carpet compared to my 2001, and handles much better without 40 pounds of stuff on the handlebars. Must have some cloaking device as it is apparently invisible to law enforcement. It's for sale, as the Miata has replaced it functionally. And my old HOG chapter got ruined by the dealer.
I have a riding buddy who is a rather hard core Harley guy. First pic is of Terry and his Softail Heritage. This is the perfect example of "All mods by owner." Note Cadillac taillights and completely home-built bag set. Had a monster S&S motor and a custom six speed. His son was killed on it a few years ago.
Terry also has an E-glide Classic. When it was new we went on a HOG ride on our Trophy with him plus wife on the E-G. Then we swapped bikes, big mistake. The wifey fell in love with the relaxed seating position offered by footboards and backrest. So I found a used 2001 and bought it. I replaced a couple of missing parts, added the tail trunk and a kit stereo and we rode it to Daytona. Spent a week near Miami with friends and rode it home. It used a half quart of oil and I had to wash it once. That taught me that the bikes are as capable as any, and better than most for travel on the Interstate. Sold it to make room once I got my 2008.
Then we went crazy and got this 2004 Sportster 1200 for the wifey. It had some cosmetic issues; I fixed them and added the bigger fuel tank and other typical accessories ('farkles' just doesn't sound right for these things). Then she woke up and realized what a bed of nails it was. One of the happiest moments of my life was when I watched it roll away under its new owner. Beats me how they keep selling these things.
And our current heavy tourer - 2008 Road Glide. ABS, ride-by-wire, cruise control. A veritable magic carpet compared to my 2001, and handles much better without 40 pounds of stuff on the handlebars. Must have some cloaking device as it is apparently invisible to law enforcement. It's for sale, as the Miata has replaced it functionally. And my old HOG chapter got ruined by the dealer.
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2010 Tiger 1050 SE on Tioga Pass in Yosemite
2004 Honda CRF250X
2008 Ducati Hypermotard in the Tri Valley area on a Sunday ride
2008 Can Am Spyder GS (so the wife would come with me, she loved it, I hated it recently sold for a BMW M3 - now shes very happy)
2013 Ducati Hyperstrada in the Central Valley
2001 BMW F650 Dakar in Utah heading into Nevada and back to CA (for some reason this wont open like the others - sorry)
2004 Honda CRF250X
2008 Ducati Hypermotard in the Tri Valley area on a Sunday ride
2008 Can Am Spyder GS (so the wife would come with me, she loved it, I hated it recently sold for a BMW M3 - now shes very happy)
2013 Ducati Hyperstrada in the Central Valley
2001 BMW F650 Dakar in Utah heading into Nevada and back to CA (for some reason this wont open like the others - sorry)
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Ok, added some detail and tried a different method on the BMW shots. I also added one that you all will get a kick out of. I color coded the cases to the bike at one stage. Look liked frikkin Captain Americas bike (LOL). Eventually changed to all over blue
Joined Nov 2013
1K Posts | 1+
Inland SoCal
Much better, thanks Twozzie. Still can't open that last pic, though. Here are a few more pics of my bikes.
First pic - Wifey's '56 Velo MAC, my '69 Venom, and my Thruxton under it's new owner on our 2008 Summer Ride. Olav has his son Eric on the back.
Second pic...Wifey's 1995 Triumph Thunderbird 900. Bought used, was a bit too heavy for her. Nice retro look, though, and much more powerful (and no heavier) than the twins that replaced it.
And now the one that embarrasses me - taken in 1972, that's my 1969 Kawi 500 triple, with Dunstall fairing and clubman 'bars. Terrifyingly fast in a straight line, handled like a drunken sailor. Front brake was good for one hard stop, then I had to drag my feet. Sorry about the pants...you had to have been there. I was lucky to survive owning this bike!
PS that bike is the reason I am superstitious about blue bikes....haven't had one since. I had a deposit on a 2005 FJR13 - until I found out that the only color available was blue. Bought my black e-glide instead, no regrets.
First pic - Wifey's '56 Velo MAC, my '69 Venom, and my Thruxton under it's new owner on our 2008 Summer Ride. Olav has his son Eric on the back.
Second pic...Wifey's 1995 Triumph Thunderbird 900. Bought used, was a bit too heavy for her. Nice retro look, though, and much more powerful (and no heavier) than the twins that replaced it.
And now the one that embarrasses me - taken in 1972, that's my 1969 Kawi 500 triple, with Dunstall fairing and clubman 'bars. Terrifyingly fast in a straight line, handled like a drunken sailor. Front brake was good for one hard stop, then I had to drag my feet. Sorry about the pants...you had to have been there. I was lucky to survive owning this bike!
PS that bike is the reason I am superstitious about blue bikes....haven't had one since. I had a deposit on a 2005 FJR13 - until I found out that the only color available was blue. Bought my black e-glide instead, no regrets.
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Joined Nov 2013
1K Posts | 1+
Inland SoCal
Bevel drive SOHC beginnings
Here are pics of the bikes Velocette used to win multiple TT races and even two GP world championships.
Pic one - taken at Ontario Raceway in 1975 or so at an AMA race. The rider is Eddie Arnold, who was up to then the most respected Velo tuner on the West Coast. He is about to take a demo lap on his 1939 KTT 350 Mark VIII. Note "Jaws" and "Viewfinders" t-shirts. Also note rather casual riding gear for a lap on the big track!
Introduced in 1925, this was the first successful OHC design where the cam was driven by shaft and bevel gears. No, Ducati did not invent this! Norton copied it after their first attempt proved unsuccessful. Also note gas-sprung Girling shocks. And girder front end!
Now, a good friend tried to buy this bike around ten years ago. Offered a big bag of cash. Ed's son turned him down, and it went to auction. This made many of us sad as we thought it had gone into some overseas collection. Meanwhile my friend found and bought it's predecessor, same engine in a rigid frame, the Mark VII. See pic #2.
At last year's Summer Ride, one of our members brought that very same Mark VIII to our Saturday lineup. We were stunned to hear that it is still on the West Coast. The owner loaned it for display and here they both are in Pic 3.
After I took pic #1, I went home and looked at my scruffy old Venom and decided to take it apart for restoration. 13 years later I finally hauled out the boxes and did the job. I think it came out well.
Here are pics of the bikes Velocette used to win multiple TT races and even two GP world championships.
Pic one - taken at Ontario Raceway in 1975 or so at an AMA race. The rider is Eddie Arnold, who was up to then the most respected Velo tuner on the West Coast. He is about to take a demo lap on his 1939 KTT 350 Mark VIII. Note "Jaws" and "Viewfinders" t-shirts. Also note rather casual riding gear for a lap on the big track!
Introduced in 1925, this was the first successful OHC design where the cam was driven by shaft and bevel gears. No, Ducati did not invent this! Norton copied it after their first attempt proved unsuccessful. Also note gas-sprung Girling shocks. And girder front end!
Now, a good friend tried to buy this bike around ten years ago. Offered a big bag of cash. Ed's son turned him down, and it went to auction. This made many of us sad as we thought it had gone into some overseas collection. Meanwhile my friend found and bought it's predecessor, same engine in a rigid frame, the Mark VII. See pic #2.
At last year's Summer Ride, one of our members brought that very same Mark VIII to our Saturday lineup. We were stunned to hear that it is still on the West Coast. The owner loaned it for display and here they both are in Pic 3.
After I took pic #1, I went home and looked at my scruffy old Venom and decided to take it apart for restoration. 13 years later I finally hauled out the boxes and did the job. I think it came out well.
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My turn: 22 years of motorcycle riding and still alive 
1992 - Yamaha XT500. Great bike with NO breaks! (2000 kms)
1993 - Yamaha XJ 600S (Diversion in France). No comment (18000 kms)
1997 - Yamaha TDM 850. At this time, I thought it was a good bike (17000 kms)
1998 - Yamaha TRX 850. Much better than the previous, but awfull fork (25000 kms)
2000 - Ducati ST2. My first real bike! Electricity was a pity... (15000 kms)
2004 - Ducati 800SSie. A great little old fashioned sport bike (8000 kms)
2006 - Ducati ST3. The one I'm still in love with (45000 kms)
2014 - Ducati Hyperstrada. What else (1000 kms)
I realize that since 1997, I only owned bicylinders bikes
1992 - Yamaha XT500. Great bike with NO breaks! (2000 kms)
1993 - Yamaha XJ 600S (Diversion in France). No comment (18000 kms)
1997 - Yamaha TDM 850. At this time, I thought it was a good bike (17000 kms)
1998 - Yamaha TRX 850. Much better than the previous, but awfull fork (25000 kms)
2000 - Ducati ST2. My first real bike! Electricity was a pity... (15000 kms)
2004 - Ducati 800SSie. A great little old fashioned sport bike (8000 kms)
2006 - Ducati ST3. The one I'm still in love with (45000 kms)
2014 - Ducati Hyperstrada. What else (1000 kms)
I realize that since 1997, I only owned bicylinders bikes
Joined Nov 2013
1K Posts | 1+
Inland SoCal
Pics or it didn't happen...!
I have always preferred singles; had a cafe'd '76 XT500, two different SR500s and a built-up SRX6. And I've had every other layout except a V4 or a six. Here's my flat twin - a 1958 Velocette Valiant. Pic taken at a show, that's the current owner behind the bike. He made and installed that rack, it's not my fault!
That Valiant was a mini BMW, with shaft drive and 200cc. Light and quick handling, but maybe 12 HP on a good day. Not very suitable for SoCal highways.
I have always preferred singles; had a cafe'd '76 XT500, two different SR500s and a built-up SRX6. And I've had every other layout except a V4 or a six. Here's my flat twin - a 1958 Velocette Valiant. Pic taken at a show, that's the current owner behind the bike. He made and installed that rack, it's not my fault!
That Valiant was a mini BMW, with shaft drive and 200cc. Light and quick handling, but maybe 12 HP on a good day. Not very suitable for SoCal highways.
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Joined Nov 2013
1K Posts | 1+
Inland SoCal
Think I'll post a brief update.
We still have the SV and of course the Strada. A KTM 390 Duke has joined it in our garage. The little rigid frame Velo MAC that wifey rode to the top of Pike's Peak has been sold, as I have determined that we have no room for bikes we no longer ride. It went to another Club member who lives in the Sierras, perfect for the little roads there.
Meanwhile, the '56 MAC has received some major upgrades - bigger front brake, spin-on oil filter conversion, bored to 380cc with a Triumph piston in a custom sleeve. Compression raised from 6.5:1 to 8:1, 17/8 cam (same as the faster models) and a modern carb on a cylinder head that came from under Mr. Arnold's workbench. It is heavily ported and has an oversize intake valve from one of the OHC models.
With the modern carb it starts first kick and idles perfectly. And it will run it's (clockwork) Chronometric speedometer's needle right into the odometer...more than 80 mph. Not bad for a bike almost a old as I am.
Finally, I am storing (and maintaining) a 2015 FZ-09 for a friend who has moved back East. I am thoroughly impressed by this bike. Has a few more ponies than the Strada, but two inches less wheelbase and a lot more low end power. It's teaching me how to deal with wheelies! Might have to keep this one.
We still have the SV and of course the Strada. A KTM 390 Duke has joined it in our garage. The little rigid frame Velo MAC that wifey rode to the top of Pike's Peak has been sold, as I have determined that we have no room for bikes we no longer ride. It went to another Club member who lives in the Sierras, perfect for the little roads there.
Meanwhile, the '56 MAC has received some major upgrades - bigger front brake, spin-on oil filter conversion, bored to 380cc with a Triumph piston in a custom sleeve. Compression raised from 6.5:1 to 8:1, 17/8 cam (same as the faster models) and a modern carb on a cylinder head that came from under Mr. Arnold's workbench. It is heavily ported and has an oversize intake valve from one of the OHC models.
With the modern carb it starts first kick and idles perfectly. And it will run it's (clockwork) Chronometric speedometer's needle right into the odometer...more than 80 mph. Not bad for a bike almost a old as I am.
Finally, I am storing (and maintaining) a 2015 FZ-09 for a friend who has moved back East. I am thoroughly impressed by this bike. Has a few more ponies than the Strada, but two inches less wheelbase and a lot more low end power. It's teaching me how to deal with wheelies! Might have to keep this one.
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Joined Apr 2017
244 Posts | 1+
California
Thanks for reviving this thread. I'm new, have a few bikes/history to share.
Love your vintage bikes and history. Awesome.
I rode and destroyed a few "vintage" bikes back in the 60's ... then re-bought them years later when I knew better how to care for them. The best, I wish I'd kept: A Rickman Metisse 650 TR-6.
Started on a Vespa and a Honda 50. Raced Bultaco at Ascot at age 14. Motocross later, rest is history.
I raced Triumph's and BSA's in the SoCal desert as well, so I leaned in that direction later when buying old bikes. Love Velo's, never owned one.
Like you, I have little to NO record of early bikes before digital pics. I've shot a few old prints and posted here. Funky.
Some gaps here, will try to add more later.
1985 ... 1st year Ninja 600, Honda Nitehawk, Bonneville.
1987: start of AMA enduro race "career" at age 38. '86 Husky 250XC ... a true torture rack but made me "hard". A good thing.
'67 BSA Lightning - owned 12 years then sold off.
1989 - On the way to Baja ... the hard way. 1987 Honda XL600R. One on dozens of Baja rides over the years. About 2500 miles on this ride. Only as far South as Mulege' on that one. The XL was good until stator failed.
-92 Yam 250WR (two stroke race bike) One GREAT bike!
Old and New: Around 1997. '79 Bonneville Special, '95 Tiger
Lots more to share, sorry for gaps. Many more bikes in my "youth" ... 60's and 70's. No photo evidence. Will post more later.
Only about 30 more bikes to go!
Love your vintage bikes and history. Awesome.
I rode and destroyed a few "vintage" bikes back in the 60's ... then re-bought them years later when I knew better how to care for them. The best, I wish I'd kept: A Rickman Metisse 650 TR-6.
Started on a Vespa and a Honda 50. Raced Bultaco at Ascot at age 14. Motocross later, rest is history.
I raced Triumph's and BSA's in the SoCal desert as well, so I leaned in that direction later when buying old bikes. Love Velo's, never owned one.
Like you, I have little to NO record of early bikes before digital pics. I've shot a few old prints and posted here. Funky.
Some gaps here, will try to add more later.
1985 ... 1st year Ninja 600, Honda Nitehawk, Bonneville.
1987: start of AMA enduro race "career" at age 38. '86 Husky 250XC ... a true torture rack but made me "hard". A good thing.
'67 BSA Lightning - owned 12 years then sold off.
1989 - On the way to Baja ... the hard way. 1987 Honda XL600R. One on dozens of Baja rides over the years. About 2500 miles on this ride. Only as far South as Mulege' on that one. The XL was good until stator failed.
-92 Yam 250WR (two stroke race bike) One GREAT bike!
Old and New: Around 1997. '79 Bonneville Special, '95 Tiger
Lots more to share, sorry for gaps. Many more bikes in my "youth" ... 60's and 70's. No photo evidence. Will post more later.
Only about 30 more bikes to go!
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I do not have my pictures from the 80's and 90's. I think maybe my sister does but not really sure.
My list isn't long or impressive in any way.
1981 Honda XR80 (age 10)
1980 Honda ATC 110
1986 Honda ATC 200X
1987 Honda ATC 350X
1989 Honda XL650 (20 something)
Last bike I sold off was the 200X when I was 25. It lasted the longest because it was my favorite and a really well engineered machine.
Became a *responsible adult* and no bikes for a number of years.
Now:
1997 Diamondback Approach Hybrid bicycle (commuted daily on it in the city for 3 years before getting back into motorcycles again)
2007 Suzuki LS650 (S40, formerly known as the Savage 650)
2013 Ducati Hyperstrada
Here's a picture of the Satanic Suzuki (named so because the engine is bored out to 666 CCs), sitting next to my fiancé's Vstar 650.
My list isn't long or impressive in any way.
1981 Honda XR80 (age 10)
1980 Honda ATC 110
1986 Honda ATC 200X
1987 Honda ATC 350X
1989 Honda XL650 (20 something)
Last bike I sold off was the 200X when I was 25. It lasted the longest because it was my favorite and a really well engineered machine.
Became a *responsible adult* and no bikes for a number of years.
Now:
1997 Diamondback Approach Hybrid bicycle (commuted daily on it in the city for 3 years before getting back into motorcycles again)
2007 Suzuki LS650 (S40, formerly known as the Savage 650)
2013 Ducati Hyperstrada
Here's a picture of the Satanic Suzuki (named so because the engine is bored out to 666 CCs), sitting next to my fiancé's Vstar 650.
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