EAT the RICH UK

HOTRODS V SHEEP

2012-02-14T05:10:00.005-08:00

Our local Hotrod club has a membership of one, Mike. He owned the 302 powered '39 Coupe in the top pic up to about 10 yrs ago and has been building a Zephyr since the birth of Christ. Every few years he has a rush of blood to the head and rests a spanner or two on it, hopefully this may stir him into action.
Mike's words: "the Zodiac's been back-halved with a narrowed 4-linked 9" axle on coil overs and 12x15 Centerlines. The front suspension consists of Gaz adjustable platform struts in purpose-built towers, Cossie Granada hubs, calipers and discs, Sierra TCAs with triangulated compression struts, a Capri rack and cross-member, a Sierra 4x4 steering column and 4x15 Centerlines. It's now got a re-built 302ci Ford with Canfield ally heads, a Comp Cams camshaft, Holley 600cfm carb and a new TCI 'box. It'll be returned to its original two-tone grey with all the chromework reinstated, bench seats etc so it looks fairly stock. Needs plumbing, wiring and paint. Supposed to be going to the bodyshop at the back end of the year, like I've said for the last 4 years...."

Although the sole member he does have two cars, just shows what an enthusiastic club it is, remember the Escort ?

THE TUESDAY TRITON

2012-02-13T23:52:00.002-08:00

ANGEL FOUR

2012-02-13T09:20:00.001-08:00

Rick West's Honda CB750. It featured a Kustom Korner frame and tank while 6" over fork tubes, exhaust and electrics box were down to the owner. Almost a kit bike of its time using many of the standard Honda parts.

WARHORSE

2012-02-13T04:20:00.001-08:00

Got this in for a bit of fettling this week, im not big into military vehicles but it's a fine old beast.

PROPHECY

2012-02-12T08:21:00.001-08:00

Found today in a 1966 copy of The Dalesman, a sort of Yorkshire Readers Digest, dont ask.

MORE LOOKING BACK WITH PHIL

2012-02-12T02:27:00.001-08:00

Panhead choppers are almost commonplace in our virtual world now but in 1976 Dave Lane's was possibly the only one in the UK. Built for him by Leon Wallace Customs at their little shop in Putney Bridge Road.

CHOPPER SPEEDWAY !

2012-02-11T08:17:00.000-08:00

SNOT PIE

2012-02-11T04:04:00.000-08:00

Brian Matthews played Humble Pie on the radio this morning, i rarely listen to Radio 2 but when i am out in the van and the CD's jammed i dont have much choice. After nearly a week of headaches and more snot than Neil in the Young Ones (Sick) it was uplifting. 1973, loon pants, sideburns and a BSA permanently in bits.
It also occurred that 50 yrs ago as a little lad i would have been listening to Brian Matthews on Saturday morning radio at home, i guess 1961 would have meant The Shadows and Frankie Vaughan while we patiently waited for everything to kick off in 1963.
Just how old is Brian Matthews anyway ?

J W MOTORCYCLES

2012-02-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

John Warrington's here in Malton is the place for big horsepower motorcycles, he builds engines, sets them up and sorts them out....and if you bring your bike here it is he who does it, there's no staff no tea boy even, just the worlds hardest working bloke. He can and will do anything from developing your turbo Hayabusa to straightening a bent Triumph chopper frame (he has done both for me). He permanently has a several month backlog of work for loyal customers so i'm not giving out his phone number, if you need him you will know him.
His tiny workshop is a cave with no windows and the dyno room backs on to a supermarket car park where shoppers can hear strapped down bikes running at close on 200mph just a few feet from their Nissan Micra, hopefully they dont know that.

The 1500cc Z1000 in a Spondon frame was making 170+ bhp when i was there with more to come.
....and he is building himself a ZX12 engined chopper if he ever gets time.

DRAG RACING 1963.

2012-02-09T03:59:00.000-08:00

Great old Ford film of Drag Racing in the early '60s with good footage of the first UK Dragfest. There's a few of these old Ford Racing films on Youtube with plenty of dry lakes and circuit stuff as well, worth a look while you keep out of the cold.

THE PHIL MATHER FILES

2012-02-08T08:35:00.001-08:00

Trevor Edwards' A10 complete with Triumph sprung hub and another questionable seat.
Great street shots featuring MK1 Transit, Marina, Escort van and flares with sew on badges, yes i did do that.

READERS RIDES. ME.

2012-02-08T03:29:00.000-08:00

Not often people send me photos of myself but Kev sent this one. Dalby forest probably Crystal Stages September '93 or '94.

THE PHIL MATHER FILES.

2012-02-07T04:13:00.000-08:00

No better place to start than Jack Nuttall's Old Blu'.

Bugger, what did i do ?

THE TUESDAY TRITON

2012-02-07T00:05:00.001-08:00

HELMET SALE

2012-02-06T08:48:00.001-08:00

Having only one head i have decided to go through my helmets, renovate a few and slim down the collection to the ones that actually fit me. This is a random selection, there are more than this. Keep an eye on eBay if you are a vintage helmet freak.

SNOWY BEEZAS

2012-02-06T07:26:00.000-08:00

Fitted the tyres this morning and probably ready for the road now but it was so cold i couldnt tell if i'd trapped my fingers let alone the tube so quite prepared to walk in tomorrow to 2 flats.

Jon's Goldie last winter, just an excuse for another photo of this fab bike.

NEWARK ANTIQUES FAIR 3rd FEB

2012-02-05T03:44:00.000-08:00

Think Newark Autojumble x 10.

THE PHIL MATHER FILES

2012-02-05T01:21:00.000-08:00

In the mid '70s journalist Phil Mather did a number of photo shoots and features on the top UK custom bikes of the era, most were featured in a long gone magazine called Motorcycling Monthly and 18 years ago were repeated in BSH as a series titled Rearview Mirror.
Phil (and BSH) have been good enough to give me the OK to re-run them on here and i will be posting them over the next few weeks. I dont propose to imprint the photos with a logo but please remember these are all copyright to the owner and he is keen to keep it that way so no re-blogging without permish', ya.

DJs BIKES

2012-02-04T04:38:00.001-08:00

After seeing his bike on yesterdays post DJ sent me a few photos of the bikes he (and his Dad) have built. The Z is still my favourite but the GS1000 with the club foot swingarm runs close.

BRILLIANT

2012-02-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

Don't know any details, presumably Japanese, and i cant remember where i found the photo but this bike is just brilliant.

....and we just booked our holidays, brilliant.

BACK TO BACK BACKBARROW

2012-02-02T09:08:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week i sold a GSXR11 engine to a chap in Cumbria, instead of crating it up and sending it by freight as usual i thought it would be a nice ride out for me and Al and we could have lunch in some Lacey little tea room in the Dales on the way home so we put it in the car and travelled over yesterday morning, but..... guess what, just guess fucking what ? i only took the wrong engine thats what ! so i went back again today, another 7 hours drive.
Still my customer is happy and i got to see the sun rise at Grange over Sands (yes i was up early today). There is probably a lesson to be learned but learning isnt my strong point.

LOOKING BACK

2012-02-01T10:10:00.001-08:00

Reinhart from Minnesota sent me these pics of his Triumph before and during, a reverse head comes next thanks to me telling him how easy it is....

FEBRUARY LAURA

2012-02-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

GENTLEMEN LETS BROADEN OUR MINDS

2012-01-31T05:15:00.001-08:00

New issues of Dice and Greasy Kulture arrived today. These are not just magazines they are a public service, bibles to style, fulfillment and a better life. They are also packet of Lights and pint of Peroni cheap and when you've had a cough and a piss they will still be there.
Buy them and open new doors. It may be grey and shite outside but between the covers is sunlight and warmth and Dr Glory. I would buy Dice just for Dr Glory.
They will make you smile, feel good and give you inspiration to dress better and ride your bike more. I know you think like me 'cos your'e reading this.
Do some mousing yer and yer and do it now.
* Note i have no affiliation with either publication just love and admiration.

THE TUESDAY TRITON

2012-01-30T23:54:00.000-08:00

Red frames and green grass.

FLAME GRILL

2012-01-30T04:54:00.001-08:00

Subject....PJS
Photo......JPH
Words.....ODG
Magazine..BSH
Year.......1989

NAKED NEW BETTY

2012-01-29T06:01:00.001-08:00

Not to much to do but a fair bit to learn.
Giving names to bikes is so gay.

GORDON'S ALIVE

2012-01-28T06:25:00.000-08:00

Number plate, kill button and hopefully some tyres from Newark tomorrow and no flash Flash is ready to explore the universe.
Monday update. I bought a kill switch at Newark then found one in a box at work today, also bought stick on number plate letters from the shop in Malton and a pair of tyres off Ebay. Still it was only 180 mile sround trip ...

HOW TO BEND NOT BREAK THE RULES

2012-01-27T05:39:00.000-08:00

Had an evening with Suggs at York Opera House last night courtesy of poorly Guy. Baggy Trousers was our anthem for a weekend the first time i ever went to Amsterdam, no further details of the trip are publishable.

Mr McBLUE SKY

2012-01-27T05:30:00.001-08:00

The latest bundle of photos from Wayne of Murray Customs, a Scotsman living the good life in sunny Western Australia. I cant stop looking at that sky....

WORKSHOP MASTERCHEF

2012-01-26T07:24:00.000-08:00

Take some anodised bolts that you dont like the colour of, a tin cup, £2 worth of Caustic Soda crystals from the local shop and some pliers.
Mix about 1 part soda to 3 parts cold water in the tin, stir it up, chuck the bolts in then fish them out with the pliers after about 3 minutes taking care not to breath the fumes. Wash them off and there you go. Tasteful bolts.
Or you can try getting it off with the polishing wheel which will take ages, burn your fingers and you will probably loose at least one bolt as it gets ripped out of your grip and spat under the bench.

Dont ask about the blue bottle.

VICTORY WHEELERS

2012-01-26T06:01:00.001-08:00

Victory Wheelers 35th South Coast Internationals
8-11th June 2012
Pylewell Park, Lymington, Hampshire

Full details here

CLASS OF '91

2012-01-25T08:27:00.001-08:00

Can you remember what won the Custom Chrome Worlds Shiniest Groke bike of the year award a couple of years ago ? thought not, but everyone remembers the Blat, Bulldog Bash 1991, pics from BSH.

ARSE FIRST. REVERSE HEAD TRIUMPHS

2012-01-24T08:14:00.000-08:00

If you Google reverse head Triumphs you will come up with various internet experts spouting their knowledge on forums and telling you that it doesn't work, they run hot, they burn exhaust valves out, you cant ride in the wet etc etc. I have built and ridden two without problems so make your own choice of who to believe. Sorry if that sounds a bit harsh but people whose only mechanical knowledge comes from sitting in front of a screen then claim to be an expert piss me off.
There is no logical reason for doing it but the general opinion is that drag racers did it first to get a kind of ram effect for the carbs although when they continued to build them reversed with blowers it was more a case of there being more room at the front of the engine for the supercharger and the motor could stay as far back as possible in the frame to aid weight transfer. Whatever they look the tits and that's all we are bothered about here.
I quite often get asked how to do it so here are the basics. before you start you have to get things straight in your mind as to what is going to happen, the crank will rotate as normal and the pistons will go up and down the same as before, they do not know you have altered the flow of the mixture into and out of the combustion chambers.
First off you have to consider the camshafts, on most early engines they are the same profile and are also symmetrical so can be left as they are. If you have a unit motor with points or an early pre-unit with distributor you may have to think it out a bit further, basically the cam at the exhaust side will now be your inlet and vice-verse. I have plenty of info on all Triumph cams so if you are in doubt get in touch.
By far the easiest motor to use is a pre-unit 8 stud with magneto ignition. The ignition has a wasted spark so no problems there, the piston valve cut outs are same back and front and barrels are also symmetrical so can be left as is. Just take the head off and put it on backwards. If you have a 9 stud set up you will need to turn the barrels round also, possibly the pistons as well if they have larger cutouts for the inlet valves.
Next job will be to re-time the cams, as they run at double the crank speed you need to dial them in at 90 degrees from the original marks. This is a pretty basic statement as it will depend on the cams you are using but with mild (say standard Thunderbird) cams it will get you going. One problem you will find straight away is that the number of teeth on the cam wheels is not divisible by 4 so unless you start filing or using offset key ways you cannot get the timing to be exactly 90 degrees from stock. In practice i timed both engines (a 500 unit and a 650 pre-unit) to run with half a tooth of advance on each cam, they both ran fine so i left it at that.
Exhausts are dead easy to make as there are almost no bends. Carburetion is trial and error, on the 500 i had the standard manifold and Concentric which luckily fitted between the frame tubes, on the gold bike i made up an angled manifold with a Monobloc which was probably more useable, it ran without problems even in pouring rain. The only issue was condensation and icing on the longer inlet.
The only real problems you will have are from people who havent a bloody clue what has gone on ! Messing with heads will mess with heads, the ones who think they understand will want to know how you have altered the gearbox to stop the bike running backwards...

If you have ever done one send me a photo and some info and if you want to have a go get in touch at tri650@live.co.uk and i will help if i can although i am not a mechanic so no hard questions !

THE TUESDAY TRITON

2012-01-24T00:11:00.001-08:00

BLANDIT

2012-01-23T09:07:00.000-08:00

'99 Bandit 1200, high miles but well looked after and runs like a Swiss watch. Very clean and tidy with a few glittery extras. Buy it now or breaking later this week.

ANGUS GOES FOR IT UNDER THE DUNLOP BRIDGE

2012-01-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

Donnington 1991. Epic. Who doesnt love AC/DC ?

LEG OVER

2012-01-22T03:06:00.000-08:00

Alex sent me these pics from about 5 years ago. He borrowed Ugly Betty for the day to take some photos for a calendar he was making but i never got to see the results until now. Witness the fitness.

COMMENTS

2012-01-22T03:01:00.000-08:00

I have altered the option so anyone can now leave a comment to a post on here whether you are registered with Google or not. If you do not have a profile please sign your name. Thanks.

WRECKERS BALL

2012-01-21T08:06:00.001-08:00

In a flash of genius Steve and Rob have come up with the "Bag On Yer 'ed Wreck Run". Scheduled for 2nd June. Everyone starts from somewhere round here rides up to the Lakes, camps, drinks some beer and rides home again. Nowt special there but you have to do it on a bike of less than 250cc which has cost less than £250 on the road ready to go. This could be the biggest laugh of the year.
Full details 'ere.

LOVELY BETTY

2012-01-21T05:18:00.000-08:00

New recruit arrived this week. '86 Slabside GSXR1100, frame originally done for Jack Frost (Holeshot Racing) then raced by Craig Mallabone until it blew up in 2004. At that time i bought the remains of the 1340 engine which i ran in Ugly Betty. The bike was later used by Shane Wogan in Ireland with its current Wayne Little big block motor until a couple of years ago. Most of the parts in the current motor came from me at the time.
Having been stood for a while it needs a bit of a freshen up and a paint job but hopefully first outing should be at Kirkbride at the beginning of April. First job is to convert it back to right hand drive, Shane lost his right arm a few years back so operates everything with his left hand. He currently races a Turbo Hayabusa, competitively !

ASTRALITES AND CLASSIC SPRINTER

2012-01-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

Pair of 18" Astralites, later rolled edge type, dead straight with original anodising, great for Brit engined flat tracker.

Sprinter rolling chassis.'60s Honda forks, Tomaselli type adjustable levers, Triumph pre-unit rear wheel with Borrani WM3 18" rim and 4" Avon slick, Honda C50 front wheel with alloy flanged rim (unknown Make) and Avon tyre. Built from all new parts in late '60s and never used. Sell complete or split.
tri650@live.co.uk

FAMILIES

2012-01-19T08:40:00.001-08:00

Phil's dad in 1953. Another man who appreciates the importance of shiny shoes.

Daughter Zac on Simon's Guzzi.

With chips Miss ?

8 HOURS IN YORKSHIRE

2012-01-18T10:38:00.001-08:00

JAMES

2012-01-17T03:23:00.000-08:00

My nephew James had a pretty big bike accident yesterday and is currently in Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney being put back together. Get well soon chap from everyone here.

THE TUESDAY TRITON

2012-01-17T00:31:00.000-08:00

Tritons at Goodwood, thanks to Ollie for the photos.

BLUE MONDAY

2012-01-16T04:54:00.000-08:00

So here we are again, third Monday in January and the most depressing day of the year according to the media, except this time they might just be right.

and people who insist you to ship a heavy part to the Middle East when you have told them you wont, thats rubbish, people who complain when they buy something second hand for a second hand price but expect it to be like new, rubbish, parcel companies that insist Northern Ireland is outside the UK, rubbish, no one having any money because they have spent it on plastic shite for the kids at Christmas but "if you still have it next month i'll buy it then", thats rubbish, half a ton of salt on the road just because we might get a frost, rubbish too, it being another two and a half months before anything in the UK actually happens, rubbish and my Blog comments still not working properly. Guess what? Rubbish.
Roll on Triton Tuesday...Brilliant!

THE 9/16 ths

2012-01-15T08:49:00.000-08:00

Jive break, Hot Rod Hayride 2010. Very late (or very early). Check out the blog

Comment help. I can see coments left on my blog but i cannot comment back, i can sometimes see comments on other blogs and sometimes comment back. Is it Google, my computer, blog layout, God hating on me ? anyone having the same trouble ? if so drop me a line tri650@live.co.uk
ta.

THE ADVENTURES OF BARRIE MCDERMOTT. Pt1

2012-01-14T08:40:00.001-08:00

Leeds Rhinos '95 to '05, Big Barrie to those with respect, Fat Barrie to those without. Not the fittest man in Superleague but made up for it with determination and aggression.
Now head of youth development at Leeds and a sometime Sky Sports pundit who describes every tackle that leaves the ball handler conscious as fair.

WEATHER REPORT SANTA POD

2012-01-13T06:17:00.001-08:00

ALIRALLI 2

2012-01-12T07:07:00.001-08:00

Our Alioli on the Des Winks Trophy Rally at Wombleton airfield on a damp November in 1990. With Kate co-driving she went well before the gearbox tailshaft broke off late in the day.

GORGEOUS GIRDERS

2012-01-11T09:33:00.001-08:00

Just in today. Look to be based on an original set of girders (Norton?) rather than custom fabricated from scratch. Not cheap but you do want them ....

FLASH LUGS AND THE GRINDERMAN

2012-01-11T05:25:00.001-08:00

The Flash looks like its had at least 3 different sidestands in its life without ever getting rid of the previous one. Grinder time, i just have a problem knowing where to stop.

VESPA PAUL

2012-01-10T09:55:00.001-08:00

Paul sent me the top photo when i had Mustangitis a week or so ago. He takes great photos of cars, bikes and people around London, check out his website, you may see yourself.

THE TUESDAY TRITON

2012-01-10T00:23:00.001-08:00

TOONS AND SALES

2012-01-09T05:14:00.001-08:00

Wheelie And The Chopper Bunch, Hanna-Barbera 1974. It was terrible.

WHEELIE.
Full NOS Nitrous kit for any 4 cyl bike (was on Bandit 1200) with Schniz controller. Everything as new apart from foggers.

THE CHOPPER BUNCH.
Twisted leg springers, assorted rear guards, chrome front guard, Goldie silencers, Banana seat, Wipac twin lights on chrome bracket SOLD, twisted chrome side stand SOLD, 6" risers, T bars 7/8" and narrow ace/Z bars 1", 2 x 4.1 x 19" TT100s, Triumph hardtail, 21" wheel, looks like little Honda hub, with Dunlop rib MH90 tyre (like 2.75 Avon), 300/19" Avon new but some cracks.

tri650@live.co.uk

SOME SUNDAY STICKPICS

2012-01-08T08:09:00.001-08:00

Jon, Blakey Ridge. This is not So-Cal this is Nor-Yorks, and this is one beautiful motorcycle.

James, Mona Vale, Sydney.

Eddie, Thame.

Denis, Belgium.

Dalton, Greenville, USA.

Martyn, Wantage. Waiting to be fitted with a pre-unit T100 motor so hopefully making a return some Tuesday in the future.

Rene's Lone Star Sportster, Cypress Texas.

Send your photo to tri650@live.co.uk with your address and in return you get stickers and a small amount of fame.

OLD SKOOL WARNING

2012-01-07T08:51:00.000-08:00

From The Magic brain blogspot.

80's GS

2012-01-07T06:21:00.001-08:00

Jam jar bottomed long faced Deirdre Barlow/Langton/Rachid and unpopular Radio 1 tennis playing toss bag homophobe DJ Mike Read lookalike poses with newly purchased GS1000 sometime in the late '80s. The bike probably stayed like this for about a week before i rebuilt and re-painted it as photo 2.
In the background is a BMW 316 in which i went to Santa Pod Euro Finals and lost the keys having to scrounge a lift home then go back (400 mile round trip) next day with van and trailer.
Paint on our workshop doors was very shiny too.

MURRAY MINT

2012-01-06T04:56:00.001-08:00

British Rallycross Grand Prix 1985.

FLASH GORDON, QUARTERBACK, NEW YORK JETS

2012-01-05T06:08:00.000-08:00

The no flash Gold Flash, starting to go back together. Finished end of January (maybe February).

RIGID TRIUMPHS

2012-01-04T08:55:00.001-08:00

See my Ebay sales, top right.

CUSTOM BIKE MAGAZINE SUMMER 1992

2012-01-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

Tucked away in a small part of my senility are a few bikes from long gone magazines and this is one of them. Bobbits A10, i do like people who dont take building customs too seriously. Nice shiny boots too.

I dug the magazine out today and found there is also an article on Jeff Murphy's Pan. Over the past couple of years people have told me about this bike, turns out i knew it all along.

MORE DIRTY A10s

2012-01-03T10:10:00.001-08:00

Craig from Birmingham's joined the movement.

THE TUESDAY TRITON

2012-01-03T00:16:00.001-08:00

HELMETS

2012-01-02T04:10:00.001-08:00

Kangol, gold metalflake, shell OK but lining poor. Probably a 58 with lining re-done. ACU sticker but i dont recon you would get it through scrutineering. £30.
CAN, probably Chinese, new and unworn, 58-60. Decent looking helmet with EtR stickers. £30
Dammtrax (Japan) silver with star and vari tint green bubble. Dice, Linkert Tewkesbury and Phsyco Wheels Osaka stickers, 58-60. Only worn a handful of times. Nice comfy lid. £65 with bubble £45 without. SOLD
Post worldwide, £8 to UK. tri650@live.co.uk

NORTH EAST DIRT FEVER

2012-01-01T12:08:00.001-08:00

We have no deserts but we got moors ! Turns out Steve from Newcastle is on the same path as me, seat £1 at Ruffoth jumble, awesome.

WHITE RABBITS

2012-01-01T06:11:00.001-08:00

Apologies for the photo (it represents the dark and dismal New Years Day here in the UK) but this is my New Year project A10 Gold Flash Desert Racer/Flat Track/Street Scrambler. Back to real EtR with this one, hopefully on the road for an all in budget of two grand by selling the parts i dont need to finance the stuff i do. Biggest expense will be hi level two down one side pipes that will be here next week, they may be a bit bright for the functional look but an open primary should help 'em bed in. More photos soon, on a brighter day.

As promised the January Laura.

SAD ANNIVERSARY

2011-12-31T05:31:00.001-08:00

Two years ago today i started Eat the Rich UK posting my only photo of my first bike, a C12 taken in 1968.
There wasnt really a game plan but somehow we are still going. The first year saw 70,000 page views according to the Google machine and we are now up to nearly 250,000 so a least i'm not talking to myself.
The Scarlett designed stickers and Ts we got this year have been a success, if you want some i'm sure you know what to do.
Thanks as always to everyone for dropping in, leaving comments and sending photos, keep them coming and i hope your New Year is a good one.

Sadly we got news last night of the death of Paddy Bentley following a road accident. A boyfriend of my eldest daughter Becca for a while he was the happiest most friendly bloke you would ever want to meet, i probably only saw him 3 or 4 times a year but he would always make a chance meeting into a full on reunion. Everyone in this town will miss him. RIP.

CALENDAR GIRL

2011-12-30T10:40:00.001-08:00

One evening last summer Laura borrowed my BSA to use in some photos for a calendar she was making as a present for her man Chris. He knew nothing about it until last Friday so we had to have a media blackout until now. The finished article is a corker, hopefully i will publish the pages on here at the start of each month. How long do you recon it will be before i forget ?
These are just a few pics i took on the night, Scotty's are a whole lot better..

HIT YOURSELF ROUND THE EARS AND RUB SOAP IN YOUR EYES

2011-12-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

Treat yourself to full screen and full volume. Your late Christmas present from me via Nitro America.

READERS PHOTOS

2011-12-29T05:17:00.001-08:00

Vespa Paul on Chelsea bridge, more of Paul's photos coming soon.

Bens brilliant little BMXped Pucher, London.

Adam, south.

Roland's B31, France.

Oliver. Same Oliver as XS progress a few days ago.

Sjoerd, Netherlands. Tried to email you for address to send the stickers but mail just keeps being returned by the system.

Pat, Swindon. Just bought an A10 Flash and a load of engine parts from Pat, a top bloke.

GAY BIKERS ON TEA

2011-12-28T07:45:00.000-08:00

1964. The Leather Boys struggle to hit 3 figures on the North Circular, Reggie struggles with Pete's sexuality (another Pete) and Rita Tush' struggles with her hair.
The book had consensual Lewis leather shirt lifting but the film censors of the pre-swinging '60s allowed only one gay in the village.
Here are the best bits with some good footage of the original Ace cafe, London fog and Mike Baldwin off of Coro'.

MARIE

2011-12-27T07:40:00.001-08:00

Magnificent in the 80s but now given in to celebrity shiny chipmunk cheeks and tax disc holder lips.

NORTH WEALD AUG 2011

2011-12-27T02:36:00.000-08:00

Jenny Linn-Cole's photos from North Weald Bike Fest last August, somewhere else i should be next year.

THE TUESDAY TRITON

2011-12-27T01:56:00.001-08:00

BE MERRY

2011-12-23T07:12:00.001-08:00

XS PROGRESS

2011-12-23T05:02:00.001-08:00

Ollie's XS650 before and after. Not finished yet, are they ever ?
Over the years i have sometimes been faintly embarrassed by the custom bikes built in the UK compared with say the US and Scandinavia, the 4" thick billet yoke, wide glide, short forked, wide barred, everything too big, themed paint, 3 spokers in an Evo chop sort of crap. The engineering talent has always been there but it seemed as if people never stood back to look at their work as the bike progressed. All change. I guess the internet has helped greatly but now Britain has style.
Bikes like Ollies show how you dont need a fully equipped workshop and spray booth, if you have hand tools and an eye for whats right you can build a cool bike. Go and do it.
Merry Christmas and no offence like...

TODDYS GIXXER

2011-12-22T09:22:00.000-08:00

Andy Todds' GSXR11. Made PB magazines top 10 best modified GSXRs nearly 20yrs ago. Just makes you want to jump on and be antisocial.
A few years down the line he went on to become half of Martek engineering taking UK Streetfighters to a whole new level.

IN LOVING MEMORY

2011-12-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

A year ago today

ROCKSOLID

2011-12-21T05:15:00.000-08:00

Hugo Pereira and his brother worked in the UK for a few years for Nick Gale building high end Harley Customs for the rich and famous but are now living out their dream back home in Leiria, Portugal with their own custom shop. They started Rocksolid Motorcycles 3 months ago building quality bikes for down to earth people. They take a good photo too.
Hugo misses the great British autojumble but not as much as i miss the great Mediterranean sun.

They have a couple of great blogs, take a look at Rocksolid and Cestos Team.

BLACK WINDOWS

2011-12-20T12:40:00.001-08:00

ULTIMATE ALTERNATIVE TRITON TUESDAY

2011-12-20T08:17:00.001-08:00

I still haven't bought myself a bike, I'm working on the principle that when the right thing comes along i will know. I have missed out on a couple of Tritons and passed on a Bandit turbo but nothing has made me wildly excited. There were quite a few Norvins round here back in the early 70s but now Dick (owner of the middle bike) owns them all and he doesnt sell bikes.....and he is looking fitter than me so no doors opening there.

THE TUESDAY TRITON

2011-12-20T00:21:00.001-08:00

BEAUTY IN DECAY

2011-12-19T09:04:00.000-08:00

Urbex (Urban Exploration) is basically gaining entry to old disused buildings and taking photos. There's a lot more to it than that, those who do it will travel thousands of miles looking for new previously unseen sites of dereliction. The top picture of the gas masks was taken at Chernobyl*, being a totally deserted town it is a mecca for Urbexers whose code of honour is to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.
I had never heard of it until Ellis showed me a book last weekend. I don't propose to post a load of links, have a Google over the holidays or if you have no interest at all just wish you knew where that scrapyard was.
*A search for images of Chernobyl is not a good idea if you want a good nights sleep

WANTED

2011-12-18T12:23:00.001-08:00

Photos, projects, vehicles past and present, current builds whatever you think may be suitable to put on here and if you have a business you want plugging drop me details.
All year i meet people who tell me they have things for me, now's your chance. Between Christmas and New Year it will be cold and miserable, the best time to mail me your stuff.......tri650@live.co.uk
and you will get stickers !

RUNNING REPAIRS

2011-12-18T04:20:00.000-08:00

From Tewkesbury this year.

THIS IS THE BOOK THAT MUST HAPPEN TO YOU

2011-12-17T08:22:00.000-08:00

The best book i read last year and this year 'cos i read it again. Bike journalist Dan Walsh did what people dream of and set off on a bike firstly to Africa and then an epic 2 year journey from Canada through the US and down through South America as far as Buenos Aires where his bike and luck ran out. He travelled without GPS, spares, maps or even a licence and just about got away with it. It's not the usual travel book, as much a story of the people he met along the way as the places he passed through.
I tracked down Dan at Rollerburn and introduced myself, he was the big guy with the girl filming the event. It wasnt a great meeting of literary minds (there was only one there for a start), i said i loved the book, he said thanks.
Read it over Christmas and wonder why you never did something like this...

7/11

2011-12-17T08:06:00.000-08:00

1991 GSXR750 Streetfighter with 1127 motor, supposedy 1216 Wiseco but no proof apart from it goes like hell. 40mm Mikunis with St3 Dynojet and KNs, Dyna coils, WP swingarm, very clean and tidy but crap paint. Breaking next week unless you have a fancy..

THEY SHOOT HORSES

2011-12-16T08:32:00.001-08:00

Last week i bought a van from a guy in Wakefield and made the mistake of looking at his '67 Mustang. So now do i want one ? , only one i could find in budget was this brokeback fastback, £1200 buy it now on Ebay, looked again today and its gone. How drunk do you have to be to think this is a good idea ?

INTERIOR DESIGN

2011-12-16T05:38:00.001-08:00

At this years Hayride.

YOUR CHRISTMAS PRESENT

2011-12-15T04:08:00.000-08:00

Kawasaki Z750 twin 1976. Imported from US but last owner couldnt get it to spark so left it in the garden for a year. Looks about all there, everything is sound but rusty. Fork stanchions are good, front disc looks new, engine turns over.
First person with 400 quid gets a good winter project. Chopper, Cafe Racer, Bobber blah blah.......or of course you know whats going to happen to it.. tri650@live.co.uk

CHOPPING WOOD

2011-12-15T00:46:00.001-08:00

Chris sent me this, i'm not going to talk about it.

NORTHERN UPROAR

2011-12-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

Probably my favourite car at Dragstalgia in July was Dave Evans Doomsday Impala and it was good to see it was in the running for the Eurodragster best appearing car award. Theres something about car the size of an aircraft carrier going that quick.

Good film about the cars history and development finishing with a ride up the strip.

ADVENT CALENDAR

2011-12-13T09:11:00.000-08:00

If you are missing being little and having an advent calendar Stefans blog is the place to be, you'll have to get your own chocolates though.

ALTERNATIVE TRITON TUESDAY

2011-12-13T05:43:00.001-08:00

Norbsa, Norfield and Tribsa.

THE TUESDAY TRITON

2011-12-13T01:02:00.001-08:00

GLORIA

2011-12-12T05:06:00.001-08:00

Bono unshaded, when did he shrink ?. I went to the Zooropa and Achtung Baby extravaganzas but U2 were never better than this.

ANSWER

2011-12-12T04:53:00.001-08:00

1914 Williamson. Douglas engine so plenty of people were nearly right. Before 1914 they didnt have a kickstart, no i dont know either. Lots of entries, first correct (after 3 goes each) were Daz and Toddy, both within an hour of posting it, so both got a shirt'cos i'm kind.

FREE T COMPETITION

2011-12-11T03:15:00.001-08:00

Tell me the make and year of this motorcycle. Competition not open to anyone with any connection with WEAB Motorcycles, Malton ! Answers to tri650@live.co.uk first correct wins a T shirt.