Good show old chap

 Manawatu Classic Motorcycle show 2010

(Click on pictures for full resolution)

It was a good show, and there were more old chaps than you could poke a walking stick at. Seems like a geriatrics hobby to own british these days. There were some nice bikes indeed, mostly stockers, few specials. The Bonny was by far the most numerous model of anything in the show, there was at least a dozen  or more of those.. but they were ALL good.

Only one lonley Norton Commando in 70s orange represented the best British twin of all time.. yes only one! While there was only two BSA unit twins - a late 60s and an oif lightning - and two Rocket 3's, there were plenty of ancient machines.

 I had to concede the necessity of filling up the hall for the show, unfortunately this meant giving some display space to a cluster of modern machines, including a couple of american billet barge monstrosities, a few new triumphs, a couple of new MV Agustas, and even some hideous oriental custom!

The Japanese vintage representation was good however, a bunch of Kawasaki H2s in nicely restored condition, and a number of VMX machines which brought back memories of all the dirt bikes I wanted when I was younger. I didnt take any photos of these, apologies to the Jap vintage fans out there..

The road and race specials were my personal favourites from a perfect Metisse to a JAP engined Zenith, an awesome supercharged pre-unit, and even a norton powered TQ!

The swap meet on sunday was certainly nothing to behold. I arrived right on 8am to find only a couple of other sellers there. Rain threatened, and I figured most of the old farts would be still looking for their slippers and morning paper by that time. The vultures swooped on my vehicle and surrounded me while I was trying to unload, then deciding the carcass was not worth picking, they buzzed off to the next wagon that rolled into the carpark. A few more people eventually turned up, and it rained. I sold a sum total of $80 worth of stuff I didnt want, and spent a sum total of $80 on more stuff! I think the next swap is at Feilding in October? All in all, worth the trip into town and the $5 entry. See you next year!

PS - i didnt get the BSA finished in time for the show. You didnt actually think I would have, did you?

BSA Scrambler update, 1 week to go

Last week before the Show and this is all Ive got.. My tank and guard still need a couple of coats of paint, Im missing a front wheel and I havent made the seat yet..

Looking very shiny, but will it go?

Another Hamco built wheel. BSA QD hub, Alloy and 4.10x18 import tyre.

Pretty looking fork adapters fitting the Honda legs to the BSA Yokes. Obviously, a complicated answer to a simple problem, but thats the essence of building a special, right?

Cars are ok

While I was supposed to be at work on saturday, after a lame excuse phone call to the boss why I wouldnt be there, me and my hangover went to the Palmy Hot Rod Club show and swap at Manfield Park. Gates opened at 8, so I strolled in after 12, partly because thats how organised I am, and partly so I didnt have to pay to get in..

Show and Swap this month!

Photos wanted

If anyone out there has some old 'blast from the past' style photos like they publish in Twin Eagle, Id like to add a history page, focusing mainly on brit bikes in New Zealand.
Also, photos and documents needed for the Tech Info page. Cheers.

The Stuff

Some new pics for The Girls. If you have some decent photos of the fairer sex and motorcycles, share! Tasteful pics only, cheers.

Tool envy

Like any good motorcyclist, I like tools. We need them. They are necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle, like food. I know you understand, try convincing the missus. I like browsing tools shops like she does the clothing store, trying on hand tools and accessories to see if they complete me. I usually convince myself that I need to buy something. Because I do.
Recently I went out to get a wire brush and spent over a hundred bucks on tools instead. In the end I got the wrong brush. But did I take it back? No. I might need it for something later..
But I digress..

Nothing better to do

It is a typical Manawatu winter sunday, and as much as I was looking foward to getting the Commando out of its shed today, I think I'll just hope for better conditions next weekend. Now Im no stranger to winter riding, Ive ridden around during a few Christchurch winters - with the excepetion of snow or ice - but when you're likely to be blown right off the road, the enjoyment of motorcycling is diminished to the point where you may as well stay at home and get to work fixing something. Or.. spend a few spare hours gazing at the computer screen. So, if you havent found enough already, you'll want to browse the what cool blogs yall checkin out? thread on the JJ Forums.

Sweet

If you have ever seen a bike which has influenced your opinion on motorcycles then for me this is one of those bikes. Before this all I could think about was my Commando and what I could do with it. Id always liked the Meridan Machines, but this is what really got me going onto my own Triumph custom. I'm sure I'll get around to rebuilding the Norton eventually, but putting together a sweet bobbed style Triumph has been Project Number One since late last year when I brought the first piece of the puzzle, a hacked up '68 frame. If you havent altready, check out the article from TCM about one of the best bobbers you'll see, even if its not your thing, you cant argue with a motorcycle like this!

In Memory of Johnny Cash TShirt. I got mine. Get yours from lowbrow here !

Buy it

All for sale items relisted today. Go here to buy stuff. You know you need it.

In other news, I came across these great pics on Cyril Huze blog. Pics by John Adams taken at the annual Riding into History Concours 2010 see the Gallery and you'll want to go out and clean your bike. Or have a beer on the couch. Its up to you.

Blues

  Saw two great sets from Darcy Perry and his band yesterday at the Celtic in Palmy North. Great bloke, he remembered me giving him a lift hitching about ten years ago! Scored 3 signed albums for $20. I then made the mistake of venturing out into dirty old palmy until closing time. Now I remember why I dont miss the nightlife here. I should've saved the money for the bike.. I had planned to get back to the Celtic today to catch Bullfrog Rata, but it was easier to stay asleep then get up for a burger and some tv. Slacker.

PROJECT ONE

Made from nothing. Into... still nothing.
Bird Hardtail : 4" over, 2.5" drop. Biltwell seat, 4" springs. "68 frame, preunit yokes. The engine will depart once mocking up is complete and my new one arrives. Its a late sixties piece with a single carb head.

Wheely wheely good

Wheels for Project Numero Uno complete. Montessa front hub laced with new spokes up to 21" Akront, Speedmaster Rubber. Triumph bolt up hub rear with 18" Italian alloy, Dunlop K81.

Thanks to Craig at Hamco!

Not mine...

...but I picture I found on the JJ board which I look at occasionly to remind me to do something more with the bsa. It will look much like this, minus sidecovers, smaller seat, maybe the suzuki forks fitted if I can find a fork yoke solution to make them fit. And painted blue. Ok so it wont look much like this at all.

Where am I?

New links & Logos added. Came across Steve's Stockers; some good pics of great bikes. Man and Machine still looking somewhat bland. Perhaps I should learn the ways of paint shop pro and writing html and such newfangled wizardry, or perhaps I should find someone to do it for me. More likely.
Just recieved GK issue 13 in the mail. Too many old barges, too few brits in this one Im afraid. Ordered backissues 3&4 from Lowbrow, along with another batch of bits and pieces for project #1..

Project BSA tracker update

Set the table, Mr Beeza is coming for dinner.

Not much of an update, but its in bits now..

TRIBSA

Trident engine in a BSA frame. So it seems. Well photographed at least..

BSA

Here is another machine for the collection. It may have once been a flat track racer when it lived the US, and that was most likely when it last turned a wheel under its own power. It has since resisded under a staircase, but now it is mine. The year and model are unknown. Indeed. I refer you to the odd engine numbers. I have made enquires upon the board of those that know such things, and I await either something informative, some sort of jest or even sympathy..

What will I do with such a contraption? I am currently residing near the coast, and thus large quantities of sand. Summer is upon us. I am confident I shall find a use for it...