The History Of MOTORCYCLE: THE ‘BLUE BIKE’ VINCENT

One of the maximum well-known Vincent bikes of all time has simply gone up on the market. Marty Dickerson’s Rapide—excellent known as the ‘Blue bike’—is on show at Altai, a layout studio in l.  A.

The History Of MOTORCYCLE: THE ‘BLUE BIKE’ VINCENT 

The Blue motorbike has an illustrious records to match its beautiful looks. It’s a ‘series B’ journeying Rapide that became raced for nearly 1/2 a century, finishing with a final stint at Bonneville in 1997. Marty Dickerson himself changed into a tremendous 67.

The History Of MOTORCYCLE Classic

Dickerson offered this Vincent bike in 1948 whilst he became a mere 18 years vintage, attracted by using its recognition as the quickest motorbike in the international. He fast pressed the motorbike into provider, taking over the best avenue-racers and drag motorcycles in Southern California. And he perpetually crossed the road first, leaving installed reputations in tatters. The Vincent motorbike dealership in Burbank, suffering with non-existent sales and inventory languishing in showrooms, took notice—and hired Dickerson to race during the southwest states in a drive to elevate interest in the marque.

The History Of MOTORCYCLE: THE ‘BLUE BIKE’ VINCENT 

Within the early Fifties the salt malicious program bit Dickerson and he went after the velocity information. The Vincent become repainted in its now acquainted colorations, and from that factor on, became known as the ‘Blue bike.’ In 1953 Dickerson took the magnificence ‘C’ file with a median of 147.58mph, a mark that stood for over two decades until a alternate of policies and fuel grade allowed a trick Kawasaki to eventually beat it.

The History Of MOTORCYCLE: THE ‘BLUE BIKE’ VINCENT  

The History Of MOTORCYCLE: THE ‘BLUE BIKE’ VINCENT 

The History Of MOTORCYCLE: THE ‘BLUE BIKE’ VINCENT 

Paul d’Orléans, writing for The Vintagent website, stated: “The wide variety of bikes global which have persisted severe opposition for fifty years may be counted on one hand. Within this very special group, machines that have taken international facts at Bonneville, and cemented the recognition of a whole logo in recognizably inventory form, can be counted on one finger. The Blue motorcycle is unique.”

The Vincent motorbike is on the market at Altai design.

Classic motorcycle "VINCENT RAPIDE"

The cutting-edge motorbike to be wheeled into the studio of French master photographers Guerry & Prat is this 1951 Vincent Rapide. And it suits their signature monochromatic style perfectly. While it seemed in 1946, the Vincent Rapide became the fastest production motorbike on sale, with a top velocity of 110mph. The proprietor of the Vincent within the image sold his motorbike 20 years in the past whilst it turned into in a completely sorry country, and spent ten years restoring it. In keeping with Vincent Prat, “The only important gear of its owner are a drill and a vise, but endurance and perfectionism have allowed him to obtain a excessive degree of excellence.” The 998cc V-twin is authentic apart from some details, together with an Alton generator and enhancements to oil filtration, and the bike is ridden frequently.






The story of the Vincent motorbike is nicely documented, so I’ll simply depart you with these adorable pix, excited about a 22-megapixel segment One camera. If simplest greater classic motorcycles had been captured so well. [For more examples of Guerry & Prat photographic brilliance, check out this Honda CB450 and of course the CP Project #1 Triton.

More Vincent shots below and on the Southsiders MC blog.]

THE CLASSIC NEW BROUGH SUPERIORS

If you follow the classic motorcycling scene, you’ll know that the Brough Superior name has been revived by Austrian-based businessman and motorcycling enthusiast Mark Upham. These bikes are meticulous recreations of the originals, and built to the same Rolls-Royce quality standard as George Brough’s own machines. The ‘new’ engines are liter-class OHV V-twins—updated and refined versions of the J.A.P. racing engine used by George Brough in 1927. And finally, these new Broughs are slowly getting the photographic attention they deserve—as the Vincent Prat images below show.

The four new Broughs were shot on the banks of the River Seine in October. The odd man out in this set is the bike with the heavily dropped ‘bars, in the image below. Known as the ‘Basil Brough’, it’s based on a 1928 model Superior. It was originally built by Chris Williams of Autocycle in the UK, a company that supplies useful spares for restoration. ‘Basil’ was built for sidecar racing, and runs on methanol. Mark Upham’s crew completely rebuilt the machine in 2008, to the extent of re-tubing the frame—which now has extra struts to handle the stresses of a ‘chair’. For more images and information about the bikes, check out the product pages on the Brough Superior website. I’m thinking of putting my name down for the bike in the final shot below, a ‘Pendalpine’ built in 2008 and based on the 1926 SS100.

Thanks to Paul d’Orléans and Jared Zaugg. Images by Vincent Prat of Guerry & Prat Images. Taken during a shoot by Nick Clements for Men’s File magazine.

Classic SCOOTER Of "MANURHIN"

While i used to be a lad growing up inside the North of britain, the Mod Revival changed into in complete swing. Scooters have been everywhere, typically heading down the M1 motorway for weekend trips to the south coast hotels. 

At that time, I couldn’t inform the difference between a Vespa and a Lambretta, so goodness is aware of if this type of exceeded by. The first two snap shots come from Vincent of Southsiders, who noticed this gadget at a swap meet in France. A touch digging round reveals an thrilling records: we’re looking at a model of the German DKW interest scooter, built underneath licence with the aid of the French gunmaker Manufacture de Machines du Haut-Rhin—higher referred to as Manurhin. They started constructing the interest in 1956, incorporating locally made components and rebranding the machine as the Manurhin MR75 in Europe and the harmony within the united kingdom. In line with the sales notes organized for a Manurhin offered by using the English auction house Bonhams—for the princely sum of £253—this scooter “become constructed to a high preferred and have to had been one of the first bikes to be painted electrostatically, a system generally referred to as ‘powder coating’. While DKW ceased production of the hobby, Manurhin persevered with its version, which in 1957 occupied 0.33 place within the european scooter income chart in the back of Lambretta and Vespa.” It’s a lovely machine, and that cute French blue paint—which seems original on nearer inspection—adds to the patina. [Thanks to Vincent Prat. See also shots further below of a slightly different but equally beautiful Manurhin, the single-seater SM75, taken by Toulouse-based Flickr member Mr Beuts.]

Classic AJS 18 Of Year 1949

There’s some thing to be said for a simple, traditional British thumper, and they don’t get an awful lot less difficult than this. It’s a 1949 AJS 18, despatched in via Vincent from the Southsiders MC. The 498cc 4-stroke thumper turned into one of the closing massive-selling British singles earlier than the enterprise turned to twins, however the AJS 18 changed into truly designed earlier than WW2—so it changed into three many years antique by the point production stopped in 1966. This specific version belongs to Polo Garat, a famous photographer from the Basque u . S . A .; the guys shot it throughout a latest weekend even as crossing over the stunning Pyrenean mountains. The bike has been stored in a barn for the beyond ten years, but become ridden every day in the 80s and 90s—and wheeled out for longer travels too, no matter the inflexible rear give up. I will simply imagine this one putt-putting leisurely over the hills, and then parked up in front of a café in an historic city rectangular. Have a extraordinary weekend. [Thanks to Vincent Prat.]

Motor Classic "VELOCETTE MSS 500"

It seems so extraordinary now, but earlier than the 1960s, dirt motorcycles typically had the identical chassis as their avenue-going counterparts. And if you wanted a motorbike to race, you can order a fundamental engine and frame from the factory, after which end the gadget in your very own specification.

In France, you were called a “compé-customer,” or opposition patron. And that’s how this lovely 1955 Velocette Scrambler commenced its lifestyles. Owned by a pal of Vincent Prat (of the Southsiders MC), it turned into ridden by means of a local pilot for several seasons till the frame broke beneath the stresses of off-street opposition.

This particular Scrambler become a manufacturing facility-built machine based at the MSS 500. Strength turned into boosted from 18 to 35 hp, thanks to additives from the more powerful Venom—such as the camshaft. The motorbike is also jogging a BTH Racing Magneto and an similarly rare Amal 10TT9 carburetor.

According to Vincent, the Velocette languished in the back of a garage for several years after the frame became damaged. Inside the Nineteen Sixties, a mechanic grew to become the damaged rear frame into a lever-armed shock absorber, and the Velocette became once again pressed into opposition.

The bike could not be installation efficaciously, and it became bought on in frustration. It changed into exceeded from one proprietor to any other, every one placing his personal stamp on it—consisting of a brand new seat, and a gas tank from a Motobécane.

The Velocette is now in safe hands, even though. The cutting-edge owner is part-manner thru a complete healing, and the frame and antique “mono-shock” may be well optimized.

Isn’t it good to realize that there are nevertheless people out there who care?

Photography by means of Benoit Guerry, © Guerry & Prat pix.

STREET TRACKER STYLE - Reborn Of "THE HARLEY DYNA"

When the Spanish workshop Radical Ducati closed in 2014, we feared it might be the ultimate of Pepo Rosell’s wonderful paintings. His thirteen-yr partnership with Reyes Ramon produced a number of the quality ever custom Ducatis.

STREET TRACKER STYLE - Reborn Of "THE HARLEY DYNA"

Happily, after a 12-month hiatus, the Frenchman has resurfaced to launch a brand new workshop—extreme Pepo. He’s still primarily based in Madrid, however has a greater relaxed approach to commercial enterprise.

In an effort to interrupt far from his past, Pepo has started running on unique platforms. And he’s proved that his ability stretches properly beyond the confines of Ducati. His Triumph speed Triple changed into the start line, however if that unexpected maneuver didn’t stir up some vintage Radical fans, his ultra-modern paintings honestly will.

STREET TRACKER STYLE - Reborn Of "THE HARLEY DYNA"

‘Gabrielle’ is Pepo’s first ever Harley-Davidson build, and it’s a complete departure from his Radical Ducati fashion.

“I want to construct motorcycles using all kinds of engines and types,” Pepo tells us. “I want to expose that I’m no longer without a doubt ‘Mr Radical Ducati.’ I’m also able to ‘XTRemize’ any motorcycle—and what may be farther eliminated from my earlier work than a Harley-Davidson?”

Gabrielle isn’t only a project into a new platform though. In this 2000-version Dyna awesome go with the flow, Pepo has also delivered a sprint of street tracker style.

The build started when a purchaser dropped his Dyna off on the XTR workshop. His best request was that the motorbike need to be capable of carry a passenger, and it ought to have a wide set of handlebars.

Pepo set to work. “I wanted to make a eu-fashion bike with a similar look to a Vincent. I didn’t need to make a typical Harley-Davidson. I’m also very keen on bobbers and dust music bikes—like the XR750—so that they prompted this build as well.”

STREET TRACKER STYLE - Reborn Of "THE HARLEY DYNA"

No XTR Pepo build might be whole with out overall performance tweaks, and Gabrielle isn't any exception. “The engine and braking were optimized, and it’s as mild as feasible—for easy driving on mountain roads.”

To upgrade the Dyna’s front end, Pepo has mounted a fixed of Suzuki GSX-R forks and yokes. The front brakes are a heady mix: Hayabusa 6-piston calipers, custom made 320mm rotors, high overall performance Fren Tubo brake traces, and a GSX-R lever meeting.

The retuned carb breathes freely thru a custom made mesh clear out. It spits out an unashamed v-twin rumble thru custom-made 2-into-1 exhaust headers and a muffler with a removable neighbor-pleasant dB killer. And to make sure all that strength can be accessed with a flick of the wrist, there’s a Gonelli brief-open throttle.

The request for two-up driving intended modifying the rear subframe to aid a changed seat lifted from a Mash 500, a small-volume retro-style motorbike offered in France.

With the rear fender long gone, Pepo fabricated a custom wide variety plate mount to shield the rider from avenue dirt.

STREET TRACKER STYLE - Reborn Of "THE HARLEY DYNA"

To drop some weight, the hefty stock battery has been changed by means of a lithium version; it’s hooked up in a custom field at the back of the race-fashion range plates. Up the front is any other flat-track-style racing wide variety, assisting a custom-made headlight with a yellow lens.

Classic motocross-fashion bars are paired with Gonelli herbal rubber grips. Pepo’s stored them tidy via mounting the speedo and oil stress gauge to the frame, beside the rider’s left thigh. He’s additionally changed the bulky Harley transfer blocks with compact Motogadget units.

To enhance the racing aesthetic, the bulky Dyna fuel tank turned into next to head. In its place, Pepo has positioned a changed Yamaha SR500 tank—with a widened tunnel to sit over the boxy spine. (The lustrous paint is through Artenruta, one of Spain’s top custom motorbike painters.)

The final tweak (and a beneficial weight improvement) comes from swapping the fantastic flow’s solid wheels for spoked rims. They’re now sporting Pirelli’s MT66 route sixty six rubber.

Satisfied with the result, Pepo is now searching at the Harley platform differently. And we might be be seeing extra Harleys from his new assignment.

This Dyna custom may not have the same aggressive racetrack enchantment of the novel Ducati bikes, however we assume Pepo can be directly to some thing. What brand could you want to look him address subsequent?

Image By : XTR Pepo

Classic NORTON COMMANDO In Year 1973

A friend of mine ascribes the current decline within the variety of younger motorcyclists to the relentless advertising and marketing of jap sportbikes within the 1980s. Those machines, unlike most that preceded them, had no room for a pillion. The daddy—or uncle, or grandfather—could not take the teen out for a journey. Such a lot of children by no means were given a flavor for the specific thrills of motorcycling.

It’s an exciting idea, and that i reckon there’s a few reality in it. So I constantly experience hearing a story in which the daddy has handed on his passion to a son or daughter.

Classic NORTON COMMANDO In Year 1973

today, this 1973 Norton Commando is owned by way of Florent Graglia of Toulouse, but it used to belong to his father, who rode it from 1975 to 1982. “when my brother become born,” Graglia recalls, “this bike became parked in a storage near fine. The motorbike slept there for about 28 years. At Christmas 2010, I stated to myself, that mythical bike is there, and it’s my legacy! I have to do something”.

Classic NORTON COMMANDO In Year 1973

With the help of his brother, Graglia resurrected the Norton and transported it from satisfactory to Toulouse. But the bike become not in top condition, and needed sympathetic hands to restore it. So Graglia contacted Vincent Prat from the Southsiders MC, and the recovery started.

Classic NORTON COMMANDO In Year 1973 

Classic NORTON COMMANDO In Year 1973

After months of work, the motorcycle became finished and kicked into lifestyles. “i can’t sincerely describe the feeling I had the first time I rode it,” says Graglia. “I made a leap 37 years again within the past, to while my Dad offered this bike and rode around the Mediterranean, wearing my mother over the steep roads of the first-rate back u . S . A ..”

Head over to the Southsiders MC website for greater photos and the total tale. And in case you’ve got a son or daughter, take ’em out for a experience this weekend.

Classic OF "EXCELSIOR MANXMAN"

Maximum vintage bikes appearance spindly and fragile. Others look bulbous and unbalanced to fashionable eyes. But a pick out few—Vincent covered—look hunkered-down and practical, and strangely contemporary: their aesthetic balance has endured.

Excelsior is a name that may be introduced to that list, as long as you get the right Excelsior—because there are at least 8 bike manufacturers who have used that emblem name (which means lofty, or higher) in the beyond. The 1937 Excelsior we’re searching at right here became produced by way of Britain’s very first motorbike maker—the company of Bayliss, Thomas and Co. The organization has an interesting records: after making its call with penny-farthing bicycles, the Coventry-primarily based outfit created the Excelsior motorbike logo in 1910. 

3 years later, on the eve of the tremendous conflict, it added out an 800 cc single cylinder motorbike—the largest manufacturing single ever to be made. Excelsior used engines from the likes of japanese, Blackburne and Villiers, and following the war, took to the racetrack to sell their bikes. After experimenting with a Blackburne-made racing engine, Excelsior created a easier and sturdier design of its own—the Manxman. This thumper become produced in capacities of 249, 348 and 498 cc, and the system featured right here is the ‘big’ Manxman. The business enterprise closed in 1965, however there are nevertheless a few early fashions around. The motorcycle inside the images become lately offered by way of the main Dutch dealer Yesterdays, and defined as a “well-restored, notable speedy gadget”. If you have a couple of minutes to spare and prefer traditional bikes, the Yesterdays internet site is nicely really worth investigating. [Via Ze Last Chance Garage.]