The Vintagent Original: Stories We Need to Tell.
MODEL X (2017)
Run Time: 2:31
Executive Producer: Paul d’Orléans / The Vintagent
Producer: Emily Dulla
Director of Photography: David Martinez
Director: David Martinez
Cast: Paul d’Orléans, 1934 Matchless Model
FILM MAKERS
SUMMARY
Paul d’Orléans discusses the allure of riding an old motorcycle, in this case a beautiful, Art Deco-inspired 1933 Matchless Model X, loaned by San Francisco’s Charlie Taylor. The Matchless is ridden from San Francisco, across the Golden Gate Bridge, over Mt. Tamalpais, and to Tomales Bay for a lunch of oysters!
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A boy dreams of riding a motorcycle.
Ahhh old motorcycles move us all in many ways. It is hard to explain, working on them, starting them, figuring out just the right way they want to be started, learning what smells and sounds are good and which signal it is time to stop and have a look. They are like meeting entities or shadows from a bygone era each with a story.
Who really can explain passion accurately but that is the word that best comes to mind when I am wrapped up with and old motor bike.
Thanks! Paul
I recently bought a 1969 BSA Firebird – not an old bike by Paul’s standards, but old nevertheless. I had one when I was 20-21. I got it in original condition, cleaned off some rust, replaced some worn parts, rebuilt the carburetors, repainted the tank and side covers in the original brilliant BSA red, and shined up the chrome. I love this bike – that a person can love an inanimate object is perhaps a sign of emotional decrepitude. But when I kick the bike over it becomes a living being. It roars with a wonderful rasping resonance, not a smooth machine-like sound but a gruf voice deepened by age. As the engine warms, the hot oil gives off an aroma, a smell similar to the scent that every living creature exudes. The thing truly comes to life, roars and grumbles, complaining, spitting; the complex chatter of gears, tappers, push rods, cylinders, moving in a rough unison, oil circulating, pulsing, wheels spinning, everything in motion. It is a delightful thing, every time I ride my BSA. Your film captures my experience perfectly.
Very nice to read your ‘sensorial’ experiences; I am just replacing a diff on my 1934 oldy, the oil has an enormous fragrance and has filled my garage full of nostalgia… I would normally never stay that much longer in my garage, but now I want to stay in my private ‘collection of the old’ (and almost hide from modernity).
Nicely written , Paul. Also nice to see what the bike looks like when ridden by somebody else. All I ever see is the view over the handle bars. I have to admire the powerful headlight-so unlike others from the Thirties. The secret, of course, is a 6V LED bulb-something I now fit to my other ancient motorcycles as well.You will be pleased to to learn that since you rode the bike, I have relined the rear brake with period appropriate woven brass and asbestos lining. The brake still sucks, but less so. I have no illusions about the bike being a living critter, but it certainly is fun to ride, and is built for the long haul. I’ve put almost 25,000 miles on it since I sold my ’38 Iron head Ariel. That, I think, was a good move-although the Ariel had its strong points too. They all do.
Beautiful! I am pleased to see that more (& more) classic, vintage or just old vehicles are used and enjoyed as why they are made for; for our pleasure, the ultimate human experience!
Please continue…
Awesome bike, awesome film. I love my Georgia home but Northern California is my favorite place to ride. Nice job.
I had a ride on one of these once,a few years back, it was round a large field in Wales,but I could tell what a great bike it was.
It would have been nice to hear the bike.
I really enjoy my Janus Halcyon for lots of the same reasons