Sale of a 1909 Curtiss V-twin

Nilus (and where did this name come from?), claimed owner of a 'barn find' 1909 Curtiss, was straight out of Central Casting; the director of our TV project had joked the night prior that it would be best if the owner of the Curtiss showed up in suspenders, and Nilus obliged, being a quintessential Iowa farmer. The family homestead, and that’s literally what it was, had been left behind in North Dakota many years ago, but family members still live on the property. That original building was described as having been of rough construction, as when the family arrived in the 1800s, North Dakota was still a very rough and basic territory – Nilus mentioned that regular electricity only arrived in the 1950’s! Thus, his Uncle Tom, the original owner of the Curtiss, would have been left basically to his own devices regarding maintenance and repairs to his motorcycle. During its 8 years of active duty, quite a few miles went under those tires, and the motorcycle certainly showed a hard life; both fenders having been repaired multiple times with rivets and patches, and the petrol tank having plenty of dents for character. The grey/white paint was still in good shape though, with a lot of chips from rocks and spills. Spills aplenty there must have been, as the first paved road in North Dakota came many decades after the Curtiss was laid up.

Paul d'Orléans, Nilus, and the 1909 Curtiss he pulled out of the family junkpile. Maybe without permission! [Paul d'Orléans]
Family lore claimed that the bike was used for courtship; Tom would ride into an adjacent town to visit his sweetheart on two wheels, quite a time saver over a horse as the Curtiss was about the most reliable motorcycle on the market in 1909. I imagine him rushing to court his love in 1917 (having been granted an exemption from the WW1 draft no doubt as necessary to his farm), and having a mighty spill on the slippery mud roads of Spring that year. The left bicycle pedal (the Curtiss is a moped, in common with most others in ’09) broke off, and Tom broke his leg. His relationship with the girl AND the motorcycle ended that day, as he wanted nothing further to do with either. Tom’s brother took the bike and stored it away in the only available storage space on the homestead; the attic.

Setting up the star of the show at the MidAmerica St. Paul auction: Ron Christenson gets to work! MidAmerica has since been absorbed my Mecum Auctions. The 1909 Curtiss V-twin was in remarkably complete and original condition. [Paul d'Orléans]
Almost a half-century later, Nilus’ other uncle, let’s call him Bob (he didn’t want his name used), began to teach his 13 year old nephew the rudiments of mechanicing, as he already had a driver’s license and wanted a vehicle! The first project was to rebuild a small washing machine motor; this was a little four-stroke single-cylinder affair, which they managed to rebuild successfully. Uncle Bob suggested they tackle ‘that old Curtiss’ next, and they poked around at it a little, most significantly removing the spark plugs for a look. Which is unfortunate, as Glenn H. Curtiss, in typical fashion, made his own spark plugs, which are now rarer than hen’s teeth; they were lost forever when Uncle Bob took ill shortly after their initial foray at motorcycling, and young Nilus’ attention went elsewhere; significantly, away from motorcycles, as he never explored two wheels again.

At the time, Paul d'Orléans was the star of a proposed TV series about old motorcycles, which never got off the ground. [Paul d'Orléans]
Another 50 years passed, and Nilus found the existence of the Glenn H. Curtiss Motorcycle and Aviation Museum on the internet (he has a son of around 23 years - who must have alerted him to computers). The light went ‘ding’, and Nilus contacted the museum to inquire as to the possible value of a Curtiss motorcycle he happened to recall…. ‘A lot of money’ was the response Being in Iowa, other hands had to confirm the existence of the bike in the attic, which was a bit difficult, as the house had not only been abandoned a few years prior when Uncle Bob finally died, but had been used as a garbage dump for some time, and was surrounded and filled with rubbish. The state of the family property is a source of deep shame to Nilus… Sitting atop the garbage pile was a Rembrandt, or a pile of cash, however one chooses to look at it, and Nilus found MidAmerica Auctions to help him sell the machine.

Auctioneer attire! Neither the auctioneering style nor the tie were particularly subtle. [Paul d'Orleans]
The machine was the star attraction at St. Paul, as there was speculation that the Curtiss name and rarity might bring a record price. It was lot #51, and went on the block at around 1pm, when presumably the crowd was warmed up [above, one of the auctioneers - the tie was blinding]. I spoke to a silent crowd for 8 minutes about the machine and its history, and about Glenn Curtiss himself; his bicycle and motorcycle racing exploits, his later fame as a founder of American aviation industry, and the inventor of the seaplane. Bidding started in house with a few hands raised at $100k, but quickly died down inside the room as telephone and internet bidders took over from the locals.

Ron Christensen, CEO of MidAmerica Auctions, talks Nilus and his son off the ledge as bidding stalls. [Paul d'Orléans]
Tension mounted as the bike stalled at $185,000 for what seemed like an eternity - I spoke again about the unlikelihood of finding a Rembrandt in a garbage dump! Ron Christensen persuaded one of the phone bidders to meet the reserve of $200,000; then it was his task to negotiate with Nilus! As you can see from the photos, it was quite a decision for him [see Ron making his case], but eventually he decided that being $200k richer than he started the morning sounded good, and so the Curtiss will move to a sunny retirement in San Diego.

He'd hoped for a $Million, but Nilus was convinced to settle for $200k. [Paul d'Orléans]
As a coda, Nilus’ son got excited by a 2003 Ducati 999 which came up later at the auction, and part of the family winnings went towards the purchase of this hyperbike. The son was clearly very excited, and I asked him if he had experience with such a powerful, built-for-the-track bike… ‘I have a Quad on the farm!’….. when the tale of the newbie 999 owner spread, odds were being laid as to his likely longevity. I spoke with him in the most urgent terms regarding his health being connected directly to how far he twisted the throttle, that wide open was certain and rapid death, he looked at me with clear blue eyes wide, and I knew renewing of the family cycle would not end well… let’s hope he gets off as easily as his great uncle Tom. Godspeed, boy, and good luck.

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

by Paul d'Orléans

Book Review: 'Illustrated History of the Shickel Motorcycle'

I will confess to never having heard of the Schickel before finding the marque history for the company, written by the grandson of the founder, Ken Anderson. His book is 'The Illustrated History of the Schickel Motorcycle, 1911-1924; The First 2-Cycle Built In America' (Two Cycle Press, 2008), and thankfully his family has preserved a great archive of photographs, patent documents, and various motorcycles and parts, with which Ken was able to compile this most interesting history.

Norbert Schickel himself inspecting the crankcases (with integral cylinder barrel) at his factory. [Shickel family archives]
As mentioned, the Schickel was the first two-stroke motorcycle produced in the US, and has some very interesting features, including a slew of other firsts, including the first twistgrip transmission control (later to become common on small machines and scooters), the first rotating magneto spark advance, first hinged rear mudguard, a sprung front fork, and an aluminum gas tank which served as the top frame member, with tubing lugs for the lower and rear frame cast into the tank (see patent drawing).

This is the patent drawing for the fuel tank, which was integral to the chassis, much like the Pierce, or later oil-in-frame machines: a large-diameter box (or tube) is a far stiffer chassis member than a thin tube. [Shickel family archives]
Various aspects of his eventual production motorcycle were designed by Norbert Schickel while at Cornell studying engineering, and he built four experimental machines between 1907 and 1911. He was able to show a completed Schickel motorcycle at the Chicago Motorcycle Show inFebruary 1911, which garnered significant attention, bolstering his decision to seek funding to begin series production.

The first production model: the 1912 Schickel 5HP (30.50CI or 500cc) model, a two-stroke single-cylinder machine of unique and ingenious design. The engine and front fork were patented designs, and the final drive is by direct belt, as was common in those days. [Shickel family archives]
He established his works in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1911, and hoped to equip the new buildings with enough tooling to produce his motorcycle by 1912, with a target price of $250. The first motorcycle made at the new factory was introduced at the Motorcycle Show in New York City on Jan.6, 1912, with the following specification: - 30.5 c.i. motor (500cc), with a 'square' bore and stroke (3 3/8"), 5hp @ 3500rpm, top speed 50mph - 3gal gas tank capacity, oil premix (1 cup oil/gallon), throttle and magneto controlled at handlebars, and a decompressor lever also on the 'bars. - Pedal gear starting with band brake and optional coaster brake, and a belt drive with an idler pulley controlled by handlebar twistgrip. 57-inch wheelbase, 185lbs. - Front fork was a patented short trailing-link design, with springs controlling both compression and rebound action.

The 1913 Schickel 'Big 6' (6hp/600cc motor) featured all-chain drive and a clutch, with improvements to the engine. [Shickel family archive]
Following this introduction, close to 70 dealers expressed interest in carrying the machine, and the author estimates that 75-100 were built that year. In 1913, new models were added with larger (6hp - 600cc) engines and chain drive with clutch options (which retained the pedalling starter gear). Price for the deluxe all-chain 6hp model dropped to $235, and the 'Big Six' model became the best-seller of the four-model range. In 1914, an optional 2-speed gearbox was available, but this was the year Henry Ford perfected his assembly-line production for the Model T, which allowed a car to be completed every 93 seconds, and dropped the price of the car from the original $850 (1908) to $480 by 1914. During this period, many small American motorcycle builders folded, as the only way to compete with the Ford was to build bigger and faster models (the route of Harley, Indian, Excelsior, Henderson, etc), or small utility lightweights which were significantly cheaper than a car.

A 1914 Big Six with a sidecar, and you can't say that about many two-strokes! With a 600cc single-cylinder engine, the Schickel had plenty of grunt. [Schickel family archive]
Norbert Schickel's response was to design a lightweight motorcycle (95lbs) for sale at $100, with a 2.5 hp engine of around 200cc, and a bicycle-like rolling chassis. Many of the advanced features of the original 5hp model (cast frame/tank, sprung forks, clutch, starting pedals, adjustable spark) were dispensed with, and the little model was paddled off, and slowed down using a decompressor. The author claims it is "...possible to to come to an almost complete stop and then accelerate without stalling. To my surprise, when riding a 1917 Model with the same type of drive, I found it was easy to start and I was able to negotiate stop signs without stalling if waiting was not necessary."

In 1915, the company also introduced a motorized bicycle attachment (stinkwheel!) called the 'Resto Bike-Motor', for $25, utilizing the same engine, which could be attached to any bicycle.

M.E. Gale towed a 'Prairie Schooner' across the USA with his family in 1915. [Schickel family archive]
An interesting publicity stunt was undertaken by M.E. Gale in June of 1915, in which a 'Big Six' chain-drive 6hp 2-speed model was attached to a 'prairie schooner' covered wagon (with motorcycle wheels replacing the original wooden spoke items). Gale set off with his family in tow from Stamford CT to San Francisco, with an expected travel time of 100 days. His two sons rode a Lightweight model with a twin saddle (side by side!). Gale was a professional rider who made his living performing endurance stunts for advertising campaigns. Whether he made it or not isn't mentioned!

The Schickel 'Resto' bike-motor, of 1915, the same year of the Smith Motor Wheell in the USA. [Schickel family archive]
In 1917, due to increasing hostility towards Germans as WW1 heated up, the Shickel became the S.M.C. (Schickel Motor Company). The Company was recapitalized, and a new Flywheel magneto was added to the lightweight model. In 1918, the Lightweight was renamed the 'Getabout', but due to America's entrance into WW1, motorcycle sales ground to a halt. The company took on work making rocker arms for V-12 Liberty Aircraft Engines, for which they received quite a few honors. At the end of WW1 in Nov. 1919, only ten US motorcycle manufacturers remained of the 100 or so which had existed previously, and Norbert realized that the car had put paid to his modest-scale motorcycle ambitions. In an unusual move, he renamed his Lightweight the 'Model T', and painted it all-black, just like the automobile which had levelled the motorcycle industry. I'm not sure whether to call this 'can't beat 'em/join 'em' thinking, or some kind of homage to the invincible Ford. The company struggled on with this model until 1923, when Shickel realized he wouldn't be able to raise enough capital to continue production, and he tried to sell the company and/or his designs to several of the big motorcycle concerns (Excelsior, Ace, Indian, etc). In 1924, he called it quits.

A thriving factory in very difficult times: by 1918, hundreds of American motorcycle manufacturers had gone bankrupt, due to rapidly rising labor and materials costs, and the impact of the Ford Model T.[Schickel family archive]
As an interesting postscript, in 1924 Schickel successfully sued Indian for infringement on his sprung front fork patent, and they paid him $1750 - $.15/motorcycle which 'borrowed' his design (10,000 total had been produced), plus $250 for non-exclusive patent rights. He also sued Harley-Davidson for stealing his hinged rear mudguard patent, and they paid him $.10/motorcycle for his design (40,000 total) plus $1000 for non-exclusive rights to his patent.

The 'Illustrated History of the Shickel Motorcycle' is available directly from Ken Anderson, and can be ordered here.

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Eugene Ziegler - The Kitchen Master

These incredible models were built in Germany by Eugene Ziegler, who worked nightly on the machines in his kitchen, often with his wife's help.  He used period technical drawings to create accurate 1:4.5 scale models, built entirely from scratch. They are prominently housed in the Deutsches Zweirad Museum (Neckarsulm); if you visit, the large glass case housing these gems is the first display one sees on entering the museum.

A factory racing DKW Singing Saw two-stroke triple, campaigned in the 1950s. A fearsome beast! [Paul d'Orléans]
The construction on these models is amazing: the wheels turn, the suspension works, the fuel tank caps come off, and when you squeeze the brake levers, the brakes function via tiny Bowden cables. Many of the complicated parts, like the engines, were cast using wooden patterns.  The tires were modified from 'O' rings, the tread being applied using hot knitting needles!

Squeezing the brake lever activates a cable and moves the brake arm. [Paul d'Orléans]
The top machine is a DKW 3-cylinder 500cc two-stroke racer, the 'Singing Saw', which was the pinnacle of DKW's racing development. The brakes and suspension components are mesmerizing in their complexity, in real life and on the model. Ziegler also built two BMW RS54 Rennsports; one with a sidecar, and one solo - the scale can be seen clearly in the photo. They weigh about 5-8lbs each, and have a nice solid heft - the only plastic used is on the tiny PVC cable housing, the windscreens, ignition wires, and seat covers. The factory racing DKW 350 looks like it should hold water in the radiator, and the engine just needs a bit of oil smear and the smell of Castrol R to complete the picture. No, they don't run!

Peter Kuhn with a Standard racer with 500cc OHC engine. [Paul d'Orléans]
The final photo shows the curator of the museum, Peter Kuhn, who clearly enjoys his job. He's holding a Standard 500cc OHC racer, which is a little-known German marque outside the continent; note the Harley-Davidson/Brough 'Castle' forks; I confess guilt to having once owned a Standard with a lowly 350cc inlet-over-exhaust Swiss MAG engine, purchased solely to rob its Castle forks! (They are reunited now - a happy ending).

A factory pre-war DKW twin-piston supercharged two-stroke racer. [Paul d'Orléans]
Peter, Wolfgang Schneider, and I had a great time manipulating these little bikes, and a few of the big ones too. This excellent museum deserves more attention.

A closer look at the DKW Singing Saw triple, with one forward-facing cylinder. [Paul d'Orléans]
A BMW RS54 Rennsport, the postwar OHC racer that took 2nd Place in the solo World Championships under Walter Zeller. [Paul d'Orléans]
The front brake and leading-link fork of the DKW Singing Saw. [Paul d'Orléans]
The sidecar version of the BMW RS54, which was their killer app: they won 14 World Championships in a row, then 5 more! [Paul d'Orléans]
 

 

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

by Paul d'Orléans

The Blue Box

On being granted a private tour of the NSU collection of the Audi Museum, I asked, 'What collection?'  In 2009, Audi only exhibited DKW and Wanderer motorcycles in its museum, as these companies were two of the 'four rings' of the Auto Union logo: Audi, Wanderer, Horch, and DKW, who banded together in 1932, during the Depression, as a survival strategy.  The four rings logo is now Audi's alone, after Volkswagen purchased Auto Union in 1964, and set about its own re-branding over the years.  NSU was merged into VW/Auto Union in 1969, and its designs and research absorbed into group, with NSU effectively disappearing.  The purchase of NSU included a considerable stock of the brand's history, including most of their amazing Grand Prix racers, including the all-dominant Rennmax twins that took the World Championship three years in a row from 1952-54 in the 250cc class, and two years in the 125cc class.  Even after NSU quit the Grand Prix scene for the 1955 season, and NSU still won the 250cc World Championship, as HP 'Happy' Müller took a private NSU Sportmax production racer to glory - the first privateer to win a World Championship.

The Delphin III world-record breaker: the first motorcycle to exceed 200mph. Read our story here. [Paul d'Orléans]
So, the NSU collection had been absorbed into the Audi Museum, which has a lovely new facility built in 2000 in Ingolstadt, Bavaria.  But on my 2009 visit, there were none of the remarkable NSUs on display: they were in the basement.  Luckily, my host Wolfgang Schneider had arranged a private tour of the NSU storage area, which was truly an Aladdin's Cave of treasures.  Rennmax, Delpin III, Baumm II, supercharged 500cc twin, 500cc DOHC four, Kettenkrad, etc: all the great designs from NSU were present, awaiting reassembly, or simply polishing, but in every case - display.

This photo was taken by a US soldier who was an amateur photographer / motorcycle enthusiast, and shows the NSU RS54 in action at the Nurburgring ca 1951, and is probably Heiner Fleischmann aboard. Note the enthusiastic response of the children in the background! 'Go!' [The Vintagent Archive]
Among the most intriguing of the collection was the chassis of the amazing NSU RS54 500cc Grand Prix racer, a German cousin of Gilera and MV Agusta's all-conquering fours, which was left undeveloped when NSU halted its racing program.  The chassis was totally complete, and looked as if the motor had been removed only recently.  When I inquired, I was told the engine was in a 'Blue Box' - but that box was nowhere to be seen.  We searched high and low, and eventually, I wandered down into a basement, where racks of old office equipment from NSU were mixed with various oddments from that company's history, and deep in the recesses, disguised by an old mannequin and a few blankets, I discovered the Blue Box itself.  Amazing!

The Blue Box, as found behind a row of shelving, and under a blanket. [Paul d'Orléans]
I alerted Wolfgang and our host, NSU historian Ralf Plagmann, that I'd found the box, and we set about opening it, and a few other nearby boxes holding spare engines and parts from the 1954 Isle of Man TT, left just as they were.  Treasure upon treasure!  Opening the boxes was thrilling, with the piquant perfume of old castor oil mixing with smells of old wood, dust, and mildew - a heady mix.  I only had my phone to shoot photos, but at least I could document these remarkable engines up close.

The four-cylinder DOHC NSU RS51 motor, intact barring the sump casting [Paul d'Orléans]
The RS54 engine in the Blue Box was awaiting remedial work; the wet sump casting was missing, and would need replication. The sump had been removed while the motor was tested, likely, and lost in the shuffle of the race shop closure, and later sale to VW. It's a fascinating engine, clearly influenced by the Giuliano Carcano design for the CNA Rondine, which became the Gilera Quattro Grand Prix racer postwar: it's a masterpiece of compact design that set the standard for transverse four-cylinder engines for half a century.

The four Amal-Fisher TT carbs and complicated plug wiring. [Paul d'Orléans]
In the two boxes marked 'Spare parts for T.T.' were other NSU gems, including one of the early R11 Rennfox 125cc engines from 1951, with shaft-and-bevel driven dohc, and the funny canted angle of the cylinder head, desaxe the crankcase; see the photos of the whole machine, taken at the Deutsches Zwierad Museum in Neckarsulm (just a few minutes away from the Audi plant, and with a wonderful collection of machines in a converted Schloss). There has been much speculation about why this cylinder head was designed off-angle in this way, but the simple truth is the pressed-steel frame wouldn't permit this large head to fit in the frame any other way.

The NSU R11 Rennfox engine in another crate, 'For the TT'...which would have been the 1956 TT. The cylinder head is désaxe the centerline of the engine. [Paul d'Orléans]
In later models, the cylinder head was redesigned, and sat straight relative to the crankcase.The R11-51 model also used a petrol tank which was stretched and modified from the original steel roadster item, and lacked the graceful hammered alloy bodywork of the later models. Still, it has a rustic charm, and was certainly effective on the track, producing 12.5hp @ 9500rpm. I'll make a more thorough investigation of the Works versions of the NSU Max/Fox models as time permits this year; their history is amazing, and includes the all-conquering 'if it started the race, it won the race' Rennmax model of 1954.

Another R11 Rennmax at the Neckarsulm Motorrad Museum, showing the offset cylinder head with DOHC shaft-and-bevel gear. [Paul d'Orléans]
The sort of box one hopes to stumble across in one's life...having sat unmolested since the company abandoned GP racing in 1957, and was sold to Auto Union in 1962. [Paul d'Orléans]

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Rocket Cycles! Part 2: Archibald Low

Record-breaking, while a logical use of a rocket-assisted motorcycle, isn't the only possible venue. In 1947 'Professor' Archibald M. Low thought speedway racing in England could use a little boost, and arranged a demonstration at Wembley track, with 90,000 people watching. British motorcycle racer Bill Kitchen was protected by a steel shield over the top of the rocket bodies; the speedway JAP motorcycle used four solid-core rockets, angled downwards (to prevent lift-off, no doubt). Kitchen used switches on the handlebars to ignite the candles, and said 'acceleration was absolutely terrific' when the rockets lit off.

The rocket cycle in flight! A real crowd-pleaser for a night race crowd of 90,000 people. [Modern Mechanix]
The flamboyant demonstration of rocket power to speedway fans was an odd turn for 'Archie' Low, who was a far-sighted and pioneering scientist, whose inventions were ignored by his native British government, but whose work was taken very seriously in other countries. Low showed promise early on, as in 1904 when he was 16 years old, when he invented the first 'pre-selector' gearbox. In 1914, he invented an early form of television which he called TeleVista (seeing by wireless').  He dropped his research on TV on the outbreak of WW1, when he joined the Royal Flying Corps, becoming a Captain and heading up the Experimental Works, where he explored building military drones with remote guidance systems.

Archibald Low and rider Bill Kitchen examine the rocket-boosted speedway machine. [Modern Mechanix, Feb. 1947]
In 1917 Low demonstrated the world's first unmanned drone aircraft before military dignitaries, which was controlled from the ground by radio.  While the drone ultimately crashed, Low carried on research into self-guided aircraft, and developed a system of electrically-powered gyroscopes to keep his planes stable.  That same year, Low designed and built a radio-controlled rocket - the first cruise missile.  Low’s inventions were consistently rejected by his own government, but the Germans understood perfectly what he was up to, and attempted to assassinate him twice in 1915.  They also developed Low's ideas from 1917 during WW2, including the V-1 self-guided cruise missile, the V-2 self-guided rocket, and electrically guided rockets used by the German Navy against British ships.  Low is rightly regarded as the 'father of radio guidance systems.' While the British military authorities thought him something of a crank, the Germans realized how dangerous his inventions could be... so after trying twice to kill him (first using an assassin with a gun, then a strychnine-laced cigarette), they used his research during the 1930's to create their 'V' bombs.

Archibald Low during WW1, testing some of his radio equipment used to control unmanned aircraft. [Wikipedia]
Low was also very interested in motorcycles.  In 1916 he published his first book, The Two Stroke Engine A Manual of the Coming Form of the Internal Combustion Engine. In 1923, after filing many patents under the Low Engineering Company banner, he built the Low Motorcycle, a unique and very advanced machine with construction details covered by several patents in 1922/23.  The motorcycle used a monocoque chassis of pressed steel panels enclosing the motor, an air-cooled four-cylinder two stroke of 492cc - the first of its type ever used in a motorcycle.  The 3-speed gearbox used a shaft final drive within a telescoping housing.  Both wheels featured interchangeable wheels with generous 6" brakes, the front fork was similar to a Montgomery, with a small-diameter tubing girder and leaf-spring suspension.

The Low experimental motorcycle, a remarkably advanced machine. [The Vintagent Archive]
The 2.5gal fuel tank was enclosed by the chassis behind the headstock, while the oil tank filler was beneath the saddle, which was also suspended by leaf springs.  A speedometer was driven direct from the shaft drive, and the bike featured electric lights front and rear, powered by a Rotax generator mounted on the gearbox - a very early application - which also powered the coil ignition.  With wide mudguards and totally enclosed mechanicals, the Low anticipated the Ascot-Pullin by 6 years, and the bike was akin to the Ner-A-Car in its unitary shape.  Low realized his motorcycle was not a practical proposition, and the lone machine built was purely experimental, but apparently was ridden for 1500 test miles, and was described as exceptionally smooth and a pleasure to ride.

The unique inline four-cylinder air-cooled two-stroke engine with integral gearbox for the Low motorcycle. [The Vintagent Archive]
Low was a regular habitué at the Brooklands speed bowl in the 1920s, and even gave a 'Professor Low' cup for a 3-wheeler handicap race on July 29, 1922.  He was also Chairman of the ACU (the sanctioning body for British motorcycle racing) for 24 years.  He has been recognized by later scientists for his pioneering work and far-sightedness, which includes not just wireless television but also digital television and digital image sensors, as used in all digital cameras today.  In 1937 he said, "The telephone may develop to a stage where it is unnecessary to enter a special call-box. We shall think no more of telephoning to our office from our cars or railway-carriages than we do today of telephoning from our homes."  For better or worse, Archie was way out ahead.

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Harry Beanham's Outback ABCs

About 10 years ago, I was offered a collection of photographs, totally out of the blue, by a rare books dealer in Australia. I knew nothing about the photos, or the photographer, other than the set contained shots from the 1920s onwards, of a variety of machines, ranging from ABC and Brough Superior to Velocette, all taken by one Harry Beanham. In later years I came to know a bit about this man who lived in Sydney; his quirky ways, his motorcycles, and his undying love of Velocette LEs.

A self-portrait of Harry Beanham taken April 22, 1923, with his Gnome-Rhone built ABC. [The Vintagent Archive]
My friend Wolfgang asked me to send photos of an ABC for reference, as he's restoring a damaged model which has lived nearby for decades (in Germany). I knew that quite a few photos of Harry's ABC and its French incarnation, the Gnome-Rhone, were in the box of photos; scanner time!

Another shot of Harry's ABC, showing the full-cradle welded chassis (you thought the Featherbed was new?), leaf-sprung suspension front and rear, and overhead-valve gear on the cylinders. [The Vintagent Archive]
The ABC (All-British Engine Company) company existed before WW1, but their story becomes interesting postwar. The Sopwith Aviation Co., makers of the Sopwith 'Camel' biplane during the war (famous for being the plane which shot down the 'Red Baron'), suddenly had no market for their flying wares.

Harry Beanhams attached a sidecar to one of his ABCs to take the family - his mother and brother- on an outing. [The Vintagent Archive]
It was decided that building a motorcycle would be a good use of their facilities, and this new ABC model was designed by Granville Bradshaw, with features far more advanced than just about any other motorcycle in the world in 1919. The spec included; a flat-twin ohv engine of 400cc, a full duplex cradle frame with springing front and rear, a clutch and three-speed gearbox in unit with the engine, chain final drive, and proper drum brakes front and rear. In short, all the items which the rest of the motorcycle industry would take years to adopt. The ABC had excellent performance for the day, being capable of nearly 70mph in standard trim (still not a bad figure 20 years later), and much more in tuned form at Brooklands (a subject for a future post).

Taken on April 29th 1923, at Trawool: two of Harry's ABCs. [The Vintagent Archive]
The detail of the workmanship, as might be expected from an airplane manufacturer, was excellent, and the engine in particular was a fine thing, with lovely delicate steel fins on the cylinder barrels, just like a radial engine of the day. The pushrods tended to fly free of the rocker arms, so aftermarket firms created revised rocker supports, which was fairly easy as these items bolted to the cylinder head. Otherwise, the ABC gave excellent service, and quite a few of them have survived. [The picnic photo is from '24, and young Harry can be seen in the lineup; I surmise that the ABC was originally his father's machine, and within two years Harry was riding it himself]

Harry with one of his Brough Superiors - an SS80/100 model - and an ABC, taken May 12th 1929. [The Vintagent Archive]
The downfall of the ABC was an accounting error, whereby the Sopwith firm lost money on each motorcycle sold. Thus, they abandoned production; they had previously sold manufacturing rights to yet another renowned aircraft builder, the Gnome-Rhone company of France, who carried on for just two years further (1925), after also deciding that no money could be extracted from the sale of such an advanced design. Thus, the ABC passed into history, but by then the BMW R32 had appeared, which, although inferior in performance (due to its anemic sidevalve engine), proved that the formula itself was sound, and the layout continues to this day!

Exploring the burgeoning industry outside Sydney on Harry's ABCs, on Dec. 2, 1928. [The Vintagent Archive]
Harry Beanham was many things; a pattern maker by training, a trader by personality, and a photographer by inclination. He documented all of the motorcycles he owned over the years, from the 1920s to the 60s, and apparently rarely sold any of his personal machines, as several of the bikes, including these ABCs, went under the hammer at his estate auction in 1998, after Harry passed away at age 94. The non-Gnome Rhone ABC, still in its original paint and outback dirt, showed up for sale at Yesterdays around 1999, but I haven't heard of the whereabouts of Harry's Brough SS80 or SS100(!). [Note - they later turned up and were sold at auction for a lot of money, in 2017]

A view over Sydney Harbor, made possible by motorbike! Taken April 27th, 1926. [The Vintagent Archive]
He did the same with surplus machine tools and motorcycles, setting up separate businesses in different locations, ending up with a lot of valuable real estate in Sydney as the city grew up around him. He became a very wealthy man, but even into the 1960s and 70s could be seen riding his humble LE Velocettes to his workshops, clad in his old blue work coveralls and plastic sandals (which, of course, he had bought as a job lot). So, we have a unique photographic history of one man's 5 decade-long relationship with his motorcycles, and in this case, his ABCs.

Harry or a friend riding an ABC up a gorge on May 12, 1929, at Keilor. [The Vintagent Archive]
All the photos are taken in and around Sydney or in the Blue Mountains, from 1926-28. In the very top photo, which must be one of his first efforts, his camera 'bulb', which triggered the shutter remotely, can be seen laying on the seat of his new ABC, along with a bit of hose draped over the bike, which connected to the camera. This is the only photo with the 'structure' exposed - Harry took more trouble to conceal his tricks afterwards, but is often in the same pose, hands behind his back, behind the motorcycle. In this bottom photo, the air line can be seen (barely) coming straight at the camera from under the engine; Harry conceals the bulb in his hands!

A picnic in the outback, showing 'Tommy's Hut' on Aug. 22 1926. [The Vintagent Archive]
The family scrapyard! Taken July 14th 1928. [The Vintagent Archive]
The Beanhams on a picnic, Jan 13th 1924 at Narbethon. [The Vintagent Archive]
 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Mod VS Rockers Ride, San Francisco

Mods AND Rockers would be a better description of this event, as the animosity between these groups got left behind somewhere in the 1960's, and an awful lot of classic bike owners have scooters in their garage! I've been guilty as well, with Lambretta, Vespa, and Velocette scooters having sat alongside my motorcycles.  The charms of a scooter are undeniable, which is why they endure in popularity nearly 100 years after their invention (the 1920 Unibus nailed the form).

The setup of the Mod VS Rockers Ride is simple; Mods meet at one end of the Embarcadero (Red's Java Hut) in San Francisco, the Rockers congregate at Pier 23.  All riders mill around and socialize until the appointed minute, then it's time to GO.  We pretty much have traffic our own way for the next couple of hours, blowing off stop signs/lights in a swarm, with our mutual goal a timed meeting in the middle of the Stockton St. Tunnel, where a few minutes of mayhem commences, before the whole troupe dispersed in advance of any police action.  Hooligan fun, nobody gets hurt, no fighting no biting!

Here's my video of the Tunnel meetup.  Yes illegal and inconveniencing traffic, but only for a few minutes, once a year...

Mike and Joe at Ocean Beach with Norton Atlas and Triumph Bonneville, two 1960s classics. [Paul d'Orleans]
Then it's off to the beach; not Brighton but Ocean, as this is the Pacific ocean, there's just a lot of chatter in the parking lot, before we light off again through town, ending up at a big party inside the SFMC clubhouse.

Mike Shiro and his '64 Norton Atlas 750cc twin - the precursor to the Commando, with a proper Featherbed frame. The Commando has a rubber-mounted engine to deal with the vibration of this big twin engine - on the Atlas, the rider must deal with the vibration.... I was riding one as well (from 1965). [Paul d'Orleans]
Sweet 1957 Triumph Tiger 110 500cc, one of my favorite Triumphs, with a lovely patina from an older repaint. This bike was originally imported from England to Indonesia by its pilot owner, and eventually restored there, before being imported to CA in the 1980's. It sat for quite a while before being resuscitated by its current owner. [Paul d'Orleans]
Several motorcycle clubs were flying colors; the SFMC and the Vampires were the most numerous, pictured here in front of a BMW R69S. [Paul d'Orleans]

I hadn't seen Danny's Triton before, which is built from a unit Bonneville engine in a Slimline Featherbed frame. Some interesting contemporary features include the plastic rear fender (front from a Ducati?) and Harleyesque headlamp. Sounded great.

Danny's badass Triton. [Paul d'Orleans]

Baby Kawasakis grow up to be big Kawis eventually....[Paul d'Orleans]
When he was a lad, he used to fit into his father Geoff's sidecar; now Niles Follin wrenches on Paris-Dakar racers, among others, although this year he was stranded in Spain when they called off the race...next year it will be run in South America). [Paul d'Orleans]
On to the tunnel of love... Joe looks like he's enjoying himself! Smiles all around. [Paul d'Orleans]
Peace and Love. To the beach... my Norton Atlas with another silver two wheeler, a Lambretta Li175. [Paul d'Orleans]
Cool RAF Vespa. [Paul d'Orleans]
Breakfast at Tiffany's. [Paul d'Orleans]
A Moto Guzzi Falcone is always welcome. [Paul d'Orleans]
Kim and Pete's 1937 Ariel Red Hunter. [Paul d'Orleans]
Three horsemen of the Apocalypse: Mike, Joe, and Pete. [Paul d'Orleans]
Matchless in name and reputation. [Paul d'Orleans]
The Rocker crew outside Pier 23 on San Francisco's Embarcadero. [Paul d'Orleans]
Mod corner with a pair of Lambrettas. [Paul d'Orleans]
All kinda bikes welcome, preferable period correct. This Honda CL175 counts! [Paul d'Orleans]
Harley and Deb Welch on their Heinkel scooter. [Paul d'Orleans]
 

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

by Paul d'Orléans

Conrad Leach at the Legends of the Motorcycle

Each year at the Legend of the Motorcycle Concours, an artist is given a conference room at the Ritz to display motorcycle-related paintings or sculpture. Last weekend the room was occupied by the paintings of Conrad Leach, pictured beside his portrait of Peter Fonda (in his Wild Angels role). As you can see, the paintings are large scale (8' - 10' tall), and beautiful; Conrad had a 5-year contract as artist in residence for Louis Vuitton in Tokyo, and is now branching out, and selling his paintings at galleries and at exclusive shows. There is no other artist I know of working today who possesses such a refreshing orientation to motorcycle subject matter. His sensibility is unique, his painting skill exceptional, and his style will undoubtedly impact a generation of young artists tackling the relationship of men to machinery.

Artist Conrad Leach at the Legends of the Motorcycle Gallery in April 2008 [Paul d'Orléans]
The Norton painting with the pink(!) Union Jack looks like Jimmy Guthrie ca 1934... I coveted it, I wanted it, I considered it, I talked it over with my wife...but the $10k price tag, while very reasonable for a large-scale original painting, was simply too much at the moment. I understand Alain de Cadenet bought it instead; I hope it looks good in your living room, Alain.

'Norton Jack' (2008), with Jimmie Guthrie aboard a factory Norton racer circa 1934 [Conrad Leach]
If you like what you see, he sells giclee (ie, photographic) prints of these and other paintings, including James Bond (Connery, of course), and two Ferrari GTOs (the models for which happened to have been owned by Alain de C, so I guess it was his karma to buy 'my' painting). I think George Cohen will be selling prints of the Norton through his site 'Norton Singles'. There is a rumor that George's most recent creation, the flat-tank 'Silverknob' which he showed at Brooklands and Stafford, will be a future subject of Conrad's paintbrush. Can't wait to see that one. Below are scans which Conrad sent (much better than my lousy pocket camera snaps!).

'Banner Racers' (2008, an homage to American racing [Conrad Leach]
Conrad's most-reproduced painting, 'Lucky 13' (2008) [Conrad Leach]

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Dennis Loveday: Brooklands Racer

At the Brooklands Velocette Centenary in 2005, I met two surivving Brooklands racers - David Vincent and Dennis Loveday.  David Vincent won a Gold Star for recording 100+mph laps at the Brooklands speed bowl during a race, and both men raced 350cc Velocette KTTs.   Regardless Dennis Loveday is pictured here on a Velocette, most of his Brooklands racing was on single-cylinder Ariels.  Both men were successful riders and race winners in the 1930s, and it was fascinating to hear them talk about the old track.

Dennis Loveday getting down on his 1930 Velocette MkI KTT, during the Brooklands Clubman Junior GP, August 31st 1935 - which he won. [AC Perryman]
I asked Michael Sands at Brooklands later about the man: "Denis told me that one of his techniques was 'grass cutting'. He said, 'If I could keep as near the bottom of the track as possible, I would be going round a smaller route than those riding way up on the banking, so I might save a bit of time and that meant that some of the time I had my elbow in the weeds. I fitted a pair of bicycle drop-handlebars to get lower [see the above photo of Dennis 'getting lower'!] and one time Noel Pope said to me, 'That looks a bit agricultural' (meaning the Ariel) but I beat him in one race and he never forgave me!' "Dennis is now a very keen carp angler and although he cannot see the float on his line, he has an electronic bite detector so he can fish day or night. He is still driving short journeys on very familiar local roads because his sight is too poor for general driving....so just beware if you're on the road in south-east Devon!"

Another shot of Dennis aboard his Velocette KTT at Brooklands in the mid-1930s, from the excellent 'A Clubman at Brooklands' (AC Perryman, Haynes, 1979)

 

At the Brooklands Centenial in 2005: Dennis Loveday, John Bottomley of the Brooklands Museum, Paul d'Orleans, and fellow Gold Star winner David Vincent [Dai Gibbison]

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Book Review: 'Private Owner'

While doing some research on the Velocette MkVII KTT production racer, I was reminded of Les Higgins, who rode one in the 1938 Isle of Man TT, and wrote a book about his racing exploits, 'Private Owner' (Foulis, 1948). He was never in the top ranks of riders, but writes about the life of a typical 'clubman', the arch-enthusiast who spent all his money and free weekends racing at Brooklands, the Isle of Man TT, the Ulster Grand Prix, at Donington Park, etc, filling up the ranks of the 'also rans'.  Riders such as Les Higgins were the principal customers for over-the-counter racing machinery, such as the Velocette KTT, Norton Model 30 International /Mans, Excelsior Manxman, etc.

A rare find, but essential for a Velocette KTT enthusiast: 'Private Owner' explores one man's passion for racing. This is a scan of the dust cover, showing Les racing his Velocette MkVII at the Isle of Man in 1938. [Foulia]
His account of racing in the 1930s is a track-side glimpse of an insider who was just as in awe of his heroes as the presumed reader, and he recounts the endless dramas of his various races in great detail.  Lap times, which riders rode which bikes, how the bikes performed, and occasional quotes from the champions, make 'Private Owner' a charming period piece, on par with G.S. Davidson's numerous books on racing in the immediate post-war era. Higgins was quite young when he first encountered motorcycle racing as a schoolboy (1924), along the promenade during the Herne Bay speed trials.  Five years later he purchased a new 1929 Velocette KSS, learning how to ride on the road and prepare for racing.  Like many aspiring but not wealthy racers, he found 'last year's model' racers in the 1930s, like a Velocette KTT MkIV and later MkV, paid for with his meager weekly wages of 57 shillings.  He ultimately bought a new MkVII KTT in 1938, although this meant he had to enter the IOM TT to gain delivery of the bike, but was intimidated, to say the least, with what was the world's most important road race at the time.

Les Higgins on his Velocette MkVII KTT at the 1938 IOM TT races. He finished 29th in the Junior TT, with a 73.39mph average speed, with a fastest lap of 30m 12s.  From the book:"Between 1938 and 1951, fairhaired Londoner Les Higgins had seven goes at the TT and finished once, 29th in the 1939 Junior on the machine pictured. His infinitely more memorable achievement was the original 'Shell History of the TT' which he painstaking compiled in 1953."[Keig Collection]
Here's a couple of extracts from 'Private Owner' : "...an agent whispered into my ear the news of the birth of a new KTT. I straightaway parted with the Mark V and placed an order for a new Mark VII...a few weeks later the agent telephoned to say that Veloce were despatching the KTTs very shortly but were only supplying them to TT entrants. This was a step I had not considered taking, but I decided that if competing in the Island races was the only way to get the KTT then I had better enter!"

Les Higgins at the Isle of Man, with the wind blowing open his leather riding jacket.  Note his gear, with the leather jodhpurs held up by suspenders, and the lace-up boots.  This outfit is likely supplied by D.Lewis, now known as Lewis Leathers... [Dennis Quinlan]
"In 1939 [before the war] England possessed three circuits where motorcycles and cars could be raced: Brooklands, Crystal Palace, and Donington. It was found necessary to commandeer these in order to win the war, and the Palace and Donington became dumps for vehicles...what the tenants did to Brooklands was deemed too terrible to be made public; suffice to say the owners sold out and Brooklands passed out of the history of motoring for ever, mourned by all... Although no one begrudges them their sport, it was remarkable that horse racing in now way suffered, for the grounds so beloved by the horse racing fraternity were soon back in circulation....We did what we could with former aerodromes, which was better than nothing but a poor substitute.  To ad to our woe the peoples of the Continent, their lands ravaged by warfare and raped by the conquering enemy, promptly set about the organization of road racing..."

by Paul d'Orléans

‘Garage Magazine' Photo Shoot

In total contrast to my previous post on a photo shoot, Garage magazine shot a feature spread on 'motorcycling gear through the decades', using the San Francisco Motorcycle Club as their backdrop (the SFMC is the second-oldest m/c in the US, and the oldest continuously operating). This was an expensive studio shoot, with stylists, makeup/hair artists, hired models, a photographer and assistants, lots of lights and camera eqp't, and several vintage bikes as props. It hurt to be relegated to 'prop' status, but I'm always happy to help encourage the old bike scene.

My contribution to the photo shoot: my 1926 Norton flat-tank Model 18 racer. [Paul d'Orléans]

Top pic is my 1926 Norton Model 18 racer, looking spooky in the dark with some up- and back-lighting on wall of the SFMC. This was 'Jimmy's bike' - it has a history going back to Jimmy Shaw (a 'works' rider for Norton in the 'teens thru '30's), and was claimed to be a factory race machine. It was restored about 15 years ago by Ken Blake in England, then my friend Ken Boulter purchased it to settle the unpaid restoration bill(!), and he sold it to me about 8 years ago (after much needling, I assure you). It's a bit of a bear currently, as I need to rebuild the carb and replace the magneto (very hard to start), and the soldered-up gas tank is a little leaky. Still, the bike is fast, having been timed at 94mph, and handles beautifully.

Interior of the SFMC, with a foosball table, flat-track Aermacchi racer, and lots of memorabilia from the 120+ years of the club. Nicole is being prepped for the shoot. [Paul d'Orléans]

The interior of the SFMC is packed full of photos, memorabilia, and trophies on the walls, with two bikes hanging from the ceiling - an Aermacchi/Harley Davidson CR flat-tracker with a custom chrome-plated frame, and 1904 Curtis v-twin in original condition. Plus, there are pool and foosball tables, and a full bar. Pretty much ideal, really. 

Anoush having her hair done in a very nostalgic venue, with a backdrop of vintage racing photos - mostly of former SFMC members through the decades. [Paul d'Orléans]

 'Slim' Jim Hoogerhyde, SFMC member and vintage racer, who's modeling a pair of odd German goggles I found on ebay. Slim let everyone into the building and hung around all day during the shoot...which might be seen as tough duty, but there were 3 beautiful women changing clothes there all day. He doesn't look bothered at all.

'Slim' Jim Hoogerhyde not looking bothered. [Paul d'Orléans]

 

Stephanie sitting on Stewart Ingram's little Morini racer (don't know the model, but I think it's a 175cc Settebello, with cool little Fontana brakes), amongst all the light boxes and light stands, etc. The Curtis and Aermacchi can clearly be seen hanging from the ceiling. The stylist was fussing constantly over the girls, getting hair and clothing just so, as lights were adjusted and the photographer crouched all over the place taking photos. [Paul d'Orléans]

This pic of Stephanie shows everything in place and ready; what you can't see are all the clips and clothespins which are keeping her leathers tight against her hips, and her blouse pulled back to reveal her racy curves. 'Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!' [Paul d'Oréans]

Photographer Ed Fox setting up some of the lights to shoot John Goldman's '47 Bianchi, which is a totally original machine, except for the seat cover. [Paul d'Orléans]

Anoush sits before the bike in the finished shot, backlit against the wall of photographs. She's actually wearing a new Belstaff waxed cotton jacket, cut very Brando-style ('whaddya got?'). There was
another Belstaff in white cotton, which was very chic but looked pretty useless for a bike, as it wasn't waxed cotton or particularly waterproof. [Paul d'Orléans]

I've owned Belstaff rain gear before - once it's been ridden in the rain for a few weeks, you don't want it anywhere near nice clothing, as it will leave dirty streaks! It also tends to collect cold water in the crotch after about an hour in a steady downpour... I have bitter memories of a ride through the Tatra mountains in Czechoslovakia, after leaving communist Poland (1987), being completely soaked through despite my waxed cotton gear... even the MZ I was riding (which breathed through its frame backbone!) was gasping for air and choking on the waves of muddy water thrown over us by trucks passing the other way. Luckily, I was young, and arrived safely in Vienna after 12 hours, whereupon I KISSED THE GROUND. No kidding. Then I had a beer at a MacDonalds (and I hate Mickey D - that's how bad the food was in the 80's Eastern Bloc). Sorry for the digression!

Nicole was assigned to my Norton, in Art Deco attire. [Paul d'Orléans]

The last set of photos involves Nicole (don't ask for her phone number, as I don't have it!) with my Norton. Top photo shows the setup with Nicole silhoutted against the dome light. Dan Stoner, editor of Garage, stands to the left. Second pic shows Nicole wearing a leather helmet and my Avionix goggles (contemporary, from France), and a sort of Art Deco blouse. The bottom pic shows her outfit better; jodhpurs, Deco blouse, leather helmet, tall boots - a nice look... motorcycles do look better with a beautiful woman next to them!

Nicole with my backlit 1926 Norton Model 18 racer. [Paul d'Orléans

 

 
  

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Shooting 'The Mule'

Nick Cedar, a photographer with many books, magazine articles, and calendars to his credit, arranged a photo shoot of my Velocette MkIV KTT (better known as 'The Mule') this weekend, for an upcoming article in 'Motorcycle Classics' magazine (Margie Segal will be writing the text).

Photographer Nick Cedar examining his oily subject, my 1933 Velocette Mk4 KTT 'The Mule'. [Paul d'Orléans]

He chose the Marin Headlands as the backdrop; the day was crystal clear and warm, almost too warm for the vintage outfit they requested from the rider! The view from the headlands is directly over the Golden Gate Bridge, back towards San Francisco, as can be seen over my handlebars in the second photo. The Headlands is a State Park, and used to be part of the greater military defenses of SF bay, which have all been decommissioned since the 1970's. Thus, there are many gun emplacements and concrete batteries along the cliffs, making for dramatic backdrops, with stunning overlooks.

Evertbody loves an oily old bike: here some curious tourists check out the Velocette. It's always the men who talk, and 80% of the time they ask if the bike is a Norton. Aussie and Kiwi tourists seem to know the most about bikes in general, for some reason I'm rarely approached by English tourists. [Paul d'Orléans]

Apparently a $200 fee is required to take commercial photographs in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, to help deal with the congestion caused by a photo shoot (there are always a zillion tourists clogging the first 1/4 mile of the road into the park, who all take three photos of the GG Bridge, but very few venture further into the hills). A park ranger stopped and quizzed us about the photo setup, but I told the truth and said I would be posting them on my blog (Nick kept mum).

Nick Cedar getting oil on his pants...[Paul d'Orléans]

Nick's getup was completely minimal - not tripods or lighting rigs, just a camera and the occasional fold-out reflector, to cut through the oily gloom around my engine! And, as you can see in the pix, I haven't washed the Mule in 18 mo's (I do wipe it down to check for loose bolts), which is how they wanted it for the article.

It's all crumbling decay at the Headlands, and I do mean the concrete. You'll note my helmet acting as a kickstand - it works well, but I should stop using this particular helmet, as it was reputedly used by a privateer racer in England, who raced a Velocette MkVIII KTT in the 1950's. I haven't found a pic of the helmet anywhere though, so if it rings a bell, drop me a line. It has a yellow stripe which ends at a 'V', forming an arrow of sorts, but also the Velocette V (there's a Velocette tank transfer on top of the yellow paint). Click on the first photo for a better look. [Paul d'Orléans]

 

Not the ranger, he's one of a group of Alameda Police who happened to show up, circle the Velo, and stop to chat! They had just completed their motorcycle training, and were out for a celebration ride on a beautiful day. You meet the strangest people on a Velocette. [Paul d'Orléans]

 

 
  

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

by Paul d'Orléans

2007 Banbury Run

The Banbury run is the biggest VMCC-sponsored event in the calendar, and is generally limited to 500 machines, ranging from 1897 to 1930, and they turned away hundreds more. The event is held on the grounds of a school in the eponymous town, which clearly has the capacity to park 500 motorcycles, plus a hundred or so post-vintage machines in the adjacent fields, and a large autojumble to boot. Top two pics show how crowded the grounds became as the day began, especially when the motorcycles were flagged off individually on a 40-mile regularity run in the surrounding countryside.

A rare Velocette Ladies Model of the early 1920s, beside another Velocette two-stroke H3 model: until they introduced the overhead-camshaft K model in 1925, Velocette was known for building quality two-strokes.  They carried on building improved versions of these machines through 1949. [Paul d'Orleans]
First off, an 1897 Leon Bollet Tandem. I watched the riders chuff away for a while, but it takes a long time to get 500 bikes out of the car park when they must stop to be photographed before leaving. Luckily, the autojumble (pic 3) was humming, with lots of bikes and parts for sale. Pic shows a lineup of interesting machines from just one stall. I saw several Velocette KSS' available, as well as Pioneer and Vintage machines of all stripes, from European to American.

When electrical switches were an event: the Lucas bakelite knob on a NUT V-twin. [Paul d'Orleans]
The next set of pix show Velocettes! A 1923 Ladies' Model, similar to the one Keith from Oz has restored, with a USS behind. Below is a 1913 Model A 203cc two-stroke, which belongs to Ivan Rhodes, and is among the oldest Velos still extant. I doubt the paint is original, but it looks great in patina green. Single-speed belt-drive, and note spare belt on the carrier - they do break! I've ridden this machine, and it's... slow. But as an admitted Velo man, an important piece of history for me.

Ancient Veloness: a 1914 Velocette Model A two-stroke. [Paul d'Orleans]
The variety of machines held great appeal, but not enough Continental iron is on display - only three machines (Leon Bollet, BMW R47, and a D-Rad). There were likewise only four Yank bikes (two Indians, one Harley, one Henderson). Still, the Connaught with Bradbury 'Oil Boiler' engine is a rarity, especially pulling a sidecar. It's a 1922 293cc, so they're not going anywhere fast. What's in that big bag? Note crankcase castings which cover the cylinder for the oil cooling arrangement, inside the unit-construction engine with a wet sump cast into the cases.

A Connaught with Bradshaw oil-cooled motor. [Paul d'Orleans]
Next pic is a Brough Superior 680cc ohv model, which is lovely as are all Broughs - George knew how to style a machine better than Edward Turner of Triumph, and that's saying something. Given the GTO engine with exposed rocker gear, I'd say 1927 or so. My favorite machine of the day was this Sunbeam Model 90, ca 1927. It has been lovingly modified by a doting owner, and a click on the pic will show how. Twin front brakes with a balance beam a la Vincents (and a double-cable brake lever), friction tape on the handlebars, plus lots of subtle touches which make the machine unique, and very much the owner's machine, and not another replica showbike. Pic below is the 'yes hop on' shot - love the curved magneto and air levers, which is different.

A 1929 Brough Superior 680, the affordable Brough, or the 'little SS100'. [Paul d'Orleans]
Next machine is ultra-rare and very interesting. A Wilkinson four, made by the Wilkinson sword factory (where your father's shaving razor likely was made as well). Four cylinder water-cooled engine (read our article 'Fours Before Honda'), plus a very comfortable-looking seat upholstered in tuck-and-roll leather! Swank. Earlier models had a steering wheel instead of handlebars.

Ancients and rarities: a super rare Wilkinson 4-cylinder. [Paul d'Orleans]
Below that is the other end of the luxury spectrum - a wooden scooter! It's a 1922 Autoglider Deluxe 2 1/2hp, which the owner says is 'a bit unusual with suspension wobbles at both ends'! Pic shows owner Alex Taylor aboard the approx. 300cc two-stroke, with it's engine above the front wheel - never a great location for stability, but it's easy to make adjustments on the road! Plus, checking your fuel level is easy, with the petrol tank mounted to the handlebars.... Note the crowds in the background; this shot was taken mid-morning, when half the riders had been flagged off individually (you can see their paper place-markers on the ground), and the remaining riders are suited up and awaiting their number to come up.

The wooden chassis of the 1922 Autoglider Deluxe 2.5hp scooter. [Paul d'Orleans]
The lovely Brown NUT (Newcastle Upon Tyne) caught my eye, a very thorough restoration and a neat machine, ca 1921. 600cc sidevalve JAP engine, and detail photos show a profusion of NUT logos cast into the timing chest and muffler, and below that is the largest and most ex-domicile electrical switch I've ever seen on a motorcycle. Look at that wiring, very tidy, very Victorian.

Newcastle-Upon-Tyne gives the acronym NUT, a sporting machine of the late 'Teens through the Depression, with TT wins and sporting successes early on, but most 'built up' bikes suffered terribly in the Depression, and vanished in 1930/31.  Note the lovely cast aluminum muffler box below the JAP engine, and the very early Lucas Magdyno. [Paul d'Orleans]
More rarities; a brace of Ner-a-Cars [read our Road Test and history of Ner-A-Car here], one with an AJS sidevalve engine, the other with perhaps a JAP sidevalve. Very similar, but different, showing how difficult it must be to restore a machine with such a low production run, but with so many individual touches. I liked seeing double.

A very rare, English-version Ner-A-Car with a sidevalve engine, beside the usual two-stroke version seen in the USA.  This was made in Britain under license.. [Paul d'Orleans]
Last but far from least, the most charismatic motorcycle at the rally; a McEvoy with JAP ohv KTOR 1000cc engine. Racing sidecar attached, twin carb setup, long racing tank with loops to attach a belly pad, mighty headlamp stolen from a car, dirty, glorious, noisy, and RIDDEN. This motorcycle is worth nearly as much as my house, but a dedicated owner keeps it on the road, and looking terrific.

Potent! A MacEvoy-JAP 1000cc OHV was a sports racer built in very limited numbers, and a rival of the Brough Superior, with a slightly rougher edge. This one came complete with twin carburetors - a rare feature on a 1920s machine. [Paul d'Orleans]
The MacEvoy seen from above, and its sporting sidecar with multiple mounting points for stability. Note the carbs peeking out from beneath the gas tank, the soldered loops for strapping a cushion onto the tank, the direct handshift knob for the Sturmey-Archer gearbox, the quick-release fuel and oil caps, the steering damper, and the third lever on the left handlebar: clutch yes, valve lifter yes, but also an oil squirter for the JAP engine. [Paul d'Orleans]
A pair of Neracars, as described above. Still the most popular hub-center steered motorcycle ever produced, with over 10,000 examples built. [Paul d'Orleans]
Tempting examples at the autojumble area: care to join the fun? [Paul d'Orleans]
 

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Rem Fowler's 1907 TT Norton

At the Brooklands Centenary meeting three weeks ago, I ran across George Cohen, he of the single-minded pursuit of all things Norton flat-tank. George is a great character, being formerly a psychiatric doctor in Somerset, England, and working on vintage Nortons in his spare time (his website is 'Norton Singles'). Well, apparently spare time got the better of him, and I believe he's given up his medical practice to pursue restoration of his beloved Nortons full-time; a move reinforce by by a commission from the National Motorcycle Museum to restore a replica of one of the most famous motorcycles extant, the winner of the first Isle of Man TT race in 1907 (multi-cylinder division - the single cylinder class was won by Charlie Collier on his Matchless), ridden by Rem Fowler.

'Norton' George Cohen, who restored the 1907 'Rem Fowler' TT Norton after the disastrous National Motorcycle Museum fire. [Paul d'Orleans]
Like most 100 year old machines, this one has had its share of mechanical changes over a long life, but something of the heart of that original Fowler machine remains. The replica of Fowler's Norton was assembled from a very rare pile of bits, back in 1957 by Percy Webb, and passed through several hands and two museums (Stanford Hall and the National Motorcycle Museum) over the decades. Sadly, a few photos with Rem Fowler himself on the machine, plus press stories which failed to mention the replica status of the machine, gave rise to the notion that, like the Velveteen Rabbit, it had become 'Real' over time.

The incomparable 'Norton' George: how we miss him. [Paul d'Orleans]
To compound the confusion, The NMM had a disastrous and controversial fire a few years ago, and this Norton (along with over 300 other irreplaceable motorcycles) was badly damaged, with some parts beyond repair. George Cohen was given the task of bringing the machine back to life, and he did a beautiful job.

He had just returned in fact from the Isle of Man, where he rode this bike around the TT course for the Centenary celebrations there, and had a trouble-free run, no doubt thrashing this ancient racing moped around the course, as is his wont - George believes in using old Nortons as the maker intended. Having ridden with him on the track at Montlhéry [see our film on Montlhéry here] and in his sidecar near his home, I can confirm that he likes to push his machines to their limit. The third pic is an evocative portrait of the man in question, no doubt reaching for matches in the pocket of his Brooklands-style double-button racing jacket over leather jodhpurs, and obligatory reversed flat cap and goggles. He looked the part!

A thrilling piece of history, and one of the earliest Nortons, with its Peugeot V-twin engine. [Paul d'Orleans]
I've included several more detail shots of this remarkable motorcycle, including one at the bottom which I couldn't resist! Mechanically, it's a fairly simple example of a Pioneer machine, with a bought-in Peugeot v-twin engine, using an 'F' head valve layout (side exhaust valve, overhead inlet valve, with the inlet opened by suction from the piston as it moves down the bore). The oil pump is visible on the side of the gas tank; give the big knob a push every few miles to squeeze a measure of oil into the crankcase, where it would be thrown around by the flywheels, and hopefully splash enough lubricant to the few rubbing parts inside the engine. Ignition timing was controlled by the lever on the other side of the gas tank. These would be attended to while bouncing over the rutted farm track which passed for the TT course in 1907, at 50mph on the gravel.

The Peugeot engine, which was the hottest available at the time, and used by other makes for sporting machines, like Vindec Special. [Paul d'Orleans]
The chassis uses bicycle-type stirrup brakes, which work on bicycles but not on motorcycles, and a single-speed belt-drive direct from the engine, with no gearbox or clutch. Once you got the motor started by pedaling, you were moving! This machine was capable of around 60mph. You'll note some amber 'staining' of the new silver tank - this is a clever ruse! George didn't want the machine to look too new, so anticipated some aging from spilled petrol by clever manipulation of the spray gun.

The direct belt drive gave a nice buffer from engine pulses, but slipped badly in the wet. [Paul d'Orleans]
The author in 2007, with the 1907 TT Norton. [Paul d'Orleans]
The original Norton logo, before the 'vampire' script was invented. [Paul d'Orleans]
 

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Velocette Spring Opener

The Velocette Owners Club sponsors an annual Spring Opener ride, hosted by John and Sue Ray at their 40-acre spread in the hills above Napa. Beautiful location, and the Rays are generous hosts, plus there's a lot of room to spread out the motorcycles, no matter how many show up. We met Saturday morning the 19th of May for a ride of about 70 miles through the amazing countryside around Napa and Lake Berryessa - perfect motorcycle roads, especially if your motorcycle has rear suspension, as some of the roads are badly paved and bumpy in the areas where you'd like to be cranked over.

Kim and KSS, with Bill Charman, long-time club member who we don't see enough of on these rides. Bill has an amazing, barn find '55 MSS, which keeps on going without much input - he's had it for 18 years or so, and bought it from Frank Forster for the princely sum of $1200. Frank thought he got the better end of the deal at the time, but Bill has had the last laugh, as these days original/unrestored machines are getting hard to come by. [Paul d'Orleans]

This year, as all my Velos were on the bench, I borrowed John's 1967 Velocette Thruxton [read our story on the Thruxton here], which is a fast and well-sorted machine. I think I kept my promise to only ride it to 80%, and I only opened the throttle WFO to pass a couple of cars along the way. Still, the bike is very fast through the twisty bits, and as that's all there is in the hills, away we went. Thanks John!  There was only one mechanical mishap, when Kim Young's 1930 KSS had primary chain/clutch problems, which she's been trying to sort for a while. The bike has had a bit of teething trouble, and her husband Pete puts a lot of time and effort to ensure Kim has it available for rides.

Note the smoke coming off these riders - they're coming in fast! Paul Zell on the MeSS 680cc custom [Read our feature here], Jeff Scott on a race-tuned Norton Commando, George Shoblo on a Moto Guzzi V50 which he flogs mercilessly (what, no Thruxton George?). [Paul d'Orleans]

 

Frank Recoder's VMT, freshly recovered from a nasty T-bone accident and looking great. Pic 4 is Frank himself, fiddling with the unreacheable float bowl of the GP carb -it was once explained that a 'cooperative, trained snake is helpful in tickling the carb'. Too true; Frank uses a special tool to help. [Paul d'Orleans]

 

The line-up. There were around 35 people present for the event, and about 25 riders. Bikes ranged from Kim's '30 KSS to a gaggle of Thruxtons, and a few brand-x machines as noted. [Paul d'Orleans]

 

Starting games! If you can start your bike in one kick and it idles without touching the throttle, you win. That would be Frank Brennan, another long-time club member who we don't see enough. In the pic is Frank Recoder being watched - the usual Velocette law of inversion ('the likelihood of a Velocette starting is inversely proportional to the number of people watching') is suspended for the event, as all spectators are Velo fans, and most of the bikes started first kick. They were all really shiny too; either standards are going up, or we're not riding our bikes enough, or maybe Bill and I didn't bring our scruffy bikes! [Paul d'Orleans]

 

Dana Shatts giving it a go. His Thruxton was having none of it, and got the sulks. [Paul d'Orleans]

Bill Charman doing what we all ended up doing, relaxing with a beer in the sun. [Paul d'Orleans]

To join the Velocette Owner's Club of North America, click here!  The club has an annual 1000-mile Summer Rally (since 1983), and set the gold standard for vintage riding clubs worldwide.

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Legend Of The Motorcycle 2007 (Friday)

On entering the hotel forecourt at the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay, the first two-wheelers we encountered were a pair of MTT Jet bikes! Numbers 17 and 18 produced thus far; apparently there are that many people willing to pay $150k for a new motorcycle that melts car bumpers in traffic. Below is a video of the bike firing up in the forecourt of the Ritz, and filling the whole area with smoke!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=FbW8y7wM1nI>

The sartorial accessory of the event (for the judges) was a Rolex Daytona, in varying shades of gold, stainless, and platinum. It's the watch du jour of motorcyclists who have 'made it'. The large belly was optional, but seemingly preferred, as it was popular.

Make mine a Daytona! Rolex was the most popular watch among the judges. [Paul d'Orleans]
Oriol Puig Bulto was a founder of Bultaco, and a former Spanish national road race champion, who is now an executive with the FIM, and lovely fellow all around. The epitome of European graciousness, very kind and approachable - several of 'his' motorcycles were on display, one took a first in its class (a Bultaco Pursang).  While most of the judges wore navy blazers (as instructed) on Saturday, he wore a blue quilted Hermes riding jacket, which made my blue metallic patent leather Gucci loafers look gauche. I'll always be nouveau, never riche.

Oriol Puig Bulto was a perfect ambassador for European motorcycling. [Paul d'Orleans]
Pete Gagan is the president of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America, with his wife Mary Jane on the right (neglected to get the other woman's name - bad journalism). Pete walked with a cane, as he's having an ankle replacement surgery next month, a procedure not available in the US. Oh, Canada, indeed. Pete brought several impeccable machines, including a replica of Oliver Godfrey's 1911 TT winning Indian. Clean and correct enough to win a prize, but as he'd essentially made the bike around an original type engine, it wasn't eligible for judging. Our dictum from Ed Gilbertson, Chief Judge (and head honcho at the Pebble Beach Concours), was 'no ringers will be given prizes'.

Pete and Mary Jane Gagan, with an unidentified friend. [Paul d'Orleans]
Pete Gagan's replica 1911 Indian Isle of Man TT winner with 637cc motor. [Paul d'Orleans]
Jared Zaugg is the founder of the Legends (with his wife Brooke Roner and a considerable army of helpers), and is pictured here with Pete Young and Kim Lohstroh Young (co-founder of the Motorcycle Arts Foundation) along with Anney Rageys, owner of the amazing 1938 Velocette KTT MkVII, which the family brought from France and fired up for the first time on Friday. A compelling story; they had been trying to buy back the bike from a collector for 20 years, and only managed to purchase it two months ago.

Jared Zaugg, Pete and Kim Young, and Anney Rageys. [Paul d'Orleans]
Mark and Christine Upham are the owners of British Only Austria, visiting from their village near Salzburg. Mark is English, Christine is Austrian, and they make a lovely couple, as Mark is very entertaining.  Mike Fitzsimon's wife with Johnathan White, my judging partner and vintage road racer. He worked 35 years with DomiRacer, is a former road racer, and is now on his own selling vintage Italian motorcycle parts, and has the driest sense of humor I've ever encountered.

Mark and Christine Upham of British Only Austria with Johnathan White and Mike Fitzsimon's wife. [Paul d'Orleans]
Kim Young is pictured here with Aude Rageys, who rides her grandfather's Velocette MkVII KTT, and races other vintage machinery in France. I carried her grandfather's TT Replica trophy during the Judge's Reception, and didn't want to let it go! They're perfect carrying size, and no I didn't take a photo. I knew I was in trouble when I saw Aude striding around the Legends grounds in her riding gear on Sat, but when she fired up the  MkVII and rode it around (on an open megaphone - sounded fantastic), I was sunk. On leaving Sunday, she said  to please come attend the vintage meeting at Spa-Francorchamp with her, and handed me her card; turns out she's the Marquise de Roully de Salles...

Kim Young with Aude Rageys. [Paul d'Orleans]
Anne from Smith and Hawken (one of the show sponsors) did all the greenery for the Legends, with one of the adorable motorcycle topiaries placed all around. Yes, I snagged one. Trio of hot blondes includes my wife Darcy and two of the Lucky girls, no comment, but Lucky jeans was also a show sponsor.

Smith and Hawken supplied the motorcycle topiaries. [Paul d'Orleans]
Final pic is Darcy in front of the Jaguar XK150 which I'm now obligated to purchase, as it matched her lovely Marni outfit. Anything you want, babe. Although she's more likely to get the '53 Triumph Thunderbird which went unsold at the Bonham's auction Saturday, which also matched, in that great blue-grey color, same as Marlon Brando rode in the Wild One (I know, the movie was in black and white).

Darcy Campbell with the Lucky ladies. [Paul d'Orleans]
Anything you want, dear. I did in fact buy the 1950 Triumph Thunderbird that matched her dress, but she promptly refused the bike, and now it lives with Justin Kell of Glory Motorworks in LA. I reckon she'd have kept the Jag... [Paul d'Orleans]
 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans

Don’t Trudge It, Rudge It!

A friend (thanks Pete!) forwarded an email from a collector in Australia who needed to lighten his garage a bit; mostly he had pre-1916 bikes which needed vast amounts of work to finish or complete. But, nestled amongst the Veteran Triumphs and Rudges was a proper Vintage (pre-1930 according to the VMCC) Rudge, which looked most intriguing. Of course, this was the bike he really didn't want to sell, but it attracted the most interest (it seems to be harder to sell the really old motorcycles nowadays, and the older collectors are passing on). I put in my bid, and the Rudge is headed to San Francisco.

The 1929 Rudge Ulster that caught my eye in a collection of vintage bikes housed in an Australian shed. [Paul d'Orleans]

The bike in question is a 1929 Rudge Ulster, their pukka Racing Replica, and a faithful copy of Graham Walker's 1928 Rudge factory racer on which he won the Ulster TT at a 'world's first' road race average of 80mph. The factory wisely sought to capitalize on Graham's success by building a racer for sale, and the infamous Ulster model was born.  Rudge carried on building Ulsters as their top-line motorcycle until they ceased building bikes at the onset of WW2, and like many a soldier, did not return after.  The company did carry on though, but preferred to sell their wheel technology to automotive and motorcycle manufacturers, as they'd invented the splined knock-off wheel hub and the flanged aluminum rim for two and four wheels.  Ever notice those Rudge wheels on a Mercedes Gull-Wing 300SL?  Also, Borrani licensed the Rudge patent for flanged aluminum wheel rims, the first in the industry, introduced in the mid-1930s for both cars and motorcycles.

Graham Walker's Ulster TT winning machine, on display at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, England. It was the first motorcycle to average 80mph in a road race, and began a period of Rudge dominance in GP and TT racing. [NMM]

The first-year Rudge Ulster (1929) was a unique beast, and was essentially a one-year model. The 500cc single-cylinder pushrod engine had 4 valves and 33hp, and a four-speed gearbox, while the rest of the industry still contended with 3-speed boxes.  Top speed was 105mph on an open exhaust pipe. The engine had a total-loss oiling system, meaning it had no oil pump per se, but rather an oil metering device, and the oil was allowed to burn off/drip out rather than being returned hot to the engine. 'A constant supply of clean oil' was the thought, but properly circulating oil really helps keep an engine cooler! There are other features of the bike which are unique to the year, such as the twin-filler gas and oil tanks and large diameter wheel rims (21" and 20" front and rear); the 8" drum brakes were the biggest in the motorcycle industry for many years.

Graham Walker's Rudge as spotted tacked to the shed wall, from a very old issue of The Classic Motorcycle. [Paul d'Orleans]

Regarding the poster of Graham Walker's machine; the owner has it attached to his garage wall - a pinup! Let's hope the Ulster looks as good as the calendar girl when it arrives in the USA.

The 1929 Rudge Ulster that caught my eye in a collection of vintage bikes housed in an Australian shed. [Paul d'Orleans]

 

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

artoftime said...
Paul - it was such a pleasure to see your name over at the Sartorialist - I bought your 900GTS in something like 1990 - never forgot how cool you and Denise(?) were - rode the wheels off that bike, sold it, traded it back for a painting and now just looking it in mock up state. Don't quite know where to go with it...anyway, now into vintage cars and a painting career. Would love to catch up - you even in NYC?
Gregory Johnston
APRIL 01, 2007

vintagent said...
Hi Gregory, can't contact you via your artoftime handle for some reason; send me your email address! I was just in NYC, but will be back likely in early June. Send to vintagent1@aol.com
I was just thinking about 'ARTMS' when I was in NY actually, must have been psychic. What a great bike. If you want to sell it back, let me know. P
APRIL 11, 2007

Anonymous said...
Wonderful article, I own and ride a Rudge Special 500 1937. The bike is new to me, however, my father had a Rudge in his youth. I love vintage cars and motorcycles. Would you be able to recommend a source to acquire an owners manual and spare parts list?

Thanks

George Murphy

Mar 27 2007

by Paul d'Orléans

2007 All-British Clubman's Show

The focus of this year's display was 'Racing Nortons', in honor of the significant history of these machines in the Isle of Man's centenary year. Top pic shows yours truly atop Paul Adam's '37 Norton Manx GP (they didn't call them 'Manx' until after WW2), which he had just finished restoring, and which was the finest machine present in my opinion. Paul's attention to detail is impressive, and I love the satin chrome finish on all the nuts and bolts - a difficult process to source these days, with environmental regulations on plating by-products (like hydrogen cyanide). Perhaps in the Sierra foothills where he lives, the EPA isn't paying as much attention.

Paul d'Orléans aboard Paul Adams' 1937 Norton Manx Grand Prix racer, a very rare machine. [Pete Young]

You might note that the engine has black crankcases, indicating that they're magnesium; these 'Manx GP' models were the first Nortons sold to the public with this ultra-light material. Previously, only factory racers used magnesium. I think Paul's bike is one of a handful of survivors of this particular model; I've only ever seen pix of two others. Note also straight exhaust pipe, not a megaphone.

The Manx Grand Prix, another beautiful Norton restoration by Paul Adams. The '37 models could be ordered with a rigid frame as here, but most were built with the 'garden gate' plunger rear frame and telescopic forks. [Paul d'Orléans]

Pete Young and I were the judges of pre-war machines at the show, and awarded the Norton Best in this category. An impressive machine; even my suit is turning green in the photo! The display of Nortons was perhaps the best 'featured marque' display ever seen at the Clubman's Show, with over 20 compelling racing Nortons, ranging from my 1925 Model 18 racer to 70s Commando production racers. Kudos to the show organizers for bringing such a diverse lot together. Bottom pic shows a couple of attendees in their Rocker finest, admiring a speedway machine with Triumph Tiger Cub engine. There was a great crowd at the show, quite a few Rockers in fact, and I managed to pick up a whole load of Velocette spares for my projects.

Two proper Rockers observe a speedway racer for sale in the swap meet area. [Paul d'Orléans]

 
  

Paul d'Orléans is the founder of TheVintagent.com. He is an author, photographer, filmmaker, museum curator, event organizer, and public speaker. Check out his Author Page, Instagram, and Facebook.

by Paul d'Orléans