Muds vs Ruckers pt. six

A few cafes from other makes also made appearances at Delilahs: starting off with a sweet Kawasaki W650, the twin based on a 60's motor; more so than the newer Bonnies. Clubmans, alloy petrol tank, ally rims, rear-sets, bum stop seat: what more could you want?

Triton, Triumph, Egli-Vincent! A Hat trick!

The Triton, resplendent with well patch'd leathers and chequered puddin' bowl.

The Pre-Unit BSA A10, a smashing example of this fine, fine motorcycle. Very close to my very own RGS.

Geordies 'cycle... the blue Parilla racer. Streamlined noses abound! 

Sods vs Fockers Part V

Here's an ample selection of details from the bike at the show; all Triumph of course! Starting with the tank badge of my favorite, the green Speed Triple. The mean bug-eyed monster.

Clocks from a newer Bonnie, nice clamp name detail.

Bonneville 'Oil Tank' name and flag. Patriotic or what!

Center tank bolt cover badge. I need one for my tank.

The Lucas Ammeter, the 'Lord of Darkness' reigns supreme! Or so this indicates!

A Tiger and its stripes.

The clean monochrome look on the Trophy touring bike. Sublime.

...and finally the Smiths Chronometric speedo; 120 m.p.h. sir? On a Bonnie in favorable conditions? Nearly! Neverthless a beautiful graphic, used in British 'cycles and sports cars of the period.

Rods vs Mockers Part Four

Here are the older Meriden Triumphs at the street show, each with their owners mark on them, each with mileage and aged patina giving an certain 'life' to them.

Plum late 60's Bonnie: Simply Gorgeous.

Mid 70's oil in frame left shift 750 Bonnie. Carefully prepared and maintained.

A bobbed 650, pinstriped thruugh like Blackpool Rock!

My Bonnies dark brother, A clean 71/72 OIF Bonnie.

Mid 60's Unit lump; A fine engine.

Super clean early 70's OIF, nice white 'horns' on the ebony tank.

Pre-Unit hardtail chopper. Funky ape hangers, high, high pipes and batwing pinstriping.

Mirror finish cafe'd Trumpet. Rocker ready!

Mods vs Rockers Part III

Some neat 'Flyers' were prepared to promote the show; Mods vs Rockers as the inspiration. A BSA Goldie for the backdrop in neon pink and orange is inspired. Nice clean poster.

A close-up of the MvsR graphic, puddin' bowl and cap. RAF roundel mod emblem & spade '59' badge.

 A super 'screen-print' image for the weekly meeting at a local hang out for bikers.  

Mods vs Rockers: Part II

I concentrated on the Triumphs: starting with a good range of the newer Hinckley models, each with their own personalized modification to varying degrees.

Local dealer Motoworks were thre showing a few bikes; the green Speed Triple was my fave...

The modern Tiger, tall legged ready for roadgoing adventure.

A pair of Thruxtons with small fairings for a lively race look.

Bonnevilles galore...

Tangerine and delight.

Seeing triple!

The McQueen inspired Scrambler; a suitably fun based ride.

Bikes glow in appreciation.

The sublime powerplant of the 2300cc Triumph.

The rounded lines of the late nineties Trophy, competent speed and distance tug.

All tastes covered, from the clean touring bike to a colorful cafe...

...and finally, a bobbed Triumph. Hardtail and sprung saddle; though clip-ons and forward placed footrests may make an awkward seating position. But obviously a well-loved ride.

Mods vs Rockers Bike Show

Today on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago, there was a street-wide bike show for all comers. Based at Delilahs Bar, usual hangout for the Chi-Town 'Mods vs Rockers crew, it drew crowds riding in on, and admiring, numerous makes of bike. From dozens of Triumphs, Cafe Racers, scooters to the more esoteric Italian, practical German, and a few Harleys for good measure. A great range of motos! Had a super time looking along the rows parked on both sides of the street at this wide range of very personal rides. I'll take a few days of this blog to cover what I saw!   Enjoy!

Louie the plastic dashboard alligator nodded in appreciation!

"I don't care if it snows much later 

'cos I got my plastic 'gator,

Noddin' on the dashboard next to me!

I'm cruisin' along at ninety miles'

but I'm safe with my moulded crocodile,

assuring me that I won't miss my tea!"

acknowledgement to Plastic Jesus written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957