¡Viva la Revolución!:

Here's where a certain Norton motorcycle changed world affairs; in 1952 a young medical student Ernesto Guevara and his friend Alberto Granado travelled the length of South America witnessing the poverty, exploitation, and economoc extremes that changed the course of his life indefinitely. Their steed, a 1939 500cc model was named El Poderosa "The Mighty One",

El Poderosa (copy)

Norton 16H 500cc Side Valve Single

The iconic Alberto Korda photograph 'Guerrillero Heroico" of Che which became THE defining image of the Twentieth Century.

A wonderfully evocative movie "The Motorcycle Diaries" based on his autoboigraphical book of the same name, starring Gael García Bernal as Che and Rodrigo de la Serna as Alberto. A Norton featured as the third main character.

Worldwide Coverage

A Logo used for a couple of years (1932-33) on the early models was this globe variant. Here shown on what could be a 2/1 250cc or 6/1 650cc designed by Val Page.

Here is a stunning example of a NT500 from 1933, the worldly badge just visible. Remember this was the time of the SS100 Brough Superior 'Superbikes'!

A Hurricane and a Shoe

An airman in WWII sitting proudly with his Royal Enfiled, oh and his Hawker Hurricane in the background. The Battle of Britain pilots relaxed aboard speedy motorcycles.

A shoestore mobile advertising for sure; the Norton attached chair also serves as pooch carrier...

Vintage Race Posters

Bright prints, graphic imagery and excitement guaranteed! A couple of the race posters seen at the Wheels Through Time museum. The lower poster does seem to have British singles racing...

Wheels Through Time: the museum that keeps on runnin'

Last couple of fun items from the museum: the Coca Cola Chopper, customized in true sixties style as well as a gas tank with cool looking ice cubes built into the metal...

A ride sitting out in the sun, where it should be, looking road weary; it certainly should be after the thousands on miles from its ride across the US in the Cannonball Run last year. Bikes had to be older than 1920 to run. Dedicated bikers indeed! This was Dave Walkslers 1915 Harley Davidson, he came in 11th after 3292 memorable miles.

http://www.motorcyclecannonball.com/

A Museum of Variety...

It wasn't just Harley's at the Wheels Through Time; other marques were represented also. Some known like Indian and others lesser known such as the Traub. An interesting selection.

A brace of Excelsior Autocycles from 19-teens, the Model X; these were the first 'ton' bikes, fast indeed for the time. Bought by Schwinn which folded in Hendesron later; these would become Excelsior "X" Henderson.

Thor Motorcycle from the 'teens. A board racing machine set up for rapid laps of the racing boards. From Aurora Illinois. With the huge number of bicycle manufacturers around Chicago it was a natural step to motorcycles at the turn of the century.

JAP Single:  JA Prestwich motor from the UK used for grasstrack and speedway racing.

ELK: more about this unique cycle from Dale Walksler, owner of the museum.

Traub, a one-off bike with a very interesting story with unknown origins. Rediscovered 40 years ago in a bricked up wall in Chicago.

http://motorcycling.speedtv.com/article/history-the-mystery-of-the-traub/

Finishing on a couple of Indians. Only true major compeition to HD, based in Springfield MA from 1901-1953. Representing this important maker is a Powerplus (above) and Deluxe Sport 4 (below)

Hardly Dee at the Musee

A large selection of HD's from the last hundred years or so filled the museum, the waft of engine fumes tinged the air. They still fired many of these up! One racing specimen was kicked into life while I was there, a hearty roar and pungent gasoline smell. Heart thumpin' stuff!

An early forties WLA, 45 cu. inches WWII machine (80,000+ built)

1928 JD, here in fetching blue trim.

Model F (1915 on) Early 61 cu. inches (1000cc) V-Twin configuration; this one with original patina: marvellous!

Flathead engine (side valve) used in HD's between the 30's and 50's. Here a U model with recirculating lubrication; the Squirt logo adorning the oil pump! Ribbed side cover aids cooling.

1933 VLE 74 cu. inches. Beautiful bird tank graphic for this year only.

XR750: Dirt-Track racer extraordinaire!

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!

Desert Sleds

A great image of the Triumphs used for desert racing in south California. That first fella looks a lot like Bud Ekins; west coast bike shop owner and racer as well as pal to Steve McQueen.

Here's an early Dunlop promotional shot of Ekins and his Trumpet Iron; look at that front wheel!

...and here he is with Steve havin' fun on a Sunday desert race no doubt.

Wall of Death

More twosome adventurous spirit in bygone days. A sidecar outfit haring around the vertical world of the travelling performers. Rolled up sleeves, turned beret and glasses; good confidence too...

... more gals and their Triumphs

WRENS: Womens Royal Naval Service.

Scrambler Glamour!

A Desert Rose heading onto the dusty roads of the west.

Cover Shot: only the chopper magazines get women on the cover nowadays. Though this classic pose balances well with the classic Speed Twin.

A Bobbette?

Picture Perfect.

Stylin'.

Girl Power!

70's glamour.

A Century ago....

Family outings aboard two wheeled transport; let's take Granny along too! Idyllic Edwardian times for early Coventry built machines.

Mother and daughter can come along too. Sidesaddle and cross bar comfort! Flat cap and goggles complete period look; Harris tweed the early bikers gard. Classic stuff!

These early motorcycles were basically bicycles with engines; even a well sprung Brooks leather seat adorns the frame. Think of the freedom these offered to early road users.