Year: 2010

Simply Spectacular Suzuki GT550.

Thomas Leeming from Montana recently sent me this excellent Suzuki GT550 cafe racer / former racebike. I told him that I’ve always been a Yamaha RD400 and Kawasaki Triple fan but this Suzuki could definately sway me. Jush gorgeous.

Thomas Writes:
Thanks for the great web site. I recently completed this 1975 Suzuki GT550 cafe. Pipes by Omar’s. Electronic ignition. Battery, oil tank and electrics are hidden under the seat cowl. The older photo is from 1974 at Louden NH when I roadraced a GT550.

Thanks Very Much for the pics Thomas. Very Much Appreciated!

The same bike back in the day…

Maybe the best racing conversation EVER!

If you’re a long time fanatic of motorcycle racing or you’re just curious and thinking of “dipping your toe” for the first ime and maybe watching a few races this year, do yourself a favor and watch the three videos of a conversation between an all-time american racing legend and what’s likely to be a future one.  Eddy Lawson and Ben Spies.

Even if you don’t care for racing these video’s can teach you a bit about, the nature of sacrafice and motivation and what it takes to win.
Part One

Update: a few more. Reader Ride(s)! A nice stable of Triumphs!

Will Hildreth has sent me some great pics of his Triumph stable. I have had a soft spot for the early T-Bird Sport for ages. I rode a first generation Speed triple for years but I had a hard time making the choice when it was parked next to one of these. The aftermarket 3 into 3 pipe is just the BOMB! Buddy of mine had one that’s on the blog already. I’ll post a link shortly.

Here’s a few more he just sent me.  Beautiful!

Oh and here’s the rest of his rides. You’ve got great taste Will.

A new generation T-Bird

A Sweet Rocket 3

Suzuki DR650 reader ride..errr… well MY new (to me) ride…

Well there might be a trend towards enduro bikes for a while.  My recently acquired DR650 is cleaning up nicely and after some fun afternoon test rides playing in a few mud holes and such I now officially have the dualsport  bug… BAD!  This thing is a freaking blast!  It doesn’t hurt that I almost stole it when I bought it.  There was literally a moving van in the driveway when I got there so the negotiations nicely turned my way.   Even when all the mods are done I’ll be in it for under $3k.  Came with the IMS tank and a spare Corbin seat!

Here’s a few pics after her bath.  Still have some tweaking to do.  So far new 50/50 tires, new handlebars, new heavier rear spring and lot more ghoodies on the way including 520 chain/sprocket, front springs, brakes, wheel bearings etc etc..  along with all the necessary maintenance stuff that you have to do to a bike when you dont’t know anything about it’s “real” history.  Anywhay here’s how she sits at the moment but I think a switch to all white (with tasteful decals) my be in the offing.  Too soon to tell.

Reader Ride! Beautiful Montessa Scorpion brought back from the brink! With video!

Just a fantastic save of a really cool Montessa up in Massachusetts

Steve C. Writes:

Hello,
Great site/blog!  Have a couple of bikes you might like.
I found this Montesa on Craigslist in the Summer of 2006 – it’s a Scorpion 250, probably sold in 1968 or 1969.  Looked pretty rough in the pic the seller sent to me – see below – so my original thought was that I’d part it out on eBay.  I knew the front wheel alone was worth a few hundred bucks (more than I paid for the bike).  It’s a sought-after twin-leading shoe drum with air scoop that was also used on the Montesa Impala (street bike) and LaCross (real motocrosser).  But once I saw that the bike was nearly complete, I figured I’d see what it took to get running.  So  cleaned it up, painted the frame, straightened the front fender (yes, that’s it on the seat in the “before” pic), fabbed a seat strap, added a new chain, OEM rear brake pedal and shift lever, kickstart spring, rear brake light switch, taillight bracket, handlebars, points, condensor and plug.  That’s about it.  The rest was original — paint on tank, fender and headlight, grips, levers for the clutch, front brake and choke, even the footpeg rubbers, tires and that funky red leather thumb guard on the throttle. 


Steve C. N.Andove Ma 


Thanks VERY much for the pics Steve!  Rally great bike!




Here’s how she started out!

And here’s a video of her.  Really Nice Work!

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=-5765847321719615127&hl=en&fs=true