adventure bike

UPDATE: Cool shot. A Trans.. scratch that… Africa Twin going through the mountain!

A few folks in the comments pointed out that this is actually and Africa Twin which I should know except we are SORELY lacking in them here in the US. To our everlasting shame 😦

From the comments:
It is an Africa Twin 😉
This Photo was taken in the Italian alps on the Passo Della Mendola near Bolzano.
It is always a great trip to the alps 🙂

Greetings
Sandra

No doubt. And thanks much for the correction.

Ducati Condor. Ther original Ducati Adventure Bike?

From the for sale ad where I saw he bike. If you’re interested it can be found HERE

Forget the Multistrada here is Ducati’s first adventure bike. Built as a collaboration between the Ducati factory and the Swiss military to construct an all purpose, go anywhere bike. The changes that the Condor folks came up with were unique to this bike alone, too bad Ducati didn’t use any of the changes Condor did on the production singles of the day. For instance they used a spin on oil filter, something no Ducati single ever had. The engine is rubber mounted to the frame and there is also a rubber mounted head steady, the result is that the bike has a smoother ride and feel that the production singles. The brakes are larger diameter on the Condor and the rear wheel has a unique feature allowing the chain and rear sprocket to be kept in place when the rear wheel is removed. The tool kit is very BMW-like with a complete tool roll and tire pump, the saddlebags are removable and water resistant (not waterproof though) and, at least to me, the best feature on the bike is the dual rifle holders. No more tail gaiters for you!

Hard Core Landscape Wanderlust… The Lostrider Panaroma.

I’m glad that Finn gave me to OK to use this photo right after I asked him because I would have probably made a pest of myself till he did.   He took this shot  “from a quick ride I did to Chicago from LA, with a detour around Moab…”  God I can’t wait till I get some free time to go explore on the big DR.  Don’t know about Moab but anywhere outside of flat old Florida would be a nice change.   Please do yourself a favor and go visit his site over at LOSTRIDER.com.  Tons of great shots that will put you in the mood to go ride and explore.

 

Thanks Finn.

 

“VINNYLONGLEGS” to be auctioned! What an awsome Vincent! 721,703 miles and counting.

A special thank you to Katherine Boyle from Bonhams for this one.

“VINNYLONGLEGS” TO BE AUCTIONED AT BONHAMS
NORTHUMBRIAN ENTHUSIAST TO SELL WHAT IS PROBABLY THE HIGHEST MILEAGE VINCENT MOTORCYCLE IN THE WORLD
Bonhams are to sell a truly unique motorcycle which has spectacularly covered over 1million kilometres at the hands of one careful owner. It will be auctioned at the International Motorcycle Show in Staffordshire on April 24th 2011 and has attracted a pre-sale estimate of £35,000 – £40,000.
Fondly nicknamed Vinnylonglegs, this 1955 Vincent Black Prince is probably one of the most travelled motorcycles in existence, having regularly toured Europe to notch up its staggering 721,703 miles.

Stuart and Vinnylonglegs in 1955 and the pair together in 2010

Northumbrian born Vincent enthusiast Stuart Jenkinson bought his new 998cc Black Prince from St. Andrew’s Motors in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1955. Since then he is the only person who has ever ridden it – with the sole exception, presumably, of the original works tester. Of the three Vincents he has owned it is undoubtedly his favourite.

For 25 years Stuart used Vinnylonglegs for riding to work and long distance touring holidays. In 1980 it became the lead motorcycle in his new business running guided motorcycle tours in Europe. The machine has been rebuilt three times and progressively developed to cope with challenging European tours through countries including Germany, Belgium, Austria, Slovenia, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, Albania, Macedonia, Czechoslovakia, Montenegro, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Hungary and Greece. There have been more than 40 Greece tours of over 3,000 miles each, since 1962. On continental roads the machine has the ability to cruise all day at 100mph with a top speed in excess of 120mph.
Stuart comments, “As any long term owner of a bike or car will understand, selling Vinnylonglegs after 56 years and almost three quarters of a million miles is going to be a serious wrench. I’ll just have to make do now with the memories of all our wonderful trips.”
Modifications have included a re-designed front fairing, incorporating twin headlamps, and replacing the original upper frame with a stiffer box section Series C frame, while a four gallon Series C fuel tank now caters for the longer distance tour. Electrical equipment has been modified to provide greater safety and reliability, while disc brakes and Koni dampers provide both safety and riding comfort. The pannier frames carry two five gallon boxes while the shelf above normally carries a large army kit bag with full camping gear.
Ben Walker, Head of Motorcycles at Bonhams, comments, “Bonhams has a reputation for selling Vincent motorcycles, but this really is a remarkable example. Possibly the most well travelled Vincent ever made, I hope the new owner takes it over the 750,000 mile mark.”