Bonhams Sells Historic Vincent and Another Steve McQueen Indian

The functional sculpture seen here recently sold at a Bonhams auction held Sunday, 28 April, in at the International Classic MotorCycle Show at the Staffordshire County Showground in the U.K. This 1952 Vincent Black Shadow is a historic machine in so many ways, it actually set eight new records while attempting to set a 24-hour endurance mark in France. The main goal was not achieved, unfortunately. The Black Shadow was already a legend before it ended its production run in 1955, and this specific model has an incredible provenance - about £113,500 (~US$176K) worth of historic appeal, to be precise. Steve McQueen's 1914 Indian Model F also changed hands, this to the tune of £32,200 (~US$49,750). There is more, so check the links:

http://tinyurl.com/cy39jkv

http://tinyurl.com/buu2cvb

Bulding and Racing a Vintage Seeley Norton

Putting your mind to something and then getting it done is what often makes the difference between those who go somewhere in life and those who don't even know where they are. This of course, is not always true, as absolutes are very hard to come by in this universe. And, when goals like this are achieved, it is often only possible due to money, incredible skill, access to certain special resources, and a number of the right connections. However, the task is difficult and the path treacherous and the journey is filled with failures no matter who you are or what the scope of your project.

To read, see and hear a story of incredible dedication from two undeniable talents in vintage motorcycle racing - building, modifying, and racing them - please check out this story of the Seeley Norton and the two people behind the quest, Kenny Cummings and Dan Rose. The visuals alone are worth the click!

http://seeleynorton.com/

A Look at Something We Like...The MV Agusta 500 Triple & Agostini

Just because it is there and I an direct some traffic that way - a short piece on the history of the MV Agusta 500/3 which Ago ran starting in the FIM Grand Prix starting in 1966. Hold on for the ride beyond the link...the images on the other side are potentially dangerous...

http://tinyurl.com/5tk3b6d

Hey, that's looks somewhat similar to the lid I wear now...I wonder why?

The Italian Motorcycle Owners Club 28th Annual All-Italian Bike Rally

Coming up on 18 September in Sturbridge, MA, is the 28th Italian Motorcycle Owners Club All-Italian Motorcycle Rally. A passion for motorcycles is all you need to attend. Directly from the announcement:

The Italian Motorcycle Owners Club (IMOC) will be holding its 28th Annual all-Italian motorcycle Rally on Sunday, September 18, 2011 in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. The IMOC Rally is the biggest and longest-running Italian motorcycle event in America. If the weather cooperates, it's not uncommon to have some 400 Italian bikes and 1,000 spectators on hand.

As usual, the Rally is held at the Hamilton Rod & Gun Club, 24 Hamilton Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566...from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Judging begins at Noon.

Admission is still only $5, per person. ALL proceeds in excess of expenses are donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (J.D.R.F.). Dealer Flea Market and Club spaces available. Refreshments and a food concession available
on-site.

This year's feature is the original, small-Block Ducati Pantah (500, 600, 650, 750)...such as the SL, TL, F1, Paso, Indiana, 750 Sport, etc., along with the Cagiva Allazzurra and Elefant.

All Italian motorcycles and scooters are welcome. No open pipes or pets, please.

Directions: from the Mass. Pike take exit 9, Rte. 20 West. Go 1/2-mile to New Boston Road, follow signs to Gun Club...which is a left turn onto Hamilton Road. From I-84, take exit 3B to Rte. 20 West...then proceed as above.

For more information and coverage of past IMOC Rallies visit www.imocusa.com.

Steven
Rossi
IMOC Rally Co-Chair
(860) 873-2999 Home
(248) 470-5788
Cell
SLDMRossi@aol. com

MCN (UK) Blog at 2010 Isle of Man TT

This is a shameless plug, but not for myself...it is for the MCN blog written by Gary Pinchin while he gets to experience the annual madness that is the Isle of Man TT. It is more than just a race, and there are activities for just about everyone there. The population swells, though, so you must be ready for crowds at almost any venue. Simply grab a good place to stay, get your food and alcohol regimen locked in, and then let yourself enjoy every moment...try not to stress. If you are participating, that advice is useless - just ride your own TT! Take a look at this blog and check back often for updates on the linked site.

http://tinyurl.com/3x5xr8d

2010 Hemmings New England Councours

The 2010 edition of the Hemmings New England Concour d'Elegance will feature Citroen as the featured manufacturer...though, that fact may not matter to many reading this post. The motorcycle class at this annual event held in the Green Mountains of Vermont at the Stratton Mountain Resort - in other words, big money and likely old money with a touch of Wall Street money and the rest of us. It may have a great motorcycle selection, though, so it might be worth at least contacting the organizers to see if it is worth the trip...the riding around there is certainly worth the ride.



http://tinyurl.com/y9jhwys

Charley Boorman Tours & 30th Bristol Classic Show

Charley Boorman is touring the UK theatres with a one-man show based on his adventures throughout the world. Given the success of "Long Way Down", "Long Way 'Round" and "By Any Means", this show promises to be very entertaining and even educational. He is already about a third of the way through his 30-date tour and is enjoying every minute. For all the details - and there are plenty - please take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yecydx2

The 30th Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show was back in late February. If you made the show in Somerset, England, then you know how many lovely classic and rare motorcycles were on display there. The historic show always brings in the crowds and this year was no exception. It is a huge show which resides in four exhibit halls and lasts two days. For what you missed if you could not make it, please take the link and have a look at some beautiful bikes on display.

http://tinyurl.com/ycttept

A Swedish Dealer Finds Honda NR750 and RC30 in Crates!

It's true, but very hard to believe...A Honda dealership in Sweden found two unknown crates lurking in the back of their storage area. It turns out that they had their hands on - never un-crated and in perfect showroom condition - a NR750 oval-piston and a hand-built RC30. The video after the link shows the dealer prep work being done. As far as anyone knows, they will be put on the showroom floor as exhibits. Too bad, those things need to be ridden!

http://tinyurl.com/y9w5trc

Wednesday Evening Moto News - Huntington Concours, Freddie Spencer & Paris Dainese Exhibit

Don't forget about the Huntington Beach Concours d'Elegance this coming weekend in California. I have been over it here before, so I don't want to bore you (just do not forget that Burt Munro's Indian will be on display). Just take the link to get the details and show up if you can make it - after all, the price is not that bad for what you get to see!

http://tinyurl.com/yl9sybs

Speaking of historic motorcycles, Freddie Spencer is selling two of his championship winning race bikes through dealers RMD Motors. It seems that there are some financial issues and he needs the money more than the historic motorcycles. The 1983 Honda NS500 triple and the 1985 Honda NSR250 twin are on offer, so take the link and learn more. If you have a seriously large bank account go ahead and buy them!

http://tinyurl.com/yzousyt

Dainese recently opened an exhibit at the Cite des Sciences in Paris, France, which shows the history of body protection. It is full of leathers and other protective gear from many of history's greatest motorcycle racers. It is not only about Dainese as they also have many displays focused on road safety. The exhibit is called 'A Toute Epreuve: New Technologies for Protecting the Human Form' and runs until 8 August 2010. Get yourself to Paris tout de suite!

http://tinyurl.com/y9nfyms

More Morning Moto News - Balatonring Circuit, Interwetten Honda & Kawasaki Z1

The Hungarian circuit of Balatonring looks to be on course for the 2010 Hungarian Motorcycle Grand Prix. However, we did read earlier reports on how some local civic groups are quite upset at how much taxpayer money is going into the track - and how little profit will be coming back to state coffers. So, there will probably be some political bullying - hopefully, it will be more compromise and working together - to get this track ready for the MotoGP circus to setup and play. 19 September 2010 is the date to watch for...

http://tinyurl.com/y9pujfq

Interwetten Honda is following in the footsteps of the Aspar Grand Prix team and will have riders in all three classes, MotoGP, Moto2 and 125GP. They have signed on Marcel Schrotter for their 125cc effort; he is a young up-and-coming German rider who looks to be a competitive rider in the series. Even though it seems most teams are strapped for cash, it seems that these two teams are hedging their bets.

http://tinyurl.com/y8oqany

Looks like someone has a lovely, un-restored and healthy 1974 Kawasaki Z1 for sale on eBay. The price is close to US$9K right now, but it is worth every penny. You will have a very hard time trying to find one which has not been restored in this condition - it is almost perfect. Owning a piece of motorcycle history is simple, just take the link and then place a bid!

http://tinyurl.com/ydul33m

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - Sam Costanzo Dies, Leon Camier & Josh Brookes

Sam Costanzo, the man who seems to have single-handedly helped out every collector and rider of the Suzuki rotary-powered RE5 (made from 1975 - 77), has been taken from us by cancer. Costanzo did sell the business and it has been moved to Tennessee where it still runs well, but he was the one who kept up the back-end of the love affair between owners and their RE5. He was instrumental in Suzuki's work on the machine, so it makes sense that he would know virtually everything about the model.

http://tinyurl.com/ygw9uc9

2009 British Superbike Champion Leon Camier is having some trouble coming to terms with his new Aprilia RSV-4 WSBK mount. He is at Phillip Island doing testing ahead of this weekend's racing. His Yamaha was well set-up for his riding style, but that took time to get right. The Aprilia WSBK machine may take a few more practices to get the setup perfect for Camier to challenge for the title.

http://tinyurl.com/yhx5so2

Australia's Josh Brookes will be making a quick return to the World Superbike paddock this weekend at Phillip Island. Once he finishes that race, though, he will return to his BSB home. He is familiar with the track and the Australian weather, but not much else - thus, he will be learning as he will be riding someone else's machine...

http://tinyurl.com/yj5fqvc

MORE Morning Moto News - Andrew Pitt & Wanganui Rally

Australian and World Supersport Champion Andrew Pitt recently got the chance to take to the skies in a BAC 167 1000km/h Strikemaster MK88 Jet Fighter. Rodney Hall, a NZ businessman and celebrated pilot - and a huge Pitt fan - was responsible for taking him up in the jet fighter. It was an experience that Pitt will never forget...now, if only he can get a pilot's license himself!

http://tinyurl.com/yavxzav

In New Zealand on 5 - 7 March 2010, the Wanganui Classic Motorcycle Rally will be held. I have only found a message board post, so the details are scant. However, the post links to the website which is run by the organizers, so you should be able to get all the details there. All pre-1986 motorcycles are welcome to enter for judging in various categories. Also, there will be some vintage motocross held in conjunction with the event.

http://tinyurl.com/yc4ymzb

MORE Afternoon Moto News - Sarolea Motorcycle & Pit Pass Radio

A very rare Sarolea Motorcycle, a 1942 model, was featured on the History Channel show "Pawn Stars". The pawn broker in the show purchased the vintage Belgian motorcycle for US$4500 and then sold it at auction for US$7000. It is probably worth a bit more as there are rumored to only be 5 of them in the entire USA. These bikes are in high demand by collectors, so expect to hear plenty more of this story in the coming weeks.

http://tinyurl.com/ylhsent

And, we have the line-up for this week's Pit Pass Radio. Tonight will feature Zach Ames (Arenacross Racer, Spine Chillers Storm Lake Honda), Dan Brown (Owner, Trials Training Center Trials Training Center), Larry Pegram (Superbike Racer Team Owner - as if you needed to know that), and Danny Walker (Founder and President, American Supercamp). Tune in and get your interview on!

http://tinyurl.com/yz8gcjr

Kenya's 2010 Africa Concours d'Elegance Announced

The AccessKenya Group, a successful local public IT company, has announced that it will again support the 2010 Africa Concours d'Elegance. It will be held on 26 September 2010 at the Nairobi Racecourse in - where else? - Nairboi, Kenya. The Alfa Romeo Owners Club will be hosting the 40th Concours d' Elegance and will be celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the auto manufacturer (founded 1910). Vehicles will be entered into one of 12 automobile or eight motorcycle classes. The event is heavily attended, so make your plans early and get your accommodations arranged. Oh, and don't forget to bring your sunglasses...

http://tinyurl.com/y8hdz4s

More Afternoon Moto News - Freddie Spencer & Yamaha YZR500 Replica

Freddie Spencer will star at the Vintage Motorcycle Club's Festival of 1000 Bikes - which is coming up this July at the U.K. track Mallory Park. He will be riding a three-cylinder Rothmans Honda NS500 GP race bike. This is only first of what should be many legendary racers and motorcycle personalities which will be attending the event, so take the link and make your plans now!

http://tinyurl.com/yza84wg

Now, another very coll piece of news is the Yamaha YZR500 replica; you can actually build one for around £18,000 (currently around US$28,000). This is all thanks to Mico Products of Australia. In fact, they have a number of bikes from which you can choose to re-create and ride at your own leisure. You may have seen their bikes before and not even known it...take the link and watch the video.

http://tinyurl.com/yh5hw6b

Tuesday Afternoon Moto News - Ace Cafe London & Suzuki Gladius

Ace Cafe London will be hosting a motorcycle and custom show 26 - 28 February 2010 which they call the Ally Pally 10. It will be held at Alexandra Palace, Wood Green in London, U.K. Expect some very interesting custom bikes and some incredible historic and vintage machines to be on display. It is not to be missed!

http://tinyurl.com/ydqos6n

And, more attendees: http://tinyurl.com/ygh2ouv

The 2010 Suzuki Gladius has been panned and praised. Most say that the machine could use some styling work and some stronger suspension, but the video after the link below is the wrap-up of a long-term test with the machine. If you really want to know what living with this bike is like, take the link and watch the video.

http://tinyurl.com/y9e5a99

More Evening Moto News - Boca Concours & Gas Gas EC250

The Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance will take place 19 to 21 February 2010 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. There will be some absolutely lovely classic and vintage motorcycles on display. Though it does look like just a gig for the rich and obnoxious (Dennis Miller is the guest of honor this year), you may be able to see some fabulously rare machines in that rare air. It does cost US$50 per person for the Concours itself (which is only on Sunday, 21 February), so bring your credit card!

http://tinyurl.com/yhhcggq

The 2010 Gas Gas EC250 Six Days is a tremendous piece of machinery - I mean to say that it is tremendously capable. This off-road bike was built for competition, not for fooling around at your local park. If you do not race in truly competitive Six Days-type events, you will not like this motorcycle; it is rough, likes to ride high in the rev range and pulls like a supercharged tractor. Be careful, but go very fast to stay safe.

http://tinyurl.com/yf3m85j

More Afternoon Moto News - Motorcycle Cannonball & Honda VFR1200F

There is even more to read on the upcoming Motorcycle Cannonball...it is a race across the US with pre-1918 motorcycles. It does sound a bit insane - even if you are a rider of such machines - but it is going to be something worth participating in if you have the means. After all, it is high adventure and it will be a part of you for the rest of your life - you will NEVER forget it!

http://tinyurl.com/y876otu

And, someone at Motorcyclist has managed to put a brand new 2010 Honda VFR1200F on a dyno. It was not an easy task as there are so many electronic rider aids which must be turned off to do a proper run on the HP measuring system. In the end, they found it had 142 hp and 81.4 ft-lb of torque at the rear wheel. With all of the controversy surrounding this bike now, some might actually be put to rest with these results.

http://tinyurl.com/yby2nle

Thursday Afternoon Moto News - CB750 For Sale & Spain By Bullet

First of all is this eBay find of a 1975 Honda CB750. It is partially restored and ready to be finished into either a show bike or a mile-munching classic. The next one is a 1970 CB750 which only has 5,000 miles on the clock. It has been stored most of its life, but has received some recent work. Check them out and buy one if you can!

http://tinyurl.com/ye9bkvb

We have a great story about a man and his Royal Enfield Bullet who takes it all around the northern coast of Spain. It turns out that this mount, with a 50+ year-old design, is probably one of the best backroad cruising machines you can purchase. No, it is not perfect, but the feel of riding one through historic lands is just fantastic.

http://tinyurl.com/yexuwz2

Wednesday Evening Moto News - Travis Pastrana + AGV, AMA Vintage Days & Trials Schedule

Travis Pastrana is just the latest addition to the AGV helmet sponsorship program. They already have the two best racers in motorcycle racing history - Valentino Rossi and Giacomo Agostini - and now they have another very successful rider in Pastrana. Now that Dainese owns AGV, it will probably only get better...

http://tinyurl.com/yck729e

The AMA is looking for some good vintage project bikes as a part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days this 9 - 11 July 2010. It doesn't matter if you are complete or not, and the destination can be any one you for which you are looking. Just get in contact with the AMA as soon as you can.

http://tinyurl.com/yeq5uba

The AMA released, a few days ago, the schedule for the AMA Racing/NATC Observed Trials National Championship Series, 2010 edition. For the information you seek, take the link. I can tell you that the season starts on 1 - 2 May 2010 in Oklahoma.

http://tinyurl.com/y9frh8k