Two Videos-One Funny And One Very, Very Bad

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This is just a quick post to share two video from YouTube that caught my attention. The first video is a video from Failblog and it involves guys and scooters. What really could go wrong?

This second video should be a wake-up call to any rider that thinks that you are safe out there.

Cell phones have become the number one enemy of ant motorcycle rider. I ride so I don’t have to use my cell, the people in cars forget they are even driving because the cell phone is THAT important. I can deal with road obstacles, rock and even deer jumping in front of me, but I do nat have any defense to a distracted driver behind me.

So watch this video and share to all of your motorcycling friends. The really important thing that this wise rider did was pull to the side of the road. A very good habit.

Ride safe out there and remember that the MF’s in cars probably forgot that they are a weapon uncontrolled when they are distracted with a txt say’n “What up, great vid ROTFL”

Be safe

Glenn

 

The Art Of The Bicycle.

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I just had this link sent to me from a friend who also loves mechanical love stories as much as I do. I want to share it with all of you.

If you are in the Chicago area or love to travel with a purpose, this looks like an exhibit that you must see. We all know about the Art of the motorcycle exhibit and books, well here is a super nice surprise. The art of the bicycle at the Museum of Science and Industry Chicago.

From what I have seen on the website, it looks like a great retrospective of very historic bikes and bike parts. They are also showing some never seen examples that would be awesome to be 2 feet in front of your face and not just in a book.

So, if you have the opportunity to visit the windy city, be sure to visit this exhibit and hit me up with your pictures and comments. I am sad that I can’t make it there myself,  but oh well, I will rely on you.

Glenn

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http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/art-of-the-bicycle/

Norton Plus Triumph Equals…

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It is a fact that I spend time on Ebay just looking for little gems that I think some of you might enjoy. It’s Sunday, I was scouring the intranets and once again, The massive auction site did not disappoint.

Cafe racing has been around for years but really originated in freezing London. The true roots of the classic racers are of British bones. There are some really cool Japanese Cafe racers, BMW’s  and Italians, but the real ones are built off of Triumphs, BSA and Nortons.

These bike are always a thing of beauty, I single, stripped down, races up and bare. That is to me the most important trait. Simplicity.

Here is one that os at auction that needs to be finished but a really good start. Take a look and let me know what you think it needs to be awesome

Hit the link and drool away.

Glenn

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1956-Triton-cafe-racer-/330910237420?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item4d0bc982ec#ht_3274wt_1182

And here is a link to a great blog explaining what a Triton is;

 

Postcard From Germany

It is always nice to have people in your life that know what you love. Some people like chocolates or T-shirts, others like odd little gifts from their friends or families exotic travels or not so exotic travels. But…

My very thoughtful Bride to be sends me postcards that reflect my interests. I love that woman.

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Come ON! This is awesome. This guy is hauling ass, and by the looks of it, the bike is of very small displacement.

Here is what I want from you, What kind of bike and year is it?

and the most important thing, I want YOUR pics of retro-moto related cards or stuff that has made it your way from points afar! Send them through the comments, email or twitter @justglenn and I will feature them here and make a travel log of the best bikes from around the world.

So if you have a loved one that gets that he or she will always be second*, send it my way

Glenn

*only by a very slim margin

Who Wants To Take A Trip Down Under?

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It is widely known that I love the southern hemisphere. Having spent a couple of years in New Zealand in my twenties, traveling, drinking and partaking (whatever that means) in the culture and all that kiwiland offered. That means everything; great people, great landscapes, great beer and so on.

But what I have discovered as of late is, I should of been looking in peoples garages and barns. My GOD! I have found more amazing, highly desired, collectable bikes on Ebay from NZ and Australia than anywhere else.

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You might remember this DKW I featured here on RetroLust not so long ago, it’s the real deal! But look at what I just found listed for auction again on Ebay. A Benelli 4t Sport. Bitch’n knock-off. I love when people do this.

This bike would be awesome to bring to Bonneville Salt flats, race the shit out of it, old school style and know that you are doing it with class!

Hit the link above to check out the listing. If you buy it, let me know. If you need someone to help pick it up with you, I can be packed and ready in nothing flat. I need a reason to get back down there.

Glenn

It’s Like High School But Not Really.

vincentWhat do you ride? Can be a double edged sword of a question if you are a motorcyclist.  It is mostly asked to see if you have anything in common and a lame conversation starter. if you happen to be at motorcycle auction, it takes on a entirely different tone. What is really being asked is,  Who are your people and do you have any creditability?

I like being judged by the clique i’m in, it’s really a compliment.  When I get asked, What do I ride? I say my roots are in Old BMW’s, but have a love for Italians. In short, I like classic German “Boxers” and old Italian race bikes. They can also tell by my look (think mad scientist)  and dress, nerdy but practical. I good with that.

Harley people are easy to spot; leather vests with their colors, mostly overweight or hairy, looking typically… H-D badass. Not that’s hard to do, every H-D shop sells everything you need to look tough, like a store bought rebel.

It’s is the Vintage Harley guys that brings the real game. Those guys get what the history of the brand means. Good ole’ American grit with the knowledge of matching numbers and the importance of the original rider. Much different than the “live to ride” patch wearing weekend warrior.

Now let’s talk about the Brit fans. You can always tell the Triumph, BSA, all things royal guys by the jeans, fitted jackets and proudly branded, bike specific t-shirts. The Difference between these guys and the HD guys is  these guys don’t change their t-shirt. There will always be an oil stains on their pants and one thing for sure, THEY KNOW THEIR BIKES!

I am not an expert on each little nuance of the color difference of each year of the Bonneville, but man do these guys. It is really amazing, What I like about them is it is a complete life-style not just a hobby.

Within this group are the sub groups, The Arial group, the BSA group, the obscure group that loves a certain scooter and the king of kings fans, The Vincent group.

The Vincent guys stay on their own like smart loners, mostly quite and know everything there is to know about this not so well known bike with a pedigree like no other. The facts are clear, the bike are rare, and it take a bit of cash to even be a Vincent guy. What I like about them is that they are not wealthy guys with cash to burn. They love their bikes and usually have REAL collections, not just the living room jewels most amateur collectors have. The guy we love to hate, Jay Leno has a couple, good for him, At least he gets it.

Here is your opportunity, if you want to join an elite club, once again on Ebay, a Vincent is being auctioned. At the time I wrote this blog, it was at 72,000 and the reserve has not been met. So get on the stick, playa’.

What I love about all of this, is that motorcycles and motorcycle collectors is, all are welcome. We all love them all, we like all the differences and the whacky people attached to them. What always keeps me engaged is knowing that there is only one problem to be solved; You have two wheels and a person you need to propel, How are you going to design and build something that will do just that?

Glenn

Be sure to follow me on twitter @justglenn