Triumphrat

crashmasterd · 05-06-2006

During my usual weekend afternoon pub pilgrimage there was a motorcycle club meeting. It's a Norton group, but they sometimes ride other bikes. As I'm sitting there, some guy behind me says "There's a Rapide out there!"

Sure enough: A very nice and nearly all original 1948 Vincent Series B. This made my day. Heck, this made my week and month!

The only things not right for this bike are the mirror, bars, and seat. The rest is perfect!

Here's the rest of the group.

This group is usually here the first saturday in the month. Pretty good guys, even if they do drink their RC cola with a straw. They're a little less weird than the Scottish American Society, or whoever it is who comes in wearing kilts and playing bagpipes.

http://www.horsebrass.com/

I can often be found here on Saturdays or Sundays for lunch, if any locals care. Ask the barmaid for Doug.

cheapbastard · 05-06-2006

looks like a cool place to hang out, crash. I really likes the looks of that one in the middle! She looks good! What model Norton is that?

[ This message was edited by: cheapbastard on 2006-05-06 21:47 ]

corners · 05-06-2006

I don't know what bike that is, never seen one, but it's one of the coolest bikes I have seen a picture of

Legman · 05-06-2006

Looks like a commando to me, with an earlier model tank (maybe an Atlas or 650SS) and a custom seat. The side cover is definately Commando, as are the mufflers.

crashmasterd · 05-07-2006

Quote:

On 2006-05-06 21:46, cheapbastard wrote:
looks like a cool place to hang out, crash. I really likes the looks of that one in the middle! She looks good! What model Norton is that?

It is. Best fish and chips in town.

I'm pretty sure that's an ordinary Norton Commando Roadster just like the black one next to it, but with a café style seat. It also seems to have a later model tank, like from 1976 or so but I'm not sure. edit: I think you're right John. Earlier tank.

Also note the vintage BMW R50 right behind it.

To complete the smorgasbord there were two 1960's Triumphs, a Yamaha 650 special, and a late model Triumph Thunderbird. Oh, and a Honda 4cyl that had engine problems! Some days you gotta laugh.

I'd trade every bike in this lineup for the Vincent HRD though. Maybe even my Speed Triple....

Naw. What was I thinking?

edit: Corners, that's a Vincent HRD series B Rapide. It is the second coolest bike ever made. The coolest being the Vincent HRD Black Shadow, which wasn't a whole lot different.

[ This message was edited by: crashmasterd on 2006-05-06 23:21 ]

Legman · 05-07-2006

If you are thinking about the coolest bike ever made, it would be very hard to go past the 1000cc Brough Superior

Sparti · 05-07-2006

Quote:

Best fish and chips in town.

Well I never. Fish and Chips in the US. I never new such culinary delights were available over there. Cod? Beer Batter? big chips? Wrapped in yesterday news paper?

I'm hungry.

TonUp · 05-07-2006

The Vincent looks perfect! Nice pictures! I rode my friends 850 Norton one summer. It really got me hooked on the older British bikes. Very fast and quick!

There is a group here that meet once a year at an open house, all old and new British and German bikes. I have attended it for the past 4 years. The folks are very friendly and a great source of information.

Ton Up!

beatpusher · 05-07-2006

I had the pleasure of seeing that bike and 3 others ride past me on belmont today. Must have been right befor they stopped.

So freakin cool!

Golfinc · 05-07-2006

WOW!

I'm not sure I would put the Vincent on the road. I know that may be a no-no in certain groups to say but with the sheer number of idiots on cell phones driving and not paying attention, I would hate to see it damaged.

Aw, hell, then again, it was built to ride..................................

[ This message was edited by: Golfinc on 2006-05-07 10:03 ]