Varadero 1000, (courtesy bike of the apocalypse!!)

I had to take my bike down to the bike shop recently, (Max-M Motorcycles, Tavistock, 01822819859 ), so he said I could borrow his bike, a Varadero, (however you spell it!!), now its not the nicest looking motorcycle, but lurking under that bulbous fairing is a 1000cc V-twin, and when you stick on some comedy, token gesture, short cans you have a recipe for a lorra lorra fun, in fact almost every downshift was met with a snigger, as the thing, POPPED, BANGED & POPPED AGAIN!!!!!, and generally sounded like the apocalypse, with heated grips.  This was my first experience of a large capacity V-twin, and the drive of the thing was huge, need to overtake, just wind it on.  When it came to returning it I had a real shock at just how cramped and small my ZX6R is, I think this is why I've never done any real long trips on the ZX6R, but on this Hodna I could quite happily go anywhere, (with ear plugs though, as to ride without them leads to my left ear going numb!!!!!).  I think I've definitely hit a certain age when I found myself talking about how comfortable the thing was, aswell as how loud and fun it was too.  Oh dear.  Anyway its given me food for thought, and its not a GS.

BSA 9.86 h.p. V-Twin

Never seen one of these before.

Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show. Part 3

 Kit for early Speed Triples, whenever I look at this I just see what could be done with my old GPZ 900R, (only with an extra cyclinder)

 A most elaborate rear number plate holder.

If I ever get a Triumph, it probably wouldn't be a Tiger, but nonetheless, I'd love to get this painted on the tank, always loved it.

Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show. Part 2, (main hall)

Into the main hall, and the first thing that hits you is the smell, that wonderful mixture, of fuel, oil and motorbikes!!!  I wasn't a big area, but they had managed to cram loads in.  One of the first things I saw was the Ducati chop, (above), don't think I've ever seen a Ducati custom in any way shape or form.

 Endurance bikes, (above), of any era are just shex!!  Phwoar, (below)

 A nice collection from a/ the 50cc sports motorcycle club.

 Mods,

 and rockers.

 Bargain

 A classic, I want those forks, think they'd look great on my GPZ, if/ when I get it back on the road.

 The French, never seen a Voxan in the flesh, strange beast.

Proper superbike??

Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show. Part 1

Funny isn't it, I haven't been to or near Bristol in ages, and then last week in the space of 3 days I go up twice, firstly on thursday to see DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist do an insane set on 6 decks using the vinyl from Afrika Bambatas' personal collection, and then on Sunday to go to the Bristol Classic Motorcycle Show, (technically in Shepton Mallet, but who's counting).  I've never been before, so I didn't know what to expect, but the signs were looking good, the weather was perfect, almost too sunny!!

 One of the first things I found was a small marquee littered with racebikes, it was promoting a racetrack in Wales that is holding an event in mid June, (must find leaflet).  The bike above is a TZ 250, (I think), in a Spondon frame. 

 Carbon weave in bright sunlight!!  Just noticed the tyre is on the wrong way round, does it matter with a slick, only if its asymetrical I suppose.

Nice hue of blue.

'mmmm Spondon.

 This was another very shiny shiny 2 stroke, but of the 500cc variety.

 Each bell mouth for the carbs had a really fine screen across it to stop the injestion of crud I guess, I've seen metal mesh used before, but never anything that fine.

 Why paint that yoke?

 As well as the stinkwheels, there were a few 4 strokes too, including this in your face ZX6R road racer, check out the SCREENS!!!  In the background there are 3 blokes who were breaking down a brand new ZX10, to be shipped out and prepared for racing.

Road racers; lockwiring and ignition keys!!

Brit Chopper

I don't think I've posted this bike before, but in my mind its another classic Brit chopper, I think I like it more because its no frills and used, no carefully rendered "patina", just used and abused.

Bat Fastard

My uncle is one of those people who is just too talented for his own good, he can draw, paint, and sculpt, and all to exceptional levels.  He sent me this doodle a few years ago for a birthday, the bike may not be quite correct, but he got the gut spot on!!