Lets talk bikes…
I have been discussing a 67 BSA with a buddy of mine. I think he should buy it…
67 wuz about the end of the Brit-bike hurrah.
Consider that the Brits defined two wheeled speed. My point in case is the Legendary, Isle of Man.
First race held in 1907… https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man_TT
It is THE most dangerous sporting event in human history… It is still regarded in popular culture as the most dangerous motorsport event in the world, with the New York Times stating that the number of deaths has risen “to 146 since it was first run in 1907; if one includes fatal accidents occurring during the Manx Grand Prix, the amateur races held later in the summer on the same Snaefell Mountain Course, the figure rises above 250”[7][8].
I’m an avid fan.
Do a search for early IOM TT winners…
In 1907 we see the well known Brit names we grew up with on the roster. Of course, I’m a Triumph kinda guy.
So… by 67 the Brit-bikes were on their way out. Those well built and not leaking Jap-bikes were fucking fast, and they had brakes.
This is a 51/52. A “Wild One” bike. Speedo goes to 110. And the could go that fast IF you could keep it on the road.
The 59 was much better. Note the oil-tray under the bike. Speedo went to 120. Brakes very much sucked.
My 52 with my 72/72 X75 Hurricane. Both amazing but brakes on each not much different. Over 20 years the braking system changed little.
A perfect example of a 62 650 Norton Dominator. Still a fast, fast machine. The feather-bed frame changed the world, and the Isle of Man. What brakes? Down-shift rapidly and hold on tight… This is licenced and insured and on the road. I ride it seldom but love starting it.
Modern two-wheeled speed. Monster dual front disc brakes with 110hp on 165kgs wet. It has a turning radius of a brick slow but at speed it slips around the corners like you’re on a magnetic-electric rail. Speedo is digital and dont know the top speed but it red lines @8500 revs… https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/bimota/2008-bimota-tesi-3d-ar16795.html
I like talking about bikes…
Smiles
The Native Iowan 
Leave a comment