 3rd prettiest bike.
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3/4 Throttle
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OP
3/4 Throttle
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We all know that the 07 Speedie is the prettiest bike in the world, closely followed by Speedies of other years and the America. :P But, what, in your opinion, is the 3rd prettiest bike in the world? Here's my vote: AJS 7R/Matchless G50  1948-54, 350cc single, 37-42hp, 285lb, 100mph top speed.   * 1958-63, 500cc single, 51hp, 320lb, 135mph top speed. Clean and simple lines; gorgeous. ("But, Neill, that's TWO bikes!!" Look again.) *The 2nd picture is possibly a replica but...look at it!!!
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 Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I always thought the Bmw R37s and R47s were great looking old bikes. But this is my favorite.... 
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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For movie fans...  Really hard to say but this one is reaaaal close 1938 Brough Superior SS100 981cc 45 hp 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
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this is my second ,third........ 
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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There's something about Brough's.....
Gina
03 America - Pretty stock - except the TBS wheel... 
06 America - missing, presumed in bits. With it's TBS wheel... 
09 America - It's very blue....
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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"For movie fans..." Looks like some one's been to Birmingham...........Alabama Barber
Last edited by mikemm03; 02/03/2009 6:49 PM.
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Or the AMA Motorcyle Hall of Fame Mueseum in Ohio...  Quote:
"For movie fans..."
Looks like some one's been to Birmingham...........Alabama
Barber
Al
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Ya know guys, some o' them old Indian-4s were kind'a pretty, wouldn't ya say? 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Pretty? Ahaha, um... not exactly. But you never forget your first love!   The Hi_rider was an extremely poor seller, more or less the Norton Edsel. It was the only 'cool' (used relatively, hey I was 17 at the time) new motorcycle I could afford. It was a '74 model that had sat at the dealer's until late '75. The owner of the dealership wanted it gone and said he would take any semi-reasonable offer. I offered what I knew would be refused, and rode with it 45 minutes later. (The pics are not of the one I had. FYI: Yellow makes it look even worse.)
2018 FLHCS
2014 Surly Straggler - 16,000 miles and counting!
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,610 |
Man, that is one .... ummm... interesting... seat.
Stewart
.......
"It's outside your field of expertise."
"Poppycock normally is."
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Ahem...You DO KNOW, don't cha Leno, that all you would've had to do was to change out those funky handlebars and seat, and you would've had a classic lookin' Norton Commando Roadster sittin' in your garage, RIGHT?!  (But HEY, I shouldn't talk here...I had a 1971 BSA RocketIII that I bought new, and after the first year of ownership I stupidly extended the forks on it some 6 inches!!!...but HEY, all us dumba$$es thought THAT was "a good look" back then, ya know...and BOY, did that ever make that poor Beezer "handle better", HUH?!  )  
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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I'm partial to Velocettes  But, my grandmother would have claimed the Henderson was the best looking.  Especially if it has a 4 cylinder Plymouth engine installed.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
Ahem...You DO KNOW, don't cha Leno, that all you would've had to do was to change out those funky handlebars and seat, and you would've had a classic lookin' Norton Commando Roadster sittin' in your garage, RIGHT?!
Ah, what we know NOW compared to what we thought was cool back in the day. I really liked the handlebars, and the upside of the seat was that chicks liked riding on it. 
Quote:
(But HEY, I shouldn't talk here...I had a 1971 BSA RocketIII that I bought new, and after the first year of ownership I stupidly extended the forks on it some 6 inches!!!...but HEY, all us dumba$$es thought THAT was "a good look" back then, ya know...and BOY, did that ever make that poor Beezer "handle better", HUH?! )
Ahaha, I went the opposite route. About three months after I got it a chopper buddy helped me out with a set of solid struts to replace the rear shocks. Lowered her right on down to the tire. Ride sucked, but the look was pretty awesome for the budding biker on a budget! 
I wish I could find one of those in cherry condition today.
2018 FLHCS
2014 Surly Straggler - 16,000 miles and counting!
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
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There are so many I really couldn't choose but the Brough Superior have some great looking bikes. There is one with a bronze head I really like too, might have been a Douglas but not sure anymore.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I hate to say it but as I think about it , this isn't the 3rd best but in my opinion the best..the 1937 Speedtwin. That is my dream bike and all time favorite.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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 2009 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic  2009 Moto Guzzi Griso 1100
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jul 2008
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
I'm partial to Velocettes
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
I hate to say it but as I think about it , this isn't the 3rd best but in my opinion the best..the 1937 Speedtwin. That is my dream bike and all time favorite.
Ya know Ian, I've been waitin' since this thread began for you to say that! And I have to agree with ya. The Speed Twins were gorgeous machines that pretty much started this whole Triumph thing we've all come to know and love!
(however, if memory serves...the first year of the Speed Twins was 1938, not 1937)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
Quote:
I hate to say it but as I think about it , this isn't the 3rd best but in my opinion the best..the 1937 Speedtwin. That is my dream bike and all time favorite.
Ya know Ian, I've been waitin' since this thread began for you to say that! And I have to agree with ya. The Speed Twins pretty much started this whole Triumph thing we've all come to know and love!
(however, if memory serves...the first year of the Speed Twins was 1938, not 1937)
Nope the Speedtwin first came out in 37 and the year I would want. Not that I would turn down a 38 or 39! 1937 Speedtwin
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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After reading your link I WAS going to say "I sit corrected Ian ol' boy" , however I then found this Wikipedia page here... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Speed_Twin..which says the production started in 1938, even though Edward Turner premiered his creation at the 1937 England National Motorcycle Show. And so, I'm still not sure who's right here. (...but I STILL like your pick here, dude!) 
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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38 was the first full production year but some were made in 37 so depends how you want to look at it. I want one of the more rare 1937s.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Okie Doak!!! (in that case, pick me up one o' those beauties TOO while you're at it, will ya???)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
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there are really too many pretty bikes out there to choose. I do like the Indian you posted, Dwight, but I like all Indians, they have style!
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I always liked the front leaf spring. Different and that's cool.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
I hate to say it but as I think about it , this isn't the 3rd best but in my opinion the best..the 1937 Speedtwin. That is my dream bike and all time favorite.
I hear ya. The Brough is such a classy motorsickle. The pictures do not in any way do it justice. The Speedtwin is very nice indeed.
This one is a
1938 Speed Twin
23hp
498cc
75mph
375lbs
Facts from the Barber Museum
Quote:
In July, Turner introduces the 500cc Speed Twin, selling at 75 pounds. It takes the motorcycle world by storm and would prove the definitive British bike. This 27bhp parallel-twin model (some say was based on the engine design of the Riley 9 car, which Turner owned) set the trend for motorcycles and its form continued well into the 1980s. It was capable of travelling 90 mph (145kph) and weighed 361 lb. (166kg).
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,124 Likes: 13 |
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: May 2007
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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"The Fins , the Fins . "
( closing lines , Col . Kurtz , circa 1970's )
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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One of my favorites was the Honda Magna V-65. I bought this one in 1992. 
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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i could care less which one it would be 37-38-39 Twins makes no diff. to me i think they are the winners. if you squint and look just right at the America you might be able to see a resembelence. as wallpaper for my cell phone, i have a pic of that bike. my 47 knucklehead looked similer to the capt. America bike but i had a 4" extended springer and a Triumph type paint job on the tank and handlebars more like the ones we have on our America's and although i dont have any pics of that bike, to me it was one of the prettiest bikes ever. the way my America sits makes me think of that bike but its a little taller. It was a beutifull bike. but mass produced stock bikes??? the 37-8-9 Twin is by far the prettiest!!!!!! 
ENJOY!!!!! NEWT!!!!!
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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+1 on the Speed Twin 
"Wise men speak because they have something to say, fools because they have to say something."
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
"The Fins , the Fins . "
( closing lines , Col . Kurtz , circa 1970's )
Now wait a minute there, Wade! I seem to recall that Brando NEVER thought fins were a "horror", dude! NOPE!!!
In FACT, in his early years you may recall he developed quite an appreciation for fins on motorcycles while riding a 1952 Triumph Thunderbird in another particularly noteworthy film in which he starred.
Proving, once again, that ALL machines bearing the hallowed name of Triumph Thunderbird SHOULD HAVE cooling fins, be they air OR water-cooled. 
(BTW...I say lets add an early '50s Thunderbird to this list here....THOSE are some good lookin' machines TOO, ya know!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,284 |
Brough Superior
Indian Chief-inline 4
B.M.W. R69S
Vincent Black Shadow
Harley Knucklehead
Take your pick- Like beautiful women, choosing just one seems impossible.
Strangler
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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This is mine , if I win the lottery I will have one 
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Oh YEAH!!! I always liked those Hurricanes!
I remember like it was yesterday seein' the cover of Cycle Magazine with Craig Vetter sittin' on his original BSA version which he designed to show the Brits where they "went wrong" with their initial design of their Triples which met with little approval, especially by the american press and customers.
I owned a '71 BSA RocketIII at the time, and remember thinking that BSA better get Vetter's design in production very soon if they wanted to survive. But of course, by the time they finally started production, BSA had gone the way of the Dodo, and they hit the market as Triumphs and were still a little too late to even help Triumph's fortunes.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jul 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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Love the Speed Twin ,but alas this is as close as i,ll getto owning one  or get this close to one  will have to go back there and get a better pic.
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
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man that guzzi is sweet but i'll stick with the 1969 firebird 
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
Quote:
Quote:
"The Fins , the Fins . "
( closing lines , Col . Kurtz , circa 1970's )
Now wait a minute there, Wade! I seem to recall that Brando NEVER thought fins were a "horror", dude! NOPE!!!
In FACT, in his early years you may recall he developed quite an appreciation for fins on motorcycles while riding a 1952 Triumph Thunderbird in another particularly noteworthy film in which he starred.
Proving, once again, that ALL machines bearing the hallowed name of Triumph Thunderbird SHOULD HAVE cooling fins, be they air OR water-cooled.
(BTW...I say lets add an early '50s Thunderbird to this list here....THOSE are some good lookin' machines TOO, ya know!)
Thought that movie was made in 53 and he was on a 54 T-110. ( New bike before they hit the show rooms.)
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
man that guzzi is sweet but i'll stick with the 1969 firebird
That BSA still looks like a new one or is that a picture from 1969.
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Re: 3rd prettiest bike.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
"The Fins , the Fins . "
( closing lines , Col . Kurtz , circa 1970's )
Now wait a minute there, Wade! I seem to recall that Brando NEVER thought fins were a "horror", dude! NOPE!!!
In FACT, in his early years you may recall he developed quite an appreciation for fins on motorcycles while riding a 1952 Triumph Thunderbird in another particularly noteworthy film in which he starred.
Proving, once again, that ALL machines bearing the hallowed name of Triumph Thunderbird SHOULD HAVE cooling fins, be they air OR water-cooled.
(BTW...I say lets add an early '50s Thunderbird to this list here....THOSE are some good lookin' machines TOO, ya know!)
Thought that movie was made in 53 and he was on a 54 T-110. ( New bike before they hit the show rooms.)
Oh boy! Here we go with another model-year debate again, huh Ian?!
(to be honest with ya, I'm not sure...you COULD be right...THIS TIME!!!)
(and BTW...Bill, that IS one BEAUTIFUL Beezer, alright!!!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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