Socal Norton Club‎ 36th Annual Hansen Dam Ride and Show SUNDAY!

Posted on October 29, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

29 Oct

Ok, this Sunday is coming around super fast and I shall be heading down to Hansen Dam for the Norton Owners Club 36th Meeting that is annually and boy what a treat this is.

Last year was my First attendance at the Hansen Dam ride and boy did I have fun there, a few hundred bikes turned up and the ride through the canyons was brilliant fun, no need to race but you could give it an ear full if you so required, but I sure did have fun on My Thruxton.

I will be going again with my crew from the Orange County 59 Club and take in the atmosphere of this well represented Norton club.

What time:

at 7:00am – 3:00pm

3 days from now · 85°F / 60°F Clear

Where:

Hansen Dam Recreation Park

11770 Foothill Blvd, Sylmar, California 91342

Schedule of events:

8-9:45 Coffee, Donuts and Show Bike Info
9:45 Riders Meeting and Announcements
10:00 Ride leaves via Osbourne/Foothill/Little Tujunga
1:30-2 Return to Dam for ride pins and Best Bikes Show and lunch
2:30-3 Show Bike Awards in six catagories
Catagories are:
Best Norton
Best Triumph
Best BSA
Best British Custom
Best British Other
Best of Show
Bikes in show must participate in ride.
This is the best motorcycle show by a dam site.
Directions: 210 to Osborne St. exit #8 Foothill Blvd. west, left on Osborne St., left on Dronfield Ave., right then left to lower parking lot.

This is a great event and for all classic Motorcycles, if you want a fun day out on your two wheeled machine on Sunday, then this is the place to be at.

You will see a few faces you may know there, I saw Barry Weis there and he is such a fun guy to chat too.

Also you will see Many unique machines from Norton, to Greeves, it will all be there and a great hang out before the ride into the twisties.

If you see us, please come and say hello as this is one of the friendliest meets I have never been too, other than the VJMC as their events are super cool too.

So get ya arse down here if you can as it is a memorable ride and so many cool classic machines to look at.

I hope to see you, give us a wave if you are on the run as this sure is a fun day to ride your motorcycle.

If you would like to ride with us , then get up early as we shall be at Alea’s Cafe on the corner of Miraloma Ave and Miller at 7am remember you have to change your clocks on Sunday morning at 2am.

Alea Cafe

3371 E Miraloma Ave, Anaheim, CA

New Triumphs Hit the Shows

Posted on October 27, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

27 Oct

OK, here we are with a few photos that are belting around the internet and wanted to share them with you. the 2016 Thruxton is great as Track racer, but the others are a little too mainstream for my liking, but hey, they want to sell to the masses and that’s cool with me.

I love the front forks and the Rickman style fairing but front fender brace is over the top.

Yes- I would Ride this, very cool except for yellow springs on the rear Ohlins WTF up with that?

Lose the weird looking fender hangers and this would be great.

A Thorobred look, hope they sorted the shitty rear brake out this time.

Norton styled triple Tree configuration and I like this set up.

Looks fun to ride and I hope to sling my leg over one soon to test ride and report.

They Totally lost the plot here and looks like the Curry Basher Continental to me.

I Like this design in its simplicity.

I think the Brat guys and Hot Rodders will like this, but I am not a fan of the Spider web rims.

Other than the rims, I like the look of the bike.

Its a nice ride oter than looking like the Royal Enfield GT Continental .

Needs a smaller headlight but other than that I do like this motorcycle.

This looks boring and that exhaust looks like its off a steam train.

The T120 has a weird badge on the tank. But I am sure all these models will sell well.

Beckhams look great and the Belstaffs too!

Wings, Wheels and Rotors show

Posted on October 26, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

26 Oct

Sunday Morning sure came around quick, so Jennifer and I decided that we would go to a local show, some 9 miles away in Los Alomitos and a 15 minute drive from th house, something that is a rarity these days for us, so we jumped in my Ford and off we went to the Army base up the road.

C17 Troop carrier was grazing on the runway, this is a big plane but not as big as the C31 most people see these days. But got a lot of attention none the less.

Still an immense aircraft with a huge payload and more Horsepower then many Dragsters hooked together and more Primer color than a Battleship.

This has 4 Props and would cause more draught than the latest Hurricane that just hit Mexico this weekend.

A popular Haunt for everyone today as not many Civilians get a chance to walk around in one of these massive planes these days.

When I was 12 Years old I joined the Army Cadets, mostly to get out of the way of my Old man, these were fun times for me and looks like for these lads too.

The Base had many cadets out today and a great atmosphere was felt on the runway today.

I would of liked to have seen this fire up as when they tilt the rotors for a dive, they scream like a Banshee!

The Pipers came out and did their thing, they were pretty good too.

I love Vintage Jeeps and rode in a Willys that came from the Normandy landings in WW2 and drove it up the Mall to take the salute past the Queen in 1995 and boy was it great to see these today.

The weather was perfect for this show and lots to see and do, I may take the bike club out this way next year as we had a ball walking around.

Bright Orange Turtle Deck T had a 6 Banger in it, an oddity for sure but always cool to see different things at this show.

Corvair with an Old Coddington styling.

This 1950 2 door Merc was crying out for a roof chop.

Bad Ass 55 Chevy Gasser was the best for me, such a tough machine and owned one back in the UK in 1996.

Littlefield supercharger gets this shoebox down the road in quick time.

Clean 289 Mustang with unusual Factory color sat proudly amongst the newer stangs.

The good old Austin Healey 3000 Mk11 cars were a reminder of Brands Hatch for me.

Plenty of Tri-Chevys there today but have always liked them and had to take some photos.

I love 55 Bowties, I miss my old one so many cool memories stirred up for me at this show this weekend.

Ive been after these headlights for years and here is a set on this Jalopy.

Four Winfield carbs and cool old school Bellmouths look Hungry like baby chicks.

1940 Dodge was actually really cool and looked so much like the Ford.

Model T tracker was cleaner than a cats arse.

Little 4 Banger power too.

A mixture of everything at the show and thats what makes it a fun event.

Model T had a Dago front end, thats all I liked as the rest kinda went down hill.

The license plate really says it all. And boy did this fifty five sit in the weeds too.

This 63 and a half was really tidy.

As I said, a mixture of everything at the show and this was a loud color with the ghost flames.

A smorgasbord of Classic tin all in one line and a good shot I thought.

Super clean 66 VW bug was a hit in my eyes, tastefully done and I would of driven this home for sure.

This Mint green Spudbaker was tidy and got many looks at the show.

This 1956 Belair was clean.

The Ford has some huge tubbed out rims and those tires were chunky!

Old and New side by side.

Plenty of Muscle here today and this Goat was by no means no exception.

This 2 door 1957 Ford had an awesome color scheme and a 427 wedged in the bay too.

Work truck 35 Ford was a Hit, using Vintage style Firestone tractor tires.

I will never get enough of planes and loved this.

They never fired it up when I was there and I wish they would of, they had my favorite the P51 sat next to her too.

Lady Alice sitting on the Tarmac, begging to be taken out and into the sky.

Would of been fun to see these fly today.

Flying in Original ww2 livery, this was cool to be so close too.

We couldnt get in this and I understand why, but wanted to get and have a look at the dash, as I love the gauges, lucky for me I had a zoom lens.

Love that Dashboard set up.

All sorts here today and fun to be able to walk around.

Lady Alice had 6 of the best on show.

So Army, Navy and Air force all represented today.

All this needed was some cool Nose Art.

Original Uniforms. always great to see.

Chin waggin.

The Three Amigos hang out.

British Para, but collar should be down and zip done up.

WTF?

I wasnt sure why the Star Wars was going off but funny as hell to see for me.

Old video of me building the Speedmaster Cafe

Posted on October 24, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

24 Oct

Hey there Gang

Many people email me and ask about the bikes I create, the parts that I make and offer and many also ask for advise on their machines.

I am still learning after almost 4 decades of being into Motorcycles and thats what I love about it.

Motorcycles will always be a big part of my life, i have met many people from all over the Globe, I have also built machines and sent to so many far off countries, it simply amazes me sometimes, but this is my passion and I continue to feed my passion with these fascinating 2 wheeled machines.

Below is the Speedmaster cafe bike that I created, it now resides on the otherside of the world and in fact, I met the owner this year as he travelled the USA and he came to one of our 59 Club monthly meets, so always cool to meet clients.

If you need help, advise etc, please feel free to drop me a line at carpy@carpyscaferacers.com as this is what I do and if I can get your Motorcycle back on the road, it makes me feel good and you great.

keep doing what you are doing, take your time, building bike is a learning curve that takes a long time to conquor and I am still trying to get to that stage after all these years, but its a fun journey and hope that you stick with me through it.

Here is the little Video for today, enjoy……

New Triumph Thruxton Cafe Seat and Cowl assembly

Posted on October 22, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

22 Oct

Well, I thought it was time I came up with a few more ideas for my Thruxton and this is my latest one, this is a cool seat base and cowl assembly, complete with a snap upholstery that gives you the opportunity of using the cowl as a storage compartment.

I have loved the race snaps for many years and used this style of quite a few of my creations over the years and thought it only fitting that I design and build one for my own motorcycle and of course, offer the same to you.

These are not mass produced as i make these to order and what you get is personal attention with this assembly.

Have a look and see if you like this design, this is a new seat base, New Triumph rubber stops underneath and of course New foam and custom made seat cover with snaps, of which you can ask for different colored stitching too.

If you like the Nostalgic look and of course, you have a Thruxton, what cooler way than to go this route, as this gives you a superb option to get rid of that bulky Plastic stock rear tail light assembly as my Cowl comes complete with a Glass 12 Volt teardrop Light that is stop light and running light.

I took a lot of time in deciding how I was going to go with this and I like the set up, it may not be your cup of tea but for me I can drink that stuff all day and of course I do so.

So if you like this and would like to have one the same but different colored stitching, just email me on carpy@carpyscaferacers.com and I will make it happen as we can do red Stitching, Black, white or Grey, its up to you, you can also choose a different trim-Piping etc.

The choice is all yours, I shall add more photos once I have painted the cowl and fitted it to my Thruxton for you to see and then maybe decide.

But thanks for looking none the less, I really enjoy what I do and am happy when I get customers that come back to purchase more of my parts.

This is a unique look and am happy to say I was the only person to come up with this set up and wanted to get it out there for you to all see.

There is a lot involved to make this happen and that’s why it did take some time for me to get it how I really wanted it.

Thanks again, I always appreciate your input, good or bad as it is what makes me drive harder to get what you want. I have used stainless steel that was laser cut and bent in a Press to get the Hooks just right, I used Triumph Stoppers for the seat to Buffer on, New Foam and a New Fiber glass seat pan and then my new cowl with the recessed tail light. Then the Upholstery hand stitched and then snapped to give the old School look of years gone by.

Norton unveil the Mick Grants Special Cafe Racer series

Posted on October 21, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

21 Oct

A great day for Classic Bike enthusiasts, as Norton Unveil this Mick Grant Special.

Norton launch exclusive Mick Grant Replica. We are proud to reveal a stunning replica of Mick’s famous #7 JPS Norton. Only 7 bikes are being hand built for global release today. For all inquiries please contact karen.fearon@nortonmotorcycles.com we are working on a strict first come first served basis as this exclusive run of bikes are sure to become very sought after. All owners will get to meet Mick at the Norton factory as they collect their handbuilt bike which comes with signed certificate and a picture opportunity with Mick and their bike. Norton have worked with Mick within the TT race department in the last few years and wanted to do the bike as a thank you and to pay homage to what was and still is a fabulous career within motorcycle racing. Well done and a HUGE thank you from ALL at Norton to Mick Grant.

Such a Nostalgic look to this New ride and I am sure Mick would be tipping his hat from above if he claps eyes on this thing of beauty.

With those Anodized Ohlin shocks, you know that this will help you around the next bend with none of the Old Girling lumpiness that it used to be.

I wonder who is going to be the lucky 7 owners of this model, a rare bike right off the factory floor and I sure hope that I get to see one over here.

A Drag racing Kinda day

Posted on October 20, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

20 Oct

Hello Folks

Well, seeing as the day is flying by faster than a Drag race at the strip for Nostalgia motorcycles, i thought that i would add a few Drag Racing photos to make your day go maybe a little faster.

Since I have been back from my Vacation to Jolly Europe I have been eager to get right into making new parts and offering them to you lot.

I have a bunch of things I am offering from Steel Frame hoops, to New seats, to New headers and Exhaust systems.

If there is anything else that you may be looking for to fit on your steed and nothing out there, ask me, as I may be able to make it.

Hope you all have a Great day and the week blast by like a 7 second machine.

Back to the grind Stone and another Blog tomorrow.

HALLOWEEN TRIUMPH NIGHT!

Posted on October 17, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

17 Oct

Well, this is short notice but we will be attending the Halloween Triumph Bike night in Costa Mesa, looks like it will be an interesting event if any of you would like to ride up with us?

We shall all meet up at Aleas Cafe on Miller and Miraloma in Anaheim at 5:00pm and kick stands up at 5:30pm, up to you if you want to wear a Costume, a little too late for me to try and get something together but, want to enjoy the event none the less.

3371 E Miraloma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 993-5198

Hope to see some of you at Alea’s cafe on the night for a Spook tacular time.

So save the date as this is not far away, tell your friends as this could be a great event, you dont go, you wont know.

Just some great Video’s today.

Posted on October 16, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

16 Oct

Well, Friday is here, so I thought I would add some cool videos for you to watch and enjoy the end of the week.

Below, check this Scooter Riding Girl that has a Provisional Motorcycle license, but in her spare time rides a BSA on the Wall of Death.

And how about this then, 1949 and 16 year old Maureen Smith rides the same Wall of death at Southend on Her Supercharged machine and maked me laugh when the Narrator said Britains Dizziest brunette.

Enjoy your Friday…

Jacks Hill Cafe Ton Up Day

Posted on October 15, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

15 Oct

Well today, I thought I would add a video of Jacks Hill Cafe Ton Up Day, always a good turn out there in rain or snow.

Located in Towester in Northamptonshire, this place has always been a Regular stop for Motorcycles and Trucks, known to us in the UK as a real “Transport cafe” Jacks Hill has seen so many Ton Up machines over the years, if you put them wheel to wheel, I am sure it would circumference the world many times over.

This building Originally built in 1850 – Owned by Mr. Ridgway of Ridgway’s Tea, it then became a Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) hospital providing medical assistance during World War 1, before being demolished following a fire around 1930.In 1945, following a severe snow storm where Towcester was marooned, travellers along the main thoroughfare sought refuge at Jack’s Hill (or the newly built ‘mansion house’ as it was known). The owners tended to the travellers with teas, coffees and overnight stay. It is thought this was the origin of the cafe before it then became one of the Tower Cafe group.

If you are ever in the area, pop in, the people are awesome and has a wonderful atmosphere.
I have been there many times on my Motorcycle, as I rode past there either as a Dispatch rider or with the lads going to a Motorcycle show.
A number 1 one stop if you are touring in Britain as well as the Ace and Busy Bee etc.

If you are wanting great food and service, as well as some cool history, then you have to drop by, have a cuppa, buy a shirt and enjoy the Nostalgia.

Jacks Hill Transport Cafe
A5, Watling Street
Towcester
Northamptonshire

In more recent times, the cafe has been used not only as a backdrop for the BBC‘s Top Gear, but also as the venue for an edition of Channel 4’s Scrapheap Challenge! It also featured on both the BBC‘s Songs of Praise and Timeshifts.

Help Support this Historic Venue.

Oh yes, Love the “Special they have on the menu Tonight”

We have Grilled Lambs Liver on the menu tonight 15 OCTOBER 2015 AT 3:33 PM

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