People know me for the CB750 Honda, and that inline four is one of the most robust motors out there, but many other Brands are just as good, the Kawasaki Z model and the infamous Suzuki GS model too.
Here is just a couple of videos I saw and thought I would share today for my Blog.
Enjoy.
Construction of Ace Cafe Orlando Rolls Toward Spring 2017 Opening. It’s the first North American outpost of the world’s most celebrated London-based motor-diner. The new destination in Central Florida Will Feature full-Service restaurant, bars, live music Stages, retail Stores, dealership, gallery and more…Construction workers are in high gear completing the 35,000-square-foot parcel bringing more than 175 new jobs to the local economy. The Orlando Ace expects to draw over 400,000 people to downtown annually.
Since 1938, Ace Cafe London has been a mecca for those passionate about cars, bikes and rock ’n roll culture. The original location on London’s North Circular Road began as a simple roadside cafe for truckers, then evolved into a popular destination for rock ‘n roll-loving teens riding motorbikes during the ’50s and ’60s. Today, the Ace has a multi-generational appeal from motorsports enthusiasts from all over the world.
Ace Cafe Orlando is located on a three-acre parcel in downtown Orlando at the corner of West Livingston Street and Garland Avenue, now known as “Ace Corner.” The Ace is renovating and refurbishing three 100-year-old buildings – once home to Harry P. Leu’s supply company – preserving the structures’ authenticity and even repurposing its original materials (for example, every table inside the Ace is made from the wood and heavy timbers reclaimed from the barn on property) – while also evoking the essence of the original Ace Cafe London. “We’re thrilled to welcome Ace Cafe to downtown Orlando,” said Thomas Chatmon, Jr., executive director of Orlando’s Downtown Development Board and Community Redevelopment Agency. “This entirely-new destination’s unique blend of restaurant, bars, retail, live music and event spaces will entice a variety of demographics to downtown. The Ace’s economic impact will be immeasurable.”
Much larger than its London namesake, Ace Cafe Orlando spans two floors and will feature a full-service restaurant, two kitchens, four bars, a coffee bar, a communal counter, a mezzanine that overlooks the main floor dining area and stage, and private and semi-private spaces for groups both large and small. Rounding out the offerings inside the Ace are Rockers Speed Shop (selling official branded Ace gear and apparel); a BMW motorcycle dealer; Dainese D-Store (Italy’s most famous high-tech riding gear and accessories brand); EagleRider motorcycle rental company (the world’s largest motorcycle tourism company); and Stonebridge Motorgallery, selling an ever-changing line-up of original motorsports and rock ’n roll-inspired artwork, photography, sculptures, and memorabilia, as well as collectable vintage and one-off custom motorcycles. World-renowned artists including Michael Lichter, David Uhl, Antonio Merinero and Makoto Endo, as well as local favorites, will be represented.
Under the tutelage of Executive Chef Christopher Truesdell, the Ace’s menu can be defined as American Gastro-Diner fare, featuring made-from-scratch home style comfort food with a twist that captures the authentic spirit and flavors of some of the best diners and backroad joints across the country, all at an affordable price point. Of course, there is also a nod to Ace Cafe’s roots with authentic British favorites like Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, and Chicken Curry. A carefully-curated list of house-made specialty craft cocktails, fresh juices, Super Martinis, wines, cold-pressed and hot spiked coffee drinks, spiked and non-spiked fresh gelato milkshakes, and an amazing beer list of craft, domestic and imported brews across 104 taps headline a bountiful array of adult beverages available from four fully-stocked bars. The Ace is also family-friendly, complete with sharable appetizers, fresh super food salads, Gluten-free options, and a children’s menu, not to mention all the eye-catching cool cars and bikes on display on any given day. Ace Cafe Orlando is destined to become a popular destination for all ages in the middle of the City Beautiful.
And then there’s the great outdoors at Ace Corner — the siren call for motor- and music-lovers, alike. Guests can drink and dine on a large outdoor backyard patio, or grab a Julius Meinl coffee while admiring hot rides through giant garage doors that open onto a large “car park,” (parking lot) where the coolest vehicles will become the focal point each day for car club and bike meets and mingling. Parking is free for Ace guests, with several public parking garages also in close proximity. When complete, the entire three-acre area can host up to 7,000 guests.
Following the opening of Ace Cafe, attention then turns to completing two key spaces inside Ace Corner, now under construction and on track for a summer 2017 opening: an 8,000-square-foot, one-story live music and bar venue called The Blue Cap Shack, also home to the area’s first Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ, the Kansas City-based BBQ restaurant voted “Best BBQ” by Anthony Bourdain, Chef Wolfgang Puck and USA Today; and a Backyard Beer Garden featuring an outdoor stage for live music accommodating up to 1,200 people, ideal for bike and car meets, concerts and private parties.
“As we get closer to opening, it is so rewarding to watch this multi-faceted project come together,” said
Mark McKee, CEO and Chief Gearhead of Ace Cafe North America. “We are building something so special, a place that’s focused entirely on the Central Florida community. From petrolheads and aficionados to would-be enthusiasts who want to take a rental spin on the weekend, to concert-goers who want good music and specialty cocktails, to families searching for a fun and affordable dining spot – the Ace is for everybody.”
Ace Cafe is the most famous motor-diner on the planet. Ace Cafe North America holds the exclusive licensee rights in North America and South America for this world-famous brand. Ace Cafe Orlando is the first North American venue for Ace Cafe. For more information, visit Ace Cafe USA www.acecafeusa.com, and connect on Facebook and Twitter @AceCafeUSA, Instagram @acecafeorlando_official.
Tributes have been paid to John Surtees, who died on Friday 10th March 2017. He was an acknowledged great of the motor sport world and the only racer to have won world championships on motorbikes and in Formula One.
Surtees, who was 83 years old, was admitted to hospital in February with an existing respiratory condition and after a short period in intensive care died peacefully. He was much admired among his contemporaries, and by subsequent generations of drivers and fans, and had remained involved in motor sport after his retirement from competitive racing in 1972.
Surtees won the 500cc motorcycle world championship in 1956, 1958, 1959 and 1960 with the MV Agusta factory team, for whom he scored 22 wins at the top level before switching to cars, making his debut for Lotus and winning the Formula One title for Ferrari in 1964, which included a remarkable win at the Nürburgring and one at Monza.
It was an achievement made all the more impressive given the level of competition he faced, beating Graham Hill and Jim Clark into second and third places. During the 12 years he raced in F1 he won six races from 111 starts. He also took a third place for Ferrari at Le Mans in 1964.
He left the scuderia having been at odds with the then manager in 1966, a decision Enzo Ferrari, who hugely admired the British driver to the extent that he invited him to join the team twice – something unheard of at the time – believed was a mistake for both parties and cost them a further championship.
Lewis Hamilton said: “I just heard about John Surtees. To end the day with that kind of news is very sad. He was a legend of the sport – a lovely guy who did so much. It’s a shock to everyone. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
Hill’s son, Damon, posted on Twitter: “Such a lovely man. We have lost a true great motorsport legend. RIP John.” Ferrari also acknowledged the part he had played for the scuderia, tweeting: “John Surtees, Motorsport legend and 1964 World Champion with Ferrari, passed away. Our thoughts are with his family.”
The team went on to describe him as “The Great Surtees” and said “Ferrari has lost one of its greatest drivers” in a commemoration on their website.
Jenson Button posted: “Today we lost one of the all time greats on two and four wheels. We will miss you John… rip johnsurtees.” The former driver and commentator Martin Brundle tweeted: “Rest in Peace John Surtees, a great champion in every respect. Sadly he’ll never get the Knighthood he deserved. Condolences to the family.”
John Surtess was a huge Icon of mine, along with Mike Hailwood, Barry Sheene and Randy Mamola, I was sure hoping he would live long enough to be knighted by the Queen for his services to the Motorcycle and Car racing fraternity.
I met him and Sheene at Snetterton in the late 1970’s when they had the Trans Atlantic races on, such a great bloke, kinda like your Grandad.
I was envious of him racing the Vincents, what an awesome machine for its time.
I just wanted to say a Big Thank you to John for ALL the Records that he has achieved, you are a true Gentleman and I will always look up to you, although you are up there anyway to look at.
May you rest in peace John but I know you will be on Gods track up there Racing The Duke and Mr Sheene.
I have known of this chap for over 40 Years, 4 bloody decades, man that time has flown by, David Silver used to work in a little garage and has built that up to a great business and now, has a superb museum that show cases all the Honda’s.
Not too far from the old Nuclear power station in Sizewell if I remember? In a little place called Leiston, some things dont change and thats great.
We lived about 40 miles from here as we were in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. And I am so glad he has opened a Museum and one of these days I shall visit it as well as see some of my School days pals and catch up.
He now has a superb set up and if you are on the East side on the wet lands, then you must go and take a look at the museum, tell him I said hello.
Roberto Totti of Bologna is one of Italy’s most prolific custom bike builders, and he’s been getting a lot of attention lately on the interwebs. One of his latest motorcycles is the 1508 Hot Rod, inspired by American custom cars from the 1960s. (The 1508 comes from the date the frame was built, 15 August.) The 750cc engine comes from a Triumph T120, with the head apparently turned 180 degrees to maintain pressure in the carburettors.
The Bonneville T120 was Edward Turner’s last production design at Triumph (in retirement Turner designed the Triumph Bandit/BSA Fury which did not pass the prototype stage before BSA went under). The new motorcycle was conceived and developed so quickly that it was not included in the 1959 Triumph catalogue. With a 649 cc (39.6 cu in) parallel-twin (two-cylinder) engine the T120 was based on the Triumph Tiger T110 and was fitted with the Tiger’s optional twin 1 3/16 in Amal monobloc carburettors as standard, along with that model’s high-performance inlet camshaft. Launched in 1959 by Triumph as “The Best Motorcycle in the World”, the Bonneville T120 was aimed mainly at the lucrative US market where enthusiasts were demanding extra performance.
Initially produced with a pre-unit construction engine which enabled the bike to achieve 115 mph (185 km/h) without further modification, the power tended to induce high speed wobbles from the single downtube frame,so in 1963 a stiffer and more compact unit construction model was introduced, with additional bracing at the steering head and swinging arm.The steering angle was altered and improved forks were fitted a couple of years later, which, together with the increased stiffness enabled overall performance to match that of the Bonneville’s rivals.
In 1967 Triumph posted its most successful year in the United States with an estimated 28,000 T120s sold,.In 1968 the T120 gained a new and more reliable ignition system. From 1971, T120 models used a new frame which contained the engine oil instead of using a separate tank (this became known as the oil in frame/’OIF’ version). A five-speed gearbox finally was fully available by 1972, but competition from larger-capacity motorcycles led to the T120 being superseded by the 750 cc Bonneville T140.
Production of the 650 continued until 1973, when the workers at Triumph’s Meriden headquarters staged a sit-in until 1975. In 1974 fewer than 1000 of the 650cc assembled machines were released by the workers, with another 38 in 1975. Production of the T120 was not resumed following the sit-in, the Meriden Motorcycle Co-Operative created after the dispute concentrating upon the 750cc twins instead. In the Harry Potter Films,on was used as Rubeus Hagrid’s’s Flying Motorbike.
This sure is a classic look yet so different to many out there. Below is yet another style.
Looking forward to seeing more of his creations.
Daniel and Pedro are the names behind Ton-Up Garage, one of Portugal’s leading custom bike builders, two guys who consider themselves total petrolheads, loving anything with an engine. Being able to draw influences from all aspects of motoring allowed Daniel and Pedro to come up with the ‘Hot-Rod’, a truly fantastic custom Triumph Bonneville.
A Classic Twin finding it’s influences in the “crazy years between the 30s and 50s, the golden era off Hot Rodding”. A refreshing custom born into a scene which could be described as a little stagnant – though no sports bike, this air cooled Triumph embodies a need for speed, fast acceleration and hold on tight thrill seeking.
The Hot Rod’s side-on profile is something to behold, low and beautifully sculpted. It’s clear the frame has been shortened and looped, tightening up the Bonneville’s lines. The air/battery box has been removed, as have any redundant brackets, leaving behind the desired exposed frame – now finished in silver, visually lightening this hot rodded Triumph Twin.
Many agree that the early carb model Hinckley Triumph Twin is the pick of the bunch, technically simple and tuneable with the most basic of tools. That simplicity allowed for the swopping of the tank for a much lower and more streamline custom item, which not just hugs the cam cover of the 865cc engine, but envelops it – a tank finished in a classic paint scheme, described as creating a sensation of movement.
The custom seat cowl is upholstered in black leather and grey trim, and continues the lines to the rear of the Triumph, enveloping the new frame loop before culminating in a small stop and tail light. Under which is the new custom made battery box containing a lithium battery, and the Twins minimal electrical system, which now includes a RFID keyless ignition system.
Usually the unsightly rectifier can be found strapped to the Triumph Twins bottom yoke, on display like some sort of homage to half arsed design. Many relocate the rectifier to the frame rail where it can stay cool, but isn’t as unsightly – but here on the Hot Rod the unit has been upgraded and moved to under the seat cowl, protected from what the 18” rear wheel, wrapped in Firestone Deluxe Champions throws up by a custom made mudguard/numberplate holder suspended millimetres off the rear tire.
At the front is a matching 18” wheel, again wrapped in retro Firestone rubber, with the dust being kept off the classic bottom mounted 5¾” headlight, and out of the riders face by a custom bobbed mudguard. Up top is a Motogadget Tiny speedo, telling the rider all he need know at speed, which leads us on to the handlebars, a specific choice as Daniel and Pedro dint want “to use the most common models…”These were fitted with custom CnC’d grips, capped with Motogadget M-Blaze indicators.
Switches on this build have been kept to a minimum, with the stock items being replaced by micro switches, with a big red start button being fed through the steering stem, finishing the controls are a set of retro cable brake and clutch levers, with the brake lever operating the hydraulic system hidden under the tank.
The rear brake also operates differently, rather than being fed under and along the swing-arm, its being fed through the swing-arms hollow spindle bolts, located just forward of the new rear sets and serrated foot-pegs, and out the other side and down to the rear brake calliper. “We’ve tried to have a lot of technical details different from previous models, we’ve built and have the bike as clean as possible. These are new challenges we give to ourselves to go further on the builds we do”.
The Air-Cooled 865cc carb fed engine hasn’t missed out, being fitted with a classical styled stainless steel exhausts system and velocity stacks painted white to match the tank and seat cowl. The stock sprocket cover has thankfully been replaced by a custom item featuring a cut-out Ton Up logo. A much needed suspension upgrade finishes the Hot rod off, being fitted with a set of Öhlins shocks and springs.
A fantastic and attractive build by Daniel and Pedro, demonstrating that custom builders on the continent are leading the way when it comes to modifying the Hinckley Triumph Twin!
From Bonnefication.
In September 1972, Massimo Tamburini crashed his Honda 750 Four at the Misano racetrack. The accident left him with three broken ribs. If the accident hadn’t occurred, Bimota may never have come into existence. While Massimo was recuperating, he constructed a tubular steel frame that could withstand the horsepower being produced by the big Japanese manufacturer’s engines. The frame Massimo constructed lowered the center of gravity and reduced the weight of the original Honda. With the creation of the HB1, the Bimota was born. Only ten of these bikes were ever produced.
The Bimota name was derived from its founder’s initials; Bianchi, Morri and Tamburini. However, it was the enthusiasm and engineering excellence of Massimo Tamburini that carried the Company to success. In the 1970s, Bimota produced racing frames that caught the attention of serious bike racers. Frames such as the YB1, YB2, YB3 and HDB1, HDB2 and SB1, were of superior quality and the perception of what a racing bike should be was changed forever.
Only 10 of the HB1 were built. None of them was designed to be street legal, they were all meant to be race bikes. The mos it beginst famous driver was Luigi Anelli, who raced a HB1 in 1973. Today, this is probably the most sought after special framed Honda CB 750 SOHC/4 bike.
………..now it begins.
So much great professional work and a Killer Motor, this will ride and handle like any Race bike and a rare sight to see these days, below is more photos of this superb Bimota to make your day go by a little easier Just check the photos below in the Gallery. From Husky Restorations.
Well, seeing as it is Throw Back Thursday, here is a great little video of some super bikes of the day, I am sure that many of you will remember most of these unique machines that scared the crap out of you when you wound the throttle on.
Wow- Monday already and I guess it was a hard start for you lot today as it was for me too, and I think today I shall continue with a few more videos to try and help your workday fly by, or at least give you something different to look at on your lunch break etc.
Below is a video from back in the day about road safety, always fun to watch as our machines have changed a lot , as well as the traffic speeds too.
It is from Los Angeles in the 1960’s and boy, to see no traffic in the towns is weird these days, it also makes me laugh when the public service film and the AMA both tell you to. “Dress Neatly” as they want you to give a good impression to your neighbors. ha ha ha
And how about this, some rare footage called “Rode Safely” This was filmed back in 1955 in Liverpool, and its some cool footage to watch on a Monday and shows how things were so much different back then, compared to today’s traffic and Laws etc.
I had to laugh at the “staged crashes” and the Old style of hand signals that have changed in the highway Code back home. This is as funny as hell to watch and I am certain that these 13 minutes will have you cracking up.
Onto part 2 now of “Rode Safely”
16 minutes of awesome footage, and for me this was thoroughly entertaining, showing me what Back home like in 1955, when there was only half a million Motorcycles being ridden on the British roads.
Enjoy
Be safe out there but you don’t have to dress neatly OK? LOL.
Happy Sunday- Well as I will be busy with my Girlfriend Jennifer today, I thought I would add some more Video’s for you lot to have a look at as you enjoy your weekend too.
Here is a great little movie set in the Land of Oz, where the rocker scene was very strong like back home in England.
Made by The Commonwealth Film Unit 1959. Directed by Ralph Peterson.
Road safety for motor cyclists, dramatically showing good and bad practice. A motorcycle gang get a lesson from a professional racer on the right way to ride on the road and what type of skills are needed for the track.
On to Some british filming back in the day too as this shows you a little about the lifestyle of the Rocker and jukebox racing.
A woman puts a coin in a juke box, signalling the start of a motorcycle race. CU shows record spinning. Various shots show motorcycle riders in leather jackets speeding through streets in and around Leicester, England. At an intersection a biker and a truck collide. Footage shows the lifeless body of the biker in the road. CU shows a trickle of blood on his face.
This material can be licensed from Budget Films
OK over to the Unites States now and back in 1970 there was a Road safety effort for Motorcyclists everywhere.
