Tag Archives: north circular

My Triumph Thruxton Daily Ride

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
03 Jun

My 2013 Triumph Thruxton has served me well over the years, compared to my vintage triumph, this is chalk and cheese in the reliability league and the bike has given me many thousands of miles of fun and still does. it has now had 3 different guises since I acquired the bike from Socal Motorcycles and it certainly gets a lot of attention.

I bought the bike but it was the British Racing Green Color scheme, I’m not a fan of green but, stuck it out as long as I could but, saw so many this color, that I had to do a few things to make it into the bike I really want to ride. I first made a Diamond Upholstered seat for it, long before people were doing it and got a lot of compliments, then I set about designing reverse Cone megaphones in Stainless Steel, and that sure did get people looking.

Next up was to remove the swing arm and weld tubes in to make it look like drilled holes, then re-chrome it, soon as I did that, I fitted New Alloy Rims, wide 5.5 rear from Canyon of the TT range and this really filled the swing arm out nicely.  I repainted the gas tank and made side covers as well as the front fairing and the rear cowl, making the seat fold down to allow access to the storage compartment.

The New rims were such a change in handling for this machine, the fatter tire grabbed the tarmac like glue and this was a fun machine to now take out and enjoy .

I loved slinging my leg over this 900 and tear away up the road with a smile on my face, it was now a machine that was starting to get dialed in to how I wanted it, but there was another look I wanted after a while, I mean I also build and design bikes and parts, this is my business card, so always like to change things up and now its on its way to its third livery.

I removed the fairing and was contemplating a different look, so it came to my mind to fit An Alloy Gas tank and side covers, but, I wanted to make an alloy rear cowl for the bike, so with Egg shape Hammer in Hand I set about and made a rear cowl, then frenched a pocket into the rear cowl to alloy for a Vintage light but have a LED insert in that light, old with new.

Loving the look of this and am glad that i went this route, this time I wanted to change the seat padding and went for a soft Tan leather with Diamond Stitching.

Now this sure is comfortable and feels way better than the old one as I simply wore it out with my fat arse sat upon it all the time and this is now comfortable once more.

I now have my Alloy Gas tanl on the bike and sometimes I fit different seats when I make them to check for fitment and this bolted right up with no issues at all.

Right now here she is sat at home and I really do like the way she looks, Classic styling and its a fun machine, this afternoon I shall change out the grips to go with the New leather seat and give the bike a better flow and color coordination. I shall take some pics later in the week to see how they look and feel first.

The front fender I made from an old BSA mudguard and then welded some brackets to the side and the contour is just how I want it too, came out well and love the look of it. if you look at the lower part of the chassis, you see I have my own hand made Bash plate that I made out of Aluminum and then added a Bottle opener, just in case ya stuck when you are out camping.

 

 

The Zard pipes sound great and may polish them to get a mirror finish to accentuate the rear cowl that I made as I love how this has turned out as a one off design.

You will also noticed that I wrapped my headers, this was something I wanted to try with an Aircraft application and rather than the old school wrap, I thought that this would look pretty cool as a slip on heat Sock, and sure glad I went this route as these Performance pipes get bloody hot when riding.

I also have a set of Works Performance  piggy back race shocks to soak up the bumps, not cheap but my old shocks I had that were TEC, Blew the Nitros out of them when I was in the Canyons on a few pot holes, so a more expensive and professional set were purchased and I am also a dealer for Works Performance and so glad that I have these now as it is night and day on suspension set up.

I also designed and made the Knuckle Duster Heel guard, and offer that on my website as well, I then blanked off the rear passenger foot peg hangers to tidy that area up a little.

Bike now sits well and I am happy with the look, I will be fitting the grips and will show the pics on here so you can see what they look like.

I went with some Cole Foster grips, looked at many but thought that these would be best to go with my leather seat, and am happy with the choice and are really comfortable too.

Really happy with my choice and my hands will thank me later too.

Sat next to My Hot Rod, the Triumph looks happy in its new set of clothes, looks a different bike too, still a little more I want to do as I go along but, thought that I would share some pics on a Blog and see if you like what I have done.

Here is a list of what is on here.

Motone Alloy Gas Tank

Motone Side Covers

Cole Foster Grips

Custom Clip 1″ on’s

Wide wheel kit from Canyon

Custom Drilled and Chromed Rear Swing Arm

Upsweep Rear Polished Alloy Caliper Bracket

Zard Stainless Steel Exhaust Kit

Titanium Aircraft Heat Shield Sock

Speed merchant Finned Engine Covers

Wave Brake Rotors

Beringer 4 pot Brake Caliper

Hand Made Alloy Mudguard from a BSA

Hand made Seat with Leather Upholstery

LED internal turn signals and 6000 Lumens headlight

4 inch Chromed Fog light

Custom hand Made rear Cowl with LED Rear Light

Works Performance Piggy Back Racer Shock Absorners

Hand made Knuckle Duster Heel Guard

Joker bar End Mirrors

Lithium Ion battery by EarthX

K&N Pod Filters

Fender Elimination kit

Custom Horn

Hand made Alloy bash plate with Bottle Opener

Power Commander

Irridium Spark plugs

LED rear Turn Signals

TEC Front Steering Stabilizer

Custom Machines Foot Pegs

Rear Blank Off Plates On Hangers

 

 

 

 

Short Movie Bonnie Lass

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
13 Dec

Todays Blog is a short movie about a couple of fellas that ride from one cafe to another to meet a couple of Birds, along the way, riding through their town and a motorcycle garage, shame they didnt stop in there but, they head to the cafe and meet up with a couple of Girls, I guess they hook up and then they ride off into the sunset.

Worth a look, Good Music track though., make your own mind up, takes a lot of time to get a small production together, believe me, been doing that years and I take my hat or helmet off to the director for getting it completed.

It’s a short movie 3 minutes but worth a look, maybe a sequel coming?

bonnie lass2

This short movie celebrates our enduring and timeless passion for motorcycles. The attraction in this story is not limited to two-wheeled machines. If you are a biker you will surely understand. It features young Triumph owners and their friends and although this is a fictional story it sets out to capture the lasting enthusiasm for these British icons.

 The period black & white film style was chosen to reflect the era of classic 50s and 60s British motorbikes. In contrast, the 2017 soundtrack by Black Pistol Fire makes no secret that this is about today’s bikers, both young and old.

My aim was to capture the thrill of owning these beautiful machines through a nostalgic lens and hopefully inspire other young riders who are seeking to express their own individuality. 

 I am excited by the resurgence of café-racers and custom built bikes which remain popular to this day. The road scenes between the two cafés in my movie was inspired by the origin of the appropriately named café-racers of yesteryear.

bonnie lass3

This is a very personal project for several reasons. I took my motorcycle test in 1970 at the age of fourteen and I have ridden motorbikes ever since. Most of the bikes I’ve owned were manufactured in the Far East with one or two from Austria and Germany. It was only two years ago when I bought my first Triumph, a special edition Rocket X. In the past year I bought a 2011 Triumph Tiger 800. I really enjoy riding both these bikes, each one with its own special character.

It was a serendipitous moment when I found the backing track “Don’t Ask Why”. My daughter sent me a Spotify link to a completely different band and when I clicked ‘shuffle and play’ the Black Pistol Fire track came up instead. The title and beat suited the story perfectly and is just what I was searching for. After listening to a few tracks from the album Deadbeat Graffiti I immediately made a purchase and downloaded it. These two guys make a great sound so please check them out.

 

I hope you like the film and see if you can spot the “Time-Traveller” who features in it.

 

Bonnie Lass

Being an amateur filmmaker, the project was a new challenge for me, with scripted scenes, a cast, location planning and post-production editing. I am really grateful to the cast who got fully involved in the project and to everyone else who has given me advice and support.

A few cups of coffee was the total production costs so a really BIG THANK YOU to everyone who gave their time freely to take part or let us use their premises as film sets! If people like it then maybe we will make a sequel next summer.​

Starring

Jack Mourant

Drew Brackley

Joanna Rathband

Kath Innes

 

With special thanks to

Management and Staff of

– White Rock Cafe

– Di’s Diner

– BLP Motorcycles

– Island View Kiosk

 

Tim Davey – DroneGSY

 

Barry Gavey – Incidental Scenes

 Also taking part

Jeff Harris

Shannon Crew

Jade Ferbrache

Ben Le Page

Alain Branquet

Hannah-Marie Robins

Chris Robins

Claire Hurst

Dieter Hurst

Zak Robin

Colin Robin

Roy de Jersey

Martyn Lowndes

 

Music

“Don’t Ask Why” by Black Pistol Fire

 

 

Directed and Produced by

Dennis Le Prevost

Happy Friday, may your weekend be full of Twisties.

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
28 Jul

Happy Friday all

Well almost the weekend, i have some Major bike stuff to complete but wanted to at least say hello today, time seems to fly past when you get busy in life etc,try and get out on your motorcycle, I shall be supporting my Girl in a ride this weekend.

Have a fun day and if you can get a chance, get out and take some nice smooth roads that are relatively quiet and get into them curves, you dont have to be fast to have fun, I love long winding bends that you roll in and throttle out of, so much fun.

I think I shall book a weekend away in Big bear with my girlfriend soon so we can ride up there although, we have Bonneville Speed week coming up fast.

 

Ton up boys

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
10 Feb

Well, every now and again I will post some articles or some video of the Rockers etc back from where i was born in London as people ask me about the History of the Ton Up Cafe Racers.

So here are a few videos for you to tide you over the weekend.

Have fun on your machine.

 

The Glory days.

Litle Movie for you.

My mate roland sands and what he does.

Over the water to Brazil now.

Something a little different.

And now for something a little more out there!!!!

More History for you.

New Bonneville Bobber Launch Thursday 26th

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
24 Jan

 

See you at my shop or the show in Anaheim This Thursday 26th.

triumph-bonneville-bobber-details_827x510_71476960099

TON-UP GARAGE TRIUMPH HOT ROD

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
19 Jan

 

Ton-Up Garage is a Portuguese garage that has produced some of the most aesthetically well-designed customs you’ll find anywhere. Proprietors Daniel and Pedro are a friendly pair with a taste for adventure, and a deep love of classic Californian Hot Rod culture.

Ton-Up-Garage-Triumph-Hot-Rod-1-740x493

This Triumph was built by the pair as a hat tip to the cars and motorcycles that cruised Venice Beach in the ’50s and ’60s – right down to the Firestone Champion Deluxe tires. The build started as a stock Bonneville – the earlier carburetor version that pre-dates the more modern EFI-equipped bike. Custom bike builders often prefer the carburetor model because tuning is simpler – and it lacks the large in-tank fuel pump that makes modifying or swapping out the fuel tank exceedingly difficult.

Ton-Up-Garage-Triumph-Hot-Rod-15-740x1110

The build began with a partial tear down and the rear frame loop was cropped, the center section was then cleaned up by removing the battery and airbox, with the battery and electronics moving to a discrete under seat box.

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A new fuel tank was built with a cut out section for the cam cover, and a new seat was fabricated in-house and finished with black leather upholstery. Front and rear fenders aren’t optional in Europe, so Ton-Up fabricated a pair of aluminium units that fit the design well and don’t detract from the overall look.

Ton-Up-Garage-Triumph-Hot-Rod-11-740x493

A bespoke exhaust with bespoke mufflers was fitted, as well as matching white velocity stacks with carburetors re-jetted to match. A Motogadget Tiny speedo has been installed above the 5 3/4” headlight, and Motogadget M-Blaze indicators were fitted in keeping with the minimalist theme.

Ton-Up-Garage-Triumph-Hot-Rod-9-740x1110

To improve handling, a pair of Öhlins shocks were bolted on to the rear, and the original fork springs were replaced with a matching set from Öhlins – an addition that makes a big difference to the way the Bonneville behaves.

Ton-Up-Garage-Triumph-Hot-Rod-8-1600x1066

The completed bike is a beautiful and slightly unusual Triumph custom, and Top-Up currently have it listed for sale on their website. If you’d like to see more of it or enquire after buying it you can click here to visit the official website. All sources and photos and credits go to.  http://silodrome.com/ton-up-garage-triumph-custom/

Ton-Up-Garage-Triumph-Hot-Rod-7-740x493

It’s a killer looking machine in my eyes and I am sure will turn many heads out there in Portugal.

Here are a few more great photos via Silodrome.

Triumphs should be a good option for 2016

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
09 Dec

Hey gang

Wednesday and as its hump day, I thought i would try and show some of the Trumpys that are going to be seen on the Tarmac in 2016..

Thruxton new9

I am happy to say that they have such a great set up now and needed it to be honest, as the suspension is just what the proverbial Doctor ordered.

Thruxton new 8

Triumph’s updated 2016 lineup blends cutting-edge modern technology with the old world charm of its legendary motorcycles

Since its launch in 1959, there are few bikes that have influenced pop-culture and, more importantly, retro-style biking as much as Triumph’s Bonneville has. The current Bonnie, after its 2001 launch, had been left virtually untouched for fourteen years, a testimony to the British maker having hit the nail on the head in preserving this motorcycle icon’s heritage.

Thruxton new 14

Come 2016 though, Triumph will bring in five new, thoroughly revamped Bonnevilles, all ready to roll out of the state-of-the-art Hinckley manufacturing plant we recently visited, some of which will hit Indian shores around the upcoming Auto Expo 2016. The new bikes are powered by a new range of substantially more potent engines, deploying either a 900cc or full-blown 1200cc capacity, in parallel-twin layouts, with liquid cooling and fuel-injection, and are expected to bring the Bonneville into the 21st century while keeping intact their timeless appeal.

Thruxton new 14

Starting with the most affordable amongst the new crop of Bonnevilles, the Street Twin is expected to be the most popular offering from Triumph when it goes on sale here in India. One look at it and you know for a fact that the Street Twin can’t be anything other than a Bonneville. To be made available in four paint schemes, black, a matte black, red or silver, the Street Twin is easily distinguished by its black 10-spoke alloy rims, as well as the blacked out bits on the lower parts of the bike, including the handsomely detailed engine.

Thruxton new 1

The Street Twin pumps out a throaty and a rather exciting exhaust not from its smoothly profiled, brush finished twin exhausts. Expected to be priced close to the current Bonneville, the Street Twin will come powered by a four-stroke, 900cc, parallel-twin powerplant, which churns out its peak torque of 8.16kgm at amazingly low engine speeds, making it very rideable in urban conditions, while also holding ample punch across its rev range.

Thruxton New 12

The smooth-running engine comes mated to a six-speed transmission and Triumph claims that the new Street Twins offer a 36 percent bump-up in fuel-efficiency, this in tow despite the promise of more exhilarating performance. And if that wasn’t enough, the Street Twin won’t feel a budget Bonnie, Triumph walking the extra mile to load up this new motorcycle with goodies like ride-by-wire throttle management, a switchable traction control system, a slip assist clutch which feels relatively lighter, plus an ABS system to widen the braking safety net. The Street Twin comes with a single disc rotor in front. In terms of features, the Street Twin gives you a gear-indicator on the instruments bay, a USB socket and engine immobiliser to mention a few.

thruxton new 7

Next up, the Bonneville T 120 is a modern-day Bonneville on which attention to retro-style detailing has been placed above all else. The bike, riding on shiny wire-spoked wheels, looks exotic thanks to the chromed out engine cases and the bright and old-school peashooter exhausts. Its twin front disc brakes and the twin-pod instrument cluster make it simple to differentiate the T 120 from a Street Twin. Triumph has worked to improve the ergonomics on all the 2016 Bonnevilles, so expect riding comfort to have taken a step forward. But the real plus over the Street Twin here comes in the form of the big leap on the engine front; the T120 getting a torquey 1,200cc, parallel-twin powerplant that sounds gruff and grunty.

Thruxton New10

As on the Street Twin, the T 120 comes with a ride-by-wire throttle, and six-speed gearbox, supported by a slip-assisted clutch. In addition to switchable traction control and ABS brakes, there are also two riding modes, Road and Rain. The T 120 also offers the luxury of heated grips for comfortable riding on winter mornings, apart from a USB charging point. Cruise control is optional.

Thruxton new6

Expect the Bonnevilles to offer a comfortable, upright riding position, as against the the sportier Thruxton, up next.

Triumph has upped their game on the upgraded, and not to forget, the stunningly styled 2016 Thruxton and Thruxton R models, Both the bikes come generously equipped with really top drawer specifications and beautiful detailing, which can be seen in the finely crafted Monza-style fuel filler cap. And you simply can’t miss the bar end mirrors, a neat design touch on the Thruxton that few other bikes can carry off so well. Although held together by spokes, the 17-inch Thruxton wheel rims are alloy constructed, as is the swingarm. Extras on the upmarket Thruxton R include a colour matched seat cowl, buffed steering headstock and clear anodise swingarm. There’s that authentic café racer look you can’t miss, and besides the aggressive styling, Triumph has given the Thruxtons the added bite of a specially tuned 1,200cc, parallel-twin powerplant that delivers 11kgm of maximum torque, twisted out at a sportier 5,000rpm, and marking a massive 57 percent leap on the previous model.

Thruxton 2016c

The Thruxton R comes with all the bells and whistles, stainless steel exhausts without catalytic converters for added oomph, Ohlins fully adjustable suspension at rear and Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa Tyres. And a set of floating twin disc brakes in front, clamped on by Brembo callipers. Besides the new bikes, also on offer is a mile long list of accessories and custom parts to match all the 2016 Bonneville bikes.

Thruxton 2016aaa

As for the bikes themselves, there’s virtually nothing that stays the same between these new Bonnevilles, and the pre-2016 bikes, save for the aplomb with which they have carried forward their legacy.

Thruxton 2016aa

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

Posted on 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.
carpy-tonup
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

Here it is, my New Royal Enfield- Finally

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
22 May

I have been waiting since November 2013 for the Royal Enfield’s to come into the country and here it is in may and I find out that Today I shall take charge of  my machine.

 

 

 

 

This little Bike is a quite a bit of an improvement on the earlier models and having a new re-engineered power plant that now produces 535cc, which of course is not going to rip your arms off but, is a better built motor than the ones of past, thus said is a fun ride that when you first kick it in the guts, the motor will jump into life and have that deep long stroking sewing machine sound that I have not heard in many years.

But let me emphasize something right out of the gate on this Blog- although this is a cool Classic cafe racer styled machine, it is not going to be a Ton Up machine in this guise, this is a fantastic town bike and journeys are fin but topping out at the 80mph mark may not be what you are wanting, But- in all that said, this is a superb machine at a really really affordable price, I shall will make sure that once all run in, this machine of mine will hit the TON with a few engine mods, but for value for money this is awesome.
I have a Thruxton if i want to go crazy and get my earole scrapping the tarmac and this is something I really wanted as it has so many classic lines, how can you not love it?

This has so much appeal to the public, Girls will really dig it as it has kick start and electric start and is a light weight machine and a lot lower than even the Thruxton. So take the bike with a pinch of salt and with some Mods, this machine can fly- Remember, this is a New production and I guarantee you will see fast ones on the road later in the year.
 

 

 Plenty of these have been made but it has taken a long time to get to my shores of Sunny California as the emissions here are tighter than anywhere in the globe.

 

 

 The bike is a fun machine and no way could I build one as cheap as these are to purchase and this is a fun little Cafe Racer motorcycle that looks like back in the day, of course much improvement on reliability and handling,

 

 What is cool is that the front end has a single disc rotor and has been blessed to adorn a Brembo set up that will make sure that you stop when you really need to.

 

 

 These have been out back home for almost a year I guess and today I was happy to get the phone call to come and get mine.

 These machines shout out at the world that Royal Enfield is back and I for one are grateful that the risk they took was a solid one.

 

 

 I was so surprised to see that these are even equipped with a set of Paoli Piggy Back shock absorbers, another cool addition to this bike.

 This has a kick starter and an electric, so no more embarrassing stalls at the traffic lights.

 

 

The bike is a great little design and this has the New Harris Performance Twin Down Tube Cradle frame that was meticulously re-engineered back home in the UK.

 

The gas tank is 13.5 litres so should do quite well on a road trip and at 365 Kg this is nt a heavy bike at all and that opens to door for many riders, especially those who are shorter and have had problems with other machines.

 

 

 

 The exhaust is awful and one of the first things that i am going to change is this and we will be making our own systems, as well as other cool parts to improve some of the looks to change the Modern styling to a little more Cafe look.

 These have got to go, the massive European style license plate backing, the hideous turn signals will get more classic styling ones and of course the rear fender will be poo canned and have a short rear end as the bike will look way better like that.

 

 

 I will also be removing the headlight as it is too bulky and shall fit one of our very own models to give a wee bit more finesse.  Also, the front fender needs to be shortened and that’s easy as the mud flap screws off but shall be making new fenders for this as well.


 Once the big turn signals are removed and smaller ones fitted, I shall feel better, the UK ones are way better but these ones on here are going this weekend, I actually like the gauges as they remind me of my T100 Triumph Daytona.

 

 I think that I shall bung some pin lines on it too this week to break the Red up a little, and all my machines have pinstripes somewhere on them.

 

 

Plenty for me to see and do to personalize my little Red Rocket and be sure to check my blogs on what I do with this bike as I shall be offering the parts that we produce to you lot who have just purchased your Royal Enfield Continental GT.