Japan Meets Britain

[Vince Lupo]

Aaahh - I remember those pockets. They were big enough to fit an Ordnance Survey map. Later on, Belstaff made boots. I had a pair with the white seaman's socks - turned over the top of the boot, of course. Still have my silk scarf that my Mom bought me with Honda logos on it.

What I need is an authentic 1960s American outfit for when I ride around on my CL77. Do you have any photo clues?

G

Hmmm...you could possibly go with a later 1960's look: Faded and patched bell-bottom jeans, peasant shirt, Captain America helmet? Or how about something purple?

Or how about something Clapton-esque? This look might be better on a CA77, though: http://www.analoguegallery.com/print/63 ... apton.html

I personally like the ISDT look myself: Belstaff Trialmaster, wellies, white peaked Everoak helmet, gauntlets, mud.

I think this look would be perfect. Can't go wrong with McQueen:
http://www.motorcycle.com/gallery/galle ... temId=7424

Don't forget the cigarette.

[teazer]

Ah those were the days with the old Belstaff waxed cotton. They were no good until they basically stood up on their own with the caked on grunge.

And back in the day we didn't fall off (much) so all that mamby pamby padding wasn't needed. I'd hate to slide off today in one.

For the US look, I'm guessing dark blue jeans rolled up at the ends, work boots and Brando (wild ones) jacket at the start of teh decade and hippy bell bottoms and fringes etc towards the end.

[Vince Lupo]

Courtesy of my friend Lee (and I tweaked it a bit).

This version was taken back in 1966 when I was much older....

[Vince Lupo]

Here's a good example of an idea that became a concept that became a solution....

I've always thought that the side covers 'needed' something more than just the two flags, and considered/tried a bunch of different options, but none of them worked. Then, while in the shower yesterday (funny how these ideas come to you in the shower!) I thought of a ribbon with '1966' on it. Before heading to Lee's house yesterday I quickly drew a ribbon with forked ends, wrote 1966 in the middle, and headed out to Lee's. Lee saw it, then improved it, and here is the result.


The artist at work


Taking shape



Drying in the sun


Perfection!

[jerry]

Dear Vince, Your brush work is a joy to behold. I was able to do the same many years ago. Used to do my own race bike tacho faces and paint Honda wings on the tanks of the race bikes. Unfortunately engineering and arthritis took their toll on my hands. Take my hat off to you for being able to do it. All the best Jerry

[Vince Lupo]

Dear Vince, Your brush work is a joy to behold. I was able to do the same many years ago. Used to do my own race bike tacho faces and paint Honda wings on the tanks of the race bikes. Unfortunately engineering and arthritis took their toll on my hands. Take my hat off to you for being able to do it. All the best Jerry

If only those talented hands were mine! That is my good friend Lee Hulteng, who is a professional artist and graphic designer. I just came up with the 'Eureka Moment' in the shower, drew a very quick sketch, and then Lee took the idea and made it right. I think his work really completes the missing element that those side covers needed.

I couldn't even come close to equalling the quality of his brushwork, but I'll pass your compliments onto him. Many thanks Jerry!

[Vince Lupo]

Okay so I had my chain guard fracture for the 3rd time at the rear mounting point. This re-popped one was made with thicker metal, so you'd logically think that it would be stronger, right? Wrong!

So, what John and I have decided to do is to redesign the rear mounting point of the chain guard -- specifically fabricate a clevis type of mount (like the bottom of the rear shocks). We're going to use the original chain guard (it's a much better fit), and we're going to strengthen the heck out of it, because I don't want this to happen again, particularly after having invested all that money into that reproduction one.

Very frustrating indeed, and I think I should be really calling this bike the $uperHawk.