Monday, 31 May 2010
Sexy Rock and Roll
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Friday, 28 May 2010
Riding Solo
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Monday, 24 May 2010
The girl of the Shadow
The shadow is a sexy bike don't ya think?
Friday, 21 May 2010
Top Five Branches with a huge history
Here comes a rank of the five top motorcycle branches in history. No need to say this is MY own opinion and I do not have to explain that means subjetivity. Do you agree? Which branches would you take in or out the rank?
On the fifth place here comes one of the most well known branches from Germany: BMW
There's no doubt when you see a boxer engine that you're looking to a BMW machine. Its image has changed a lot throughout the ages but the distinction in their motors hasn't. Always producing powerful and technologically superior machines this branch has had a great importance in history. Not in vain they participated on the Great War of Europe and gave vehicles to Hitler's armies. The infamous BMW R75 with a sidecar fought against the allies in WWII. The first BMW appeared on the scene in 1921 and has always been used for all terrain trips. However, they also produce great sporty bikes and have even launched a cruiser model which is unfortunately not available now. But when I say all terrain I mean all terrain and not just a dirt bike that can handle some asphalt but seriuos bad ass bikes capable of doing world tours as we've seen Ewan McGregor and Charly Boorman doing it. They also have great touring models far from the cruiser market and more in competition against the Honda's.
As it has happened many times in history, Indian Motorcycles were destroyed by money. Motorcycles companies are business that can only exist if they are profitable, and if they're not say bye to the bikes!
But come on guys! you know Indian motorcycles are back again on the market with one of the most well known models of all times, the Indian Chief. They produce a limited number of units and they cost a lot but we can still know and see some of them!
On the third comes the italian dream: MOTO GUZZI
They appeared on the scene at the same time that BMW did but with a complete different aim in their bikes. WWI really launched all engineers to produce new devices and created a great expansion of all technology, just what needed to enter WWII with a better armour. No need to say that both Guzzis and BMWs were used by the fascists during war and that were in a way, mainly conceived to battle. Indian and Triumph, on the other hands, were brands that already existed long before the conflict.
Moto Guzzi is a very well known branch nowadays and has gained the respect of all the others. However, as it happening with most of the old factories and companies they are being displaced by the newest guys in town, basically the japanese kids with their Hondas, Yamahas and Kawis. As many other factories, they're trying to keep up with the changes by making brand new models with modern technology and a vintage or classic look. One of their best modern creations is the Bellagio.
But Guzzis are recognisable by their classic models that you can check with the amazing guzzi girls in this same blog by clicking here.
On the secod place comes my favourite branch: Triumph
The company was founded by a german engineer called Siegfrid Bettman in 1885 but it wasn't until 1902 when they created their first motorcycle. Before that they were producing bicycles only but they managed to motorize it succesfully.
Triumph motorcycles have always been a sign of quality. Back in the old days the guys from the other side of the pond couldn't afford the british bikes so most of them opted for the Harley Davidsons that were seen as the national rubbish, but at least they were cheap enogh to buy. Sometimes being the best is not better as history proves. While Yamaha is struggling on sales right now they want to focus on the moped market to get enough profit rather that selling R1s.
During WWI Triumph developed 30,000 motorbikes for the Allied. No need to say that wars are great business. They also produced motorbikes in WWII and one day I will post about the fights taken between different types of motorbikes in WWII.
Triumph made a great impression in society as it was the most well known bike of its time. Cinema helped out showing those bikes to everyone and Steve McQueen and Marlon Brando became the first stars riding Triumph bikes. On the 90's they got back to production and tried to get their position again, below there's an example of a very bad movie with a very good looking chick and a great bike!