1976 Triumph 650 on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Gladstone Motorcycles to Produce Bespoke British Bobbers

Television presenter Henry Cole has ridden countless motorcycles as host of the British Travel Channel’s “World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides” program for 11 series, but he’ll soon be introducing a line of motorcycles of his own with his new Gladstone Motorcycles company. Named for Cole’s great-great-uncle, four-time British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, the new firm will produce limited runs of hand-built bespoke motorcycles. The company’s first model will be the Gladstone No.

Triumph Unveils 2014 Modern Classics for North America

Triumph is introducing updating its line of Modern Classics, which in 2014 includes not only the Bonneville, T100, Thruxton and Scrambler, but a new blacked-out T100 and a Bonneville Special Edition. The freshened bikes feature new color schemes, machined cooling fins and new mufflers. Bonneville - With a 17” cast front wheel, the 2014 Triumph Bonneville sports a rider-friendly seat height of just over 29 inches.

Filling a void with an RD350LC

Last winter I managed to fill a void in my life when I stumbled on a very reasonably priced Yamaha RD350LC.  It was a tad scruffy, had the wrong exhausts but most importantly it was blue and white with all numbers matching.  I had the usual euphoria when the deal was done but I underestimated how much pleasure this particular purchase would continue to deliver another eight months down the line. The difference with this old bike is, instead of just taking it for the occasional ride I was talked into doing a full nut and bolt restoration.  Having never taking a bike apart completely before, initially it was quite daunting but I soon found the RD is easy to work on so it turned into a truly satisfying experience.  I’ve had some help from LC enthusiasts with the rebuild, however, the stripping, sourcing and organising was a total labour of love.  And call me sad but it has made me bond with this bike like no other which only adds to the feel good factor.  The bike cost £1800 and I’ve spent around £1000 but I reckon my mint Elsie is now worth a fair bit more.   I fancy rejuvenating a Fizzy  next time but there’s lots of other cheap 70’s and 80’s winter projects  out there so why not have a go yourself?