2010 Triumph Other on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Motorcycle Live and a few of my favourite things for 2013

There is lots of shiny new metal on show at Motorcyclelive this year but for me it’s the new Triumph Daytona 675 that steals the show.  We’ve been starved of brand new models in the Supersports segment for years but for me the latest Trumpet has made the wait worthwhile. And if its performance matches its looks then I reckon the 2013 bike of the year is a foregone conclusion.  The sleek curvy nose contrasts perfectly with the more pointy angular rear end and new side mounted silencer. It is lighter, more powerful and revs harder with much work on on mass centralisation to further improve handling.  Few of us have a whole lot of spare cash these days but £8899 for the standard model seems a fair price for such an awesome bike. That said I’d have to consider selling the granny and granddad to find the extra £1700 for the 675R.  Available early next year, and surely the perfect all round track day tool, this beauty comes with upgraded suspension, brakes, ABS, a quickshifter and some nice carbon detailing. The white 675R on display at the show looked even better in the flesh than previous images I’d seen so be careful or you might find yourself handing over a deposit. With no money left from the Triumph stand you’ll need your six special numbers to come up for my second favourite show item the AGV Pista GP Project 46. Although road legal this extremely light, full carbon helmet is designed especially for racing with a huge field of vision, extensive ventilation and superb ergonomics. It also comes with earplugs which suggests there may be some compromise in the noise department but it is still an incredible piece of engineering. At £799, this special Pista is also an incredible price but there will only be one hundred available and Raceways Yamaha reckon they are going fast.        

Oil On Canvas Originals To Be Auctioned

Bonhams will be auctioning two oil on canvas originals from contemporary motorsports artist Robert Carter, January 9th at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The title piece for this auction (pictured above) measures 48” x 60” and depicts AMA Flat Track star Jim Rice piloting his BSA to victory at the 1970 Santa Rosa Mile. Carter’s second original celebrates the Catalina Grand Prix of 1950’s fame. The oil on canvas piece is 36” x 60”. In addition to these two originals, some of Carter’s Giclee prints will be available.

Riding round the north of Scotland

I’m ashamed to say that until last week, I had no idea what incredible roads and scenery the North West of Scotland had to offer. Starting at Helensburgh just west of Glasgow, ten of us (including ex racers Duffus, MacPherson, Morrison and Simpson,) rode 600 miles round the coast then back down to Inverness. On mostly empty but immaculate roads we lost count of the mountains, lochs and sandy beaches along the way.