The beautiful world of Kino's Journey.

Wiki:

"In Kino's Journey, the protagonist, Kino, accompanied by a talking motorrad, a Brough Superior motorcycle named Hermes, travels through a mystical world of many different countries and forests, each unique in its customs and people. Kino only spends 3 days and 2 nights in every town, without exception, on the principle that three days is enough time to learn almost everything important about a place, while leaving time to explore new lands. Kino does say in The Land of Visible Pain this principle is probably a lie, specifically noting "if I stay any longer, I'm afraid I will settle down."

A phrase repeated in the anime and novels is "The world is not beautiful, therefore it is." Kino's Journey explores what the anime director Ryutaro Nakamura described as "a radical sense of 'beauty," and brutality, loneliness, nonsense, oppression and tragedy are often juxtaposed against compassion and a fairy-tale atmosphere.

For protection and hunting, Kino carries a .44 single action revolver (called "the Cannon", based on Colt M1851) that uses liquid explosive in place of gunpowder and a .22 automatic pistol (named "the Woodsman", based on Colt Woodsman). Later in Kino's adventures in the novels, Kino also uses a semi-automatic sniper rifle (called "the Flute", based on Arisaka type 99) along with a variety of other tools including knives. Kino is an unusually quick draw and practices every day before dawn.

Technology in this world exists, sometimes to the level of science fiction, although anachronisms are common (for example, the same land that has talking robots also appears to have phonographs, yet simultaneously the world hasn't developed heavier-than-air flight). The level of technology also varies from country to country. The world is not heavily magical (the only "magical" elements include land that moves, a talking motorrad, and a possibly talking dog), although it has a certain fairy-tale quality."

Heck on wheels: The Purple Helmets.

A cow, a motorcycle, and an Armani Suit..It was all for a laugh.

From cub90.uk

"Be prepared for the funniest road trip you’ve ever seen as we get up close and personal with the Purple Helmets! Featuring side-splitting highlights of their stunt shows over a five year period plus their equally mad video diaries, it really is a load of total shite!

Think of a motorcycle stunt team that looks like Dad's Army has just collided with Mad Max and combines the slapstick of the Keystone Cops with the humour of Benny Hill... and you've got something approaching the Purple Helmets! The Helmets entertain thousands of spectators at top motorcycle events like the Isle of Man TT with their crazy antics. Be prepared for the funniest road trip you've ever seen as they create mayhem in three countries. Check out: Honda C90 commuter mopeds going where they've never gone before Death defying stunts in the air, in water, (and occasionally, on the ground). Witness the new indoor sport of 'pub-donutting' and the new outdoor sport of nude moped surfing."

Cafe Racer, The movie: "Hooligan".

"HOOLIGAN"

A Worldwide Documentary Effort About Motorcycling’s Outsiders.

Purpose of the Film:

1. To focus on the ever evolving counter culture of the "Rocker" Style motorcyclist, their connection to the past, their future and their commitment to the genre.
2. To show members of clubs, non-members, mechanics, runs, rallies, events and the interaction between them.
3. To foster an attitude of respect for the trials and tribulations in life that make the commitment to these bikes and the lifestyle at times, difficult.
4. To show the process of keeping these bikes on the road.
5. To include samples other motorcycle cultures, their differences and their reaction to the Hooligan motorcyclist.
6. To explore the world of the Hooligan. Their lives, loves and fears. Their jobs. level of education and lifestyle preferences.
7. To promote a level of appreciation for all things classic and the desire to cultivate these things in an ever more disposable world.
8. Highlight a brief history of the culture covering the period from the 50's to the present day, including the notorious Mods vs. Rockers rivalry in the 60's.
9. To understand the differences in the culture.

Approach to the Film

"The approach to the film will be open and documentary in style. We wish to show the worldwide commitment to this often times, mysterious sub culture.
We plan to shoot interviews at rallies, in private and commercial shops, bars and on the street. We also plan to visit new motorcycle manufacturers to find out what drives their market and their plans for the future.
Little or no attempt will be made to direct the activities of the subjects of this film beyond the typical instructions and questions used in interviews. No one will ever never be asked to "act out" a particular scene.
This plan involves participation with several people throughout the world, including, but not limited to, the U.S., the U.K, Australia, France, Germany and the Netherlands. It will be an effort of many committed individuals capturing photos and video from around the world to include in this piece."


"The leather-clad hooligan on a motorcycle is one of the strongest
images in pop culture. An English interpretation of American
glamour, the genesis of this archetype coincided with the advent of rock ‘n roll in
the mid 50’s.

A love of classic motorcycles is now serving to promote a
strong resurgence of these bikes – and the lifestyle that goes with them.
An obsession with fast motorcycles, fanatical nostalgia, and the desire for a simple identity in an increasingly complex world, are some of the reasons behind this revolution. Moreover, it is about valuing the craftsmanship of a simple, potent piece of machinery that can transform one’s soul into an iconic persona.

This documentary is not a technical history of motorcycles. It is designed to shed light on an energized cult of inspired motorcyclists – past and present – who have been referred to as "Rockers," "Hooligans," "Ton Up Boys," "Coffee Bar Cowboys," and "Bike Boys." It is not about Harley Davidson riders, weekend cruisers, chopper builders or sport bike riders. It is about a lifestyle born from the coupling of rock ‘n’ roll and the magic of two-wheeled machines like Triumphs, Nortons, BSA’s, Motoguzzis and Velocettes. It is about stripped-down, old-school cafe racers; retro classics; bobbed fenders; clip-on handlebars; customs; and rat bikes. It is about the love and commitment necessary to restore and maintain them.

The misunderstood “Hooligan Culture” possesses a unique and unapologetic rebelliousness. The unwritten rules of conduct and camaraderie – the ritual of the scarf, helmet, goggles, and jacket – define an identity rather than a disguise.

Never wishing to be referred to as “bikers,” this born-again cult of “Rockers” has been both scorned and imitated. Deeply in debt to their street racing forefathers in England, who roared from cafe to cafe in the 50’s and 60’s, modern Rockers are keeping an image alive that is a staple of pop culture in the modern world."

Rikki Rockett
Producer/Director
Slave To The Rhythm Production, Inc.

It was bound to happen sometime dept: Wicca & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

By David Wadsworth from the Pagan library.com

"There is a peculiar sort of bonding between a real biker and his machine. The biker will put the well-being of his machine far above his own. I have seen men cry over a bent bike, or after an accident tell the driver off for hitting his bike rather than him. I have personally fought off two ambulance men so that I could hop to my bike to inspect the damage before being taken to hospital. My theory for this strange bond is that the motorcycle and rider form a sort of Gestalt being, a complete entity, either part of which is incomplete or useless without the other.

The motorcycle represents the male part of this entity. It provides all the force and power, but lacks control and direction. It is all potential, in Wiccan terms, the God force, waiting for the female aspect, the Goddess, in the form of a horrible grubby motorcycle rider. The rider takes the force and harnesses it, giving purpose, form and direction. Controlling the raw male potential, and together, in harmony, they will be capable of reaching heights impossible to either on their own.

The motorcycle can be seen as a way through which to tap a source of cosmic energy. The energy which we in the Wicca use for healing, spells, divination, as a gateway to alternative universes. Just as a witch wouldn't attempt to tap this awesome power without protection, neither would a biker. The biker will put on boots, gloves, helmet and leathers in a similar sort of way as a member of the Craft would surround themselves with a protective circle to preserve the power and keep out undesirable spirits. In the biker's case he is also aiming to keep in the heat, and protect him from the road, onto which demon car drivers possessed of evil spirits (gin, vodka, whiskey etc.) would lure him to his death!

This brings us neatly (?) to the subject of reincarnation. Most of you reading this will have some knowledge of the ideas of reincarnation; i.e. that we are born, live in the world, die, and are then reborn to develop further. Not many of you will realize that motorcycles go through a similar process. They leave the factory to roam about the face of the earth, then some parts wear out, and they descend into the dark underworld of the workshop. Here they are consoled and repaired by the creative force of the female, who is the biker, to emerge re-born in Spring, once more blooming with refreshed color of restored paint work, and the cycle starts again. Many British machines go through this every year. About Yule they are ready, and in the first days of Spring they roar about in the first flush of youth. Then at the peak of their power, at Lammas, they are cut down, usually due to some terminal mechanical problem. They dwell for the remainder of the year in Hades, the garage, thus mirroring the cycle of the God.

The spirituality of bikes is perceived by man in different forms, and each has its followers. Here are some of the major religions:

The Christian

This newcomer to the spiritual motorcycle rides a modern Japanese bike. He pays little more than lip service to his religion. He has few rituals, all he has to do is turn the key and start the starter engine. He tends to be into power and speed, tearing past older machines which he regards with contempt. He cares little for the inner workings of the machine, running to his priest/mechanic whenever he has a problem. Should his machine pass on, i.e., wear out, it will believed to be irreparable, i.e., too expensive, and gone to the great scrap heap in the sky. The makers of this are the great salesmen and evangelists of the bike, not to mention the profit makers.

THE MAGICIAN

He will typically be an older bearded gentleman, who rides an immaculate old British motorcycle. They are into status, and will pootle along at 40 mph all day, imagining themselves the envy of all who see them. They are into ritual and mystery. The performance required to summon some older bikes into life is awesome and dangerous. Yet these fellows will watch in silence as a machine spits at a new initiate and breaks his shin. They will endlessly pontificate on the correct shade of color for the petrol tank, or whether a part is the right year for the model; mostly that's all they do.

THE WITCH

The bike will most likely be filthy, not from lack of care, but from constant use in all sorts of conditions. The rider knows and understands the inner workings of his machine, its every click and whistle. He relies on no guru for his understanding, he is not afraid to try things out and see if it works. Not for him the search for power or acclaim. He is just out to explore the universe and glean its mysteries. He will get there in the end, there's plenty of time. He will rebuild bikes time after time, not sticking to rigid formulae, but with whatever comes to hand. he enjoys his bike and is in-tune with it.

As a biker-witch, I am now going to use two useful tools to explain my theory of Life, the Universe and Everything: i.e., the Kaballah and the four-stroke cycle.

Firstly the act of invocation and the four-stroke cycle. For those of you who are not mechanically minded, I'll try and keep this simple. Officially the four-stroke cycle is referred to as Induction, Compression, Power and Exhaust. I prefer the much more evocative Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow. There are a few parts that really matter: the crank shaft, the con rod, the piston and the inlet plus exhaust valves.

Suck: Initially the piston is at the top and both valves are closed. As the crank shaft turns, the inlet valve opens, the con rod pulls the piston down which draws air and fuel in. At this point in an invocation, the invoker is opening his chakras and drawing the cosmic energy which surrounds us into his body.
Squeeze: The crank shaft continues around, the inlet valve shuts, and the piston is pushed up, squeezing the gases together. This is when the invoker says the invocation and passes the power to the invokee.
Bang: The fuel/air mixture ignites and pushes the piston down. The priest/ess takes on the aspect of God/dess being invoked.
Blow: The exhaust valve opens and the piston pushes the charge into the exhaust pipe. The God/dess charges and shares his/her power with those assembled.
And now - motorcycles on the Tree of Life:

Kether - traditionally the godhead from which all energy flows. It is formless. This is the high tension spark which ignites the fuel and without which the bike is naught.

Chokmah - Formless, directionless energy, raw untamed power. In the engine this is the burning fuel mixture.

Binah - this takes the raw force and starts organizing and forming it. The piston, conrod and crankshaft takes the power of the expanding gases and converts it to rotary motion.

Chesed - Takes the potential energy of Binah, gives it order, and makes it more solid and usable. In the engine, the gearbox and final drive take the power from the crank shaft and make it usable to the whole machine.

Geburah - An essential breaking down. Where there is life, there must be death. In an engine when you have got two lumps of metal thrashing about in violent motion, they must wear each other away.

Tiphareth - This is the image of the godhead, the wayshower, Lucifer, Prince of Light. In the bike this is represented by the electrical system and the ignition system, and the lights, which on British machines are provided by Joe Lucas, Prince of Darkness!

Netzach - This is the spirit of nature, intuition and sexuality. This is more concerned with what bikers do. They are in tune with nature and tend to get drawn to ancient sites, e.g. Stonehenge, Avebury and Wayland Smithy, or just standing around in a muddy field communing with nature and the local brewery. This is also the source of the sexual bond between man and machine.

Hod - Communication, intellect and travel. It is also where your will produces power. The traveling aspect of motorcycles is fairly obvious, and hordes of dispatch riders fulfill the communication role. This is where we get the knowledge of the workings of the bike. It definitely takes Hodic willpower on a cold, wet morning, along with highly verbal expletives, leaping up and down on the kickstart to get the bugger moving.

Yesod - This is the lunar aspect of biking, linked to Tiphareth on the Middle Pillar (refer Joe Lucas, Prince of Darkness). Many bikers will, by the light of the Full Moon, switch their lights off and ride by moonlight in their lunatic hunt for the local hostelry. In the event of a biker meeting his death through this ridiculous activity, look into the sky. For there you will espy, on his silver machine, the spirit of the biker riding across the astral heavens. Scientists tend to think these are meteors. There is also the illusion of security one gets from riding around with one's head in a goldfish bowl, colloquially known as a blood bucket.

Malkuth - The concrete world, reality. On a bike you are cold, wet, tired, frequently uncomfortable, and very vulnerable, and no-one in their right mind would do it if it wasn't for something else...

Despite Malkuth, biking opens up other realms, other worlds (Birmingham, London, Glasgow, etc.) and puts you in tune with the inner and outer universes."

Cafe Racer of the week: The Michelin Man.

Wiki:

"Michelin's tires corporate symbol is Bibendum, the Michelin Man, introduced in 1898 by French artist O'Galop (pseudonym of Marius Rossillon), and one of the world's oldest trademarks. André Michelin apparently commissioned the creation of this jolly, rotund figure after his brother, Édouard, observed that a display of stacked tyres resembled a human form. Today, Bibendum is one of the world's most recognized trademarks, representing Michelin in over 150 countries."

Strange parallels: Cafe Racers and Japanese superheros.

Thanks to the Henshin Hall of fame for the great pictures.

Kamen (or "masked") Rider on his Suzuki "Cyclone"

Mechanical Man Kikiada on his Kawasaki GT500 "The Sidemachine"

Iron man Tiger 7 on His Suzuki "Spike Go"

Akumaizer 3 on thier Honda 350's "Garbir A, B, and C" wich together form..

....The surreal "Gari Bird"

The not-so-true story of the MV Augusta 60cc Cafe Monomoto Superleggera.

From Caferacer.ca

"J. Wood & Company has held an annual auction in Daytona for the past 20 years. This year, they auctioned off a very interesting piece of art that fetched a very interesting price. At the very least, it a well thought out piece of motorcycle racing art, that comes with an unbelievable story.

Here is the story that came with the bike….

"This MV Augusta 60cc Monomoto Superleggera is the experimental machine ridden by young wealthy Italian Luiggi Bandini, during practice for the 1954 Milano-Taranto Road Race. Bandini tragically lost control in a misty mountain section, while waving to a pretty spectator. His grief stricken father, Count Enzio Bandini, “The Falcon,” never again permitted anyone to ride or even view this advanced design, and knowledge of its whereabouts faded. Eventually, rumors of this fascinating machine reached the motorcycling bon vivant Todd Fell. On a trip to Naples, Italy, his quest to find it was rewarded at the Bandini country villa, where in 2004, fifty years after the tragic accident, the late Count’s family was persuaded to part with the treasure."

If mythical motorcycles are really your thing-visit the best (and only) site for just that: The Spagthorpe Motorcyle Company. Take for example David Helber's Spagthorpe Rottweiler:

"I was rummaging through the effects of my great-uncle, Major-General Tremorden Rederring, KCB, and found this photo of Bart. Capt. Isidore Dunn-Spagthorpe, late of the Royal Flying Corps., testing the Spagthorpe unirotor at his seaside villa near Tintagel in 1931. Both Capt. Dunn-Spagthorpe and the prototype came to an unfortunate end when the Captain’s trademark silk aviator scarf fouled an idler wheel, breaking his neck and pitching the machine over a cliff edge into the crashing surf of an outgoing tide. Neither the Captain nor the prototype was ever recovered. This ended Spagthorpe’s interest in the monowheel concept. The machine, according to pencilled notes on the back of the photo, had been given the developmental title “Mongrel,” but, had it endured to production status, would undoubtedly have been provided with a more marketably euphonious appelation. What appears to be the word “Rottweiler” is faintly inscribed in a lower corner of the back, and it is possible that this was the projected product name.

Beyond this, not much is known about the Spagthorpe Rottweiler except that it had a chain-driven oil filter."

Want to see some real functioning Monowheels? then go to The incredible Self Monowheel site.

From "Science et Vie" May 1993, p170

"Proud as a peacock, town sergeant Davide Cislaghi, a former electrician, has driven his 1.45 metre diameter monocycle for some dozens of kilometers. No problem with stability; all the vehicle parts are fixed to the interior circle to lower the centre of gravity. To turn, the pilot leans his body to right or left. On stopping, two little lateral wheels lower themselves."

(The text in the picture reads: "Insolites" wich means "Strange")

Damn Kids: The Rockers

from Wikipedia:

"Rockers was a term originally applied in a derogatory manner to British motorcycle-riding youths in the 1960s, but was later adopted by those same youths.

Rockers became defined as the antitheses of their scooter-riding contemporaries, the mods. Before this time, young motorcyclists had not been grouped together and labelled in such a manner. Mods and Rockers attracted attention in 1964 because of sensationalistic media coverage of fights between the two groups. Mods and rockers became known for Bank Holiday clashes in the southern English holiday resorts of Clacton, Margate and Brighton."

Some Brilliant history from cafebiker.com

"A Rocker was a motorcyclist first and foremost not a mere fashion or youth music trend. Theirs was a style born out of necessity and practicality and they will generally be seen riding their motorcycles wearing a classic open face style of helmet and aviator goggles, especially the "pudding-basin" short style of helmet such as those still made by Davida Helmets. Davida has been providing helmets for 30 years. They have a worldwide reputation for the quietest, most comfortable, and well made helmets available.

These cafe racers or Rockers wore simple 501 or 505 Levis in blue, dark blue or black, leather trousers were also quite popular. These trousers and jeans were worn with either tall motorcycle riding boots, made by Lewis Leathers, engineer boots or Creepers, as is still the custom for modern-day Rockers. T-shirts and Daddy-O styled shirts were worn under heavily decorated leather motorcycle jackets, adorned with studs, patches, pins and usually an ESSO Petroleum 'gas man' trinket hung somewhere from the jacket. Also quite visible and popular was a patch declaring membership to the 59 Club of England, a church-based, youth organization that later formed into a genuine cafe racer club with members all over the world. Last but not least, while out riding, Rockers would usually wear white-silk scarfs to protect from the cold and cover their mouths while in inclement weather."

What Makes a Bike a Cafe Racer?

Rocker bikes are only "stock" when brand new. Customizing at a rather primitive level is the absolute rule. First to go are the standard handlebars, which are replaces by clip-ons. Racing type tank and seat are next. Then come modifications to the exhaust system, plus new paint and other minor decorating. The rockers strive for a "racer" image and so rarely hang superfluous goodies all over the machine. Neither do they do much about brake or engine modifications. The aim is therefore to get the best possible performance from essentially stock engines. Since individuality is highly regarded, there were many specials, such as Tibsas, Vinors, and Tritons.

The unannounced but widely understood ritual of initiation into this brotherhood, we learned, is "doin the ton." As one young rider told us, "You have to do it once. Of course you don't ride around at 100mph all the time, but its good to know you've done it, to know you bike can do it or once did it." Ad they don't do the ton on a racecourse on a flat stretch of country road. Likely as not they do it on the North Circular Road, or the Watford By-pass or the M1(one of Britain's few limited access expressways). They don't do the ton in broad daylight when there's no traffic and the pavement is dry. Likely as not they do it at night, when challenged to burn-off (or burn out). The air will be damp and the high beam won't be good for more than 60 mph and there will be trucks and cars of all sizes on the road. And that, mate, is when you do the ton. There has to be a story in it, for it will be told by a rider and his chums many times over. You have to make it good.

Beside the nightly round on the cafe circuit, rockers occasionally organize what they call a weekend "burn up." This takes the form of a fast cross-country ride to some point in the north of England or to Wales of Scotland. Within sixty miles of London lie the Brighton resort area and the Snetterton and Brands Hatch racecourses. These are too close for an all out burn up, and more appropriate destination is Liverpool or Manchester or even Edinburgh(470 miles). Trips take two days, possibly with a layover at a friendly club or possibly straight through. A burn up is a major adventure for the rocker. Like doing the ton, it gets plenty of retelling (and possibly embellishment) in the weeks that follow."

The Vincent, and The Vincent in culture.

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream (1970)

"Well," he said, "as your attorney I advise you to buy a motorcycle. How else can you cover a thing like this righteously?" "No way," I said. "Where can we get hold of a Vincent Black Shadow?" "Whats that?" "A fantastic bike," I said. "The new model is something like two thousand cubic inches, developing two hundred brake-horsepower at four thousand revolutions per minute on a magnesium frame with two styrofoam seats and a total curb weight of exactly two hundred pounds." "That sounds about right for this gig," he said. "It is," I assured him. "The fucker's not much for turning, but it's pure hell on the straightaway. It'll outrun the F-111 until takeoff." "Takeoff?" he said. "Can we handle that much torque?" "Absolutely," I said. "I'll call New York for some cash."


From Wikipedia:

"The Black Shadow was a "Stressed Frame" design. The engine, instead of being cradled in a set of frame rails, was suspended from above becoming an integral part of the structure. The Black Shadow as well as the other post Second World War Vincents featured several new technological innovations such as a unique and original alternative to the primitive telescopic front forks of the day, a sprung rear sub-frame, the extensive use of aluminium alloy and a unit construction stressed engine. It weighed in at a relatively light 458 lb[1] (207 kg) which was about the weight of a pre-war 500 cc bike.
The inspiration for the Black Shadow was Royal Air Force pilots flying over the factory, and soldiers serving in the war. The designers created a motorcycle that could be operated and maintained by men who had been injured in combat. The clutch could be operated with just two fingers, and maintenance was made far easier than anything previously available.[citation needed]
The reason for its name "Black" Shadow was due to the entire bike (including the engine) being coated with black paint. The reason for the black paint on the cylinder block is still disputed to this day. Some claim that the black paint was for looks, others claim that it had something to do with heat transfer and dissipation. Whatever the original reason behind the painting of the engine, it was very different from anything else at a time when everything was polished and chromed."

The bathing suit picture:

"The famous picture of a man stretched out in only a bathing suit on a Vincent is not in fact a Black Shadow but a Black Lightning.

The Black Lightning was a custom order from the factory and was some 100 pounds lighter and 25 hp more powerful than the stock Black Shadow. In one of his books, Phil Irving (one of the designers) said that there were only about 16 of the model produced. The Black Lightning is the fastest Vincent ever produced.
As for the famous "bathing suit bike" picture, it is of Rollie Free, an American, riding on the Bonneville Salt Flats on 13 September 1948. Free was determined to break the land speed record in the "Flying Mile." His first pass hit 148 mph (238 km/h), which broke the record, but Free was determined to break 150. Noticing that his riding leathers had started to come apart at the seams from the force of the wind, Free borrowed a bathing suit, cap, and a pair of tennis shoes and laid down on the bike. With the decreased drag, Free broke 150 mph, topping out at 150.313 mph (241.905 km/h), shattering his record of only a few moments before. That bike, also known as the "John Edgar Lightning" after its sponsor, is currently in the private collection of Herb Harris of Austin, Texas."

From Hunter S Thompson again:

There is a fundamental difference, however, between the old Vincents and the new breed of superbikes. If you rode the Black Shadow at top speed for any length of time, you would almost certainly die. That is why there are not many life members of the Vincent Black Shadow Society. The Vincent was like a bullet that went straight; the Ducati is like the magic bullet that went sideways and hit JFK and the Governor of Texas at the same time.''

Another Thompson-this time singer/songwriter Richard Thompson Wrote probally the definitve Cafe Racer song: 52 Vintcent Black Lightning:

"Said Red Molly to James, that's a fine motorbike
A girl could feel special on any such like
Said James to Red Molly,
Well my hat's off to you
It's a Vincent Black Lightning 1952
And I've seen you at the corners and cafes, it seems
Red hair and black leather
My favourite colour scheme
And he pulled her on behind
And down to Boxhill they did ride
Said James to Red Molly, here's a ring for your right hand
But I'll tell you in earnest,
I'm a dangerous man
I've fought with the law since I was seventeen
I robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine
Now I'm 21 years, I might make 22
And I don't mind dying, but for the love of you
and if fate should break my stride
I'll give you my Vincent to ride
Come down, come down, Red Molly
Called Seargeant McRae
For they've taken young James Adie for armed robbery
Shotgun blast hit his chest
Left nothing inside
coome down, Red Molly to his dying bedside
When she came to the hospital
There wasn't much left
He was running out of road
He was running out of breath
But he smiled to see her cry
Said I'll give you my Vincent to ride
Said young James, in my opinion,
There's nothing in this world
Beats a '52 Vincent and a red-headed girl
Now Nortons and Indians and Greeves won't do
They don't have a soul like a Vincent '52
He reached for her hand and he gave her the keys
He said I don't have any further use for these
I see angels on ariels in leather and chrome
Swooping down from heaven to carry me home
He gave her one last kiss and died
And he gave her his Vincent to ride"

Have to have an original Vincent? Go to the Harris Vincent Gallery:

"About the Harris Vincent Gallery:

HARRIS VINCENT GALLERY is owned and operated by Herb Harris of Austin, Texas. I have collected Vincent motorcycles for many years and my collection includes many of the most legendary Vincent motorcycles still left in the world. In addition, I have other marques to include BROUGH SUPERIOR. These appear from time to time in articles in the major motorcycle magazines in the world.

In addition, I have won awards in some the top Concours d'Elegance in the US over the last decade. Lastly, I have built an internationally recognized collection of genuine, British Earls' Court Show factory sectioned motorcycle engines."

"Unique, I believe, among restorers, HVG does not substitute modern “upgrades” when original items are impossible to find. Our bikes, including 4996, utilize original “cheesehead” screws in the outer covers as an example. You can scroll the images to magnify them to view these parts. These are made for us alone as others use Allen screws, which are not original.

Beginning with the engine, note that the inner crankcases bear the casting irregularities as original. We do not sand away the tiny sand casting bumps for the sake of smoothness as they didn’t come that way from the factory in Stevenage when new. We do use professionally applied IMRON paint after the surfaces are carefully prepped, which is both beautiful and impervious to fuel spill and oil. Fasteners are stainless steel to last indefinitely, yet are original in appearance to the cadmium plated carbon steel fasteners available in the 1950s. Note the detail in the engine build. Polished rocker covers, correct for Black Shadows (Rapides using matt finished items) have the background enameled black per original. Oil lines are plated to the highest standard to resist oxidation and to add detail. "

The story of the "Promedade percys" -fathers of the Cafe racers.

An excellent history lesson from CafeBiker.com

"For years these cafe's and resturants were only open during the daylight working hours. They catered to and served the weary travellers of the roads with a warm meal and hot cup of tea. Some of the cafe owners, especially the ones that lived on or near the premises, would leave the door open an hour or two later in order to catch a few more customers, but they were by no means social centers or gathering places. They were simple reststops along the new highway system of England.

The second essential factor to this rise of the Caferacer and Rocker was the rise of youth culture, although before WWII, this is a very loose definition. By the early thirties, England had come out of the great depression and young men who were now back at work. With decent jobs, they found themselves with some extra money. Add to this, the sufficient supply of affordable old motorcycles about, and the the result is obvious. Soon scores of young men were taking to the roads. Some to enjoy a nice Sunday afternoon in the country with their sweetheart, others out for a joyride on their new single. Believe it or not, the rockers and the mods weren't the first to drive their bikes or scooters down to Brighton to show off. During the 20's and 30's, "Promenade percys", a title given the young men who swarmed English seaside resorts, would ride up and down the promenade on their motorcycles, showing off.

Several things happened at the early part of the fifties that all combined to bring about the rebirth of the cafe racer scene. Again, young men all over the country returned to work and soon found themselves with a bit of spare cash. The English bike industry was at an all time high producing such bikes as the featherbed framed Norton Dominator, the BSA Gold Star, the Triumph Tiger 110, and the Velocette Venom. Not only could you see these great bikes at the many races scattered up and down the country, you could also buy them down at the local dealer! And if you couldn't afford the exact model you wanted, well just throw off those tanks and mudguards and replace and restyled them with all the equipment you had just seen at The Isle of Man TT or Silverstone. With the War ended, young men and motorcycles found themselves together again.

Probably the most important factor in what shaped the Caferacer or Rocker culture was the 50's explosion of what is normally called Youth Culture and its new 'anti-heros'. The sounds of Eddie Cochran, Elvis Presley, and Gene Vincent was heard on the radio. Rock-n-roll had become society's new menace. Marlon Brando and other rebels graced the silver screen in their leather jackets. All of this soon made the motorcycle and its inherent lifestyle the epitome of 'cool' and, understandably, sales soared. Soon such items as clipons, glass fiber tanks, rearsets, and swept back exhaust pipes became standard equipment for any rider and, for the suppliers of the equipment, big business.

Even with the explosion of Youth culture, there wasn't any real places for them to gather or call their own. But when this new breed of bike riders took to the streets and roads, the rediscovery of the Cafe's was inevitable. Soon certain cafe's up and down the North and South Circular road would stay open later and later to accomadate the motorcyclists and their girlfriends. They became the social centers of this new culture. Groups would frequent a local cafe making it theirs. Often times they would race each other from cafe to cafe at speeds of over one hundred miles an hour (hence the term 'ton up'). This, the late nights, and the ominous leather jackets look earned them a bad reputation in the British Press, the police, and even ,funny enough, the British bike industry and from it all a new youth culture was born."

Damn kids, Damn Priests: Rev Bill Shergold, Father Graham Hullett and the The 59 Club

From the 59club.com

"Whereas Bill Shergold was very much enjoyed the media spotlight as the face of The 59 Club for the Church of England over Curate John Oakley, the original founder of the London youth club ; for the rebel rocker element, the real heart and soul of The Fifty Nine Club was Father Graham Hullett. Graham was hands on with The Club from 1962 until 1970 staying involved to at least 1973. Yup, it might surprise you to discover that The 59 Club was a church run youth club intended to save the souls of errant yobs - but it was!

Graham was a biker from even before he went into the Army in Germany and a genuine friend to the young rockers. Bailing them out of trouble, enjoying a laugh on the Isle of Man, seeing them through hard times - often out of his own pocket and to his own personal risk - and sharing their love of motorcycles.

We are dedicated to the ongoing memory of Father Graham Hullett, a real biker, and the real story of the rebel rockers of the 59 Club. Although it was certainly the time of their lives for all parties, there were always two sides to the 59 Club. The nice boys who came in from polite suburbs with helmets and all the latest gear to be part of a scene; and the greasy yobs that rode in hatless and gloveless on whatever hardware they could string together from local estates for the birds."

That cohort, that made up what was remembered as " The Rockers ", were the scene;
" ... a leather jacket did not a Rocker make. "

So then , who was Rev Shergold?, let the padre tell it in his own words:

"A newspaper reporter once accused me of buying a motor bike and a leather jacket as a kind of gimmick to attract teenagers to my church. That is quite untrue. I had a motor bike long before leather jackets had become the rage. In face, my outfit when I first started motor cycling would certainly raise a laugh among the young motor cyclists of today. It consisted of a green beret, long blue police mac, riding breaches and DR boots, all bought at the local surplus stores. As for my bike -a BSA Bantam- I got it simply to get around my parish which at that time was in a new housing area near London Airport.
I was taught to ride by a member of our youth club, Eric Hall, who allowed me to practice on his brand-new Douglas Dragonfly. We used to go out in the late evening so that no one could see my escapades. Eventually he decided that I was ready to take my test. I went to Ealing and failed.

The examiner was a woman and I'm convinced that her pet aversions were vicars and motor bikes. In any event, not only did she fail me but, as if to twist the knife in the wound, she informed me that I was a menace to the public. Perhaps I was. But I passed next time-only just, for I ran out of petrol on the way home!
This stage in my motor cycling career could hardly be called successful. The bike was a dead loss. I can't remember how many times I pushed it from Hanworth to Twickenham for the dealer to tackle the latest fault. One day I was vainly kicking it outside the house of a parishioner. The milkman was chatting on the doorstep and remarked to the woman: "What a pity vicars aren't allowed to swear." Little did he know.

Twice it broke down on the way to a wedding and I was so embarrassed at conducting marriage services with greasy hands that I decided to sell it and go back to my old push bike.

I was so completely fed up with motorcycles at this stage that I vowed I would never have another one. This resolve I kept until 1959 when the Bishop sent me to take charge of the Eton College Mission at Hackney Wick. This is a big and busy parish and it soon became clear that I must have some form of transportation. Since I had never learned how to drive a car, I decided to take a chance and buy another bike. This time it was a secondhand C15 BSA. It was almost like starting to learn to ride all over again. I used to get up about 4 am and ride around the empty streets. The C15 was a dream after the Bantam, but I wasn't entirely certain that I had done the right thing in buying a bike.


Perhaps it would have been more in keeping with dignity of a middle-aged vicar to have bought a car and learned to drive. Then my mind was made up for me. I remember the incident quite vividly. We were having lunch in the Clergy House when the phone rang. A little boy in our Sunday school had been playing in a bombed site and a huge piece of concrete had fallen on his head. He was badly hurt and his parents wanted a priest wanted a priest to visit him at once. I knew I should have to use my bike. It sounded simple enough. But Brentwood was a long way from Hackney and it would mean going along the notoriously busy Eastern Avenue.

There was no time for hesitation and I set off at once. It was a nightmare ride for one so inexperienced, but I got there and was able to pray with the little boy. Incidentally, he made a remarkable recovery. Safely back at the Eton Mission, I was filled with a strange sense of elation. Not only had I conquered my fear of traffic, I had been able to use the bike for doing my work as a priest.

Next morning in church I deliberately offered my bike to God and asked Him to make use of it in His work. It was a prayer which has been answered in a way I could never have dreamed of.

For the next two or three years I used the bike for pottering around my parish, but the thought never entered my head that one day I would start a club for motor cyclists. Most of my time was taken up with the youth club, which had just been launched by the Revd. John Oates. Perhaps I ought to say a word about this club because it answers the question of why the club is called the 59."

Its a great site, check it all out and learn some Cafe Racer history. Warning: you will be tested on it later.