The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2
General Category => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: montmil on May 22, 2014, 02:13:02 PM
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An interesting little historical photo essay.
Who remembers, who owned and who has ridden any of these motorcycles? Only two on my list.
http://www.motorcycle.com/top10/top-ten-defunct-motorcycle-manufacturers.html
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I remember (in person or in histories) most of those brands, and have probably seen about 7 of them (mostly in museums). I probably rode a Rupp at one point in my youth, but I didn't pay attention to the brand.
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I have a Triumph TR25W that was built in the BSA factory. Does that count? Never owned a Bultaco but had a Montesa. I still think my favorite bike smaller than 500cc was my Penton Jackpiner, 175cc. Amazing bike.
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I've put my butt down in the saddle of a Black Shadow. It was getting a new clutch and had the left footpeg off. If only it was rideable :'(
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I've seen all of these bikes in the flesh, though I think I've only actually ridden on a Rupp and a Bultaco, briefly.
I gotta say, though Mr Britten had some good ideas, I cannot consider his brand in the same category as these others, who manufactured many thousands of bikes over much longer period - I consider him more of a "boutique bike designer", albeit a brilliant one.
I recall being a teenager in the 70s and lusting after a Laverda Jota, though. Good thing I didn't have the ability to get one then,as I'd likely have killed myself on such a machine
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MsBuck and I currently own 2 of the 250 Zane Laverdas shipped to the US...truly beautiful and joy to ride ....but a b.... to work on.