Cool Bikes - 1954 V-35 Victoria

The usual suspects were standing around the bikes outside the Time Warp Tea room on a recent Tuesday night, enjoying one of the last warm evenings of summer, when we see Larry rolling up on this little blue bike. As the crowd starting checking it out, a buzz developed (in the crowd, not the bike) because nobody knew what it was.

This is a 1954 V35 Victoria. A 350cc bike made by the German car company Victoria. The current owner acquired the bike at an auction in Wisconsin in the fall of 2009. The bike was part of the private collection of David Mantly, who had passed away. 

Several things make this bike unique. Notice that the carburetor is not visible. It is totally enclosed in the engine case. Also notice that the entire engine is aluminum, the spark plugs are on the inside part of cylinder head, and that there are no visible bolts on the valve covers (they come up from underneath). It is thought that only 25 of these bikes were made. The most unique feature of this bike, one that I have never heard of before, is that it has no gears in the transmission, only five sets of chains and sprockets. This created a serious vibration problem, and the company soon went out of business (Larry says from sinking all of their money into developing this bike). This is 1 of 2 of these bikes in the U.S.  The other is in the museum at Barber Raceway.

Cool Bike! 1993 Honda NSR 250 SP

If you like purpose built road-racers, 2-Strokes, or very rare machines, you have got to like this bike. Charles brought this little jewel fresh from e-bay to the Time Warp Tea Room bike night. This bike is a 250cc, water cooled, twin cyclinder, 2-stroke that makes between 60-65 HP, while weighing only 280lbs! The engine is essentially 1/2 of Honda's 1993 500cc GP bike.
It was built for the Japanese domestic market, and was not sold outside of Japan. To make it even more rare, only 900 were produced. Who knows how it ended up in Monroe, Georgia, or what the previous owner was smoking when he decided to sell it. This would be a prize in anyone's collection.

Charles currently races WERA vintage, and said that it's not beyond the realm of possibility that this bike may see a track day at some point. After all, this bike was made for the track, not hanging out at Hooter's, and you would really have to get it on the track to fully appreciate it. If he decides he would like to hire a test rider, he had has plenty of volunteers (including myself). Everyone with any track experience was drooling over this bike when he brought it down. Hey, it's essentially a 250cc GP bike with signal lights, mirrors, and a speedometer! Congratulations on your new scoot Charles. Definitely a Cool Bike!

Cool Bike -1983 Ducati Mike Hailwood Replica

Seen at the Vintage Show at Biker Rags, this immaculate 1983 Ducati Mike Hailwood Replica reminded me of the first time I saw one in 1984 at the AMA Roadraces at Mid Ohio. These bikes were built by Ducati as a tribute to Ducati Racer Mike Hailwood, and are coveted by Ducati collectors

George first found this bike on E-bay years ago, only to let it be won by another bidder who was willing to dig deeper in his pockets. So the bike went from nearby Virginia to a new owner in Oregon. A few years later the same bike came up for auction again, and this time George made sure he had the correct change. Of course now he had the added expense of getting the bike across country! The message here:#1 Don't give up on that ride you want. #2 Sometimes its cheaper to pay more.

The only non-stock parts on the bike are a set of Conti Exhaust and a clear site glass in the head that lets you see the bevel drive camshafts.  If you are a "Gear head" yourself, you can't help but love that. As you can see in the picture the bike won its class at the show. Cool Ride George!

Cool Bike -1986 Suzuki RG500 Gamma

Most people don't realize what this is when they see it, most think its just an older GSXR. This is actually a very rare machine that was never sold in the U.S. Market, and you will not see a cleaner one.  The unique engine, a twin crank,Square Four, 2-Stroke was modeled after Suzuki's Grand Prix machines of the mid-80's. The carbs are actually mounted on the side on the engine. This little machine weighs only 343 lbs, but makes 95 Hp.  

I've been fortunate enough to ride one of these, and there is nothing else quite like it. The engine isn't made for torque, but when the 4, 125cc cylinders come on the pipe the Gamma just jumps!  Kent, this bikes lucky owner, bought it in 2006 in Woodstock N.Y. with only 800 miles on the odometer.  Sweet!  Another cool ride seen on a Time Warp Tuesday night!

Cool Bikes - 1956 Ariel Square Four

Seen at the Time Warp Tea Room this past Tuesday, this was this mighty Ariel's first time out with new owner Richard (who rode it down by the way). It was recently bought in Lake Elsinore California, and is an absolutely beautiful machine. The unique 1000cc Square Four engine actually has twin cranks, and was one of the first legitimate 100mph bikes. You just don't see bikes like this very often.