Today in motorcycle history, November 28, 1964

  

   

  "Leader of the Pack" by the Shangri Las is Number One on the (U.S.) Billboard charts.

  Penned by the legendary producer George "Shadow" Morton and released as a single on Red Bird Records, the label of the legendary songwriting duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoler ("Jailhouse Rock", "Hound Dog", "Spanish Harlem", etc, etc.), the song shoots to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

  High School girl, Betty, falls for a biker, Jimmy, and causes him to crash. Using her "innocent" seductive powers she gets him to fall in love with her (even though he's a loner and doesn't want to be tied down) then she dumps him because he's from the "wrong side of town".  Heartbroken, Jimmy revs up his '55 Harley panhead-bobber ('59 BSA A10 in the UK version), takes off on a rainy evening and, unable to stop (due to crappy mechanical brakes), he hits an on-coming candy delivery truck.  One of the classic "teenage tragedy" songs.

Is she really going out with him?

Well, there she is. Let's ask her.

Betty, is that Jimmy's ring you're wearing?

Mm-hmm

Gee, it must be great riding with him

Is he picking you up after school today?

Uh-uh

By the way, where'd you meet him?

I met him at the candy store

He turned around and smiled at me

You get the picture? (yes, we see)

That's when I fell for (the leader of the pack)

My folks were always putting him down (down, down)

They said he came from the wrong side of town

(whatcha mean when ya say that he came from the wrong side of town?)

They told me he was bad

But I knew he was sad

That's why I fell for (the leader of the pack)

One day my dad said, "Find someone new"

I had to tell my Jimmy we're through

(whatcha mean when ya say that ya better go find somebody new?)

He stood there and asked me why

But all I could do was cry

I'm sorry I hurt you (the leader of the pack)

He sort of smiled and kissed me goodbye

The tears were beginning to show
As he drove away on that rainy night

I begged him to go slow

But whether he heard, I'll never know

Look out! Look out! Look out! Look out!

I felt so helpless, what could I do?

Remembering all the things we'd been through

In school they all stop and stare

I can't hide the tears, but I don't care

I'll never forget him (the leader of the pack)

The leader of the pack - now he's gone

The leader of the pack - now he's gone

  "Leader..." bits for your  enjoyment;

  Legend has it that to record the sound of the motorcycle, one was driven through the lobby of the hotel and up to the floor of the recording studio.  No one was arrested, but allegedly a ticket was issued.  In an interview four decades later, Shangri-Las lead singer Mary Weiss said the motorcycle sound was taken from an effects record.  

  The Zombies' drummer Hugh Grundy recalls revving up a motorcycle backstage when the Shangri-Las performed on a U.S. tour.

  Shadow Morton produced the New York Dolls LP, "Too Much Too Soon".

  In the 1982 musical Little Shop of Horrors, Ronette, one of the backup singers, says "Here he is, girls, the Leader of The Plaque" during the song "Dentist". Orin, the dentist, notably rides a motorcycle that sounds similar to that in the song.

  In Britain the song originally was banned airplay by the BBC, some people speculated it was due to its death theme.   It did chart three times: #11 in 1965; #3 in 1972 and once again at #7 in 1976. 

  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk

Today in motorcycle history, November 26, 1972

  

  

    In Livermore, California, "Bad" Brad Lackey wins the 500MX at Carnegie Cycle Park. 

  Brad Lackey began his racing career in 1970 riding for a local CZ dealer.  Seemingly a natural, in 1971 he would finish second in the AMA 500cc Motocross National Championship.  For the 1972 season Kawasaki offered him a sponsored ride and he repaid them by winning the AMA 500cc National Championship.  Lackey was the highest placed American rider in the 1972 Trans-AMA motocross series.  Most people would have raised their chin's high however, we're talking about Brad Lackey.  He had his mind set on the Grand Prix events in Europe.

   In 1973, Lackey set out on what would eventually be a ten-year quest for most prestigious trophy in motocross competition, a 500cc World Championship.  During his quest Brad would ride for Husqvarna, Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki, finishing as high as second in the world in 1978 and 1980.  He often met with bad luck, whether it be a crash or a mechanical failure at an inopportune time.  The European motorcycling press began calling him "Bad Luckey".  Finally, in 1982, after ten years of looking at the backside of the winners, he was able to clinch his first and only 500cc Motocross World Championship aboard a Suzuki. After his triumph, Suzuki scaled back their racing efforts and Lackey was left without a sponsor.  He said, "Screw it.", and decided to retire on top, as World Champion.

  Brad Lackey was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1999.

  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk

Today in motorcycle history, November 25, 2012

  

  

  


  


  The Ross Motorcycle Rally proves, once again, that "Ross is the Boss". 


  Tasmania is a small island 140 miles off the bottom of Australia and for over 25 years on the last Sunday in November the Vintage Motorcycle Club of Tasmania have hosted the Ross Motorcycle Rally.  A blow-out party, a bike show and a swapmeet all in one. 

  The bike show had riders from all across Australia bringing out there hidden treasures competing for trophies that are awarded for 16 categories ranging from sidecars to eye-poppin' choppers.

  Having evolved over the years into a celebration of motorcycling in Tasmania, it is an opportunity for bikers and enthusiasts from around the state and mainland Australia to come together and share their passion.  Motorcycles.

  The bike show was a mind bender, there were British bikes on display that included a pristine 1925 Norton flat-tank Model 18, a 1922 Norton Brooklands Road Special (BRS, or Model 8), a loin-tingling 1938 BSA Gold Star (M24), 1933 348cc BSA Blue Star, a beautiful 1931 601cc Ariel Model 4F "Square Four". 

  There was an immaculate 1972 Kawasaki H2 Mach IV that had all the speed freaks creaming in their jeans.  H-D's, Indian's and Triumph's were all well represented.  And some damn good food and beer.

  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk

Today in motorcycle history, November 24, 1984

  

  

  

  The Steve McQueen Estate Auction is held at the Imperial Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada.  The auction includes his vintage cars, antique glass gas pumps, collectible toys and motorcycles. And motorcycles. Did I mention motorcycles.

  A partial list of what you could have bought if you went to the Steve McQueen Estate Auction...


  ...a fully restored 1938 500cc Triumph Speed Twin, a 1922 37" Indian Scout Police Special complete with an all brass siren, partially restored 1931 Harley-Davidson VL74 (allegedly McQueen's favorite bike), 1914 Indian single-cylinder factory race bike, 1918 Harley-Davidson Model J 60" WWI Army model, a running 1950 74" Indian Chief Bonneville, a leg-wettin' 1930 74" Indian Chief with original sidecar, sweet 1951 650cc Triumph Thunderbird, rare 1912 belt-drive 600cc Harley-Davidson, 1912 780cc Ace, 1913 Indian Four, 1913 Excelsior 61" Model 7C twin, 1974 Yamaha 360 Enduro, an "everyday rider" 1970 500cc Velocette, 1971 Husqvarna 400 Cross (THE Husky 400 seen in a million posters, Sports Illustrated cover photo and ridden in On Any Sunday. The same Husky was resold by Bonhams in May/2011 for $144,000).



  I need to mention they also auctioned off his 1957 Jaguar XK-SS, lovingly referred to as "The Green Rat".












  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk

Today in motorcycle history, November 21, 1938

    

  

  

 

   The H.E.C. Power Cycle makes it debut at Earls Court.

  The Power Cycle was basically, an upgraded lady’s bicycle frame with the addition of a gas tank and a motor, made to cater to the market for lightweight motorcycles. With an engine under 100cc and being started by pedals rather than a kickstart, it fell into a separate (read that as cheaper) road tax class, which riders found very appealing. The whole idea behind the Power Cycle was to encourage bicycle riders to upgrade to a motorized machine. At that time there were no 49cc motorcycles, so they filled the spot occupied by those pesky mopeds.

  The H.E.C Power Cycle, manufactured by Hepburn Engineering Co. of Kings Cross, London, was fitted with an 80cc deflector-top two-stroke engine made by Levis. The machine debuted with a Levis badge on the engine. The engine was updated later that year, ready for the 1940 season, and the Levis badge on the engine was replaced with an H.E.C. badge.


  Alas, sales were short-lived. With the outbreak of war, the company relocated to Thorpe Street, Birmingham but, on May 3, 1940, the H.E.C. factory was bombed. Levis and H.E.C. then merged to manufacture air-compressors. Sadly, very few Levis/H.E.C. Power Cycles were manufactured.



  From "The Motor Cycle", dated 25th May, 1939 -

  "The H.E.C has a fairly low engine gear ratio (14 to 1), and this combined with the light weight of the machine and an extremely ‘peppy’ engine, provides acceleration well above the average. Response to the throttle was immediate and a speed of 25mph was attained comparatively rapidly. Higher speeds are available if required; indeed, under favourable conditions the speedometer registered 35mph, which is remarkable for an 80cc power unit. In these circumstances, slight vibration was felt, and without doubt the engine was happiest at a speed of about 25mph."

  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk

Today in motorcycle history, November 19, 1966 & 1999

      

  

   

  Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Evel Knievel, strikes twice on November 19.

  On a unusually cloudy afternoon on Saturday, November 19, 1966, at the Tucson Dragway in Tucson, Arizona, Evel Knievel jumps what appears to be a Dodge used car lot. The assortment of Dodge vehicles includes a Dodge-Fargo pickup and delivery van (that delivered auto parts the previous morning), three Coronet 440 station wagons and five junked sedans of various year and model. The jump is a success as his 1965 Norton Atlas clears the last roof with room to spare. A clean, smooth landing with no stitches, bruises, lacerations or broken bones.



  Fast forward 30 years, November 19, 1999 - on a special platform built on the fountains at Caesars Palace on the Las Vegas Strip near the site of Evel’s infamous New Year's Eve 1967 jump, he marries long time girlfriend, 30-year-old Krystal Kennedy of Clearwater, Florida.  Much like that jump the marriage crashed and burned. They were divorced in 2001.


  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk

Today in motorcycle history, November 18, 1905

 


  

  

  Minerva introduces it's V-twin to a motorcycle hungry Belgian public.

  Originally called "Mercury", a bicycle-only company owned by Sylvain de Jong, after a heated dispute with the other investors Sylvain bought them out, changed the company name to "S. de Jong and Co." and chose the name "Minerva" for his new plant in Antwerp.  Then in 1900, he bought an engine from the Swiss based Zurcher & Luthi Company.  Zurcher & Luthi did not only build the engines, they also patented their bicycle set-up. The engines were "clamped to the framing" (clip-on). A leather "band" over a grooved rim, bolted to the back wheel, guaranteed motion. The engines had an atmospheric inlet valve and a mechanical exhaust valve. A surface carburetor delivered the mixture from the "spirits reservoir" and a 4 volt accumulator with trembler coil produced the spark. 


  Sylvain loved the idea, bought the license and started the production of all parts needed to turn a Minerva bicyclette into a Minerva motocyclette. Due to the reliability of the clip-on engine, success came immediately. 

  In 1905, Minerva would introduce a much larger and faster V-twin model to the public. Also, the clip-on motor was deleted but three motorcycle options were available.


  Model M1) - a two speed gear (no clutch) mounted on the crankshaft, for the 2 ¾ hp models only. This resulted in two external pulleys of same diameter but with different rotating speeds. The leather belt could, by means of a lever, slide from one pulley to the other.

  Model M2) - Magneto instead of the trembler ignition. The magneto was driven by a rod and mounted to the front of the engine.

  Minerva model M3) - Spring front forks.


  The catalog for 1905 showed four different motor sizes available: a 2hp 247cc single, 2 ¾ hp 345cc single, 3 ½ hp 433cc single and a 4 ½ hp 577cc V-twin.

   Minerva the Roman goddess, daughter of Jupiter, sprang from the head of her father, fully grown and in full armor. She was the patron of warriors, goddess of knowledge and wisdom and goddess of artisans and industry. 

  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk

Today in motorcycle history, November 15, 1967

 



     

 The funeral of Thomas Bell,  President of the Road Vultures MC, takes place under the watchful eyes of Buffalo (New York) police.  From the Buffalo Evening News newspaper...

  BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) - The slain president of the Road Vultures Motorcycle Club went to his grave Monday, the hearse carrying his casket escorted by 40 roaring cycles.

  Thomas G. Bell, a bearded, 24-year-old shipping clerk, was laid to rest in Buffalo's Forest Lawn Cemetery after a funeral service in which leather jacketed cyclists mingled with persons in conventional dress.

  Members of the Buffalo-based Road Vultures were joined in the crowd by representatives from motorcycle bands elsewhere in Western New York and Massachusetts, Ohio, Connecticut and Ontario, Canada.  Bell's funeral cortege was led by a motorcycle bearing a red flag emblazoned with a Nazi swastika. Next in line was a small flat-bed trailer carrying his flower-bedecked cycle. Before Bell's casket was sealed, someone placed sunglasses on his eyes and a Road Vultures sweatshirt on his chest, atop his blue suit and white shirt.

  At the cemetery, a club member stepped forward and poured the contents of a pint whiskey bottle on the metal casket, then tried to smash the bottle against the coffin lid, but without success.

  A mimeographed eulogy distributed at the cemetery said Bell "was born to be free and died to be free."

  Several plainclothes policemen stood by during the service.

  Also in the gathering were Bell's wife, Regina, and their 2-yearold son, Shane.

  Bell was shot fatally last Thursday night after, police said, he and two other Road Vultures stormed into the apartment here of Jack Edin, to retrieve an inexpensive watch.

  In the ensuing fracas, detectives said, Bell was shot in the back with a pistol by Edin's brother, Walter, 29. The other two motorcyclists suffered leg wounds.

  You know on that Monday any poor bastard on a bike, patch-holder or not, was pulled over by Buffalo's Finest. Tuesday's edition claimed 17 unshaven/suspicious/motorcyclists were arrested, mainly for traffic violations.
 

  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk

Today in motorcycle history, November 14, 2014

  

  

  Priceless trophies snatched in robbery at National Motorcycle Museum near Solihull.  Bosses offer substantial reward for recovery of haul after thieves leave trail of destruction.

            ******************************************************************



   I wanted to post this story from the Birmingham Mail about the August 27 break-in to the National Motorcycle Museum.  It is an amazing museum that I highly recommend visiting. If anyone knows anything about the dirtbags that are responsible for this please speak up.


        *********************************************


  Priceless trophies were snatched and thousands of pounds worth of damage was done when thieves smashed their way into the National Motorcycle Museum near Solihull overnight.

  The robbers left a trail of destruction and fled with a haul of invaluable trophies - some of immense historical value to the industry and motorsport.

  Museum chiefs are still putting together a catalogue of items missing following the robbery and have offered a substantial cash reward for anyone information leading to the recovery of the haul.

  National Motorcycle Museum director James Hewing offering a £20,000 reward for their return. 

  It is thought the list of trophies, which were taken from glass cabinets situated in the foyer of the museum at Coventry Road, Solihull, include World Championship prizes and items of immense historical value.

  James Hewing, museum director, said the value of the trophies could not be measured in cash terms because many were irreplaceable. He appealed to anyone offered any of the stolen items to contact police.


  He said, “We are desperate to have the trophies returned as soon as possible. The robbery was a rough job and a lot of damage was done. Although the trophies may not have much meltdown value in metal terms, they are priceless when it comes to the heritage of the sport and the rich motorcycle heritage of the UK. We will offer a substantial reward for information that leads to the safe return of all of the trophies.”

  Many of the cups and shields were donated or loaned to the museum by leading motorsport figures.

  It is thought the thieves targeted the haul to melt down*.

  Adrian Rogers, the owner of Stafford-based 21st Century Glaziers, was called to the museum just after midnight to board up entrance panels smashed by the raiders as they broke in.

  He tweeted pictures of the ruined display cabinets in the hope of boosting the search for the stolen trophies.

  Mr. Rogers said, “Vast numbers of trophies from years gone by were taken. It appeared three or four cabinets were targeted. These items were on display for people to enjoy and the people from the museum were distraught. I tweeted the pictures in the hope that the power of social media would help the trophies be returned. They may well be melted down but all motorbike enthusiasts would want to see them back where they belong. I feel for them - people enjoy these things and pay money to see them. They would be hard items to sell because they are one-offs.”

  A spokesman for West Midlands Police said officers found windows to the museum shop had been smashed but the offenders had not been able to gain access to the main premises.

  Forensic investigators are examining the scene.




  *The clowns that stole the trophies and the medals thinking to make a small fortune probably didn't realize most weren't actually silver but silver-plate or nickel therefore, they had virtually no melt-down value what-so-ever.




  Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD).  www.nabd.org.uk