VINTAGE RIDER.
November 23, 2009

Most who know me personally know that I also share a passion for most things on two or four wheels. Yesterday we went to catch up with our friend Terry Clynes and also preview items from the upcoming Webb's "Important and Vintage Motorcycles" auction, at Auckland's Deus Ex Machina showroom.

Impressive premises at Auckland's Deus Ex Machina branch. A pretty good book section with not only books on moto-culture history, moto-racing, fashion, and bike catalogues, but also service manuals and the like. The cafe and reading area is pretty impressive as well, although here's a tip to the owners - hire friendlier cafe staff please. I don't like being served with a scowl.

Perhaps my favourite item from the catalogue - this stunning '26 Douglas EW touring bike. The external flywheel and hand shifter were my favourite features. There's just something romantic about motorcycles and automobiles from that pre-WWII era, although operating the manual timing controls and throttle at the same time would probably make my brain hurt. This example was restored painstakingly over decades and is part of a private collection.

Our friend Terry Clyne's pick. '61 BSA 600cc Scrambler. Looks like it could be a fun weekend play thing. Would look great with dirt on it?

This '19 Indian Power Plus/sidecar also grabbed my attention. 1000cc v-twin, and the setup that kicked off the Harley vs Indian debate over the years. This was the super bike of its era. All chain drive, which apparently was very uncommon during those times, leaf spring rear sus, and a 160km/h (100mph) top speed. The sidecar is also a restored original item too - a bit of a rarity. Priced well too...

British bikes were also well represented in this offering - like this '29 250cc AJS M series. AJS went on from humble beginnings to hold over 100 moto-related world records by 1930, and this bike was one of their most popular models. The current owner still rides this regularly, keeping the spirit of the bike alive. His thoroughly used and well chapped 50+ year old leather riding coat is also included in the auction.

Amongst the collection were some real pristine examples of pre-WWI Triumphs too, mostly from famous restorer Phil Aubert Bedard's private collection. The wicker sidecar isn't an original, but I was told that he went through a few attempts at creating the sidecar before being finally satisfied that it was completely period-correct. Again, another reminder of what some consider the golden age of motorcycles, before the world was plunged into the first world war. Check out the belt drive on the '14 Triumph.

The auction will be held on Wednesday 25/11/09 at 7:00pm at Deus Ex Machina (Shed 5, Top Deck, Wellesley Street, Auckland - next to The Secret Garden), and despite this post, it's not all just Triumphs and Indians - Harley Davidsons, Velocette, and even a 1904 Brown make an appearance.

Ivy approves. Baja Hitam!