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The 2004
Hansen Dam Norton Rally
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This is the first Norton I saw after we
parked our bikes, and it was fitting that it was a 1966 Scrambler.
The way you see it is exactly as it was delivered, with no mufflers.
This machine set the performance standard back in the mid-'60s.
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Two more beautiful Nortons, both
500cc racing singles. |
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Another magnificent Norton 500cc
single. |
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The rally attracts interesting people, who
are as much fun to look as the motorcycles. Character is present in
both the machines and the riders. |
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This is not a hobby for kids. |
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| An ultra-classic...the 1000cc Vincent
V-twin. |
A rider on a classic BMW. |
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Here's another classic...an
interesting Sportster (it's a 1957 XLCH). |
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The rally attracts a large
number of sidecars. This couple rode in on a Chang Jiang, which is a
Chinese version of a 1930s flathead BMW. I saw many of these in
China, and you can get more information on them on the Chinese
Motorcycles page. |
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Interesting artwork on a
200cc Triumph Cub. I have no idea what it's significance is. |
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Classic goggles and a
helmet. |
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The rally attracts
interesting bikes of all sorts. Ducatis are always present in
force. This is a Ducati logo from the 1960s. |
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A gorgeous Ducati road
bike. I think these older ones are even more attractive than the
current generation. |
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This is a 1960s BMW with a Steib
sidecar. |
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The CHP rolled in a on a couple
of more modern Beemrs to check out the classic motorcycles. |
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The Japanese classics put in a
good appearance at the Norton Rally, too. Check out the early 1970s
Honda CB750 above, and the 1971 to the right (I know the year because I
used to have one). The Honda CB750 is a benchmark motorcycle,
and it is the standard upon which many subsequent designs were
based. It started the end of England's motorcycle production
dominance. Interestingly, many of the Japanese motorcycle companies
subsequently came out with models based on earlier British designs.
The SR500 Yamaha (to the right) is a loose copy of the British BSA 500cc
Gold Star.
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Here's an actual BSA Gold Star
from the early 1960s, with my friend Marty standing behind it. |
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And here's a cool shot of Marty
and me in the Beezer's chromed gas tank. |
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There were a few really cool
cars there, too. This is the engine compartment of a mid-1960s 365hp
Corvette. |
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And here's a guy who showed up
in a really cool ride - A Dodge Viper. |
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A perfect plate for a British
motorcycle. |
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