Don Vesco's Street Triumph

[admin]

OK, so I'm the vintage bike guy here on staff. My tastes range al over the place when it comes to old iron - Japanese, American, British, Italian, German, you name it I either own it or did. One of the more interesting bikes I currently own is a funky old Triumph that was build for and famous racer Don Vesco sometime in the 1960s or '70s as his street ride. Don't know Don Vesco? Google him, he roadraced and won Daytona, he land speed raced and set numerous records at Bonneville.
Well, this bike is pretty funky. Apparently it was built by Don and a bunch of famous old time California builders and tuners out of whatever parts they had lieing around in the garage. Basically it's a 650 Bonneville engine stuffed into a rigid 350 frame with sprung rear hub (look it up) drum brakes, high pipes, sprung solo saddle and fiberglass racing tank. Wild. I have had it in storage for a couple of years and am now getting ready to sort it out ad make it roadworthy once again. Anyone else have any intereting old bikes worth sharing?
Posted by: Buzz Kanter on Nov 7, 06 9:05:43 am

[admin]

My interests pick up right after yours Buzz in the late 70's and early 80's. The big KZ1000, the Yamaha 1100 Maxim, the Suzuki 1000S, the Ducati Paso and all those cool, big bore, low revving, torque monster motors!

I also get a real kick out of riding spindly little, under-powered bikes like the GB500 around the reservoirs and twisty backroads of Connecticut. It's a real blast trying to manage your momentum on a little bike as it flexes and weaves makes every outing an adventure. takes me back to my childhood days and my Rupp Roadster!
Posted by: Shooter Bob on Nov 9, 06 7:47:56 am