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By Mark M
#53217
The Stranglers: "I can drive my very own tank!"

REgards, Mark
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By Adrian
#53222
Thanks, the shade in question looked more like that on the Landrover in the first picture, though allowing for the effects of indoor lighting and photo rendering on computers it's hard to tell. The BSA shade in question was brighter than most of the deep bronze green I have seen. The mid bronze green was used on some Morris Minor vans.



http://potteries.mmoc.org.uk/Members_Ca ... 201_07.jpg
By Count Johnny
#53226
Well…by way of a little owner’s perspective, Slo Poke (which is the machine to which Paul refers) is designed for high-days; high-ways; and showing off – and is actually quite good at all three.


By high-days, I’m referring to those occasions when it’s not p*ssing it down with rain, the sun is shining and all is well with the world .


I have, of course, ridden him in torrential rain, but – not helped by my two pairs of jeans; open face crash helmet; and spectacles ‘fashion statement’ – the lack of mudguards at either end do mean that you get plastered from all angles and your eyes fill up with water…which is no fun at all. Cow-pats are also a bit of a problem. .


And, by high-ways, I’m referring to many miles of dual carriageways and continental roads, with swoopy corners and a lack of roundabouts, which - thanks to Paul’s excellent engine and Slo Poke’s pre-existing comfy seat - can now be eaten up with aplomb and at a rate of knots.


I have, of course, taken Slo Ploke green laning and, while it’s a challenge trying (and failing) to keep up with my very accomplished motorcyclist mate on his standard A10, it’s always a hoot just trying to hang on to thing – although about 50 miles of such activity is about the limit of anyone’s endurance and bravery.


And finally, there’s the matter of showing off. And, yes, I know it’s a bit pathetic but Slo Poke attracts attention wherever he goes and is widely photographed and much admired – and who doesn’t enjoy riding a motorcycle that is much admired?


Here we are showing off at the London Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, in October:


Image
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By Adrian
#53235
So it is a showing-off/posing bike - well at least that is honest! You could ask whether all those immaculately restored classics, shiny cafe racers with all the "right" bits or even a certain maroon street scrambler perform the same function to some extent (even if we CAN get round roundabouts more easily)...



Before this thread ended up on the different shades of Landrover green, I think it was about customising Bullets badly in the name of dubious fashion. I appreciate that Slo Poke wasn't just thrown together - more thought has gone into it than many others - but it's still going to make people ask why. While I wish you many happy (roundabout-free) miles, I have a sneaking suspicion that if you sold it on, the next owner would be looking for a standard frame to put that nice engine and gearbox in (if not a Rickman Metisse chassis).



A.

By Bullet Whisperer
#53237
To be fair to Count Johnny, I didn't mean any disrespect, he has 'Slo Poke' how he wants him to be and it is his call. I have to say there are some very neat and innovative touches to be found on this machine. However, IF such a machine were to end up in my possession, I would certainly be lopping a fair bit off each footrest and perhaps fit folding ones. I would also try to get a bit more clearance under the front of the exhaust pipe, as the machine handles very well in all other respects, but lacks ground clearance - there are a lot of corners in my part of the world. There are also other drivers [and riders] who think because you are covering the ground fairly quickly in a straight line, you are unlikely to slow down to tractor speeds for the corners - I was very conscious of this while riding this otherwise comfortable and quite enjoyable machine, on dry, quiet roads that is !! Cheers, Paul.
By Count Johnny
#53238
Well…not exactly, Adrian - and it’s all about personal taste.


For the avoidance of doubt, I’ve been motorcycling (only British Bikes) for 35 years - and Slo Poke has looked much the same since 1999 (so geddaway with your trendy fashion stuff).


While Slo Poke does have some day-to-day duties - like popping up to Tesco (I strap a wicker basket to the handlebars for that purpose) and tooling around town for something to do (I live in that ‘London’) - he is chiefly intended to propel me to ‘old school’ custom motorcycle events (like Wheels & Waves, in Biarritz and Linkert, in Central France, and nearer in the UK) and, for this purpose, he is now more or less perfectly qualified.


By this I mean that he is comfortable enough to knock out a relaxed 250 miles a day; fast enough to keep up with the more modern machinery that he rides with; has sufficient real estate to transport my clothes and sleeping arrangements (for a couple of weeks); and does a decent job of looking good (to a theme) when he gets there. .


Of course, you’re right that I could have magnetised him and ridden him through the “…right bits…” of the Unity Equipe catalogue – but who wants to “…customise Bullets badly in the name of dubious fashion…”? A Caff Racer ‘fashion’, I should add, that is considerably younger than the ‘Bob-Job’ style that Slo Poke doffs his cap to. .


But, as I said at the top of this post, it’s all about personal taste.
By Count Johnny
#53245
Hi Paul


No offence taken at all.

As I mentioned, above, I’ve had Slo Poke for a long time and my riding style has more or less adapted to his shortcomings – so, for example, I decelerate quite early for corners to give following traffic plenty of warning that my progress may be quite slow.


Also, if I’m riding any distance, I’m generally going somewhere with a bunch of mates – all of whom ‘get’ Slo Poke - so I take the lead and everyone else rides to Slo Poke’s pace and covers my a*se.


But as I said, wherever possible, we tend to take routes that suit Slo Poke and enjoy the scenery. :-)
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By Scalyback
#53246

Count Johnny so Slo Poke is the celebrity, and you are 'just the rider'!



I still prefer mudguards, but I would certainly spend some time looking at Slo Poke if we met. Distinctive and certainly a change from factory specs. I guess it will be hypocritical of me, but the more I look at the picture, the more I find it intriguing!
By Count Johnny
#53254
Exactly, Scalyback. I’m merely Slo Poke’s warm up act!


I live in Greenwich – so not a million miles from the Hollyville. !


If you look out of the window, one Sunday, to find that the roads are dry and the weather set fair, drop me an email (IAINdotCatFORMULAFSdotCOdotUK) and I may meet you down there for a cup of splosh.

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