[christian_gates]

The CanAm cars of the early 1970s were the absolute pinnacle of unrestricted auto racing. The only things that begin to approach the magnificence on display during those races, but which are still pale shadows, are:

1) turbo-era F1 (through the late 1980s)

2) unlimited-class air racing

3) possibly some of the later IMSA GTP offerings (through the early 90s - XJR14, Eagle Mk. III etc.)

4) MotoGP, although I'm not sure which era - some late 500cc probably



cdg

 

[christian_gates]

That's one of the most interesting motorcycles I've every seen, but I agree with the prior poster - machines are meant to be used and their beauty and elegance can only be realized when they are under way.



It's almost a crime for that guy NOT to occasionally ride that thing. I understand it's a work of art, but the equivalent would be covering a Vermeer - always - and never looking at it for fear of somehow degrading the image with the exposure to light. The artistry only exists when the thing is actually moving.



I imagine that the man in the story is a relatively miserable individual.



The bike though - wow.



One wonders where that creativity is today. Ducati, the Japanese manufacturers, Triumph, Harley - there's very little innovation and a lot of refinement in today's bikes. There are some excetions in the chassis department (Honda's unit pro-link, BMW's Hossack front, and the Buell stuff), but there isn't really any engine novelty out there right now.



cdg

 

[Buzglyd]

The IMSA GTP cars of the mid 80s were awesome! We used to have a race here in Del Mar. The sound of a 4 rotor Mazda wailing by had to be heard to be believed. A swarm of bees on steroids for sure.

 

[41880]

That looks perfect. Gracias. I will begin the search!

 

[yo-me-mo]

KISS

 

[mscuddy]

Thanks MO. Great story and pics. Man, what a scary sounding bike.



I've got an old record (given to me by John Morton, ex-factory Jaguar racer) that has a recording of a D50 Lancia at Monte Carlo in 1955 (driven by Alberto Ascari shortly before his death at Monza later that year).



Sounds quite similar, like someone ripping a sheet of steel in two.

 

[cruiz-euro]

Well I am sure he you know, at least once, nobody can be so totally, you know



- cruiz-euro

 

[mscuddy]

Re:Retro Racer

A good inexpensive bike for competition in vintage class road racing is the 1968-1973 Honda 350 twin (CB/CL) series.

Lots of aftermarket parts are available, you can get over 50 hp with the right mods. Check out these links:

http://www.bore-tech.com/CB.html

http://www.weravintage.org/

One guy in England even makes a roller-cam conversion, claims 60 hp. And since so damn many of the 350s were made, parts (and bikes) are no problem.

 

[33129]

If the bike will never be started and ridden, it should be thoroughly photographed and then smashed to pieces.

 

[sarnali]

Nah, just don't shave for a few days.



Chicks go for the stubbly bad boy look

 

[longride]

Good call.

 

[Buzglyd]

I've got that right now!



Although usually when I ride the geezer I make sure I'm clean-shaven so I don't get mistaken for a "Harley guy."

 

[Buzglyd]

I agree. Maybe it will be "worth something" someday.



Based on this man's age he will likely be dead when that happens. I would not want to go to my grave knowing I never rode that thing.

 

[SmokeU]

But aren't you a "Harley guy?"

 

[oldtim]

Yeah, I can't imagine not running it regardless of how much it is worth.

 

[christian_gates]

I'm jealous. That must have been cool as all get out. In the mid-80s you would have had the then-dominant Porsche 962 series cars. Awesome.



I think GTP was actually the successor to CanAm, via some convoluted meanderings, and some of the tech is neat.



Nothing beats CanAm, though. 1,500HP Porsches, variable-wing McLarens - an explosion of creativity in engineering before the safetycrats sanitized everything.



cdg

 

[sarnali]

I think the short cut-offs with leather chaps and cowboy boots give him away....

 

[sarnali]

What kind of motorcyclist would have a V8 Moto Guzzi race bike and not even start it, let alone ride it.

 

[40746]

maladg,



Here is my 4 step program for you to rejoin the human race:



1) Take the "motorcycle vroom vroom noises" CD out of the stereo, smash it into pieces and scream, "I WILL get a life!" as loud as you can.

2) Go get yourself some Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or whatever Buzz is popping these days.

3) Find a female, preferably of the genus **** Sapiens

4) Do what Buzz's preferred magic ****tail tells your medial amygdala to do

5) Move out of your Mom's basement





You're welcome,



EBass

 

[sarnali]

I'd have to ride it, I couldn't own a bike like that with out letting it wail. The worst thing to happen would be if you wadded it, and it would still be cool sitting in the corner of you front room all scuffed up.



The guys a dillitant rich guy, Standing outside looking in.