Monthly Archives: February 2011
Beat that, Joe Lucas
Inside the headlamp of our 1957 Moto Guzzi Lodola lurks this little gem of an automotive logo. Aprilia (not the modern bike maker) was Italy’s Lucas, and had a similar reputation (Prince of Darkness and all that). But this unusual logo is a little period design treat.
Insulating behaviour
My dad used to call it insulting tape. When you see what people hide under it, you can see what he was getting at. This Gilera is supposed to have a ‘mystery’ electrical fault. Mystery it ever worked, more like. (Note: dreaded pre-insulted spade connectors in the background. Two insults for the price of one! … Continue reading
Who says you can’t tour on a Ducati?
Marble Arch to Arc de Triomphe in 9 hours (including the Channel crossing)? 250mpg (excluding the Channel crossing)? Bit basic for modern roads, you say?
Omobono Tenni – our patron saint?
I nearly named this blog after Omobono Tenni (pictured left), but thought better of it. His story is a remarkable one and his hair, having so obviously grown under the influence of a perpetual sou’wester, was so reminiscent of Cornish hedge-top shrubbery that I felt he must surely be the patron saint of Moto Simpatico. … Continue reading
Gilera 175 Giubileo Extra
I collected our Gilera the other day. She’s never been registered in this country, but first took to the road in Italy in January 1962. Perky little blighter, isn’t she? Of course the paint and that seat are far from standard, but she’s very solid and complete (including a standard seat base), and will soon … Continue reading