Worldwide Motorcycle Assoc. The "Virtual" Motorcycle Gang

The King Croesus Contempt for Death trip 2009

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:59:00 +0000

Thanks to WMA member Brian Koch for posting info on this incredible ride around the world!

The Dumb Way Round

This past Thursday, I had the pleasure of running into Tormod and Klaus at our monthly motorcycle gathering (First Thursday) in Minneapolis, MN. They are currently making their way to NY, then Florida then along the southern states and into Mexico. Keep an eye out for these guys! For those who aren't familiar with Tormod and Klaus, they are replicating the Ewan Mcgregor ride "Long Way Round" only farther to the tune of 44k miles and on 70 year-old motorcycles. http://www.kccd.no/home_en.html . Check out their website for updates including pictures and videos.

Written by:

Brian Koch

IT Operations Manager, Team Resource Manager

Support the Olympia, Washington Toy Run this next Saturday.

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:11:00 +0000

Olympia, Washington Toy Run 2009
Saturday, December 5
10:00 am - Gate Opens
11:00 am to 12:30 pm - Performers
1:00 pm - Ride leaves from South Sound Center in Lacey
Admission is a new toy or $10/single or $15/couple

There are now 435 members in the Virtual Motorcycle Gang!

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:42:00 +0000

RIDE SAFE!

Two new posts and pics thanks to Peter Galea and Neil Tucker

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:29:00 +0000

Two photos and two posts below (Henderson Motorcycle and James Motorcycle) were sent to me by Peter Galea,as originally provided by Neil Tucker. They belonged to a cousin of Neil's from Newfoundland in Canada.

That's about all we know of the actual bikes in the photos, but the story of the two motorcycle companies is in the two posts below.

Enjoy!
Here is Peter getting onto his Harley. I don't have a pic of Neil.

Thanks for those great photos and the chance to learn some more about the history of motorcycling worldwide!

Ride Safe!

The James Motorcycle Co. - Birmingham, United Kingdom

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:20:00 +0000

The James Cycle Company Ltd.,
James Works,
Gough Road,
Greet,
Birmingham 11

The James factory in Sampson Road North, where motorcycles were first produced.

The James Cycle Company, as it names suggests, was originally a cycle manufacturer and was founded around 1883 - 1884 by Harold James (sometimes known as Henry James.) Some authors shew James as starting in 1870 but this is incorrect.(I thank Birmingham author Ray Shill for his research)

James were one of the earliest successful cycle manufactures in Birmingham and continued making bicycles into the 1950s.

Henry James first appears in the trades directory as a bicycle manufacturer around 1883-84 occupying premises at the rear of 121 Constitution Hill, a former bed making works. Later on the premises are shown occupied by one, Harold James, before the move to Sampson Road.

On May 22nd 1897 the company was incorporated, becoming the James Cycle Company Limited. It is believed that the company at this stage moved to Sampson Road North. Harold James retired from the company at its incorporation.

The first James motorcycle, which was designed by Frederick Kimberley was produced in 1900 and motorcycle production continued until 1904 and then was suspended, recommencing again in 1908.

The company moved to much enlarged works in Greet in 1907.

In 1911 James pioneered and introduced the all enclosed chain drive with countershaft gear.

The new works in 1908

The new works at Greet in 1908

During the First World War, James produced over 600 motorcycles for both the Belgian and Russian armies as well as supplying military pedal cycles for the British and Allied governments. James also still specialised in bicycles, tricycles, tandems and in later on in specially designed tradesmen carrier bicycles.

In 1930 James took over Frank E. Baker Motorcycles Ltd of Alvechurch Road, Northfield, Birmingham.

During The second World War the company was again pressed into war service, making 2600 lightweight military motorcycles. Additionally, two stroke autocycles were also made for the Allied Forces.

The works, which occupied half of Tomey Road, was badly damaged by an air raid in November 1940. Full production was not able to be resumed until 1943.

The manufacture of lightweight motorcycles during the war and possibly the air raid damage, seems to have changed the post war direction of the company, as they never produced a four stroke motorcycle again. Also post war production was changed to exclusively lightweight motorcycles.

James experienced financial difficulties in the early fifties and were taken over by Associated Motorcycles Ltd. (AMC) in 1951. Unfortunately for James, the AMC style of management was not to be its saviour.

In 1956 AMC made the key move that would be the start of the 10 year end for James. Unhappy about the supply of two stroke engines from Villiers and feeling that their engines could be improved upon, they decided to make their own engines which were designed by the Italian, Vincent Piatti. They spent three enormously expensive years developing the engines but they proved to be so troublesome that Villiers had to be employed to rectify them! It was typical of AMC management!

In 1956 the Cadet was given a new frame, the Commando was introduced and the Comet changed.

In 1957 James models were combined with Francis Barnett of Coventry who had been taken over by AMC in 1947. Engines were now AMC!!!!

In May 1960 James announced a scooter, with an AMC 149cc two stroke engine, four speed gearbox and a Duplex frame.

james scooter

In 1961 it was becoming obvious that AMC were in serious financial trouble. In order to reduce overheads Francis Barnet production was transferred from Coventry to the James factory at Greet in 1962. Both marques continue to appear alongside each other. The range being integrated and similar. Only the colour and badges distinguished the difference between the two marques. (James was maroon and Francis Barnett was arden green)

On August 4th 1966 the end came for AMC and the James and Francis Barnett names disappeared for ever.

Post war models;

99cc Comet
122cc Cadet
197cc Captain(P) The James factory survives in Tomey and Gough Road, Greet.

Henderson Motorcycle Company

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 18:18:00 +0000

Henderson Motorcycle Co

History 1911 ~ 1917

In October 1911 the Henderson Motorcycle Co, 268 Jefferson Ave., Detroit, Michigan (pictured above) announced a new 4-cylinder, 56 cubic inches, 7 H.P. motorcycle. 25 were to be ready for sale at $325 from January 1, 1912 with the expectation of producing 1,000 machines for the year. The brainchild of William G. Henderson (in partnership with his brother Tom W. Henderson) was the third 4-cylinder motorcycle to be manufactured in America. One of its most innovative features was the inclusion of a folding hand crank for easy starting. The new Henderson proved to be a very desirable machine.

1913 saw several improvements in the design to the Model B, most notable being to the forks, a lower saddle position and a better brake. In the October 1, 1913 issue of World Motorcycle Review it was reported that Carl Stearns Clancy of New York had circled the globe on his 1912 Henderson, complete with an impressive set of photographs.

The 1914 Model C was the first to have gears: a two-speed gearbox incorporated in the rear hub.

In 1915 with the Model E the wheelbase was reduced from 65” to 58” resulting in far superior handling. This was achieved by removing the large footboard in front of the engine and replacing it with two smaller ones attached to the outside of the frame. This was sold alongside the longer wheelbase and slightly earlier Model D.

The 1916 Model F took on the shorter wheelbase of the Model E. Improvements included a “mechanical oiler” driven from the cam gears and a kick-starter.

Significant advancements were made with the 1917 Model G. The oil was now held in the crankcase, as in a car, replacing the much inferior splash system. A three-speed gearbox was attached as part of the rear engine and operated with a heavy-duty clutch. This new Henderson was an elegant machine that matched (and with some exceeded) the performance of the big twins. Both sales and Henderson dealerships, like the bike, rocketed.

On June 13, 1917, Alan Bedell smashed the coveted transcontinental long distance record held by “Canonball” Baker on an Indian Twin, since 1915, when he rode his stock 1917 Henderson from Los Angeles to New York City (3,296 miles) in just seven days, sixteen and a quarter hours. In 1917, surfaced roads went as far as the city limits, the rest were punishing even for today’s off-road vehicles. Alan Bedell had already set a new 24-hour record at Ascot Park, California averaging 48 m.p.h. for a distance of 1154 miles. July, 1917 saw Roy Artley take the Three-Flag record, travelling from Blaine, Canada to Tijuana, Mexico (1,667 miles) in just three days and twenty five minutes.

In spite of these successes the company was experiencing severe financial difficulties caused by spiralling material and labour costs combined with poor and irregular supplies due to the First World War. The result was that on November 17, 1917, Ignaz Schwinn bought Henderson. Schwinn had made his fortune manufacturing bicycles. The earlier acquisition of the Excelsior Motor and Manufacturing Company in 1911 had been a perfect way of expanding and diversifying his business. The Henderson Four was in his sights as a perfect stable mate for the Super-X and the opportunity was just not to be missed. Before the end of the year Henderson motorcycle manufacture had moved lock, stock and barrel to 3700 Cortland Street, Chicago, Illinois.

Welcome to new WMA member Joao Pinto

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 04:35:00 +0000

From: Joao Pinto

Hey there!

I've already accepted your request on LinkedIn.
As requested, I'm sending the one picture I have available at the moment.

By the way, I must admit I don't always follow the 6th "rule": "6. You roll down the window of your car to wave at an oncoming motorcyclist." All the rest are true, though.

Ride Safe!

Welcome new member; Conrad V. Busuttil to 'The Virtual Motorcycle Gang'.

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 04:52:00 +0000

Dear Robert,

It was a pleasure to find your e-mail of acceptance to the WMA. I have never had a bike in my life and now at 37, I have bought my first, a 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 2053cc. It is an absolute pleasure to ride, very stable and responsive and it seems as though she wants to take all the streets of Doha in Qatar at one go.

Unlike many other countries, now is the time to start enjoying a ride in Qatar as the climate in the Middle East has started to stabilise and the mercury is now levelling at lower and cooler readings. There are many enthusiastic bikers in Qatar and one would usually find them going around on Friday's early in the morning (since Friday is a weekend for us here). The roads are empty at that time and it is bikers' haven. I still have to fit into a "gang" and hope to do so soon for I feel you are not a full biker until you are a gang buddy too!

Many thanks and safe riding to all members out there around the world.

Conrad V. Busuttil

Doha, State of Qatar

Winter Riding anyone?

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 17:35:00 +0000

Click on the newspaper clipping and it will explode to full size.

While thinking about all the high performance motorcycles I've seen on the roads already this winter; I detect a trend of riders who will ride all year long.

I ran across this great website that has myriads of photos of motorcycles; many that are part of newspaper or magazine articles from the past. It is a lot of fun to spend some time on this website.

Ride Safe this winter!

Let's ride!

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:14:00 +0000

CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO MAKE IT EXPLODE TO FULL SIZE!

Worldwide Motorcycle Association

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 04:13:00 +0000

Robert,

Thank's a lot for your prompt answer. I am very glade to be part of this group.

I have a Suzuki Boulevard C90 (in Brazil it is called C1500). She is just incredable, I love her.

I am not used to ride in group. But in fact I never ride alone, my family is always with me (my wife and my two little kids). Each one enjoing the road by different ways.

It is good to do what you love and keep your family together.

I wish great riders to everyone!

Germano

Veja quais são os assuntos do momento no Yahoo! + Buscados: Top 10 - Celebridades - Música - Esportes

New Member of the WMA! "The Virtual Motorcycle Gang!

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:30:00 +0000

Date: Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 2:11 PM

Robert,

Thank you for accepting me into your "gang". You have asked for a picture but having 5 bikes in the garage and having owned over 30+ now, I would not know where to start. Therefore, here is a pic(s) of the bike we built up for our booth for last year's tradeshow circuit.

My company, BikerBuddy, produces the most advanced solid-state headlight modulator. We supply several branches of the military, some law enforcement agencies as well as clubs at very special rates. I have attached an article about our product that was in last springs RoadBike magazine. I would like to extend an offer of a special price to the "virtual Gang" members. How would I go about that or do I simply give you the details and have you send it out to all members?

I look very much forward to "linking up" with some other members as my travels take me to various places across this great nation.

Cheers

Paul Graham

President

BikerBuddy

An INSB Inc company.

www.bikerbuddy.net

1-866-236-7416

"Our vision is your safety"

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Over 400 Members in the WMA!!!!!! Wooo Hooo!!!!

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 02:39:00 +0000

We did it!!!!!

400 Members who represent a truly worldwide motorcycle riding group!

Keep in touch. Use our 'Discussions' section in the Linkedin.com Worldwide Motorcycle Association group to ask questions and read comments of others.

Ride safe brothers and sisters!

399 Members in the WMA as of this morning.....

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:50:00 +0000

Welcome to our website. As mentioned above the site is having some technical difficulties right now. They are only about the aesthetics.....all the meat is still here.

We have reached 399 members with NO advertising....only thru word of mouth, or 'word of web'.....

Come join us. Take the time to enjoy the many photos of members and their bikes...and the ride stories that are embedded thruout.

Ride Safe, brothers and sisters!

Commitment.-Join the WMA!

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:29:00 +0000

We're at 397 members as of today. Come join us!

Just back from Dave's Farm. Sitting in the yard enjoying the weather!

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:19:00 +0000

The photo is from a trip a few weeks ago. My wife is sitting on our bike as we ferry across Puget Sound from Vashon Island to Port Orchard.

We have so many awesome ferry rides here in Washington State, and at most of them, the bikes get to go to the front of the line.

Nothing prettier than sitting out on the deck watching the water, the birds, the sealife, etc. go by as you float along on a lazy afternoon.

Send me your favorite ride shot!

Cycle Pictures

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:20:00 +0000

Hello to all, I am a new member of the group and as requested, am sharing some of my bikes, present and past.

I currently have an 83 KZ550 H2 (GPZ) as my daily driver. A 1974 KZ 400 S2 as my classic and a 1981 Honda XL 500 S (not pictured) to bang around with.

Pictures of the bikes I used to have and would take back in a minute are my favorite of all time, a 1983 VF750F (Interceptor) and a super classic, the 1978 Yamaha SR 500 (Thumper). Those along with a few 125 and 250 kept me riding when I was a kid.

My worst mistake was to move from a pro choice state (Helmets that is) to a helmets mandatory state. That is when I sold the Interceptor since I needed to strap on a lid to just go around the block and could not stand it. Eleven years went by without a single ride. What a waste. Well I couldn't take it any more so I saw the KZ 400 for sale at $200. She was a runner but pretty beat up so I spent some money for new paint and upholstery and got back to riding in 2001. Then along came the other two and a couple of dirt bikes for the kids. Lets say there is not a lot of room in the garage.

I hope you all keep aware and stay safe.

New Member Curtis Stoddard

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 22:42:00 +0000

Here’s a shot of a friend on a H-D deluxe and me with my ’02 UMC Fat Pounder for the website. Also one of me close-up. We were taking a ride into the foothills north of Boise, Idaho to an old mining town named Idaho City for a nice steak dinner and pie Ala Mode. I look happier than him in the picture because he lost a bet and had to buy!

thx,

Curtis

My rides

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:29:00 +0000

1986 Honda Interceptor: for riding

1971-ish BMW custom built sidecar: for racing

___________________________________________

Christina Divigard

Email: cdivigard@yahoo.com

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cdivigard

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Sidecar600

here they are, 1973 BMW R 90/6

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:22:00 +0000

Kind Regards,

Hugo Braeckman

picture of my baby Yamaha XV1100

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Sun, 24 May 2009 04:41:00 +0000

I had to sell it,

But I will be back!
I can not live without riding ...

~Igor

Virtual Motorcycle Gang

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Thanks for letting me join the Virtual Motorcycle Gang! Tough to narrow the bike choices down (one of my old CZs is in the guest bedroom along with my Husky and my 1969 Penton), but since there is only one streetbike in the stable, here are some shots of my Royal Enfield. Thanks to Jim at Encore Performance & Fabrication (www.epfguzzi.com), Evan Wilcox for the hand-hammered "aluminium" and photographer Joe Bonnello,

photos of my bike!

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Hello Robert,

here follow some pics of me and my bike. Now im leaving in India and cant enjoy this beauty!!!

Thanks for the acception

cheers

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Photos Request

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Hi Robert,

Thank you for your acceptance of my request to join WMA, here are a photo of me on Ben Bostrom’s Bimota race bike at the SB8K press launch at Donington circuit back in 2003. Amazingly the road bike broke down on its shake down lap and the Italians only brought 1 bike with them!

I have more but they are at work.

Best regards,

Mike

New member - My Bikes

RobertGrawet@gmail.com (Robert G) — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:35:00 +0000

Robert, thanks for the invite to the "Virtual Motorcycle Gang" Here are my babies, although I have a few others. I'm pretty well a "old bike" guy or at least 20 years old. My newest is a 1997 Suzuki. I will be looking forward to making new connections. All are welcome, feel free to e-mail or connect.

The following bike pictures are attached. All are un-restored original bikes. 1979 Honda CBX, 1981 Honda CBX, ( my two-up rider), 1997 Suzuki VJ23 RGV250SP-T Lucky Strike (my thrill bike), 1986 Suzuki RG500G WWolf 2 Masaru Mizutani Replica, 1969 Honda CB750 (Sand Cast), and 1973 Kawasaki Z1 (My expertise)

Best Regards
Michael Hall