Photo: Josh Allison
The Isle of Man TT has just ended, and until the 2015 edition we’re back to dreaming of olden road racing glory in front of our screens, watching all sorts of retro videos and feasting our eyes on the bikes of yore. Well, we know at least one fellow who decided that the old spirit can be brought back to life: Fort Collins-based Josh Allison is not happy with just dreams so he decided to build a dream bike of his own.
Now, this might be a bit far from your road-racer idea, but if you take a good look at his creation, chances are you’ll start to love it. This retro board tracker is more a motorized bike than a proper motorcycle: it not only has pedals, but you’ll have to pedal life yourself into the engine. The 2-stroke 66cc air-cooled single will only start after you’ve built up some pedal-powered speed, opened the bespoke petcock and popped in the clutch. From this moment on you’re all motorized and rolling down the street in classic style.
However, mind your speed, whatever speed that may be: it looks like the bike is only equipped with a rear coaster brake, and rear brakes are not exactly the most efficient ones for a motorcycle, are they? If you’re not planning to use Josh’s machine for stoppies which by the way, seem completely impossible given the absence of any front brakes, this sweet contraption might prove to be a rather nifty ride, with its white rubber tires on 26” wire spoked wheels, and the Monarch 2 springer fork.
Josh used a Schwinn bike frame for his bike, with structural reinforcements to make it stronger and stiffer. Now, the backbone bracing look truly intimidating for both male and female riders and may be a very good reminder to watch out for your speed and road behavior. The tank is also custom-made by Josh, just like the board tracker handlebars and the leather sprung seat.
The finish is natural rust, with a coat of clear varnish applied to it for an even more amazing attire. If you’re up for some fun and time traveling, this might be one of the best-looking and handy machines you can use. Just remember that coming off the bike is not an option…
Via bikeshed
However, mind your speed, whatever speed that may be: it looks like the bike is only equipped with a rear coaster brake, and rear brakes are not exactly the most efficient ones for a motorcycle, are they? If you’re not planning to use Josh’s machine for stoppies which by the way, seem completely impossible given the absence of any front brakes, this sweet contraption might prove to be a rather nifty ride, with its white rubber tires on 26” wire spoked wheels, and the Monarch 2 springer fork.
Josh used a Schwinn bike frame for his bike, with structural reinforcements to make it stronger and stiffer. Now, the backbone bracing look truly intimidating for both male and female riders and may be a very good reminder to watch out for your speed and road behavior. The tank is also custom-made by Josh, just like the board tracker handlebars and the leather sprung seat.
The finish is natural rust, with a coat of clear varnish applied to it for an even more amazing attire. If you’re up for some fun and time traveling, this might be one of the best-looking and handy machines you can use. Just remember that coming off the bike is not an option…
Via bikeshed
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