Margaret Thatcher Dies at 87

"It was a lovely morning. We have not had many lovely days. And the sun was just coming through the stained glass windows and falling on some flowers right across the church and it just occurred to me that this was the day I was meant not to see." - Margaret Thatcher - Oct 15, 1984, following an assassination attempt by the IRA.

Rest in peace, Iron Lady.

Gone on Vacation

Hey folks, we're heading out on vacation and will be back to fill all existing orders by March 25th. Thanks for your support!

2013 Ray Price Vintage Brit Gathering

Nice, brisk day for a get together at Ray Price Triumph.

Do-It-Yourself Leather Battery Covers

I really like old, beat up leather details to contrast all the metal on a motorcycle. Leather battery boxes or covers can be made out of things like old ammo pouches or they can be handmade. The one pictured here is by Old Empire Motorcycles. Here's what you'd need to make your own. 

Old Empire Motorcycles 

There's a Tutorial at Boardtrack Primer for making the basic one shown below. Here's a little how-to:

1. Get some tooling leather or any 8 oz utility leather from Tandy Leather.

2. Using posterboard or heavy paper, cut a pattern

3. Trace the pattern onto your leather. Leave an extra 1/32" to fit your battery. 

4. Measure and mark your stitch holes with a ruler.

5. Use a leather punch (for big holes) or an awl (for small holes) to punch your stitching holes. 

6. Lace your preferred stitch pattern

7. Instead of stitching, you can use rivets and a hand riveter to fasten the sides together. 

Inspiration!
This one is from the Club Chopper Forums:

Other examples:

from Biker Net

WWII ammo pouches show how the leather parts are put together.

Steampunk-inspired pieces replace stitching with rivets.

HMT Art #21

Sale at HMT

Sale over at HMT. some shirts only $10!

Falcon Motorcycles: The Black

It took Ian Barry and nine individuals over a year to create this bike. When you see the details you'll understand why in the world of motorcycling, nothing compares to Ian Barry's creations.

"The Black Falcon was made from scratch around the engine of a 1952 Vincent Black Shadow. Everything apart from the engine, carbs and tires was designed by Ian Barry and made in house at his Falcon Motorcycles shop in Downtown LA, including the chassis, brakes, forks, tanks, and cylinders."
- Falcon Motorcycles.

Full photo gallery here.