Having a lifelong love of bikes and the biker culture I have long been an admirer of the beautiful artwork created by the legendary biker (and bike builder) David Mann. Just wanted to see if there were any like-minded people out there.
Maybe you have never heard of him so I thought this may be an ideal opportunity to introduce his artwork to you and to see what you think of it. Obviously you can't see it in all its glory here so may I suggest you go to his website to view his prints in more detail when you get the chance. Sadly he is no longer with us but he has certainly left his impression on many many people in the biking community. What do you think?

My first motorbike was a Yamaha SR 250 Custom that I bought in 1978 in the good old days when you could ride a 250cc on a provisional license!. I thought it was mint and I went all over with it particularly when I toured around the Highlands of Scotland. I have just checked the specifications for the bike and apparently the top speed was only 71 MPH. I was sure it went a lot faster than that but when you are young everything seems faster!!

Last year H-D bought Italian motorcycle manufacturer, MV Augusta. A few years ago, they took over Buell, who made Harleys that performed and handled. In the mean time, they carried on making their V twins. But they weren't selling, so now they are facing bankruptcy. They are trying to sell MV and have closed Buell. The massive York factory, Pennsylvania, is under threat.

Under the Reagan administration, they were about two hours away from going bust, but were saved at the last minute when an import duty of 49.5% (if memory serves). About the same time, Triumph were allowed to sink in the UK. Because neither America or the UK (Thatcher) believed in protectionism, apart from when it affected Yank interests, and both countries believed in market forces (except when....) We have had the credit crunch and the Yanks have bailed out their motor industry again. Britain has also bailed out its (foreign owned) motor industry.

Triumph have risen again, under (where's the knighthood) John Bloor, so should Harley be left to wither or be propped up again to produce bikes very few people under forty want?