Because I do like poetry & motorcycles…
1969 BSA Red Lightning (adapted liberally from Richard Thompson)
Said Red Molly to James that’s a fine motorbike
A girl could feel special on any such like
Said James to Red Molly, well my hat’s off to you
It’s a BSA Red Lightning, 1969
And I’ve seen you at the corners and cafes it seems
Red hair and black leather, my favorite color scheme
And he pulled her on behind
And down to Box Hill they did ride
Said James to Red Molly, here’s a ring for your right hand
But I’ll tell you in earnest I’m a dangerous man
I’ve fought with the law since I was seventeen
I robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine
Now I’m 21 years, I might make 22
And I don’t mind dying, but for the love of you
And if fate should break my stride
Then I’ll give you my BSA to ride
Come down, come down, Red Molly, called Sergeant McRae
For they’ve taken young James Adie for armed robbery
Shotgun blast hit his chest, left nothing inside
Oh, come down, Red Molly to his dying bedside
When she came to the hospital, there wasn’t much left
He was running out of road, he was running out of breath
But he smiled to see her cry
And said I’ll give you my BSA to ride
Says James, in my opinion, there’s nothing in this world
Beats a 69 BSA and a red headed girl
Now Nortons and Indians and Harley’s won’t do
They don’t have a soul like a BSA 69
He reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys
He said I’ve got no further use for these
I see angels on Ariels in leather and chrome
Swooping down from heaven to carry me home
And he gave her one last kiss and died
And he gave her his BSA to ride
(credits to Richard Thompson and 1952 Vincent Black Lightning)
New addition to my collection, a fully restored 1969 BSA Lightning, fuel tank to be swapped with the one in the bottom picture.
Vyrus 50 C32T
I am learning a little bit more about this bike from Vyrus, like it is a 50cc, 2 stroke engine, 13 hp, it is 1 of 8 made, race engine for minimoto Italian championship, frame is fully machined from billet parts and it is worth far more than I paid for it. In essence it is the best piece of art I have ever purchased, lucky me.
A parade of the unemployed and mostly unwashed down Market St. In San Francisco.
