WHEN THERE’S NOTHING ELSE TO LOSE, AND NOTHING LEFT BUT THE WIND…

2009 October 30
by JP

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Get yourself a motorcycle.  ’Nuff said.

From movie stars to mechanics, hippies to hard-asses — everyone loves the feeling of being on a bike. For some it’s a phase, for others a lifelong obsession.  Whatever the case may be, the experience will definitely leave you changed — and somewhat less tamed.  Knowing that you can handle a bike – exposed to all that the elements can throw at you – gives you a confidence that’s unspoken.  Others will sense somethings different, but might not quite get it.  You feel more equipped behind the wheel of any ol’ thing.

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PAUL NEWMAN ON MOTORCYCLE

Paul Newman -- this pic is flawess. From the white duds, to the boots, to the bike.

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Mick Jagger

Mick Jagger

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John Lennon

John Lennon

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Mickey RourkeAlan Ladd motorcycle

Mickey Rourke  –  Alan Ladd

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Clint Eastwood The Mona Lisa

Clint Eastwood

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anthony quinn

Anthony Quinn

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Steve McQueen motorcycle

Steve McQueen

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Steve McQueen motorcycle

Steve McQueen racing Richard Crenna on a rickshaw.

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Steve McQueen The Great Escape

Steve McQueen - James Garner - James Coburn

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steve mcqueen

Steve McQueen

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Daniel Day-Lewis

Daniel Day-Lewis

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paul mccartney motorcycle

Paul McCartney

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Robert Blake

Robert Blake

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Michael Lang - Woodstock

Michael Lang

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David Crosby

David Crosby

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Elvis Presley - Barbara Stanwyck

Elvis Presley - Barbara Stanwyck

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Jerry Lee Lewis

Jerry Lee Lewis and his then 13 year old wife... seriously?

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Clark Gable

Clark Gable

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Clark Gable on motorcycle

Clark Gable

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Brigitte Bardot motorcycle

Brigite Bardot

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Johnny HallydayJohnny Hallyday

Johnny Hallyday

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Frank Sinatra on motorcycle

Frank Sinatra

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Jocelyn Brando Marlon brando

Actress Jocelyn Brando & brother Marlon Brando

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John_McLaughlin

James Dean - John McLaughlin

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James Dean

James Dean

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Peter FondaWarren Beatty motorcycle

Peter Fonda — Warren Beatty

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34 Responses leave one →
  1. 2009 October 30

    Awesome photo essay. I’ve got to say, Clint takes the cake.

  2. 2009 October 30

    I totally agree, everyone should experience the badassness of a motorcycle. I’m currently saving for my first one… probably a vintage Honda CB450, 550, or 750 although I would love to have a Honda GB500.

    What’s your favorite bike JP?

    • 2009 October 30
      david permalink

      I am currently still cruising around on my first bike: a ‘71 Honda 350 Scrambler. But, today I have discovered my new obsession- the GB500. Thank you thebespokebrandofyou. i have no clue how this beautiful piece has gone under the radar this long…..now, all i have to do is find one

  3. 2009 October 30

    This blog is priceless. All things i allways loved in one place and the essays and research are, at least, brilliant.

  4. 2009 October 30
    Bloedorn permalink

    Motorcycling and yoga have much in common in that they both require coordination and focus. All distractions vanish as one is concentrating on the singular task at hand. I find it very therapeutic. Maybe that’s the ‘freedom’ people speak of when riding. Great pictures. Triumph (as always) is well represented.

  5. 2009 October 30

    great,great,great, i enjoy every picture !!

    respect for the selvedgeyard !

  6. 2009 October 30
    R.G permalink

    I have been searching the web for my first bike for the past year!!! I’m looking for a vintage Honda! Today I’ll take my test for my M1 license!!! Woo Hoo!
    I am so excited!!! I’ll leave my 4 wheels in the driveway from time to time and have the freedom of movement and the wind in my face!
    Right on for this inspiring post! I am further empowered, not to mention the fact that a bike reduces my carbon footprint environmentally speaking!
    You ROCK!!!!

  7. 2009 October 30

    This one fellow tools around my university campus on a pristine new Triumph. Thus far, he appears to be unaware of my seething jealousy.

  8. 2009 October 30
    Mr. Realist permalink

    Does tooling around on a moped count? ;-)

    • 2009 October 30

      You’re obviously bright enough to answer that (rhetorical) question yourself, friend.

      JP

    • 2009 November 23
      Eric Leek permalink

      If it floats your boat, and makes you Happy- Then what the heck do you care anyway~?
      It’s your life do as you like- Just remember you only have to answer to Christ, the rest don’t have a clue~!

  9. 2009 October 30
    Turling permalink

    And, not one with a helmet. Here’s to the death of freewill.

    • 2009 November 23
      Eric Leek permalink

      Helmets were made for chicks~!
      If your going to ride then prepare to die-the helmet will not help if your running over 60 mph- Besides if you got the balls to ride, then you aren’t afraid to die—Ride Hard-Live Free–you only go round once in this mortal body. If your Spirit elects to come back, and do it again get a better bike~!

      • 2009 November 23
        mark renfrow permalink

        I respect your right to choose not to wear a helmet. Please respect my right to protect the jellywear between my ears. Jellyware is not tolerant of G forces. It’s just like jumping off a cliff, the fall doesen’t hurt, but watch out for the sudden stop at the bottom!

      • 2009 November 24

        I respect your wants to were headgear Mark,at times if in traffic or freeways I do wear the proper apparel~!
        It is when I am in the country with no traffic that the protective gear comes off. I have been riding a long time,and do know it is safer to were the head gear-but I am a free spirit with 6 decades under my belt that tells me when it is safe to ride free of the body armor~! I trust God to keep me safe,and so far after 40 odd years of riding iron horses I have remained accident free.

  10. 2009 October 30
    Andy Given permalink

    These pictures are cool. Who do I contact to buy some prints?

  11. 2009 October 30
    doug permalink

    To me,the ultimate in style and coolness is a vintage British motorcycle-preferably a Triumph.

  12. 2009 November 1
    Scooter permalink

    I find it interesting that Hollywood did embrace the Triumph over other brands. I wonder who the “tipping point” person was to create the passion.
    I have a perfect 81 Honda CB650C and a work in progress 83 Honda 1100 Goldwing. The 650 gives you all you want and gets 54-58 miles per gallon. These bikes are my de-stressers, I think of nothing when I am on them but pure joy.
    Love the pics, although there are a fair share of “poser” pics.

    JP, what bikes do you drive?

    • 2009 November 1

      The last bike I picked up, against my wife’s wishes, and without her knowledge, was a ‘74 Husqvarna 400 WR. It was to be a weekend scrambler, but between the job, the bills, and the family, — it’s not doing much scrambling.

  13. 2009 November 1

    Guys, real guys yeaaah ! How the hell do we look like nowadays ? Especially with the compulsory bloody helmet ! Security & Style never matched it seems, but good news, some style makers have started considering it as another fashion accessory.
    Took some pics for our facebook page Cool Vintage Stuff tab. Thanks once again for this marvelous visual stuff !

  14. 2009 November 2
    Millionaire75 permalink

    This site is so great. Keep up the excellent work. I could look at these pics all day!

  15. 2009 November 4
    James permalink

    Thanks JP. These pics are awesome. Makes me wish I was riding instead of reading. But the pics will work for now.

  16. 2009 November 23
    Eric Leek permalink

    I got into bikes when I was 16, used to ride a 350/bored out yamai then got into bigger bikes- Now I am 60 and ride a tricked out H/D road glide 1250 with a power pac which boost it up another few notches depending on how it is bored, and stroked-have to admit the best ride on 2 wheels,and still blows away the cares of this world~!
    In my opinion you have not lived till you trick out a bike feel the wind in your face, and the open road~! Will do this till the day I die it is ultimate freedom of being on eagles wings,have had some bad falls but still kicking it,and when I can’t do it on 2 wheels will trick out a trike.
    When I was younger it gave me a rush now that I am older it’s like being in love-rush still their, and not a problem in the world when I full throttle my 2003 anniversary road glide~! Harley’s best kept secret sport/tour bike.
    Tried em all but this one is a keeper, cause she ain’t no sleeper~!
    Ride on- Enjoy life it is to brief to feel the wind~!!!

  17. 2009 November 23
    Eric Leek permalink

    Just got hold of this web site- So glad to see some one doing vintage pictures, and a place were die hard ex-color riders can come to share the love of the sport.
    went from being a hippie in the 60’s with a passion for bikes, to a man now 60 with a passion for Christ~! Still Riding
    just with a different chapter- C M A. Somethings are just to good to give up~!

  18. 2009 November 23
    Dr. Rita Hurt permalink

    Female rider. Ride a customized Yamaha VStar! Love the site. My dream bike is an Indian, just wish they fit women more comfortably! Great pics, love to see the vintage bikes.

  19. 2009 November 23
    Frank permalink

    Ridden a lot of bikes. I personally have found if it is air cooled with 2 cylinders you can pretty much have everything you need. Triumph Thruxton, Bimoto DB5s and a Street Glide are in my garage now. Can still drag a knee during track days and ride the glide all day long. Nothing like 2 wheels.

    • 2009 November 24

      With you all the way on that one frank~!
      The road glide is my main ride most days-Keep the rubber side down-enjoy~!

  20. 2009 November 23
    Pat permalink

    great pics, especially Steve McQueen. How many guys that wear turtlenecks could kick your ass while smoking a cigarette?

    I think I’ll watch ‘Le Mans’ tonight…

  21. 2009 November 27
    Charley Althof permalink

    I’m currently riding a 1982 Honda CX 500 TC. It’s turbocharged (19 lbs of boost ) electronically fuel injected, gold anodized wheels and white pearlescence paint. I’ve had fun riding this limited production motorcycle since new.

  22. 2009 December 2
    Pedro permalink

    Come on!!! I know its not much of an american motorcycle but I’m sure someone has to be a Vespa fan around there.
    Please find something about it!!! I’m sure you you’ll find great photo reports about it. I totally loved this one.

  23. 2009 December 7

    I ride a lot and have owned almost everything made. I still wear my helmet every time I ride. After many 100,000 miles I would not ride with out my helmet.
    40,000 mile a year.

    Great photos brings back some serious memories.
    dd

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