August 17, 2011

20TH CENTURY CYCLES


Not exactly a retail establishment, even though it has a glass storefront in Oyster Bay, 20th Century Cycles is the garage/collection of Billy Joel.  Billy isn't a concours junkie or a hunter of exotica; he prefers motorcycles he feels comfortable riding, 'everyman bikes', although of course, every man would envy the assembled machinery...
Indian Chief custom from a couple of 'Pauls'...
Rule Brittania; BSA A50 Royal Star
Interesting custom with some history; Kawasaki built BSAs under license in the 1960s...
The Kawabeeza makes an odd sense; note CR carbs.  The Kwack W650 is popular with customizers; the engine is nicely done.
Thoroughbreds; Ducati '73 750 Sport and '76 900SS
Billy has many Royal Enfields; this one in Navy/trials spec
Immaculate, low-mileage Suzuki Katana, rapidly appreciating as a groundbreaking design.
'No' as in, 'I will not sing at your wedding/bar mitzvah/reunion/retirement/birthday...'
RE with bolt-on café kit...looks nice!
Lots of Guzzis, lots of BMWs...
Ducati 'round case' 750 Sport, ca. '73...such grace.
The one bike Mr.Joel doesn't ride; his 1977 Harley XLCR café racer...because it is 'fucking horrible'.  He keeps it as a memento of a horrific crash in his youth on exactly such a beast...
Moto Guzzi V35; the 350cc is rare in the US.
The Vincent Rapide Series C was a gift from Billy's sound man.
Alex in the shop truck.

 Many thanks to my pal Alex Puls, who manages the collection, for the invite.

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