Ian Barry's Top 10 Bikes

One of our supporters and co-founder of LA’s Falcon Motorcycles recently shared his all time favorite two-wheeled machines with Architectural Digest. We guessed some of you might not be reading Architectural Digest every day, so for those that missed it, enjoy. Words by Ian Barry himself.

1923 Brough Superior SS80 “Old Bill”

Nicknamed “Old Bill” after a cartoon character popular during World War I, this was the personal sprint bike of George Brough, the founder of Brough Superior in Nottingham, England. Brough was a consummate showman who dubbed his handiwork “the Rolls-Royce of motorcycles,” and in this modified version of his SS80, he put his machine where his mouth was. This bike will be an influence in the creation of the Vespertine Falcon.

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The Vincent in the Barn

Every motorbike enthusiast dreams of finding that rare one-of-a-kind motorcycle in the possession of some old guy who just wants someone to "take good care of her". 'The Vincent in the Barn' is an engaging collection of 40 stories about rare motorcycles being discovered or purchased in remarkable circumstances. Written by well-known automotive author & journalist Tom Cotter – who also regularly writes for Road & Track magazine. The book features nearly every brand of bike imaginable, from Ducati's in basements, to abandoned Vincent's in sheds, Harley-Davidsons in barns, Triumph's rusting in garages, a Matchless in Russia, Moto Guzzi's, Suzuki's, Yamaha's, Honda's, BSA's, Gillera's, Parilla's and MV Augusta's. These are true-life stories that all have one thing in in common – they make you want to go on a road trip searching for these hidden treasures. You can easily find the book at Motorbooks.com, but finding that priceless motorcycle may be a little harder.

1950 Vincent 'Grey Flash' Replica

This beautiful Vincent Grey Flash Replica was sold at auction a few years ago for $29,250. Quite a lot of money but when you hear that only 31 were ever built (less if you look at Vincent official records) then an authentic Flash would probably sell for well over $100k. This classic British motorcycle was briefly manufactured between 1949 to 1952 and was advertised as the new racing "thoroughbred from the Vincent stables". It was based on the Vincent Comet and the 1000cc Black Lightning but was stripped down to 330 lb (149kg) as a 500cc single. Unfortunately most of us will never afford one but we can still dream of finding one in a country barn, just like in the book written by Tom Cotter called 'The Vincent in the Barn'. For more specs and a list of every Grey Flash manufactured check out this comprehensive Vincent site.

Ward Brothers Collection

This Saturday 19th July the Ward Brothers’ Collection of vintage motorcycles and automobiles go to auction. The auction will take place at Henley-on-Thames, UK but overseas bidders are welcome via phone/online. For those collectors out there this will be one you won't want to miss. They have a range of vintage bikes from a 1920's AJS through to 1950's Vincent's, Norton's and BSA's (if only i had room in my garage!). They even have a very rare 1928 McEvoy-JAP that's expected to sell for more than 120,000 pounds (thats around $200,000 us). If you are interested or just want to drool over the auction catalogue visit Bonhams.

The Norvin

The Norvin is a very beautiful bike. It's essentially a Vincent engine mounted in a Norton frame and has been made since the 1950's. It is such an impressive looking 1000cc engine but does come with a downside. This downside is the weight of the Vincent engine which obviously effects the handling of the bike. Whatever the case it's still a classic motorcycle that has made it's place in cafe racer history.  Hailwood Motorcycle Restorations in the U.K still builds brand-new 1000cc to 1200cc Vincent motors to modern specs if you are in that part of the world. 

Vincent Motorcycles

While we are on the subject of Vincent Cafe Racers. Heres a few pics I have found around the interweb thingy...

Irving Vincent

After almost 50 years a true British Motorcycle Legend is being reconstructed by a australian engineering company. They have named this bike the Irving Vincent after the designer and engineer. What sweet bike...