Then and now

[solo1]

I just got off a Reader Response letter to Roadrunner magazine.  It was about the current article in the mag about a review and short trip in a new Royal Enfield single, a classic bike that is still being made.

In the story, the author says that the Royal Enfield is “terribly impractical”  

I got a big kick out of that statement!  Indeed!!!!

In 1949, I, and a buddy, rode our Matchless singles to the Smokies and the unfinished BRP and back.  (you've read my story here on the VRCC). 1600 miles. No interstates, no gps, no cell phones, no emergency services or 'buddy' networks.

My Matchless was a hardtail, lousy lighting by Lucas, drum brakes, and a bicycle seat.  Every night, out came the wrenches to tighten up the bolts from the single's vibration.  Those bikes were REALLY impractical by today's standards!

At 21 years of age, I must have had more perseverance than the present generation.  I do remember that trip with satisfaction as to what I accomplished.

Today, at 87, I'm concerned that I will be able to drive about 400 miles in a  nice comfortable Miata to Morgantown, W. Va to the Inzane. This apartment, the comforts here, and the familiarity are in my mind.  God, what a difference 66 years make.

I guess that I've joined the Wimp generation (present company excepted, LOL)

wayne, solo1

[J.Mencalice]

My late brother-in-law had a great t-shirt that had a dandy man on a motorized bicycle with the words:
"Lucas Electrics-So that a Gentleman Need Not Cycle in the Dark."

 

 A collection of Prince of Darkness jokes
(courtesy of Paul Mossberg, New Jersey Replicar Club)

The Lucas Electric motto: "Get home before dark."

Lucas denies having invented darkness. But they still claim "sudden, unexpected darkness."

Lucas--inventor of the first intermittent wiper.

Lucas--inventor of the self-dimming headlamp.

The three-position Lucas switch--DIM, FLICKER and OFF. The other three switch settings--SMOKE, SMOLDER and IGNITE.

The original anti-theft devices--Lucas Electric products.

"I've had a Lucas pacemaker for years and have never experienced any prob...

If Lucas made guns, wars would not start either.

Did you hear about the Lucas powered torpedo? It sank.

It's not true that Lucas, in 1947, tried to get Parliament to repeal Ohm's Law. They withdrew their efforts when they met too much resistance.

Did you hear the one about the guy that peeked into a Land Rover and asked the owner "How can you tell one switch from another at night, since they all look the same?" "He replied, it doesn't matter which one you use, nothing happens!"

Back in the '70s Lucas decided to diversify its product line and began manufacturing vacuum cleaners. It was the only product they offered which didn't suck.

Quality Assurance phoned and advised the Engineering guy that they had trouble with his design shorting out. So he made the wires longer.

Why do the English drink warm beer? Lucas makes the refrigerators.

Alexander Graham Bell invented the Telephone.
Thomas Edison invented the Light Bulb.
Joseph Lucas invented the Short Circuit.

Recommended procedure before taking on a repair of Lucas equipment: check the position of the stars, kill a chicken and walk three times sunwise around your car chanting: "Oh mighty Prince of Darkness protect your unworthy servant."

Lucas systems actually uses AC current; it just has a random frequency.

 
   


 
 

[RP#62]

My late brother-in-law had a great t-shirt that had a dandy man on a motorized bicycle with the words:
"Lucas Electrics-So that a Gentleman Need Not Cycle in the Dark."

 

 A collection of Prince of Darkness jokes
(courtesy of Paul Mossberg, New Jersey Replicar Club)

The Lucas Electric motto: "Get home before dark."

Lucas denies having invented darkness. But they still claim "sudden, unexpected darkness."

Lucas--inventor of the first intermittent wiper.

Lucas--inventor of the self-dimming headlamp.

The three-position Lucas switch--DIM, FLICKER and OFF. The other three switch settings--SMOKE, SMOLDER and IGNITE.

The original anti-theft devices--Lucas Electric products.

"I've had a Lucas pacemaker for years and have never experienced any prob...

If Lucas made guns, wars would not start either.

Did you hear about the Lucas powered torpedo? It sank.

It's not true that Lucas, in 1947, tried to get Parliament to repeal Ohm's Law. They withdrew their efforts when they met too much resistance.

Did you hear the one about the guy that peeked into a Land Rover and asked the owner "How can you tell one switch from another at night, since they all look the same?" "He replied, it doesn't matter which one you use, nothing happens!"

Back in the '70s Lucas decided to diversify its product line and began manufacturing vacuum cleaners. It was the only product they offered which didn't suck.

Quality Assurance phoned and advised the Engineering guy that they had trouble with his design shorting out. So he made the wires longer.

Why do the English drink warm beer? Lucas makes the refrigerators.

Alexander Graham Bell invented the Telephone.
Thomas Edison invented the Light Bulb.
Joseph Lucas invented the Short Circuit.

Recommended procedure before taking on a repair of Lucas equipment: check the position of the stars, kill a chicken and walk three times sunwise around your car chanting: "Oh mighty Prince of Darkness protect your unworthy servant."

Lucas systems actually uses AC current; it just has a random frequency.

  
   


 
 

But at least critical Lucas parts are easier to get now.
-RP

[solo1]

Good 'Uns!   When I was in Korea I stopped my truck at a British canteen on the way back from Seoul.  It was hot so I went for a lemonade, expecting a nice cold one.  It was warm.   

[old2soon]

I remember talking to an older rider in the late 50s or early 60s and he was on a Royal Enfield. He related to me that on a perfectly dry day while riding that if a cow pissed in a pasture 2 miles away the electrics would cut out. RIDE SAFE