Phantom EG: a Norton from the great beyond

Gawd, I hate it when I whiff on a call. Last year when pics of this Phantom Norton crossed my desk, I dismissed it as an inconsequential bit of British fluff. As if, in an economy nosediving like a suicidal Stuka, this silly thing stood a chance. One and done, I thought, hope the poor dumb bloke hasn’t sunk his life savings into this folly. Well, blow me down if the Phantom Manufacturing Company hasn’t built and delivered four Phantom EGs, the last dispatched right here to the Colonies. :continue:

David Edwards. December 2nd, 2010 - Permalink - Comments (9)

Norton returns to USA

Beginning in May, 2011, Norton Motorcycles will again be on-sale in America. Similar in both style and mechanical arrangement to the much-loved Commando of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, three versions of the new bikes will be offered — the basic Norton Commando 961 Sport, the up-styled 961 Cafe Racer and the high-spec 961 SE. All three are powered by a sophisticated 961cc parallel-twin and equipped with modern running gear. In the case of the SE that even means USD Ohlins and radial Brembos. Classic looks, classic experience and modern performance? Yes, please. :continue:

Wes Siler. November 24th, 2010 - Permalink - Comments (15)

Henry Manney III’s Manx Norton

The argument over best-loved automotive writer of all time would last far into the night, but among the finalists has to be the late Henry Manney III. No finer wordsmith ever grasped a steering wheel or set of handlebars. For decades his pieces were required reading in Road & Track magazine, especially his “At Large” column, which often signed off with his trademark shorthand coda, Yr Faithfl Srvnt. It was Manney who famously characterized the sexy swoop of a Jaguar E-type as the “greatest crumpet-catcher known to man.” He also wrote for R&T’s sister magazine Cycle World, where his good humor, keen wit and wonderfully obtuse writing style were always welcome entertainment. This was his 1956 Manx Norton project bike. :continue:

David Edwards. October 30th, 2010 - Permalink - Comments (3)

Vintage bike collecting is not a game

Can you imagine squeezing behind the fairing of this 1969 Benelli 250/4 as its engine screamed towards 16,000rpm and 150mph? For about $11,000 you could do just that; this Benelli is just one part of the latest collection of important vintage and collector’s motorcycle to be auctioned by Webb’s of New Zealand. Below you’ll find details and high-resolution images of eight of our favorite bikes from this collection, as well as the complete catalog. :continue:

Wes Siler. September 20th, 2010 - Permalink - Comments (1)

1967 Diamond Jubilee Senior TT, FTW

The Isle of Man, Hailwood, Agostini, Pasolini, Williams, Blanchard, Uphill, Honda, MV Agusta, Benelli, Matchless, Seeley, Norton, even Vincent. Pre-race interviews with impeccable legends Geoff Duke and Stanley Woods and a post-race interview with Hailwood. The footage is a little murky, the commentary by perfectly cheeky Murray Walker is fantastically paced and suspenseful, and the sounds of the machines are glorious. If Youtube has a Holy Grail of historic racing videos, I just found it. Yes, your work day is officially worthless, in 2 parts. :continue:

Grant Ray. September 7th, 2010 - Permalink - Comments (2)

Steve McQueen: what I like in a bike and why

“Why does a movie star who just received $750,000 for making The Sand Pebbles for 20th Century-Fox spend his time cow trailing on a motorcycle? ‘It’s the clean smell of the desert in the morning. The satisfaction of setting up a rig and having it work perfectly in every way.’” 43 years ago Steve McQueen wrote a dirt bike comparison test for Popular Science. Here it is in its entirety. > :continue:

Wes Siler. August 26th, 2009 - Permalink - Comments (6)

Motorcycles added to Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

Champagne, white gloves, wicker picnic baskets, Jay Leno, Bugatti Veyrons. Yeah, that combination of words disgusts us too and it pretty much sums up the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, which will be featuring bikes for the first time this August. Wait, don’t us greasy, counterculture bikers have our own fancy bike and C-list celebrity event in the form of Legend of the Motorcycle? Not anymore, it’s been canceled this year and may be taken to an every-other-year schedule for lack of sponsorship. Enter Pebble Beach.> :continue:

Wes Siler. April 15th, 2009 - Permalink - Comments (12)

Webbs auctioning amazing vintage bikes

Webbs is auctioning one of the best collections of vintage and collectible motorcycles we’ve ever seen. Click through for details on seven of our favorites.> :continue:

Wes Siler. March 13th, 2009 - Permalink - Comments (4)

Norton Manx rethinks the single-cylinder sportsbike

What is it with transportation design students and dead British motorcycle brands? Actually, it looks like David Mucci was part of the same College for Creative Studies design program that generated the Vincent Nero concept, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that his Manx shares some of the same inspiration and bulbous café racer-inspired shapes. David envisions a reborn Manx Norton, but with up-to-date tech for a more modern riding experience.> :continue:

Wes Siler. July 30th, 2008 - Permalink - Comments (9)

Tunnel of Love equates motorcycles with sexual power

Photo: Ben Part

As we’re sure you’ve noticed, some tech issues have prevented us from posting new content for the last few days. We’re happy to announce that full service will now resume (fingers crossed) and you’ll be able to continue to count on Hell For Leather for your daily dose of motorcycle news, opinion and videos of Tamara Beckwith riding a Norton Commando. By way of apology, we bring you Tunnel of Love, a 1997 short that existentially captures the sexual empowerment embodied by a fast motorcycle. Former Sex Pistol Edward Tudor Pole plays the male lead while the music is courtesy of Joe Strummer, formerly of The Clash. Watch out for a cameo appearance by Ace Café owner Mark Wilsmore, too.

If extremely brief flashes of nipple and women using motorcycles as means of empowerment offend you, go watch Fox News or something. > :continue:

Wes Siler. July 16th, 2008 - Permalink - Comments (4)

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