Hairy Bikers and Other Petrol Heads

alastairq

Western Thunderer
I recall when these first appeared, being hairy bikers we all thought the best thing that could be done with a Bug was to bolt a motorcycle on the side of it

For today's gucci posey drivers, it would have to be a pushbike clamped across the back....[Sorry about that, I do realise that 99% of those posey drivers cannot really help it....sow-shull media doesn't help...Which is , for me, a shame, as there's nowt wrong with the Bond bug, or any Reliant or Bond product.
In my eyes.
Speaking as a one-time motorcyclist [never a ''bikah!''...] who also doesn't have much empathy with those who think rubber bumper MGBs should be trashed...I don't go a whole bundle on E-types either...remembering how clapped out so many were back in my younger days..]
 

simond

Western Thunderer
It’s quite curious. A bicycle was made from straight tubes*, carefully triangulated to achieve the lowest practicable weight and for ease of manufacture.

* except the forks which are curved to provide some resilience

this design seems quite elegant to my eye, but has thrown away the rule book. There are bending stresses everywhere.

its probably ok if you live somewhere flat. :))

but no motor….
 

Simon H

Western Thunderer
View attachment 251174
Saturday 8th November 2025.

It is years and years since I have seen one of these! I remember when they were brand new. There was one in and around Shrewsbury in the mid 1970s.
Had a ride in a Bug in rural Northants about 40 years ago. Its owner worked for Storno, who made the sort of radio used in taxis etc., and used to keep a load of old radios (die-cast chassis, and heavy) strapped together with brick banding, in the passenger seat as ballast. Was top fun, no need for ballast with 16st me riding shotgun!
I've got an Oxford Die-cast 00 one (orange, of course) which will probably be parked somewhere on the 009 layout.
 

simond

Western Thunderer

alastairq

Western Thunderer
Aaaah, but those tame three wheelers are road legal, and are driven on the roads...as well as darned awkward trials sections...

The first one I came across, last century, went by the name of ''Old Spot Piglet.''

All of them climbed better than a Morgan Three wheeler...
 

Rob R

Western Thunderer
There were a couple of guys on the breakfast news, this morning or yestetday (forgotten already) halfway through the Paris Dakar Rally in Robin. Seems to be going well.
Of course the Robin has the same pedigree as the Willys Jeep and the Land Rover --- Austin Seven
 
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