This past First Thursday at Dulono’s Pizza in Minneapolis was the first I’ve been able to attend in several months. Between teaching BRCs and other events, I was not able to make it. It was nice to see all the motorcycles and feel the buzz of the crowd.
There were several thousand people in attendance. I would have expected a bit more given the near perfect weather.
One of the strangest “bikes” I’ve seen in a while was the photo above and below. It looked like it had a sidecar chair on the front and a goldwing on the back for a total of three wheels. The front also had a shifter and a steering wheel. I couldn’t locate the owner to ask more questions, but it was a bit weird. Several of us gawking at it started to discuss whether we’d rather ride in the front or on the back. I had a hard time deciding. Where would you rather be?
A well placed helmet on this beautiful old bike.
A couple other old bikes for the gawking.
MV Agusta.
A nine inch rally light on this converted dirt bike. I bet that thing is bright! They are normally used for rallies like Dakar and Baja.
A spare spark plug on this engine. Strange. I think it’d foul sitting in there.
Line of Ducatis
Like the cookie monster helmet!
Not a huge fan of the camo KLR.
Disney edition Harley? lol.
The ugliest windshield I have ever seen, and it was on a Ninja. Just a giant hunk of plastic taped to the bike.
A 1970s Rokon. Cool. I’d like to ride one of these sometime. Love the 2WD.
A close-up of the driveshaft coming out of the frame into the sprocket setup on the front wheel.
Some more old bikes.
I like the dragon paint job on this bike.
This month, there was a parking cop writing a LOT of tickets. This is the first time I’ve seen them at this event. Be careful where you park!
Thanks for posting a lot of pictures. The one month so far his year I could of attended and I totally forgot about it!!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I enjoy taking them. There is always something fun to see. Too bad you couldn't make it, but that's the nice thing about 1st Thursday. It repeats :) Maybe next time.
DeleteCool pics, strange bikes....the Rokons are the only thing, besides some really skilled dirt bike riders, who make it past the forest service gate near the summit of Guanella Pass during the annual Elephant Ride. Darn things go anywhere, but they are a bit slow....and coming from a URAL rider, that's saying something! :)
ReplyDeleteYea, the rokons look cool and can really go anywhere. I love how they are rated at hours per gallon instead of miles per gallon. also LOL at the slow Ural. ;)
DeleteI am always amazed at how many bikes come out for First Thursdays but you have a higher population in those part.
ReplyDeleteThat Gold Wing contraption is quite....interesting.
I like the strategically placed helmet and googles.
Minnesota is supposedly in the top ten for motorcycle ownership in the country per person. We like our bikes!
DeleteNow if you added a sidecar to the Goldwind, would it then be a car (four wheels)? Do the handlebars on the bike still steer or just the steering wheel in the front seat? Pretty odd...
ReplyDeleteThat is a huge turnout and too bad they had to give out parking tickets.
I'm not sure if the rear handlebars turn it or not. I didn't look close enough for a linkage. It was STRANGE.
DeleteIt was a normal summer turnout. a shame about the parking enforcement guy for sure. He was heckled a lot.
Great pictures and a lovely read!
ReplyDeleteThat crash hat is funny ...... It has eyes and the speedo looks like.a mouth
Regards
Len
thanks. the helmet was fun to see
DeleteGreat pics!
ReplyDeleteThe first Thursdays look waaaaay too busy for me. If I need pizza and there are that many people around, I get a little panicky. ;)
I'd probably personally park my bike well away and walk over.
Thanks.
DeleteI used to part further away when I first started going. Then I got more comfortable with the crowd, and park right in the middle now. There is almost always a space. The crowd is all motorcycle people, so they move out of the way easily.