Hello all

[paulymx]

Hi. My name is Paul. I'm interested in vintage bikes, scooters and cars. I started with an old 1963 Vespa but have moved up in the world to a 1958 Ariel Leader. I also have an East German 1964 IWL Troll and a 1954 Heinkel Tourist (still in bits).
Photos 171.JPG
I'm a big fan of DKW two strokes and their various derivatives - the MZ range, BSA Bantam, Jawa, etc

[Kebabski]

Gosh vintage bikes look like tractors. I much prefer vintage cars, I know I know, it's a bike site!

[chew]

Some pretty off beat machinery for Oz, welcome.

[paulymx]

Ha ha, tractors. Yes, the Troll has all the charm and style (and speed) of a little communist tractor.

[desmodue]

Welcome, do any of them go ?

[Old frt]

Hello mate, love that trailing link front suspension. I snapped the front brake cable at the nipple on mine.
Being young and skint, I shortened the outer sheath so I could reconnect the inner cable.
Brilliant idea. Flew down the local high street and lightly touched the brake as the lights turned red and
the old double decker bus with open platform stopped in front of me.
As I braked the suspension dipped and took the shortened cable with it thus applying more stopping power.
Result, I did a somersault onto the bus platform and landed on my back.
Gathered my thoughts, sat up on platform as the lights changed and the bus took off.
Sat there slightly dazed and watched a furniture removal truck destroy what was left of my pride and joy

[paulymx]

The Ariel runs and is pretty reliable. The Vespa runs but is ..... not the best. The Troll is having its engine rebuilt at the moment.

OF - I can imagine your surprise when you squeezed the front brake and .... something actually happened. Shocking!! It's certainly not the normal behaviour for an Ariel front brake. Lucky you were alright though.
P