See , this was a time when the big four-strokers from the east were the domain of Honda , and they rolled about the streets with the likes of Nortons and Triumphs and BSAs , while Italy chipped in with Laverdas , Ducatis and Moto Guzzis . “ You can ’ t mistake the sound of a Guzzi ,” one of the lads insisted , to general approval . The Guzzi is a twin-cylinder job , but does have a unique tone . If one were sitting in a certain outdoor bar in Birmingham ( which I visited back in those years as it was the domain of ‘ cafe racers ’) and determined that the approaching Triumph Bonnie was a Guzzi one would have been barred … for life . All about cylinder angles and cam-shuffling systems and timings and things that otherwise bewilder me . I ’ m from the school of “ just get the bugger started and let ’ s go for it !” Twins huh ? Like Harley-Davidsons .
Theirs is a very unique sound , although these days I wouldn ’ t know one from an Indian . And can one tell a transverse four-cylinder jobbie from a V4 or a horizontally-opposed four ? Or a three-cylinder device … does anyone still make them today ? I daresay someone does , and I shall accordingly be “ sounded ” out [ Triumph , Yamaha and MV Agusta , with Benelli to start again soon … Ed ]. And so , on this note ( an apt phrase given I am in audio mode ) I heard a loud machine about two hours ago out in a distant suburb . This was the second day of the Lockdown 4 degrees or whatever the bloody thing is dubbed . I thought ‘ this clown ain ’ t going to the pharmacy or the store for essential supplies ’. This clown was simply blasting the streets on his bike and then there was a siren . You make plenty of noise and you will get plenty of attention . The miscreant should be locked up and made to listen an MV Agusta for 12 hours , to learn the difference between a noise and a sound .
Spyda ’ s Guide to New Zealand Motorcycle Road Racing Circuits from past to present
Covering over 400km ’ s on an incredible 157 Circuits . Same info , two different styles available . Both 230mm x 160mm Wire bound Touring edition designed to fit in your tankbag ( left ) $ 59 ; Softcover version $ 54 ( right ) Freight NZ wide $ 8 for your copy please contact nzmccircuitguide @ gmail . com