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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Ron Davies Date: 28 Feb 13 - 08:58 PM I wonder what would happen if one Molly met another Molly. Not comin' through the rye, but perhaps at a Richard Thompson concert. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST, Paul Slade Date: 28 Feb 13 - 04:34 AM Hunter Thompson mentions the Vincent Black Shadow ("We're with the factory team") in the Mint 500 section of Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas. His verdict is: "The fucker's not much for turning, but it's pure Hell on the straightway. It'll outrun the F1-11 until take-off". To see the Indians used as God intended, please visit Ken Fox's site here. Ken operates the UK's last operating Wall of Death - which is also a Richard Thompson song. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: JohnInKansas Date: 27 Feb 13 - 09:09 PM Although I've seen a number of Indians, I've never had any personal contact with one. An old-timer acquaintance some time ago did have a story he liked to tell about his "most thrilling motorcycle ride ever," on an old Indian. I can't do justice to the tale, but it all supposedly happened sometime in the 30s, when he rode past one particular farm daily on the way to work where there was a ginormous dog that attempted (daily) to grab hold and pull him off the bike. He had found that the dog couldn't catch him (most times) if he kept his speed above about 40 mph, so he sorta made a habit of goin' a little faster than was really suited to the road conditions, and one day he got past the dog. The excitement came when instead of the dog he was "attacked" by a 6 or 7 pound rooster (his estimate) that flew directly into the front wheel spokes (at near 50 mph?). His description of the rapid deceleration of the Indian, and the mismatch between that and his "flying dismount" usually took about 20 minutes, so of course I won't attempt to give details. He did generally conclude with something like "I don't wanna ever try that again" (stated a little more colorfully than is appropriate for general audiences). He was somewhat inclined to irregular and erratic "wake ups" on our fishing trips 30+ years later, but I never knew for sure whether he was dreaming about flying feathers again, or just exercising his privileges as a charter member of the IBBC. John |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Ron Davies Date: 27 Feb 13 - 07:07 PM Hope everybody heard Richard Thompson play this on All Things Considered today. He just played a part of it--but fortunately all you have to do is go to npr.org and there's a link to the whole thing. Spellbinding. Great interview with him also. Turns out he says there is more than one woman who claims to be the Molly of the song. One red-haired Molly lives in LA and has a Vincent. He doesn't try to dissuade anybody from her convictions in this regard. For a lot of us Mudcatters this will also always be associated with Amos' classic rendition of the song. Roll on the Getaway so we can hear him do it again--among others, of course. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Helen Date: 13 Aug 06 - 06:44 PM I forgot to say, if you are in east coast Australia there is a brilliant motorcycle museum at a small town called Nabiac, just near Taree which is about half way up the coast of New South Wales, and 100 miles north of where I live. We went on a trip one day with my Uncle, my Dad & Mum, my hubby & me, and our friend Pete Smith, who writes a very funny, very clever column in the national Two Wheels magazine, and has been a bike nut from the cradle. We were there most of the day but it would take a few trips to the museum to see it all. Hubby & I, when we were on our honeymoon in Canberra (national capital) 7 years ago, saw a sign on a backwoods road pointing to the motorcycle museum but when we went to look it had shut down and was planning to reopen somewhere, but no-one knew where. Finally I found out it was going to be north of here and kept watching the internet site until they said it was open and then organised the trip. Helen |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Helen Date: 13 Aug 06 - 06:35 PM I'm sure my father said he owned an Indian when he was young, but in the photo I have of him he has a Velocette. Don't ask me why, he might have been on his way to a dance or something, but he is sitting on the bike wearing a suit. My Uncle started buying motorbikes again a few years before he died. He bought a HD (don't ask me why) but also an Enfield Bullet 350, about a 1975 model. When my Uncle died my hubby bought it from my aunt. It's a good looking machine, but I don't think I'll ever get a ride on it because hubby put a single person seat on it, so unless I learn how to ride (probably wouldn't be allowed to learn on the Enfield) then I won't get to know what it is like. Helen |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: open mike Date: 13 Aug 06 - 06:07 PM well it'a a good thing that anthony fellow does something more than eat people's faces off...that is a hard role to break out of... |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Lady Hillary Date: 13 Aug 06 - 05:48 PM Somewhere, Lord knows where, I have a photo of my Grandfather standing proudly next to his Indian MotorCycle. I am told it was taken during the late '20s or early '30s. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: michaelr Date: 13 Aug 06 - 05:04 PM Those Brit bikes are being made in Iran now... called Enfidels. I'll get me coat... |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Nigel Parsons Date: 13 Aug 06 - 02:06 PM And I'd guessed the thread was refreshed because of Anthony Hopkins' latest film The World's Fastest Indian CHEERS Nigel |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: open mike Date: 13 Aug 06 - 12:32 PM refreshing this thread...in response to a thread on scooters..of the Vespa variety.. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Naemanson Date: 21 Dec 00 - 09:25 PM When I was a child my father would take me on his Indian to go fishing. I have no idea what the model or year was but I remember going fast and loving it. He traded that bike for a canoe and a small outboard engine. He still has both. |
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Subject: Lyr Add: INDIAN DREAMER (Chuck Suchy) From: raredance Date: 21 Dec 00 - 07:17 PM Now that you all have had your fun and digressed, oet's get back to the original question. "Indian Dreamer" was written by and is performed by Chuck Suchy of Mandan North Dakota. It is on his 1999 CD "Different Line of Time" (Little Bluestem Records LBR 102). Chuck says it was based on his dad's tales of riding hs beloved Indian motorcycle when he (his dad) was young. The lyrics alone don't do it justice and the whole CD is worth having.
INDIAN DREAMER
Night is falling his heart is full
rich r
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Sourdough Date: 21 Dec 00 - 05:50 PM My first bike was an Indian. It had a tank shift (three gears, as I recall, front springs and solid rear end (you needed one of your own to ride it in a hill climb), suicide clutch, tank mounted speedo above the two gas caps, wide handlebars that reminded me of a longhorn cow and a wide leather saddle that looked lke a gigantic mutant bicycle seat. Underneath it were the springs that were suposed to cushion you from the undulations of the road. Starting it required the right combination of timing setting, putting that big 74 cube motor at top dead center by carefully feeling my way using the starter lever with the bicycle pedal on top. A man in good condition had about five or six kick in him. If the bike hadn't started then, he had to take a break for a few moments to get some feelng back into his kicking leg. It never happed to be but I heard stories of riders being thrown skyward when the engine backfired, driving the starter lever up and taking with it the stiff-legged motorcyclist. (On the other hand, I used to show off starting my BMW with my hand on the kick started.) Leading this great pile of unstoppable metal was a little plastic Indian head mounted on the front fender. I think it was plastic, anyway. It was translucent and made a very attractive running light. Quite a bike for a first machine. Now tht I have started this reminiscing about "The Bikes of My Life", I can't seem to stop. Of course you, Gentle Reader, can. I eventually reolaced The Juggernaut with a 125cc Vespa and got a whole other view of two wheeling. Next was a 250 cc BSA. It was a gutsy bike. However, in looking back, I think the thing I liked most about it was the stack of amall arms that was the BSA symbol. Years later, when I was arrested in a coup in an unstable S. American country, I was placed in a room looking out onto the same sort of rack only this time, instead of Brown Bess muskets, these were automatic weapons. My next bike was a 250 cc BMW. A friend who raced bikes at Laguna Seca used to taunt me that it didn't go fast enough to give me a good cold. Even so, I learned to love that bike. Its little 250cc cylinder took me from Spain to Asia Minor and back (and I had a passenger). Ever since then, I have been a devotee of BMWs, the old Boxers with their important parts hanging out into the air to stay cool. After forty years of BMWs, my ride is a BMW twin that I rode out to the Walnut Valley Festival, about four thousand miles without a hitch. Now that I think of it, I am sentimental about all the bikes I've owned. . Sourdough . (that's the name I took for a handle when I put the CB on the bike.) |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Ringer Date: 21 Dec 00 - 02:10 PM Found something about the SPX here. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Steve Latimer Date: 21 Dec 00 - 12:03 PM Mr. Zimmerman had trouble staying on a bike, I believe it was A Triumph Bonneville.
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,Downstreeter Date: 21 Dec 00 - 04:22 AM There does seem a deal of interest in motorcycles within the folk community. Certainly amomgst the English mob here's a few examples... Peter Knight (fiddler with Steeleye Span) used to travel everywhere by 'bike back in the 70's - Norton Commando and BMW. Roger Watson, melodeon supremo - BMWs, Rod Stradling, all round guru and master of 'Musical Traditions' website - part owner of Vincent Comet many years ago. Asd as for the Copper Family, the two John/Jon's own sundry Vincents, a 1919 Quadrant, Buell Lightning, 1929 Cotton, BMW, Moto Guzzi etc - real traditional motorcyclists. C'mon you 'catters must know some more... |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,Dave Potts Date: 21 Dec 00 - 03:11 AM Just checked and there were 88 different users sharing the Richard Thompson "...Vincent..." song on Napster... for those of you that wanted to sample (in the name of science, of course) |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,Kivatrader Date: 20 Dec 00 - 09:23 AM I think the song may be from Richard Thompson, about a dying biker leaving his bike to a girlfriend -- I only remember somnething like "nothin in this world like an Indian '51" or maybe not -- these days, it's hard to tell! Good luck! |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: catspaw49 Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:45 PM YEah Steve....Itskinda' like the Russian motorcycles that they started building after overrunning the BMW factory in WWII. Not being too innovative, the Russians followed the plans they had exactly. They proceeded to build the bike for 35 years in the same way. One of the bike mags tested one about 15 years back and was curious as to what a couple of odd brackets were for. No one at the Russian factory seemed to know, they just put them on since they were in the plans. After some research, the bike mag found that the plans were for a Bimmer military version and the brackets were there to hold a small shovel! Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Steve Latimer Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:36 PM I saw a brand new Enfield a few years ago. Apparently these have been produced in India for years and haven't changed since the second World War. I was told that Royal Enfield had ceased to be, but the Indian company (Country, not manufacturer) had kept on making them under the name Enfield.
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: catspaw49 Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:35 PM ................great. Another Harley freak........................geeziz............................. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: annamill Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:32 PM What beautiful pictures this thread has brought to my mind. I love bikes and my favorite is the Harley, but I've seen the old Indian and I love it. I'm afraid I never heard of the Vincent til now. The song was great! Thanks Joe! Love, Anna
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: catspaw49 Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:22 PM Sorry Bald Eagle, I don't recall that one. The latest reincarnation of the endearing Trumpets was another beautifully styled version of the Trident using the 3 cylinder engine. Truly one of the best looking bikes I have seen in years, but, I must also say, it looks good parked. Most are sufferers of Triumph's and BSA's usual old maladies of oil/vibration problems but typically too, handle extremely well. If I never intended to ride much again and wanted a bike just to sit around and look fast, the Triumph would win hands down. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Ringer Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:11 PM 20 years ago, or more, I remember reading an article on a new engine that Triumph had the patent for. It was going to revivify the British M/C industry (ha!). Heard nothing of it since. Called the SPX (for Stepped Piston 2-stroke - maybe they couldn't spell "2"). I've tried searching the net for info on it, but all I get is crud about Novell's networking protocol. Anyone know anything about it? |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Noreen Date: 19 Dec 00 - 09:50 AM There is no end to the subjects I'm learning about at the Mudcat Café. Wonderful! (Thanks for the "angels on Ariels" correction, marshman- it is a wonderful image.) Noreen |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Naemanson Date: 19 Dec 00 - 09:22 AM Ah, Steve has finally mentioned the one motorcycle brand for which I still have a soft spot in my head, uh, heart. Mine was a 1972 Triumph Trophy Trail, 650CC. Even now my eyes mist over thinking about her. I can't tell if it's from emotion or residuals of the fine spray of oil... How well I remember stepping over the saddle, settling into the familiar position, and kicking that old rat bike to life. With a roar and a rattle of cams she'd make herself known to all the rice burners in the crowd. Not many Harleys on the roads back then. Her engine always sounded like the last mechanic had left a handful of loose parts lying around in there. Of course then there were all the times that she wouldn't start, but that's another story. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,Steve Latimer Date: 19 Dec 00 - 08:29 AM Speaking of reviving a brand, how is the Triumph line going the second time around. My dream bike? Norton 850 Commando, black with gold striping. I know, I know, Lucas Electrics, Leaks oil, but that was a bike. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: catspaw49 Date: 19 Dec 00 - 07:18 AM Tell ya' what Downstreeter, I'm kinda' worried about the new Indians in this age of PC. I can't see it being a big seller if they call it a "First Peoples" or "Native American." For that matter, I don't see BSA making a comeback either if you have to get a permit, ala the Brady Bill. (casual readers:BSA=Birmingham Small Arms) Thompson wrote a long bit about Harleys, Hondas and British bikes but its been too long since I read it to remember. The part that sticks out was (and remember this was the 60's) about the fact that H-D's market had been reduced to outlaws and cops. It got worse after that too, but you have to hand it to Harley for making one helluva' comeback. The bikes aren't any better and the technology is still out of the stone age, but, interestingly enough, they have sold the image. Spaw (ex-Brit rider and long time convert to big bore riceburners)
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,Downstreeter Date: 19 Dec 00 - 05:59 AM Spaw!! Now, now, I like to think that motorcycles are cross-party (several in the case of U.K). In any case most Indians were painted red which seems to my untutored eyes the universal colur of socialsim :-) Didn't Hunter S.Thompson (no relation), in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas write about a Vincent Black Lighning (as oposed to the BSA Lightning which he no doubt rode too, although not at the same time...he's good but not that good). This is a fun thread. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: catspaw49 Date: 18 Dec 00 - 11:24 PM Yeah, you're Repubublican aren't you.......... Spaw (:<)) |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Troll Date: 18 Dec 00 - 11:19 PM Dumbest thing I EVER did was selling my '47 Indian. troll |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Sorcha Date: 18 Dec 00 - 10:13 PM Yea, spaw, I thought it was a Beezer too, but I didn't know for sure........Kate saw some of the new Indians at Sturgis Rally last Aug. She is a Harley nut, but went head over heels over the Indians....... |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: catspaw49 Date: 18 Dec 00 - 09:08 PM RE: Hunter Thompson-----It was NOT a Vincent, but a BSA Lightning (twin carb 650), that he rode and eventually crashed while researching "Hell's Angels." Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: richardw Date: 18 Dec 00 - 08:53 PM Sorcha beat me to it--but yes Indians are being made again. They are coming from Dayton, a shoe and boot company strangely enough that started in Vancouver, B.C. making logger's boots. I have two pairs of boots from them, one customs made, and their is no boot like them. Indians should be on the market soon and they are being made in the classic look. Richard Wright |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,bflat Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:47 PM I know that Chris Smither has a song with a reference to an Indian Motorcycle. Heard him sing it but can't remember the title and it doesn't appear on my two CD collection of his music. Great Blues tunes for the unfamiliar. bflat |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Ringer Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:54 PM Hasn't this been a splendid thread? |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Sorcha Date: 18 Dec 00 - 12:30 PM Just a note: Indians are again being made and marketed. Look a lot like the old ones.......maybe means parts are available again for the oldies....... |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,marshman Date: 18 Dec 00 - 12:22 PM I too love the "Vincent" song. One correction to the lyrics printed above is in the 4th to last line. It should go "I see angels on Ariels". The point being the Ariel Square Four was another classic British bike (About as big as an Indian) that has also passed from existance. This is not meant to be picky; I just love the image of Angels swooping down on roaring chrome motorcycles to collect one of their own. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,Downstreeter Date: 18 Dec 00 - 11:51 AM A Vincent is a thing of beauty...rather the thoroughbred racehorse to the Indian's rather porcine appearance, although there was a time when the Indian Company were going to distribute Vincents in the USA...indeed a Vincent engine was shoehorned into an Indian frame to see if that scheme would work. The tester of this contrivance likened riding it to being akin to a yachtsman at the helm of the Quen mary! The whole deal fell through needless to say. Sorry, we digress. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,daveychuckie@psion.net Date: 18 Dec 00 - 11:29 AM Yes! That was definately the song! It just mentions Indians. I love Indians and if a Vincent 52 is lovlier than that, then, blimey.... wow! |
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Subject: Lyr Add: 1952 VINCENT BLACK LIGHTNING (R Thompson) From: Joe Offer Date: 15 Dec 00 - 02:30 PM Richard Thompson's "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" is one of the more talked-about songs here at Mudcat, but I couldn't find the lyrics posted. Can't say I'm a Richard Thompson fan, but I'll post the song below. You'll find the chords and tab here. -Joe Offer- 1952 VINCENT BLACK LIGHTNING (Richard Thompson) As recorded on "Rumor and Sigh" (1991) 1. "Oh," says Red Molly to James, "that's a fine motorbike. A girl could feel special on any such like." Says James to Red Molly: "My hat's off to you. It's a Vincent Black Lightning, 1952. And I've seen you at the corners and cafes, it seems, Red hair and black leather, my favourite colour scheme." And he pulled her on behind and down to Boxhill they did ride. 2. "Oh," says James to Red Molly, "here's a ring for your right hand, But I'll tell you in earnest: I'm a dangerous man, For I've fought with the law since I was seventeen. I robbed many a man to get my Vincent machine. Now I'm 21 years, I might make 22, And I don't mind dying, but for the love of you, And if fate should break my stride, Then I'll give you my Vincent to ride." 3. "Come down, come down, Red Molly," called Sergeant McRae, "For they've taken young James Adie for armed robbery. Shotgun blast hit his chest, left nothing inside. Oh, come down, Red Molly to his dying bedside." When she came to the hospital, there wasn't much left. He was running out of road; he was running out of breath, But he smiled to see her cry, And said: "I'll give you my Vincent to ride." 4. Says James: "In my opinion, there's nothing in this world Beats a 52 Vincent and a red-headed girl. Now Nortons and Indians and Greeveses won't do. Ah, they don't have a soul like a Vincent 52." He reached for her hand and he slipped her the keys. Said: "I've got no further use for these. I see angels and ariels in leather and chrome Swooping down from heaven to carry me home." He gave her one last kiss and died, And he gave her his Vincent to ride. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,downstreeter Date: 15 Dec 00 - 01:20 PM Oh stop this, Mountain Dog, I promise not to turn this into a Vincent motorcycle love feast...but. Just try and find the late 1940's shot of the sainted Rollie Free of blessed memory streaking (almost literally) across the Bonneville Salt Flats at over 150mph clad in nothing but a pair if bathing trunks! Mental stuff!! Incidentally RT attended the memorial to Dick Busby (a friend I think) who built the Vincent featured on the inside spread of the Rumour and Sigh album it is said that 'The Song' was sung. Jay Leno is another Vincent enthusiast but what would I a mere Brit know of such people. Thanks for your indulgenmce. |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Mountain Dog Date: 15 Dec 00 - 01:04 PM Richard Thompson is and will ever remain one of my favorite musicians and songwriters...and that song is certainly one of his finest to date! For what it's worth, the Vincent Black Lightning was also the bike Hunter S. Thompson (no blood relation to Richard) rode during his research among the infamous Hell's Angels for his seminal Gonzo Journalism epic: "The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Hell's Angels". |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,downstreeter Date: 15 Dec 00 - 12:55 PM Yep, it's the Richard Thompson song I think...it certainly mentions Indians. But as any rightminded Brit motorcyclist knows, the Vincent is THE quintessential bike of the 1950's. The RT song has opened up a whole new audience of Vincent motorcycle owners, some of whom now attend his concerts both in the UK and the US...they even like some of his other songs! |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Noreen Date: 15 Dec 00 - 12:16 PM Now Nortons and Indians and Greeves won't do Thanks, Brett. Noreen |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Naemanson Date: 15 Dec 00 - 12:05 PM There is a line where James says that "Harleys and [something] and Indians won't do, they don't have a soul like a Vincent '52." |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Noreen Date: 15 Dec 00 - 11:21 AM That was the only song that came to my mind, Bald Eagle, but where does it mention Indians????? |
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Subject: RE: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: Ringer Date: 15 Dec 00 - 11:10 AM Are you sure it wasn't Richard Thompson's 1952 Vincent Black Lightning which is surely magical and mentions Indians? (I heard it on R2 folk prog several years ago) |
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Subject: Indian Motorcycle: What's that song??!!! From: GUEST,daveychuckie@psion.net Date: 15 Dec 00 - 10:12 AM A few years ago on BBC Radio 2's folk program, I heard a fantastic song with some bloke singing about his love of Indian Motorcycles. I've never heard this song since and it's magical. Who sings it and where can I get it? |
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