bikes – Pulpaddict

New Gladstone Motorcycles SE Bobber Unveiled

The new Gladstone Motorcycles SE has been unveiled, and it looks rather nice. The company was founded back in 2012 by TV presenter and biking enthusiast Henry Cole as a bespoke British motorcycle brand. And the SE is the follow-up to their original model, the Gladstone No.1 bobber, which appeared in 2013.

Although the SE shares some of the key components and features from the No.1, the SE changes things a bit. Designer Guy Willison describes it as a “slightly lazier, earthier version of the No.1. We wanted to build a bike where we didn’t have any customers for it – this is what I’d build for myself as a personalised bike on the road. No outside influence – just me and Henry building what we want to ride”

The Gladstone Motorcycles SE — *The new Gladstone Motorcycles SE bobber*

It turns out what Willison and Cole want to ride is a bobber which features some Gladstone trademarks. Those include a Metisse nickel-plated rigid frame, a bespoke alloy petrol tank and fake oil tank, and a 5″ Smiths analogue speedometer.

Gladstone Motorcycles SE Rear Three Quarters View — *The new Gladstone Motorcycles SE uses a rigid Metisse frame*

But there are some significant changes from the nine hand-built No.1s that the company previously produced. Most noticeable is the paint, with the new model adorned in Aston Martin Rosso Red. That’s a bolder look than the original model, which came in black.

The Gladstone Motorcycles SE also swaps out the 750cc Triumph T140 engine of the No.1, which came with a 5-speed left foot gear shift. Instead, you get a refurbished 650cc 4-speed Triumph T120R motor, with a right foot gear shirt and single carburetor.

*The Gladstone Motorcycles SE Triumph T120R Engine*

There are now Norman Hyde M-bars, rather than the flat examples from the No.1. And the Gladstone Motorcycles SE also gets shorter, 720mm Ceriani front forks. Another change is that a Norton TLS front brake replaces the Ceriani replica Grimeca 4-leading shoe drum.

*The Gladstone Motorcycles SE Seat in Alcantara*

Rather than the Monza design used on the NO.1, the SE gets a flush-fitting petrol cap. And there are Doherty levers, plus natural rubber Tommaselli handlebar grips. The Alcantara seat comes with red stitching to match the Aston Martin paint. And the headlamp and tail light get brass bezels.

*The Gladstone Motorcycles SE Brake Light With Brass Bezel*

As a bespoke British motorcycle manufacturer, customers get to tailor the Gladstone Motorcycles SE to their preference. Which means you can request changes to the colour finishes, grips, saddle and more. But you also need to be a little patient, as there’s a 12-month delivery time from when you order.

Gladstone Motorcycles SE Side View — *The new Gladstone Motorcycles SE*

Following the release of the 9 Gladstone No.1 models, the waiting list started for the new SE. And it’s a bit of an investment, with prices starting from £40,000. Hence why the company describe their customers as ‘discerning hooligans’.

*Gladstone Motorcycles Designer Guy Willison*

But you do get something created with the iconic classic Triumph engine, a rather lovely frame, and numerous other hand-made and bespoke features for things like pipes, brackets and more.

Gladstone Motorcycles Founder Henry Cole — *Gladstone Motorcycles Founder and CEO Henry Cole*

So if you fancy ordering the new Gladstone Motorcycles SE bobber, and you have the finances, you can contact the company via their website to get the building started.

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Wunderbob Custom BMW R nineT Bobber From Wunderlich

German BMW parts specialists Wunderlich must like the BMW R nineT. They’ve already built 10 custom versions of the bike using the products they make. And now the Wunderbob custom BMW R nineT Bobber from Wunderlich is the eleventh, and probably most radical, creation.

The bobber style means plenty of changes to the stock BMW motorcycle. And it will all be something you can potentially achieve for your own bike in the future. Wunderlich is developing the individual parts that were custom made to be on sale from around Spring 2019. And there’s possibly also a complete Bobber kit in the works, although it hasn’t been confirmed yet.

The Wunderbob custom BMW R nineT Bobber from Wunderlich starts with raised, wide handlebars. And lowering the Wunderlich suspension by 25mm. The challenge was to then convert the style of the bike without losing the defining elements of the BMW.

Head of Product Management and Development, Felix Wunderlich: “We wanted our bobber to be more powerful and lighter while at the same time emanating an air of nonchalance. The challenge was a demanding one, as traditional bobbers are usually based on transversely installed two-cylinder V or in-line engines, which present far fewer structural and design restrictions than the BMW Boxer due to the arrangement of the footrests alone”

The Wunderbob custom BMW R nineT Bobber from Wunderlich gets a minimalist dash display, which streamlines the front of the bike. And fits nicely with the new handlebars. And the dark blue metallic paint, which along with the black finish and saddle, gives a fairly subtle and classy look.

The fully adjustable footpeg system will help to make sure you’re comfortable in the new saddle position. Which has now been relocated with a tubular loop frame. That means the rear light and indicators are incorporated, and also cleans up the rear of the bike above the new rear mudguard. The mudguard itself was custom-made to accommodate the BMW swingarm, and wider Bobber rear tyre.

Frank Hoffmann, Wunderlich Managing Director: “Our portfolio of concept bikes ranges from the Wunderlich G 310 GS, which we are giving away here during the Intermot, to our Pikes Peak hill climbing motorcycles. With the WunderBob we are presenting the first Wunderlich Bobber, which also represents our eleventh R nineT conversion. Anyone who knows us, knows we thrive on difficult challenges – indeed we go looking for them! Half-hearted solutions are frowned upon for us. Especially half-hearted retro! We have transformed the R nineT into a bobber that is a contemporary reinterpretation of the Bob Jobs of the 40s and 50s, while losing nothing of the R nineT‘s iconic appearance.“

So the Wunderbob Custom BMW R nineT Bobber From Wunderlich gives you a mix of retro and modern style. Plus you get German reliability underneath it all. And the BMW badge has become a pretty familiar part of the modern custom motorcycle world.

As mentioned above, if you want to create something very similar, you should be able to buy the parts individually from early 2019. And Wunderlich might also offer a complete conversion kit if there’s enough demand.

So what do you think of the modern BMW Bobber? Good, bad or indifferent? Drop a comment below to share your opinions…

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Win Free Insurance With Approved Used Triumphs in July

Buying secondhand motorcycles is a lot of fun. But it can also be a bit stressful, which is why manufacturers have introduced approved, pre-owned schemes. It means you get a bit more peace of mind when you’re buying a bike previously ridden by someone else. And as a bonus, you can currently win free insurance with approved used Triumphs in July, 2018.

Buy an approved pre-owned Triumph from the Adventure, Roadsters and Modern Classics before the end of the month and you’ll automatically be entered into a prize draw. And three winners picked at random will be offered Triumph Insurance for 12 months, up to a value of £500. And if you’ve already got cover sorted, the offer will be valid for two years.

You can buy from the Approved Pre-Owned Triumph stock either online or through participating dealers. And there’s a list of checks which are carried about before a motorcycle is available.

All the Triumph motorcycles available as an approved used example will be under five years old from their first registration. And they’ll also have done no more than 25,000 miles.

To be included in the stock list, the bikes will also have received any service required within 1,000 miles or 3 months. And they’ll undergo a multi-point inspection and any rectification work required. So you get the benefit of a vehicle history and mileage check, a certified vehicle quality check, and full service history. The checks include the frame, suspension, steering, final drive, wheels and tyres. And a full engine diagnosis, exhaust system examination and electrical inspection.

Other benefits to the Approved Pre-Owned scheme include a one year MOT. Plus a one year unlimited mileage warranty, and a full year of Roadside Assistance just in case.

As a final incentive, Triumph TriStar Finance is also offering a 7.9% APR deal on the Pre-Owned range until the 31st July, 2018 as well.

Paul Lilly, general manager of Triumph Motorcycles UK and Ireland, commented: “With a comprehensive multi-point inspection and a quality & safety check by a qualified technician, we’re confident that each Approved Pre-owned motorcycle will perform like a factory fresh bike for its new owner for complete peace of mind.

So full checks, a finance offer, and the chance to win free insurance with approved used Triumphs in July. Not a bad way to celebrate summer, really?

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2018 Triumph Bonneville T120 £500 Personalisation Offer

The modern 1200cc Bonnie is a decent and versatile motorcycle with classic looks. And if you’re thinking of purchasing one, there’s a 2018 Triumph Bonneville T120 £500 personalisation offer running until the end of March 2018. The deal means that you still pay the usual retail price, but you get a £500 contribution from Triumph to put towards accessories, clothing, finance or insurance from the manufacturer.

So it’s not quite like £500 off the purchase price. But it works just as well if you were planning on buying from the range of official add-ons. And there’s more than 160 options to choose from. So that includes Vance & Hines chrome pea-shooter style slip-on silencers, leather stitched seats, chrome clutch, alternator and throttle body embellishers or a 4-bar Triumph tank badge.

Alternatively you can use it to buy from the range of official Triumph clothing, put it towards your bill from Triumph Insurance, or reduce your finance.

Paul Lilly, General Manager, Triumph Motorcycles UK & Ireland, said: “This is a great opportunity to add a personal touch to the timeless, iconic character of the Bonneville T120. Whether it is accessories, something from our branded clothing range or a contribution to insurance or finance, there has never been a better time to get on a new T120.”

The 2018 Triumph Bonneville T120 will cost you £10,300 on the road, and comes with the latest 1200cc engine offering an increase in power. Max power is 79bhp at 6,550rpm, and max torque is 105 Nm at 3,100rpm. Plus you get modern goodies to compliment the more traditional style, which include ABS, ride-by-wire, traction control, two riding modes, LED lights, heated grips and even a USB charging socket. They didn’t have that in the 1960s.

It’s also a boost for the ‘standard’ T120 given the recent launch of a number of new models including the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Speedmaster, and the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber Black. The 2018 Triumph Bonneville T120 £500 Personalisation Offer runs until the end of March 2018.

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