I have always been partial to the looks of a panhead, myself. But that Triumph is very cool.

 

Some don't realize that the Sportsters had 'right side shifting' until 1975 when the Feds mandated left side shifting and right side rear brake.

A little more info some might not remember about older Sportsters;

1973 - turn signals became mandatory
1974 - first use of throttle return spring

 

Didn't American bikes used to have the throttle on the left a long time ago......now that would be odd.

 

I've only owned Harley's since I started riding back in the late 1960's, and don't remember anything like that, but a left hand throttle would be different. [8D]

 

There was something way back (20's? earlier?) where you actually had to twist both hands - one was the throttle and one was the ignition advance. I am not sure of the exact time period or the manufacturer(s) and I have now exhausted my knowledge on the subject.

 

Must be worth a small fortune.......

http://www.allenmotorsports.com/images/vincent2.jpg

 

Lawrence of Arabia's bike.......he used to do 30,000 miles a year on one of these....

http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20...0SS100%202.htm

 

Spark(ignition)advance was manually done on early bikes. I think it was into the late 20's to early 30's that it changed. In the early era of motorcycling it was much more complicated to ride a bike. And don't forget hand oiling the motor.

 

My Triton has a manual advance/retard magnito ignition......just retard It a bit on kick starting .........kick starting!.....not good for the leg at my age[&:]

 

I think the 1948 Indian is the most beautiful bike ever made