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RE: Motorcycle of the Week: 1939 Gilera Saturno
Looks like a pretty rough ride. Do the springs on the back of the seat actually help on styles like this or is it just a "we will do the best we can to make it comfortable" type thing?
It's crazy to think that 90 was screaming fast at one point. They just bumped up the speed limit in Michigan to 75 on a lot of expressways so people push 90 pretty consistently every day :P
The springs help. Lots. In those days EVERYBODY wore a 'Kidney Belt' to try to keep them in place against the pounding vibration. In all honesty, they didn't work very well. This bike had a horizontal dampner between the frame and the rear wheel that had to help enormously.
WWII was really good for one thing: Hydraulic technology made huge leaps due to the aircraft industry and it wasn't long and motorcycles actually had the hydraulic technology that we use today.
The first certified 100mph production motorcycle was the Triumph Bonneville of the late 40s. The model was named for the land speed record they set at Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. Back in the day we called it 'doing the ton'. Hitting 100mph. My Connie will do it in 3rd gear with ease.
That is pretty cool. :) Thanks for all of the great info. I can't imagine the difference between riding a bike back then and riding one today!