It’s hard to believe that I have owned Lucy, a 2024 Triumph Speed Twin 900, for almost a year now. I have clocked over 4,000 miles, completed many commutes to and from work, a few weekend rides, and spent time with Lucy in the my garage, customizing her, and doing maintenance. A bond with a motorcycle is such a unique experience. I can’t speak for all riders, but for me, my motorcycle is an extension of my personality, my riding style, and ultimately speaks to me on a spiritual level. I commuted to my office, on a cool Monday morning. I knew the route I was going to take. I have been commuting for over a year and yet, this Monday, it felt very new to me. This was because, I was the unveiling Lucy 2.0. I was very excited. Seeing Lucy in the driveway, in the early dawn light, that was hitting her just right, I knew this day was special. The World was about to see the number 278 fly by on the road. Having the side cases painted yellow, and the vinyl black number “278” attached, I was hopeful I could be as strong a rider as my hero Steve McQueen. Working with Lowell Hull, owner of Creative Colors Coatings, we spent about month figuring out the design, and once I delivered the side cases to Lowell, he finished the job quickly. The result was amazing!
My Customizing History: The Moto Morini
I guess the artist in me is always alive. Though I retired my art career two years ago, I still find inspiration to create in unique spaces. My first bike, a 2023 Moto Morini SCR 650, was my first step into the world of customizing a motorcycle. Once I started riding the Morini, I felt an inner pull to add my touch to my Morini. After each ride, sitting in a chair while looking at my parked Morini in my driveway, I thought, how could I make this mine? Meaning, where was my artist touch on my bike? Over the next few months of ownership, I started taking parts off, painting some, re-installing them, and then adding a radiator guard. Once completed, the Morini looked nothing like the showroom bike I purchase. I absolutely loved it! The last few months I owned the Morini were epic. The Morini was lighter, brighter in color, and fast, or so I thought LOL. Though the Morini is not with me anymore, learning to make my motorcycle my own, is a spirit I take with me from that experience. Maybe add a few hours of YouTube videos to encourage me to explore more of this art medium. In the end, I feel that customizing your motorcycle is just as important as riding your motorcycle.
Steve McQueen, the number 278, and 1964 ISDT
I have been a fan of Steve McQueen for a few years now. I only discovered Steve McQueen after researching for a quote to add to a painting I was working on when I lived in Los Angeles, California, over ten years ago. The Steve McQueen quote, which was the last thing I added to my painting, hit me so strongly that I began researching more about Steve McQueen during my time in Los Angeles. To be honest, I didn’t watch any of his legendary movies, but instead, studied the man, and how he lived his life. What really pulled me in, was his love of racing. Once I moved out of LA, my fascination with Steve McQueen diminished. Yet, once I purchased Lucy, I soon started looking at old photos of McQueen racing Triumphs in all types of conditions. I knew I had to incorporate McQueen on my bike. But where? I also knew that my paint techniques didn’t really feel up for this job. I knew I needed to hire a professional. A few months of riding Lucy, a few times washing her, installing parts and continuing my customization arc, I soon learned that the side cases on my Triumph would be a wonderful spot for a tribute to McQueen. Googling images of Steve McQueen, I kept seeing this number, 278, appear in many images. What I learned is that this was the racing number Steve McQueen mounted to his Triumph for the International Six Day Trial (ISDT) hosted in East Germany in 1964. A race he never finished but an important milestone in his racing career. I knew then, that the number 278, would be what I would add to the side cases. To show my love of McQueen’s racing heritage in the ISDT, I would paint the side cases yellow, and have the number 278 in black. But who would I turn to, to hire for this project? Lucky for me, I met Lowell Hull through his job at Charleston Triumph. Lowell and I got to know each other from his work with getting me parts and making service appointments for both of my bikes. On a trip to Charleston Triumph, I learned that he runs a business making creative color coatings for cars and motorcycles. I immediate contacted Lowell and after a month of communicating, my side cases were completed.
A Week Later….
Having spent a week with Lucy 2.0, I must admit I am as proud of Lowell’s work as the day I pickup the side cases from his shop. The vibe of Lucy is so unique. Lucy 2.0 carries a new appearance and one I am very proud of. Each time I see Lucy, I feel that the number 278 is striking. The side cases are a firm nod to McQueen’s legacy, and while I don’t expect everyone to know this, it does open up possible conversations. And that is the mark of great art. When it can provoke ideas and bring people together. I have some more ideas Lowell to create for me, but for now, the side cases are mint! See y’all on the road.
Rolf