Full Metal Jacket

<p>A couple weeks ago, the F-1n and 55/1.2 Aspherical took me for a walk around town...along the way I spotted something most unusual, a genuine vintage racing motorcycle!</p><div></div>

<p>The first thing you noticed is its hand-beaten aluminum bodywork:</p><div></div>

<p>It's an NSU, an old German brand:</p><div></div>

<p>One could literally see EVERY blow of a craftsman's mallet upon the aluminum...wild!</p><div></div>

<p>Gleaming aluminum in bright sunlight does present challenges!</p><div></div>

<p>Especially when paired with deep black components:</p><div></div>

<p>Exquisite details abound...</p><div></div>

<p>tachometer</p><div></div>

<p>250cc twin cylinder motor:</p><div></div>

<p>carburetor...remember those???</p><div></div>

<p>clutch basket is drilled by hand!</p><div></div>

<p>rear fender, more texture</p><div></div>

<p>handlebars are tucked tightly inside the fairing for minimal drag:</p><div></div>

<p>front drum brake's artful left side: </p><div></div>

<p>Nice pictures Rick. And beautiful old race bike.</p>

<p>the tie-down straps were routed fortuitously through little trap doors, originally designed to access its external valve springs!</p><div></div>

<p>A few minutes into this I am joined by the NSU's owner, Dr. Virgil Elings, who guides my tour in detail. There were only six produced in 1953-54, four now reside in the Audi Museum and the other two with Dr. Elings, who is famous not merely for an amazing vintage motorcycle collection (and Moto Solvang museum) but also for being very involved with the electron microscope's development.</p><div></div>

This is brilliant!

<p>Rick, </p>

<p>This is a great post. I did a Google search on Dr. Elings and he is a remarkable man. It is amazing where our journeys will take us. Thanks for posting.</p>

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