In the 1950s and 1960s, coolness on two wheels most often involved a Triumph motorcycle, and the coolest Triumphs of all had a connection to Kenneth Graeme Howard, better known as Von Dutch. World-class eccentric, gifted mechanic, artist, metal fabricator, knife-maker and gunsmith, Von Dutch is recognized as the originator of modern pinstriping and was a leading light in the so-called Kustom Kulture movement. His brushwork was considered the crowning touch for any hot-rod or customized motorcycle from the 1950s until his death in 1992. The Triumph 6T Thunderbird bobber offered here was painted, pinstriped and lettered by Von Dutch. It was discovered, in boxes, among a North Hollywood collection of motorcycles and parts that included several Von Dutch items. Contemporaries recognized and verified the artwork, even though the gas tank does not bear the artist's signature. Von Dutch may have also had a hand in the bike's customization – it resembles other bob-jobs he crafted – but that fact is not as clear, records-keeping not exactly being a Von Dutch strongpoint. A marque expert overhauled and reassembled the 650cc twin, while AMA Hall of Famer and Von Dutch acquaintance Mike Parti rebuilt the early pre-unit gearbox, incorporating a later, stronger spindle. The as-found original parts were used whenever possible, such as the rare stock SU carburetor, and including fitment of the cylindrical brass oil cooler on the frame's downtube, fabricated from an automotive transmission radiator. The Triumph has seen less than 500 miles since its rebuild and was featured in 2006's "The Art of Von Dutch," the definitive book on the artist and his work.
In the 1950s and 1960s, coolness on two wheels most often involved a Triumph motorcycle, and the coolest Triumphs of all had a connection to Kenneth Graeme Howard, better known as Von Dutch. World-class eccentric, gifted mechanic, artist, metal fabricator, knife-maker and gunsmith, Von Dutch is recognized as the originator of modern pinstriping and was a leading light in the so-called Kustom Kulture movement. His brushwork was considered the crowning touch for any hot-rod or customized motorcycle from the 1950s until his death in 1992. The Triumph 6T Thunderbird bobber offered here was painted, pinstriped and lettered by Von Dutch. It was discovered, in boxes, among a North Hollywood collection of motorcycles and parts that included several Von Dutch items. Contemporaries recognized and verified the artwork, even though the gas tank does not bear the artist's signature. Von Dutch may have also had a hand in the bike's customization – it resembles other bob-jobs he crafted – but that fact is not as clear, records-keeping not exactly being a Von Dutch strongpoint. A marque expert overhauled and reassembled the 650cc twin, while AMA Hall of Famer and Von Dutch acquaintance Mike Parti rebuilt the early pre-unit gearbox, incorporating a later, stronger spindle. The as-found original parts were used whenever possible, such as the rare stock SU carburetor, and including fitment of the cylindrical brass oil cooler on the frame's downtube, fabricated from an automotive transmission radiator. The Triumph has seen less than 500 miles since its rebuild and was featured in 2006's "The Art of Von Dutch," the definitive book on the artist and his work.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert