XTreme

Bill Ivy was the original Barry Sheene in terms of lifestyle and flamboyance! "A colourful, flamboyant character with a fearless riding style, Bill Ivy epitomised the swinging sixties. Although he was seldom out of the headlines and gained something of a reputation as a hellraiser, Ivy always produced the results on the track. The climax to his career came in 1968 in the duels he had, both on and off track, with team-mate Phil Read. Following Ivy's 125cc world championship win in 1967, the Yamaha factory decided Ivy should win both 125 and 250 crowns in 1968. Ivy persuaded Yamaha to let Read win the 125 championship. This was typical of Bill's sense of fair play. As Yamaha were likely to pull out of racing at the end of the season, Read ignored team orders in the latter part of the season and won both championships. This caused a great rift between the two riders. Yamaha did withdraw from racing for the 1969 season, only to return after Bill's death. It is noteworthy that they had said in 1969 they would like Bill Ivy to return to them. Following Bill's death, the natural choice would have been Phil Read, but they chose another rider instead. Extremely upset at Phil Read's attitude, Ivy announced his retirement and promptly decided to go Formula 2 car racing instead in 1969. Nevertheless, he did return to the GP scene in 1969, mainly to pay his way in car racing. This time, he was riding for the Jawa factory on a temperamental four cylinder 350cc two stroke. This machine was to be his last competitive ride as he was fatally injured during a wet practice session."

I never had a lot of time for him because of what he did to Bill Ivy. Neither did Yamaha!

Sad news.....Phil Read, 7 time world champion (83) died today. He was a controversial character, people either loved him or hated him, but no denying his ability on the track. Source!

They had to really.......it was making a mockery of the sport if it went ahead!

As the guy said, you wouldn't take that unless you'd been slamming loads of gear in you!

How's the new job Chris?

In the balance I reckon. This is what he took......

What you talking about? You're a fucking Tory boy!

Something of interest for you @Six30

So many people are now doing bike reviews on YouTube......and besides Ryan at FortNine they're invariably crap. The vids are usually low budget, their voices are irritating, and they invariably drone on about stupid shit, So I switch them off after a few minutes! Except for this guy......Freddie Dobbs! He should be on mainstream TV.....he's that good!

Do I take it that you're not pleased to see Marcel then Bummer?

Heard the news @Six30? Benn's failed a drugs test!

Are you two an item then?

We haven't seen him for 4 days now......this is very odd! There's two possibilities here: 1. He's met a bird and gone off his fucking head again! 2. He's Flounced! My money's on number one......what you reckon?

They were OE on the XT660R as well......I found them decent enough!

He went to a Harley rally?

Michelin Sirac!

2005......

I'm not taking any chances!

You're not a Gammon are you?

I'm not taking the risk of running into any braindead Gammons!

So you've got to do some training before you meet up with me?