We caught up with motojournalist, photographer, Bonhams Auctions consultant and “The Vintagent” blogger Paul d’Orleans as he was watching the flat-track races outside of the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin last month.
You live in San Francisco, what are you doing in Austin (wink, wink)?
“I always look forward to Handbuilt because of the good will that the organizers, Revival Cycles, generate. There is a level of participation with this show that makes the pros want to come out as well as motorcycle enthusiasts.
What gets your motor running at these events?
“I look for innovation. There is a push these days toward super-technical bikes that are esthetically presented—like cool café racers that look edgier.
What else have you been up to?
Working on a book and judging some shows.
Tell us about the new book.
It’s a history of Zenith Motorcycles. Zenith was a British motorcycle designed by Zenith chief engineer Freddie W. Barnes. It was a small manufacturer, but it had significant impact in 1920s Europe.
Is this a big coffee table book like the The Chopper history you wrote?
Yes. It’s another big book. They are big, beautiful bikes!
