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TORRINGTON, CT – The downtown bike show known as Torrington Thunder got rebooted this evening after a two-year absence, 
and the modest crowd that turned out on Main Street got treated to splendid weather and some interesting bikes.
While Harley-Davidsons were predictably the favored ride among those attending, sprinkled in along the curbs were noteworthy bikes bearing other marques. The parking lot containing the show bikes also tilted in Harley-Davidson’s direction and two entries stood out.
John Salce
John Salce of Prospect, CT arrived on his olive green 2003 Harley-Davidson Springer. “It’s a 1930s paint scheme,” he said, explaining that it was offered that way from the factory. “I did the motor to match it.”
Salce bought the 100th anniversary edition Springer new. It has a 116 cubic inch, 134 horsepower V-twin engine, “so it’s got some pep to it,” he added. And the fish-tail exhaust pipes add to its allure.
Parked a few slots away was Kevin Fitzgerald’s two-tone blue 2000 Sportster (XLH 1200), which had 43,377 miles on the odometer.
Kevin Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald grew up in Goshen, CT and now lives in Southbridge, MA. “It’s my daily rider,” he said of the Sportster, “but I always try to keep it in show condition.” He also bought it new but the only parts on it that remain stock are the frame and the paint. Everything else has been upgraded – in chrome.
The bike that likely drew the most attention was a custom build by Tayor Willis of Torrington. It used the motor from a 1974 Honda CB750 Four as the centerpiece.
“I like the low cafe racer look in the front and the stretched look in the back – kind of a drag rear,” Willis said. The bikes has only been on the road three or four times, and Willis is still tweaking it. Providing the suspension for the solo seat pan are two exhaust springs.
Taylor Willis
Another Honda that caught my eye was a 1978 Honda Gold Wing (GL1000) that Dan Gorman of Agawam, MA snagged for $200.
Dan Gorman
Its features included a cup holder and U.S. flag.
Torrington Thunder benefited the Warner Theatre and was tied to a concert appearance tonight by Harley-Davidson riding singer Scott Helmer, who came out in front of the theater and invited spectators to attend his show.
Scott Helmer
Torrington Thunder was originally staged between 2010 and 2012. Its revival was certainly welcomed. With time, there’s no reason it can’t build and attract the larger crowds that it did in the past. Here are a few more pics:
