It takes quite a lot to cause a stir at Eli’s Rose & Crown, near Langport in Somerset, during bike night (currently in winter hibernation). Classic bikes abound, and every week there is something new to drool over, from Ronnie and Shelagh Moore’s collection of Nortons, to classic choppers, Velocettes in abundance and masses of immaculate restorations. The other week we had a Vincent Rapide, a BSA Sloper and a pair of pre-war Triumph singles, among others. But this beast, Daryl Ketley’s 1600cc Zen, causes jaws to drop every time it shows up. Like it’s some dangerous but captivating caged beast, people stand around studying it, while trying not to get too close. How would you be able to comprehend it in all its glory otherwise?
Daryl has had several…
