Who are these two guys?

[arkline]

This should be easier than Allan's brain teaser. Who are these two guys and why are they important to motorcycling as we've come to know and love it?

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/102124505-M.jpg

[vintagemxr]

The guy in the ball cap looks like Mr. S. Honda. The other could be J. Edgar Hoover but I'm not sure.

[TorqueMonsterMT-01]

Hovver? Maybe, but he's not wearing a dress.

[supermotoC]

Bob and Ray?

Penn & Teller?

Butch and Sundance?

Moe & Curly?

[Sir Limpsalot]

Two giants of the modern(ish) motorcycle industry. Edward Turner fabled designer of, among others, the Ariel Square Four and Triumph twin standing next to Sochiro Honda.
I think this photo was taken during Turners visit to Japan in the early sixties, when Mr Honda was most accomodating showing his guest the advances the Japanese had made in mass production techniques.
On his return home Turner wrote a several page report on the subject which could be summed up in a sentance. "It's all over guys!".
Within a few years he was proved right of course.
Si.

[fganger]

Simon,

I believe you are dead on correct. Good call.

Frank

[arkline]

We have a winner and a half winner. Yes, indeed, Turner and Honda (could be the title of a movie?). Edward Turner was responsible for so many advancements in British motorcycle design that he was a legend in his own lifetime. And we all know what Mr. Honda wrought. A world filled with sophisticated and general use two wheeled motivators. The dominant company in sales and sport. The company to beat.

[DarthRider]

I recognized Turner but I thought the other guy was just a midget Sumo wrestler...

[fganger]

Dave,

You were so close, Sochiro Honda worked his way through school as a sumo wrestler. Not many people know about that part of his life.

Frank

[DarthRider]

Dave,

You were so close, Sochiro Honda worked his way through school as a sumo wrestler. Not many people know about that part of his life.

Frank

Hmmm, guess that's why he got into motorcycles...