"There's something I want to show you," beckons our host, moving smoothly between cluttered workbenches scattered with tools, rags, and piles of non-descript parts in various stages of disassembly. Arriving at his destination beside a huge Stanley Steamer four-door sedan, he slips inside and, moving levers back and forth, looks me in the eye the whole time. "Listen closely," I'm told, "and tell me when you think it's running." The members of my small entourage watch as I move my ear close to the Stanley's huge beige hood. Hearing nothing, the car suddenly slips forward three or four feet, then back into its resting berth just as quickly. "Ha!" he laughs. "You didn't hear anything did you? The EPA forces car manufacturers to spend millions every year making cars quieter, but Stanley had it nailed all the way back in the '30s!" Stepping back and shaking my head, I wonder if Jay Leno has just duped me. Had the car been running the whole time?

Life in the fast lane, that's an accurate way to describe what comedian Jay Leno is about, but not in the typical Hollywood perception of career-boosting late night socializing and perpetual ladder climbing. In simple terms, if it has an engine, chances are Leno is into it, but clearly his preference is for specialty cars and motorbikes. At his facility located on the outskirts of Burbank, you'll see a bit of everything. Twelve years into a hugely successful stint as host of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," the late-night prankster has earned a generation of fans with his affable personality and backhanded wit. But we quickly discovered the obliging entertainer to be equally comfortable riding a 140- hp megabike (or a jet-turbine Y2K special) as he is in front of the network camera.

On this sunny late-summer morning, dressed comfortably in jeans and long sleeveshirt, one of the world's most recognizable facesis nearing the end of a weeklong hiatus by welcominga group of representatives from themotorcycle industry. Roll call includes Triumph'sGreg Casey, Jim Cutting, whom along with wife, Mary, is on the Board of the British BikerCooperative, Matt Capri (of Luftmiester fame) and his assistant Jason from South BayTriumph, plus two humble pressmen from Moto-Euro Magazine.The occasion? Due to his dedication and devotion toward theBritish motorcycle industry and unwavering support of 2-wheeled consciousness, Mr. Leno will be awarded his very own 2004Triumph Rocket III, a motorcycle that has intrigued him since itsintroduction.

In recent years, Triumph has shown a disposition to expand its product line, one that began with a baseline selection of multicylinder sportbikes, standards, and sport tourers. Upon the preliminary release of the hugely successful retro-styled Bonneville and succeeding models based on that platform, a new era for Bloor and his retailored motorcycle company was ushered in. The introduction of its new mega-crusier, shocked many industry insiders, especially after the success enjoyed with their 'fail-safe' Bonnie. Essentially different, Triumph started with a clean sheet of paper in designing the Rocket III, a motorcycle that shares nothing with Triumph's smaller, production stablemates. Not diminutive, the liquid-cooled inline engine features three massive 101.6mm bores, fuel injection, and for the first time on any Triumph, shaft drive. Producing 1-hp for every one of its 140 cubic inches, the Rocket staggers its rider when 90% of its 147 ft-lbs of torque arrives at 1,800 rpm. Visually entertaining, features like the twin headlamps and forward pegs we've seen, but that monster 240/50-16" rear donut hints at a brand new game.

It was Casey and Cutting who organized this formal mini-celebration, first meeting each other when Casey coordinated a "RAT" (Riders Association of Triumph) function in 2000. Cutting and Leno, good friends for nearly seventeen years, share a deep affection for British motorcycles, with the two hooking up occasionally here, or in Cutting's home state of Wisconsin. Hatching an idea and knowing of Cutting's relationship with the celebrity, Casey pieced together a strategy. Those pieces meshed together perfectly. Capri, Leno's longtime source for Triumph goodies in Southern California, was instructed to prep the machine, finished in the company's orange & black Tribal Custom paint kit. Now hot-rodding Triumphs, Capri is walking an obviously excited Leno around the bike, explaining features and warming him up to the expected power output. "It'll power-wheelie in third," Capri declares. "Cool," says our new celebrity confidant, looking at his hulking new Triumph with sparkling eyes. Triumph's Rocket III is one bad actor.

I didn't see Leno lift the front wheel of his Rocket III; in fact, I didn't see much of him at all on our ride to the Rock Store the following day. Leaving the garage, our group is speckled with different colored versions of Triumph's new mega cruiser. It's Leno's first real ride on the bike and mine, too, save for a short blast from our hotel to Leno's garage the day before. I hate LA freeways, and being a nice guy, I find myself alone after exiting the 101 near Hidden Hills. Nice guys get their asses kicked in LA, a lesson I seem destined to learn repeatedly. It's Saturday for cripes sake, and the traffic is crawling.

Alone with my thoughts, my mind drifts back to yesterday and the tour of Leno's palatial workshop. I'm not much of a car guy, but I enjoy looking over the masses of collectible and vintage four wheelers (over 160 total, including the bikes I'm told) Leno has purchased over the years. " People ask me why I bought this, why I bought that," he says, walking through the hangersized facility. "I tell them a lot of these cars and bikes found me. You'd be surprised how many people call to ask if I'd be interested in purchasing their car. Something Elvis owned, or Dean Martin drove…but I don't care about 'celebrity' cars. I buy the stuff I like, the stuff I've always wanted." Pausing at a beautifully restored 1955 Buick, he lifts the hood to reveal a 620-hp GM crate engine. "It's an original Roadmaster starting here," Leno demonstrates, moving his hand from the headlights to about a foot before the wheelwell, "and ending here." The Buick is special because it was Leno's first car after moving to Los Angeles. "And yeah," he states before someone asks the question he knew was coming, "I did actually sleep in it a few times."

I have no idea where anyone is, but the Pacific looks beautiful when I cruise into Malibu. Catching a Harley riding two-up, I ask the rider where the Rock Store is, and he points out the simple directions. Looking at my ride, he asks, "How do you like the Rocket?" "It's big," I tell him, "and it's pretty fast." "Show me!" he shouts, and I feel I owe him that much for getting me out of my jam. Scanning for the local constabulary, when the light turns green I rev the Rocket's huge 2300cc length-wise triple and release the clutch. Tire spinning, the Triumph wiggles across the intersection and when I slam the rabid triple into second, the tire breaks loose again. "Sumbitch," I mutter to myself, adrenaline coursing through my veins. Nearly forgetting my instructions, I turn right at Malibu Canyon Road and the Harley pulls along side. " Woo-Hoo!!" he shouts. "Outstanding!" His lady friend winks at me. I think I like this new Rocket III.

Arriving at my destination, I spot my group just removing their gear among the hoards of machines parked at the Rock Store. Reaching for my camera, Leno is swamped with admirers before I can get the lens cap off. Moving at ease through the crowd, he is comfortable in a place he's visited hundreds of times before. Motorcycles and Jay Leno seem natural partners. While explaining a circumstance from an example picked from his widely diversified collection, his hand runs proudly, knowingly, over a special aspect. Like the automobiles, the range spans from pre-war machines to late model examples, some with suprisingly high mileage. Over here is a very early 1200cc Mammoth, with a handbeaten (by Munch himself) alloy tank. There, a lovely silver/blue Velocette Thruxton is boxed in by various Harleys and Indians, some dating back to the '20s. Hand painted murals commemorating certain brands provide a surreal backdrop. It's like strolling through a vertically lined version of the Guggenheim. Triumphs, Nortons, Vincents. Oh, how Jay Leno loves his Vincents! How many are here? Seven? Nine? I lose count. Mentally overtaxed, I linger behind while Leno pushes on. I need more time.

Stopping for lunch, Cutting, Leno, and Casey chat about the state of the British motorcycle industry. All agree that organizations like the British Biker Cooperative have been instrumental in keeping the flame lit while makers like Triumph reassert its place in the market. The BBC, established in 1977, is a point of pride for Cutting, who tells of the extraordinary dedication and enjoyment shared by the members of this long-standing organization. Now completely relaxed, Leno is just another one of the guys. This, he reveals later, is precisely why he spends so much time with car and motorcycle people. He likes the interaction, the exchange of feedback and like all of us, wedges into the conversation to get his opinion in.

All are in agreement of the contributions by the British motorcycle industry, the innovative designs. Realizing a parallel, Vincent and Irving's V-twin masterpiece is recalled, and the profound effect it had on the motorcycling industry. For many years, even yet today, the performance and capability of the legendaryVincent Black Shadow is recounted in hushed tones and revered meanderings. In its day, the Vincent was the biggest, baddest production motorcycle on the street. The result of its makers commitment to produce the best. Coming full circle, the Rocket III, with its immense dimensions and capacity falls under that description, it too being the largest and most powerful production motorcycle available. This point strikes deep with Leno, who favors such attributes. It's clear at this point Jay Leno is digging his new Triumph.

Breaking up the group, it is time to get back on our Rockets. With new resolve, I glue myself to Leno's tail the whole way. He's a good rider; smooth and confident, obviously an old hand at dealing with "Slow Cal's" perpetual log jam. Like spearing fish in a barrel, our throng of big Trumpets sing past traffic on the 101 without strain. As for me, a 'screw it and relax' approach is adopted, and I nestle behind the Rocket III's wide bar, letting the gentle hum of the machine soothe my tensions away. Back at the garage, Leno removes his helmet, looks around and smiles. "It certainly is powerful," he tells Casey, the two shaking hands and sharing a laugh. "You sure it feels OK?" asks Casey. "Oh yeah, wonderful!" Leno answers. "Thanks for setting this up Greg. I'm still speechless." Taking advantage of the solitude, I ask Leno his impressions of Triumph's newest model. "It handles much better than I thought it would. I mean, for having such a long wheelbase it doesn't fall into corners like a kicked-out chopper. I prefer a bike that is composed in the curves, because I like to ride fast. The power is wonderful, awesome torque! I like the growl of the engine. I usually don't like motorcycles with forward mounted pegs, but this works well. It's nimble enough for blasting about and comfortable enough for trips."

There always seems to be a catch with assignments like this, some sordid little detail kept hidden 'til you're in too deep to escape. But not this time. More than anything, our weekend with Jay Leno was just another weekend with the boys. Sure, he's rolling in it and has buildings full of collectibles, but I'd wager he spends a smaller percentage of his earnings on motorcycle kit than I do. In a society where many are undecided if motorcycling is truly for them, attaching a familiar, friendly face to the sport does nothing but good for all of us. Speaking of good, how much better would that choking LA traffic be if only a measly 5% of those cars inching along were motorcycles? Yeah, Leno may be just another gearhead, but he's a person poised to make a real difference.

Friendly and approachable, Leno's comments during our stay confirmed his affection for unusual and special interest vehicles. Openly touched by Triumph's elaborate gift, he began making plans to enhance his new Rocket III with local Triumph dealer and tuning whiz Matt Capri almost immediately. Two weeks after our visit, a Triumph aftermarket exhaust was fitted, adding a whopping 18-hp to the Rocket's already prodigious power output. Here, posed in front of Southern California's famous Rock Store, Leno basks in the warmth that only 2300cc can deliver. Satisfied and happy? Most certainly!

JAY LENO
Moto-Euro interviews Late Night Host Jay Leno
Written by Nolan Woodbury and Photographed by Larry Williams exclusively for Moto-Euro Magazine.

Most everyone knows Jay Leno, the wildly successful comedian-turned talk show host; is an avid motorbike enthusiast. The depth of his passion? Once, after being rear-ended by a biker while stopping to help another on his prized Black Shadow, he appeared for the taping of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on crutches. Asking the nation if anyone knew where he could find a gas tank to replace the dented unit on his Vincent, an owner on the other side of the country offered one, with the rest of the bike attached. So it goes with Leno. Born April 28, 1950, in New Rochelle, New York, he spent his childhood growing up in Andover, Mass. Looking for more insight on Hollywood's most popular motorcyclist since Marlon Brando, Leno met with Senior Staff Writer Nolan Woodbury, who tried his hand at interviewing the master interviewer.

Moto-Euro: How did you first get involved with motorcycles Jay?

Jay Leno: When I was 11, my dad, an insurance salesman, picked up one of those bicycles converted into a motorcycle, the engine drove the front wheel. I mean, when you sat on it and pushed the throttle, off it went! Amazing. A few vivid memories stand out...things that have stayed with me all these years. Like this 'mystery' guy who used to ride through my hometown on his souped-up 1952 Vincent Black Shadow. My buddies and I would hang out at the Dairy Queen and wait for him to pass. Every so often he would come through, and we'd talk about it for weeks. The bike was legend. After a while he disappeared. A while back, I did some research and discovered the guy's name was Corbin Benson, and I found the bike, too. It's in the garage.

M-E: You bought the bike of your childhood dreams?

J.L: Yeah, a few years ago. It's pretty special; it was raced at the Isle of Man, lots of performance bits added. The Europeans are very different from us; they'll buy something and keep it forever. Over here, we'll buy a bike, ride it for a while until we're tired of it, then sell it for something else. Later, when we get older, we want the old bike back to relive our childhood. It's a sickness.

M-E: So the gas-powered bike was your first motorcycle?

J.L: No, my first ‘real’ motorcycle was a Honda 350 twin, but in my circle of friends, guys had Honda 50s, 90s, and one of my pals back in Andover bought a ‘69 CB750, which was just an amazing bike. Look! It has a disc brake! Electric start! That massive four cylinder 750cc engine. Pretty heady stuff back then. Another one of my friends, you know, one of the cool older guys, had a Triumph 650 twin. There was a sticker on the handlebar: 'For Expert Riders Only'. I thought; 'I could be riding that bike and people would think I'm an expert rider!' I knew I had to get one of those.

M-E: What was the first bike in your collection?

J.L: A collection? (Sighs) It isn't really a collection in the proper sense. It isn't like I go out and say; (voice deepens) 'I must find every Triumph Bonneville in every color they made it in.' I mean, I just sort of kept adding 'cause I didn't need to sell one to get another. I admit, I've spiced the place up a little. Some of the art guys from NBC hand-painted these wall murals from old ads and I've added some collectibles; toys, magazine covers, stuff like that to give the place a little color. People look around and say 'Oh wow' and that's nice. A little atmosphere is nice.

M-E: So you've found a real connection with British bikes.

J.L: Yeah, sure I have. But look, I have a Honda Dream, and remember that when I was growing up Ducatis were pretty scarce. Now, I look at a Ducati and it's like a Harley that went to college. Such clever bikes. I have one Desmo with those clear windows over the bevel gears. How cool is that? My '64 Bonneville needs me, you know? You have to prepare to ride, the preflight check. Twist this; flip that. Ah ha! If I didn't catch that there, I could have been killed! Understand?

M-E: You like the involvement?

J.L: Look at it this way, back in the ‘50s Betty Crocker or whomever came out with this cake mix where you just added water. Nobodybought them, they sat on the shelves covered in dust. So, they introduced a new product where you add two eggs and, viola! We're makin' cake! Taste this delicious cake I made! They've sold millions of them. We need involvement. The Japanese bikes are wonderful machines, but they're VCRs...if you crash it, then just toss it away and buy another. British bikes need you. Even the John Player Norton, an upper-echelon bike in its day, you don't need to go 200-mph to enjoy it. My old Bonnie has a nice 'gate' at 60- mph. It's like a fine mechanical watch that you carefully wind to keep running. I'm using the performance.

M-E: Does your celebrity status ever keep you from enjoying the motorcycling experience?

J.L: Not a problem. I've been to Sturgis, Daytona, and it has never been a problem. I appreciate the fact that folks recognize me, because that's a major part of my livelihood. I find most bikers are pretty casual, even if I'm in the middle of a pretty big crowd. Folks just want to say hello.

M-E: Do you ever travel alone, or do you stay in a group?

J.L: Both. I have riding friends, people I enjoy spending time with. But sometimes, I get up early, get on the bike and ride by myself, too. Just like anybody else.

M-E: In your opinion, what is the most significant or important motorcycle of the last 25 years?

J.L: Hmm…that's a tough one. I'm inclined to think it's more about packaging and tradition that any single bike. I like the movement Triumph has started since they began making motorcycles again. As a new European player, they've managed to find success by offering bikes people can simply ride. Sure, Hayabusas and GSXRs are awesome, but I think it is healthy to have traditional motorcycles riders can enjoy. Like the Bonneville. Give Triumph credit for producing bikes that a new generation of riders can identify with. The core of the industry, motorcycle riders like us, is getting progressively older. Triumph makes bikes that attract new blood.

M-E: That being said, do you have an opinion on the most important bike of all time?

J.L: The 1969 Honda CB 750. No bike did more for motorcycling in our lifetime than that one.

M-E: Does your wife Mavis ride with you? Do you get a kitchen pass by including her?

J.L: (Laughing) A kitchen pass? That's a new one. Well, I guess. I mean, we'll go out together on the bike from time to time, you know, out to breakfast or something like that. Take a drive in an old car, just for fun. But of course, there are times when we'll do the stuff she wants to do. Talk about the things she's interested in. You’re married, you understand that, right?

M-E: I understand that perfectly. Tell me, do you do any of your own wrenching?

J.L: I used to. I know how to run a lathe and a milling machine, stuff like that. I have a really great crew now, so if I'm tinkering on something and I get stuck I just say; 'Yo! I'm stuck! Help!' I can do as much, or as little as I want, but I find the process enjoyable.

M-E: How do you find your motorcycles? Is there anything missing you'd really like to add?

J.L: If there is a specific bike I want, the best way to do that is to find the owner’s club and start asking. I tend to buy the owner, not just the bike, you know? A well sorted, cherished bike will be more money, but cheaper in the long run. When you make the contacts and approach it like that, the experience is much more enjoyable. If you buy a car and it quits on the way home, you just pull off and wait for help. A bike breaking at the wrong time could cost you your life. As for bikes I'm looking for? Hmm…I really like what's out there now, but I'm always looking for another Vincent or Brough. One bike I don't have is a Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor, that is a hell of a bike, and I've always wanted one of those 2-stroke Kawasaki 750s. I wouldn't mind finding a nice LeMans 850 either, the one with the day-glo orange around the headlight.

M-E: Where do you see your collection in 50 years?

J.L: I suppose I'd like to see it kept together for posterity, but it is hard to say if that will ever transpire. When you realize we don't own any of this, that we're just keeping it for the next person, it puts things into perspective. This is my pile, everybody has different tastes.