Great photos of a Royal Enfield sidecar outfit...and its handsome owner and his pretty lady

What year is it? Tyler Horne's sidecar rig looks like
a visitor from another era in David Do's photo.

A Royal Enfield Bullet and sidecar in Houston, Texas came with an interesting story. Its new owner has added to its story, posing with it for a treasure trove of marvelous photographs by a talented photographer.

You can view them in a slideshow here:

" I recently picked up a 2002 Bullet in British racing green with a Cozy sidecar attached," wrote Tyler Horne, from Houston.

"It was previously owned by a grandmother who enjoyed taking strolls through the neighborhood and the occasional ride with a grandchild.  She put 180 miles on it during her almost-decade of ownership, so I am still going through the break-in period. I flushed out the tank and cleaned the carbs.

Ashley, Tyler and Wilma in one of Tyler's favorite photos.

"Everything is straightforward, and I find the work to be enjoyable.  I wanted something practical that would allow me take things to and from work without the need to drive my car. I manage farmers markets in Houston and the bike was quite the attraction  when I showed up to work on it."

Tyler and his girlfriend Ashley named their Royal Enfield "Wilma" in honor of Will Spoor, a good friend and "motorcycle mentor" who was known as the "sidecar king" of Houston when he ran a shop specializing in antique BMW motorcycles. Tyler and Will worked together on Tyler's BMW R90/6, and Will taught Ashley to ride a motorcycle.

Tribute photo signed by friend's of Will Spoor, the "sidecar king" of Houston.

Will passed away a few months ago. Tyler sent a photo of a card friends signed in his memory; about 40 people rode their motorcycles in a procession from his favorite watering hole to his memorial service.

"Quite a nice send-off to our friend," Tyler wrote.

"Ashley and I live in the Montrose area in Houston. It is the perfect neighborhood to enjoy a sidecar bike. Everything is close and everything is an excuse to hop on the bike and take a trip. One of our favorite spots is the West Alabama Ice House down the street from us. It's a great place to spend a hot summer evening. There is motorcycle-only parking in front, picnic tables with a basketball court and horseshoes. A little taco truck serves some delicious tacos to those brave enough to try them.

"The Enfield always gets compliments and the sidecar is a curiosity to many who couldn't care less about two-wheeled transportation. I've come to find a big part about owning this bike is being patient and knowledgeable enough to answer the questions people have about it. 'No, it's not restored,' 'yes it's made in India,' 'yes it's a lot of work,' and my favorite I learned from you,  'buy a Honda.'

"I find myself in conversations with people I wouldn't have been talking to otherwise, and I enjoy seeing people smile as they pass us on the road. It always feels like we are in a parade, even just to get the groceries or run to the post office. I've spent many evenings working on the bike and reading the repair manuals. Ashley usually sits in a chair beside me and offers female perspective and advice.

David Do's photos, and his young models, could sell a lot of Royal Enfields.

"I'd also like to mention that I love the world-class support I have received from Kevin Mahoney and Ron Greene at Classic Motor Works.  The first time I called in, I knew I was in good hands."

Ashley added: "Despite owning something newer (the Ninja), I find the Enfield to be much more charming."    

The remarkable photos of Tyler and Ashley with Wilma are the work of David Do, of the Houston-based automotive blog MayDay Garage.

"We feature local area cars and cover automotive events when we can," David explained. "What separates us from everyone else is all of our photographers, including me, are automotive enthusiasts first; we just happened to take photos as well.

"We've grown much larger and larger blogs such as SpeedHunters   recognize our photography quality, and that's what we're best known for both nationally and internationally. We have a good 23,000 fans on our Facebook page."

Tyler Horne is market manager for Urban Harvest,  which sponsors farmer's markets in Houston and encourages healthy gardening through education.

All photos are copyrighted by MayDay Garage. Used with permission.