Buddy Holly & The Crickets were riding high on the charts with "Rave On" and" Maybe Baby"
on May 13, 1958 when they finished a long tour and flew to Love Field to buy some motorbikes
in Dallas, Texas. They would have a larger selection than their hometown of Lubbock.
Buddy, J.I. and Joe B. first went to the East side of Downtown Dallas where there were
numerous bike shops on Main & Elm Streets. They did not get very good treatment at these
shops as the salesmen thought they were just some kids taking up their time and had no idea
who they were and that they had their pockets lined with cash.
In fact, they first visited a Harley Davidson store where the salesman told them not
to touch the machines and insinuated that they leave the store!
After receiving treatment like this at these shops, they took a cab to the
Ray Miller Triumph Motorcycle Sales at 3600 W. Davis.
Cockrell Hill residents Mr. & Mrs. Ray Miller recognized them, and were most accommodating
to the three West Texas hit-makers, so Buddy & The Crickets each decided on a bike they wanted.
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Miller, plus mechanic with Joe B, JI & Buddy
Steve Bonner in front of the store, 1972
Buddy picked an Ariel Cyclone, J.I. got a Triumph Trophy, and
Joe B. decided on a Triumph Thunderbird, all the latest 1958 models.
Each was priced at over $1000 which the guys paid for with cash.
After a trip back to show off to the Harley dealer,
they then drove them home to Lubbock (approx. 350 miles).
J.I.'s receipt for the bike, license, and helmet
Buddy's maintenance book
After Buddy's death, his father rode it often, then sold it to a man in Lubbock.
It then went to a fan in Austin, and in 1979 The Crickets bought it from him
for a birthday present to Waylon Jennings. It was up for sale when the Jennings
family had an Estate sale, but did not sell and is now still with the Jennings family.
1979 photos
More about the Ariel Cyclone:
The Ariel Cyclone was Ariel's top of the line model with only 174 manufactured.
There are about 15 known survivors of which seven are known to be complete and correct.
(Buddy's seat has been changed)
