KARL DUFFNER
"The Man, The Myth, The Legend"
Karl Duffner was an extraordinary man; a highly skilled machinist, mechanic, an adventurer, a philosopher of sorts and a lover of life. One who appreciated hearing a good story and one who enjoyed telling a good story.
He also happened to like riding and restoring motorbikes. He had such a passion, that it became his main mission in life…his “Raison D’être” you might say. Karl was a walking, talking motorcyclopedia. He was extremely knowledgeable on most brands and models of bikes, even those from a much earlier era. He would always amaze us with his ability to recall even remote details of a particular bike. He had quite a reputation and was well known by many enthusiasts throughout this country and abroad.
A few years ago, at one of my annual vintage events, I awarded Karl with a plaque that was engraved with the following inscription:
"FOR THE MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS YOU HAVE DEDICATED TO MOTORCYCLING AS RIDER, RESTORER AND HISTORIAN. AND FOR THE UNPARALLELED UNTHUSIASM WITH WHICH YOU HAVE INSPIRED US, WE, YOUR FELLOW RIDERS SALUTE YOU AND GRATEFULLY PRESENT TO YOU THIS COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE AS A REMINDER OF OUR ADMIRATION AND FRIENDSHIP...MAY YOU RIDE FOREVER”
Karl Duffner was also my best friend and riding partner for more than three decades. The following text is an attempt to pay tribute and to honor a man who was admired and respected by all who knew him.
A few years ago, at one of my annual vintage events, I awarded Karl with a plaque that was engraved with the following inscription:
"FOR THE MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS YOU HAVE DEDICATED TO MOTORCYCLING AS RIDER, RESTORER AND HISTORIAN. AND FOR THE UNPARALLELED UNTHUSIASM WITH WHICH YOU HAVE INSPIRED US, WE, YOUR FELLOW RIDERS SALUTE YOU AND GRATEFULLY PRESENT TO YOU THIS COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE AS A REMINDER OF OUR ADMIRATION AND FRIENDSHIP...MAY YOU RIDE FOREVER”
Karl Duffner was also my best friend and riding partner for more than three decades. The following text is an attempt to pay tribute and to honor a man who was admired and respected by all who knew him.