The Race of Gentlemen - Xtreme Bikes | Cafe Racers | Free
Transcription
The Race of Gentlemen - Xtreme Bikes | Cafe Racers | Free
Princess Sandi by C hoppershack The Race of Gentlemen Red Rooster Clandestina Honda Dick Mann STAFF Publisher Daniel Gil-Delgado Design Samuel Gómez Translations Álvaro Cabeza de Vaca Community P. Jara Regular Contributors (Spain) Chus Catalán, Javier Huertas, Jose Hernandez, Outsider, Old School Racer, Pilar Gárgoles, Raul Ranz Regular Contributors (International) Mike Dirksaw (USA), Maurice Van Den Tillaard, Floris Velthuis (Netehrland), Oscar Romagnolli (Argentina), Dirk Behlau, Horst Rösler (Germany), Paulo Santos (Portugal), Marco Frino (Italy) Production Xtreme Bikes Media, S.L. [email protected] Advertising [email protected] It’s prohibited the total or partial reproduction of pictures, texts and illustrations without the corresponding written authorization of the publisher. Likewise, Xtreme Bikes is not responsible neither for the opinions expressed by its contributors, or for the veracity of the products presented by its advertisers 2 3 Contents Good Vibrations 08 Princess Sandi 24 The Race of Gentlemen 42 Red Rooster 70 Clandestina 90 Honda Dick Mann 108 4 5 ICONOS BRITÁNICOS LEYENDAS GLOBALES PURA REENCARNACIÓN NUEVA GENERACIÓN BONNEVILLE MÁS BELLAS. MÁS POTENTES. MÁS CAPACES DE TODO. VER VÍDEO GENERACIÓN BONNEVILLE RESERVA TU TRIUMPH Síguenos en: triumphmotorcycles.es Good Vibrations Project Thruxton BIT2 A clear example of the fruitful collaboration between two British icons from the motorcycle world as Barbour International and Triumph is the project Thruxton R based which both firms have commissioned to Down & Out Café Racers. The BIT2 Thruxton Café Racer combine perfectly classic style with current trends in a creation that calls attention to details such as the Black wheels with Firestone Champion tires, the handmade aluminum half fairing that was being positioned lower gives the bike a more aggressive and contemporary look, or the headlight on the side as endurance race bikes. Barbour International has made its mark with details like the brackets used as a trim at the windshield, upholstered seat with the famous fabric waxed cotton, characteristic signature of British fashion, or the jacket belt holding the tank gasoline. The BIT2 Thruxton R Café Racer is an example of Triumph likes about classic without renouncing to the latest technology. After its presentation at The Bike Shed London, this special Thruxton R will road through different European tour events. If you wasn’t lucky enough to attend his coming- out , here you are the video of the “making off “ of the BIT2 for you to enjoy it. Belstaff Suit The technical advances and materials that will employ the equipment manufactures for motorcyclist apparel on current garments offer levels of security that pilots from only a few decades ago never dreamed of having. That does mean that some brands are taking advantage that the vintage fever has broken out in the field of motorcycle around the planet, to return to manufacture garments that were stored in the trunk of memories. A particular case is that of Belstaff, that with this leather suit recovers the spirit of those times of Cromwell helmets and men like Angel Nieto, Santiago Herrero, Giacomo Agostini, Renzo Pasolini or Mike Hailwood, who have written some of the most beautiful pages in the history of motorcycle racing. www.belstaff.com Speed & Strength Clothing Designed thinking of those who seek maximum security on the bike, but also want to be sufficiently discrete so we can use it in our daily lives, Speed & Strength Clothing proposes a wide range of clothing for men and women made with many different tissue types that, certainly, we will find those that suit best our tastes. www.ssgear.com 8 9 Good Vibrations All prepared for Motorrad Days The ski resort of Formigal will once again host the annual meeting organized by BMW Motorrad Spain. In this edition, which expect to surpass the 6,000 registered last year, the expected G 310 R and R-NineT Scrambler, two of the BMW news for the second half of the year, will be presented. Besides the exhibition, attendees will also have the opportunity to test the S1000XR, the R1200RS, the K1600GT, and all versions of the GS on the asphalt or the BMW Eye Ride simulator. Another attractive of the BMW Motorrad Days are the Motordrome, in which attendees will appreciate how some pilots perform maneuvers over 160km / h with a decent skill to admire, Zone Classic Racer in which some custom bikes by the most representative builders of the current scene will be exposed , and live music. Sing in: www.bmwriders.es/eventos/bmw-motorrad-days-formigal-2016 and participate in the draw for travel and other attractive prizes. 10 11 Good Vibrations Farewell to a myth 50 years after its launch, Kawasaki announced the end of the W series with a “Final Edition” model which will be available in limited edition in all distributors of the brand this fall. Faithful to the original concept of W1 from the mid-60s, Kawasaki successfully launched the W650 in 1998, followed years later by a new 800cc version with its line simple and remarkably retro look is considered by many the best neo-retro motorcycle in market. Naturally, in Kawasaki they expect this “Final Edition” to highlight the legacy of the W800 and assume a fitting end to this successful model. 12 13 Good Vibrations Harley Flat Tracker After more than four decades accumulating championships of flat-track with the XR750R, Harley have decided to take a short break to the “old fighter” and in collaboration with Vance & Hines was developed the XG750R, a new competition model based on the water-cooled Street 750 debuting at the hands of the pilot Davis Fisher last June at the X-Games celebrated in the circuit of the Americas in Austin. We do not know if this will be a final to goodbye the XR750R that so many successes have given to the brand, but it is clear that competition is increasingly hard, and sooner or later they had to find an alternative to the old V-Twin, which otherwise had already gained a well-deserved rest. 14 15 Good Vibrations Indian Anniversary This year marks 115 years since George Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom started working together to make Indian motorcycles. In 1897 George Hendee was already manufacturing push bikes with the name ‘American Indian’, but this was shortened to ‘Indian’. Three years later in 1900, Oscar Hedstrom joined the firm. Both Hendee and Hedstrom were former bicycle racers and they decided to build a motorized bicycle to use as a pace bike in cycling races. A prototype and two production units were built in 1901 and the first Indian motorcycles were sold to the public in 1902. In 1903, Oscar Hedstrom set a world motorcycle speed record of 56 mph and in 1904 the company introduced the deep red paint scheme that would become Indian’s trademark colour. In 1905 Indian built its first V-twin factory racer, putting a road-going version of the motorcycle on sale in 1907. In 1923 the Indian motorcycles were selling so well that The Hendee Manufacturing Company changed its name to The Indian Motocycle Company – no “r” was used in motocycle when used along with the name Indian – but the “r” has since returned into the modern day name It was a rapid pace of development that Polaris, the modern day custodian of the brand, continues after acquiring Indian in 2011. In the five years that Polaris has overseen Indian Motorcycle, the number of models in the line-up has grown rapidly to nine, with the most recent additions this year being Scout Sixty, Springfield and the Chieftain Dark Horse. 16 17 Good Vibrations Style and Protection The Italian brand PMJ is taking much force across Europe with a collection that includes jeans and jackets. All garments are made in Italy, where PMJ has a factory with over 30 years of experience in the fashion industry. To ensure our security, in all garments is used the Twaron, a synthetic fiber used in making bullet proof vests, and that far exceeds the abrasion resistance of any other material. www.promojeans.it 18 19 Good Vibrations Taylor Stitch In 1973 Albert Kemp stepped off a U.S. Navy submarine and into a leather shop in Massachusetts. Flush with service pay, he purchased a whiskey-brown, café-racer-style leather jacket. 42 years later, his son Nick, a Taylor Stitch product designer, wore the beautifully-aged jacket into our studio. Struck by the garment’s incredible craftsmanship, we retraced its roots back to Golden Bear, a famous SF outerwear manufacturer housed exactly one block from our office. We visited Golden Bear’s owner Schirley and learned that not only had they made the jacket, but she still had the original hard pattern on file. Inspired by the provenance, we decided to remake the jacket as a capstone piece in a full moto collection. We enlisted the help of our friend James Crowe of Crowe Metal Company and West America to ensure the collection’s every detail was up to snuff. He put the garments through hell and came back smiling. We hope you do too. This product is part of a small batch manufacturing run that may use exclusive materials like dead stock fabrics. The product is limited in quantity and may never be in stock again. Limited products are available for immediate shipping. www.taylorstitch.com C M Y CM MY CY CMY K La XSR900 es sinónimo de autenticidad y carácter. El brutal motor tricilíndrico Crossplane de 850cc que ruge en su interior junto con su estilo clásico, brindan al piloto una experiencia de conducción única. Una moto que recoge el testigo de las míticas deportivas de Yamaha y sus legendarias victorias, como la TZ750 de Kenny Roberts. Da rienda suelta a la imaginación y customízala para convertirla en una moto única. XSR900 edición 60 aniversario desde 10.199€ 20 www.yamaha-motor.es 21 Good Vibrations Horizon Jacket With the mentality to create the most durable, minimalist and modern clothes as possible, action apparel Company Aether just released one of the best motorcycle jackets on the market With sealed seams, the three-layer shell made from Japanese field nylon is highly abrasion resistant, waterproof, and surprisingly breathable. Its mesh liner allows more air flow, along with the critical water-resistant pit-zips wich allow for even more ventilation. Horizon jacket comes with D30 armor protection for the back, elbows and shoulders-a material that hardens impact, and is available in green, blue or black. Colors available: green, blue or black www.aetherapparel.com Ducati Summer If you think of buying soon a Scrambler you’re in luck, because Ducati has prepared a promotion for buyers of this model (except Italy Independent) with which will have a direct discount from the price of 800 €, the 3rd year of free official guarantee and a pack of Ducati Scrambler gift products valued in 650 €. The only conditions to take advantage of these special conditions are buying the bike before August 31, and fund with Ducati Financial Services. 22 Urban Clothing designed by tattoo artists for urban people C/ Galicia, 2 03600 Elda, Alicante (Spain) +34 965 390 291 Email: [email protected] www.ink4ever.eu 23 Princess Sandi The bike you see here is the latest in a long line of bikes for Sandi Piper. You would think that being married to a renowned chopper builder her choice of bike would actually be a hardcore chopper but unfortunately Sands doesn’t like choppers!! T e x t : S h o v e l P h i l ( w w w . c h o pp e r s h a c k . c o m ) P i c s : A l a n C a r v i l l e P h o t o g r a p h y M o d e l : S a n d i P i p e r ( t h e 24 h a pp y o w n e r o f t h e b i k e ) 25 he likes looking at choppers but doesn’t like riding them. Her husband had built her a show winning sportster chopper but she rode it just once and hated it. After that she went through a long line of modified XL´s but really wanted something different that would stand out from the crowd. What Sands was starting to notice was a trend towards older Japanese twins particularly the air cooled ones as they were lighter and could be tuned to make them faster and handle better whilst at the same time looking cooler. 26 27 They started looking for a donor bike which was easier said than done. Suitable bikes were overpriced or in a poor condition! Eventually they came across with a Z440 which wasn’t very pretty but it was a runner and it was taxed and MOT’d. A few emails later they had agreed a price and Phil went to pick it up. 28 It was in a sorry state covered in surface rust and a cracked and flaking paint job. It eventually fired up and limped in to life rather pathetically and he wondered what the hell he had agreed to buy however he was committed so in to the truck it went the Kawa and off to start the next leg of its life. 29 Once the bike was at Choppershack, Phil’s workshop, it was time to sit down and look at it and decide the route they were going to take. Sands was very taken with the Brat style of bikes coming out of Japan but also liked the flat track XR750 type of styling . They decided on a hybrid – a Brat Tracker. So when they put hands on it to strip it down and see what parts they could reuse, they only could reuse frame, fork, wheels, brakes and engine. 30 31 To get the stance right Phil shortened the forks by 2” and had them re-chromed. The rear shocks were swapped for ER500 repros which were also 2” shorter than stock. Then he cut the rear subframe off completely which shortened the frame by about 16” and then bent up a new frame loop which he welded back in much nicer! A day or so with the disc cutter and all unused brackets, tabs, plates and mounts were removed. 32 Phil was offered a Wassell peanut style tank which fitted perfectly with a couple of small modifications on it would be perfect with the fiberglass replica seat of a Mike Hailwood Honda 6 unit that came off eBay which he modified until it fitted like a silk glove on the frame rails. 33 The engine was looking decidedly scruffy as well as not running too strong so he stripped it down completely to rebuilt it with new seals and gaskets throughout and fitted a new set of rings as well as a new condenser. But it was still wrong because the carburetors failed without the original air box. Phil found in the US someone who offers Mikuni roundslide conversion kits for most old Jap bikes and they supplied a very comprehensive 34 kit including new manifolds etc. After fitting them it was a little bit better but still not perfect. If that wasn’t enough, the brand new Performance coil had failed, and with it, the starting, so he fitted a heavy duty chrome Harley coil and it started straight away and ran perfectly. It crackles like a race bike with the twin megaphone exhaust system and having chopped so much weight off it, it was light and fast as well as easy to ride!! 35 Sands, to which we are grateful for accepting to be the model for this reportage, feels so well and comfy riding her Brat Tracker around the twisted roads of Malta that had started modifying her Mash 250 for its daily usage. For sure Phil would have preferred her liking choppers better, but we all know that if your wife is happy, then you are happy… and the rest doesn’t matter at all. 36 37 General Bike: Princess Sandi Model base: Kawa KZ 440Ltd Year: 1980 Owner: Princess Sandi Piper Builder: Phil Piper Workshop: Choppershark Country: Malta Website: www.choppershack.com Engine Manufacturer: Kawasaki Type: Parallel Twin Displacement: 440cc Carbs: Mikuni VM30 Rebuilt: Phil Piper Exhaust headers: Handmade by Phooey Slip-ons>Megaphone style Coil: Heavy duty Harley Chassis & Accessories Frame: Kawa modified Fork: Kawa re-chromed and 2” shortened Bars: Tracker Headlight: Mini Bates Front Wheel: 19” Kawasaki Tire: Avon Tank: Wassell Peanut modified Seat Unit: Modified Hailwood Honda 6 Unit Rear Shocks: Repro Kawasaki ER 500 Rear Wheel: 16” Kawasaki Tire: Avon Taillight – 12v Univeral Paintwork – Jon Coopers Artworks Chroming and Polishing: Honest Kerns Used Plating Bargains, Coventry, UK Powder Coating: Central Wheel Components Coleshill UK 38 39 The Race of Gentlemen Sand, Oil, Gas... ...And lots of fun! Imagine a beach of spectacular dimensions with an old amusement park that Bruce Springsteen has made reference in some of his songs. Now fill it with cars and motorcycles from early last century... and you got the Race of Gentleman Text & 42 pics: D.R. 43 f course this is much easier said than done. To start the Oilers Car Club, the organizers of this event has become a must for lovers of cars and motorcycles in its most “authentic” side, they apply to the fund each year to recover even the tiniest more insignificant details the “real” side of racing and motorcycle racing, as the race of Gentelmen more than a drag race is a throwback in time. 44 45 Vendor stands, advertising posters, clothing of participants and organization, and even auxiliary vehicles like ambulance or crane found on the beach in Wildwood (New Jersey), appear to be part of a giant decorated worthy of a Hollywood production in which the pin ups clothing set and impossible hairstyles, and leather jackets of his companions with slicked hair have the protagonist role. 46 47 “ 48 For two days and two nights Wildwood beach looks like a stage worthy of the best Hollywood production ” 49 And to deal with other fans on the beach sand with hot rods and motorcycles from the World War II, wrapped with the smell of gasoline and oil that permeates the environment must be a very difficult experience to forget. And not only for those who are fortunate enough to experience it can be behind a handlebar or steering wheel, but also for the spectators, who two days and two nights will feel moved as if by magic to a time when everything was much easier that the world in which we live today, to enjoy these races acceleration motorbikes and modified cars, some with most of a century old, that despite the many faults that chase along all the weekend, when they work they do it in the way it was done for decades: no shame, fear or contemplations. 50 51 As the regulation is concerned, the organization intends that everything is in line with the period since the early 1920s to the late 40s, so to comply with the spirit of the event a rigorous pre selection of participants is made, who at the time of registration will have to send a photo of the vehicle. 52 53 “ Constant breakdowns, hands stained with oil, gasoline odor and cheap perfume... The Race of Gentlemen is the pure hot rod culture 54 ” 55 Much importance to appearance is given, so all selected vehicles must be prepared in the style of authentic racing vehicles of the category in which they participate, and no sedan cars or pick-ups are allowed unless they are much modified. 56 57 In the case of motorcycles regulation is more exclusive, since they necessarily have to be manufactured in the USA and have to be from 1947 or earlier. Needless to say that aftermarket parts are not allowed. Engines, carburetors, transmissions and clutch mechanism must be of the time, so in Wildwood we won’t see many clutch levers on the handler. The telescopic forks are not prohibited but must pass a test. With the suspensions you will not have problems is with Springer Harley and Indian Girder or crossbows, but you must be careful that the tires are not aluminum, which retains its drum brakes and the tires are not motocross or with white band. 58 59 “ In these coastal towns in New Jersey you may listen just by closing your eyes “Racing in the Street”... Bruce Springsteen forged in them his legend 60 ” 61 Yet despite the strictness of the rules (and stating that we have not exposed even half of the requirements) the members from most bikers’ clubs from the area won’t let pass the opportunity to get out the garage their Harley, Indian and Excelsior to show that though have tens of years behind, they are still in good shape and are still able to excite the fans even more so than the old hot rods. 62 63 Summing up: if you like cars, motorbikes and vintage atmosphere, and want to live one of the most fun and memorable experiences of your life you cannot miss The Race of Gentlemen. Take a walk by beach or at night through the streets of 64 Wildwood is a true spectacle because it is not usual, even in the United States, to see so many modified cars as elegant as you’ll find in this time travel. You will not regret. 65 “ This beach has not changed in decades. In the same sand was born part of the hot rod culture of the United States ” 66 67 Red Rooster Since nothing less than Ljubljana, the Capital of Slovenia, it comes the KZ1000 that the boys from Krakenhead Customs have been retur ned to life after years of neglect... T e x t : CR ´ s ; P i c s : J a n i N e n d l ( D i r t y S h u tt e r ) 70 71 f all the big four that were manufactured in Japan in the 70s, the Kawasaki Z900 and Z1000 are among the most legendary models. Not only because they were the fastest bikes in its time, but also because they are considered the grandmothers of modern superbikes. 72 This low-slung Kz1000 was a mere shell of its former self, when Rok and Luka of Krakenhead Customs got their hands on it. The 1981 ‘J’ model was found abandoned on a farm, in their native Slovenia. “The farmer was a home-brew winemaker,” says Rok, “and it looked like some of that fermentation had moved over to the bike.” 73 It was the perfect bike for us to create a Kraken from scratch!” so with the help of some workers, tractor parts, duct tape and some questionable welds, they managed to lead it away. The idea was to “create a stylish, but practical, old school café racer, with modern components.” A bike that would be happy on the twisty roads as well as riding from one café to the next turning heads along the way. 74 75 They had things clear, and that is important, but to achieve the target that they had marked yet had much work ahead. The first was to leave the frame completely naked to cut and replace the rusty pipes. Incidentally they prepared it to hide inside the wires of the electrical installation, reinforced the steering head, which is one of the weak points of the Z, to adapt the 43mm upside-down Kayaba fork, and finally remade the rear section and replaced by another rocker with rectangular section in which they installed a Cantilever suspension system with Showa shock. Once the 17 inch aluminum spoke wheels equipped with Brembo rotors, Tokico calipers and Pirelli Phantom Sportcom rubbers were placed in their place, and Luka gave Rok finished the chassis. Now it was the motor’s turn. 76 77 “ 78 The idea was to create a stylish, but practical, old school café racer, with modern components ” 79 The old warrior inline four-cylinder always had a reputation for being hard as a rock unless its owner was careless with the oil level. Winemaker had not been abandoned and even the appearance of the bike did fear the worst, the state of internal organs of the engine said otherwise. What were not so well were the carburetors. 80 That they still had the box filter was fortunate because it prevented a family of rodents to turn the engine in its “home sweet home”, but it was clear that it should be restored, as was also needed to expose all the powerplant to an intensive rejuvenating session based in sand blasting, cleaning, polishing and painting. 81 The list of replacement parts is endless. There’s everything from new stainless steel fasteners to wheel and frame bearings, along with a smorgasbord of electrical components. Even went so far as to zinc plate the carb springs and bolts for a perfect finish. Clearly, it would have been much easier if Rok and Luka had found another Kawasaki as donor bike, but that in Slovenia was impossible. So they had no choice but to manage to solve the problems as they arose. 82 83 With the chassis and the heart of the beast restored, it was time to upgrade the bodywork and start to work in the finishing details of the bike. In front of the KZ1000 gas tank we can see a new headlight with the digital speedo and warning lights embedded in its shell, and a pair of clip-ons with integrated mini-switches. There are probably a hundred more mods that Rok isn’t telling us about, but he did point out that the Kz1000 should now weigh significantly less than it did before. Less weight, more power, modern components and better handling we all know what it means… Guaranteed fun! 84 85 General Bike>Red Rooster Base Model>Kawasaki Kz1000 Builder> Krakenhead Customs Country>Slovenia Engine Manufacturer>Kawasaki Heavy Industries Type>Four in Line Displacement>1000cc Carburettors>Mikuni Air cleaner>K&N Exhaust>2 in to 2 Krakenhead Customs Rebuild & Wiring> Krakenhead Customs Chassis & Accessories Frame>Kz1000 modified Subframe>Krakenhead Customs Fork>43mmShowa fully adjustable Type> USD Handlebar>Clip-Ons Master Cylinder>Brembo Headlight> With integrated speedo and lights Front Wheel>3.5 x 17” Brake rotor>320mm Brembo Caliper>Tokico 6 pots caliper Tire> Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp 120/70x17 Gas Tank>Kz1000 Seat>Krakenhead Customs Swing arm> Krakenhead Customs Square section Rear suspension>Cantilever Shock>Kayaba single shock Rear Wheel>5.5 x 17” Brake rotor>220mm Brembo Caliper>Tokico 2 pots caliper Tire> Pirelli Phantom Sportscomp 180/55x17 Paint>Krakenhead Customs 86 87 The nice thing about a magazine like this is that it is not required to be so politically correct like other publications. This does not mean that we should disrespect your mother, or to trouble you for your thinking, sex, skin color, or your religion choice, but we can tell things as they are. And if that bothers someone... that’s not our problem. Clandestina The bike GLEMSECK 101 was afraid to invite Text: Pepo Rosell; Photos: Sergio Cardeña 90 91 hen Pepo Rosell told us he did not think we had nuts to publish the original text of “Clandestine” we lacked time to say yes. We haven’t even read it before publishing the article, so you know: if you have to beat the shit out of someone ... That person is him! 92 93 The idea of creating the “Clandestina” was a challenge to me to participate last summer in the sprint of the Glemseck 101 in Germany. He had already participated in this test in 2013with 94 the Ducati 900SS “Matador” that I had done for my brother. I was the first Spanish who participated in this event and had so much fun that I felt with many desire to return. 95 In 2015, returning from the “spiritual retreat” that I had done after leaving my activity in Radical Ducati, my previous company, I went to expose a motorcy- 96 cle at Motor Bike Expo in Verona, and the people of the organization Glemseck 101 invited me to participate in the meeting with a stand. 97 I told them that I was interested in competing in the sprint and that I will prepare a bike for this test. It would be an unconventional bike: no electronics, loud, wild, 98 and contaminant and anti social. Summing up: it will be a “clandestine” pileup (hence the name that I baptized it) for this times... 99 Shortly before the test date the organization asked me to show them the bike and send them the technical characteristics, so I sent some pictures of the bike under construction, it was like it was at that time, and I told them it 100 was a Bultaco Pursang 250 of 2 stroke with increased displacement to 370cc and reed intake. It weighs about 90kg and is about 47hp, so for acceleration race of 200m is more than enough, but they answered that they could not admit it because it was not powerful enough to fight with 1000cc bikes, some of them with turbocharger and / or Nitrous Oxide. When I left my amazement I just came with an answer: either you are assholes, or have no fucking idea about motorcycles, or both at a time. And how could it be otherwise, after that I declined the invitation to go to the exhibition! 101 Anyone who understands a little about motorcycle, just a little, know that a well managed 2 strokes is able to ridicule any 4 strokes that triples in weight, so it is not a question of power, but because the organization has to get along with sponsors and his “cronies” of this wave of 102 builders have reached the custom motorcycle industry four days ago, to illuminate his savoir faire and authenticity of Hipster market the rednecks who took more than 20 years in this without knowing doing things ... A real shame that a meeting with both atmosphere and flavor as this has become a fashion parade. And the worst part is that this same way of doing things is spreading to other events of this “media circus” of good vibes, because with the organization of the Wheels & Waves has been exactly the same. 103 I find it very sad that in such an exciting and wide world as custom motorcycles to discriminate against those who do not like to follow the herd (we are not COOL), but it seems sad104 der to me that people in their thirties do not know what a Bultaco is, that there is no biker culture, or that many cling to stereotypes that have discovered two days ago as the Jet helmet, the English motorcycle or the fucking Steve McQueen. It is clear that from now on we will have to go to the dark side (clandestinely) and remain XTR. Sorry, I meant Xtrem. 105 General Bike>Clandestina Base model>Bultaco Mercurio Year> 1962 Builder>Pepo Rosell Workshop>XTR Pepo Country>España Website> Engine Manufacturer>Bultaco Type>Pursang single cylinder Displacement>250cc over bored to 370cc Intake>Reed box Carburetor>Keihin 39mm Exhaust>Supermario TSS 250 Ignition>Motoplat electrónic with double spark Chassis & Accessories Frame>Mercurio heavily modified Subframe>XTR Pepo Fork>USD Cagiva Mito Clip-ons>Cagiva Mito Clutch control> Suzuki GSXR600 Rev counter>Motoplat Bracket>XTR Pepo Plate number>XTR Pepo Front wheel>Cagiva Mito Brake rotor> NG Wave style Caliper>Brembo Tire> Bridgestone Battlax Gas tank>Bultaco Mercurio modified Gas cap>Laverda 500 Seat unit>Carbon fiber RAD 2 modified Side plate numbers>XTR Pepo Rear set>RAV Swingarm>Yamaha SR500 modified Rear Suspensión>XTR Pepo Full Floater Shock absorber>Betor Rear wheel>Cagiva Mito Brake rotor> Cagiva Mito Caliper>Brembo Master cylinder>RAV Tire> Bridgestone Battlax Paint>Artenruta Weight>99Kg without fuel 106 107 The lost bike When in the 68’s “Tokyo Motorcycle Show” Honda launched their CB750, they left the industry astonished. The sophistication level of that bike with 4 cylinder engine, 5 speed gearbox and front disc brake hasn’t got any precedents in the market. Text: Old Times Racer; Photos: D.R. 108 109 he brilliance of the CB750’s naval engineering, its impeccable finishes attached to a performance that removes breath, and an excellent price-quality ratio, catapulted Honda to the top of world’s biggest market, the US, although those responsible for the Japanese firm hasn’t got enough. They wanted to be absolute leaders of the world market and they would not rest un- 110 til archiving it. In the old continent, where European brands were the absolute owners in large displacements, Honda had clear that the only way to achieve the favor of the audience was showing the value of his products in competition, so in 1969 they sent to France some street CB with some improvements, that to everyone’s surprise, won the Bol d’Or, the hardest 24 hour race in the world. 111 After that success Bob Hansen, Honda USA technician director, convinced those responsible for the brand that to run at Daytona was the best way to strengthen its leadership on both sides of the Atlantic. Blunting in the Daytona 200, in which ending up in a good position already was a major success, was the Big Dreams of all brands for the advertising repercussion. Honda was not convinced but finally agreed and prepared thoroughly the appoint- 112 ment in Florida, building in Japan four prototypes that will be held by British pilots which only ran for Honda Europe. Fortunately one of those bikes was assigned to the American pilot Dick Mann to face pilots like Mike Hailwood, Dave Aldana, Gene Romero, Gary Nixon or Carl Rayborn, that in control of its Honda, Harley XRTT, Triumph Trident and BSA Rocket 3 will not make it easy. 113 “ Honda was not raised to offer the public a racing bike when he created the CB750 Four, but to sell motorcycles... it first had to win in the circuits 114 ” 115 We all know the final results of that Daytona 200 edition. None of the Europe Honda riders finished the race, and Mann hit the record of the track at an average speed of 152mph winning the1970 Daytona 200 editing. After he gave the lap of honor with his Honda CB he withdrew the bike, and the 750RT (Racing Type), was used never again in competition, it disappeared forever. 116 117 During more than three decades collectors around the world searched it in Japan, the United States and Europe, and even in the year 2000 someone said it was Paris nobody could ever prove to be the winner of 118 the Daytona 200 because the story says that of the four prototypes that Honda was built two pairs rum to France to participate in the Endurance Championship, and was most likely that motorcycle to be one of them. 119 “ Since the racing boom of classic bikes the aftermarket industry have developed many parts that anyone can have his own CB750RT ” 120 121 But as it was, or not, it is not important because since the racing boom began for classic motorcycles, the aftermarket industry has been in charge of developing hundreds of parts and accessories that any Honda Four well “made-up” can become a very worthy replica of the bike that won the Daytona 200 in 1970. 122 123 It surely haven’t got the 90hp that gave that bike if you do not get the pieces of RSC kit (Racing Services Club) but you will not have any problem to get its beautiful frame, its Keihin CR carburetors, 124 the four megaphones to improve the old Four, and even an exact copy of the Smith rev counter for the inside of the fairing. Of course, if you want to try if some polycystic radar is able to “catch you” flying 245Kmh on the highway you will have to spoil its pretty picture with things as vulgar as a headlight, a taillight and a number plate. 125 “ Winning the Daytona 200 was the best advertising campaign that a brand could dream 126 ” 127 www.xtremebikes.es