It started life as a 350 and was ridden by a Belgium guy who blew up the engine while racing it - without oil! He had the engine replaced - with a 450 and only rode a few tho' with it on the road - with oil. I got it resprayed, refitted with all NOS stuff and sanatised. Currently I am seriously thinking about entering the moto giro d'italia with it... *if* i can start it, that is ;-) Its a bitch to start when warm! nice to know is, its my first single duck and despite it being an old duck, its great fun to ride! I'm very lucky to own several bikes and I prefer 750cc+ to be honest, but I'm hopping on this bike more and more. Its a very small machine, im only 180cm myself and still im cramped. the gearshift is really too tight between the exhaust and the level so Im having it moved out a bit so my leg wont tear off at the hip. it shakes and thumps and vibrates - but it is so darn quick! The torque is great, and because it only a light little bike it picks up fine in modern traffic and is not shamed in any way by modern bikes! The sound is very special. it has a determined undertone to it, very focussed - if you get my gist. nothing like the Vtwins but very much ear-catching.

Words by Rob himself