Author Topic: Honda Flat Trackers!! (Read 43257 times)

Ecosse · « **on:** October 12, 2008, 10:51:38 PM »

I'm not generally into these things but at this point I'm hoping Motorcyclist Retro (are ya listening guys?) does a piece on 'em! Who here can shed some light or personal info?

http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/classics/bike.asp?id=25

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #1 on:** October 12, 2008, 10:59:17 PM »

Sorta on-topic, here's an Australian member of the "Vigilantes" and he appears to be flat-tracking a 750. Odd technique and even has the stock 4-into-4s and seat!

Ecosse · « **Reply #2 on:** October 12, 2008, 11:01:40 PM »

I love that shot! I read somewhere these guys did some stunt riding for the Mad Max films.

Looks like flat tracking without the dirt to me.

Ecosse · « **Reply #3 on:** October 12, 2008, 11:25:38 PM »

More visual stimuli.

CB450 based?

gerhed · « **Reply #4 on:** October 13, 2008, 05:11:42 AM »

Ricky Graham won the Grand National title in '84 on the
Honda RS750D.
After much expensive screwing around Honda had finally built a motor almost exactly like the
Harley XR750.
For a brief period Honda sold this motor to qualified
folks for around $8000--I believe the full race Harley motor was about twice as much.
I was introduce to flat track on July 3rd, 1962 at a race on the mile track at the Detroit Fairgrounds.
Carroll Resweber and Bart Markle contested. Resweber carried the #1 plate at the time, I think.
This event changed my life !
This was the same summer that "The Great Escape" came out
so I was a gonner for sure!

754 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 13, 2008, 09:09:22 AM »

Did the Vigilante ride that out??..

or kiss the pavement..??

KB02 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 13, 2008, 09:34:33 AM »

Ah, good ole' flat trackin'. The origanal drifters!!!

Ecosse · « **Reply #7 on:** October 13, 2008, 10:41:22 AM »

Gerhed, Thanks! You probably already know about these guys then.

http://www.metisse-motorcycles.com/

754, I wondered the same thing; could have gone either way I think. $:-\$

KB02, I'm with ya on that and in the 80's Audi rally cars continued the trend!

gerhed · « **Reply #8 on:** October 13, 2008, 01:04:21 PM »

The Metisse looks good to me--a little steep on the price, maybe.
I think I'll stick with my TR-6--almost the same ?

Feb. '85 issue of "Cycle" magazine has articles and pictures concerning
the Honda flat track effort--by Alan Girdler
as well as great coverage of the auction of McQueen's bikes in Las Vegas.

Ecosse · « **Reply #9 on:** October 13, 2008, 05:04:42 PM »

Quote from: gerhed on October 13, 2008, 01:04:21 PM

The Metisse looks good to me--a little steep on the price, maybe.
I think I'll stick with my TR-6--almost the same ?

Feb. '85 issue of "Cycle" magazine has articles and pictures concerning
the Honda flat track effort--by Alan Girdler
as well as great coverage of the auction of McQueen's bikes in Las Vegas.

How generous of you to offer to post scans of that article Gerhed!

'Gerhed'... as in Herr Gerhed? Is that German for gear-head?

754 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 13, 2008, 06:05:18 PM »

Nope, it would end in kopf..

..like zahnradkopf... is sprockethead..

bill440cars · « **Reply #11 on:** October 13, 2008, 08:13:40 PM »

Now, I'm not one for the early Triumphs, but that was one incredible good looking bike, in "Metisse" form!

GoatBaSS · « **Reply #12 on:** October 14, 2008, 05:23:24 AM »

According to my info, Honda did just that, sold the engines, you brung da frame. Beat Harley so bad for two years HD protested and got them banned. Honda said well two years of wins is better than nothing and left dt racing. It is a 750 and is still on the same floor of Barbers....

Quote from: gerhed on October 13, 2008, 05:11:42 AM

Ricky Graham won the Grand National title in '84 on the
Honda RS750D.
After much expensive screwing around Honda had finally built a motor almost exactly like the
Harley XR750.
For a brief period Honda sold this motor to qualified
folks for around $8000--I believe the full race Harley motor was about twice as much.

Ecosse · « **Reply #13 on:** October 14, 2008, 09:57:02 AM »

Love it! Maybe Motorcyclist Retro will cover it. I 'd like to see tech details of that motor too.

754 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 14, 2008, 08:25:22 PM »

I would love to see a pic of 1 of the 4 Champion frames made for CB 750, for dirt track..

One was in Rocky Cycle sponsorship, perhaps ridden by Hocking...

Ecosse · « **Reply #15 on:** October 19, 2008, 06:33:06 PM »

Here's an oldie but a goodie.

bill440cars · « **Reply #16 on:** October 21, 2008, 09:39:48 AM »

Quote from: Ecosse on October 19, 2008, 06:33:06 PM

Here's an oldie but a goodie.

Whoa!!

I LIKE that bike!!

I just found my NEW wallpaper for my PC!

Thanks for posting THAT one!

bill440cars · « **Reply #17 on:** October 21, 2008, 09:50:16 AM »

Quote from: Ecosse on October 12, 2008, 11:25:38 PM

More visual stimuli.

CB450 based?

No doubt, the 750s are TOUGH, but these 450s are mighty good looking bikes at that.

dusterdude · « **Reply #18 on:** October 21, 2008, 01:20:23 PM »

Quote from: GroovieGhoulie on October 12, 2008, 10:59:17 PM

Sorta on-topic, here's an Australian member of the "Vigilantes" and he appears to be flat-tracking a 750. Odd technique and even has the stock 4-into-4s and seat!

odd technique is because he`s going the wrong direction.damn aussies cant even race in the right direction...geez.

Ecosse · « **Reply #19 on:** October 21, 2008, 07:22:56 PM »

OK, this one was a little harder to find. From what I gather the engine of this less than successful attempt was based on the CX twin, turned side ways and given a chain drive.

mgmuellner · « **Reply #20 on:** October 22, 2008, 10:28:59 PM »

I went to the indy mile this year which ran on the motogp weekend. That's some fantastic racing. Thanks for the pics.

Ecosse · « **Reply #21 on:** October 23, 2008, 10:19:27 PM »

Dug up another one.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #22 on:** October 23, 2008, 10:33:09 PM »

Quote from: dusterdude on October 21, 2008, 01:20:23 PM

Quote from: GroovieGhoulie on October 12, 2008, 10:59:17 PM
Sorta on-topic, here's an Australian member of the "Vigilantes" and he appears to be flat-tracking a 750. Odd technique and even has the stock 4-into-4s and seat!

odd technique is because he`s going the wrong direction.damn aussies cant even race in the right direction...geez.

It's funny isn't it Mark, nowadays a Vigilante wouldn't be seen dead on a Honda, but back then anything went, even for an outlaw club. I'm guessing he stole it..............

gerhed · « **Reply #23 on:** October 24, 2008, 01:58:00 PM »

I had a set of vintage (meaning old and rock hard) Carlisle 19" flat track tires on
a 3-wheeler I built in the late 80's.

Ecosse · « **Reply #24 on:** October 24, 2008, 02:36:47 PM »

Newer kit. Engine info anyone? Dig that frame too.

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Author Topic: Honda Flat Trackers!! (Read 43257 times)