The Torpedo Lightweight Motorcycle.

The Torpedo lightweight motorcycle was a project that was born out of a book I was once given by a very good French friend. 'La Motocyclette en France 1894 - 1914' is basically a list all the makers of early French motorcycle manufacturers along with diagrams, drawings and lots of fabulous period photographs of early racing motorcycles, many of which were not much more than an bicycle frame with an engine strapped to it somewhere. A true Motor-cycle. 

Perusing the book for many hours and often during the winter months, had me thinking about building a modern interpretation of an early racing bike with a small proprietary engine. Readily available and good value were small capacity 80cc bicycle engine kits and one was swiftly purchased to try out my idea. A suitable frame was found as a basis and an extra curved tube was brazed below the cross bar and blended in to the main frame with some dummy fabricated end lugs. I researched many types of front forks and always kept coming back to springer cruiser bicycle forks which again, were readily available. 

I wanted the finished concept to have a vintage vibe, so components were carefully chosen or made to suit the project. Drum brakes and Westwood style rims gave a clean and useable set of wheels and were hand made in the workshop. Everything else being made or carefully sourced to provide a bespoke build. Electrics to power the engine fitted snuggly in a leather bag that hangs for the handlebars. 

A fuel tank was needed and I do love the copper and brass early pointed fuel tanks fitted to early racing cars and motorcycles. Me being someone who loves to repurpose original things, I noticed that old French copper garden water sprayers were perfect for the job, so one was sourced and the modified with a new copper pointy end and fittings to attach to the frame with a new fuel tap and cap made. An old Brooks leather racing saddle mounted on a bespoke dropped saddle post followed the lines from the handlebars and tank. 

I remember firing up the prototype for the first time. Pedalling to start, and off it went with me onboard and a massive grin on my face. It rode like a path racer with 80cc to power it. The long wheelbase meant it was stable and nimble to ride and the front springer forks gave it a softness. With more testing and tweaking on private roads, I was ready to turn the prototype into a more advanced version.

Since the first prototype, several of these fun machines are now being used and enjoyed by customers on their private estates.