Old video of me building the Speedmaster Cafe

Posted on October 24, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

24 Oct

Hey there Gang

Many people email me and ask about the bikes I create, the parts that I make and offer and many also ask for advise on their machines.

I am still learning after almost 4 decades of being into Motorcycles and thats what I love about it.

Motorcycles will always be a big part of my life, i have met many people from all over the Globe, I have also built machines and sent to so many far off countries, it simply amazes me sometimes, but this is my passion and I continue to feed my passion with these fascinating 2 wheeled machines.

Below is the Speedmaster cafe bike that I created, it now resides on the otherside of the world and in fact, I met the owner this year as he travelled the USA and he came to one of our 59 Club monthly meets, so always cool to meet clients.

If you need help, advise etc, please feel free to drop me a line at carpy@carpyscaferacers.com as this is what I do and if I can get your Motorcycle back on the road, it makes me feel good and you great.

keep doing what you are doing, take your time, building bike is a learning curve that takes a long time to conquor and I am still trying to get to that stage after all these years, but its a fun journey and hope that you stick with me through it.

Here is the little Video for today, enjoy……

Norton unveil the Mick Grants Special Cafe Racer series

Posted on October 21, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

21 Oct

A great day for Classic Bike enthusiasts, as Norton Unveil this Mick Grant Special.

Norton launch exclusive Mick Grant Replica. We are proud to reveal a stunning replica of Mick’s famous #7 JPS Norton. Only 7 bikes are being hand built for global release today. For all inquiries please contact karen.fearon@nortonmotorcycles.com we are working on a strict first come first served basis as this exclusive run of bikes are sure to become very sought after. All owners will get to meet Mick at the Norton factory as they collect their handbuilt bike which comes with signed certificate and a picture opportunity with Mick and their bike. Norton have worked with Mick within the TT race department in the last few years and wanted to do the bike as a thank you and to pay homage to what was and still is a fabulous career within motorcycle racing. Well done and a HUGE thank you from ALL at Norton to Mick Grant.

Such a Nostalgic look to this New ride and I am sure Mick would be tipping his hat from above if he claps eyes on this thing of beauty.

With those Anodized Ohlin shocks, you know that this will help you around the next bend with none of the Old Girling lumpiness that it used to be.

I wonder who is going to be the lucky 7 owners of this model, a rare bike right off the factory floor and I sure hope that I get to see one over here.

GUY MARTIN DRIVES FERRARI FXX For FIRST TIME.

Posted on August 19, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

19 Aug

All I can say before you watch this Video that my Brother sent to me today is; “Turn the FECKING sound up”, this 6.3 Liter- 6 speed growls out a 809 HP Sizzle. the Young Kid I think is the Owners son and he looked a little more than worried at a few turns, but Guy LOVED it!

Just listen to the awesome cackle of the V12 2 seater Berlietta as guy gets to grips with it for the first time, he has never driven this so took it easy, but I love this sound when she is on the PIPE.

The FXX uses some technology developed from the Enzo Ferrari, and combines it with some new developments from Ferrari and its suppliers. However, the car is only a part of the overall program. Customers pay £2 million, but are only allowed to drive the car on special track days which are approved by Ferrari. After they drive the car, the owners are entitled to be briefed by Ferrari on the car’s performance. Ferrari’s sister company, Maserati, has developed a similar car, the MC12 Corsa. It is suspected^{[by whom?]} that Ferrari closely guards the FXX due to the car incorporating various advanced technology from Ferrari’s F1 team that the company did not want being inadvertently released to rivals.^{[citation needed]}

An evolution of the Enzo, in essence, the FXX shares some components with the original car, but numerous, significant developments are unique to the FXX.

The FXX’s engine is based on Enzo’s, but displacement has been increased to 6,262 cc (6.3 L; 382.1 cu in) from 5,998 cc (6.0 L; 366.0 cu in). Output has been boosted from the Enzo’s 670 PS (492.8 kW; 660.8 hp), to 820 PS (603 kW; 809 hp) at 8,500 rpm.

The gearbox incorporates the latest developments from Ferrari’s F1 program and has a shift time of under 100 ms. The brake pads were also upgraded from the Enzo. It does, however, retain the Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite discs found on the Enzo. The tires are custom-developed 19 inch slicks.

The FXX features comprehensive data-monitoring and telemetry that not only allows the driver to improve performance, but also provides Ferrari technicians with valuable data to improve the FXX and future road-going Ferraris.

Ferrari has built 30, adding one special edition to the 29 that were originally planned. The original 29 have all been sold to pre-selected past Ferrari customers. The 30th was retained by Ferrari S.p.A. and presented to Ferrari’s F1 World Champion driver, Michael Schumacher, when he retired from Formula One racing at the end of 2006. Schumacher’s FXX differs from others in being black without a stripe, having red trimmed wheels, matte rather than chrome exhaust tips, and his personal logo stitched on the racing seats.

FXX owners also participate in Ferrari’s testing and brand development programs. As part of the FXX programme, the car is maintained by the Ferrari factory. The purpose of this particular program is to allow Ferrari’s top customers exclusive access to its most up-to-date technology and to utilize their input in the development of future models. The model was only sold in Europe. Units can be imported, but not owned, in any other continent. The FXX Evolution package was reported to cost 1.5 million euros (excluding taxes) (2.1 million USD),^[1] including the car, the crew and the services provided by Ferrari. Between 2005-2007 there were only 30 produced and I’d love one of these for sure!

Specifications

A Ferrari FXX at the Brussels Motor Show

Engine: 6.3 L V12 Longitudinal, rear-mid-mounted, 65-degree, naturally aspirated aluminium V12
Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder with continuously variable timing
Fuel system: Bosch Motronic ME7 Sequential Electronic Injection
Max power: 588 kW (799 PS; 789 hp) at 8500 rpm^[2]
Max torque: 686 N·m (506 lb·ft) at 5750 rpm^[2]
Specific Output: 128 PS (94 kW; 126 hp) per litre^[2]
Drive system: RWD w/TCS
Construction: Carbon fibre body over carbon fibre tub with rear alloy subframe
Front brakes: Brembo CCM (carbon-ceramic) discs w/6-piston calipers, power assist ABS
Rear brakes: Brembo CCM (carbon-ceramic) discs w/4-piston calipers, power assist ABS
0-60 mph acceleration: 2.44s
Front wheels: 483 mm (19.0 in) x 229 mm (9.0 in)
Rear wheels: 483 mm (19.0 in) x 330 mm (13 in)
Steering: Rack and pinion with power assistance
Suspension: Double wishbones with push-rod actuated coil-shock units, adaptive dampers, electronic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar
Wheelbase: 2,650 mm (104 in)^[3]
Front track: 1,660 mm (65 in)
Rear track: 1,650 mm (65 in)
Rear view is provided by a roof mounted video camera displayed on a small inboard screen.^[3]
Top Speed: 345 kilometres per hour (214 mph)^[

My Thruxton with a New Look !

Posted on August 3, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

03 Aug

Here we are with a brand new look to my 2013 Thruxton, as I had drawn this up a long time ago and wanted the old style look with a new ride.

I was so fortunate to be honored as the President of the 59 Club for Orange County, California and that was back in March 2014 and sure am stoked to have that bestowed upon me and I do my utmost to promote this famous club to the best of my ability.

I have made numerous changes to my Thruxton and am still making improvements as and when time and money is available.

As you may notice, I have made my own front bikini fairing, similar to the Thruxton but extended two inches on the top – and of course I have the ears extended back to give it a slight Rickman styling, also I added my 7 inch LED headlight that really sets the front end off on my machine.

I am from the UK and as a teenager I grew up loving motorcycles and immersed myself in what ever I could, I loved all the classics and my first ever Caff racer was back in 1978 when we got our provisional License and had a 50cc Suzuki that I put Clubman bars on, cut down seat and fitted a fairing and from then on I was hooked into the scene.

I used to go to all the Rocker Reunions to watch the Gene Vincent styled bands play, from Joe Brown and His Brothers to The Rapiers, who still gig today.

If you look on the tank I have painted Ton Up and ask any Rocker what that means, it means to go over 100 miles an hour and back in 1959 that was quite a feat to accomplish. This has nothing to do with the TON UP clubs that are all over the place, I had this logo many years ago as we were Ton Up Boys back then and this term was coined back home in the 1950’s by the 59 Club members. I wanted to use a Triumph Style font and love the look.

I made the tail cowl too and my seat has the compartment inside the cowl so that I can store all sorts of stuff for my ride. You will also notice the awesome polished finned Primary Cover that I received from Speed Merchant and boy does that look trick now.

I have Speed Merchant covers and love the look, fit and style of these castings etc, and get many good positive comments on the set up I have.

My stainless steel Monarch Megaphones bark like a scolded dog and actually improve performance, hope to get a dyno chart on them soon.

I also make the side covers too and have an air intake style grill that really helps the bike and as I now have pod filters, these breathes well.

Right now I am working on making brand new stainless steel headers for the Thruxton and the Bonneville, so stay tuned on my website for that.

I have the big wide 5.5 T.T. rear wheel set up with Wave rotors too on a stock swing arm and it handles very well but soon I will have new alloy rear swing arms that will be available for all to purchase for your rides.

I have TEC shocks right now with my covers I machined on them to give that racy look and am happy with that set up until I can afford some Works Performance piggy backs.

The bike sits well and I have Wave rotors front and rear, it corners so well and have such fun with this bike.

Just have a look at the gorgeous SM Finned Clutch Cover, it really is a piece of art and a happy I went this route as its kinda Hot Roddy!

From the right side you can see that I have my own oil pressure gauge set up on the bike and I love to know I have good oil pressure.

I changed the Front sprocket to a 19 and love the performance and fuel millage on it and now will be fitting a nickel DID chain to compliment it.

To break 100 MPH in Great Britain back in the day was a major effort and the 59 Club were the first Rockers organized motorcycle club and that where you started to hear TON UP, doing the Ton, Ton up Boys, Ton Up Pirate, Ton up kid. To break ‘the ton’ was a huge achievement back in the day and gave you some bragging rights.

Back in the day my dad would point if we were in the car going somewhere and would say look, “Ton Up Boys”

My first Ton Up experience was putting my brother on the back of an RD200 and tapping him on the shoulder so he could look at my speedometer needle bouncing at the 101 MPH, it was an awesome experience and a sense of accomplishment back then, albeit it highly illegal, as it still is today!

The real badges I have from back home.

The FIRST organized motorcycle club in Great Britain and when Britain was really great was the club I am now president of here (the Orange County, California chapter) some 55 years later.

I wanted to fit my fairing on the bike and give it a slightly nostalgic look that I grew up with, having a fairing back then was not just cool it made you more aerodynamic, which meant you could go faster, I also used to be able to tuck stuff in the fairing like tools, maps and spark plugs, etc., and on occasion, as my throttle would stick, keep the throttle wide open on cold mornings on the freeway and put my cold hands in the fairing to warm up a bit.

This is the rear of the bike with my own made cowl with old style metal-flake gold paint and of course the famous 59 Club insignia I am so proud of.

My peanut style tank looks great in the new livery as green was just too common and I have had many green bikes over the years but always loved black and gold. you can see my old style European Fog light and oil pressure gauge to the right of the bike.

My ram air system style side covers not only looks cool they are cool and function very well transporting cool air to my pod filters.

This has House of Kolor Aztec Gold flake and it sure looks good when the sun is out.

So, here she is outside my shop and has so many of my parts on her, the Oil Pan Bash Plate, the fog light, the fairing, the exhaust, the rear cowl and seat, the side covers and the front alloy fender, all designed by me and available to you, too.

I have so much fun with my Thruxton and we have many rides to great places, check out meetup.com under Carpy’s Cafe Racer Meet Ups and come on a ride with us all, you will love it.

I still have more to do to my bike as I will be making a 3/4 Dunstall style fairing for her to give that early 60’s styling and something I really like.

I thank you for looking at my Cafe and love to hear from you, carpy@carpyscaferacers.com if you want to drop me a line or two?

Look forward to seeing some of you on the road, as we have many rides and start to go to more places too.

Stay tuned for more stuff like parts and apparel, etc., as I love what I do and enjoy meeting like minded people.

Just some history below back in 64.

1964 Rockers from Hong Kong Rockers on Vimeo.

1964 Rockers footage
Edit by H.K.R.C. (Hong Kong Rockers Club)

Here is me on my Thruxton a few months ago taking Big Bear Area in, I loved how the bike handled with the new rims on.

L.A. MODS VS ROCKERS #10 This Weekend.

Posted on June 10, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

10 Jun

Well here it is, the next chapter in L.A. and for me this will be the first time I have seen this shin dig and am hoping it is going to be a swell turn out at the event as it would be great to see as many people as possible turn up for something like this.

Jesse Workman aka DJ Astro will be spinning classic tunes!

Shirts will only be for sale on Saturday. No meet and Greet Friday, sorry guys. Please bring cash, no ATMs in the forrest. Remember Camping is a donation of $10, plus there will be a raffle!!!! $1 tickets! and $10 Shirts!

Food Update: Pagan Feast will roast a pig!
Pre Buy Now!!!!!!!!!!
Menu: Free Range, Wood Fire Roasted Pig with Collard Greens, BBQ Beans and a slice of bread for $14 a plate
To purchase tickets in advance and get your name on the list please paypal us at: kelly.kelaen@gmail.com for $14. We will be taking prepaid orders and reserving plates until the end of the day Thursday June 11th. After that the rest will be on a first come, first serve, cash basis at the campground. We only have 75 prepaid plates available so get yours now!!
For any questions please contact Kelly Lopez via facebook.

Lots of fun stuff to do! Mods vs Rockers tug of war! Slow race, horse shoes etc!

Try packing light, no guarantee of chase trucks this year. Please organize with local riders, friends etc.. We got stuck with way too much stuff last year. Pack some food, drinks, etc. We’ll have a communal BBQ, so you can cook your food! Bring some water!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!RIDING TIP FOR SATURDAY!!!!!!!!!
If both meeting spots are out of the way for you, BOTH rides will stop at the (Shell Gas Station 4530 Angeles Crest Hwy La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011) before going up to the Bandido Campsite! Be ready at the Shell station at 12;30pm and wait patiently!!! This is the last gas station for 28 miles!

SATURDAY June 13th Scooter and Motorcycle Rally/Ride to campgrounds

-MOTORCYCLES: Meet at Atlantis Motors Inc
3300 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
Ride Leaves 12noon sharp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This will probably be a fun and huge ride.. This includes a short hop on the 2 fwy/ 210 then hwy 2 exit! . If you think yer bike is too small or you want a slower scenic ride, join the scooters.

-SCOOTERS: Eatz Cafe in Los Feliz!!!
3207 Los Feliz Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90039
Leaves 12noon sharp! Lead by Bar Italia Scooter Shop!!
Scoots will cruz streets through Glendale/Pasadena before going up the Crest.. NO FREEWAY!

Sunday June 2nd; Ride home, breakfast at Newcombs Ranch! Your on your own or follow a group home!

Remember!!! The Bandido Group campground is just 2-3 miles past Newcombs Ranch restaurant!! We’ll post a yellow sign at the turn, on the 2 highway, keep your eyes open!!!!!!!

MAP TO CAMP GROUNDS FROM SHELL GAS STATION (JUST COPY PASTE YOUR STARTING POINT):
Name of Campsite is Bandido Group Campground, it’s just before Horse Flats!!!!

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Bandido+Campground,+Pearblossom,+CA+93553,+United+States/@34.346204,-118.003678,17z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x80c2e3eef743e995:0x65e03aab4ac37c2c?hl=en

QUESTIONS: MESSAGE ME OR CALL 818-489-4579 EDDIE (11am-8pm M-THurs) (Anytime Friday) (Early Saturday,GOOD LUCK after 11am)

Camp Grounds
EVERYONE IS SUBJECT TO CAMPGROUND LAWS! WE ARE NOT LIABLE FOR ANYTHING STUPID YOU MIGHT DO to yourself! READ CAMPGROUND LAWS/RULES NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF THE CAMPSITE, THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT!!!! YOU COULD BE FINED!

This is a really cool camp ground that holds 150 campers+. The site has 4 bathrooms, but no running water! Even though we will have bottled water , it’s a good idea to bring a quart of water for yourself and extra food, we’ll provide a grill and coals! . If you need a bathroom with running water and a cooked meals, Newcombs ranch is open till 10pm and a 3 miles away!
We’ll also provide firewood for the main camp fire and power for music! After that your on your own! But bring logs if you can!!

WEATHER AND WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING!
At 5840ft elevation, it’ll be hot during the day and freezing cold at night! For camping you’ll need a tent, sleeping bag and warm clothes! A small bottle of water, flashlight(!), some extra food(freeze you perishables!) then you won’t need a cooler(put in backback)! Travel light!

If the weather is cloudy in the city. by the time your half way up the 2Hwy(Crest) you’ll break passed the cloud line and it’ll blue skies and bright sun! You will not be disappointed.

Website Directions:
From La Canada at the junction of the I-210 and State Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway), exit I-210 and turn north towards the mountains on State Route 2. Proceed 28.5 miles to Three Points (two miles past Newcomb’s Ranch Cafe) and turn left onto Forest Service Road 3N17 (Santa Clara Divide Road). Continue west 2 miles to the entrance; gate is on the left.

Cool TT shots

Posted on June 5, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

05 Jun

A Picture tells a thousand words right? So lets not beat about the Bush as this chap Martyn takes some cool shots that I was sent today, will try and get more info when I get it.

Isle Of Man TT times.

Posted on June 4, 2015January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

04 Jun

Well, racing is going well today, here are some Lap times for you to look at.

Below is Glen Helen

Thursday, June 4th last updated 19:21:09

	Machine	Sector	Lap
Michael Dunlop3	2014 BMW S1000RR	04:16.397	136.195 (4:16.397)L3
Ian Hutchinson9	2015 Kawasaki ZX10	04:16.484	136.149 (4:16.484)L2
Bruce Anstey5	2015 Honda CBR1000RR	04:17.081	135.833 (4:17.081)L2
William Dunlop6	2015 BMW S1000RR	04:18.581	135.045 (4:18.581)L2
John McGuinness1	2015 Honda CBR1000RRSP	04:19.403	134.617 (4:19.403)L2
Conor Cummins10	2015 Honda CBR1000RRSP	04:19.941	134.338 (4:19.941)L2
Michael Rutter4	2015 BMW S1000RR	04:20.645	133.975 (4:20.645)L2
Guy Martin8	2015 BMW S1000RR	04:21.121	133.731 (4:21.121)L2
Dean Harrison11	2015 Yamaha YZF-R1	04:22.112	133.225 (4:22.112)L2
David Johnson16	SST BMW S1000RR	04:22.151	133.206 (4:22.151)L2
John McGuinness1	2015 Honda CBR1000RRSP	04:22.526	133.015 (4:22.526)L1
Jamie Hamilton24	2014 Suzuki GSX-R1000	04:23.079	132.736 (4:23.079)L2
Ian Hutchinson9	2015 Kawasaki ZX10	04:23.100	132.725 (4:23.100)L1
James Hillier2	2013 Kawasaki ZX-10R	04:23.674	132.436 (4:23.674)L2
Bruce Anstey5	2015 Honda CBR1000RR	04:23.844	132.351 (4:23.844)L1
Lee Johnston13	BMW STK	04:24.358	132.094 (4:24.358)L2
Peter Hickman17	2015 BMW S1000RR	04:24.858	131.844 (4:24.858)L2
Michael Rutter4	2015 BMW S1000RR	04:24.985	131.781 (4:24.985)L1
Gary Johnson7	2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R	04:25.194	131.677 (4:25.194)L1
Dan Kneen15	DK 2015 Honda CBR1000RR	04:25.564	131.494 (4:25.564)L2
Conor Cummins10	2015 Honda CBR1000RRSP	04:25.900	131.328 (4:25.900)L1
Ian Hutchinson9	1000cc Kawasaki ZX10	04:25.940	131.308 (4:25.940)L1
James Hillier2	2013 Kawasaki ZX-10R	04:26.061	131.248 (4:26.061)L1
Jamie Hamilton24	2014 Suzuki GSX-R1000	04:26.068	131.245 (4:26.068)L1
Steve Mercer20	2014 Honda CBR1000RR	04:26.374	131.094 (4:26.374)L2
Michael Dunlop3	2014 BMW S1000RR	04:26.652	130.957 (4:26.652)L2
Ryan Kneen56	2013 Kawasaki ZX-10R	04:27.152	130.712 (4:27.152)L2
Guy Martin8	2015 BMW S1000RR	04:27.501	130.542 (4:27.501)L1
Michael Dunlop3	2014 BMW S1000RR	04:27.507	130.539 (4:27.507)L1
Gary Johnson7	2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R	04:27.729	130.430 (4:27.729)L2
Dean Harrison11	2015 Yamaha YZF-R1	04:28.051	130.274 (4:28.051)L1
Alan Bonner86	2014 Kawasaki ZX-10R	04:28.197	130.203 (4:28.197)L2
William Dunlop6	2015 BMW S1000RR	04:28.507	130.052 (4:28.507)L1
Bruce Anstey5	SST 2015 Honda CBR1000RR	04:28.538	130.037 (4:28.538)L1
Dean Harrison11	2015 Yamaha YZF-R1	04:29.204	129.716 (4:29.204)L1
William Dunlop6	2015 BMW S1000RR	04:29.437	129.604 (4:29.437)L1
John McGuinness1	SST 2015 Honda CBR1000RRSSP	04:29.489	129.579 (4:29.489)L1
Ryan Farquhar14	2015 Kawasaki ZX-10R	04:29.973	129.346 (4:29.973)L1
Steve Mercer20	2014 Honda CBR1000RR	04:30.338	129.172 (4:30.338)L1
Guy Martin8	2015 BMW S1000RR	04:30.667	129.015 (4:30.667)L1

T.T. is like a death Race ‘ Says Moto GP’s Scott Redding.

Posted on June 5, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

05 Jun

Isle of Man TT is ‘like death race’, says MotoGP’s Scott Redding

MotoGP’s Scott Redding will not appear in Friday’s Isle of Man TT parade lap after describing the event as “like a death race” after two riders died.

Bob Price, 65, from Redding’s hometown of Gloucester, was killed in an accident during the first Supersport race on 2 June.

Three-time British champion Karl Harris, 34, died in a crash on Tuesday.

Redding, 21, said on Twitter: “This is not racing anymore. It’s like a death race. Lost too many friends.”

He added: “All the riders that finish are relieved to finish in one piece and see their loved ones.

“This is not racing anymore. It’s like death race, all the riders that finish are relieved to finish in one piece and see their loved ones. Lost too many friends.”

Scott Redding on Twitter

“The bikes are far too advanced for road racing nowadays. Would you drive your car at 132mph through a village?”

Clerk of the course, Gary Thompson, told BBC Isle of Man: “Scott has his own views, as have many other people, but it’s not something that I can comment on as those are his private views.

“I’ve heard people say that the TT is too dangerous, we are aware that the speed of bikes is getting faster, but each year we carry out a full risk assessment of the whole TT course.

“That includes the prohibited and restricted areas where we restrict officials and spectators from going into the most dangerous parts of the course. This is carried out on an annual basis and is an ongoing improvement throughout the year.”

In a statement confirming his withdrawal, Redding paid a special tribute to Price – a close family friend who had been involved in his racing career, which has seen him rise from Moto2 to MotoGP in four years.

“He was one of the few people outside of my immediate family who supported me when I started out racing. I will miss him, as will many others in our racing family,” said Redding.

“Then yesterday, we heard the tragic news that Karl Harris had also lost his life. Karl and Bob are both guys that I know and their deaths have hit me harder than I expected. Honestly, I’m devastated.

“And that’s why I won’t be at the TT on Friday, not because I have anything against the Isle of Man TT, but because I prefer to mourn Bob in the places where I knew him best, not the place where he was taken from us.

“I wish all the competitors on the Island safe racing.”

This is not racing anymore. It’s like death race, all the riders that finish are relieved to finish in one piece and see their loved ones. Lost too many friends.” Scott Redding on Twitter

Bike Racer Karl Harris Killed In Isle Of Man TT

Posted on June 4, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

04 Jun

I was so sad to hear of the passing of Karl Harris- Such a great loss to the family, friends and the world of Motorcycle Racing.

He will be missed that’s for certain, he was a character, a great racer an all round guy that everybody liked.

I send my condolences out to his family he will be sorely missed.

Karl Harris was a three-time British Supersport champion. Pic: iomtt.com

A professional racer has become the second motorcyclist to be killed during the 2014 Isle of Man TT races.

Karl Harris, 34, from Sheffield, died after he was involved in a crash on Joey’s Corner during the Superstock Race on Tuesday.

Mr Harris made his TT Races debut in 2012 and was a three-time British Supersport champion. He also finished fifth in the Superbike category in 2006.

Gary Thompson, clerk of the TT course, said: “Karl was one of the great characters in the race paddock.

“His infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour lit up many race meetings.

“He was a hugely talented racer and will be sorely missed.”

A statement from organisers ACU Events Ltd said: “The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathies to Karl’s friends and family.”

On Monday, 65-year-old Bob Price died after a collision in a Supersport category race in the village of Ballaugh, the Stroud News and Journal reported.

The newspaper said Mr Price came off his bike at a humpback bridge along the 37.5-mile course.

An investigation into both accidents has been launched.

Last month, biker Simon Andrews died after he was involved in a crash in the Superstock race at North West 200 in Northern Ireland.

The 31-year-old, from Evesham in Worcestershire, was injured in the crash and died in hospital two days later.

Harris was involved in an incident at Joey’s on the second lap of the race. All at Bike Social send their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Harris.

A statement from TT organisers read:

“ACU Events Ltd regrets to announce that Karl Harris, 34, from Sheffield was killed during the Superstock Race at the Isle of Man TT races today following an incident at Joey’s on the second lap of the race.

Harris, a professional motorbike racer, made his TT Races debut in 2012. He was a triple British Supersport Champion and British Superbike podium finisher.

Harris appeared on the racing scene as a teenager in the 1990s, when he rode for Team Great Britain in the Superteen Championship. From there, Harris went on to win the 1999 European Superstock 1000cc Championship before spending a season in the World Supersport Championship.

He was best known for his British Championship career. He was the dominant force in the British Supersport Championship in the early 2000s before becoming a prominent front-runner in the Superbike class for the factory Suzuki, Honda and Yamaha teams.

Harris won three British Supersport Championships between 2001 and 2004, the first for Crescent Suzuki and the remaining two for Honda Racing, before progressing full time to the premier Superbike category in 2005. His best season came in 2006 when he finished in 5th place overall recording 6 podiums. In total, Harris notched up 12 BSB podiums.

The ACU wishes to pass on their deepest sympathy to Karl’s family and friends.

Gary Thompson, TT Clerk of the Course, ACU Events, said: “Karl was one of the great characters in the race paddock. His infectious enthusiasm and sense of humour lit up many race meetings. He was a hugely talented racer and will be sorely missed.”

The Coroner of Inquests has been informed and an investigation into the circumstances of the accident is underway.”

North West 200 Northern Irelands nuttiest riders 1997

Posted on February 25, 2014January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

25 Feb

A very rare look at what it’s like to do a lap of the North West 200 course on a 250cc bike. Except this is from 1997, and was filmed during the race with a camera attached to the side of Alan Patterson’s helmet.

If you dig this stuff then check these out. As this is obviously years later but all that happens is the speeds get faster.

Great wasnt it?

Here is some olf footage from back home, pure 1970’s filming.

Specifications

Isle of Man TT is ‘like death race’, says MotoGP’s Scott Redding

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