Description
The motorcycle was built by Les Harris in Newton Abbot Devon. Les was a frame builder second to none. If you wanted to win on a Yamaha two stroke you used a Harris frame. These were simply word leaders and on difficult courses such as the IoM were unbeatable. Les was mainly known for his ‘rescue’ of Triumph and the production of Harris Triumphs, indeed this G80 shares many of the good Triumph parts. Les copied George Brough producing the finest machines from the finest parts. He certainly used the best, lightest and most powerful 5 speed 600cc Rotax engine, this motorcycle is not for the faint hearted.
This motorcycle shows a commitment to excellence. This model (LN 600cc) was destined for the American market (identified by a different cylinder barrel casting). European styling was not a hit and as far as I can determine of the 10 built only 4 were sent. I have the original handbook.
The bike, like other Harris Matchless was originally a 500 and registered as such. A recent engine overhaul revealed that at some time a larger piston had been fitted raising the capacity to 600. This motorbike engine was made by the Austrian company ROTAX who supplied engines in a range of sizes. Possibly someone wanted to go a little faster or simply had the larger piston in stock. In fact it makes little difference to the bike.
