Beschreibung
LOT 520
Offered from The Forshaw Speedway Collection, c. 1976 Rotrax-JAP Mk II Speedway Racing Motorcycle
Engine no. 84S 76403B
THE AUTUMN STAFFORD SALE - THE CLASSIC MOTORCYCLE MECHANICS SHOW
16 October 2022, 10:00 BST
Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Offered from The Forshaw Speedway Collection
c. 1976 Rotrax-JAP Mk II Speedway Racing Motorcycle
Engine no. 84S 76403B
• Design notably influenced by Jawa with the curved rear frame
• Has the later 84S engine with the stub fitting 932 concentric Amal carburettor
Rotrax was formed by Bill Harvell, an Olympic bronze medal cyclist, producing bicycles until the company was taken over by Freddie Prince in 1945. The first Mk I speedway frame was marketed from 1951. The influence for this came from the Australian Dave Hynes, who had arrived in England in 1947 setting up a workshop in Birmingham where with limited premises he started to build speedway frames with his own innovative ideas for the post war slicker tracks, with its wide upswept handlebars fitted to the front of the forks encouraging the rider to move further forward for the now more generally accepted foot forward riding style. Hynes is one of the most influential frame makers but his business acumen was not quite so successful.
Despite leading riders using his frames and with the endorsement of the formidable Graham Warren declaring that he would never ride anything else, Hynes decided to move south to Southampton to work for Mike Erskine. This was when both the Erskine Staride and Rotrax benefitted from the influence of Dave Hynes.
From 1951 Alec Jackson acquired the manufacturing rights from Prestwich to take over the JAP speedway engine and at around the same time he gained the concession to market the Rotrax. This arrangement lasted until 1967 when George Greenwood took over from Alec Jackson. It was two years later in 1969 when the Mk II Rotrax was announced, now notably influenced by Jawa with the curved rear frame that was soon to be adopted by everyone.
This Mk II Rotrax has the later 84S engine with the stub fitting 932 concentric Amal carburettor. There is no record as to when this machine was acquired for the collection but on file there is a page from Speedway Star dated 2nd June 1973 with an advert which has been highlighted for a MK II Rotrax minus engine, possibly referring to this machine. The mechanical condition is not known and therefore we recommend re-commissioning and/ or restoration to a greater or lesser extent.
Key not required
Footnotes
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Buyers Premium and Charges
Memorabilia and Spares
For Memorabilia and Spares (Lots 1-285) the Buyers Premium is 27. 5% on the first £20, 000 of the hammer price; 26% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £20, 000 up to and including £700, 000; 20% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £700, 000 up to and including £4, 500, 000 and 14. 5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4, 500, 000.
Motorcycles
For Motorcycles (Lots 301-336 & 401-651) the Buyers Premium will be 15% on the first £500, 000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
Buyers attention is drawn to Condition 7 of the Notice to Bidders. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
