Royal Enfield rider goes off-road for a cause

Graham Lampkin and his Royal Enfield Troglobike.

Graham Lampkin and his vintage Royal Enfield take to the off-road again May 22, 2016 to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

He needs your help.

We followed the UK resident on his fund-raising ride across England and Scotland — as much as possible off paved roads — in 2014.

That might have been easy compared to this year's self-imposed challenge. Lampkin and companions will take the ferry from Plymouth to Santander, Spain, ride trails in the rugged Picos Mountains and then go over the Pyrenees and through France, off road where possible, or on the smallest road where not.

"Lampy," as he calls himself, will ride a 500cc Royal Enfield he built and named "Troglobike." The frame started as a Royal Enfield Crusader, but modifications have been many.

He's calling this year's ride "Lampy Goes to L and Back."

"The 'L' bit is the concept of passing through places with names beginning with L — such as Lourdes, Limoges, Le Mans and Le Havre," Lampkin wrote me. "I’m allowing three weeks for the trip and plan to arrive (back) in Spain on June 24, 2016."

Bike and rider are ready but you can help, with suggestions for unsurfaced roads in Northern Spain over the Pyrenees and through France — and with donations to his Just Giving donation page.

Lampy and his colleagues pay their own expenses; all money donated goes to the cause.

Here's his pitch:

"If every biker (not just classic and off-road) and anyone else interested in motorbikes give the price of a pint (or more) we would raise enough to really help the researchers make a difference. Nearly all of us know someone close to us who have had cancer — it causes terrible anxiety as well as being life threatening. This is our opportunity to help reduce cancer."

I gave, and I don't give to many fund-raising requests. Graham's commitment to Royal Enfield and obvious joy in the undertaking impress me.

Have route suggestion or want to help sponsor the ride? Contact information for Lampkin is on his ride website.

Custom Royal Enfield long-distance trials bike

This neat and rugged Royal Enfield is named Troglobike.

Last summer, Graham Lampkin rode a 1959 Royal Enfield from his home in Colne, Lancashire across England and Scotland — as much as possible off paved roads — to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

He's not done riding yet.

"I was so inspired by last year's trip to Lerwick that I’ve built a bike for such trips and long distance trials," he writes.

Here's his description of how it came about:

I bought a collection of three partly dismantled bikes plus other bits. I didn’t need them, but couldn't say no (I’m sure you understand — not sure my wife does, but if it keeps me quiet).

I had sold a bike in the spring to make more room in the garage, but now of course it was full again. So I sold anything I wasn't interested in etc., recouped the outlay, but realized I had nearly enough to build a bike.

So Troglobike was conceived in my brain. The specification was:

A. Pre-unit single,

B. As light as possible,

C. Usable and reliable before authentic.

The components used are:

Engine. I had an early Redditch Enfield 350cc, but having decided to fit Electrix World electronic ignition with lighting coils I discovered it was difficult to site where the magneto had been; better to put it on the end of the crankshaft. This meant the longer alternator crank, so my engine wasn't suitable. I bought a later Redditch engine but didn't feel comfortable about it. That's when I took a chance on eBay ('cos the price was right!). This was a 1977 Indian 350 and a piece of luck. When I collected it from the vendor, he told me he knew very little about it except that he bought it in auction from the personal effects of a previous employee of Redditch who had died. First impressions backed this up. I've fitted an alloy barrel but the rest of the engine appears to have been competently rebuilt; it runs well.

Ignition. With a lot of work the Electrix World unit has been fitted to the end of the drive side crankshaft, enclosed in a narrow inner chaincase and a matching outer with a small alternator bulge (thanks Andy).

Gearbox. Wasn't sure what to do; the Enfield box doesn't have the best of change mechanism and I did have an AMC road ratio box which I’m told would fit with some work and jiggery pokey. Then the Indian 5-speed was recommended. When I researched this I found the overall spread of ratios was exactly the same as the 4-speed trials box but with a better action and spread over five gears. Best of all it fits straight on with the kit Hitchcocks supply with it. No contest, Indian 5 speed was ordered.

Clutch. Standard fits straight on with a new clutch center, but they don’t tell you you need a four plate version and I had a three plate, just one of several two steps forward, one back experiences.

Frame. Royal Enfield Crusader that was in the collection of bits. They are a good frame, light and good geometry, and with a little alteration take a Bullet engine. I even had some laser cut engine plates left over from a previous project (thanks Owen). More good news is that the Bullet engine fits easier with the 5-speed gearbox than the 4-speed.

But let's start from the beginning. Any lugs etc. that are known to not be wanted are removed as the frame is stripped. A slightly longer swinging arm (from a MZ – slightly longer and I had it!) made ready. The seat area needs pulling in by 15/20mm per side. The steering head bracing tube is cut, bent up to the top tube and welded to it. Stud fitted behind the steering head ready for the petrol tank

Wheel and forks etc. all came from a Honda XL350 – good quality and lighter (thanks again Andy). I altered a pair of alloy Beta yokes to replace the Triumph ones supplied and fitted by A.N.Other (as seen in the photo). They suited better and just needed a new stem making.

Petrol tank and seat. I had these made for the Lerwick trip: tank holds nearly 3 gallons (thanks Roger).

That’s the basic kit. But I’m sure the dear reader would find a blow by blow, nut by bolt description of the build boring (any questions please get in touch). It's more the ethos and design that I'm trying to describe here and that I find interesting.

Finally, why "The Troglobike"? At a club meeting recently a fellow member said every build needs a name and helped me with this (thanks Tony). As I’m sure you dear reader know, during WWII Royal Enfield continued production in an old Bath stone mine, and as you don't know, my garage (where the bike was built) is reminiscent of a cave – does that answer your question?

I now feel confident to continue with the charity riding. The initial planning has started for "Lampy goes to 'L" — not before time say some. This will be in early 2016, more details later. There is a website — lampygoes2Lnback.co.uk — of course the link for donations to Cancer Research UK will remain open.

P.S. a 500cc engine turned up, it's now in the bike!

Royal Enfield Works Replica made it there and back

1959 Royal Enfield Works Replica trials single victorious in Lerwick.

Part III

Graham Lampkin completes his story of riding a 1959 Royal Enfield Works Replica trials motorcycle from the center of England to the Shetland Classic Vehicle Show in Lerwick — as much as possible off roads — to raise money for cancer research:

"We had only 20 miles to go to the ferry terminal in Aberdeen, before boarding at approximately 6 p.m. Again we used the smallest roads we could find, ending up on the coast. A short track near the coast provided the only unsurfaced stretch.

"Just before Aberdeen, Frank and I were approached by yet another guy attracted by the bikes; amongst other things he said we should stop at a car park around the corner that overlooked Aberdeen. He was there, pointing out parts of Aberdeen, but before we left he donated £40 to the charity. We had been blown out by the generosity of the public since crossing the border.

"The rest of Friday passed gently. I bought a pair of shoes because I forgot to pack any, and we found a great cafe for lunch.

"We got on the ferry, a good, well appointed ferry. By magic we woke up in — yes — Lerwick, with a welcoming committee on the dockside just for us — thanks Gary, it was good to meet you and a nice surprise (the power of the Internet).

"Off to the show. It surpassed my expectations, in both size and quality. Its best quality was the people, the exhibitors, the visitors and above all, the organizers. A great blend of well organized with friendly relaxed atmosphere! A good informal but well sorted event. Try it for yourself, we enjoyed it.

"It was humbling when the folk, including teenagers, donated to the charity. I met two separate people who live within two or three miles of me, but I had not heard of, never mind met before! Every one we met on the islands was helpful and friendly.

"Les and Frank visited a broch (prehistoric dwelling built of rock) within 20 yards of the show, and the puffins (sea birds seen in Britain only at nesting time). More boxes ticked. But it was on Shetland that little tigger the Tiger Cub became incontinent; the upper pushrod oil seal failed. The first mechanical gremlin, fixed swiftly by Les the next morning.

"I won’t go on about Shetland. I’m not good enough to explain it; suffice to say we enjoyed it and recommend you visit it yourself. It’s all because of the people.

"What a great few days.

"The return journey was basically the reverse of the trip up, only drier. The only mechanical problem was with the R.E. A modification done by its builder to the rear brake plate anchor failed on the first day on the Cairn-O-Mount road. I tidied it up in 20 minutes and continued without a rear brake for the rest of the journey — not too much of a problem at 40 mph or less! Apart from this, and tigger's oil seal, the bikes were great and reliable, covering over 2,000 miles between them. Old bikes are for using.

"This trip was a great one. The route and the journey itself, the folk on Shetland and others we met, the many generous people who donated, the places and things we saw by taking the slow route. Any these things would have made it worthwhile, but together, experienced on an old British bike, I can only say WOW!

"I’m very glad my mind came up with this on that day in Skipton last August. Very glad I did it.

"Let’s not do an Oscar speech of acceptance, but a huge thank you to Frank and Les, the many who donated and collected, and all those that helped and encouraged.

"Finally, would I do it again? Like a shot! In the words of Churchill (dog not PM) Oohhh Yeessss!

"P.S. The website is still open for donations!"

Part II
Part I

Off the pavement across Britain by Royal Enfield

Royal Enfield Works Replica trials motorcycle crosses a ford.

Part II

Graham Lampkin continues his story of riding a 1959 Royal Enfield across England and Scotland — as much as possible off paved roads — to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Inspired? It's easy to contribute in honor of his effort. Here's his story:

"After nearly 10 months of gestation, the start date was upon us. The other two guys stayed at our house the night before so that we could get an early-ish start. At 8 a.m prompt we were at Watery Lane, Colne, where the stream and the lane become one for 100 yards. In the drizzly rain, the Evening Telegraph photographer took the official start pictures and luckily couldn’t find the stream, 'cos I slipped and fell.

"Glad to get that behind me, we carried swiftly on, Les riding along with me and Frank driving the back-up van.

"Another ford and some quiet country lanes got us to Salter Fell, one of the longer un-surfaced roads on the route. No problems, especially if you don’t count the large bull at the far end who agreed to let us pass through his farm.

"It was now dry. We made good progress through the Dales on quiet lanes, through lovely countryside. We met the van for early lunch at a temperance inn — very nice, try the rabbit pie! The road was full of travellers going to Appleby Fair with their horses and we had to take care passing them.

"Ravenstonedale with a small unsurfaced track, Ravenstonedale Moor (not bad at all, but fun), Orton, the Bank Head track to Crosby Ravensworth (as smooth as any jazz quartet but with a filthy look from a lorry driver on the last bit), into Temple Sowerby for Frank and Les to swap driving the van/riding with me. Re-fuel and off again.

"Track (wide, straight and good surface), Gamblesby followed by a really bad track (narrow, very deeply rutted, nowhere to put feet), Renwick, more track at Cunrew (poor tarmac and across fields with gates to open and close), Brampton, Bewcastle, another track (good going), two fords and forestry track to Newcastleton for Night 1.

"Where did the day go?

"Day 2. We started northward again, in the rain, Frank with me on the B40 and Les in the van. We took a minor road across by Hermitage Castle, up A7 into forestry. After a logging wagon driver sent us in the right direction we carried on into the forest. A forester, on hearing the bikes, chased after us in a Land Rover. As the rain ran down our necks, he just wanted to talk about old British bikes. He obviously didn’t meet many like minds in his neck of the woods (pun intended). Eventually we made our excuses and carried on through the forest — it would have been great on a good day!

"Onto a B road, diverted by a road closure, we used another track to the A708. Off piste, we went over a large hill across private land on to a private road, to meet the van for lunch at Broughton. By now Frank and I were very wet and cold. Frank got changed into dry clothes, I went in to the cafe where a puddle formed on the floor around me.

"During lunch we talked to local customers, some of whom made donations to the cause, as did the management of the Laurel Bank Cafe. Wow, this and a good lunch made it worthwhile.

"After being warmed by a good food and changed into dry clothes, I was ready for the afternoon. The next part wasn’t worth anyone else braving the weather, so I continued alone. Boy, how it rained. All day.

"Biggar, Carnwarth and C roads to Forth Road Bridge, up minor roads and a length of forest track to Bridge of Earn for Night 2. I just carried on until I got there without thinking too much. A hot bath, a good meal and a night's sleep sorted it all out. What a long day!

"The next morning was dry; the proprietor of the B&B donated some of his income from us to the charity.

"All bode well for Day 3. We were now in an area with few tracks, and the Forestry Commission District office weren’t as keen on old fellas on old bikes playing at Last of the Summer Wine. Les was on little tigger (the Tiger Cub), and it did well. Frank was in the van.

"Just after starting, Les and I rode a stretch of forest track that had established public right of way; typical forest track with some large wet depressions. Soon after we were stopped on a minor road by a farmer. He asked us to park up while they drove some cows down the road. As we waited for the herd, a lady joined us who was helping with the cows. She saw the Cancer Research UK sticker on the bike and we explained what we were doing. Without further ado, she took out the only money in her pocket, a £10 note, and donated it. These moments are precious.

"We rode along empty country lanes with great views of the Tay; all was good. Before long, Les and I pulled into a rest stop overlooking the Tay Bridge for a coffee break. While there we got a text from Frank saying he had already found a cafe in Letham for lunch. Crossing the bridge, we soon left behind the busy fringes of Dundee, swapping them for country lanes to Letham, where we found Frank, woke him up and went for lunch. Ever had African soup? we did, and it's good!

"The guys swapped driving/riding duty. Frank and I carried on with the country lanes, Brechin and Fettercairn, lovely places both, came and went. Several emails had recommended the Cairn-O-Mount road, so up it we went to Banchory.

"Great scenery, great bends, lovely views. The road was larger than imagined, but worth travelling when you get the chance.

"This leg, Bridge of Earn to Banchory, was one of the shortest and by far had least un-surfaced road, but we were ready for an easier day after the previous two. It was still a fair way, but we knew we had time."

NEXT: Goals met.

How Lampy went to Lerwick on a Royal Enfield

Graham Lampkin and his 1959 Royal Enfield Works Replica en route.

Graham Lampkin has shared his story of riding a 1959 Royal Enfield across England and Scotland — as much as possible off paved roads — to raise money for Cancer Research UK. His can-do spirit and sense of humor are inspiring and, after reading this you no doubt will be inspired to make a safe and easy donation to the cause through his JustGiving page.

Graham and his Royal Enfield Works Replica trials motorcycle set off June 3 from their home near the center of England, headed to the Shetland Classic Vehicle Show in Lerwick. Here, edited for length, is their story:

"The old saying is that the devil makes work for idle hands, so what does that imply about my mind the day last August when I dreamt this one up? My hands were very busy, but my mind was idle. So idle that I decided to go to Shetland Classic Vehicle Show this June, on a classic bike, on unsurfaced roads where practicable.

"That evening my daughter helpfully confirmed that I should do it, and raise money for charity!

"Mmmmm! I emailed the show organizers and Cancer Research UK to check if they were comfortable with me taking their name in vain. They both sent encouraging replies. Shucks, looks like I’ll have to do it!

"The date was set by the show organizers, what to ride and the route were up to me. I think the show organizers got the easy bit. I had already thought about selling the BSA B44 special that I had developed for long distance trials. It would have been ideal, but once you decide to sell — and it sold.

"That only left the Royal Enfield Works Rep trials bike that I had just bought, but no worries, I had nine months to prep it.

"Luckily I decided to get the organizing done as soon as possible. I started by building the website and appealing for help with regard to the route. Some people were very helpful, some not so helpful. The visit to see my son and his family in New Zealand came and went, promises came and went, encouragement came and — ehr — some went.

"The first big physiological boost was in December when Uncle Brasso (aka Frank Anderton) said that he too was mad enough to go, on his B40.

"In the new year, two more big boosts:  Les Humphries said he would like to go on his Tiger Cub, and share driving a back-up van with Frank (both riding when not driving), and the donations started.

"Great.

"Early in the new year an outline route from home in Lancashire to the Scottish border was plotted, incorporating several green roads with minor roads in between. Then we came to the four backward steps!

"I remembered that there are no legal green roads in Scotland. Oh fiddle diddle bother.

"After a while, the gray cells thought of the Scottish Forestry Commission, owners of many miles of gorgeous tracks in Scotland. Again after many false starts I found the right person in that organisation,

"Katie. Oh Katie, how she changed my life! She said yes — please use our tracks; introduced us to the guy that knows the guy that owns the track, the people in neighboring districts that see life how we do, etc.

"She deserves a brew and sticky bun in the Olive Tree! That saved the game.

"A nice weekend on modern bikes up to the borders, to meet various people to cross t’s and dot i’s was a welcome break from sweating over maps and computer screen. Frank, Les and myself were joined by the Squire of Fence, we stayed in a good B&B, tried some new cafes and tried out the route in England. Life was improving.

"Planned changes to the R.E. were now instigated. Long range fuel tank, higher gearing, luggage rack and a less uncomfortable seat. Cheeky. Normal use was suspended in the last few weeks, with a dress rehearsal planned for the Ilkley Classic trial (about 100 miles of road, 16 sections, but not too difficult), scheduled for three weeks before the off. Oh, those gremlins, the best laid plans, etc.

"The weather had been that wet and punctures so rare, that guess what? I didn’t carry a spare tube. Six miles from the start and before the first sections the inevitable (yes you are ahead of me now) blow out occurred. End of dress rehearsal."

NEXT: Off and running.

Royal Enfield Works Replica shows it's tough

Rider Gaham Lampkin and his 1959 Royal Enfield start their journey.

A 1959 Royal Enfield Works Replica trials motorcycle and rider Graham Lampkin completed their trip across Scotland, taking "the muddy way" to benefit cancer research.

Graham and his rugged Royal Enfield set off June 3 from their home near the center of England, headed to the Shetland Classic Vehicle Show in Lerwick. The challenge they set themselves was to go as much as possible off the roads.

They made it. The Royal Enfield Works Replica was on display at the Shetland show, alongside an appeal for donations.

You can still congratulate the pair by adding your donation to their charity page at JustGiving. I did; it's easy. Proceeds benefit Cancer Research UK.

The Royal Enfield makes its charity appeal.

"If every biker on or off road, classic or modern, donated the price of a pint (or gallon even) of beer then we could save a lot of suffering. Most of us have watched someone go through cancer," Graham wrote.

Full details of the ride will appear on his website, Lampy Goes to Lerwick  (aka The Muddy Way Up).

1959 Royal Enfield Works Replica faces a fresh trial

This 1959 Royal Enfield Works Replica faces a new challenge.

A 1959 Royal Enfield Works Replica trials single will thump and bump across England and Scotland this June for a good cause. Rider Graham Lampkin has raised a major part of his fundraising goal for cancer research. You can help him reach his goal by contributing online through JustGiving.

He recently issued this appeal for support and good wishes:

"Hopefully most of you are aware of our little jaunt to raise funds for Cancer Research UK (hint 1).

"If you’re not sure, or just a reminder, on June 3 I’m setting off on a 1959 Royal Enfield W.R. for the Shetland Classic Vehicle Show in Lerwick (June 7 and 8). The idea is to go via the ferry from Aberdeen, off road where possible, minor roads elsewhere. I’m being joined by Frank Anderton and Les Humphries. They will share back up van driving while the other rides with me, also on a classic bike.

"So while you are enjoying the globally warmed balmy British summer, cruising the highways, munching sticky buns and supping tea, we will be wheezing and clunking north (that’s the riders, not the bikes), doing our impersonation of ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ on tour. Hopefully we will enjoy it and (here comes hint 2) raise lots of money for Cancer Research UK. What ever we raise will help reduce this terrible illness. (Here comes BIG hint) If every biker on or off road, classic of modern, donated the price of a pint (or gallon even) of beer then we could save a lot of suffering. Most of us have watched someone go through cancer.

"There is a dedicated website Lampy Goes to Lerwick with details of how to donate or contact me... This is an opportunity for us all to help. The three of us are paying our own way; all money donated will go to Cancer Research UK...

"A huge thank you to all those who have helped or are going to help."

1959 Royal Enfield Works Replica carries on

Vintage Royal Enfield can get you there, even without a road.

In June Graham Lampkin will ride his 1959 Royal Enfield Works Replica trials single from his home in Colne, Lancashire, to the Shetland Classic Vehicle Show in Lerwick.

As far as possible, he won't use roads to get there. He calls his trip "Lampy Goes to Lerwick (aka The Muddy Way Up)."

"The bike will be the 'works rep' trials Bullet, with a few modifications," his website explains. "It has been fitted with a larger petrol tank, a more comfortable seat (essential) and the gearing raised."

Works Replica after a recent practice run. Note nav system on handlebars.

Its "navigation system" (a scrolling map wound forwards and back with knobs) is built into a kitchen food box on the handlebars.

This is Graham's second Works Replica. He had three happy years on one in the '90s but moved on to other bikes and built his own Royal Enfield based machines to suit. Yet he wanted a Works Replica.

"Problem was, they were in short supply and prices had moved on — upwards."

Then "A friend told me of a guy about 15 miles away selling a competitive Royal Enfield Bullet trials bike. I rang him, it was a Works Replica  engine and had been the personal bike ridden by Dave Danks (a well known good rider but even better builder of Royal Enfield trials bikes). That's how I got to own the bike I'm using for the trip."

Another sandwich box above the gearbox, for storage.
No, the ride is "not sponsored by Tupperware."

Lerwick is in the Shetland Islands, so the trip will include a ferry. But the land part of the journey will be by legal "green roads" and tracks, wherever possible, to reach the ferry at Aberdeen.

Graham's long ride will raise money for Cancer Research UK. His wife lived through breast cancer. You should donate to Cancer Research UK in his name through JustGiving. I did it. It is easy.

His home is pretty much the center point of the island of Britain. The ferry in Aberdeen is 345 miles away by road, but Graham's off-road trip could take four days.

"The show is on the 7th and 8th June, so we leave 3rd June," he writes.

Graham wrote me that the idea to take on this challenge came in three steps:

1. He wanted to bring his classic Works Replica to the classic bike show.

2. He wanted to ride off road more, so why not make the trip that way?

3. And, finally, "Chatting to daughter Sarah, explaining what feeble ideas the aged mind was producing, and in her normal manner she said 'well, if you're doing it, do it for charity.'"

Royal Enfield rider going a long way without roads

Graham Lampkin on his Works Replica Royal Enfield trials single.

Americans never get enough of the BBC's "Downton Abbey" where the clothes are always pressed, or "Lark Rise to Candleford," where the sun always shines on the English countryside.

Britain's reputation suggests that actual conditions tend to be more soggy and rumpled.

And no more so than for trials riders, who deliberately endure all manner of discomfort.

Now comes Graham Lampkin, 62, who proposes to endure such discomforts for a good cause, on a Royal Enfield motorcycle. He'll ride a 1959 works replica trials single.

He has the pedigree for it. We are assured by no less an authority than the Bradford Telegraph and Argus, that Graham is "a relation of a fanatical Keighley district motorcycling family."

Graham is, the Telegraph and Argus asserts, "related to the Lampkins of Silsden, who have notched up many world titles, British titles and other motocross and trials victories over the years."

He plans to travel from his home in Colne, Lancashire, to the Shetland Classic Vehicle Show in Lerwick.

Lerwick is in the far off Shetland Islands, so the trip will include a ferry (ship). But the land part of the journey will be by legal "green roads" and tracks, wherever possible, to reach the ferry at Aberdeen.

A long way, if you don't use roads.

Graham will start on "Watery Lane" in Colne. The local tourist authorities do not advise a stroll up Watery Lane. It's "an obvious name since the road becomes a ford for approximately 50 meters," they advise; "...sometimes deep and slippery."

Graham's long ride will raise money for Cancer Research UK. His wife has lived through breast cancer.

"It's the doctors and scientists who will beat or control it and to do this they need funds. The more we raise the sooner this will happen," he writes. Full details are on his website, Lampy Goes to Lerwick (AKA The Muddy Way Up).

"The show is on the 7th and 8th June, so we leave 3rd June," he writes.

"Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving — they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate — saving time and cutting costs for the charity."

This Royal Enfield trials is really special

Dan Holmes, the former Royal Enfield dealer who took Royal Enfield to race at the Bonneville Salt Flats, now has a story to tell that sets some kind of record of its own. It combines:

A 620cc Royal Enfield Bullet motor.

The Enfield Girl.

A motorcycle once used to pull a boxy sidecar around in a Microsoft promotion.

And a trials model Royal Enfield Holmes once built, but never got to ride.

Typical of him, Holmes is just grateful it all came together:

"I am the luckiest guy in the whole world," he writes. "My engine builder (Glen Kyle) was bored late last winter and I had a project.

"When I sold all of my original Royal Enfield inventory, I decided that I would keep all of the duplicate parts I had in stock for a trials kit.

"I had always wanted to own and ride one as I had built one previously. When I got to the wiring a customer who purchased the original Cafe conversion from me, (literally the one featured in the poster with the girl on it), also bought the trials conversion at the same time. Note that I never got to ride it or hear it run.

Glen Kyle on the new bike.

"So back to Glen. He decided to take the project on and he sheepishly asked me if I would mind? Could I please have Glen Kyle build a bike for me! Glen Kyle is four-time National Hill Climb Champion; he was always a privateer and beat the factory riders! This was a gift from Heaven; all I had to do is supply the parts.

"Well, I had a spare set of electric-start crankcases and a stroker crank (Hitchcock's), billet I might add, and I had a spare mag, a takeoff Amal Concentric carb and an alloy barrel that was oversize. Glen calculated the swept volume with the crank combined with the 535cc piston, and wah lah: 620cc!

"I had to acquire a starter and the clutch, this and sundry other little bits. We chose to use a new five speed transmission and clutch — really shifts super. I had a set of alloy rims and spokes so I laced up the wheels and installed new trials universal tires. I had a set of instruments off of a Royal Enfield Lightning and we installed a cylinder head temp tach from Digitron. This is not vintage but it will help us avoid melt down.

"We attempted to start the thing and on the second try we sprang the sprague clutch and the starter gear. Glen knows no limits so he tested the starter gear and determined that the gear is over hardened and is predisposed to breakage. He made another one out of some secret softer material, and we were able to get it started.

"We found that with the mag being full advance all the time it was hard starting so Glen, asked me if we should install a distributor instead and I said, sure, if you would prefer! He then said perhaps we should install a second set of points and retard the timing using a switch to toggle back and forth. OK, well Glen Kyle has no limits and he did just that.

"So I have a Joe Hunt mag with dual points and we can run with or without a battery. I determined a long time ago that the best way to start with the electric starter is to, prime, choke, pull or push the compression release, crank and then add compression. This is essential on the Bullet for the starter sprag to survive and it is mandatory on the stroker.

"We have found as long as the timing is retarded and the flywheels are in motion the starter will carry it through compression and start every time.

"So I now own the only 620cc, electric start, five-speed Royal Enfield in the world, at least that I know of!

"The 620cc is a torque monster.

"I am not sure if we will be riding this frequently or not. I will ride it for sure. I hope that Glen will ride it and enjoy as much as anything. He always builds us equipment and I feel this one is his turn!

"The donor bike was one of the sidecar bikes for Microsoft that was used briefly for advertising. You could say Bill Gates once owned it!"

Dan Holmes' own video documentary of his Bonneville Bullet team at the Salt Flats is still available on eBay. Sales benefit Mark Brownlee, Bonneville Bullet rider, who was injured later in a motorcycle accident.