[starvingstudent]

Now where are those heretics who say that Katja isn't attractive?



If nothing else, she's easier on the eyes than Foggy.



Oh yeah--racing is about speed, not looks. Oh well. It can't hurt.



Starving Student

 

[RobGixxer750]

Dangit, I want a free shirt!

I searched and searched, but apparently Lemoto is not the name of that bike manufacturer. You name it, I searched for it, but I guess someone who actually was around when that bike was raced will have to answer

Rob

 

[Smoker]

Fat chance I'll guess that bike, but is there some other way to get MO stuff?

 

[RobGixxer750]

Blech

Ok, so I give up. I like a good challenge, but this one appears impossible. Give us more challenges, that are within reach

I have searched all over about Alexandra Palace, bike listings, Lemoto, tried that RMRC that is on the paper on the front, tried to find out about parts on it. Looks like the tires could be some Avon's, but no luck there. Let's see, tried searching the Isle of Man TT history stuff. Tried TT stuff in general. Then tried 1960s, 1970s. Searched for Single Cylinder stuff. Tried to figure out what those logos were, the S with the circle around it, the Lemoto graphic. Hmmmm. You name it, I searched for it.

Damn you MO, I hate being stumped.

Rob

 

[RobM]

Re: Blech

Hey Rob, Dya reckon it might be an early BMW from that "Spinning Prop" logo on the tank? and maybe it is important in the history of M-cycling due to the disc brake? Or possibly the frame/spine design?

How about it, MO? Am I any good?

 

[ujm4ever]

Sort of looks like a Maico motor missing the head????

 

[RobGixxer750]

Almost positive

It's not a BMW, I don't believe. They apparently have been using the Roundel logo since as far back as the '30s, and that bike is obviously from a much later era than that

Oh well, maybe they'll toss me a hint if nobody else actually knows what it is.

Rob

 

[pplassm]

The engine appears to be an old MZ, but I have no idea of it's significance.



Pete P.

 

[NickdaBrick]

The bike is a Hercules-engined, 450c.c. GP roadracer minus fairing. It runs on a mixture of methyl alcohol and atomic waste, was developed by the French nuclear power industry, and was campaigned in Europe for one season by William Shatner after the cancellation of "Star Trek." He rode it to 4th place in the Belgian grand prix, but the team had to be disbanded when half of the mechanics contracted bone marrow cancer.



Make my T-shirt XXL.

 

[neoyetif2]

That's funny, I could have sworn that the bike is Honda's new GP bike. I figured that they were feeding us misinformation with that V5 crap (that "picture" could easily be a computer 3d graphic), and this is their true top secret engine. Just think of the wieght savings they could get away with because it is a single cylinder. I think Lemoto is Honda's French Research and Development department.



But, I am going with the William Shatner theory.

btw: anyone else know what the "T" in Capt. James T. Kirk stand for?

 

[neoyetif2]

O.K. I found the truth. I knew it was out there. Check out http://tongahighschool.bizland.com/melb_22.htm

It is the first GP bike from Tonga named after Miss Lemota who rode it to 1st place in the first annual Tonga Grand Prix.

Make my shirt a XXL.

 

[hoyt]

Tiberius. God I'm a dork for knowing that.

 

[MoMo]

actually it is Tuna Fish Sandwich

 

[RobGixxer750]

Nothing

if I remember correctly, the T is solely for show. Then again, Star Trek is known for being overly thorough with background story. That said, I will remain with T meaning nothing.

Rob

 

[HankMurphy]

Re: Maico MD 250-based Racer

The bike in the photo has been modified in several ways, but it appears to be a Maico MD 250 road bike converted to racing configuration. I believe that the disk brake is not original. It also appears that the engine cooling fins have been cut down slightly.

I am going to guess that Lemoto is the name of a sponsor.

Alternatively, this might be a Barile, but I don't think he ever did two-strokes.

XXL, please. Thank you.

 

[neoyetif2]

Re: Nothing

It is Tiberius. Hoyt is a dork! Hoyt is a dork!

And yes I am to. Tiberius was one of the Ceasers in Rome. (I am a really Big Dork now)

 

[neoyetif2]

Yes sir you are correct, it is Tiberius.

Hoyt is a dork! Hoyt is a dork!

And yes I am to. Tiberius was one of the Ceasers in Rome. (I am a really Big Dork now)

 

[bmaxw]

Its Carl Fogarty's first race bike. He rode it stright out of the birth canal, which explains the placenta paint scheme.

 

[Janet]

The bike is definitely an MZ ETZ250 in race trim. Even the tank is the standard ETZ250 item. Here in the UK we have had an MZ racing series for many years - I think it started in about 1986 and is still going. See http://website.lineone.net/~elt/ for more information. Darren Moggridge is the current champ.

It was set up to enable people to get into racing very cheaply indeed - it was rumoured that some racers spent more on their one-piece leathers than on their race bikes.

I'm not sure about the name Lemoto, but back in the '80s a company called Mel Lemoto used to make rear-sets for Japanese bikes, particularly for two-strokes I think. I can only guess that they were providing some sponsorship?

As for who the bike belongs/belonged to and therefore its significance: I'm afraid I have drawn a blank there.

 

[Janet]

Re: odd bike significance

The ETZ250 has a box section spine that runs from the headstock straight back underneath the tank. The motor is mounted at the back of the crankcase and then there is a hanger that comes down to the rear of the head. It is comprised of two metal cups with a sort of rubber damper between them. if you watch an ETZ250 ticking over on the centrestand you will see that the motor is quite literally bouncing up and down.

You can trust me on this - it works and cuts the vibration down a great deal: my husband and I did a camping trip across much of Western Europe on a pair of ETZ250s. Also, on one occasion, my husband managed to shear one of the bolts that goes from the hanger to the cylinder head and had to ride about 60 miles with the motor tied on with yachting twine!!