Stripping the bike down to restore
BSL had limited experience using it , but the idea was floated to build a motorbike using it – it ’ s all entirely unique and bespoke , except for Brembo brakes , forks shock and wheels .
WORLD STAGE DEBUT In 1999 and 2000 , the bike competed in the Grand Prix Motorcycle World Championship , in its distinctive green and orange livery , making its debut at Round 1 of the World 500cc GP at the 1999 Malaysian Grand Prix . The bikes were ridden by Australian Mark Willis , but failed to qualify , and the first BSL result wasn ’ t recorded
until Round 3 , at the Spanish GP , with Willis coming 18th . The bikes often suffered mechanical failures in the first year and Willis didn ’ t qualify in three of the first four races . At Round 10 at Brno , Czech Republic , the team pulled the bikes out of racing for further development over 1999 and 2000 . However the gremlins continued and the bike didn ’ t succeed in scoring points . Mark Willis rode once more for the team , but left when he was offered a ride elsewhere . NZ rider Stephen Briggs rode the bike in the Pacific
44 KIWI RIDER