1992 Hesketh 1000 rear view
Lord Hesketh is probably better known for his Formula One team in the 1970s . My introduction to the Hesketh came in Christchurch in 2007 when an old mate , Craig Roberts , who owned a Hesketh , invited me on a ride . At the time I had first ridden a Hesketh in 1999 . In fact I rode two Heskeths on that day in 2007 . Craig and I took off on the two bikes and enjoyed some of those wonderful , almost deserted , Canterbury roads .
WORTHY V-TWIN DESCENDENT I must confess I have a soft spot for V-twins and the Hesketh is a worthy descendent of those revered earlier British V-twins . The Hesketh motor is made up of two 500cc Weslake singles in a 90-degree V-twin configuration . It has eight valves actuated by overhead camshafts , and transmission is through a five-speed integral ( or unit ) gearbox . The bore and stroke is 95mm x 70mm . There are two 36mm Dellorto carburettors . Ignition is a Lucas RITA electronic system . Front and rear suspension is Marzocchi , and brakes are Brembo ; twin 305mm at the front , and single 260mm at the rear . The front tyre is 110 / 90-V18 , rear is 150 / 70-V17 . Fuel capacity is 23 litres , weight is 240kg and the power a claimed 86bhp
LOW MAINTENANCE Servicing on the Hesketh is limited to changing the engine oil , checking the chain tension , and the occasional chain lube . Imagine a classic bike with low maintenance ! I remember thinking at the time of the Christchurch ride that someone will say that the Hesketh is not a classic bike . However , I believe a bike that made its first appearance forty years ago , and
84 KIWI RIDER