1977 Hercules “Prototype” 250MX
Restoration
The bike was in exceptional shape, missing only a few of the original parts.
Vintage Motocross Works Bikes and Production Models
Welcome to Flashback Racing
By ndrake55
The bike was in exceptional shape, missing only a few of the original parts.
By ndrake55
This bike was orignally brought into the country by Mike McGowan in 1977. Mike worked with Sachs/Hercules to develop a motocross bike that could be sold in the United States. Development of these bikes began several years earlier and culminated in four MX bikes that were to be raced in the United States. Frank Stacy earlier and culminated in four MX bikes that were to be raced in the United States. Frank Stacy bikes, a factory van and mechanic. He raced the 1977 Trans-Am series finishing eight overall. The was the only American rider to receive a full factory ride from
Sachs/Hercules. He was given two other two “protoype” bikes came out to Mike on the west coast. This bike was primarily raced in shut down their development program. The following year, they produced a very limited number of production 250MX bikes of which only a handfull were shipped into the United States.
Special thanks to Dave Baskins of Somerset California and Terry Hicks in Northern California. Dave bought the bike from Terry several years ago. Terry saved the bike from being disposed of and eventually sold it to Dave. Both knew the history of the bike, who raced it and it’s historical value to the Motocross community.
The bikes history has been confirmed through Mike McGowan and Danny Turner. It was the original “prototype” for the production MX bike and was found to be in fairly original condition. It is being restored to it’s original race condition from 1977.
By ndrake55
The following bike is owned by Peter Hansson in Sweden. He explains some history on this Bike.
Featured here is a 1988 KTM 250 cc “Experimental bike” used early in the season and at the first GP. Heinz Kinigartner and Swede rider Peter Hansson rode this bikes. This bike was prepared for Peter Hansson. Later in the year, KTM came with a complete new sand-cast engine similar to the one in use today with the 250/330 2 stroke. KTM started with the intake down in the crank on the 250, same as what was used on the 125cc.
The bike is very much hand made.
Engine is taken from the STD 1987 and they plugged the cylinder and used a new reed valve case. Cylinder is several degrees more forward. Transmission cover is also of different, because of the new cylinder angle.
Tank, seat, radiator panels and radiators are stock KTM 600 four stroke. There are extra cells in the radiator.
Hand crafted aluminum air box. Same with exhaust pipe and silencer.
Digital ignition from SEM
Wheels and hubs are stock parts. Front disc brake is thinner and lighter than standard. Nissin brakes in front and Brembo rear.
WP suspension was specially made for this bike.
Upper triple clamp are CNC machined as well the handlebar towers.
Chain Guards “ DPA” Long life
By ndrake55
This 1988 KTM 500 was Leif’s last factory ride. The inner motor cases on this bike are sand cast, the cylinder ported and the suspension has been re-worked to Leif’s specifications. He placed 17th in the 500cc World Championships. Eric Geboers won the Championship that year aboard a factory Honda.
The current owner of this bike is looking to sell or trade this bike for another factory bike. Contact us for additional details.
By ndrake55
By ndrake55
By ndrake55
This bike placed second in the Championship behind Geboers
Contact Roberto at: camaroberto@tiscali.it
By ndrake55
Featured here is Kent Howertons’ 1976 National Championship Husqvarna 360. This bike is in original, as last raced, condition. Many championships have been won by riders racing bikes that were ultra trick, one off’s. As you can see, the bike is relatively stock. This championship was won on pure rider skill and determination of which Kent had an abundance of both.
Howerton’s 1976 AMA 500cc MX title for Husqvarna would prove to be the final AMA Motocross Championship for a European manufacturer for 27 years.
Howerton was unable to defend his title in 1977. That year, his factory Huskys were plagued with numerous mechanical problems and for the first time in three years he didn’t score a single win.
Enjoy the photos, compliments of Kent Howerton.