While talking on there about a friends Thompson Suzuki T20 I was contacted by another classics lover. 2 years ago, at the TT's Centenary Celebrations, Australian racing legend Barry Smith, Multiple TT winner and twice World Champion, paraded the Harrogate bike he first took there 40 years ago.
The original Thompson, 1980, photo taken by Shirley, daughter of the late Harry Thompson of Spa Motorcycles, Harrogate.
The "super 6" classic racer today belongs to Mick Oliver (sat on bike in photo above), who still parades the bike and was the very fella who contacted me, interested to know which Thompson Suzuki my friend Lou had .. turns out to be one in the picture above!!
I love it when things like this happen.
If you're going to the Barry Sheene Classic Road Race Festival at Olivers Mount Road Circuit May 23/24, Mick will be parading the Thompson. The pic above is him at Cadwell in 2008.
April 19th marks the opening of the Olivers Road Race Season with the Ian Watson Spring Cup. Friend Dave Clarke is racing up against Guy Martin, Ryan Farquhar, the Dunlop boys, Chris Palmer and many others. Ian Lougher is entering 125, 250, 600 & R1!!.. busy day, see you there.
7 comments:
Just to let you know that I am Harry Thompson's grand-daughter and I remember when his Suzuki was successful in the TT races back in the late 1960s... Good to know that some of his bikes still survive and even better that they are still being ridden!
Great to meet you!
Say hi on Facebook if you can, http://www.facebook.com/alison.lowndes
It would be really neat to get some more information on this!
I saw a motorcycle build that used a tank from a Thompson Suzuki.
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=439120
I was researching to find out more about the tank, because I love the shape and was looking for something similar for my build.
By the looks of it, I guess it's one of a kind... either way, it looks amazing.
If you want to email me on alowndes@avif.org.uk I can put you in touch with Mick, the previous owner.
Saw Mick's Thompson in summer last year for the first time since the 1960s - I agree, the tank is a particularly beautiful shape. Good luck with the build and maybe Mick can help you with the tank design...
Am sure Lou could help too - he has a workshop - just contact me. OP.S. Thanks "elcarb"
John P in Lancashire has an ally race tank for sale. .."not sure if its a genuine Thompson tank, but it appears to be identical" - reply with email for phone number.
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