After 30 years in the aerospace industry, Peregrine director Hugh Davies decided to pursue a new direction. “No more management speak, and no more Powerpoint engineering,” he told us. “I’ve had a passion for all things two-wheeled since the age of four, and have ridden, repaired, raced, rebuilt, and restored many machines.”
Hugh and wife Debbie formed The Peregrine Motorcycle Co Ltd in June 2011 to to build brand new, road-legal two-stroke sports bikes inspired by the mid 1970s 350cc Yamaha OW16 Grand Prix bike as ridden by Jarno Saarinen, Tipo Lansivouri, and Giacomo Agostini.
The frame, closely based on the works original, was created from scratch and incorporates a number of changes to update the geometry and provide a little extra room for road use. The bodywork is based on the later works bike’s profile, but re-worked for a less extreme riding position. The machine can be built with different suspension configurations and all the lighting equipment is quickly detachable to enable the bike to be used on track in classic parades.
Maximum power for the liquid-cooled 392cc motor (which uses parts from the well proven Yamaha Banshee quad bike engine) is a little over 70bhp at 9500rpm at the rear wheel. No power valves, but the 392cc has midrange torque and power too. With a dry weight of just 120kg, it’ll be an exciting ride, whether approaching Devil’s Bridge or Devil’s Elbow!
Everything, where possible, including the frame, yokes, suspension, tank, seat, upholstery, mudguard, wiring-loom, generator, wheels, hollow titanium spindles, radiator, brake lines, cables, and expansion-chambers has been built in the UK. Peregrine also offers the chance to personalise your machine with many period options such as:
• Wheels (three options – Dymag, wide/narrow wire-spoke)
• Front suspension (three options – Maxton/ Marzocchi/Marzocchi + Maxton cartridge)
• Front brake (three options – AP/Grimeca/ Brembo)
• Radiator/exhaust finish (two options)
• Rear suspension (four options – Cantilever/ twin-shock with Maxton/Hagon units)
Such craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap. Around £20,000 depending on spec. But for the well-heeled two-stroke addict, the opportunity to own a brand new exotic machine for less than the price of a new kitchen is worth it. CBG is hoping to test the new bike sometime soon. There’s a disorderly queue forming in the office as I type.
Contact 07763 607593 or www.peregrinemotorcycles.co.uk
