1985 Austel MkII 998cc Lotec

Registration no. 58 BMG Frame no. AUS10-85-001 Engine no. 99H614EH1334

This fascinating special was built in 1985 by toolmaker Chris Castell, who used a 998cc BMC Mini engine that he estimated would be good for 300,000 miles in a motorcycle application. Castell had already built several specials and had completed the prototype Austel in 1981. This MkII Lotec version was built for the current vendor after he had spotted the MkI Austel parked outside Chris's home in Maidenhead. Hand made with exemplary care and attention, and with no expense spared, the Lotec uses the engine as a stressed member of chassis, has a 58" (1,473mm) wheelbase and weighs 680lb dry. It has automatic transmission with manual override, while reverse gear is retained for sidecar use (later Austels were built specifically for sidecar use; this is the only solo version). Other noteworthy features include Yamaha wheels and Castell's own-design leading-link forks with Koni dampers. 90mpg at a steady 70mph and a top speed of 125mph were claimed. The vendor advises us that, such is the engine's torque, 2nd and 4th gears are all that are needed for normal riding. Last used some 20 years ago, the Lotec has been stored at the London Motorcycle Museum since then and will require re-commissioning before returning to the road. A guaranteed head-turner at any gathering, this unique motorcycle is offered with contemporary press cuttings and a (copy) V5 document.