Previewing in Bonhams Los Angeles by appointment. Please contact
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British riders often rode motorcycles for reasons of economy, having less discretionary income than their American cousins during the '50s and early '60s. Therefore, they preferred smaller displacements to save expensive petrol, unless a sidecar was used to take the family on vacation. The G12, which was oversized by English standards, was a conservative model designed as a sidecar tug. In America, things were different. The Americans rode motorcycles for sport and used huge cars for transportation. They wanted more horsepower.
With the interest in desert racing at its height, the G12CS was born for the American market. A breathed on G12 engine is fitted into a G-80CS inspired rolling chassis, which also features an alloy tank, fenders, off-road forks and gearing, racing magneto, scrambles style exhaust, as well as the removable competition style lighting system so the bike can also be used legally on the road. The machine provided a more powerful alternative to the G80CS for desert racing, and an ideal machine for the boulevard cruiser who wished he was a real desert racer. The combination of the G12 and G80CS components, and the tank finished in a more flamboyant red make this a very striking and rare machine for the discriminating collector.
The G12CS offered here has been garage-kept along its owner's other motorcycles and appears to be a nice example of that iconic 1960s American desert-racer.
Most likely subject of a sympathetic restoration during its late-keeper's ownership, and well preserved since then, the bike bears a sharp look. Having most likely been static for some time, a mechanical check will most likely be needed before any extensive usage.