LOT 513
c.1960 Rotrax-JAP Speedway Racing Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. none Engine no. JOS 739018
Estimate: £5,000 - £6,000
Lot 513
c.1960 Rotrax-JAP Speedway Racing MotorcycleRegistration no. not registered Frame no. none Engine no. JOS 739018
The Autumn Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show, Stafford|9 October 2021, 12:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
c.1960 Rotrax-JAP Speedway Racing Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. none
Engine no. JOS 739018
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. none
Engine no. JOS 739018
Britain's best-known supplier of speedway engines, J A Prestwich (JAP) did not make complete speedway motorcycles, thus leaving the field open to a cottage industry of frame makers, among the foremost of which was Rotrax. Rotrax's forerunner had been founded in Southampton as a bicycle manufacturer by Bill Harvell. In 1945, the business was taken over and began marketing its products under the 'Rotrax' name, diversifying into the manufacture of frames for speedway motorcycles in 1952. Workshop foreman Mike Compton used Reynolds 531 tubing, which was nickel-bronze brazed into lugs to produce a beautiful frame that was light but at the same time extremely strong. The frames were chromium plated by Rotrax's neighbours, Blakes of Gosport.With demand for its engines declining, JAP facied hard times and in 1951 sold the rights to its speedway motor to former rider, Alec Jackson. Jackson continued to build engines and sell spares for many years afterwards, and the business was subsequently taken over by George Greenwood.
The vendor advises us that this machine's engine came new from George Greenwood and was serviced by Godden Engineering all its racing life. Raced on grass tracks, not speedway ovals, the Rotrax has had only two 'racing' owners from new and last ran a few years ago. It is presented in restored, show condition and not race trim, having been kept in a heated museum and the engine turned over frequently.
The vendor advises us that this machine's engine came new from George Greenwood and was serviced by Godden Engineering all its racing life. Raced on grass tracks, not speedway ovals, the Rotrax has had only two 'racing' owners from new and last ran a few years ago. It is presented in restored, show condition and not race trim, having been kept in a heated museum and the engine turned over frequently.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding.
Additional information
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