1980 80s eighties red Kestrel KTM 50 sports moped, powered by a Moto Minarelli single-speed automatic engine; Classic bikes, cherished veteran motorcycle, restored old timer, collectible motors, vintage heritage, old preserved, collectable scooters, restored transport driving in the UK
Kestrel Motorcycles was established by Managing Director Richard Newton, with its head office at 132 High Street, Southampton which, given the hometown’s historical maritime association, and some members of the business coming from a powerboat racing background, makes it unlikely for glass fibre work not to feature significantly in the design. An initial picture appeared with the first press release in August 1980, describing the bike as powered by a Moto Minarelli single-speed automatic engine, aimed at sales in the sixteener sports moped market, and quoting an initial price of £ + VAT (£349). A notification had been circulated to the trade, and 63 dealers across the country had reportedly already expressed interest in selling the machines so, despite the lack of any particular detail at this stage, there seemed a fairly convincing belief that the new ‘Kestrel’ might actually happen. Studying the small accompanying black & white picture to glean whatever one may, the cycle chassis appears to comprise a formed tubular spine frame with swing-arm rear suspension and telescopic forks, extensively clad with sports-styled glass fibre moulded body fittings, a single saddle, cast alloy wheels, and semi-faired headlamp. The bike was presented as new, but its background seems to go a little further back than the press release suggested… Just flashback for a moment to 1977, and the closing phase of AJW Motorcycles. The original AJW company was established at Exeter by Arthur John Wheaton in 1926, and built its first production model with a 996cc British Vulpine V-twin engine. The firm changed hands in 1945 when the founder sold out to Jack Ball, who firstly relocated to Bournemouth, Hampshire, then on to Wimborne in Dorset. Production using JAP engine models returned in 1948 on a fairly limited scale, with a Speed Fox speedway bike, and road-going Grey Fox side-valve twin that was dropped in 1950.
Size: 4044px × 2696px
Location: Congleton, Uk
Photo credit: © ZarkePix / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: 1980s, 50, 1980, adventure, bicycle, bike, biker, bikers, bikes, countryside, cycle, drive, driver, driving, helmet, jacket, kestrel, ktm, lifestyle, male, man, moped, motion, motor, motor-assisted, motorbike, motorbikes, motorcycle, motorcycles, motorcycling, motorcyclist, motorcyclists, motorway, outdoor, outdoors, person, rarity, retro, ride, rider, riders, riding, road, roads, rs, small, speed, sport, sportbike, sports, standard, street, style, tourer, tourers, touring, transport, transportation, travel, uk, vehicle, vehicles
