Mick Broom who helped with development and was a test rider for Hesketh, purchased what was left of the company in the late-80s. He held onto the brand, never seriously manufacturing a new motorcycle, but spent most of the time building leftover V1000s, as well as servicing and upgrading them. Triumph approached Hesketh Company about building the V1000 after the Bonneville, but lacked the money to do so.

In 2006, the company moved but took a hard hit when they were robbed in the process. Sleeman purchased the company in 2010, started working on this tribute bike and recently finished a run of updated, production V1000s too.

The question remains: is this a decent attempt at honoring a driver and car like James Hunt and the #24 Hesketh?  Sleeman claims he is using as many British parts as possible, but it’s an American V-twin on an American-built steel frame, what do you think? Comment below.

Specifications at a glance: 

Engine

Engine type                          Air-cooled, V-twin

Displacement                       117ci (1,950 cc)

Bore x stroke                        4 1/8in X 4 3/8in (105mm x 110mm)

Compression ratio                9.75:1

Fuel system                          Closed loop EFI

Cool things                            Keyless ignition, stainless steel carbon fibre exhaust,

Power

Power                                   123hp @ 6000RPM

Torque                                  70 ft/lbs @ 3000RPM

Overall 

Frame                                    Chrome-moly tube cradle frame

Swing arm                             Steel box section with integral oil tank

Rake                                      25 degrees

Trail                                        96mm

Wheels                                  17-inch BST Blackstone carbon fiber

Front tire                               120/70/ZR17

Rear tire                                190/70/ZR17

Handlebars                            Renthal tubular tapered steel Fatbars

Fuel tank capacity                 5 US gallons

Seat height                            32in

Wheelbase                            61in

Transmission                         Baker 5-speed with overdrive

Clutch                                    Baker wet multi-plate with KingKong clutch cable

Suspension

Front suspension                   55mm adjustable Öhlins USD forks

Rear suspension                   Öhlins adjustable reservoir-style twin shocks

Brakes

Front brakes                          Beringer 300mm floating discs with 4-piston Beringer Aerotech calipers

Rear brakes                          Single Beringer 250mm floating disc with 4-piston Beringer Aerotech caliper