The Manx motor only belongs in one place, sorry but that street Ricky is ugly with the hideous tank, revolting exhaust and $10 tail light and to top it off anodized oil lines
Jeez Marc, that's more than a bit harsh. I agree that the tank is a tad lumpy but because the Manx engine is a bit thirsty and wanting to take the bike on rallys Frank ordered a larger tank from Pat French. The extra volume is lumped on top giving it the bulbous look. He's got a standard black 'glass item that does look more at home but the alloy job doesn 't look near as bad in real life, as anyone who's seen it will attest. As far as the exhaust goes, I don't know what's so "revolting" about it. I like the little squiggle over the footpeg, which was done to allow the footpeg to be removed without having to remove the pipe. The muffler was fitted to pass noise emissions....remember, this bike has full rego. As far as the $10 tail light, that's the standard street Metisse kit item which cost a fair bit more than 10 bucks.
This bike was originally built as an all out racer for the pre 65 class but a life threatening bout of cancer and being 74 years old convinced him that the bike would be better used on the street. The engineering in the bike is amazing with Frank making the cylinder from billet, the complete gearbox, the rockers, con rod and numerous other parts....all in his little single car sized shed.
And as far as the engine belonging only in a Manx road racer, that's like saying that every Triumph motor should remain in a Bonny or every Chevy still live under the bonnet of some old Impala.....but not to worry, Frank has a genuine ex works 500 sitting proudly in his family room and there's enough parts in the shed to build another if he ever feels the urge. Right at this moment he has a rare magnesium works engine on his bench being rebuilt for the Hinton family collection. The motor in the Metisse was built from an engine that was blown up in the sixties and had been sitting under his bench just waiting for its day.
I'll always go to Franks defence as he's one of the nicest, most knowledgable and enthusiastic blokes I know. He's one of those old school engineering genius's that don't seem to exist any more. Even in his twilight years he builds a new bike per year purely because he loves the challenge, I wonder how many of us will be doing the same at his age?
