Type 1 Café Racer & Type 1 Bobber
A motorsport background combined with a passion for biking has inspired Julian Gilson to create the first in a line of classic café racers based on the current Triumph Thruxton.
The 865cc twin cylinder Thruxton offers the ideal baseline from which to evolve the classic 1960’s café racer scene, extremely high production values and commitment to the café racer concept are at the core of the design and manufacturing process for Julian Gilson.
The Type 1 Café Racer is Julian’s latest creation and is now production ready, it will be followed by the Type 2 Bobber which is now out of the design phase and undergoing prototyping. Each concept will be limited to a hand-made production run of twenty numbered editions.
Invitations to test and review the Type 1 are now being offered to the motorcycling press and plans are currently underway to present these fantastic motorcycles at shows and events throughout the UK and Europe.
Although the base Thruxton 865 is in itself a very competent motorcycle, Triumph are necessarily constrained in the execution of the final form. Gilson’s Type 1 Café Racer does away with the compromises in an attempt to create a more dynamic and aesthetically pleasing machine.
The frame remains standard and is powder-coated to the clients specification, that is about the only component from the original Thruxton that has not been breathed upon by Gilsons the Bikers. Every single part of the original that can be replaced or modified in the name of improving performance, handling, ride quality, dynamics or looks, is done with an attention to detail that is so rarely found these days.
The Type 1 Café Racer offers its owner the emotive joy of owning a classic motorcycle combined with the efficiency, reliability and security that comes as part of the package with contemporary motorcycles. Only the very best components are used to replace standard items and each Type 1 Café Racer can be tuned to complement the riding style of its owner. In order to add further to the experience of owning one of these wonderful Café Racers, the prospective owners can take pride in the knowledge that they own an extremely exclusive item of moto-art. Each of Julian’s creations will be strictly limited to a production run of only twenty editions per type, each one carrying its individual number and signature.
A type 1 Hard-Tail Bobber is also in prototype which will make its debut at this years Motorcycle Live event, the Bobber is a completely bespoke motorcycle utilising a Triumph Bonneville as the donor bike.
Specifications
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Removal of air injection system and air-box, replaced with K&N filters and re-machined carbs with upgraded jets complimented with a free-flowing exhaust system for better breathing and an approximate 20% increase in power.
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Clutch, alternator, front sprocket and timing covers polished to high shine.
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Re-furbished front forks, changing the damper rod internals to a valve system as used in modern sports bikes. Powder coated fork-bottoms. Ikon adjustable shock absorbers
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Billet aluminium 6-pot front calipers. Master brake cylinder re-machined to allow for a better connection to the reservoir which has been replaced with a more discreet one. Braided brake hoses all round.
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Wheels are new alloy rims for reduced unsprung weight – powder-coated with stainless steel spokes on standard hubs. Front wheel is standard size, rear is 3/4″ wider – allowing a 150 rear tyre to fit properly (Avon roadrunners front and rear). Rear swing-arm is powder coated.
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New chain/sprocket gearing changed to 19T front and 42T rear for improved highway cruising.
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Re-designed hand-made fuel tank with twin push/pull brass valves and Monza
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Hand-made seat to suit the tank and bike styling. Re-designed tail section with custom mudguard and light assembly.
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Tomaselli fully adjustable clip-ons with re-designed switchgear, controls and grips. Motogadget single gauge for revs and LCD for speed and oil pressure etc, housed in a restyled dash and improved ignition system.
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Re-designed front loom to accommodate new gauge and switchgear.
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Hand-made side panels.
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Complete 100% strip and re-build replacing all operational parts such as bearings, seals and bushes.
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Motogadget gauge showing 0-60 in 3.5 seconds.
