1985 Harris-Kawasaki 1,179cc Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 014532

1985 Harris-Kawasaki 1,179cc Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 014532 •Formerly part of a private collection in Italy •Present ownership since 2012 •Last ridden in 2018 (will be started prior to sale) One of the most famous names in frame building, the Harris brothers - Steve and Lester - have been in business as Harris Performance Products since 1972. Engineers as well as motorcycle racers, they built their first frame – a tubular steel design with mono-shock rear suspension – to house a Suzuki Super Six engine. The Harris mono-shock rear end proved immensely successful and was used for a variety of frames housing (mainly) pukka two-stroke racing engines. Their first venture into the world of production-based, large-capacity four-stroke came in 1980 when they built a Kawasaki Z1-engine machine for Formula 1 racing. This design gave rise to the celebrated Magnum frame, which would be adapted to take engines from all the major Japanese manufacturers and prove an immense commercial success for Harris over the next decade. We are advised that this collectible future classic is fitted with 75.4mm-bore Wiseco pistons, which combined with the stock 66mm stroke (of the 998.6cc '1000' engine) would give a capacity of 1,179cc. Other noteworthy features include titanium valves; a twin-plug cylinder head; Mikuni 33mm racing carburettors; Yoshimura exhaust; Suzuki RG500 Kayaba forks; self-generating Kokusan ignition with pit lane speed limiter; fully floating front brake discs; Brembo quick-release endurance racing brake callipers; and Dymag alloy wheels. The current vendor purchased the machine at Bonhams' Stafford sale in October 2012 (Lot 381) when it was offered for sale from a private collection in Italy. Since then it has been ridden at the VMCC's Festival of 1000 Bikes in 2013 and 2018, the latter occasion being the last time it was run. It will, however, have been started prior to sale. The machine comes with a (copy) article from an Italian motorcycle magazine. Key not required Footnotes: All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com