Ex-Manx Suzuki XR69 for sale

This achingly-gorgeous Harris Performance XR69 is being offered for sale by long-time endurance race campaigners Alf’s Motorcycles in Worthing. The bike, which lapped the Isle of Man’s 37.73 Mountain circuit at 108mph in last year’s Manx GP, is unique in being the first twin-shock XR69 replica built by Harris – most others ape the 1981 single shock works GS1000Rs raced by Graeme Crosby and Mick Grant.

To anyone who remembers early ‘80s TT F1 racing, this XR replica’s specification is mouth-watering. The lightweight tubular steel frame is hand-made by Harris, as is the braced, box-section, aluminium swingarm. The shocks are bespoke Maxton items, forks are Marzocchi with Maxton internals, wheels Dymag and brakes AP Racing.

“Everything on the bike except for the donor GS1000 motor was new for the build”, Alf’s Motorcycles’ Mick Godfrey told MCN. “The engine’s full race spec with high-compression pistons, high lift cams, Keihin CR Smoothbore carbs, and has been fully rebuilt by Alf since the Manx GP. It’s good for 110bhp.

“We built it for the 2010 Manx, but it’s sat in the showroom since because being Kawasaki dealers we’ve raced a Z1000-powered Harris this year instead. That’s why the XR’s now for sale.”

The XR comes ready to race in period endurance events, such as the Classic Bol d’Or, and Mick is hoping it’ll be bought to be raced. “It would cost over 20 grand to build again, we want £17,500.”

If you’re interested contact Mick or Alf on 01903-200948