Racing legend Randy Mamola on Speed!
This weekend the magnificent Italian circuit of Monza will host the first edition of the 2019 series of ‘Sultans of Sprint’. Every year the events in Monza, Montlhéry and Glemseck grow in terms of attendance and number of celebrities on the track.
Today and tomorrow GP racing legend Randy Mamola will take part on a very special build, competing in the ‘factory class’ ( no limit regarding the engine capacity providing that the tuned bike does not exceed a power-to-weight ratio limit of 0.65bhp/kg.)
Belgium based Workhorse speed shop’s Brice Hennert set his sights on rebuilding an Indian Scout Bobber into a serious contender for the title. It took him over 700 hours before the project was ready to race.
And ready it is!
The bike is named ‘Appaloosa’ and will race under #19 to honour the Indian Scout’s 100th anniversary.
It named after the famous breed of horse. Brice explains, “I wanted a name that could
link Workhorse, Indian Motorcycle and speed. As soon as I discovered that the American horse breed Appaloosa was one of the world’s fastest horses, I knew I had the name for an American sprint bike built by Workhorse.
After putting so much into this build, I’m excited to see the reaction to it and I can’t wait to see Randy blast it down the racetrack.”
Randy Mamola says, “I’ve always been a big fan of Indian Motorcycle and I’m really looking forward to racing this amazing creation. It’s great to be part of this project, especially during the Scout’s 100th anniversary.
With the Sultans of Sprint being such a unique series, it’s going to be a lot of fun soaking
up the atmosphere, meeting the crowds and putting on a show for them.”
Randy will turn 60 in November of this year and has had his last win in the 500cc class during the 1987 San Marino Grand Prix. Let’s see if he returns to an Italian track with a vengeance this weekend!
About the bike:
After completely stripping the Scout Bobber, Brice cut and narrowed the original fuel tank, retaining the side profile, to create a cover for a new aluminium fuel cell which holds just 2.5 litres for sprint racing. With the fuel cell in place, work focussed on the riding position, a critical element for quick starts. A new sub-frame was fabricated to better support the rider under hard acceleration and combines with lower clip-on handlebars and drag-style foot controls to tilt the rider forward and keep weight over the front wheel.
To further enhance traction when the flag drops, Brice designed and welded an extended aluminium swingarm. With parts CNC machined from his drawings by Beringer Brakes, the swingarm is mated to advanced, fully adjustable suspension technology from Öhlins. Matching the STX 36 piggyback rear shock absorbers, Öhlins also supplied Retro 43 front forks and a steering damper to ensure the best possible grip and stability enabling the full performance of the bike to be utilised.
With a rolling chassis and elements of the streamlined fairing starting to take shape, Brice took Appaloosa to Akrapovič where a bespoke titanium exhaust system was created for maximum power
and the best possible sound. Without making any internal modifications, engine power has been increased to 130hp with a combination of the Akrapovič exhaust, a racing ECU, Power Commander,
direct intake, Nitrous Oxide Injection system and MOTOREX oil.
To get the power to the tarmac, the original belt drive has been converted to chain drive and a quickshifter ensures swift and precise gear changes.
Bringing the rapid racer to a controlled stop is the complete 4D Aerotec braking system from Beringer Brakes. The 4D system features two Ø230mm discs per caliper for increased power over standard single discs as well as reduced inertia to aid acceleration. Beringer Brakes also supplied the handlebar controls and buttons as well as CNC machining many of the parts designed by Brice.
Using hosing supplied by Vibrant Performance the cooling system has been simplified for weight reduction and for a cleaner look around the engine. Additional components from Vibrant such as
welded dash connectors, fuel and water tank caps and heat protection hoses add finishing touches to Appaloosa.
2019 schedule for those who want to check out his phenomenal bike:
Static display:
The Bike Shed (London 24 – 26 May)
Wheels & Waves (Biarritz 12 – 16 June).
In motion (that’s what you’d want!)
Sultans of Sprint Championship 2019
The Reunion (Monza 18 – 19 May)
Café Racer Festival (Monthléry 22 – 23 June)
Glemseck 101 (Leonberg 31 Aug – 1 Sept
ABOUT WORKHORSE SPEED SHOP
Workhorse is the story of a passion. Brice Hennebert grew up surrounded by his father’s motorcycles and was raised by a creative mother. Learning mechanics at an early age, Brice later trained as a graphic designer before opening a custom motorcycle workshop in 2012 with a like-minded bike fanatic.
In 2016, Brice returned to the workshop of his childhood in Nodebais, Belgium to launch Workhorse Speed Shop. Workhorse provides a full range of services from accessory fitment through to complete custom builds.
https://www.workhorsespeedshop.com/
All photographic material used courtesy of Indian Motorcycles, Workhorse speedshop, @antoinehotermans and @operationpanda
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