Hesketh is back

Under the leadership of new owner, Paul Sleeman, who took over the company in 2010, an all-new range of motorcycles are planned, spearheaded by the '24' sportsbike that will be released in February, 2014.

Tapping into Hesketh's motorcycle and, more specifically, Formula 1 racing heritage, the '24' takes its name from James Hunt's racing number, and a colour scheme inspired by the Hesketh Racing F1 cars from the early 1970s. Hunt, recently immortalised in the film 'Rush', drove for the F1 team created and funded by Lord Alexander Hesketh from 1973, securing the team's first victory in 1975, before joining McLaren for the 1976 season.

Limited to just 24 examples worldwide, the all-new Hesketh features a 1950cc v-twin powerplant, slung in a chromoly steel frame. Quality components include Ohlins suspension, Beringer brakes, a Baker primary drive for the 6-speed transmission, and Brock's Performance BST carbon fibre wheels.

The new Hesketh 24 will be the first model released under Paul Sleeman's ownership and serves as a clear indication of the new direction of the brand.

"The design of the bike itself is centred around the big V-twin muscle at the heart of the bike, with overhead air intakes inside the 'tank' above and a 22.7 litre fuel cell mounted below the engine," Sleeman said.
"To stay true to some original Hesketh features, the front light offers a modern half cowl and the top tank follows the distinctive Hesketh shape.

"The Hesketh 24 is a nod to the F1 success of James Hunt and the Hesketh Racing team and we tried to incorporate this is in subtle touches, such as the small Scottish and English flags on the tail as seen on the original F1 24 car and the outline of the Zandvoort circuit that offered Hunt the famous 1975 victory.

"[After the 24] we will go on to develop and release a 2 seat version of this model shortly after," Sleeman added.

Hesketh Motorcycles will soon be moving from their current home in Kingswood, Surrey, to larger premises at nearby Redhill, allowing the team to better concentrate on the manufacture of the Hesketh 24 and future models.

UPDATE: Pricing for the Hesketh 24 has been announced at £35,000 (approx. AU$64,000 excluding ORCs) each.

Hesketh 24 - specs

Engine
1950cc 56 degree V-Twin 120 BHP
Belt driven 3 cam design

Transmission
6 Speed with Baker FFP billet primary.

Final Drive
Chain

Wheels
Brock's performance BST carbon fibre 19 x 120 front, 19 x 180 rear

Brakes
Beringer twin 4 piston front and single 4 piston rear.

Frame
Chromoly steel. Tig welded

Fuel tank
22.7 L fuel cell mounted beneath the engine

Exhaust
Stainless steel 2 into 1 into 3

Suspension
Ohlins road / track

For more information about Hesketh Motorcycles visit www.heskethmotorcycles.co.uk.