FOR RIDING INTO BENDS FLAT OUT
Motorcycle competition in the US during the 1970s and early 80s was dominated by a type of racing much less familiar to us on this side of the Atlantic. At first glance, flat track racing looks like speedway. However, the crucial difference is that the bikes used for flat track have front and rear suspension – and rear brakes – allowing for a completely different cornering technique.
The Flat Track Series covered five disciplines including the mile, the half-mile, short track (quartermile), the TT Steeplechase (an irregular shaped course with a jump) and the “road” race (on purpose-built tracks such as the Daytona 200).
The style of riding – sliding the rear wheel round corners – meant a number of US flat track racers went on to success in MotoGP, including Kenny Roberts, Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson and Wayne Rainey.
All of which brings us to a quiet market town in Cambridgeshire.
Huntingdon is the home of the Herald Motor Company, creator of unique 125cc and 250cc motorcycles, the latest custom version of which is called the Flat Tracker.
I am happy to say, the firm has come on leaps and bounds since I first tested its original Classic 125 in 2014.
The line-up now includes a Classic 250 and a Cafe Racer 250 – featuring a four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled motor. More recently, Herald has been producing customs based on the 250.
The Flat Tracker’s yellow and black colour scheme is reminiscent of Yamaha’s US racing livery and the bike is pared down and minimalist – so no front mudguard and no mirrors.
Like HMC’s other customs, upgrades include SBS brake pads, NGK spark plugs, a HiFlow filter and Venhill braided lines.
The front brake cylinder is taken from a Herald scooter, and there’s a quick-action throttle and footpegs from a motocross bike.
The wide, upswept bars are custom made and the lovely seat is from the Redmax Speed Shop.
I loved the Flat Tracker. Making 21bhp, it’s not going to blow your socks off, but that is irrelevant. It’s an absolute joy to ride – light, agile, responsive. This is old-skool riding at its best: simple and fun. And the sound from that 250 single, especially the pop when you close the throttle – magic.