Mash TT40

Although intrigued by the steady march towards decent specs and build quality, I’d never really taken Chinese bikes seriously, much less one that purports to be a ‘limited edition’ café racer. But at the launch of Mash’s TT40 I had to rethink my prejudices a bit, because this is one cool bit of kit. Yes, it’s driven by a modestly powered (28bhp at 7000rpm, 21 lb.ft at 5500rpm) knock-off of the old SOHC Honda engine, found in all Mash’s 400s, but while far from state-of-the art the chassis is better suspended than the others and the design and finish of the caff racer tank, seat, fairing and indeed the rest of the accoutrements are quite excellent. Most importantly, it’s a hoot to ride in a manner I’ve never really enjoyed because at 6ft 2in, cramp and backache usually set in too soon for grown up fun. But not here, the TT40’S ergonomics are ace.

Mark Williams Founding editor Mark survived the 1970s, and seems strangely drawn to a Chinese made pastiche of the bikes he rode back then