Gillette Triple

I'd never heard of Gillette other than the well-known razor brand and so when I spotted this small triple, I had to get it in the sketchbook. It turns out this is a home-brew special, which had its genesis in 1978, when Geoff Bouchard was wondering what to do with a pair of Mobylette/Raleigh moped engines he had under his workbench. Initial thoughts were to create a parallel twin until a friend offered up a third engine and the plans changed to a triple. The project evolved further when a Gilera 50 Sport frame, forks and petrol tank were offered up by another friend. ‘Gil’era and Moby’lette’ duly provided the name. The triple was completed in 1979, though he first incarnation sat dormant until friends persuaded Geoff to register it for the road in 1986. After some use, it was decided to install a new crank and solid crankcases were made to suit. Over time, the Gillette has evolved into what you see; a 195cc special with Autisa barrels and custom heads designed by Geoff. Induction is by three Dell’Orto carburettors, ignition a Boyer Bransden electronic set-up, gearbox and clutch Yamaha. The triple runs at about 10,000rpm and the handling is aided by Geoff's own rear swinging arm along with Suzuki forks, Girling rear shocks, plus there’s a 200mm Oldani twin leading shoe front brake.