1980: MARTIN LAMPKIN

SWM TL 320 TWO-STROKE

Approaching the end of a hugely rewarding trials career, the youngest of the three famous Lampkin brothers, Martin, would give the Italians their first ACU British Championship title with the SWM. However, it was not an easy championship victory for Martin, as he had a change of machinery from Bultaco to SWM after the season had started. Having ridden for Bultaco for the last ten years of his career, the change was due to the financial problems for the struggling Spanish motorcycle manufacturer.

His first ride on the SWM was at the Scottish Six Days

Trial in May, where he finished seventh, but he soon adapted to the engine characteristics of the Rotax rotary disc induction trials engine, which was quite different from the normal cylinder pistonported induction two-stroke.

The SWM was a well-developed machine, and Martin soon looked a winner on it, taking four of the ten-round wins from his friend and rival Malcolm Rathmell.

SWM SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE: Single Cylinder Air-Cooled TwoStroke

TYPE: Rotary Disc Valve Induction

CUBIC CAPACITY: 276.6cc

BORE AND STROKE: 76mm x 61mm IGNITION: Electronic

CARBURETTOR: Dell-Orto: Ø 26mm CLUTCH: Multiple Disc

GEARS: Six

FRAME: Tubular Steel

SWINGING ARM: Tubular Steel

FRONT FORKS: Marzocchi Telescopic: Ø 35mm

REAR SUSPENSION: Marzocchi – Oil Filled CLAIMED WEIGHT: 85kg