Halco Ascot TT. Ya Want One?

[Jim]

I'll not go into the history of the bike here (or maybe I'll fill in the details at a later date), that's not my intent. Besides, if you know it, you'll already understand.
The tooling to build the frames and such still exist. They're in storage in Devon England, owned by the gentlemen at Redmax Speed Shop. I contacted them and Steve responded with the following email...

So... anyone who's ever wanted one, there you go. Give him a shout and see what he want's for the bits to build one.
Here, there's 43 pics here.... enjoy some XS650 porn....

 

[Mailman]

Well that’s pretty cool! It would be nice to see that stuff used eh?

 

[Jim]

It would be nice to see that stuff used eh?

Yes it would. I doubt I can afford one, but I inquired about the cost of a frame anyway.
Hey... a guy can dream... right?

 

[kiwi]

I received a couple of catalogues from Tony Hall years back, still have them. Ascot mentioned in the 99 edition, so took a couple of pics, with prices in Sterling.

 

[Jim]

Nice bit of memorabilia you have there.

 

[Raymond]

Just out of interest, did Steve give you a 2021 price?

 

[Jim]

Not yet he hasn't. When he does, I'll ask if I can share it here.

 

[MaxPete]

That certainly is a pretty bike Jim!

 

[RC4MAN]

A friend of mine over there in South Hampton is familiar with Steve at Red Max, Says they're a real stand up bunch. Big Dirt Track aficionado's and tracker builders. I figure he'd be happy to sell some kits.

 

[Jim]

A friend of mine over there in South Hampton is familiar with Steve at Red Max, Says they're a real stand up bunch. Big Dirt Track aficionado's and tracker builders. I figure he'd be happy to sell some kits.

I suspect that frame could be made into a killer cafe bike too.

 

[RC4MAN]

After perusing the link of photos I spied a bracket that looks like it ties the rear of the engine to the swingarm pivot. It would be interesting to see how they join it to the chassis

 

[Jim]

Near as I can tell... and if it follows Norton convention, all that ties it to the frame is the 3 points of the rubber mounts. Engine, brackets (cradle) and swingarm pivot are one assembly, attached to the frame with rubber isolators.

 

[RC4MAN]

As I thought I understood the Norton system the engine is tied to the swingarm as a unit, that is constrained between two "cheek" plates that only allow movement in a plane, up/down, front/back, but not side/side or rocking/cocking sideways? The cheek plates, (big honking aluminum things) were attached to the chassis side rails and shimming was involved to keep it in that attitude. All the other mounts would allow up/down, front/back motion as long as the engine/swingarm were kept sandwiched within those constraints.

 

[Jim]

As I thought I understood the Norton system the engine is tied to the swingarm as a unit,...

It is... through a pivot. The swingarm is pivoted to the aft part of the engine bracket (cradle). It's the bracket (cradle) mounts that needs shimming. A right pain of a job I might add.

 

[Jim]

Norton.

 

[Jim]

I suspect that frame could be made into a killer cafe bike too.

 

[gggGary]

Pssst hey Mr.....

 

[Jim]

What're we lookin' at?

 

[gggGary]

It lives deep in the shed of ill repute.

Cro-moly ice racer frame 27 lbs.

 

[gggGary]

prolly gonna need the bottom rails replaced (rust) steering is pretty steep. a one man shop was welding them over in Oshkosh years ago.