The first cut is the deepest
If you’re a fan of big Triumph tourers made at the Hinckley factory from the mid-1990s, look away now. This story is likely to upset you.
Almost two years ago I tried out a special based on the 1200 Trophy that had been built by Ian Saxcoburg, and I was smitten. The machine had been converted using a ready-to-fit kit of parts produced by Ian’s company, Café Racer Kits (CRK), and it was a gorgeous hunk. However, whilst the lusty 1180cc four-cylinder engine dominated the bike with mountains of silky-smooth throttle response, the roadster handlebar provided a relaxed riding position and nimble handling down the sinuous byways in the Isle of Wight where Ian is based.
The CRK Roadster 1200 was just the sort machine I’d been looking for – a conventionally-styled bike with an impressive presence and contemporary custom styling. Think of a British-made version of the Yamaha XJR1300 or Suzuki GSX1400 muscle bikes and you’d be
