THE NICEST BIKE EVER







The Real Thing


 Seems that the "Nastiest Bike Ever" is the most popular item so here's one from the other end
of the spectrum. Continuing my quest for the "Rothmans RTL" it once again comes down to, if you
can't find one then build your own replica!


 From time to time Adrian Lewis gets his hands on these RTLs and is most likely a "world authority"
on the machine whereas my expertise is normally associated with the TY Yamaha. Adrian tells he
has a disc brake version coming in from New Mexico and will be rebuilding later in the year. He
also has a "Rothmans" on consignment but says it's a drum brake model and perhaps a tad
expensive. E-mail photos arrive, drooling begins!



Nasty business!



The Owner should be Publicly Flogged!

 The RTL had not had an easy life and had been used for inspecting power lines out in the middle
of nowhere and judging by it's original state had not been in the hands of a trials rider. Adrian
rebuilt the motor, suspension and found new fenders and a better exhaust. It arrived in a semi
 finished state and I took it from there. 




Old and Newer

 It needed the stand, a rear wheel bearing, some new bars, some final polishing and the tank
shroud redone in the Rothmans colors.




New Wheel Bearings


 I had been to see a local RTL that was for sale but again this was the drum brake model so the
appeal was not quite so high. I did have a test ride on the owner's mini trial sections and found
that this machine has what I would consider to be the most perfect geometry. The stance position
is amazing and it feels as though you are on a bench as it is such a stable platform. Power
delivery is silky smooth but packs a punch when you call for it. In it's day it must have been a
quantum jump forward over it's competitors, and certainly if I had been competing in that era
would have been a must have!



Worth the Wait



Gorgeous


 As most experts will tell me the "True Rothman's" are as rare as the proverbial, the replicas have
the twin front downtubes whereas the works bikes had a single plus a host of other differences
..... and nearly all the works bikes went in the crusher.




All Polished






The Nicest Bike Ever!

 The painter takes forever but somethings are worth waiting for and he eventually says both
shrouds are ready. Not cheap, but quality is worth paying for. So it's finished and like the TLM
remains unridden in competition, one day, one day!........ unless somebody makes me an offer
I can't refuse?.......starting circa $8000 for the RTL and $6000 for the TLM


TONY DOWN     Still smoking, still coughing.... Hooray for ROTHMANS