BUCK SMITH INSPIRED TROPHY TR6

Desert Racer

This 1960 TR6 was inspired by Buck Smith’s championship desert racer as featured in Sideburn Magazine #34.

Buck Smith's bike was full of detailed modifications. It was made from a 1960 duplex framed Trophy TR6 so that it could compete and complete in 500 mile enduro races, riding over rough and unknown terrain without breaking down. 

The donor bike, 1960 Trophy TR6, was stripped of road going parts including the the swinging arm which is now a double beam reinforced arm that provides rigidity on rides over tough terrain. The full width front hub was replaced with a 6 inch side hub reducing the unsprung weight while still offering sufficient braking for any desert event. The air filter was replaced with a Webco air filter to allow the engine to breathe more freely without sucking in dirt and sand in the desert. The original seat was a Bates seat which on this bike has been changed to a newly designed ands made one off ‘in the style of’ seat. A double rear sprocket has been fitted to increase the acceleration as top speed was not the most important characteristic for desert racing and all the cycle parts including engine, exhaust pipes and chrome are new but with careful distressing, makes them look as authentic as the original machine.

We are very pleased with how it turned out and when used recently at the Ace Scramble weekend, it provided confidence and stability when ridden with purpose. All in all, it has been a dream project. A big thanks to Ewan Burgess for putting it together and Ace Classics for their parts, know how and understanding what this Southwick 60’s TR6 is all about.