Desert Sled was a name given to these stripped down racers, this bike is as authentic as they come, loads of cool aftermarket items make this a great example of such machines that competed at events at Big Bear Lake and the Catalina G.P. just to name two.


Street equipment such as Lighting, Fenders, Center and Side Stands, Twin Seat were removed.

Period aftermarket items include MCM High Pipes, Bates Racing Seat, Q Air Cleaner, Webco Quick Action Throttle, Alloy Rear Guard, oversize rear Sprocket and Folding Foot Pegs.

Q Air Cleaners were manufactured in the 1950s and 1960's out of Van Nuys here in Southern California, essential for raing in the dirt and sand.

Webco produced these Quick Action Throttles, making it able to get that Throttle wide open with less of a twist than the stock item.


Bates Racing seat has survived well, still good and soft.
Very rare high capacity Oil Tank, I believe this is a Factory Item that was made for the Factory TR5 and T100 Racers.


It was common practice to cover home made folding Foot Pegs with Garden Hose, details like this get lost after restoration.


Desert Sleds took loads of stick whilst in action, when desert racing you did not go around obstacles, you steamrolled right through 'em.




I have to say that I am unsure of what might become of this bike, the right offer may pry it from my hands but i have to say that to me it should be left a survivor, maybe fire it up one day soon and head out to the dirt.
motorcycle helmets Very intresting blog like the pic and the information you provide
ReplyDeleteGreat Bike! How many battles will have participated? The Sled deserves to be restored whith the hose garden and its pipes.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is a discovery!!!
What great pictures of a true desert sled. I raced Triumphs in the desert at district 37 events in the 60s and they were a fantastic bike. I had a 1965 TR6SC that was all maxed out for desert, I wish I had that bike today.
ReplyDeleteGlenn Thomas
Checkers MC
Grande moto da regolarità,io nel mio piccolo sto cercando di trasformare un moderno triumph scrambler in un enduro anni 60,simile alla leggendaria tiger trophy 110 che partecipò al six days del 1964 con Steve McQueen.
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