Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
30th Oct, 2024 13:00
1989 Italjet 350 Hare and Hounds
Extremely rare 350cc trail bike
Estimate
£2, 500 - £3, 000
Registration No: G722 SNF
Frame No: TBC
MOT: None
Rare Monoshock 350cc two stroke Trials Bike
Only thought to have been 4 bikes imported into the UK
Supplied with a current V5C registration document
Founded by Leopoldo Tartarini in 1959, Italjet was renowned for its sporty and distinctive motorcycles. Leo himself was a famous racer with many victories classic long-distance events such as the Giro D'Italia and the Milano Taranto, but after an accident in the mid-1950s curtailed his sporting efforts he took on the challenge of going around the world on a 175 Ducati. He then poured all of his sporting experience into developing his own brand of motorcycle and in 1965 the Vampire 60 was launched, an eye-catching racer built especially for competition use. Eventually becoming better known for kids mini bikes and competition trials models, they made the occasional larger capacity bike such as the 350cc 'Hare and Hounds' model. This has a two stroke engine based on the trials bike with monoshock rear suspension aimed at the dual purpose on/ off road market.
This rare example of Italjets 350 trail bike is presented in original unrestored condition, with just a credible 460 miles (740km) on its speedo, backed up by the tyres showing very little wear. Only around 4 bikes were thought to have been imported into the UK. Not much is known of its history and it has been part of a small private collection for a while but the bike has obviously seen very little use and will make an interesting talking point at any classic bike show or event. Not run for a while it will need recommissioning before use and comes supplied with a current V5C.
