Description
This motorcycle is Lot 282 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Sunday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 282
1976 Cheetah Kawasaki KT250 Trials Project
Registration no. AKM 271T
Frame no. unable to locate
Engine no. KT2E-006789
Formerly with Greeves, Don Smith certainly had the CV to justify his appointment by Kawasaki, having won the European Trials Championship on three occasions (1964, 1967, and 1969). Don built a prototype using a Kawasaki 450cc moto-cross engine, which led in 1975 to the launch of the production KT250, undeniably one of the best-looking trials bikes ever to come out of Japan. But even the best can be improved upon, and this particular Kawasaki KT250 has a Bob Gollner 'Cheetah' frame. The late Bob Gollner was a well respected trials and moto-cross competitor who ran a motorcycle dealership in Denmead, Hampshire. Gollner developed and sold his own trials motorcycles under the Cheetah brand name, using frames of his own design and a variety of engines, including Villiers, Triumph Tiger Cub and Husqvarna, before moving on to the BSA Bantam and then Japanese types.
One of an estimated 100-or-so made, this Cheetah-framed Kawasaki KT250 has belonged to the vendor since the 1980s. The vendor was hoping to restore the machine, but life and the passage of time has prevented this. Accordingly, the machine is offered for restoration and sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over and the 2, 195 miles odometer reading is believed genuine). Accompanying documentation consists of the 1980 purchase receipt, sundry bills, and an old-style V5.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
