1970 Honda Drixton 500cc GP Racer
Highlights
- Highly regarded Drixl-built 1970s GP racer
- Raced by Jean Campiche in 1970s
- Featured in 70/71 seasons with points scored
- Detailed provenance of race entries and podiums
- Rated as one of the most original Drixtons by Bartel Engineering
- Will feature at Prescott and Donnington in 2024
The Appeal
Othmar ‘Marly’ Drixl was a talented and visionary man. Among his many creations was the clever Drixton Honda, a bike that powered many amateur racers to points and podiums through the 1970s. The Drixton’s tubular duplex cradle frame, short wheelbase and engine positioned far forward delivered assured handling and light weight. That maximised the potential of its bored and tuned 500cc 65bhp Honda ‘Black Bomber’ engine.
Drixl began building the 500 in 1969. In 1970 he created bikes for three of Europe’s leading amateur racers, including Jean Campiche. This is Jean’s bike. In his capable hands it raced at the East German GP and at Imola that year, achieving top 10 finishes and going on to notch up 1970 and 1971 GP entries and a fine tally of points.
For the last 30 years the bike has resided in classic bike collections in Italy and Britain. During that time it has been regularly shown and enjoyed. In 2024 alone it will be at Donnington and Prescott.
Asa Moyce of renowned specialists Bartel Engineering has described this Drixton as one of the most original in the world. That, plus the impeccable provenance - there is even correspondence between the current keeper and Jean Campiche - surely places this capable classic racer at the very top of any discerning collector's wish list.
The History and Paperwork
- Early Drixton built by Drixl for Jean Campiche for the 1970 season
- Campaigned by Campiche in East German GP and Italian GP during 1970
- Campiche secured several top 10 places across Europe during his tenure
- Reported to have competed in 70 or 71 GPs during its career
- Typed list of GP entries included in history file
- Detailed notes on bike’s history included in file
- Previously part of a collection in Italy
- Now part of a collection and museum display in the UK
- Lots of history including magazine articles on this bike
- Email correspondence with Jean Campiche
- Bike will feature at Prescott in June and Donnington in July
- Vendor advises that it has been rated as one of the most original in the world by Asa Moyce of Bartel Engineering
- Available on display at Moto Corsa premises - The Old Brewery in Gillingham, Dorset
- Various spares available by separate negotiation
The Condition
- Highly original bike in very good condition
- Beautiful example with exquisite details like polished tank and drop handlebars
- Metal stand included
- Jean Campiche red faring included with various classic and more recent decals
- Tubular steel duplex cradle frame with frame rails over engine
- Short 1,340mm wheelbase for agile handling
- Number 473 decals to rear guard
- Fitted with an incorrect type rev counter
- Otherwise we understand the bike is highly original and unmodified
- Very good condition which is obvious from the photographs
The Mechanics
- Honda CB450 500cc engine
- Rated at 65bhp at 10,200rpm when built by Drixl
- 4 plug cylinder head
- 5-speed close ratio cluster
- Liners fitted to take Aermacchi pistons and rods
- 34/38ml Dell’Orto carbs
- Fitted with 34 carburettors as these are more driveable
- 38mm carburettors included in sale
- PVL ignition
- Capellini pump & oil cooler
- Fontana 4 L/S front brake
- Ceriani forks
- Menani levers
- Ceriani rear brake and suspension
- New alloy tank
- Regularly used and no reported running or riding issues
BEFORE YOU BUY
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1970
- Make Honda
- Model CB 500
- Colour Multicolour
- Odometer 0
- Engine size 500
Listing Details
- Seller Type Private
- Town Gillingham
- Location International
- Country United Kingdom
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