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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1970 Honda Drixton 500cc GP Racer
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