New Hesketh 24

HESKETH have released details and a picture of their new ‘24’ after a 30 year hiatus in motorcycle production.

Held in a steel frame, at the heart of the bike is a 1950cc 56 degree V-twin engine, putting out 120bhp. It will feed through to a full stainless steel 2 into 1 into 3 exhaust.

Keeping all of this power in check is Ohlins suspension front and rear, Beringer brakes and BST carbon fibre wheels.

The bike has a six speed gearbox and features a 22.7 L tank that’s mounted – strangely - beneath the engine.

The styling is inspired by James Hunt’s GP winning car when he raced for Hesketh in 1973.

Paul Sleeman, Hesketh owner said: The Hesketh 24 is a nod to the F1 success of James Hunt and the Hesketh Racing team and we tried to incorporate this is in subtle touches, such as the small Scottish and English flags on the tail as seen on the original F1 24 car and the outline of the Zandvoort circuit that offered Hunt the famous 1975 victory”.

The 24 moniker comes from the racing number painted on his machine.

Sleeman said: “The design of the bike itself is centred around the big V-twin muscle at the heart of the bike, with overhead air intakes inside the tank above and a 22.7 litre fuel cell mounted below the engine. To stay true to some original Hesketh features the front light offers a modern half cowl and the top tank follows the distinctive Hesketh shape.”

The bike will be available from February 2014, but only 24 will be made. A two-seat version of the 24 will be available shortly after the first set of bikes go on sale.

Price is yet to be announced.