450cc single-cylinder Hesketh Hersey teased, first new motorcycle since 2014

Hesketh Motorcycles has announced the launch of its first brand-new motorcycle since the British marque was revived in 2014, the Hesketh Hersey.

Founded in 1982, Hesketh Motorcycles was set up by Lord Hesketh as his new pet project in the wake of his Formula 1 team - which famously won races and podiums with legendary racer James Hunt before he went on to win the title with McLaren - being disbanded.

Though it has changed hands a few times since its creation, Hesketh Motorcycles has remained steady under the steer of Paul Sleeman since 2010, going on to launch the 1917cc V-Twin Hesketh 24 in 2014.

However, with that model axed due to Euro5 emissions regulations, Hesketh has gone back to the drawing board to develop its new ‘baby’ Hersey model.

Teased in a few images posted to its Facebook page, the Hersey is a new smaller roadster packing a Euro5 compliant 450cc single-cylinder engine derived from the Honda XR400 and featuring K-Tech suspension, hand-crafted tubular steel frame and radially-mounted brake calipers.

Set to rival other niche British models like the Langen Two-Stroke and CCM motorcycles, the Hesketh Hersey will offer more mod-cons, such as LED lights, but the look will remain influenced by the past.

Though no prices have been announced, the Hesketh Hersey is expected to cost under £15,000, marking an affordable departure for the brand compared with its previous more premium tagged motorcycles.

The world is changing and we have to adapt to our surroundings,” Sleeman wrote on Facebook. “This will be the least expensive Hesketh ever produced in an attempt to widen ownership opportunities but not forgiving [sic: forgetting] quality or detail.”