LEGEND
Norman Hyde unveiled the first Hyde Harrier at the 1987 Motorcycle Show, the Harris Performance-made chassis was a revelation, enabling riders to cope with the big increases in engine performance from tuned Triumph engines and advances in suspension and tyre technology. Politely described as a sleek road-legal 130 mph cafe racer, it transformed the performance and handling of Triumph’s triples. Lester and Steve Harris utilised their experience of high-level racing to produce a radical new frame and swingarm that would accept the engine and running gear from a donor Triumph Bonneville twin or triple-cylinder Trident. Handling was transformed with superb frame bracing, steeper fork angle and the use of a longer swing-arm. However, the new design also allowed the engine to be moved forward, which, to the surprise of many experts, provided a more stable ride. Racers immediately realised the potential of this machine and the first Harrier race bike won its inaugural race at Scarborough in 1988, in the hands of TT legend Geoff Johnson. This particular example was built up in 2004, it is immaculate, reflecting the builders’ lifelong interest in the triples and their expertise in ground-up re builds.

Image and text courtesy Webbs Auction House NZ
Norman Hyde Motorcycles