Buy Hesketh Motorcycle

History & Heritage

The story of Hesketh Motorcycles is one of the most colourful and ambitious tales in the annals of British motorcycling, deeply intertwined with the flamboyant personality of Alexander Fermor-Hesketh, the 3rd Baron Hesketh. Known for his extravagant lifestyle and his tenure as a privateer in Formula 1 with driver James Hunt, Lord Hesketh sought to translate his racing passion into a luxury motorcycle brand that could revive the declining British industry of the late 1970s.

After withdrawing from F1, Lord Hesketh turned his sights toward creating a "two-wheeled Aston Martin" or "Rolls-Royce of motorcycles." At a time when the traditional British giants like BSA, Triumph, and Norton were struggling or defunct, Hesketh aimed to build a modern successor to the legendary Vincent Black Shadow and Brough Superior.

In 1977, development began on a sophisticated new engine with the help of Weslake, a renowned engineering firm. By 1981, Hesketh Motorcycles PLC was established in Daventry, Northamptonshire. The first production model, the Hesketh V1000, featured a 992cc, 90-degree V-twin engine with double overhead cams and four valves per cylinder—specs that were highly advanced for the era.

However, the launch was plagued by technical setbacks. Early machines suffered from oil leaks, gear-change issues, and overheating of the rear cylinder. These problems, combined with a high price tag and the economic climate, led to the company's liquidation in 1982 after only 149 units were produced.

Lord Hesketh didn't give up immediately. He formed a new company, Hesleydon Ltd, and released the Hesketh Vampire in 1983. The Vampire was a full-faired touring version of the V1000, designed to appeal to the high-end touring market. Unfortunately, it shared many of the V1000's mechanical gremlins, and only about 40 units were ever completed before this venture also folded.

The brand's survival into the modern era is largely thanks to Mick Broom, the former development engineer and test rider. Broom established Broom Development Engineering and continued to refine and hand-build Heskeths to order, addressing the original design flaws. Over several decades, Broom produced approximately 300 more motorcycles, including improved versions of the V1000 and the Vampire, as well as the EN10 and the Vulcan.

In 2010, the brand was sold to entrepreneur Paul Sleeman, who moved production to Surrey and introduced new limited-edition models like the Hesketh 24 and the Valiant. Today, the Hesketh name remains a symbol of British eccentricity and bespoke engineering. In the Australian context, these motorcycles are incredibly rare, with only a handful of examples having made their way to our shores as private imports, making them a "holy grail" for local enthusiasts of British iron.

Highlights & Features

The defining characteristic of any Hesketh is its hand-built exclusivity. Unlike the mass-produced Japanese superbikes of the early 1980s, every Hesketh was assembled with a level of attention to detail that only a small-scale British workshop could provide.

The heart of the machine is the Weslake-designed V-twin. While the 90-degree configuration provided perfect primary balance—similar to a Ducati—the Hesketh engine was physically much larger and more robust. It featured a one-piece cast crankshaft and a vertically split crankcase, housing a five-speed constant-mesh gearbox. A notable engineering highlight was the coaxial countershaft sprocket, which meant the chain tension remained constant regardless of the swingarm's movement—a feature ahead of its time.

Aesthetically, the V1000 is a masterpiece of classical proportions. Designed by John Mockett, it features a nickel-plated or black-painted Reynolds 531 steel frame. The distinct "Astralite" wheels, constructed from two riveted aluminium pressings rather than being cast, are a unique Hesketh trademark. The use of high-end European components like Brembo brakes and Marzocchi suspension further emphasised its premium positioning.

The Vampire took this luxury concept into the touring realm. Its massive fairing provided exceptional wind protection for long-distance hauls, though it added significant weight and complexity. The "Vampire" name itself, chosen via a competition in a motorcycle magazine, added to the bike's gothic, aristocratic charm.

For the Australian collector, a Hesketh isn't just a motorcycle; it's a conversation starter. The rarity of the brand globally—estimated at fewer than 500 total bikes across all eras—means that seeing one at a local show like the Broadford Bike Bonanza or a Shannon’s auction is a major event.

Technical Data

The technical specifications of the Hesketh V1000 and Vampire highlight their role as heavy-weight grand tourers rather than nimble sports bikes.

Later Broom-built machines often featured significant upgrades, including oil coolers for the rear cylinder (crucial for Australian summers), digital ignition systems, and improved internal oil ways to ensure greater longevity of the Weslake engine.

Market Overview & Buying Tips

Buying a Hesketh in Australia is a pursuit of patience. Because the bikes were never officially sold through a local dealer network, every example in the country is a private import. This makes the local market extremely thin, with perhaps only one or two changing hands every few years.

Pricing and Value (2024-2025)

Globally, Hesketh prices have seen a steady increase as collectors appreciate their rarity.

• Hesketh V1000 (Original Daventry build): These are the most sought-after by purists. In the UK, prices typically range from £12,000 to £22,000 (approx. A$23,000 to A$43,000). In Australia, a well-sorted, registered V1000 can fetch upwards of A$45,000 to A$60,000 due to the scarcity and the costs already sunk into importation and ADR (Australian Design Rules) compliance for older imports.
• Hesketh Vampire: Slightly less desirable than the naked V1000 for some, but its extreme rarity (only 40 originals) keeps prices high. Expect to pay A$25,000 to A$40,000 for a good example. A notable sale at Donington Auctions in Melbourne (2021) saw a Vampire—reportedly the first delivered V1000 produced—reach a staggering A$68,000, highlighting the premium Australians will pay for significant provenance.
• Broom-Development Models: These are often considered "better" motorcycles because Mick Broom fixed the factory's mistakes. They trade in a similar range to the originals but are preferred by those who actually intend to ride the bike.

What to Inspect

If you are lucky enough to find a Hesketh for sale in Australia, a thorough inspection is mandatory.

1. The Weslake Engine: Listen for excessive top-end noise. Check for oil leaks around the base of the cylinders. Ask if the "Broom upgrades" have been performed, particularly the oiling modifications.
2. The Gearbox: The original five-speed box was notorious for finding "false neutrals." Test the shifting feel—it should be heavy but positive.
3. Rear Cylinder Cooling: In the Australian climate, the rear cylinder of an un-modified V1000 can easily overheat. Look for signs of heat stress on the paint or gaskets.
4. Electricals: Like many British bikes of the era, the Lucas electrical system can be temperamental. Check that the charging system is healthy and that all lights and indicators function without flickering.
5. Wheels: Inspect the riveted Astralite wheels for any signs of corrosion or loose rivets. They are difficult to repair and expensive to replace.

Parts Availability

This is the biggest hurdle for an Australian owner. There is no local parts bin for Hesketh. Most mechanical parts must be sourced from the UK through the Hesketh Owners Club or specialists who took over Mick Broom’s inventory. Shipping costs and wait times can be significant. However, the Hesketh community is tight-knit and incredibly helpful, often commissioning small runs of essential components to keep the fleet on the road.

Performance & Riding Experience

Riding a Hesketh is a visceral, old-school experience that demands respect and a certain level of physical effort. It is not a bike for the faint-hearted or those used to the seamless refinement of a modern Honda.

The Engine Character

The 992cc V-twin is all about torque. It doesn't need to be revved hard to make progress. From as low as 2,500 rpm, the bike pulls with a steady, relentless surge that feels more like a small aero engine than a typical motorcycle powerplant. The sound is a deep, rhythmic thrum—more sophisticated than a Harley-Davidson but with more "thump" than a Ducati.

In Australia’s wide-open spaces, the Hesketh is in its element. On a long stretch of the Princes Highway or the Great Alpine Road, the bike settles into a relaxed gait. At 100 km/h, the engine is barely breaking a sweat, making it a supreme (if heavy) long-distance companion.

Handling and Weight

With a dry weight of 244 kg for the V1000, the Hesketh is a heavy beast. The long wheelbase provides excellent straight-line stability, but it makes the bike slow to steer. You don't "flick" a Hesketh into a corner; you guide it with deliberate pressure on the bars and weight through the pegs.

The Marzocchi forks and shocks were top-tier in 1981 but feel somewhat wooden by modern standards. They provide a firm ride that transmits the road's texture directly to the rider. The Brembo brakes are adequate but require a firm squeeze of the lever to haul the massive machine down from speed.

The Vampire Difference

Riding the Vampire is a different proposition. The fairing is highly effective, creating a pocket of still air that allows for fatigue-free cruising at high speeds. However, the fairing also adds weight high up and forward, making the bike feel even more top-heavy at low speeds. The restricted steering lock caused by the fairing lowers can also make tight U-turns a nervous affair. For the Australian tourer, the Vampire is the ultimate "Grand Tourer," provided you have the leg strength to manage it at the petrol station.

Design & Aesthetics

The visual appeal of a Hesketh lies in its unapologetic Britishness. It doesn't follow the "folded paper" styling of the 80s Japanese bikes or the sleek Italian lines of the time. Instead, it looks like a machine built by an aristocrat who valued substance and traditional elegance.

The V1000 Silhouette

The naked V1000 is often cited as the better-looking of the two. The way the large V-twin engine is cradled in the nickel-plated frame is a work of industrial art. The gold-anodised Astralite wheels provide a splash of "80s flash" that contrasts beautifully with the classic British Racing Green or Metallic Red paintwork found on many examples.

The engine itself is a focal point. The large, polished cooling fins and the prominent DOHC covers give the machine a look of immense power. Every component, from the milled aluminium triple clamps to the Smiths gauges, feels over-engineered. It is a bike that looks "expensive" even to a non-enthusiast.

The Vampire's Presence

The Vampire is a much more imposing machine. The fairing, while somewhat bulbous by today's standards, gives the bike a massive physical presence. It looks like a vehicle designed for trans-continental travel, a "land yacht" on two wheels. While it sacrifices some of the mechanical beauty of the V1000 by hiding the engine, it gains a sense of purpose and exclusivity.

Cockpit and Details

Sitting on a Hesketh, you are greeted by a traditional layout. The Smiths instruments—speedometer and tachometer—are clear and classic. The switchgear is functional, if a little dated. One of the most charming details is the hand-engraved serial number often found on the fuel tank or the top yoke, a constant reminder that you are riding one of a very few.

In Australia, where "originality" is highly prized in the classic scene, a Hesketh with its original paint and brightwork is a standout. The quality of the chrome and the depth of the paint on the Daventry-built bikes were generally very high, and well-maintained examples still gleam with a lustre that modern clear-coats struggle to match.

The Hesketh Legacy in Australia

While the UK remains the heart of Hesketh culture, the brand has a small but dedicated following in the Southern Hemisphere. For many Australian riders of a certain age, the Hesketh represents the "what if" of British motorcycling—a glimpse into a future where the UK could have continued to lead the world in luxury bike production.

The Import Connection

Most Heskeths in Australia arrived during the late 80s and early 90s, often brought over by British expats or collectors who spotted them in the UK classifieds. Today, importing one is a complex process involving the Department of Infrastructure and strict "Personal Import" or "Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle" rules. This adds to the bike's mystique; you don't just "buy" a Hesketh in Australia, you "acquire" it through a significant logistical effort.

Club Culture

The Hesketh Owners Club (HOC) is the primary resource for owners. While based in the UK, they have members across the globe, including a handful in Australia. They provide the technical manuals, the "Broom" upgrade kits, and the camaraderie necessary to keep such a temperamental machine running. Australian owners often rely on digital forums and international shipping to stay connected to the brand's pulse.

Summary

The Hesketh V1000 and Vampire are more than just motorcycles; they are the physical manifestation of a dream. Lord Hesketh’s attempt to challenge the world's best may have been a commercial failure, but it succeeded in creating a machine with an unmistakable soul.

For the Australian collector, a Hesketh offers:

• Unrivalled Exclusivity: You are almost guaranteed to be the only person at any "Bike Night" or rally with one.
• Engineering Interest: The Weslake V-twin is a fascinating engine for those who appreciate mechanical complexity.
• Investment Potential: With fewer than 500 bikes in existence, their rarity ensures they will always be desirable to serious collectors of British history.
• A Grand Touring Experience: Despite the weight and the quirks, a well-sorted Hesketh is a magnificent way to cross the Australian continent.

Owning a Hesketh is a commitment. It requires a mechanical mind, a deep pocket for international shipping, and the patience of a saint. But for those who value the "Rolls-Royce" experience on two wheels, there is simply no substitute for the aristocrat from Northamptonshire. Whether it's the naked elegance of the V1000 or the long-distance authority of the Vampire, the Hesketh remains a crowning achievement of British eccentricity and ambition.

If you are searching for a Hesketh to add to your collection, Classic Trader is the premier marketplace to find these rare gems. From original factory specimens to highly-refined Broom-built machines, discovering a Hesketh is the first step in joining one of the most exclusive clubs in the world of motorcycling. Buy your Hesketh today and own a piece of a legend that refused to fade away.

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