These 8 valve specials were photographed in Sydney in the late
1980's at Circular Quay. They have KCS heads, 950cc Gilardoni barrels,
Stucchi bodywork and many other modifications. One has Del'orto 40mm carbs,
and the one in the foreground has Bing 44mm magnesium carbs - superb induction
devices, these. Both have non-folding Agostini rearseats. The front machine
has standard forks and brakes, and a very loud 2/1 system with a secondary
silencer by Sandy of Staintune. The other LM3 based bike has Akront rims
laced to T3 hubs, Brembo Goldline calipers gracing Benelli Sei discs, and
Marzocchi forks. Both bikes required Avgas to run smoothly, and the Bing
carbed machine would keep most Japanese superbikes very honest off the
line. Comfort factor was not high.
Early versions of the KCS motor suffered from insufficient valve seat
depth, with shattering consequences. Later versions proved reliable and
extremely durable. I think I have some race quality stainless valves for
one of these tucked away somewhere, should anyone ever want some.
Another version we built was a completely different kettle of fish.
Based on a Mk3 motor and an 850T frame, it sported LM1 bodywork (sans bikini)
with a reworked Agostini seat, with wheels & suspension very similar
to the Marzocchi suspended machine shown here but utilizing modified Goldline
magnesium forks with floaters by Braking and Brembo fourspots. The 8 inch
chrome headlight accented the severe functionality of the machine. Instrumentation
was similarly spartan, with Japanese switchgear and fusebox running via
the otherwise standard Bosch electical system. Quality Italian clipons
and custom rearsets combined with the tailored seat to afford greatly improved
riding posture. The beast sported some of the modifications we used on
the Fagerström racers, and much attention to weightsaving was paid
with most fasteners being of ergal, stainless or titanium. Whatever wasn't
fancy alloy was drilled full of holes. It was a very serious streetfighter
before the term was invented, and was sold for considerably less than it
cost to build. It changed hands again a couple of years back for around
half what we sold it for. Someone got a bit of a bargain!
If offered the choice between having the Pterodactyl back in fine fettle,
or a good 916 Monster, I'd be hard pressed.
