Hesketh V1000 Vampire

Hesketh V1000 Vampire
Manufacturer	Hesketh
Production	1982 - 83
Engine	Four stroke, V-twin, 4 valve per cylinder
Compression ratio	9.5;1
Top Speed	118.5 mph
Ignition	Lucas Rita electronic
Transmission	5 Speed
Suspension	Front: Marzocchi telescopic forks Rear: Marzocchi air spring preload
Brakes	Front: 2x 280mm discs Rear: Single 280mm disc
Front Tire	4.10 V19
Rear Tire	5.10 V17
Weight
Fuel Capacity	20.5 Liters / 5.4 US gal
Manuals	Service Manual

It could reach a top speed of 118.5 mph.

Engine

The engine was a Air cooled cooled Four stroke, V-twin, 4 valve per cylinder. The engine featured a 9.5;1 compression ratio.

Chassis

It came with a 4.10 V19 front tire and a 5.10 V17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via 2x 280mm discs in the front and a Single 280mm disc in the rear. The front suspension was a Marzocchi telescopic forks while the rear was equipped with a Marzocchi air spring preload. The V1000 Vampire was fitted with a 20.5 Liters / 5.4 US gal fuel tank.

Photos

Overview

Hesketh V1000 Vampire

Conceived by an English lord and built by British craftsmen in the tradition of the Vincent and the Brough Superior, the Hesketh is a natural aristocrat among modern motorcycles. Fittingly, perhaps, it is also extremely rare. The fully-faired Vampire version is the rarest of them all.

The enterprise was not planned that way. Originally, the motor-racing peer Lord Hesketh planned for series production rising to 100 per month, but the original bike ran into trouble with press criticism only weeks before production was due to begin, and its showroom debut had to be delayed for six months while a gearchange problem was solved. When the production lines did start rolling, it was too late to save the company, and they went into liquidation after a year of difficulties. Lord Hesketh personally revived the machine, building them by hand in his castle stable yard; since then, production has moved to London, to a specialist firm called Mocheck.

The Hesketh ended up as many believed it should have begun - as an exclusive craftsman-built special, offering the best of British motorcycling tradition at a premium price. That tradition includes many fine concepts of which one is accurate and dependable roadholding. There are some who find the Hesketh's steering a little ponderous, but there is no doubt that it sticks to its chosen line like glue. Another is a high-quality frame, with noteworthy detail work that it takes a craftsman to perform. The Hesketh has a sturdy nickel-plated frame of straight tubes, using the engine and gearbox casing as a stressed member to mount the rear pivoted fork. The quality of the welding is plain to see.

A third is a relaxed engine with a deep exhaust note that delivers ample power and speed without ever sounding as though it is working hard. So it is with the Hesketh. The 1000cc engine has just two cylinders in a well-balanced 90 degree format. At low revs you can count the individual piston strokes; while four-valves per cylinder, a pair of overhead camshafts, and electronic ignition allow the flexible engine free reign to more than 6000rpm. Every British motorcycle should be allowed a touch of eccentricity. Hesketh's is the full fairing for the Vampire. Painted an extraordinary metallic pink, it blends complete weather protection with an aerodynamic design that is partly futuristic and unique. Although capable of well over 125mph, the Vampire is better loping along at 100ph, the engine throbbing gently, the fairing cutting a clean path through the wind.

Here it is at its anachronistic best - a machine that is both ancient and modern. It does not do, after all, to hurry an aristocrat. Is it a worthy successor to the Vincent? Ah well, that is all in the mind. It is after all the only contender, and very few people are ever going to find out, one way or the other.

Make Model	Hesketh V1000 Vampire
Year	1982 - 83
Engine Type	Four stroke, V-twin, 4 valve per cylinder
Displacement	992 cc / 60.5 cu-in
Bore X Stroke	70 x 95 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Compression	9.5;1
Induction	2X 36mm Dell'Orto carburetors
Ignition	Lucas Rita electronic
Starting	Electric
Max Power	82 hp / 61 kW @ 6800 rpm
Max Torque	105 Nm / 78 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	Marzocchi telescopic forks
Rear Suspension	Marzocchi air spring preload
Front Brakes	2x 280mm discs
Rear Brakes	Single 280mm disc
Front Tire	4.10 V19
Rear Tire	5.10 V17
Weight	245 kg / 540 lbs
Fuel Capacity	20.5 Liters / 5.4 US gal
Standing ¼ Mile	14.1 sec / 99 mp/h
Top Speed	118.5 mph