For October we're featuring Chris Hoffmeister's 1979 SWM. Here's what Chris has to say about it.
"I would have to say that out of the many bikes that I have had, this is the motorcycle that I am most attached to. The original bike that I owned was serial #4 USA. I have no idea where it is now. The bike I have now (below) is serial #24/28. On this bike, in 1979 I was #1 expert in District 7 and #2 expert in District 6 behind Jerry Young. In it's time (1978-1979) it was one of the lightest, narrowest, and most powerful bikes available . As a matter of fact, with the old tires I had to put about an eighth inch spacer under the head to keep the wheel spin down. It was also great to look at with its beautiful red and white colors. Italian/Austrian quality, it is amazing how well these bikes are holding up."
Notes on this bike:
It was originally owned by Chris Arnold of New York, who is also one of NY's top riders. Brittania Cycles (MAVT member Mike Waller) restored nearly all of the bike and did a great job. Plastics are from Midwest SWM. It has a 280cc rotary valve two stroke Rotax engine. These older engines have a distinct gear whine from the straight cut gears. SWM had the rights to this engine for trials bikes until they went out of business in 1984. Then Can-AM/Armstrong started using the Rotax engines in 1985 which is why I have an interest in the '85 Can-Am trials, my current project. SWMs can and do vary within the model year. They were constantly changing and improving the bikes, which is why you can get different parts and even frame changes within the same year bike. Chrome-moly frame, Marzocchi suspension, Grimeca hubs, rear with cush drive. The red and white SWMs had design input from Sammy Miller and Charles Coutard. In it's short time in the trials world SWM: was world Champion in 1981 (Giles Burgat), in '82 & '83 Bernie Schreiber was 2nd in the world and USA champion, Scottish Six Days winner 1981/1982 (Burgat/Schreiber) ,
Editor's note:
I'm sure many of you noticed in the article above, many familiar names of past riders who are also present MAVT competitiors. I couldn't help but notice that "Trialsmaster" John Brunnett is still up to his old tricks after almost thirty years
