The story of Sprite is curious and interesting, but it is even more so when behind the unity that stars in this report there is a challenge and an adventure ahead. The goal of Carlos Zorzo, lucky owner of this Sprite, is to bring it closer to its origins and disembark in the everlasting Scottish moss to compete in the next edition of the most important and mythical race in history: the Scottish Six Days Trial.
If you want to have more information about what this race means at the controls of a Pre-65, we strongly recommend you to read this report prepared by a veteran of this race, such as Javier Cruz. Focusing on the test at hand, we have to admit that the history of Sprite is, to say the least, curious.
The brand began back in 1946 in Oldbury, a town located in the centre of England. Subsequently, in 1964, it changed owners, sales philosophy, and location, moving to “Halesowen”, also in the West Midlands. It resumes the activity selling the motorcycles in Kit format, hence the little similarity between the models that can be found today. Another curiosity is that they only used two-stroke engines in all their bikes, although with three different displacements 123, 244, and 403cc. The year of the brand’s demise was 1974.
Sprite never won the Scottish. Its contemporaries do, such as Row Peplow’s Triumph Tiger Cub 200cc, which can also be considered the first low-displacement winner. Gordon Jackson with AJS 350 did it twice in a row; the legendary Sammy Miller, with Ariel 500cc, two years interspersed 1962-64; another illustrious surname Arthur Lampkin “Granddad Lampkin” responsible for the saga in ’63, with BSA 250; finally, putting an end to a 4t stage, Sammy Miller with a 2t Bultaco Sherpa model 29.
The mechanics that equip this Sprite is a Villiers Engine 32A4, manufactured in 1964, an essential condition to be able to participate in the Scottish Pre-65. Therefore, it meets the requirements of the category!
The truth is that it was easy for me to ensure participation in this mythical race. A motorcycle with pedigree and proven participation in previous editions was put within reach, as the protagonist of this report. This business was set in motion just at the moment when I decided to sell my Ossa Mick Andrews Replica. Browsing through the reference websites I came across her. In addition, he was a close friend, Chema! who offers me his bike. The agreement was immediate and my passport to Scotland was almost ready. I say almost, because a Newcomer with no track record like me is not guaranteed registration.
The unit that stars in this race is not strictly standard, as it is adapting to the demands of Scotland. It can be seen that the preparation is relative to the chassis and aesthetics, since both the suspensions and the engine are strictly standard.
The engine is a 247 cc Villiers four-speed, which retains the original steel cylinder. The truth is that it surprises with its smoothness, excellent bass and the progressiveness with which it delivers the power. The sound is quite sweetened in this unit by a large mid-muter. But not everything is so pleasant, as it is a very rigid engine, not at all elastic, which gives a nominal power of no more than 7hp. This is understandable because the first trial engines were 4-stroke cycle engines and the philosophy of use is similar. With this Sprite you can’t pretend to make areas relying on a typical 2-stroke engine; You almost have to think that you are in a four-stroke, considering that the greatest virtue of this engine is the magnificent bass it gives.
I know that for purists talking about the actuation of the clutch on Pre 65 motorcycles is almost a sacrilege, but in this case it cannot be overlooked, since many of our Spanish pre 80s are not able to approach the efficiency of this clutch: it is butter, all softness; One gets the impression that he is from another era.
The carburetion is managed by a concentric Amal MK1, which does not allow for many adjustments. I’m sure that part of the stretching problem could be solved with another carburetion, but you have to surrender to what is suitable for this race, especially considering that we are talking about a steel cylinder that does not allow any license; If you over-tune it, you grab it quickly.
If I were asked to define the chassis in one word, I would say “Mousetrap”. The forward angle is closed compared to the original, which is wider, so that the behavior in turns is outstanding. However, I seriously doubt that in Scotland this will be an advantage, because what is needed is a stable bike. As my grandfather would say, more “sprawled”. Technically, we would say that it is a double cradle from the uninterrupted steering tube to the axle of the swingarm, with a fairly robust skid plate that does not break with the round sections of the tube that reach the swingarm.
The riding sensations are not what one expects when you observe it for the first time, it is a very high bike, both in the height to the ground from the skid cover, and the height from the floor to the seat that is like a sofa. This makes the riding position very comfortable, but in my opinion not very effective, why? Easy: to make a simile, it’s as if you were asking for a beer at the bar counter, that is, arms slightly bent, knees straight and a short distance from the butt to the seat. This doesn’t allow you to flex as much as you need when it becomes essential. Imagine a steep climb in that bar position, if you get ahead you lose traction and if you delay your position the bike comes down on you.
The natural habitat of this type of motorcycle is similar to the one reflected in the photo shoot. It’s where it’s really enjoyable. You can’t compromise the Sprite by making tricky areas; it’s a bike designed for areas with little twisty and uphill turning, which is what I intend to find in Scotland.
For Trialworld this race is a full stop, as we want to accompany Carlos on his adventure through the Six Days of Scotland (for Pre-65 there are two days) and to follow up emotionally and technically on this experience. Therefore, do not forget this test. Our protagonist is also looking for sponsors to show off in the most important race of all those held in Trial. If anyone is interested in making a proposal, they should just contact us through this email.
The adventure begins!
Text: Carlos Zorzo (Karl-Litos) / Photos: David Quer
