Gladstone Motorcycles to Produce Bespoke British Bobbers

Television presenter Henry Cole has ridden countless motorcycles as host of the British Travel Channel’s “World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides” program for 11 series, but he’ll soon be introducing a line of motorcycles of his own with his new Gladstone Motorcycles company.

Named for Cole’s great-great-uncle, four-time British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, the new firm will produce limited runs of hand-built bespoke motorcycles. The company’s first model will be the Gladstone No. 1, a retro-styled bobber with a Triumph engine and a Metisse frame.

No further details have been revealed yet, thought the first images reveal a carbureted air-cooled Triumph Twin, spring seat and drum brakes.

Gladstone will produce nine units of the No. 1, which will make its public debut in September at the Salon Privé, luxury car show and Concours d’Elégance in London.

“Quite simply where else would you want to launch an exclusive, hand built, new British Motorcycle brand other than at Salon Privé? We are all terribly excited to be part of this fantastic event,” says Cole, who also hosts “The Motorbike Show” on British station ITV4.

[Source: Salon Privé]

By Dennis Chung