Wood-Rotax SJ676 Grand Prix

Until yesterday I'd never even heard of this bike let alone seen one. I didn't know anything about it. I still don't, really but I dug up these words on the bike and thought I'd share them.

This Wood-Rotax SJ676 Grand Prix motorcycle is number one of sixteen built, no more will be manufactured. Designed and fabricated by Ron Wood and Steve Jentges in 1986, pristine and in like new running condition. Powered by a Rotax single cylinder 676cc DOHC four-valve engine with dual intake and exhaust ports, ported head with larger valves and performance cams. Liquid cooled cylinder head with dual 40mm carbs, dyno tuned dual exhaust and six-speed close ratio gearbox. Frame is designed with an oil tank and oil is delivered through the frame members to the engine for cooling. Dyno at 71.8 HP at the rear wheel. Featured in Cycle Magazine as “The World’s Fastest Single.” Riders have included Doug Toland, Andy Leisner, Chris Carr, Kevin Atherton and many others at tracks like Daytona, Talladega, Laguna Seca, Willow Springs and Las Vegas. In 1996 the bike set the Formula Singles lap record, ridden by Walt Dorsch, with WSMC at Willow Springs Raceway, 1:27.3, a record that still stands. A very fast road racer retired years ago after there was nobody fast enough to race against.

It's got shades of Yamaha and Ducati in there, it's a stunning motorcycle.

By Ben Cope