Motorbike fanatic will display work at largest exhibition in Europe

A LOCAL man has been invited to exhibit a motorbike that he is building at the biggest independent motorcycle show in Europe.

Melksham’s Trevor Jones will exhibit his complete ‘one-off’ custom-built motorbike based around a 1978 Ironhead Harley Davidson engine at the exhibition in London this May.

“Only the best bike builders from the UK and Europe are invited to exhibit a bike,” said Trevor. “The show is by invitation only, their words not mine! I’m a bit humbled by the invite to be honest.

“It’s a hobby, my actual job is as a site manager for Stonewood Builders. I’ve built quite a few prize-winning bikes, starting back in the 70s. Many have been featured in magazines.

“Almost everything is bespoke, the frame is what is known as a hard tail, it has no suspension, a couple of springs under the seat provide some small comfort. The front wheel is unique, built around a 1960s Norton hub brake. The wiring is totally bespoke. The engine has been rebuilt and left as standard, apart from a vintage performance carburettor and full electronic ignition. It has a hand-finished leather seat and many other parts made  especially for the bike.

“The style is known as a ‘Bobber’ or ‘Bar Hopper’. I went for the look of a vintage bike that has been restored. A minimal look, a bit of ‘less is more’, just enough parts to function. There is no paint, just bare steel sprayed with clear coat.”

Aside from his motobike creations, Trevor has proved that he also has green fingers –  last year he and his wife Jeanette were named as the overall winners of Melksham in Bloom, with their eco-friendly and sustainable garden.