Introducing The Kestrel

The KESTREL

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Introducing The Kestrel

The KESTREL

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Built in 2010

De-unitized 1970 Triumph Bonneville engine, modified alternator, aluminum, Borrani WM1 wheel, Borrani WM2 wheel, brass, brass mesh, bronze, BSA A-10 transmission, cloth, copper, glass, gold leaf, Firestone tire, GP carburetors, iron, leather, leather rope, Loctite, nickel, paint, palladium leaf, rubber, safety wire, stainless steel, steel, Suzuki GS550 clutch, tape, Triumph generator cap, Venom Avon tire.

36 x 24 x 82.5 in.
UNIQUE

The Kestrel Process

process

The Kestrel Process

process

The Kestrel was Ian Barry's first 'total design'.

The Kestrel History

ENGINE ORIGIN

The Kestrel History

ENGINE ORIGIN

The Kestrel's engine originated with a 1970 Triumph 'Bonneville' - a name that derived from the famous Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, where Johnny Allen broke the absolute world land speed record at 214.40 mph in 1956, running a Triumph 650cc parallel twin engine.

By taking the step of cutting off the original gearbox, a new hybrid was created bringing together the best of early and late Triumph and B.S.A. castings, enhanced by a 'window' opening to the chain and dry clutch.

The frame was fabricated using steering geometry similar to a 1960s Triumph but more compact, with a shorter wheelbase, close-hugging handlebars and tanks, and a seat tucked out into the wind.

The Kestrel Features

a thousand small details and new solutions

The Kestrel Features

a thousand small details and new solutions

The newly formed gearbox adjuster looks like it might have been taken from an orthopedist’s display case, but it braces the gearbox against axial play and positively locks the chain tension – doing 3 jobs where the original Triumph part did one.

The gearshift linkages - 3 pieces of metal transferring up-and-down foot movements to the gearbox – are simple in principle, but a feat to execute.

The clutch and brake levers look like vintage inverted levers, reversed, but they in fact pivot inside the handlebars. The routing of the internal throttle cable through the brake lever pivot required ingenuity, yet is completely invisible.

The steering head angle is 29º, which gives stability at speed, and fluidity while cornering. The Kestrel feels agile, yet is totally solid around bends and over bumps. With no waggle, no weave, and no head shake, it feels like a pedigreed vintage racer.

The Kestrel was engineered to run with the same finesse as its design. The frame geometry took extensive research and design to achieve its 5” ground clearance and low center of gravity. At 340lbs, it’s also fast with its tuned 750cc motor, and the engine runs through its rev range remarkably smoothly. Shifting is seamless and the sound from the two-in-one open megaphone is a deep and menacing growl.

The Kestrel Gallery

GALLERY

The Kestrel Gallery

GALLERY

We're grateful for the creative people around us. Iñigo Oleaga shot and edited this video during the creation of The Kestrel.

A fun afternoon in the LA River with Travis Shinn & O.T.M.F.C Edited by Noah Goldsmith of Safe Camp. Music by Naam, used by permission of Tee Pee Records.

Gone in 50 seconds. Footage shot in the desert of California by Matt Taylor & Amaryllis Knight. Music written and performed by Black Math Horseman.