An original Manx is an absolute thing of beauty in my eyes. It's beauty and proven racing heritage is the very reason that it's been replicated. Nobody is out there replicating ugly, unsuccessful bikes.
No replica of anything will ever be as great or as valuable as the original.
That being said, I think that a replica Manx is a great thing to race and enjoy. I simply ask that they be faithful reproductions. 19" wheels, GP carb, exposed valve springs and all. I take issue with all the "upgrades". I also take issue with those that like to pretend that what they have is something other than a replica.
Lastly, I'll say that I don't think classic or historical racing needs to revolve around these high dollar cream of the crop bikes. It shouldn't all be about Manx Norton and Seeley G50's. How about we get out and race some normal bikes. I like seeing an Atlas or a Commando out on the track. Or an original Triumph or BSA. To me, that's even more desirable, as it makes things possible for normal guys with average bank accounts. There's a lot to be said about racing a $4000 original bike. To me, that's far more representative of the privateer effort, than a grid full of $50,000 replica Manx's.
No replica of anything will ever be as great or as valuable as the original.
That being said, I think that a replica Manx is a great thing to race and enjoy. I simply ask that they be faithful reproductions. 19" wheels, GP carb, exposed valve springs and all. I take issue with all the "upgrades". I also take issue with those that like to pretend that what they have is something other than a replica.
Lastly, I'll say that I don't think classic or historical racing needs to revolve around these high dollar cream of the crop bikes. It shouldn't all be about Manx Norton and Seeley G50's. How about we get out and race some normal bikes. I like seeing an Atlas or a Commando out on the track. Or an original Triumph or BSA. To me, that's even more desirable, as it makes things possible for normal guys with average bank accounts. There's a lot to be said about racing a $4000 original bike. To me, that's far more representative of the privateer effort, than a grid full of $50,000 replica Manx's.