Dalesman Sachs Owner

[rdsmudge]

Hi everyone,

Finally decided to restore my 1973 Dalesman Sachs enduro after sitting in my shed for the last 18 years.

I would appreciate any help with regard to information about this bike as I have no manuals. I would also be grateful for any help regarding any recommended fork rebuilders and wheel rebuilders in the North West or Lancashire areas.

Regards,

Rik

[wetdog]

had a puch engine one once but i think the sachs was better , had a KTM sachs engine also a good bike , try here for info or maybe even Wassel direct http://www.pentonpartsusa.com/10%20A%20Technical%20Sachs.htm
bit more here
http://www.totalbikebits.com/wassell_history.html

[rdsmudge]

Hi Wetdog,

Thanks for the tips.

I may be being a bit thick, but what's the connection between Wassell and Dalesman? I did notice a reference to Ceriani forks in one of the links, which I think my bike has.

Most of the Google searches I have undertaken take me to American websites. I think most Dalesman motorbikes must have been exported.

Regards,

Rik

[wetdog]

i thought they started as a wassel kit (sprit ? etc) not that up on them so over to the experts .

"With the help of ex-Dalesman engineers Jim Lee and Peter Edmonson, Wassell unveiled the 125 Sachs powered trails and motocross machines in late 1972. Both models were originally sold in the UK with a list price of £315."

[rdsmudge]

Thanks for the info.

Regards,

Rik

[rdsmudge]

Here she is in all her glory. I forgot what a good looking gal she was!

[cardan]

Don Morley's book 'Classic British Two-Stroke Trials Bikes' has good coverage of Dalesman and Wassel/Penton. Morley discusses the link between Dalesman and Wassel and says that the Dalesman trials bikes were essentially the same as the enduros - maximum power at 7000 RPM and a bottom gear of 47:1 must have required an interesting riding technique!

Leon

[rdsmudge]

Hi Leon,

Thanks for the info.

I have never used mine in competition, just used off road for fun. Never had any gearbox problems though. I hear you on the trials versions. A peaky two-stroke Puch motor always seemed wrong to me.

Regards,

Rik

[rdsmudge]

Well, it took (much) longer than I expected to get this bike back together. The forks were too rusted to re-chrome and I took a while finding a suitable replacement, plus I totally overestimated my ability and underestimated the time needed, but I'm sure that this is not an unusual story. I kept going though, usually at the insistence of my young son, "when are we going to work on your motorbike Dad".  Anyway here is  pic of the bike now. MOT next and a bit of fun...

[iansoady]

Looks nice - well done.

I think the Sachs-engined Dalesman was an attempt to meet the challenge of the Bultacos etc but IIRC wasn't a great success. Hope you enjoy it.

[cardan]

Hi Rik,

Well done! Enjoy the ride.

The front tyre is interesting - what brand is it?

Leon

[llamedos]

Here's a photo of a Dalesman I used to own, ex Mick Wilkinson, UK team, 1973 American ISTD Gold medal winning bike, think I bought it from him in 1974.