From living room built ROTARY RACE BIKES to beating the world
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- We had the absolute pleasure of talking in depth with none other than Brian Crighton, the driving force and technical wizard behind the success that Norton experienced back in the 80s and 90s with their unconventional rotary engines. From building race bikes in his living room to beating the Japanese manufacturers and lots in between!
Understand the history of Brian, his journey, his passion and how he came to the point of building yet another incredible world leading motorcycle.
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Now, under Crighton Motorcycles and with the support of Rotron Power he has developed a new bike, the Crighton CR700W.
- 220hp @ 10,500rpm
- 142nm @ 9,500rpm
- 129.5kg dry weight
- 810mm seat height
- 0 rider aids!
- £95,000....
Make sure you stay to the end to hear the beast roar!
Read more here - www.crightonmotorcycles.com/
It was so special to sit and listen to Brian, his story and the development of the fabulous sounding rotary engines, I hope you enjoyed it too.
This video has been a huge project and I am so grateful and thankful to all those who have helped below.
- Brian Crighton
- Crighton Motorcycles
- Gilo Cardozo
- Rotron Power Ltd
- Greg Anthony Harris
- Sophie Bolesworth
And last, but by no means least, Richard Dolan, for his incredible film making and patience in delivering this project. Thank you!
Please take a look at his work below
/ rich_dolan_
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If you want to support the channel you can in one of the following ways;
- Donate using this link - paypal.me/ilikemotorbikes
- / ilikemotorbikes
- Like, comment, subscribe and share
- Follow the socials
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What did you learn from this video?
that Brian's a legend and the vacuum system for air flow blew my mind! good interview mate.
@@isaacburley6450 absolutely spot on 😁 very clever system isn't it?
The cooling of the main shaft. I was aware of the heat effecting bearings longevity and this seems like a great solution.
I learnt from the video that Brian is a Jedi master of Wankel engines/engineering and there was 4 rotor eccentric shafts and an engine in the background, so whats the power output of that monster?
@@stevehill4615 he really knows his stuff. That engine was built to replace a CR500 based V4 2 stroke in a product called the Martin Jetpack. The quad rotor was designed to make 200-220hp constantly! Doesn't sound as impressive when compared to the CR700W engine but it's a very different design brief
It was a great pleasure to work on this one! The most humble man in the world with such a legendary history 😁
I couldn't agree more! Thanks again for all your help and support on this one Rich 😀
I cant believe he did a super charged rotary for a paramotor that some work on its own
@@Adrenalinspunk crazy isn't it? He's made some incredible things in his time
@@ILikeMotorbikes unbelievable work to be fair a man full of so much knowledge its unreal
What a humble, brilliant engineer! I bet a conversation between him and Gordan Murray would be a feast of knowledge!
Hats off to Brian Crighton, what a great story!
Brain Crighton keeping the rotary alive. I looked for 22 years after a DKW W2000 and found a 1,400 miles Hercules with a rusted out tank, rusty chrome but an immaculate rotor housing. What a hoot to ride and looks so good with its Jetsons engine. It makes not a lot of power but 100% smiles per mile.
He sure is! Awesome that you finally have your own piece of rotary history that makes you happy. After all isn't that what this passion is about?
Wishing you many more happy miles 🤟
What an incredibly talented but oh so humble man Brian is. I could listen to him speak for hours. I had no idea about the bikes complex history.
How wonderful.
I totally agree! I had a great few hours sitting with Brian and chatting and it could easily have been double the amount of time.
I'm really glad you felt the same and I hope you enjoyed the video overall
Only just found this through a friends recommendation, and yet another gentle, humble, man who i could talk bikes and engineering to for hours if allowed to. He is the same type of man as Allan Millyard, whom i have taked to for hours ( ask my poor bored wife while at Poole bike night). Both true gentlemen, who love to talk about bikes, engineering with a passion. Thank the lord for people like these 🙏 😊
A huge thank you to Brian Crighton for giving us the pleasure of the Norton Rotary race bikes.
Having rebuilt my first rotary in highschool 1984, I have had a love for these fantastic engines! So happy to see it working for you and cool to see what you did to make it work!!
Really pleased you enjoyed the video Mark 👍
@@ILikeMotorbikes .
Now that was a proper scoop! Lovely man Brian, one of Britains best for thinking outside the box. I was racing when Rocket Ron was riding, when he came past it was like being overtaken by a Phanton jet. Incredible that the world has not embraced this configuration of internal combustion? Mazda proved it worked but it's still a black art. All power to the team to get decent backing for a crack at the TT before it's deemed uneconomic.
Cheers Graham, it was fantastic to sit and chat with Brian! What he has behind his ears is absolutely boggling with the way he manages to think and problem solve!
Fingers crossed they get the supoort/backing/sponsorship for a crack at the senior TT... What a specatle that would be again eh?
saw Rocket Ron ride the beast at Donington. the sound was a total rip.
Wow!!! Just ...wow!!! Thank you for this video. This man is unbelievable. Genius is an understatement. Talent like this can never be allowed to retire. The new generation must take note.
Thanks so much for the lovely comment
@@ILikeMotorbikes .
A rotary motor bike, I was talking to a friend about that the other day big respect to this man very well done
That is an absolute work of art.
Absolutely beautiful.
Really impressed with your interview, you obviously undertook due diligence before hand. Mr. Chrighton is a genius, why his ideas have never been taken up by a major manufacturer I will never understand
Thanks so much for the kind words, I'm glad the effort put into the interview (prior to it, during and post) came through in the video
Always fantastic to listen to a genuinely knowledgeable man that has no intention of being anything but completely honest and straight forward.
That thing is an absolute beast....would definately want to have a rip on one just for that awesome exhaust note.
Always always awesome to see these legends tell their stories
I totally agree, it was fascinating sitting and listening to Brian. It's a shame it had to come to an end as I could chat with him for hours and hours
@@ILikeMotorbikes .
This was the most fantasctic interview I have ever seen. Brian is absolutely brilliant. I wish I could have his knowledge with all that he has done. I would be starting a production company today. This was always a dream of mine after buying my first RX7. I will never understand why this engine wasn't mass produced in motorcycles. THank you for sharing this.😁
There was a Suzuki, but tough to find now. Another few companies I think 🤔
As Andre said - Suzuki dabbled with the RE7, Norton had a go and I believe there was also an NSU motorcycle with the rotary motor but it never took off
My experience with a Rotary engine was the original Wankle twin rotor in the NSU Ro80 in about 1973/4.. To be honest a bit of a pain. I bought it because I loved the design of the car...By the time I owned it the seals were already on the way out, But I was amazed at how revy and smooth the motor was, compered to a normal reciprocating engine. This Man, dare I say it, has developed this engine to where it is now...( I well remember the raucous howl from the JPS Nortons)... A man dedicated to this design of engine....I want one, but I fear its way out of my pocket..
The early designs of the engine, particularly back in the days of the NSU weren't perfect but the same can be said for many early production vehicles. Sadly the cost is going to be prohibitive as it's a mere £85,000!
Brilliant insight into Brian’s life with the legendary rotary engine. I remember the JPS/Duckhams bikes and then of course Hissy’s TT bike
Liga
Inggris
I love that he is keeping the bike as "non-wired" zero driver accompanying safety measures. Keep it visceral. Keep it analog. Keep it pure. There is something to be said for a machine that is trying to kill you every second your on it. That's the rush. Controlling that monster like riding a fire breathing dragon.
So glad that resonated with you and I agree, taming a beast like this must be a wild ride!
What an inspiring fellow. One of the best achievement to ego ratios I've ever seen.
Absolutely love that! Achievement to ego ratio is fantastic with Brian!
I learned that there is still much for me to learn about the great engineer’s of motorcycles! Thank you
Excellent I'm glad you did, thank you for the kind comment
So glad I found this video ! I've not heard Brian tell his story himself, a fascinating man, who creates amazing bikes - brilliant stuff 👍
I'm so happy you liked it!
Proper engineer - old school and still the best. I totally agree with his thoughts on the electronics package - the rider should make the decisions. Thanks - new sub.
Thanks for the love! I'm really glad you enjoyed it
The lack of electronics certainly makes it a little spicy for the riders 😁
Rotor motor,what an amazing bike and a very good video production. Well done
So kind of you to say, I am glad you liked it
Decent! Great interview and great to hear more of Brian's story! Well done.
Cheers Ray 👍 I know I thought I knew Brian but I learnt so many bits of his background and history, it was very insightful
@@ILikeMotorbikes .
Answered a lot of unspoken questions I've had over the years...Much respect to Brian...Great and very interesting interview.
Awesome I'm really glad it answered some questions and you enjoyed it!
I met Joe Erlich, the austrian two stroke guru in the 80s at a bike show in London when he was at his exhibition stand. It wasnt bust at the time and maybe some bikers were not aware of his fame with two stroke racing engine design when with a tiny budget he embarrassed the big factory works bikes then. What a sweet gentleman he was and he his manners and humility really impressed me and Brian sesems so humble and loving his work just like Joe. Its great to see these brilliant engine guru innovators and they are going down in history and Brians achievements at Norton and now in his own team and the publicity for sponsors like JPS is massive with TV and bike press and racing enthusiasts worldwide and i cant understand why some big engineering companies and machining, bearing and automotive companies to start. What a great advertisement for shocks, brake pads etc
Mr. Crighton is a national treasure! Great job on the interview!
I totally agree! Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed it
Imagine what his pit lane overalls would be worth?????
I’m not a biker at all and just stumbled on this, what a fascinating story and a top bloke.
I hope you enjoyed it 🤞 yes he is indeed a top bloke!
This is great, and I'm glad that this kinda legend is not forgotten 👌
A gem of an interview. Thank you so much😊
Thanks for the watching and I'm glad you liked it Mike 🙏
In 1987 i saw a norton 588 rotary race at Amaroo Park in Australia and the crowd went mad. It overtook everything on the strait and in the corners they caught up and overtook the Norton but it was so impressive with flames coming out of the exhaust. Im not surprised 2 were bought privately later in 1995. Ive never seen excitement like it. Later on i saw the classic bike racing at Brands Hatch. What a great day that was with vincent side car outfits, morgan 3 wheelers, manx Nortons and scott and Rudge and the like.
Thank you so much Mr Brian Crighton and this channel for the work on this fab bike, all the excitement and the great publicity you bring to this and the huge excitement. Im glad Guy has ridden it and the great feedback he gave. A true work of art like the merlin spitfire engine and what a great engine for experimental aircraft.
Thankyou for this! I've often wondered why there weren't more rotary engine bikes. The explanation of the crossover with the power strokes makes sense to me. What a guy! 73 and developing this, I wish you health and prosperity 🙏 ✨️ subbed from now on
Thanks for the support with the sub!
Yeah Brian is a legend for leading the charge even at the ripe age he is!
What an absolute legend. Thanks for making this video 👍👍👍
Thanks so much Adrian, glad you enjoyed it!
this was awesome dude..... honestly really liked the whole interview and even more so on such a commitment of a bike! ........ you know full well i love the lesser known bikes so this was epically worth the wait dude. well done!
You're gonna make me blush Duncan! So glad you liked it and you found it was worth the wait 😀 thanks man!
@@ILikeMotorbikes hahhaaaa youre welcome dude!
What an incredible work of art, keeping this legendary rotary engines alive is just pure craftsmanship.
What a great man, keeping the rotary alive and keep motorcycles simple
Poor old crackpot is still living in the 1990s... pathetic!
Beautiful photography and graphics also! Kudos to the team that put this together, reminds me of John Britten, hope I got the name right, I remember when magazines were a thing learning about his story. This feels like it’s born from the same passion.
Yep hats off to them! It's only a small team but they've done incredible things. The John Britten story is a fantastic one too and a good comparison about an unwavering vision and passion!
I saw the 588 rotary Norton race at Amaroo park im Australia in 1987 and also at Brands Hatch in 1992 i think.not 1991. It was so loud and fast on the straight but got overtaken on the corners then it would again outx accelerate everything again on the straights whether Japanese or Ducati. What a genius Brian is. The new CR700 is 120 kg and 220 bhp.
Good questions, didnt interrupt him. Nice interview to listen to
Thanks very much for the kind words - I'm so glad you enjoyed it
What an interesting, highly informative and enthusiastic interview with a remarkable, fascinating and inspiring man!
I have learned a lot from this interview, more than I thought possible.
The weight of this motorcycle is incredible, and I am really pleased to see the rotary engine being developed and the reliability improving. Subscribed.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the interview so much and learnt a lot.
Thank you for the support with subscribing!
What an amazing story and a genius builder.
Poor Ol Brian, this batty old crackpot is still living in the 1990s
Really enjoyed this refreshing to just have a good factual interview
Thanks very much! I'm really glad that's how it came across as that's exactly what I wanted to produce!
Feel proud to hear this.thank you for being passionate
The bike looks amazing. And so does your vid Tom! Want to wish Brian and everyone at GI the best of luck with the bike, hope it’s a massive success for them 👍
Thanks James! Really appreciate the kind words, hope you're well!
What a lovely respectful and educational interview! Loved it! Sounds beastly!!!
Thanks for the kind words Robert! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Yep it sounds absolutely incredible!
Brilliant interview. What a first class bloke. So humble, doesn’t realise what a genius he is!
Thank you for the lovely comment - I totally agree, humble is exactly the right word
His view on electronics is so accurate ❤
I watched the Rotary Nortons at Caldwell Park. I think it was Trevor Nation and Ron Haslem riding them at the time. I will never forget the flames out of the exhaust as they went over the mountain section. Bliss!
I love hearing people's memories for the Norton Rotary bikes!
I can imagine that was a real treat to see
Remember the history well so great to see Brian is building the new version . I agree with Brians thoughts on throttle control in the right hand
This is so well engineered it's beautiful. What a lovely human being.
I saw one of the Rotary's first races. (I do think it was the 1st) brands hatch Oct, spondon colours, 86 end of season powerrace. Wow, the speed the noise the excitement from the whole weekend.
Brian is a genius, what a top bloke
What a bloody humble genius!!
Always loved the rotary. I remember doing a pre season Mallory primer with Ian Simpson on the Duckhams. Great video. 👌👍
What a great video. I've read lots about Brian over the years in bike mags etc. He's a real bike hero but seems like a really nice bloke as well, so humble. I remember seeing the JPS Nortons in a promo thing, I think it was at a motorway services (Exeter?) and then later on racing at Donnington.
I'm glad you thought it was so good! He really is a lovely chap and very humble. Glad it sparked the memory of the JPS Norton you were lucky enough to see
What a genuine man he is ,i wish him all the best,he looks about 50
Wow, what a great interview. That CR700 is wild.
Such a nice comment to read, thank you!
@@ILikeMotorbikes You're welcome. I was the Manager for Britten. I know how hard such things are to build!
@@kiwihame Awesome! That Britten V1000 holds a special place in my heart for the efforts involved, I'm sure it was an exciting project to be a part of
Could listen to him for hours.
This video is flying well done to all involved
Cheers Tom! Appreciate the good vibes
I remember watching that bike at Oran Park! And it went & sounded incredible!
This is such a great vid. So nice to find out more about this genius guy. Bit surprised you're only at just over 1K subs, definitely destined for way more and you have my sub.
This comment has put a massive smile on my face. Very kind words and I really appreciate you taking the time and I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Growth will come in time if its right for the audience and that's all I'm trying to do
Thanks again 🙌
@@ILikeMotorbikes Welcome, cheers and take care. 👍
What a beautiful piece of Two Wheel Art. The Rotary is Genius and the note impresses . British Rotary has come a long way ! I’m impressed !
Absolutely it's an incredible piece of engineering! The rotary motor has certainly developed a lot since its first inception
Wow I’m a huge rx7 and Mazda nerd but who doesn’t love a super bike for starters, but yeah again massive rotary fan, so had to watch. Didn’t know enough about the bikes but knew they existed.. This guy is an absolute legend or more like a rotary demigod lol wow. Really nice video documenting his work also and great to learn about.
Thanks for the kind words! I'm really pleased you enjoyed the video and yes Brian is somewhat of a legend for the knowledge he has on rotary engines!
What a stupendous piece of machinery! So glad it's analog as well. There"s nothing like dragging the rear brake on a hard launch. I can't fathom how tantalizing it must be to ride! Well done sir!
Rob Dahm needs to add this to the collection!
I would sleep in the garage with this beauty, what an absolutely fantastic soundtrack the rotary engine produces.
Please someone sponsor this bike for the TT 🙏👏😉
this stuff is way over my head, from thhis interview, Brian seems like the Kristian Von Koeinisegg of motorcycles lol hahhaha
Although it was over your head I hope you enjoyed it!
What a fantastic treasure of a human being
Absolutely outstanding. Old school british engineering and ingenuity. Now subbed and look forward to more videos like this .
Thanks for the support, I'll do my best to continue making content like this
Great video, really enjoyed it very interesting. You deserve more subscribers. I hope this pushes up the numbers for you! 👍
So kind of you to say! Fingers crossed it does push them up but so long as people enjoy the video like you did, that's the main thing 👍
I'm not even into bikes but this was great!
Amazing, so glad you enjoyed it Anthony. Thank you for the lovely comment
These are the fastest race specific bikes on the planet. The Brits build amazing machines. I've always dreamed of owning one of my own.
I saw the bike at Eastern Creek GP race in Australia back then !
The crowd loved it !!!!!!
It's always been a crowd favourite 👌
Vintage bikes are popular, this unfortunately was uncompetitive back in the 1980s and 90s and is completely obsolete technology today
It sounds like a really high strung RC engine, its crazy! Love it! I feel like I've seen this guy before, maybe he's been in videos before somewhere... either way, amazing content!
I know what you mean! I think it's how quickly it revs up that makes it sound that way.
Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed it!
What a beautiful bike💪❤️👍
Mind Blown. Wow,, thank you for this. Living Legend.
So glad you enjoyed it!
What a nice video to watch!. This man is incredibly clever, and i agree completely on the no electronic aids. I'd love to see his bikes on the track with the big name boys. Keep it mate awsome work👍🏻.
Really pleased you enjoyed it. Yep Brian is an incredible gent - thanks for the kind words, would love to see the Crighton CR700W at the TT or similar
Great to see Brian, thanks for a smashing video.
Glad you enjoyed it! Sorry for the delayed response
Informative insight into a engineering genius. 'Needing flex in swinging arm' reminded me of when the bushes were worn on my '71 commando,but being 19 meant it was fun!
I can remember seeing rocket Ron haslam racing the Norton at brands in the early nineties I think , it really created a buzz in the crowd , because we thought at last we could have a British bike to compete at the highest level against the Japanese factories , But sadly it. Wasn’t to be
Yes,for that brief moment,you were living in a fools paradise.
Out of the living room into the shed ... Great piece of work ...
Great bloke, great bikes, great story!
what an engineering master piece, and what a great video! thanks for sharing this with us ♥
What an amazing story and history. Thank you for an fantastic video. 🏁🏁👍👍🏍🏍
That's some serious ingenuity! Companies today would love to drum something even remotely close to this to high heaven!👌
I remember Brian when he had the Honda bike dealership in Brownhills. What a nice bloke. I was the NGK spark plug rep at the time
Rotory kid loved this one !!!🤓👍
Love the sound of my Rotory 💕
Excellent I'm pleased! All rotaries sound great, I wish I could have gotten more footage of this bike running!
Race it at the TT and ruffle a few feathers whilst you’re at it.
Wouldn't that be a sight to behold? Fingers crossed they get to do that 🤞
Is the "TT" even a race?
Who are they racing.
Who are they dicing with,outbraking,passing up the inside and outside???
It's just a time trial.
@@YouCantSawSawdust TT's are best with one make race's, but they're still races nonetheless
Beautiful machine and absolutely agree about the electronics are taking away what makes motorcycles fun
Brilliant interview and motorcycle history lesson. What an unassuming genius man.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! He is the epitome of humble
it would be a dream to see this bike in MotoGP.
It'd be great so see!
One of the most interesting men in motorsport and development. Superb insight into Brian's bike world. 2W0mex
I'm really glad you enjoyed it! Brian is such a character and I wish we could have included more of our chat in the video as he has so much to say
Great interview.. talented & clever guy 👍🏼
Glad you enjoyed it. He's probably forgotten more than I'll ever know, I'm in awe of his achievements
Why hasn't this have more views! Brilliant video. I saw the video where Guy rides it. before seeing this. Thought the bike was a relic that was rebuilt. Now I discover it's new clever tech which explains Guys reaction after 5 laps! You've got a new sub! Looking forward to seeing all your others work. Not bad of the algorithm to suggest You! I'm Happy and thrilled after watching Guy ride such a Marvel of engineering 👍
Fantastic interview! What thing of beauty! Just 🤯
Thanks Robert, very nice comment to read!
Ive never seen so much excitement amongst bikers when that Norton 588 rotary fired up. I watched it first in Australia at Amaroo park circuit in 1987 then at Brands Hatch classic racing in 1991 or 1992. It was so loud, so fast on the straight when it overtook everything until, the bends. It looked really hard to ride and controle.
Should be allowed to race again, in the past race circuits were packed similar to the 60s 70s upto the mid 80s my late Father and I were two who enjoyed watching Nortons win races and championships