15 replies to this topic

[RC162]

There's a bunch of us who do a few of the classic do's each year and get a few laps in and my friend Nige mentioned that a mate of his might be coming along with us to the Coupe Moto Legende at Dijon this year. He then said he raced years ago and that his name is Austin Hockley. Well if I remember correctly Austin was a British Champion in both 125 and 250 in the early seventies but I stand to be put right on this. I think he had a connection to Granby Motors at some point but I'm happy to be set straight. Any memories of Austin out there ?

[TZ350H]

Austin won the 250 race at the Ulster Grand Prix in 1974 on a TZ Yamaha. He had a really gorgeous orange colour scheme. Very fast rider at that time and very popular in Ireland.

[SgtPepperoni]

There's a bunch of us who do a few of the classic do's each year and get a few laps in and my friend Nige mentioned that a mate of his might be coming along with us to the Coupe Moto Legende at Dijon this year. He then said he raced years ago and that his name is Austin Hockley. Well if I remember correctly Austin was a British Champion in both 125 and 250 in the early seventies but I stand to be put right on this. I think he had a connection to Granby Motors at some point but I'm happy to be set straight. Any memories of Austin out there ?

There must be tons of information on Austin. He was a big player in British racing in the smaller classes, particularly on 125's. I remember seeing him on numerous occasions and he was very quick.

[fastfitter]

I bought my T500 from Granby's in Ilkeston - on the wall they had AH's TZ front wheel from when the drum 'burst' (IIRC) on the way down to Creg-ny-baa

[zidder]

A Friend of mine Andy Pilgrim was given an Ex Austin TZ350 to ride by Granby, unfortunatly it was on its last legs and never really ran right.



Sorry to go slightly off topic

[HEMEYLA]

Austin Hockley winner 125cc Hilvarenbeek 1977.

Edited by HEMEYLA, 20 March 2013 - 22:16.

[picblanc]

Austin 1975.



Photo Copyrighted to Graham Etheridge.

[barrykm]

Thumbs-up for adding the bracketed statement in the title...

[PJ52]

Austin 1975.



Photo Copyrighted to Graham Etheridge.

Hi Graham. Please forgive my rather pedantic first post on this excellent forum. I think this one is 1976, because its a "Cantilever" TZ250C, which came to the UK early 1976, and its less mufflers, which were mandatory from start of season 1977 onwards.

[picblanc]

Hi Graham. Please forgive my rather pedantic first post on this excellent forum. I think this one is 1976, because its a "Cantilever" TZ250C, which came to the UK early 1976, and its less mufflers, which were mandatory from start of season 1977 onwards.

Your right I'll get my coat, it is 1976, welcome to the forum.

[ShakenNstirred]

I seem to remember him living near me in long eaton(Nottingham uk)
in the 70's

[fastfitter]

I seem to remember him living near me in long eaton(Nottingham uk)
in the 70's

I remember we used to hang around outside a garage in Allenton (Derby) in the late 60's when someone was prepping his bikes, I'm sure it was AH.

[derekw1]

Reading this thread brings back memories.

 

Austin was an old mate of mine back in the 60's when I lived in Stapleford (next door to Ilkeston).

At that time he was known to us as "Klondike". He wouldn't have thanked you for calling him Austin.

 

I remember he had one of the very first "Ariel Arrows" (2 stroke twin), and you could hear him coming miles away.

 

He had a nasty do coming off a bike at very low speed (engine seized on a corner)

 

It would be great to hear from him after all these years (I'm pushing 70 now).  So if your reading this Klondike, drop me a message in.

Edited by derekw1, 21 July 2014 - 20:05.

[Yendor]

Bumped into Austin at Mallory Park Bike Bonanza. Looking good and having a ride there.

[suzrg500]

Was chatting to him on Sunday, I think he was out on one of the old Phase one Suzukis

 

I think we were out in a session together Rod.

 

Pic of the RGV500 replica from a wet 1st session bloody slippery! turned out nice in the end though

 

 

It's a while since I posted a photo, Can't seem to copy the  image link as before, has something changed, Graham???

 

Sorted. credit to Lee Hollick for the photo.

 

 

Edited by suzrg500, 22 July 2014 - 08:07.

[sulzeruk]

I have been given Austins 125 AS1 twin from 1969 to restore. Anyone have any contact details for Austin, am also looking for pictures of the bike too.

Alasdair Cowan