Martin Lampkin (Bultaco) 1976 SSDT – Photo courtesy: Eric Kitchen
On behalf of the Lampkin family, it is with great sadness that Trials Guru website announces that H. Martin Lampkin, the very first World Trials Champion (1975), passed away today, Saturday 2nd April, 2016, aged 65 years.
It goes without saying that the Lampkin family’s loss is also a loss to the world of motorcycle sport.
Our sincere condolences go to Martin’s immediate family, widow Isobel; sons, Dougie and Harry and the extended Lampkin family.
The funeral service for Martin will be held on Monday, 11th April 2016 at 1.30pm at St James Parish Church, Kirkgate, Silsden, West Yorkshire, BD20 0AL. By request of the Lampkin family, please no flowers.
If you wish to make a personal donation in Martin’s memory, these can be made to the Manorlands Hospice, Keighley Road, Oxenhope, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 9HJ. (Please select the dropdown: I’m donating because of the work of: Manorlands)
Martin Lampkin, his life in photographs, a tribute by Trials Guru’s Photographers & contributors:
Motorcycles were always a part of Lampkin family life. This is Arthur Lampkin’s factory trials BSA Gold Star being tried out by family friend, Tim Aaron (left), H. Martin Lampkin (middle) & Veronica Lampkin (right) – Photo by kind permission and copyright of Janet (Lampkin) Pawson (Sister of Martin Lampkin)1967 – Martin Lampkin (250cc BSA) in his first Scottish Six Days Trial aged 17, aged 26 in 1976 he would win his first SSDT.1978 – Martin Lampkin (348 Bultaco) – Photo: Mike Rapley1978 – Martin Lampkin hoists the Bultaco upwards with a steady dab – Photo: Mike Rapley1978 – Martin Lampkin on his factory Bultaco – Photo: Mike Rapley1978 – A truly atmospheric shot of Martin Lampkin – Photo: Mike RapleyMartin Lampkin on Blackwater in the 1984 Pre’65 Scottish, riding brother Arthur’s 1963 SSDT winning BSA C15T – Photo: Iain Lawrie, KinlochlevenMartin on the Honda RTL250S in the 1987 Scottish – Photo copyright: Graeme CampbellMartin Lampkin (World Champion in 1975) smiles at the camera of Iain Lawrie on his way down from Chairlift at the 1988 Scottish Six Days on his Colin Appleyard supported Honda RTL250S – Photo copyright: Iain Lawrie, KinlochlevenScottish Six Days Trial 1979 – Martin Lampkin inspects the rear tyre of his Bultaco, with Reg May offering advice. John Metcalfe is watching closely. Martin was narrowly beaten into second place to Malcolm Rathmell (Montesa) – Photo world-wide copyright: Eric Kitchen – all rights reserved.Martin Lampkin testing his 325 Bultaco in 1975 – Photo by kind permission and world-wide copyright of Barry Robinson, Ilkley (All-rights reserved)Bultaco publicity photo of Martin Lampkin on his factory Sherpa T model 92 in 1973 – Image courtesy of Bultaco MotorcyclesMartin Lampkin (Bultaco 325) at the Scottish Clubman Trial at Newcastleton in 1978. Photo: Jimmy Young, ArmadaleThe 1975 World Championship winning Bultaco of Martin Lampkin – Photo courtesy: Heath Brindley, Bristol1979 – Martin Lampkin in full control of his 348 Bultaco – Photo: Mike RapleyThe ‘gritty’ determination of Martin Lampkin (Bultaco) Photo: Mike RapleyMartin Lampkin fettling his Bultaco at the 1975 Scottish Six Days – Photo: Rainer Heise, Germany1975 Scottish Six Days on Laggan Locks – Photo: Rainer Heise, GermanyMartin Lampkin (Bultaco) on Laggan Locks 1977 at the Scottish Six Days Trial – Photo: Iain Lawrie, KinlochlevenMartin Lampkin (SWM) on Cameron Hill in the 1981 Scottish Six Days Trial- Photo: Iain Lawrie, Kinlochleven2004, Japan World Round – Martin (right) with son Dougie (left) and nephew James (middle top) – Photo courtesy and copyright, Jean Caillou, France1994 Belgium round of European championship, Martin’s new job of being minder to son Dougie, who went on to win 12 World titles – Photo copyright: Oliver Barjon, FranceJohn Moffat (left) with H. Martin Lampkin in 2013 – Photo courtesy: Trial Media/John Hulme
As a mark of respect, please feel free to leave your personal message in the comments section below in remembrance of a fine sportsman, a true Yorkshireman and one of the world’s all time great motorcycling competitors, a true ambassador of the sport – HAROLD MARTIN LAMPKIN 1950-2016
RIP MARTIN, end of a true legend and gentleman. Never forgot his comment of “E we are having fun”, when he came upon me and a friend lying in the mud of the Welsh Traders in the seventies while we were trying to follow the trial. Will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts are with his family.
On behalf of the Rhode Island Trials Club and the USA trials community, we offer our respect and condolences to the Lampkin family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Very sad news indeed , Martin was part of a small group of trials riders that to me were my hero’s that inspired me to take up the sport and become part of the bigger world of motorcycling , for that I will be forever greatfull, to his family and friends my thoughts are with you at this sad time , god bless ya Martin RIP.
Sad news, we were only talking about Martin on Friday night and how watching him attack the big muddy climbs in the Colmore with my late father in 1976 convinced me that trials was the sport for me and 40 years later I am still playing at it.
In later years who could forget the shouts of ‘Maximum Effort’ as we watched Dougie take on the world with Martin by his side.
My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time
RIP Martin
A trials legend, the first World champion which must have inspired Dougie. If we all aspire to be 1% as determined and succesful as Martin we will all be better riders and people.
May the good Lord bless your family through this very sad and difficult time. We all were blessed to have him. I remember reading about him in the motorcycle magazines I would get and was so impressed with his riding accomplishments. I have a bultaco sherpa T like the one he had (1978 350) and when I ride it I will think of him. God blessings.
Can’t believe it, had no idea. So many Legends are leaving us lately, it’s so tragic.
David used to ride the Schoolboy Nationals at the same time as Dougie. They were great friendly times, sons daughters parents and all. Our Hearts go out to all the Lampkin Family.
A legend for a lot of people in Spain in the 70’s. We’ll allways remember the great rider Martín Lampkin. True gentleman, RIP. My condolences for the family.
My wife treated me to a days tuition with Dougie about 9 years or so ago at Skyrakes, because I guess I was the old guy in the group I got to be mentored by Martin, His first comment to me was (get these bars pushed forward) his accent and genuine charm tickled me, I will never forget that day, how lucky was I to have snippit of him.
TRIALS GURU - The Trials Academy 
Deepest sympathy goestoo the whole family
He knows I will have a cup of champagne thinking about him…
A sad loss. RIP.
Very sad,great rider.RIP.
A sad loss to your family, my condolences
Amazing man,and “true rider”- never forgotten.
May He Rest In Peace
May He Rest in Peace.
Era un ídol per mi, DEP.
A very sad day for the trials word a great man and rider thoughts are with all the family
RIP Martin
Remember him from Dick Farqueson trials, great man RIP
Riccardo Martin, Riposa In Pace Martin, sei stato un mito per tutti noi
so sad to hear this about such a great man to trials
Condolences to all the family. What a great man and will never be forgotten.
Edward & Roz
Very sad news the small time I spent with the trials world gave me huge respect for them all supreme skills as well as real sportsmen.
A good friend and neighborgh
RIP .Martin .
Very sad news . Thinking of you all . John May.
Condolences to all the family. What a great man and will never be forgotten.
Edward & Roz
Such sad news, one of the true greats in the trials world RIP MARTIN
RIP MARTIN, end of a true legend and gentleman. Never forgot his comment of “E we are having fun”, when he came upon me and a friend lying in the mud of the Welsh Traders in the seventies while we were trying to follow the trial. Will be greatly missed by all. Our thoughts are with his family.
Good friend and neighbour
Great friend and neighbour
A true gentleman and trials legend . My thoughts are with his family God bless .
On behalf of the Rhode Island Trials Club and the USA trials community, we offer our respect and condolences to the Lampkin family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sad to hear this about Martin. A lovely genuine guy. Love to all the family.
Paul and Val Ramsdale
( Martins local at one point. The Grouse) RIP x
Shocked and saddened to hear about Martin´s passing. My deepest condolences to the entire
Lampkin family.
Sincerely
sad day when i heard smashing bloke and early superstar, a real one x
Prayers for Martin and all his family sad sad day
I was very young when I watched Martin at the Hurst cup world championship round. Super star.
Big influence to me.
Condolences to the family and God speed to
A legend
A true champion will be sadly missed a great inspiration to the sport of trials
Just heard, very sad news, Martin was my hero,Thinking about you all at this sad time,God bless, RIP Martin.
Best paperboy ever and always willing to give advice to a struggling trials rider back in the day.
So sad.
A true great champion , the best of the best
Great loss, RIP Martin, we always rem
ember you
On Behalf of Canadian Motorcycle Trials riders – who were lucky enough to meet Mart
Martin was a great man – a World Champion – a wonderful Father and Grandfather – and a lasting legend in Motorcycle Sport – . RIP Mart.
Very sad news indeed , Martin was part of a small group of trials riders that to me were my hero’s that inspired me to take up the sport and become part of the bigger world of motorcycling , for that I will be forever greatfull, to his family and friends my thoughts are with you at this sad time , god bless ya Martin RIP.
Sad news, we were only talking about Martin on Friday night and how watching him attack the big muddy climbs in the Colmore with my late father in 1976 convinced me that trials was the sport for me and 40 years later I am still playing at it.
In later years who could forget the shouts of ‘Maximum Effort’ as we watched Dougie take on the world with Martin by his side.
My thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time
RIP Martin
Our sincere condolences to the lampkin family on your sad loss.
Greatest sympathies to all.
Martin was my inspiration when learning to ride a bike
A trials legend, the first World champion which must have inspired Dougie. If we all aspire to be 1% as determined and succesful as Martin we will all be better riders and people.
My deapest condolences to the family of martin lampkin at this very sad time he will be missed but never forgotten
May the good Lord bless your family through this very sad and difficult time. We all were blessed to have him. I remember reading about him in the motorcycle magazines I would get and was so impressed with his riding accomplishments. I have a bultaco sherpa T like the one he had (1978 350) and when I ride it I will think of him. God blessings.
Can’t believe it, had no idea. So many Legends are leaving us lately, it’s so tragic.
David used to ride the Schoolboy Nationals at the same time as Dougie. They were great friendly times, sons daughters parents and all. Our Hearts go out to all the Lampkin Family.
A true legend rip
A true legend in his life time a great loss to the world of trials condolences to his family
A true champion, ambassador and legend in motorcycle sport.
The Family of the Trial loses a legend. All my thoughts to the Lampkin family.
A legend for a lot of people in Spain in the 70’s. We’ll allways remember the great rider Martín Lampkin. True gentleman, RIP. My condolences for the family.
My wife treated me to a days tuition with Dougie about 9 years or so ago at Skyrakes, because I guess I was the old guy in the group I got to be mentored by Martin, His first comment to me was (get these bars pushed forward) his accent and genuine charm tickled me, I will never forget that day, how lucky was I to have snippit of him.