A tribute by Rob Edwards, close friend of H. Martin Lampkin (1950-2016)
1975 Scottish Six Days start at Edinburgh – from left: Rob Edwards; the late Jim Sandiford & Martin Lampkin – Photo copyright: Rainer Heise, Germany
“Where do I begin to describe such an incredible person as Martin Lampkin? We all know that he was capable of doing the impossible on a trials bike of that there is no doubt, but everybody loved Mart because he loved them.
It would take him twice as long as anybody else to walk up the section Pipeline. Not because he was looking at the section, but because he had to stop at every family group and chat.
I would say that his personality was on a par with his riding ability. Another thing that made him unique has to be his sense of humour and all these things coupled up make the incredible person we know as Martin Lampkin.
Our deepest sympathies to Issy and all the Lampkin family and I’m sure that the thoughts of millions are with you”. – Rob and Bev Edwards – 4th April 2016
Martin Lampkin (left) photographed with Rob Edwards (right)
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 was be held on Monday, 11th April 2016 at 1.30pm at St James Parish Church, Kirkgate, Silsden, West Yorkshire, BD20 0AL.
Donations in Martin’s memory, were made to the Manorlands Hospice, Keighley Road, Oxenhope, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD22 9HJ.
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
GR78005 – Close up of the unique monocoque Bultaco with the top tube acting as a fuel tank – Photo: Mike Rapley
Ahead of it’s time, we are carried back to 1978 when photo-journalist Mike Rapley snapped this unique monocoque framed 325cc Bultaco at the Welsh Trophy Trial.
The top frame tube carrying fuel it bears a strange resemblance to machines we use today.
WT78032 – The modified 325 Bultaco with special frame and top frame tube as fuel tank – Photo: Mike Rapley
Unfortunately, Mike Rapley could not recall who built it, who rode it or if it still exists, but we do know someone that would like to own it! Then, thanks to a Trials Guru reader, we discovered that the owner/creator was from Kiddermister, England, called Phill Smith.
GR78004 – Phill Smith on his very unusual Bultaco – Photo: Mike Rapley
Have a look at the detail shot and judge for yourself! It was a forward thinking concept using the tried and tested 325cc Bultaco motor, plus some Bultaco components, such as the front end and wheels.
A colour photograph of the same machine, with owner, Phill Smith checking tyre prssures at a National Trial at Lynton, North Devon, but showing that the rear frame loop had been abbreviated and the exhaust front pipe modified. Photo courtesy: Stephen Hopkins.
All photos copyright: Mike Rapley & Stephen Hopkins
For more Welsh Trophy and other action from Mike Rapley, click HERE
To contact Trials Guru with information about this Bultaco special, make contact HERE
Mick Bradley wrote: 06/03/2016: “RE unusual Bultaco. Phill Smith from Kidderminster built and rode a very similiar Bulto to this around that time. Not sure if this is him but looks very much like it. Regards Mick”.
Apart from ‘Fair Dealing’ for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright, Design and Patents Act, 1988, no part of this article may be copied, reproduced, stored in any form of retrieval system, electronic or otherwise or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrical, mechanical, optical, chemical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author as stated above. This article is not being published for any monetary reward or monetisation, be that online or in print.
Terry Hill on his Bultaco at the Dublin University Club’s Grafton Trial on Old Boleys section on 5th February 1966 – Photo courtesy of Pat Ewen, Dublin
Just opened, a special Trials Guru ‘section’ for trials in Ireland.
Alan Lampkin aboard his historic factory BSA C15, on which he won the 1966 SSDT and Scott Trials – Photo: Fiona Watson
If you haven’t had a look at our special ‘ section’ on the Lampkins, have a look!
Recently updated, there is an article on Alan ‘Sid’ Lampkin and some information provided by one of the Lampkin sisters.
Motorcycles were always a part of Lampkin family life. This is Arthur Lampkin’s factory trials BSA Gold Star, but who are the three riders? See Lampkin of Silsden for the answer! – Photo courtesy and copyright – Janet Pawson
Of course we are not finished yet, there is still more to come.
We have noticed that viewings of Trials Guru have increased considerably throughout 2015 and as such we would like to thank all regular and new viewers of the website accordingly. We hope you enjoy what you see and read about our great sport – Trials!
Trials Guru would not exist for your enjoyment without the continued support by our generous photographers and contributors. We are extremely grateful to them for allowing Trials Guru to display their images of the great sport of trials on these pages.
Scottish Six Days Trial 1979 – Martin Lampkin inspects the rear tyre of his Bultaco, with Reg May offering advice. John Metcalfe is watching closely. A fantastic period photo we are allowed to display by kind permission of a true enthusiast of trials – ‘The Maestro’ Mr. Eric Kitchen – Image is world-wide copyrighted – all rights reserved.
We have added a few new pages recently including Mike Rapley’s Recalled by Rappers; Lampkin of Silsden which will shortly be expanded and Bultaco – Spain, dedicated to the Spanish marque which brought you the famous Sherpa T. We have also added a dedication to three times World Trials Champion, Yrjo Vesterinen.
Yrjo Vesterinen features in his own tribute page and Bultaco, seen here in 1983 – Photo: Colin Bullock/CJB Photographic
There is much more to come in the next few weeks including a tribute page to the most famous trials rider of all time!
So stay tuned wherever you are to Trials Guru – Broadcasting to Trials enthusiasts throughout the World!
The name ‘Lampkin’ is synonymous with off-road motorcycle sport. It has to be the most famous of all families associated with motorcycling in the world.
Trials Guru are proud to release a feature page dedicated to the Lampkin family, with informative articles and photos from our regular contributors. We start with Alan R.C. Lampkin’s story of a life in motorcycle sport.
Scott Trial Re-Union supremo, Alan R.C. ‘Sid’ Lampkin seen here with Trials Guru’s John Moffat in November 2014 – Photo: John Hulme/Trials Media
Martin Lampkin (Bultaco) Photo: Mike Rapley
As close family friend and former trials competitor, Blackie Holden said: “The Lampkin family can be summed up in one word – winners. There is something very special about them, from a very early age I remember their tremendous ‘will to win’ it is immense. Whether it be a game of noughts and crosses or a 500 GP, the competitive element with them is incredible. It’s not in a nasty way, they just have to win”.
Read all about ‘Lampkin of Silsden’ on Trials Guru
Tommy Robb was a keen trials rider in his youth and also in later life as a racer to keep fit over the winter months
TOMMY ROBB 14 October 1934 – 12 December 2024
Tommy Robb was a well-known Ulsterman who rode for Honda, Yamaha, Seeley, Bultaco and a whole host of private sponsors, including Terry Hill in a career that started in 1950 and went on until the mid 1970s.
Tommy Robb’s first ever trophy, won on 3rd November 1951 a time trial in Ireland
In 1962, Robb was the first non-Japanese factory rider to be signed by Honda, the year he was runner-up in the 350cc World Championships. He is a five times winner of the North-West 200 and has won the Lightweight 125cc TT in 1973.
Tommy Robb in the Hurst Cup Trial of 1953 on his DOT
He wrote an autobiography called ‘From TT to Tokyo’ a fascinating recount of a works riders life on the ‘Continental Circus’
From TT to Tokyo – Tommy Robb’s autobiography
Tommy been friends with Trials Guru representative John Moffat for some years now, having been interviewed by Trials Guru at the Scottish Motorcycle Show near Edinburgh.
Part of Tommy Robb’s impressive collection of trophies, yes those are Isle of Man TT replicas! – Photo copyright: Tommy Robb
What is not generally known is that Tommy was also a keen trials competitor both in his youth and in later years to keep fit when not travelling the world racing motorcycles.
Tommy Robb on a Bultaco Pursang in 1967 at an Irish International motocross event – Photo courtesy: Tommy Robb Private Archive
Recently Tommy had a very pleasant surprise and contacted Trials Guru.
Here is what Tommy sent Trials Guru:
“Hi Big John, – A very happy New Year to you, your family and Trials Guru’s everywhere!
I thought the attached Certificate (Factory Rider) would be of interest to you. This arrived on the 2nd January 2016, from the DOT Motorcycle Club, whilst all the major personalities were getting their Knighthoods, MBE’s, and OBE’s I was delighted to receive this award, from 1954 -1958 and inscribed:
‘Special Award made to Tommy Robb, from the DOT Motorcycle Club in recognition of your Achievements as a rider representing the DOT Motorcycle Factory in the Golden age of British Motorcycle Competition’.
This, believe it or not, dates back to the mid-fifties when I rode factory 196cc and 250cc DOTS in grass tracks, scrambles (in those days) and trials in Northern and Southern Ireland. When Burnard Scott Wade was the MD of the Company.
It was a pleasure to receive this recognition some 62 years after the period concerned when I was 18 or 19 years old at the time. To have it in my trophy cabinet at 81 years of age, amongst my TT Replicas is indeed a surprise and an honour”.
The certificate presented to Tommy Robb by the Dot Motorcycle Club in 2016
We are always looking for something different, special or unusual at Trials Guru, so we thought Trials Guru readers would enjoy this.
Trials Guru’s John Moffat (left) with great friend, Tommy Robb at the Scottish Motorcycle Show at Ingliston, Edinburgh – Photo: Trials Guru/Jean Moffat
Apart from ‘Fair Dealing’ for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright, Design and Patents Act, 1988, no part of this article may be copied, reproduced, stored in any form of retrieval system, electronic or otherwise or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrical, mechanical, optical, chemical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the author as stated above. This article is not being published for any monetary reward or monetisation, be that online or in print.
Bultaco publicity from 1975 showing Manuel Soler and advertising that Bultaco Motorcycles and Soler were Spanish Trials Champions.
Bultaco trials motorcycles now have their own page on Trials Guru!
EAA60D, Sammy Miller’s 1966 Sherpa T, is now owned and been restored to its former glory by Yrjo Vesterinen – Photo copyright: Neil Sturgeon, Darlington
It was always the intention to have a page on the site to celebrate the brand, but due to other articles taking precedence, it has only been possible to do this now.
Charles Coutard with his 1977 factory Bultaco Sherpa – Photo Copyright: Claudio Picture
This particular page will be modified and expanded through time, so please keep checking back for new items going forward!
TRIALS GURU - DEDICATED TO TRIAL 