Les Archer, Jr.

Les Archer
Nationality United Kingdom British
Born 1929 (age 85–86)[1]
Farnham, Surrey
Motocross career
Years active 1950s
Teams Norton
Championships 500cc – 1956 (European)
Wins 10

Les Archer (born 1929) is a former leading motorcycle racer of the 1950s, competing in long distance speed trials, road racing and scrambles, now known as motocross. He was the son of Les Archer, also a top motorcycle racer from the 1920s.

Archer rode for the New Imperial factory at the 1947 Isle of Man TT,[2] and competed in the 1950 International Six Days Trial as a member of the British Army team.[3] He competed alongside his travelling companion Eric Cheney, who went on to become one of the top British motorcycle designers.[4] Archer was also a member of the victorious British team at the 1953 Motocross des Nations. Archer is best known for winning the 1956 F.I.M. 500cc European Motocross Championship on a highly modified Manx Norton.[5][6] Archer further developed the Manx Norton into the 1960s with engine preparation by famed tuner Ray Petty.[7][8][9]

References

  1. ↑ England and Wales births Retrieved 21 January 2015
  2. ↑ http://www.iomtt.com/TT-Database/Events/Races.aspx?meet_code=ALL&ride_id=8429
  3. ↑ 1950 ISDT at www.speedtracktales.co.uk
  4. ↑ Eric Cheney. Daily Telegraph (23 February 2002). Retrieved 26 August 2011.
  5. ↑ 1953 Archer Manx Norton Scrambler Retrieved 21 January 2015
  6. ↑ Ryan, Ray (2003). Motocross racers: 30 years of legendary dirt bikes. MotorBooks/MBI Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0760312391.
  7. ↑ Motor Cycle 21 February 1963, p.252 more potent single-knocker for Archer Accessed and added 21 January 2015
  8. ↑ Motor Cycle 28 February 1963, p.220 Bang on Tune - Part One by David Dixon. Accessed and added 21 January 2015
  9. ↑ Les Archer Manx Norton at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Motorcyclemuseum.org. Retrieved 26 August 2011.

External links