A brand-new flat tank?

Italian bike firm, The Black Douglas Motorcycle Company, has released details of a remarkable new bike range, the Sterling.

Made in both 125cc and 250cc variants, the Sterling is hand made, with a rigid steel cradle frame, two gallon (nine litre) aluminium flat tank and girder forks.

Article continues below...
Advert

Enjoy more Classic Bike Guide reading in the monthly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.

This curiosity has details everywhere, from carefully routed electrics through the handlebars, to the use of Ergal alloy in the front suspension. Remarkably it’s Euro 4 compliant, with ABS on the 250cc version and combined braking on the 125cc. It can carry a pillion and weight is claimed at “just under 100kg”, so although lacking in horsepower, the lack of weight gives it a decent pace, especially compared to the prewar bikes it imitates.

There is a small catch – all this hand-made loveliness comes at a price. The 125 Sterling starts at £8950, with the 250cc at £10,550. That’s a lot for a small bike, but where else can you get a pre-war-style bike to use every day?

www.theblackdouglas.com

Article continues below...
Advert

Read more News and Features in the September issue of Classic Bike Guide – on sale now


Advert
Subscribe to Classic Bike Guide Magazine Enjoy more Classic Bike Guide reading in the monthly magazine. Click here to subscribe.