Tony Prust of Analog Motorcycles is no stranger to The Bike Shed, his exquisite bikes are a wonder to behold. There’s no denying the craftsmanship is top notch. Based a short ride from Millwake and Harley-Davidson’s HQ Tony has been banging his own drum, and offering something a bit different to raked out choppers and blinged cruisers.
One of Tony’s personal favourite bikes to come through the shop was a customer’s 1969 Triumph Trophy 250, there was just something about it so he spent two years searching for one similar. A Trophy didn’t materialise but a ’71 Trailblazer 250 did, with the plan of using it to bomb around town. The electrics were tidied, carbs tuned and the overly tall 20” front wheel swapped for a tyre-supply-friendly 18-incher. Oil leaked, the motor backfired badly and the overall look was a bit ratty but Tony enjoyed ragging around, with no plan to customise the dinky ‘Blazer.
One of Analog’s suppliers, Flatland Cycles, refurbishes classic Smiths gauges and offered to sort Tony out with a cost price freshen up of an instrument of his choice. He opted to send the ‘Blazer’s broken speedo off for a new white face and black numerals.
It arrived back in pristine condition and far too nice to bolt to such a scruffy steed so it sort of made sense to fit it to one of the other bikes in the collection. But since when has modifying bikes ever been subject to common sense? Far more sensible would be to rebuild the entire bike around the shiny new Smiths jewel.
Work started with the front fender, lowering it closer the 18’ wheel with custom brackets. Buchannan stainless spokes and nipples on black powdered hoops front and rear, with Shinko 705s in case you’re wondering. Forks are originals with rebuilt internals. Analog is a Gazi Shocks dealer so no surprise to see a fine pair of Sport Classics at the rear.
The ugly box of electrics under the tank was scrapped and a new battery box hides under the fabricated and reupholstered seat, giving an unobstructed view of the well proportioned 250cc, or 15 ci, single. Wiring is all brand new. In fact from now on, unless it says otherwise, everything on this bike is brand spanking box fresh. And presume all bearings, seals, gaskets, levers, rubbers, fasteners and cables have seen zero miles.
Tony isn’t a chrome fan so shine comes from elbow grease and aluminium, particularly around the new Smiths speedo, which sits in a bespoke bracket. Just below, the polished number board takes pride of place with the PIAA rally headlight being a side act, literally. Symmetry was hard for Tony to ignore but ignore he did and the result looks rather good. Ally indicators, in pairs, help rebalance his Feng Shui. Dash lights etc are all bespoke. The discreet mirror is a nod to practicality without spoiling the lovely view over the bars.
The motor was treated to a no-expenses spared rebuild by Ed Zender before being powder coated and polished. An Amal carb and K&N filter are tuned to suit and the diddy muffler by Cone Engineering looks the part without dominating the right hand side.
Luckily the gas tank is the rare aluminium version so a thorough polish brought it up to standard before a grey stripe was added, finished with neat, hand-painted pin stripes and logos. The grey carries on through to front and rear fenders and I think contrasts well with the mid-brown seat and matching grips. The polished side number boards sparkle from the black background and overall the choice of colours and materials work in harmony.
As Dutch posted the other day, a great set of professional photos make or break the builder’s efforts and in this case I think everyone will agree, snapper Jeff Barger has really done the business. If you’re keen to take a closer look and see this Trailblazer in the flesh why not give Tony a call to talk turkey. The bike is for sale, we don’t know the sum required to pry this beauty out of Tony’s hands but perhaps ensure you’re seated when dialling his number.
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