Hunwick Hallam X1R Superbike
Hunwick Hallam's X1R Superbike rolled out into the public gaze for its first time during round one of the 1997 World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island. A brave move on the part of the Australian Motorcycle Company, as the bike had not been tested previously. Apart from running the engine up on a dyno, the X1R had never turned a wheel before.
The bike was rolled out of the truck much to the awe of international Superbike teams and the Australian public. A jet-black carbon fiber-covered beauty that looked like no other. This wasn't any concept bike drawn up by underworked Japanese motorcycle designers. This was the real thing. Sex on wheels.
Bike designer Paul Hallam had the honors of rolling the bike up to pit lane. Clearly it was the moment he had waited for. After three years working in secret, at last the world would see his creation. Would the bike start? Would the bike run? What if....? A million questions going through the heads of all who watched. Paul Hallam was quietly confident. The bike is bump started into action. The sound is a beautiful thump that only a V-twin can offer. Hallam handed the bike over to the highly experienced racer and development rider Malcom Campbell, the only man to ever to win a race on Honda's notorious NR750. Taking off from pit lane, Superbike teams were all outside their garages watching history take place. Campbell and the X1R disappear over the hill on the main straight to the delight of the patriotic crowd.
Paul Hallam was asked what he felt the highest pinnacle was so far in the development of the new racing machine. "Here and now," was the reply. As the bike came down the main straight it seemed that all the garages were empty. Hallam's creation was on its first flying lap of any race track in the world. On completion of the second lap Campbell pulled into the pits as instructed. An eager Hallam awaited the news. "Power is great, needs some adjustment on the rear suspension," comments the rider.
The Hunwick Hallam X1R entered its first competitive meeting soon after this debut at round three of the Australian Superbike Series at Winton, Victoria. However, Campbell crashed out of the race in a first corner incident with another rider. The X1R had qualified ninth in wet conditions.
For the remainder of this year, the X1R will be competing in a special "prototype" class for no prize money or points in the Australian Superbike Series. The bike must comply with all Superbike Rules as per Motorcycling Australia's General Competion Rules (GCR's), except for volume sales. GCR's are identical to FIM rules for World Superbike, where the Hunwick Hallam team hopes to compete by next season.