One of the world’s best known motorcycle frame makers, Swiss engineer Fritz Egli built his first frame in what would turn out to be a highly successful attempt to tame the wayward handling of his Vincent v-win race bike. The Vincent used a spine-type frame and so did Egli, though his was tubular rather than box-section and all-welded rather than bolt-up in construction. This trademark large-diameter spine has been a feature of virtually all Egli’s frames made since, proving adaptable to almost all types of motorcycle engine layout from British singles to across-the-frame Japanese fours. It proved to be the complete answer to the Vincent racer’s handling problems, and Fritz duly took the Swiss hill climb championship in 1968, winning every round. These days widely regarded as a marque in its own right, it is the Egli-Vincent v-twin, with its exciting combination of classic power and modern chassis technology, that has proved to be his most enduring legacy.

As Fritz Egli moved on to other projects, the machines continued to be produced in limited numbers by other specialists. Graham Binnion, who had worked with Egli in Switzerland, was licensed to build frames in the UK, which were marketed by Slater Brothers, the Laverda concessionaires at the time. The machine offered here is believed to have been constructed by Roger Slater c.1971, although no records exist to confirm the precise date. The engine’s number reveals that it is a Series-C Rapide unit, while other specification highlights include alloy wheel rims, Amal Concentric Mk2 carburettors, four-leading-shoe front brake, alloy fuel tank, matching speedometer/rev counter and a ‘Goldie’ silencer. Sadly, no further information is available as the Egli was purchased from a deceased’s estate. Presented in excellent condition, the machine benefits from a recent magneto overhaul and is offered with sundry invoices, current MoT/road fund licence and Swansea V5.