The TT/XT500 is a staple of US grassroots flat track in a way it isn't elsewhere in the world. They seem to be more scarce, more desirable and, consequently, more expensive elsewhere so they didn't make donor bikes in the same way, but they do look great. Many in the US retain a stock frame, often de-raked, though I think this is a Shell frame. We found these photos of the Japanese blog of Buddy Custom Cycles. You might remember Kazuo of Buddy Custom Cycles in SB36. I just wa

Wayne Rainey in 1979, his rookie year, on a Shell Thuet XS650 at Peoria. Yes, yes and yes. Photo: MotoAmerica archives #Peoria #WayneRainey #ShellThuet #XS650 #Yamaha #1970s

Ooh, this is exciting. The late Shell Thuet was a flat track tuning legend, and, some believe, someone Marlon Brando's Johnny was based on for the film The Wild One. Kenny Roberts, Wayne Rainey, Hank Scott, Eddie Lawson, Ted Boody and others all raced for the Californian. It's very unusual for a bike of this alleged provenance to turn up in the UK. The sale is nothing to do with us and we don't vouch for its history. It has a good parts on it, whether they're period or not, I