Birch Gatwick Keeps the Melbray Manx TT Ready for its Next Challenge

Birch Gatwick Keeps the Melbray Manx TT Ready for its Next Challenge

At Birch Gatwick, we pride ourselves on providing premium storage for classic, high-performance, and race-prepared vehicles. From rare Ferraris to iconic air-cooled Porsches, our secure, climate-controlled facility near Gatwick Airport is home to some truly special machines. And few are as unique or evocative as the Melbray Manx Norton—a bespoke, ultra-lightweight racer built specifically for the Isle of Man Classic TT.

A Machine Built to Perform

This remarkable motorcycle, now stored with us at Birch Gatwick, is far more than a tribute to the golden era of British racing. Although it appears to be a 1960s Manx Norton at first glance, the reality is much more modern and technically advanced. The frame was built in 2023, the engine dates from 2007, and many components—from the magnesium yokes and gearbox to the titanium nuts and bolts—are brand new, cutting-edge, and painstakingly selected for performance and weight reduction.

Every inch of this bike was engineered for speed and reliability. It features K-Tech suspension of the kind you’d find on modern British Superbikes, lightweight alloy rims, and a Yamaha TZ250 brake setup with a visually deceptive but rule-compliant fixed disc. It's a contemporary racer cloaked in classic attire, built for one purpose: to take on the most demanding road race in the world—the Isle of Man TT.

From Parts to Podium Potential

Constructed in early 2024, the Melbray Manx Norton was born from the ambition to field a competitive classic racer. What began as a chance conversation between enthusiast and builder Simon Warren and TT legend Glen English quickly evolved into a full-scale racing project. Within months, a brand-new bike emerged from a collection of parts sourced at an autojumble and was test-ridden in Wales before heading to the Island.

Despite minimal track time, the bike impressed. When Glen English stepped back to focus on another machine, rising TT star Dom Herbertson stepped in. Despite having no previous experience with singles or Manx Nortons, Dom lapped at just under 105mph on his first outing and hit 138mph through the speed trap—extraordinary performance from both rider and machine.

Rider and bike will be reunited for this year’s Classic TT – 20-28 August.

Why Birch Gatwick?

Storing a bike of this calibre requires more than just space. At Birch Gatwick, we ensure each vehicle is kept in optimum condition with:

Advanced Fire Protection System - an industry-leading fire suppression system with over 1200, localized-threat, sprinkler heads throughout our facility.
Temperature- and humidity-monitored storage bays to prevent corrosion and preserve materials.
Discreet security and 24/7 monitoring, so your pride and joy remains safe.
On-demand access, vehicle maintenance options, and transportation logistics when it's time to get back on track.

Whether you're storing a single collectible motorcycle or a full race fleet, our facilities provide the professionalism, discretion, and care that discerning owners demand.

A Living Legacy, Preserved

We’re proud to house the Melbury Manx Norton here at Birch Gatwick. It’s not just a bike—it’s a story of passion, engineering brilliance, and modern craftsmanship paying tribute to motorcycling’s greatest traditions.

If your motorcycle is more than just transport—if it's a piece of history, a track weapon, or a future classic—talk to us about how we can keep it ready for whatever comes next.