I got the bug to build a
centerport CZ after seeing Clay Setzer’s 400 Falta machine up close at a
show in Long Beach, CA. Then I began to devour everything I could about these
rare factory race bikes that began with Jaroslav Falta and Zdenek Velkey testing and
racing the ’74 chassis set-up. During this learning process I found out the 980/981
centerport was never released for production models until 1977 when it became
designated 513/514 series. By now they had morphed into a long travel chassis among all the other machines being offered in the
later ‘70’s. The pre-’75 era is what really interested me though, so, the
mission was etched in stone, the project would begin by finding a stock Falta
Replica to start hacking on.
The other important aspect of
this story is I found out Jaroslav Falta had been robbed of his 1974 World
Championship to the Russian KTM rider, Guennady Moisseev, taking second place after the
FIM convened the protest in Italy. Harry Everts secured third place.
So, included in the company of my favorite motorcycle pilots is JAROSLAV FALTA at the top of the list whom I and thousands of others consider the real 1974 FIM World 250cc Motocross Champion! "For me, only MALCOLM SMITH ranks equal in sportsmanship and sheer talent overall in the dirt bike saddle."
- click pics for larger view -
Perfect '75 Falta specimen for the build.
Let the cutting and reconfiguration begin.
4140 tubes and brackets welded up ready for paint.
Stock 980.5.000744 motor gets the CP treatment and is completely rebuilt.
After the build was completed, I had to figure out a way to either get the bike to Jaroslav Falta for some photographic fun with the man himself, or as a last resort which I was completely honored to have happen, ask Falta to sign the front number plate. Well, it turns out we were able to get the momentous occasion on video, and of all places, in the Czech Republic, at the vintage CZ races! Bertus and Glen McClellan just happened to be going over to Czech on one of Bertus parts trips to the motherland which he does 3 or 4 times a year. He was able to tie the trip in with the races where we knew Falta would be attending. As a result, and with the help in translation by Henri Gref, a long time CZ racer/builder who is himself a native of Czech Republic and friend of Falta, the signing and video below became a reality. This truly is a hallmark occasion in my CZ experience, and I hope you enjoy and can appreciate the generosity of these fine gentleman of our beloved Vintage MX sport... EJ
VIDEO'S
FALTA signs Numberplate from E J on Vimeo.
Czech television documentary link below.
Sorry, no English translation.
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