Resurrecting Legends: The Sid Franklen Legacy
SID FRANKLEN MOTORCYCLES Est. 1950
Rooted in East London’s post-war motorcycling culture, the Sid Franklen motorcycle shop at 480 Barking Road, Plaistow, was established by Archibald Sidney English and the Raiser brothers, Frank & Len. The amalgamation of the 3 names of Sid, Frank & Len lending to it’s name. Serving as official agents for legendary brands like Norton, Vincent, Triumph, and AJS. Sidney competed under 3 different pseudonyms to promote the brand and went on to compete at the historic Goodwood motorcycle meeting in 1951. This mechanical mindset was carried forward by Simon Roud, the grandson of the shop owner, who went on to found Synergy Excel.
Possibly the only family who's racing dynasty spans five generations at Goodwood, beginning in 1951, continuing through Simon and extending to his grandson; Emmerson, competing in the Settrington Cup pedal car race.
The legacy reached new heights in 2025, when they won the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy race at the Goodwood Revival. The bike was meticulously restored and recently sold to Andy Middlehurst, who has won both Monaco & Goodwood historic F1 races multiple times. The team are pleased that the bike is now in safe hands and will be on show at this years event in the Barry Sheene Memorial parade.
In 2026, the tradition continues at the Goodwood Revival, with the Norton Manx ridden by World Superbike legend Troy Bayliss and and FIM classic motorcycle world champion & Isle of Man Manx Winner, Glen English. Glens' son; George, is also competing in the Settrington Cup pedal car race with team mate Emmerson. Backed by Synergy Excel, GSE and Four Seasons Fencing Group, these partnerships have made restoring these bikes possible. From the Plaistow workshop to global competition. Visit the Sid Franklen website to find out more.
Sponsors who make this possible
Provides specialist nationwide recycling & compliant transport for waste gas cylinders. Simultaneously, its Excel division tackles complex, high-consequence global logistics, safely managing hazardous & explosive materials through hostile environments, war zones and remote terrains.
A leading regional construction and civil engineering firm operating across London & the South East. Established in 1986, the family-run enterprise delivers building, plant hire, & major property development projects, including commercial hubs and large-scale residential infrastructure.
A leading manufacturer, supplier & installation contractor established in 2001. Providing a range of fencing, security gates, access control & barriers for commercial, industrial, agricultural & residential projects across London & the South.
Provides specialist nationwide recycling & compliant transport for waste gas cylinders. Simultaneously, its Excel division tackles complex, high-consequence global logistics, safely managing hazardous & explosive materials through hostile environments, war zones and remote terrains.
Established in 1958, Hagon Shocks is a family-run business based in Essex specialising in UK-manufactured motorcycle components. They design & build reliable shock absorbers, fork springs & performance parts, providing traditional wire-spoke wheel building and custom restoration services..
A clothing brand specialising in professional racing apparel. They design & manufacture high-performance leather race suits, jackets, riding jeans, gloves & protective gear. Uncompromising safety, comfort & durability for both professional racers worldwide.
Read the Story
Dive into the captivating story of how the partnership between Archibald Sidney English and the Raiser brothers shaped a motorcycle empire in post-war London. Uncover the heartwarming and incredible tale of how four bikes, a passionate community, and a series of incredible coincidences brought back to life the historic motorcycle that Barry Sheene rode to his last victory.
Racing at Goodwood
Explore our gallery for a captivating visual journey into the world of racing legends, born from the partnership between Archibald Sidney English and the Raiser brothers. Also get a sneak peek of the upcoming Goodwood Revival, where Freddie Sheene will honour his father's legacy, and be part of this timeless racing narrative.
Watch the restoration of Barry Sheene’s last winning bike…
Watch as Fred Walmsley restores Barry Sheene’s last winning bike, and the bike we will soon be racing at Goodwood Revival.
The Young Girl who is seen pushing the restored bike with Fred Walmsley at 40:20 is non other than the little baby seen in archived footage of Barry Sheene at 45:24 in the Goodwood Paddocks 24 years later!
