Since the spring of 2009, Jesse Bassett has dedicated his time and expertise to running ‘The GasBox’ workshop in Cleveland, Ohio. With over two decades as a seasoned workshop mechanic under his belt, Jesse has honed the skills necessary to assemble a reliable classic vehicle, yet it’s his keen eye for detail and personal style that truly sets him apart. Within his bespoke portfolio, exceptional builds await discovery, with this stunning 1959 Triton Cafe Racer being a recent masterpiece among them. A meticulously crafted union of artisanal craftsmanship and iconic engineering: hand-formed bodywork seamlessly integrates with a supremely polished Norton featherbed shell, cradling a magnificently restored 1959 Triumph Bonneville engine. The most impressive and potent Tritons ever featured on our website.
Together with his two colleagues, Tim and Gorb, he successfully completed the Triton project in February of this year, just in time to showcase it at Thor Drake’s “One Motorcycle Show” in Portland. Designed for a GasBox customer, the Triton was crafted as an “interval-appropriate” Cafe Racer. With the engine and body design predetermined, the sole stipulation from the owner was to create a Triton motorcycle that defied traditional conventions, departing from the generic cookie-cutter approach. Jesse crafted his own unique concept for a 1950s-inspired cafe racer, blending authentic vintage components with intricately handmade bodywork that reflected his personal style and creativity.
The Bonneville motor’s core component is its engine. A meticulously rebuilt and restored 650cc pre-unit model, boasting a showroom-quality appearance and performance rivalling its original manufacture date. Following the initial release of the slim-line Norton Featherbed, some minor adjustments were made. At the rear, the vehicle’s body was modified by being chopped and extended several inches, with all weld seams meticulously smoothed prior to being resprayed in a vibrant pink hue to serve as a striking visual focal point within the overall construction. A bespoke oil tank was subsequently fabricated and integrated into the vehicle’s design, discreetly situated beneath the seat and concealed by intricately crafted aluminum panels that precisely mirrored the contours of the body.
With a nod to early Ducati innovation, a bespoke swing arm was crafted, carefully adapted to accommodate the iconic featherbed’s specifications. A carefully curated suspension upgrade has incorporated refurbished Ceriani Italian-made forks and complemented them with a corresponding set of shocks designed to harmonize with the rear. The Ceriani 4-main shoe and magnesium drum brake were carefully sourced and integrated with the entrance rim. To ensure optimal performance from Jesse’s exhaust system, his team built two seamless pipes, each comprising a muffler and header, carefully finishing all welds to minimize turbulence.
The tank and tail sections were fabricated through labor-intensive manual processes involving the crafting of additional aluminum sheets. Each angle and line is meticulously crafted to harmonize with the contours of the featherbed body, finished with a subtle lightweight brushing. In the rear, a solitary taillight is discreetly integrated into the cowl, while the slender wiring loom and essential electrical components remain inconspicuously concealed within. While unorthodox in their design, these handlebars provide an unexpectedly comfortable riding experience, offering a more relaxed posture for the rider that’s well-suited to the Café Racer’s unique character. The crowning jewel arrived courtesy of Jesse’s esteemed acquaintances at Union Pace and Fashion, renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship in automotive upholstery. They meticulously wrapped a sumptuous black leather seat around the beautifully crafted frame.
