1938-2026
The motorcycle world has lost one of its true greats. Off-road legend Arthur Lampkin died, aged 87, over the weekend of 21/22 March after a brave battle with cancer.
The eldest of the famous Yorkshire Lampkin brothers, followed by Alan and the late Martin, Arthur was part of motorcycling royalty. All three brothers pulled off the rare double of winning both the Scott Trial and the Scottish Six Days Trial during their glittering careers.
Arthur’s name became familiar to motorcycling fans across Britain in the 1960s, when TV Scrambles brought the thrills of off-road racing into living rooms up and down the country. Riding BSA machinery, he built a reputation for skill, determination, and professionalism that old-time riders and the sport’s insiders still talk about today.
His list of achievements is long and impressive: a Gold Medal at the 1958 International Six Days Trial for Great Britain, victories at the Scott Trial in 1960, 1961, and 1965, and a Scottish Six Days win in 1963. In scrambling, he took the ACU 500cc British title in 1959, followed by the 250cc crown in 1961, and in 1963 helped lead Team GB to victory at the Trophée des Nations in Sweden.
Arthur, a legendary all-round off-road rider, was actually born in Kent in May 1938, before moving to Yorkshire three years later. He was soon joined by brothers Alan and Martin, who also became standout competitors, making the Lampkin family name known throughout the motorcycle world.
Arthur’s eldest son, John, followed in his father’s tyre tracks and became an FIM Trial World Championship round winner in 1983. While John’s brothers Steve and David didn’t compete at the same level, Arthur’s nephew Dougie Lampkin firmly reinforced the family’s international reputation by winning twelve FIM World Trial titles in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Riding for the factory BSA racing team, Arthur and Alan enjoyed some close-fought battles against legends like Dave Bickers and Jeff Smith during the 1960s, making them household names, especially with the BBC showing the races live on Saturday afternoons.
Arthur died peacefully with his family by his side. He’ll be fondly remembered for his aggressive riding style on the track and his straight-talking off it. A true character who will be greatly missed.