When the clock struck 1982, the Raleigh Burner was released and instantly ignited the BMX craze in all parts of England. The Mk1 (featured here) was the first generation Burner and came in lots of different colour schemes, but the ‘one to have’ was the Ultra Burner. With anodised parts and leather handlebar pads, it was revolutionary compared to the blue and yellow Burners of its time. Considerably more dear and sales rates weren’t as successful as many of the more affordable BMXs of its day.

The example seen here had been professionally restored by an enthusiast in North Wales and was kept on display for the past five years until it reached me. I brought the Burner to several shows and it was always complimented… much more than some of the cars!

A fantastic piece of Raleigh history that has now been sold to a lovingly new home in Essex.