A MOTORCYCLE enthusiast is offering a reward after his beloved customised Yamaha, which he had spent hundreds of hours working on, was stolen. Howard Smith, who is known as Bob, of Elm, uses the bikes to compete in quarter-mile sprint racing, and had buil

A MOTORCYCLE enthusiast is offering a reward after his beloved customised Yamaha, which he had spent hundreds of hours working on, was stolen.

Howard Smith, who is known as Bob, of Elm, uses the bikes to compete in quarter-mile sprint racing, and had built it from scratch in 2005.

He said: "It cannot be used on the road and would be utterly useless on fields or rough tracks as it has almost no suspension, limited steering lock and very little ground clearance.

"This motorcycle has no value or practical use other than to those who compete in sprints, and it is well known to other competitors."

He said he was absolutely gutted when he discovered his prized bike was taken during the early hours of Sunday morning from his home in Main Road. He had spent every spare hour working on it.

Sprint Racing is similar to drag-racing and his 99CC motorcycle can reach speeds of up to 100mph.

It is even more dishearting for him as he was currently leading the Talk Events 124CC championship this year, but will now have to abandon the competition.

Mr Smith, who is 58, used to compete in his youth, but started again in 2005.

He said he was also concerned if the bike got into the hands of youngsters, as it is exceptionally powerful.

He added: "It would be dangerous, if a child was on it, it could flip over, and it is not a toy."

He is offering a �100 reward and anyone with information is urged to call the Cambs Times/Wisbech Standard newsroom on 01354 652621.