Hi,
I have recently bought a 73 Roadster which is not what it appears although the engine number is correct and I have purchased all the past DVLA data listing 8 owners back to May 73.
WhenI removed the head steady it had 'RACU' punched into the head! Which I assume is some sort of scrutineering mark?
The wiring is minimal with a home made regulator/rectifier circuit for charging etc The previous owner said he thought it was a Combat engine with a superblend bearingand the weld across the crankcase half suggests a barrel coming loose or something worse!! Having said that it runs ok but I suspect the isolastics are shot as I can't keep my feet on the footrests above 2K rpm.(45 mph) .
Any help or suggestions gratfully accepted.
Cheers
Pete
Peter, If your head/engine…
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Previously wrote: Peter, I…
Previously wrote:
Peter,
If your head/engine had been used for racing it would probably have small holes drilled in the fins close to the exhaust nuts for wirelocking. Other drain plugs would be drilled as well though these can easily be replaced to give the appearance of an unmollested bike. The stamped head could just be someone's private security mark. I have marked most of the major components of my bikes. Do the letters match any of the initials of the previous owners? Whereabouts have the crankcases been welded? If the vibration is bad the isolastics may just be adjusted too tight. Worth investigating this before comitting yourself to any big expense. With the bike on the centre stand do the front and rear isolastic bolts appear to be in the centre of the isolastic tubes? If the rubbers are shot the weight of the frame and cycle parts will sag (that's with a gearbox cradle mounted centre stand) With an early stand mounted on the frame the engine will sag in the mounts. Make sense?
David,
There are small holes in the fins as you say. The stamped head, RACU, I thought stood for Racing Auto Cycle Union, which was the racing governing body from the early days up to the 70s, I think.
The driveside crankcase has been welded from about an inch below the barrel at the frount jointto the barreljoint 2 inches across. Will check the isolastics at the weekend, but everthing looked ok under the rubber boots.
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Peter,
If your head/engine had been used for racing it would probably have small holes drilled in the fins close to the exhaust nuts for wirelocking. Other drain plugs would be drilled as well though these can easily be replaced to give the appearance of an unmollested bike. The stamped head could just be someone's private security mark. I have marked most of the major components of my bikes. Do the letters match any of the initials of the previous owners? Whereabouts have the crankcases been welded? If the vibration is bad the isolastics may just be adjusted too tight. Worth investigating this before comitting yourself to any big expense. With the bike on the centre stand do the front and rear isolastic bolts appear to be in the centre of the isolastic tubes? If the rubbers are shot the weight of the frame and cycle parts will sag (that's with a gearbox cradle mounted centre stand) With an early stand mounted on the frame the engine will sag in the mounts. Make sense?