Manx Replica - For the Road

DVLA site has the info. Looks like 'kit built' so it will get a Q plate. There is Motorcycle Single Vehicle Approval (MSVA) available if it is new parts. It should not be a problem according to their published information.

...looks like you have created a beautiful copy of the Manx/Domiracer.  There are plenty of Manx reps out they come with their issues for road work.  Depending on your intended use, for riding I would consider fitting a domi engine modified to DRacer spec.  This would be more readily available and more useable on the road than a Manx engine. 

By reworking a period motor you may have the possibility to obtain a period reg.  DVLA usually date via a frame number, but in its absence motor details have been used.

A word of warning; not the easiest machine to ride on the road, regardless of motor.  Lack of steering lock, rear vision and fixed seat position make them a little awkward in modern traffic. I had the same vision once, realised by the purchase of one of George Cohens machines.... it didn’t stay long ☹️
 

hope we get to see the end result.

Well done on the rolling chassis. Looks superb

Jon

Alistair, where did you find the handlebars which looks almost like mine on the 40M? And the tap for the primary oiler?

My opinion is that the late oil tank is much better than the elephant foot. Not as prone to cracking, easier to fit and more room for the carburettor. But not as beautiful. The late GRP rear mudguard is better at keeping oil away from the rear wheel.

From my limited experience of the 99 slimline (sold 50 years ago), my Manx and my wideline ES2, I'd say that the Manx with a narrow powerband would be very difficult to ride as a streetbike, The ES2 vibrates too much and lacks power. The 99 with moderate tuning and lightened 25 kg was a good road bike doing 115Mph. A couple of years ago, I tried a model 19, overbored to 680cc. A very torquey machine. I think a twin, the bigger the better, is the best choice for a road bike. If you prefer a single, the 600cc Model 19 could work well.

The frame can handle up to 70 bhp  well. A 750  Commando motor would be better for spares and reliability , Even better if you make it featherlastic  or  a 270 degree .  

Nice looking job so far Alistair, well done. Is that a proper 'replica' Manx frame, and the brakes? If so then you need to realise the dream and put a new Molnar engine in it. Then take it for a couple of years to VMCC race meeting parade sessions and ride it as it should be. The thrill of firing up a Manx and taking it out onto a circuit is unbeatable. It will be not be enjoyable as a road bike.

The only problem is the money ;-), but the bike and engine will sell for the build cost so treat it as an investment or safe haven. Borrow the money or sell something.

Norm

The only drawback with a Molnar engine (except the price tag) is the omission of the built in automatic rust prevention most Nortons have. Last season, I had 1 single drop of oil from the rev counter gearbox joint to the cambox. A lap on a Manx gives you more joy than a  thousand miles on the road. You've done a good job so far. Whatever engine you put in the frame now to get it running does not matter much, as it's easy to swap to the real thing later. Any engine that fits in the frame will do.

In -67 I looked at a friends Manx and wondered how it would be to ride it. A couple of years ago, the same machine was for sale. Took years to get it running. Was not certain if a sixty year old magnesium crankcase was safe to push hard. So rather than blowing up a matching number engine it got a Molnar engine. Also saved the Arrgardh 5-speeder it was fitted with when it came to Sweden in -61. Tried to keep the rest of the bike close to how it looked when my friend raced it. Keeping the battle scars it got in the Junior TT and a lot of other races. Decided to give it a bit of running in and myself used to it, so it was just parade to begin with. Trickiest part is to go slow through the pits. Keeping it over 4000 rpm and slipping the clutch. When out on the track, no problem. A bike meant to be pushed hard and happy to do so. Also forgiving on rider mistakes as a featherbed should.

Alistair, I hope that you sometime in the future will share the same experience.

Hi Alistair, How is progress? I have a similar decision to ponder on, though I have only a frame so far!   Jan.