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model 18 head steady

Submitted by stuart_hall on Monday, 20 January, 2025 - 16:49
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Hi , I've just rebuilt the top end on my 1936 Model 18 and wondered if a cylinder head steady was ever fitted to the Model 18, mine has a later head with enclosed valves and I'm thinking of making a head steady and using the two rear rocker box bolts and linking to the saddle mounting hole on the top tube. My frame is the diamond type not the later full cradle, just wondered if they were ever fitted and if not what are peoples thoughts on making and fitting one.

Submitted by ian_soady on Monday, 20 January, 2025 - 17:22

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... but my 1952 ES2 with essentially similar frame and engine didn't have a head steady and was remarkably vibration free.

thanks for that information I, it looks like head steady wasn't fitted, I certainly can't find any mention of them in any of the manuals I have. I've only ridden the bike a few times and as you say vibration wasn't at all bad. Thanks for your reply.

Submitted by richard_cornish on Monday, 20 January, 2025 - 23:30

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Hi Stuart,

   I think the head-steady will only make a difference under heavy acceleration from low revs and should be attached to the front petrol tank lug. Vibration is only problem if it occurs at a chosen cruising speed, which will be best improved by changing the crankshaft balance factor.

Submitted by david_cooper on Tuesday, 21 January, 2025 - 09:11

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Early 30's Inters had a steady.  It was a pair of tubes from lugs on the top of the head to the sidecar mount.  The lugs had threaded holes on top.  By later 30's, the lugs remained but the holes had gone.  The two short tubes were listed as torque reaction stays, which suggests they were not intended to control vibration, but to help handle the "immense" engine torque.  I added a pair to mine and didn't notice the slightest difference.  I suspect they just got in the way of race bike mechanics and were left off to save weight.  I've not seen them mentioned in any books.  (They are vital on the Featherbed, otherwise your eyes wobble so much you can't see properly.)
1936 lists Part no. 3465: Frame cylinder head stay.  Model 30 and 40 only.
It was missing from the parts list by 1938

Submitted by stuart_hall on Friday, 24 January, 2025 - 19:04

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I'm satisfied that head steadys weren't fitted to these bikes now so will run without one, many thanks to everyone for their replies and advice.

 



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