Ron

Are you in UK James? What area? Maybe I can point you to someone for a look see? Nothing like being a DR! Beats walking.

Ron

Just take the pill and buy one. It's really the only book you'll need. Ron

All production from 1940-1945 was focused on military motorcycles. Go on line and see if you can buy a copy of 'British Forces Motorcycles 1925-45'..... Ariel, BSA. Matchless, Norton, Royal Enfield, Triumph, Velocette and more. Ron

Well it's nothing original from WW2. I can't see the engine. but I'd say it's just a modern mock up. Ron

Good point! I had one of these and was told it fits in the well of a spare wheel of a lorry?????

Ron

C10477 is indeed a contract for which only incomplete records survive. The RAOC Chilwell records include the comment "Probably 422 for RAF Depots - See letter 11/8/1941" - I can't imagine that army clerks enjoyed writing the word 'probably' in their files !

 

RAOC records indicate that they definitely took their full 1500 so the RAF (and RN ?) machines must have come from the original RASC entitlement. The RAOC bikes were delivered between 11/10/1941 and 19/12/1941. Would this imply that the RAF machines referred to in the August 1941 letter were delivered first ? Unfortunately, there is no link made between census numbers and frame numbers delivered.

 

Bearing in mind that DME circular B.273 instructing 'Fitting pannnier bags and pillion seat conversion sets' to Ariel M/C dated 12/6/1942 came under the heading 'Immediate Action', then it would seem that all W/NGs in service should have been fitted with panniers. That XG21380 wasn't might just indicate that it was an RAF machine as photographs of RAF Ariels show that they don't seem to have been subject to the retro-fitment of pannier sets.

Well done with the above Rik! As always, far more precise and complicated than I could do.

So there you go VDL! In my opinion you might as well use any number you like from that contract. Just the same as dressing the bike up with unit markings, like say your Granddads old unit. It's artistic Licence. Let us know your thoughts though.

Good luck Ron

Well using O&M as a reference. Your frame number is the 880th bike built from that contract of 3000. So I calculated your tank number to come from the first batch of 1500 (C4590305). No one will no the history of your bike, so forget that! This contract is also further complicated with some machines being diverted to RAF/RN. It's all a bit guesswork and artistic licence. If you think your bike might be the 880th from the second batch of numbers? You can calculate it accordingly. But I don't understand your reluctance to have a tank number that starts with 4? I was hoping Steve might pitch in with better info. Ron

They bolt directly through the mudguard stay, along with the toolbox bracket on the O/S. Ron

Terry Roberts is on metaltel@yahoo.co.uk. Mention me or Steve if you contact him.

Your frame is from contract C10477 which is a bit complicated as it has two sets of census numbers and some were sent to the RAF and RN. But my best guess is census number C4590305. But Steve might know better?

Ron

Couldn't be better! A built in tea lady!! It's not me sleeping with her, so I don't care!!

Ron the tactful again.

Nope! email me at ronpier@talk21.com

Ron

Funny you mention Terry, Steve. He phoned me today and wants to check some measurements for a W/NG rear carrier. His sister and cousin live nearby to me, so he's often here making measurements.......then promptly looses them on his way home. Doh! Ron

Hi Andy NOS = New Old Stock ( un-issued).

Can you pm me with your email address please. Ron

Since the bracket material is only about 1/8" (3mm). you can probably use the original studs, but longer if you feel it necessary.

Here is a scan from the pannier page with part numbers. I haven't noticed the spacers? It's possible I fitted mine as that's where they lined up best?? It was a few years ago. I expect you can get these brackets from John Budgen or Draganfly. Ron

Ah one of the founders of the NOBS? I ride with them often, but I'm not allowed to be a NOBS as I've never camped at the Coleville sites.......But I'll get over it!

2014 will be the one not to miss Steve. Your newly married status will have worn off a bit by then! Vee will probably be glad to see the back of you for a few days!!

Ron the tactful.

These three shots should give you the gist of it I think. The only holes I think you will have to drill in your mudguard, are the two at the very rear bottom for the cross bar support that is spaced off. The four other brackets are just flat with the appropriate bends/slots/holes. I can make other measurements if required. However the bike is parked right in the corner. Ron

Andy I have these NOS pannier frames for sale £140 No pitting just surface rust from storage, one corner popper is missing. Or this other set (grey) which I don't recognize? But can be made as lookalikes £50. I might be able to sort some original bags out, but all are well used and not cheap. Otherwise you can buy good repro bags from Schipperfabrik . http://www.schipperfabrik.com/store/

Ron

Yes the rod is correct with just a short cable. Brian Tillin makes exact repros in stainless for about £60. Let me know if you want his contact details. Ron

Thanks Steve. I think my bike also bears little resemblance to it's early specification and was probably modified throughout it's WD life. I'll ponder the lever issue, but probably leave it as it is now....No arguing that the pressed type are G3L!

I bet you didn't save me some cake? Ron

Interesting comments Steve, and I'd appreciate your further information. My G3L has frame number 20399, which is from the first contract I believe. I purchased the bike from the family of a fellow local MVT club member (Norman) who sadly died about 7 years ago.( I have stencilled his name on the bike in his memory) As far as I know he had owned the bike for 25-30 years, and was not the type of bloke to change anything.....Just maintain and ride!!

These are the nice levers that were on it and which I have just removed. In your opinion are these levers just something that have been acquired since the war? Am I now correct with the pressed steel type?

Regards Ron......and congratulations BTW!

Well I was helping Ian all along with the 65 for 65 event and I've already booked the camping field for 2014. But your nick name doesn't indicate who you are, but we must have met! And yes 16H's were thin on the ground.

Ron Pier

Guy here is another NOS set that I recently sold. I'll lake a picture of mine from underneath later. Ron

Since the motorcycle threads seemed to have dried up! I thought I'd post a picture of my newly fitted, correct but horrible G3L levers. I had to force myself to remove the lovely brass solid levers that have been on the bike for years. Ron

Yes definitely not a good idea to use flushing oil or modern detergent oil in an old engine that has been running for a long time on mono grade non detergent oil. Ron

OK. But you will have to give me a clue about the gallery page?

Ron