classic motorcycle forum

Anyway I need to sell it and before I do that it would be nice to know what I was trying to sell, mainly because there can't be another one along like me.

I think the fact you have had no replies means we are all in the same boat. !
I've looked at that, and not readily found a match, or anything like it really.
If you put it on fleabay with enough names to attract attention, someone will likely be able to tell you.
Along with 10 (?) who just throw in stray suggestions....
Good Luck !

The reason that number seemed familiar is because its the 1st of one of the (many) contracts for WD/C models.
http://www.robvanmeel.nl/?q=content/royal-enfield-c-spares-list-c71827890-f-5901-1550036p
There is no pic shown here, but the applicable numbers are shown on the front cover of the parts books,
and a new parts book was issued with each new contract.

Jan, the military specialist with the Royal Enfield Club would be interested in those numbers.
He is compiling a big list of them all, and sorting out what features came with which numbers.
Enfields made quite a few of these and the subsequent WD/CO models = a lot of changes (mostly minor).
Parts used to be plentiful for these, but seem to be dwindling, is your bike complete-ish ?

Flushing it out with degreaser or kero or even petrol has to be worth a try first.
If you can seal up all the exits, it can be shaken quite vigorously.
Watch that this is somewhat flammable though, no smoking...

If this doesn't do it, it could be steam cleaned - and the paint preserved.
This may promote rust inside though, so it would need to be oiled pronto.

Or, it could be flushed with a solution of drain cleaner = caustic soda.
This absolutely eats oil and gunge.
It also eats paintwork, so you have to be very careful to keep it all inside.
Wear gloves, a really strong solution and flesh don't mix.
take care, hopethishelps.

If only...
If they'd built them as a 500cc flat twin,
then they would have become a 1000cc flat four,
and 1500cc and then 1800cc sixes.
And Goldwings wouldn't have got a look in ?
If only......

If I can get a JAP 350cc OHV engine & Burman Gear box and a I will fit them.
So if anyone has them and wants to swop with a Nice 350cc Sturmey Archer SV engine & Albion 3 speed gear box let me know.
As usual money is always a factor.
I can only do my best.

On that basis, some of us think that you should build it with what you have.
This penchant for rebuilding things utterly factory has got to stop !!
Removing all the history along the way....

With the proviso though that if things don't fit, you won't resort to chopping off any stray brackets or bits,
but rather fab up brackets spacers etc to suit.

Look forward to hearing how it goes.

That brochure pic of the New Henley doesn't appear to have a 21" front wheel, is that your model ?

Since a surface carb won't work with the heavier fuels, particularly in cold weather, many 1902 bikes like the New Hudson were obsolete in 1903.

What about with a change of carburettor though, is this possible ?
The motorcycling press of a few years later and later had an armada of carb types for sale, as replacements for the fitted OEM.
Updating to the latest was a way of life, even back then ?

Shellite is available from industrial suppliers, as a solvent in 20L drums.
It is listed as a light naptha product.
Probably no fuel excise on it either, so in bulk it may be inexpensive.

What would these bikes have run on when new ??

Fuel for many years (decades ?) came in square 5 (?) gal tins.
Before the era of the fuel pump.
Aircraft owners were warned to always only used unopened tins.
probably applied to discerning motorists too...