Crankcase markings
Posted: Sun May 24, 2020 10:06 pm
I have a 2015 LE Despatch, basically a limited edition C5 tarted up with a camouflage paint job, a different tool box cover with a plaque denoting the serial number of the total made (200 in green) and tan leather rider and pillion seats. Having split the crankcases to sort out the bottom end and cleaned off all the crud, I've unearthed some writing scratched on the rear of the r/h crankcase half. This wouldn't be visible with the engine in the frame, which is why I've just discovered it. It appears to be an Indian name followed by a number (1886). I could be cheeky and suggest that that was when it was designed, or built, but it occurs to me that it might be the number of engines built by that particular worker. (If it is, then I'm glad they're now built on a modern production line because I don't think he's that good at it .....). He's a bit liberal with the silicone sealant and seems to have ignored a piece of webbing broken off the the seating for the timing side main bearing. I know from the sales brochure I still have from 2015 that RE bikes were still hand built. Does anyone know if the workers did indeed scratch their name in hidden places (Easter eggs?) and/ or what the number signifies? Do the iron barrel models have this feature - I know many (most?) of those engines have been apart by now? I'm just curious.
I'm tempted to scratch my own message on the back of the l/h case, but it'll probably pass when I've put the engine back together.....
I'm tempted to scratch my own message on the back of the l/h case, but it'll probably pass when I've put the engine back together.....