Hitchcocks Forum

There's nothing wrong with mine..yet but the engines do seem to be the weak link in a decent bike.


If it suffered a major failure, what other engines can be made to fit? I know of the diesel conversions, but I was thinking more of a similar sized petrol single from a crashed bike, possibly Honda.  Any ideas?

It probably could n't be made to fit but my first choice would be a 250, 350 or 450 Ducati desmo single, by far the best single cylinder motor I have ever used.


Second choice a beautiful Carberry style V-twin.


Third a BSA B32 or B34 Goldie.


 

Hi Midge,


 For me, I would have to try and get a Honda CB500T [or 450 Black Bomber] lump in there, that way you'd have stump pulling low / midrange, over 100 mph top speed and around 70 mpg, as well as electric start, for those that want it.


 Paul.


 

There are few breakdowns that can't be fixed and probably the cheapest and most available replacement would be another bullet engine. 

 Unless somebody gets a manufacturer in China to punch out a thousand Super Meteor motors there isn't a lot of choice. I have seen a few with Yamaha motors but fitting and getting them complianced would take a lot of work

I have heard of engine plates made so Triumph engines can be fitted although these would be twins.

very interesting this thread,i would say that in my humble opinion the sys the limit i,m still toying with the zx6 conversion although brakes might be a problem ,although i could fit the zx6 forks but hey! this is a no brainer £350 buys a brand new in the box 406 yanmar clone engine ,i could convert your bike to diesel for about £1000 all in or do it yourself like i did in total for about £500 all the best paul ,p.s before anyone says diesels are slow mine does a genuine 55mph allday long and returns 160 mpg you know it makes sense!

I reckon if you started putting oversized engines into the standard Bullet frame you'd start hitting all sorts of problems with handling and braking. The bike's designed (evolved?) to be an adequate all rounder with a top speed of around 70 to 80ish (depending on state of tune, gearing etc, etc). Up that top speed to say 100 to 110mph (a la Triumph 500/650) and I wouldn't like to be on board!


What do others think?


Tony R.

Hi Grunda------- v. impressive figures indeed, trouble is aren't they a bit noisey----I SAID AREN'T THEY A BIT NOISEY?   What gearbox does  it use ?? How are they for insurance ??  Are they a "Bolt=on" kit or is there a lot of graft involved ??  You may have found a convert here.  

 My belief in the Super Meteor motor is that although it is capable of much better top speeds than the Bullet , they are still most comfortabe to ride at the 55/60 mph, but it then allows you to stay in /with the traffic and at least if somebody is bugging you  can get away from them. Fit a disc to the front and braking isn't an issue and the motor is a direct bolt in conversion and only a 200cc increase but a far superior motor The only other alteration is the gearbox mainshaft needs to be longer because the motor is wider, but I'm sure new mainshafts wouldn't be a problem for out hosts to come up with