Forum

[Wardy1985]

My 1953 Bullet doesnt seem to have an air filter fitted to the carb air intake, is this normal???? if not then where can i get one and how much is this likely to set me back??? Any help would be greatfully received.....

[jaffa90]

Does it have an air filter box a little further away from the carb?

[Mark M]

Wardy, this is a bit more complicated than it might appear as 1953 was something of a changeover year. Is it a 500 or 350 and which frame does it have? That is, is the swinging arm mounting a plate or a cast lug? However, the good news is our Hosts do all the parts that might be required! REgards, Mark

[MadMike]

Wardy, it was very common for bikes to have no filter in the 50's and 60's. My 1952 Ariel and my 1958 Model 50 along with my 1961 Dommie 99 were never fotted with filters. It frankly never seemed, and still doesn't seem, to affect them in any way at all. My Model 50 has done around 160,000 miles since built, and 83,000 since the last strip and rebuild with no problems at all. Now some will tell you that the filter will keep out the dust and dirt and increase engine life.......however at the engine intake level it frankly seems to make no difference IMHO and in my experience in the UK. However if you are in a very dusty or sandy environment like parts of the Antipodes then you might want to fit one. Other opinions are available and not all will agree with this one. That's because they are wrong of course. LOL. HTH.

[simon]

It always used to crack me up when you read old workshop manuals for English bikes that showed air cleaners as fitted to colonial models only. I spent just short of a couple of years in England and most of it working on cars and bikes ( behind Maggie Thatcher's back) and air cleaners get just as mucky there as they do here from my observation. I will admit that there is something lovely and sparse about the look of an unfiltered carb though so I too keep the 389 bell mouth nude.

[steve a]

you can get a bellmouth with a mesh in the end ive got one on the 376 monobloc on my bullet got it direct from amal but im sure our hosts would stock them

[John R]

As I've said here before, conical filter for day-to day use, shiny shemozzle for run outs and special occasions! Takes but a moment to switch.
But of course, with a 1953 bike you may not share my cavalier attitude to originality.

[Anders F. R.]

According to the sales brochure picture of the 1953 Bullet, which you can find here in the Photo Gallery - Original Sales Brochure pictures: http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/ph ... category=5 it has a square air filter fitted underneath the seat on the off side. This looks just like the same filter as on my 1953 Model G (except for mine being removed to make space for a Concentric). You can find the part number for this filter in the Parts Books Online - 350 cc Rigid frame - 1953 Model G section: http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/pa ... Rear_Stand The filter has a felt insert which I guess can be washed a couple of times before it myst be renewed. Alternatively use a conical filter like I do, or a bellmouth with mesh if you're not riding on dusty roads. I do that too, and indeed it makes a difference due to the improved aerodynamic shape of the intake. Regards, Anders F. R.