Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all. I've been offered a 1953 500cc G2 in running condition and it looks OK. However, since I'm in Cape Town and I don't have any other specimens to check it with, I wanted to know where I would find a definitive set of pictures to show me how correct it is - yes I've looked at the photo's here and all the early 50's models look slightly different from each other, so I'm not sure what is original and what added for personal preference. Any guidance on that would be great - maybe there's a source somewhere I can tap into.

No, I don't have any images. Its in a shop and hard to get at and I don't want to display too much interest until I'm sure its kosher.

The main question I want to pose here is this; a G2 should, by all the accounts I've read, be a 350cc engine. But they sell it as a 500cc. How do I prove it is a 350cc, and therefore push the price down. For example, if there are no head bolts by the plug and decomp, then does that make it a 350cc? If there is a decomp, does that prive its a 500cc? Maybe there's more finning on a 350cc barrel? Were any 500cc G2's made? Can a 350cc be modified for 500cc and still retain the 350cc head bolts? Both crankcase halves are stamped with G2 and a number around 17000 so that fits with the 1953 date. The frame is typical English as it has the curved frame members below the single seat and below the airbox instead of the Indian bolt up version. Anything else to prove its a 350cc?
Cheers
ChrisD

Chris, to start at the beginning, there were NO G2 500s. If it was a 500 it would have the JS prefix and oval covers to the oil pumps (square on the 350) and a breather which is a metal triangle shape just below the left side of the barrel (350 had a banjo behind the barrel on the left.) The cylinder heads are different, the 500 had a push in pipe at this time and the 350 a pipe which pushed over a steel stub. The number on the case halves is a Factory stamping, the actual engine number should be at the front vertical edge of the cases on the left. The 17000 is too low for the early 50s. The 500 head looks different to the 350, have a look at the Tuned cylinder heads in our Hosts Accessory Catalogue, this isn't the best pic but will help: note the finning is much wider at the front on the 500. Finally, I've got a feeling this bike has shown up before! I am also looking at a similar "ringer" for the Club at the moment. Pics would be helpful!
REgards, Mark

Chris, don't know why I didn't think of it before: 350 barrel has 7 fins, 500 has 8. Simples!
REgards, Mark

Hi guys-------- found this in a Bonhams catalogue }---- http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/15347/lot/516/ -------------- the eng.and frame Nos. might be of use ??

Bit of spit and polish needed there!