Hitchcocks Forum

I am rebuilding a "year of manufacture 2000", 350 Bullet motor. I want to put a Hitchcock's big end roller bearing part No. RE13 in place of the standard floating bush. I am wondering if it will just go in the standard alloy conrod, in place of the floating bush or will I have to have it machined in some way to fit. Any contributions much appreciated.

Binary,you could always phone Hitchcocks and ask.

Hitchcocks describe it as a "direct replacement"

Do you have the knowledge and equipment to rebuild and true up the crank?

Hi BINARY----Yes, I agree with EDWARD as you'll find the guys at Chadwick End helpful and informative...In the book roller bearing RE13 is described as}--- "A replacement for the standard floating bush" which means that it is a "one-for-one" change....However, might I ask you to consider fitting their forged steel con-rod as well ?? ( Item 90125 )....With the engine stripped right down now would be the ideal time and would give peace-of-mind the next time its' RPM explores the upper reaches of the Tachometer..LoL !!............OK, I know those ££££'s are adding up but to my mind of all the cheapie things fitted by the manufacturer that Aluminium con-rod has to be the worst.......Then later, after a lot of much frugalness, a forged piston on top would complete the scenario....I trust your engine re-builder is up to speed re}--- oilway alignment ??.....Our BULLET WHISPERER has some good You-Tub vids. on the subject...

ooppss..ships "passing in the night" again------ I agree with PETE F as well...

Under the speil on the RE 13 Hitchcock's say "as with all big ends only experienced engineers should fit these as specialised equipment" and skill is needed. I rebuilt the engine that I am running at the moment. I have access to a good engineering shop and I have an engine rebuilder that only rebuilds British motorcycle engines. I can do all the rest myself. I will check with Hitchcock's about fitting the roller bearing. I just thought that some one with experience fitting one of these roller bearings could help until I hear from Hitchcock's. I think that BW has fitted quiet a few of them in his ASBO racing engines. Nothing beats hands on experience with things like this. I will take the advice on the conrod and get a better one from Hitchcock's. Perhaps they can fit the new roller bearing in the new conrod and than send it to me.

Don't forget to factor in crank rebalancing if opting for a steel rod

On the other hand, the steel conrod may be a bit ott on a 350? Unless you're going racing.

or if "The Boys in Blue" are try to catch you ??---LoL !!.......Yes, I'd forgotten that your bike is a 350....In all fairness they are regarded as the better engine and less stressed than the 500.....probably because they were designed to be a 350 and the 500 was an over-bored upgrade ??.....In the catalogue Mr. H says that they can supply the rod and bearing already assembled but--- as has been mentioned you will need to have that assy. re-balanced...You pays your money--- you takes your choice as the saying goes.....In any event just knowing that the floating bush is no longer there ( and likely to loose its' white metal ) is peace-of-mind in itself I would say....Good luck with the re-build whatever option you choose and do please keep us up to date ???

On the contrary.


The 500 came first in this engine design series.


The post '56 350 Indian based Bullet motor as we know it, was built around the stronger '53 500 bottom end. Stiffer crank, larger and heavier con-rod.