Forum

[Kevin]

Thanks for all the nice comments, fitting the hard tail was fairly straight forward, the instructions are very good. I initially tried to hacksaw off the old rear part of the frame, this was a bit awkward, I eventually brought a cutting wheel for my grinder and wished I had gone this route first. I would recommend getting the chain guard and fit this before you put the wheel and chain on. I would say total time to fit was a weekend, although obviously painting it will add time.
Chris, riding is fine, avoid the big pot holes though, I think handling has improved, the bike tracks round bends really well, and there is a weight saving too. Practical things like chain adjustment is great, I have only adjusted the chain once in about 5000 miles, tire pressure, I run about 20 to 25 using a speed master tyre.

[grunda 12]

HI KEVIN can you give a figure in the weigth saving as i,m very interested weight being a major factor where speed is concerned cheers paul,

[Paul]

Hi Kevin,
That looks neat!
Can I put one of those photos in The Royal Enfield Fanzine?

Cheers

Paul.

www.greenlane.biz

[Kevin]

Weight saving would be about 6-8lb or there a bouts. Paul, help yourself to any pictures you want, if they are not hires enough let me know and I can send you the original files. Paul have just read this quarters mag, brilliant keep up the good work.
Technically the engine is Hitchcocks long stroke crank, Ace Magnum cams and piston, Hitchcocks big head, (sending to Tom this winter for the Mondello treatment).

[Paul]

Cheers Kevin,

Great 'Readers Ride'

Could you email me your surname and where (county) the photos were taken so I can give you full credit.

[email protected]


cheers

Paul.

[stephen]

I'm afraid that my employers have every right to feel cheated today - I can't resist re-visiting these pictures - my dream bike!

My guess as to location - Very North Scotland or possibly the Northern Isles? Whichever, wish I was there (sigh).

Anyway off to Mull in three weeks but sadly without either RE or Dot.

Thanks for making my day.

stephen

[grunda 12]

just found a custom hard tail rear end on ebay for £100 inc carriage just needs my welding skills then the jobs a good en the hard tail 1000cc dieseltwin enfield or maybe D3 bantam let the madness begin!!!!!!!

[Alex]

Hi Grunda 12

Yes, I have fitted the Hitchcocks rigid to my 500 Bullet, and you know what, I couldn't be happier with result. I haven't posted any pictures online so can't link to anything, but happy to email you. I didn't fit all the parts in the 'kit', so I've kept the standard front end and casquette. Also, I didn't fit a toolbox as I wanted to keep an open look to the rear end.

Personally, I think the bike looks really together and well-balanced, like it was supposed to be that way. It doesn't look like a modified bike, if you know what I mean. When I took it to my regular MOT shop, I decided to keep quiet about the conversion. The tester didn't bat an eyelid, there were no questions about the frame conversion, who fitted it, where did I get it etc. Whilst they're more used to modern Japanese bikes, I honestly don't think they realised it had been converted.

The fitting, well, it is designed as a bolt-on kit, but you may need to get involved sorting out a few bits and pieces. I don't have a garage or workshop so I enlisted some help. The odd bracket may need relocation (or it may not, depending on your bike). However, the basic fit of the subframe to the front half is excellent, with all mounting points lining up properly. The frame looks and feels very strong and well-designed. Wheel alignment and chain alignment are spot on. Take your hands off the bars and it tracks straight and true. The handling is good as well. It of course feels a little more 'direct' than the swingarm bike but comfort is good. I've fitted softer seat springs than the ones supplied by Hitchcocks.

Hitchcocks were incredibly helpful during the build with advice and support. In fact, I think the quality of their service generally is outstanding.

The good thing about this conversion is that it retains all the qualities of a standard Bullet, whilst adding that extra bit of fun and interest. It certainly attracts more attention that an Indian Enfield deserves to, and the cost isn't at all bad when you consider what you get. And if you want, you could ride like you would your standard Bullet. Its great just nipping down to the shops on something that looks like it could have been made in the late 1940s! If you want a rigid framed Royal Enfield, this has got to be one of the easiest and cheapest ways to do it.

Cheers

[grunda 12]

thanks for that info alex,i,d love to do a rigid conversion but at the mo its just a pipe dream as i,ve got a lot on atb paul.