Forum

[MattyJ]

While out riding the other day I came across another party of riders, one of which was on a very old Redditch Royal Enfield 500 Model J2 in trials trim, I was quite taken by the bike which had a rigid frame. I was pondering how much that type of bike would sell for in today’s classic bike market and if they ever come up for sale, I should imagine they are quite expensive and would be quite thin on the ground. So I was wondering if I could replicate the rigid trials bike look with a modern era Enfield donor bike and modern trials parts.

[Rushour]

If you look out for a 350 / 500 Bullet - Our hosts do a Rigid rear end for it.

[MattyJ]

Thanks Rushour; just did a search for 'rigid' on the Hitchcocks website and spotted the rigid kit which looks awesome. In fact there’s a used 350 Bullet frame with V5, which has already had the rigid rear end conversion. Looks like a great base for a 1930-40s style project.

[enfield_trials]

do you know was it original j2 trials .. just got interested. any pictures.

Good luck

my favorite trials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3dzCtnBzHY

regards

[Adrian]

If you're than keen on an ORIGINAL rigid RE frame there's one with log book on fleabay UK, item no, 402095420339 - probably ex WDCO as it claims to be from 1944.

A.

[MattyJ]

Hi Enfield Trials
I not sure if the bike was a factory created trials bike, the mudguards and rims didn’t look original, but I am sure it was a J2 because the oil filler was at the front of the engine. Forgotten to take my phone out with me so no pictures I’m afraid.

[MattyJ]

Hi Adrian
The eBay frame looks like a good find! Supposing it is WDCO all the purest brigade would want it restored correctly as a military bike.

[Adrian]

The same seller is also listing an Electra-X engine and gearbox, I suspect an abandoned inter-factory bitsa project. Somebody did once build a bitsa like this and dress it up as a WW2 military sidecar outfit.

A.

[trophyvase]

Mattj is it just for the look you'er thinking of changing to the rigid end? I once followed a bike with the Hitchcock's mod for over 300 miles! It held the road amazingly well. It had to given the pace the rider was travelling!!!

[MattyJ]

I do really like the look of a rigid bike and people have said the loss of shockers can make the bike feel more agile, of course square edge pot holes should be avoided at all costs.