Forum

[Norm]

As there is no parts books online for these twins can anybody tell me of any fundamental diferances between the earlier 500's and the 60 model, apart from the obvious alternator fitted. I assume barrels and heads aren't the same and little would be interchangeable.I know I'm going to be hit with a lot of questions before long so I need some basic knowledge about them and what parts are available and what isn't

[Mark M]

New for 1958, Meteor Minor pretty much unchanged through production life except for cam/valve and comp ratio changes for "Sports" models. Tin wear changes are obvious and reflect tourer or sports status. Beware of very early 58 models which had a unique frame and associated fittings, nothing wrong with it but finding parts to fit will be hard. All models ran 17" wheels and are very nice, seriously underrated. Ask again when you need more!
REgards, Mark

[Norm]

Thanks Mark, a pair of barrels are high on the must get list lol

[Mark M]

Norm, just to clarify, 500 Twin from 1950 to 1957 is a completely different animal, it developed in a really piecemeal way which saw changes in an almost arbitrary fashion. It's as if Enfield used it as a test bed for larger models, nothing really wrong with post 1952 models (earlier versions had serious oiling problems,) but if you're restoring, especially a basket, it will be difficult to track specification accurately!
REgards, Mark

[Norm]

Hi Mark, I have never seen one of these in the flesh, only photos and this one is in Tasmania but I am getting dragged into it lol the chap who bought it paid $4500 for a totally dismantled bike of which he has no idea at all. I don't know how many of these were brought out here but it would only be a small handfull if any. This may have been a personal import or something. Anything can be done if you want to throw buckets of money at it