Forum

[Tad Haggard]

Hello all, Picking season here and I am up to my neck in Backpackers and Grey Nomads so the "G" is having a break from its rebuild. My question, what differences, if any are there from the WD/L 570cc SV frame and the 1948 Model G frame? I have a faint chance of acquiring a WD/L motor and I noticed that the crank cases, timing cover and oil pump all look to be identical. I want to know, if I get this motor and rebuild it, will I be able to put it into my Model G frame. It should get along smartly. It also appears that the magdyno and carb would bolt strait on (would need rejeting). Just an idea, if I have a spare motor why not a different and bigger one?
Cheers
Tad

[Mark M]

WD/L is a rare beast, off the top of my head they were only used by the Royal Navy in WW2. I'll have a look in the bible of military motorcycles. Don't know if it will fit, but I'd buy it anyway! Not much help, sorry!

REgards, Mark

[Alan R]

Hi Guys---------OK, while Mark delves into the Ark-ives here's a useful thread for you}----- http://hmvf.co.uk/topic/20788-royal-enf ... l-project/ -------- and this one tells it's own story}--- http://hmvf.co.uk/topic/20345-royal-enf ... del-quotl/ -----------YES, BUY IT ASAP !! or if possible buy the whole bike....It seems they are as rare as the proverbial "Hen's teeth" !!....

[Mark M]

The Bible says produced in 2 batches of 100 and 250 in 1940 and 41. Originally sent to the War Office but then transferred to the Navy and RAF. After the war they were some of the first to be sold off. If you have the engine number I can tell you which batch.

REgards, Mark

[Tad Haggard]

Thanks Mark and Alan, the motor comes minus its bike and a certain amount of haggling will ensue. From what I can tell by proportions and by the histories, and the fact that WD/G , WD/L and WD/CO were "Sister" bikes sharing many parts, I am confident that it will not be impossible to fit this motor into my frame. Just have to convince my wife and the seller, one of whom will be wanting me to spend less and the other vice versa.
Cheers and thanks heaps for the info.
Tad

[Alan R]

Well that's an easy one !!---- Just get your wife to do the haggling while you quietly wheel it away !!

[Hopeless Rider]

Hi. Unfortunately the WD/L will not fit into a Model G frame. You mention that the WD/G, WD/L and the WD/CO were sister bikes and that they shared many similar parts, however the Post War model G was different in many aspects. The rear engine mount of the crankcases of the L and the G are a different width. The G gearbox has a different offset and if used with a 500 crankcase will need spacing over about 15mm for rear wheel and primary sprocket alignment. The L crankcase is a 500 crankcase, the same as the Model J and J2 and sits lower in the frame so will not fit between the bottom frame rails. The Model G is also a lighter frame and does suffer rear frame breakages. I have a Model G which has been broken and repaired, and have 2 spare frames that are also broken in the same place and will require repair before being installed back into service. The rear wheel hub is also a weak point, the L has a heavier hub with bigger bearings and a 7” brake whereas the G has a lighter hub and a smaller 6” brake. If you want a little more more pickle from your Model G attention to the porting, valves, and carb would be a good starting point. I built one up for vintage racing years ago just for fun and it wasn’t a slouch. The crank was lightened a little bit, new higher cr piston with porting and valves was the go. I also fitted a set of factory original R cams (lift was 0.350 inlet and 0.326 exh as opposed to the original 0.312 lift) which added some some life to the old girl. A spare G motor would also be a cheaper purchase to work on than the L motor. One thing which some G owners overlook is the overall gearing. For modern day useage the G can afford to be geared up one tooth on the gearbox to change the original 5.6:1 to a overal ratio of 5.25:1. Just a thought. Regards.