FT: Frame (Twin) Early Rapide Research: 1947

[Somer]

If it is #5, it made its way to Argentina for Alex Noftsger to buy a few decades later. Any good rumors on who bought it from Alex's estate?

It is still with a relative.

 

[Somer]

I was sent a picture of #3 recently.

 

[Marcus Bowden]

No 3 Wasn't it Yak - Yak's, Al Mark's at one time in the early 90's

 

[Somer]

Yes the engine was. He had it for a long time. Build up the rest of the bike from Argentine cast off bits.

 

[Texas John]

I have a very original 1947.

Looking at your 2 photos, I see a strut going from the front/top of the RFM (where the rear of the spring box mounts) to the top of the rear mudguard, just in front of the front hinge (I can't quite tell if it is to one of the hinge bolts or is separate). Is that something that was original or added by a prior owner? I have never noticed this before.

 

[Somer]

Were the HRD tank top decals used on the steering head of early Rapides? I see most restorations have this steering head decal, but were they originally placed there?
View attachment 1285

They were.

 

[chankly bore]

Looking at your 2 photos, I see a strut going from the front/top of the RFM (where the rear of the spring box mounts) to the top of the rear mudguard, just in front of the front hinge (I can't quite tell if it is to one of the hinge bolts or is separate). Is that something that was original or added by a prior owner? I have never noticed this before.

They don't appear in any contemporary photographs.

 

[Ian Wylie]

The Motor Cycle magazine May 29, 1947
Is the engine number known on the Rapide tested in this issue of The Motor Cycle? Specifically the left and right side photos.
No water excluders, horizontal rear stand mount, Miller 42E, and simply the date will make this fairly low number Rapide.
Can anyone supply the engine numbers of any period photos (1947) of 47 B Rapides?
UK magazines, Australian mags, USA mags, German, Swedish, Italian, Spanish, etc?
Thanks
Craig
View attachment 1284

Hi Craig,

Attached are a couple of photos of an early 1947 B . Some mods but still have original brake drums, front spring, 3.5" Miller etc. etc. Tank pin striping thicker than original. Does anyone know if the riveted rear number plate in the last photo is original? I was told these came on the first B's.
Regards,
Ian

 

[Texas John]

The riders handbook I am referencing/researching/quoting discusses the replacement of 3 1/2" dynamo with 3" dynamo....so probably issued mid/late 1948?

Would you have PDF of that, please?

 

[chankly bore]

Sorry folks, see my post on "Spark Plugs" thread.