72, but is it a Combat?

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shrugger

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So everything about this bike says it's a Combat, Save one. I've not found the alleged 'C' stamped into the head. So I just don't know.
AMAL 932's
Black barrel
skinny gap between head and barrel
Serial # puts it right about in the middle of the Combat run
Disk brake
Stout as hell kicking it over

It's entirely possible it started out as one. But got a new head along the way. Any thoughts?
72, but is it a Combat?
 
I would agree it's a combat. The original '72 carbs are R 932/19 and L 932/20. I see in your photo the right carb has the correct number. This in addition to what you observed.
 
one thing I see in the photo is you need to replace the headsteady. the old style on the bike is a known issue IE prone to break. I would at least change it to the 850 box section type.

PS agree with David it is a combat
 
I didn't expect it might be stamped that far up. I'd already been thinking of adding a Dave taylor kit.
I'll have a look for the 'C' when I pull it off. Thanks
 
Since others are suggesting modifications, check the number of teeth on the counter sprocket. Combats came with 19T to make them accelerate faster and blow up sooner. 19T is fun for the thrill. I changed mine to 21T. It drops 500RPMs which makes 70mph much nicer.
 
Yes, convert to the Dave Taylor head steady.

It is probably the cheapest of the various ones.

I got mine at Commando Specialties, get it with the optional Mark 111 springy thing, makes a nice difference.

I installed mine last April, made an immediate improvement in handling.

The head is not allowed to move side to side, as your stock one does.
 
I knew there was a clue I was missing. Thanks
I'm fairly certain the miles are correct at 15k. Anyone aware of a Combat motor making it that far?
Pretty good bet it's been rebuilt. I still need to open up the tranny and check the bearing.
 
shrugger said:
Anyone aware of a Combat motor making it that far?
Click to expand...

Ha! I'm sure Windy's Combat (aka "bill" in this Forum) has gone at least twice that distance and mine is quickly catching up!!
+1 on the Dave Taylor head steady...unbeliveable improvement in handling....and +2 on the 21T sprocket...makes for effortless 70+ mph cruising.
 
LOL
I meant before the factory initiated self destruct. :mrgreen:
I hear tell they're practically Bullet proof afterward.
 
Check for the low down rear breather hose take off, only Combats had them.
A compress test in the upper 180 PSI would imply a 10 CR unique to Combats.
I dial gauged the valve lifts to verify it had 2S camshaft on Combats had.
My 1st Combat was a demo show room bike that is got run hard but not over rev'd and when I opened er up to fix various leaks found original flat roller bearings in side still essential pristine at 30,000+ miles before me. In this bike I could not really over rev too far as valves floated soon after 7000 and passing a semi in close quarters is not the place to find that out : (
 
shrugger said:
I knew there was a clue I was missing. Thanks
I'm fairly certain the miles are correct at 15k. Anyone aware of a Combat motor making it that far?
Pretty good bet it's been rebuilt. I still need to open up the tranny and check the bearing.
Click to expand...

Mine is at 48,806. The restoration was at 20,470 after it had been sitting from 1977 to 1997. I'm sure there are higher milage combats out there.
 
Hey Shrugger,
here is a shot of the infamous C. As mentioned it can only be seen after removing the head steady.

Cheers

Dave

72, but is it a Combat?
 
Replace headsteady, "C" stamped underneath (good). Replace fuel lines,say no ! to crossover line. Remove exhaust nut retaining ring forever. Use rtv copper silicome to retain ,smeared on threads. Retighten with proper tool after nice long ride. Peter
 
hobot said:
Check for the low down rear breather hose take off, only Combats had them.
Click to expand...

So, what breather did the standard models have?

To my knowledge, no alternative breather arrangement was used on the 750 models from early 1972 to the end of 750 production in October 1973, and no alternative 750 breather parts are listed in either the '72 or '73 parts books.
 
You can change the fuel line setup to get rid of the crossover line positioned near the head gasket. The thinking is a headgasket failure near this line could cause a fire. Try moving the line to between the float bowls using Amal metal banjos and a small 1 inch or so piece of fuel line with clamps of course. Look at other bikes and see what the setup is, not easy to see, rather hidden.
 
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