Are these mormal stamp markings on this 62 88ss ?

@kernel65 is correct with the part about the 650 needing the "bulge" cases. The 99 crank fits in the standard cases, but the 650ss is a stroked 99, so needs a bit of clearance inside the case for the stock rods and have cut-out skirted pistons. I think it's been said you can grind down the outside shoulder on the rod bolts and grind out the inside of the cases to get a 650 to fit, but sounds sketchy to me! That could be total BS though.

There is some lore around the last of the 88ss bikes running the bulge cases, as Norton was out of the non-bulge cases. Don't know about the stories, but '62/63 was far from the end of the 88ss production run.

Just checked my 650 barrels and all of them (3) have 22710 as the barrel casting number. My 600 is screwed up in a crate, so I didn't get into that. The 88ss barrels were (I think) a different casting that had a fin shape that matched the downdraught head. I don't have one of those, so no point in digging into the barrel boxes for a std 88 casting number. The pics show a fin shape that matches the dd head.

If I'm jumping to conclusions based on the numbers (if correct and genuine numbers) and available pics, I'd reckon the motor was assembled with 99 crank and 650ss barrels. If so, with that downdraught head, some nice pistons, and with an ss cam, it could be a real nice bike. Not as torquey as the 650ss, but still fun and fast enough to kill you.

I'm with @kernel65 again, and be real tempted. We don't get as many pre-Commandos over here though, so pickin's are slimmer.
After re examination of the photos its deffiently 22710 on the base of the barrels ...so appreciate your help... I just found out present owner took ownership of this bike in April this year ?
Now its up for sale ....hmmm
 
That seems to be my dilemma as I don't know whats been done to the inside it may be perfect but its clear its not original as advertised...cheers
Interesting, my 62 Model 88 was imported by same firm and tested by the same guy. My uncle brought it back when he was over there in the Air force in the early 80s
 
My 99 (‘59 model) has no cast number but has the earlier 9 fins to go with the non-down-draught head.
 
After re examination of the photos its deffiently 22710 on the base of the barrels ...so appreciate your help... I just found out present owner took ownership of this bike in April this year ?
Now its up for sale ....hmmm

According to the Webb's auction: "This example was purchased in Singapore in June 1983 by our vendor while he was living and working there....He had it shipped to New Zealand when he returned in 1987, and it has since been under covers in dry storage".

If what you say is true, and what Webb's says is true, my guess that this is an estate sale?
 
Ok I am not comparing "apples with apples" but my '54 Model 7 barrel has 8 fins where as my late '66 650SS has 9. Also not a big thing but the Webbs bike has a Commando kickstart on it.
 
According to the Webb's auction: "This example was purchased in Singapore in June 1983 by our vendor while he was living and working there....He had it shipped to New Zealand when he returned in 1987, and it has since been under covers in dry storage".

If what you say is true, and what Webb's says is true, my guess that this is an estate sale?
I think you will find that the "previous" owner imported it from Singapore ...the current owner has had it since April this year.... im pretty sure that's the case..anyways its not stock by any means and that info should be reflected prior to the upcoming auction ...I think I will look now for a 99 600 or 650...
 
Ok I am not comparing "apples with apples" but my '54 Model 7 barrel has 8 fins where as my late '66 650SS has 9. Also not a big thing but the Webbs bike has a Commando kickstart on it.
Header clamps look commando as well possibly...66 650 SS ...."NICE"
 
It does have some non-standard or updated bits. Looks like high pressure overhead oiling pipe like those on late Atlas and early Commandos.
 
A genuine 88SS is a class act and commands a premium price as they are rare. This is most likely to be a 99 in 88 cases . Which anyone could assemble . Could be a 650 but even so would not be as desirable . I owned an 88 Deluxe that was badly damaged and rebuilt as an early two tone 88SS , red and dove grey . Many years later I spotted it for sale as an 88SS in the later Black and chrome livery. Dissapointing if you bought it thinking it the gen article.
 
A genuine 88SS is a class act and commands a premium price as they are rare. This is most likely to be a 99 in 88 cases . Which anyone could assemble . Could be a 650 but even so would not be as desirable . I owned an 88 Deluxe that was badly damaged and rebuilt as an early two tone 88SS , red and dove grey . Many years later I spotted it for sale as an 88SS in the later Black and chrome livery. Dissapointing if you bought it thinking it the gen article.
Cheers for that....I have informed the auctioneer that its engine capacity is no longer a 500cc and its been altered...it seems that information has fallen on deaf ears.....its still a nice bike but who knows whats inside the engine and how well it was done...will post sale results in due course
 
A gen orrig 88SS would have the special crank with the reduced core (for strength) , a barrel that is openned up in the pushrod tunnels for barrel shaped pushrods, and a set of barrells that are stamped on the top with SS. Plus the X1 cam and matching valve springs. Depending on the year it could have the non downdraught head and splayed twin carb manifold or the later downdraught head and twin 11/16 monoblocks. I really really want a early one in the green/dove finish, siamese pipes and cheroot silencer.
 
A gen orrig 88SS would have the special crank with the reduced core (for strength) , a barrel that is openned up in the pushrod tunnels for barrel shaped pushrods, and a set of barrells that are stamped on the top with SS. Plus the X1 cam and matching valve springs. Depending on the year it could have the non downdraught head and splayed twin carb manifold or the later downdraught head and twin 11/16 monoblocks. I really really want a early one in the green/dove finish, siamese pipes and cheroot silencer.
I just hope that the work that was done to the motor at some stage has not compromised the bottom end or reduced the compression ratio.
I'm on the look out for a new project and would love to land a good one
 
Cheers for that....I have informed the auctioneer that its engine capacity is no longer a 500cc and its been altered...it seems that information has fallen on deaf ears.....its still a nice bike but who knows whats inside the engine and how well it was done...will post sale results in due course
Actually they have altered the description. See the attached. Webb's is a high end auction house in NZ specialising in art and antiques. I would expect them to be straight but expensive.
 

Attachments

  • Are these mormal stamp markings on this 62 88ss ?
    Screenshot_20220811-125156_Chrome.jpg
    187.1 KB · Views: 120
Actually they have altered the description. See the attached. Webb's is a high end auction house in NZ specialising in art and antiques. I would expect them to be straight but expensive.
Well ill be...we all protected a unsuspecting buyer....good work guys...that speaks volumes for me about Webbs...well my second email worked in the end...
 
Actually they have altered the description. See the attached. Webb's is a high end auction house in NZ specialising in art and antiques. I would expect them to be straight but expensive.
 

Attachments

  • Are these mormal stamp markings on this 62 88ss ?
    Screenshot_20220811-160553_Email.jpg
    123.4 KB · Views: 138
My reply
 

Attachments

  • Are these mormal stamp markings on this 62 88ss ?
    Screenshot_20220811-191329_Email.jpg
    166.9 KB · Views: 133
Lets hope its not an 88 bottom end with 99 pistons and Barrel. perfectly constructable but very low compression !! Maybe ideal for a conversion to run on ethanol, the fuel of the future.
 
Lets hope its not an 88 bottom end with 99 pistons and Barrel. perfectly constructable but very low compression !! Maybe ideal for a conversion to run on ethanol, the fuel of the future.
I'm afraid I'm not willing to take that chance and end up with a lemon...never mind there will be others I'm sure...cheers
 
Lets hope its not an 88 bottom end with 99 pistons and Barrel. perfectly constructable but very low compression !! Maybe ideal for a conversion to run on ethanol, the fuel of the future.
The 88 sold today under the hammer for $9000.00 New Zealand Dollars
 
The 88 sold today under the hammer for $9000.00 New Zealand Dollars
How is that price, relative to what you'd have paid (for a genuine 88ss) and what the market typically asks?

Seems like a lot, but there's $20k being asked for Commandos out there.
 
Back
Top