Manx vs Petty Manx, what are the differences?

Fast Eddie

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Any knowledgable Manx folk on here?

I’m interested to know what the differences are between a standard Manx and Petty Manx chassis.

I’m familiar with the visual differences, but don’t know about other aspects like height, length, rake, engine position, shocks and forks length, or general pros / cons, etc.

Can anyone shed any light ?
 
Hi Eddie
The people to ask are the Summerfields. Or David May as he married Ray's daughter Tina.
The Summerfields made a fair few frames & as you know raced them. T45 tube smaller dia & I believe nearly two inches lower. Original frames are stamped on the front of the headstock starting with the letter RP then the number. There was a superb write up on Ray in Classic Racer, I will find it for you. I think he did his own forks as well. I know my tubes were shorter than Manx length. Frames were brazed by Colin Dixon.
Good luck.
 
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Thanks Chris.

2” lower confirms my suspicions. Kinda what I’d assumed from looking at pics etc.

Are the Summerfields still involved in racing or have they thrown in the towel ?
 
Hi Eddie
Summerfield Racing Ltd Cotes Park, Industrial Estate, Somercotes, Derbyshire, United Kingdom, DE55 4NU they published accounts this year. I found them really helpful when I was parked next to them at Cadwell Park.
Ray also did a road bike version for?................a Norton Commando lol
They also relaunched Ray's own 6 speed box that was the Shafler box.
 
Chris, when I Google Summerfield Racing all I get is the companies house information etc. No actual web site for them, hence I was wondering if they’re still involved. I’ll call them and see…
 
Hi Eddie
I've enjoyed reading up on Petty Manxes. I used to always stop & talk to David May in the paddock & I always knew about Tina. Ray's story is a fascinating one. His own racing days, then his engine, gearbox & frame development days.
According to an article I found it says Ray made eleven frames! On his death the rights moved on to Bernie Allen who with Summerfields had the frames made by Goodmans. Rays frame number seven won countless races & the British Championship for Malcomb Lucus & White Rose Racing went on to build replica frames. Andy Molnar brought the rights from Bernie.
Good stuff.
Bit annoyed that I cant remember much about White Rose Racing! Nothing much on line. Can see a search of Mortens archives coming up.
 
Chris, let me know which mags please and I’ll get them for my ‘archives’ too!

One aspect of the Petty is the lack of upper rear frame loop. This was similar on Tickle frames and Dresda frames and all seem to have a bit of a crack issue there. Perhaps the large radius original Manx type bend was there for a deliberate reason, to flex and avoid stress build up etc?

If you‘re right about the size difference then the Manx is probably a better frame for a bigger bloke anyway.
 
If you‘re right about the size difference then the Manx is probably a better frame for a bigger bloke anyway.

Didnt Cooper ride a Petty norton before changing over to Seeley ? Wonder why T45 was used instead of 531... there are lighter and stronger Reynolds tubes available now..
 
Chris, when I Google Summerfield Racing all I get is the companies house information etc. No actual web site for them, hence I was wondering if they’re still involved. I’ll call them and see…

Their number doesn’t seem to exist anymore. No email or web contact. I can only assume they’ve pulled the plug.
 
Anyone know what are the frame/geometry differences between the Petty and the Domiracer's Lowboy? They both seem aimed at very similar goals (reduced height and weight), but did they get to more or less the same place?
 
Hi Eddie
I cant find the classic bike/racer edition at the moment but it was written before his death.
First Classic Racer was 1979 & Ray died in 87. Four seasonal additions for a few years then bi monthly before becoming monthly! Cant find the index edition I had & it's not on Mortens media online! Aaaah
 
Thanks Chris, I’ll enjoy reading that later.

I love to see pics of these old boys working on their bikes and engines in a shirt & tie !
 
@Fast Eddie, where did the Petty, Tickle, and Desda frames crack? On the top tubes, but before or after the rear upright? The acute or obtuse angle?
 
@Fast Eddie, where did the Petty, Tickle, and Desda frames crack? On the top tubes, but before or after the rear upright? The acute or obtuse angle?
As I understand it, the Petty and Tickle frames could crack in the area above the gusset plate. In my post above I was wondering if the large radius bend that the Manx has in that area was designed specifically to combat the stresses there?
I’m not aware aware of Dresda frames cracking there though.
I believe modern Petty copies are reinforced in that area.
The Petty is physically smaller than a Manx which might be a factor to be area of too.
 
Manx vs Petty Manx, what are the differences?


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Brand new replica Petty frames for manx Norton engines for sale.
All made out of T45 inc the swing arm and bronze bushes.
Tanks and seat units available soon.

Manx vs Petty Manx, what are the differences?


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Manx vs Petty Manx, what are the differences?
 
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