Rickman Commando

SteveA · Nov 3, 2017

Chris said:
Hi all

Well one step forward two steps back. Sorted out the timing cover, rubbed it down & gave it a polish. Then found out I didn't have anyone oil seals in the spares box! Order placed with Andover, however the list grew quite a bit.
Front pulley a 36 tooth 40mm job had previously been pushed up against the cases, a screw on the back dug in & locked up the motor. Well the taper is just wrong, just sloppy as if the taper has been cut to early! I think if 5mm was cut off the back the taper would be in the right place. Doesn't really matter as the Woodruff key rolled when it locked up & has buggered up the keyway! Anyone got one spare?
Dug out the clipons that my mate has milled from 34mm to 34.5mm for me. Stripped the front end, oil replaced, clipons fitted, bottom home bolted up, fork nuts fitted, handle bars bolted into the Clamps. I was well pleased, until I noticed that the clutch side had a crack down the casting mark! S**t, still better now than on the race track. I will be looking for another pair of clipons probably need to get some made with extensions on the front. Probably welded steel

All the best Chris

OOPS! taper being wrong was the start of the problem then, me tightening it up before handing it over was the next phase, but.....

I have never understood why the problem hadn't shown earlier?

Chris · Nov 3, 2017

No neither do I Steve.
I think the taper held more on the front as you can see a line of alloy pushed up.
I have found a front pulley I was given from a G50 ie Triumph splined. I have just asked my mate if he can machine out the splines as they are knackered & cut the Norton taper in. Its a 39 tooth so will do fine. Rubbing down my rusty clip one next & then machining an old Bob Nearby clutch hub. Down to scratching for parts at the moment.

On a good note Steve I have found my old swinging arm spindle so will send the measurements to Tel so that he can make you one with the broached in Allen heads.

All the best Chris

PS my calendar & crmc don't mix well next season

Chris · May 7, 2020

Hi All
Thought I ought to show you the finished machine. Spec now is; big valve head by Fred Barlow, lighten rockers, Andover strengthened crankcases, 4s cam, lightened & balanced crankshaft, Corillo rods, hi comp pistons, Bob Newby belt drive, 5 speed Quaife. Nic Pavarani 2 into 1
Once again it's going out on loan. My friend & NOC member John Duplain at the tender age of 74 would like to go out on the track. So hopefully when, if, we start racing again the old girl will be out there again.
Chris

Fast Eddie · May 7, 2020

Lookin’ good Chris.
Is it 750? What did you do for pistons?
I heard the ACU had banned bright yellow ...

Chris · May 7, 2020

Hi Eddie
750 jps pistons. Had to sign a disclaimer saying I wouldn't wear the yellow leathers & lid! Lol

Lineslinger · May 7, 2020

Very well done. Got a kick out of the lid and leather observation.

In my other life I had a Rickman 125 dirt bike...we ended up pulling the engine and using it on a go kart.
Seemed like a good idea at the time...too much engine for our "rudimentary" kart. Too fast, no one would drive it.

grandpaul · May 8, 2020

Wow, that is a classy classic racer.

Nice.

Fast Eddie · May 8, 2020

Chris, what’s the exhaust on that ?

Chris · May 8, 2020

Hi Eddie
It's a Nick Pavaranti 2 into 1. All the lengths pipes to join, joint to megga, (lovely shape internally) megga length are all as per works description. Originally it was on a very highly tuned featherbed commando. I brought it when he fitted a Maney high level 2 into 1. I dont think it ever grounded. It's been raced by 3 people. I was hoping to run it up at Mallory along with the Jim Lee. Next year? Maybe, I just feel the years are running away. Must get out on track as often as I can.
I did want an original bike & I do now have the Rickman wheels discs & forks but if it's going to be given " the berries" I'll leave it as it is for now!

Chris · May 8, 2020

Paul thanks for that. Its a nice bike to ride.

Fast Eddie · May 9, 2020

Chris said:
Hi Eddie
It's a Nick Pavaranti 2 into 1. All the lengths pipes to join, joint to megga, (lovely shape internally) megga length are all as per works description. Originally it was on a very highly tuned featherbed commando. I brought it when he fitted a Maney high level 2 into 1. I dont think it ever grounded. It's been raced by 3 people. I was hoping to run it up at Mallory along with the Jim Lee. Next year? Maybe, I just feel the years are running away. Must get out on track as often as I can.
I did want an original bike & I do now have the Rickman wheels discs & forks but if it's going to be given " the berries" I'll leave it as it is for now!

It looks good. I believe Nick has retired. Whats it like at noise test time ??

Chris · May 9, 2020

Hi Eddie
Its loud! I've re-packaged it it's still loud. One of the reasons I was looking forward to Mallory was to get noise tested. See where you are before the season starts, anything where I live sounds loud, it's pretty quiet round here. I have a large jubilee clip to put round the megga & a piece of flat strip to break up the flow. lol Been carrying that round since noise testing started many years ago. As you know I would rather be well under & safe.

Rickman Commando

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