What engine to power a Featherbed frame?

[EgliHonda]

I like the new Triumph idea, must be a Bonnie engine available somewhere.
Can still call it a Triton, and be associated with the history associated with this matchup, but have the advantages of an oil-tight powerplant that has ample spares available...?

Or, see if you can find a new Thunderbird engine...

[gavinnz]

What about a GB500? You could tune it with a 600cc kit and get at least as much hp as a Manx with the same sound (ish) but with reliability.

Yeah a 650 Honda single would work well power wise, but I am not sure you would get the charatcter from the engine that would make it fun... a full fairing with enough ventelation would hid the engine!

Getting back to my earlier idea... a Guzzi engine would not fit if turned like a Vincent, 950 length needed less than 600 in their....
But what about the right way around with the swing arm using the sfaft?
That might be cool.... but would the Featherbed frame take the twisting of a Guzzi engine???

Later
Gavin

[Richard Mc F]

Go feral..........H1 or H2, they had power and no frame.....CB750 or 550? get really odd GT550 suzuki, or RE5 that would screw with people?

ER6 ?

[KiwiGs]

How about a 700cc V twin Enfield?

[Eurodave]

Yes yes yes o god yes!!!
Similar to the Cranberry V Twin Enfield [google it]
Ive been down this road before, cost was prohibitive which is mostly why I used a Kohler 726cc donk with Triumph 'box instead [see my sig. link]
I still reckon you need something a bit 'left field' motor wise.....

[Kickaha]

I still reckon you need something a bit 'left field' motor wise.....

A Daihatsu Charade 3 cylinder turbo then

edit: or a couple of Aixro XR50 Wankel Kart Engines bolted together

[Eurodave]

Theres a Subaru Justy 3 cyl 1000 motor in my garage @ the moment, it may well end up in my R65, given the fullness of time......

[rastus]

Graeme Cole in Hamilton raced a featherbed frame in the 80's with a Matchless motor, he then built a Dunstal replica and raced the Matchless in that before changing to a Matchless sidecar and now the Team of red triumphs that you see at Pukekohe.

[avgas]

I always wanted to put something like this in a featherbed.......but thats my personal preference.
Would look cool in a mini too!

[Brian d marge]

.................................................. .............


Does it even need to be spoken



Royal ( as in the Queen approves ) ENFIELD


Stephen

[Hinny]

I always wanted to put something like this in a featherbed.......but thats my personal preference.
Would look cool in a mini too!

Hello Kim Newcombe.

[Brian d marge]

I've seen a Hillman Imp in one (on Waiheke Island)...if you don't like a Hillman Imp engine,you could try a Coventry Climax instead.Maybe even a fire pump engine if you could find one.

I did one back in the day ,,used a wide line .... nearly finished it but had to sell it due to moving

Stephen

[avgas]

Hello Kim Newcombe.

Yeah but you can always push the limit pass there and put the 300hp V6

Munch munch Rockets for lunch

[Supertwin Don]

Nobody seems to have suggested one of my favourite engines - Yamaha XS650 - 55hp, torquey, don't need oil tank, electric start, 5 speed - what more do you want ???? - can also use Amal carbs if wanted, and retro fit electronic ignition.

[Motu]

The XS650 is a very,very tight fit - I've seen someone try to fit an XS650 onto a featherbed....bare frame (mine) and engine on floor,it's just too tall.There is one on 650.com,the head is almost touching the top rails,and I suspect he has tweaked the lower rails to get it in.Nice though.

http://www.650motorcycles.com/MikesImages.html