Author Topic: 1957 Crusader 250...Impulse Buying....  (Read 13010 times)

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The Garbone

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on: October 19, 2010, 02:47:13 am
Well,  I don't plan to start wrenching on this beast for a year or so after I finish my current project..  Picked this up off of craigslist for a few  100 bucks.  Its pretty small but should be fun once I get it together.







« Last Edit: October 19, 2010, 02:29:07 pm by The Garbone »
Gary
57' RE Crusader 250
67' Ford Mustang
74' Catalina 27 "Knot a Clew"
95 RE Ace Clubman 535
01 HD 1200 Custom
07 RE 5spd HaCK

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The Garbone

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Reply #1 on: October 19, 2010, 02:51:13 am
Came with some spare parts also...

This might just be a 5spd..









Japanese speedo...

Gary
57' RE Crusader 250
67' Ford Mustang
74' Catalina 27 "Knot a Clew"
95 RE Ace Clubman 535
01 HD 1200 Custom
07 RE 5spd HaCK

* all actions described in this post are fictional *


Ice

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Reply #2 on: October 19, 2010, 04:33:24 am
CONGRATS !!!!!
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chumma7

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Reply #3 on: October 19, 2010, 06:28:45 pm
Awesome Gary!
For a few hundred bucks... can't beat that for a project.
Some bead blasting, paint and you'll have her looking great and running in no time.
Lucky find.
Chumma
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Anon

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Reply #4 on: October 19, 2010, 07:27:31 pm
Cool find!  Is that one of the early unit construction motors, or did that not come until the 60's models?

Eamon
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Bullet Whisperer

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Reply #5 on: October 19, 2010, 11:01:12 pm
Hi Garbone,
 I think you may have a unit 250 'Clipper' there [iron head], but it is a bit murky where Clippers / early Crusaders are concearned. Another possible giveaway would be a half width rear hub and 6" front full width hub. I have a few like this in simillar condition, all but one of them run, but are awaiting their turn to be sorted. One that I have has only covered 13,000 miles from new [the non runner] and was only used for a year from new, apparently, before it was traded in at a local bike shop, where it stood in an outbuilding with a Tiger Cub [which I also bought], the building fell down on them and they languished for 30 years or so, before i got them. The Enfield's rotten spokes were collapsing as we wheeled her out, the seat was rotted away and the tank rotted through. the engine turned and had clean, green oil in it, enclosed rear chain is like new and the speedo responds when the rear wheel is spun. VERY RUSTY, but not beyond salvation one day!
 Good luck with yours,
 B.W.


The Garbone

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Reply #6 on: October 20, 2010, 05:50:29 pm
Cool,  thanks for the info.. I will check out the rear hub...   
Gary
57' RE Crusader 250
67' Ford Mustang
74' Catalina 27 "Knot a Clew"
95 RE Ace Clubman 535
01 HD 1200 Custom
07 RE 5spd HaCK

* all actions described in this post are fictional *


cyrusb

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Reply #7 on: October 21, 2010, 12:28:12 am
Went through a Crusader 250 motor with a friend of mine a couple of years ago. All I can say is thank god they continued the Bullet and not the Crusader. Poorly made , with chains everywhere and little pipes going here and there. I remember taking the side cover off and wondering "What were they thinking?"Still, it's a cool bike. And a great price. Good luck
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rotorwrench

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Reply #8 on: October 21, 2010, 06:45:18 pm
If it's a 57, that's the first year for the unitized contruction Crusader models. The Clipper remained non-unit till 1959. Indian Sales Corp sold them under the Fire Arrow/Hounds Arrow names in 59 just before they sold out. The early Crusaders were an iron head type. They kept the iron head until 59 when the Clipper model was unitized. It wasn't until the 60s when they started building the 5-speed gearboxes


bullethead63

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Reply #9 on: November 17, 2010, 10:40:29 pm
Well...I like it...it's cool...good snag!
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Ice

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Reply #10 on: November 18, 2010, 01:43:37 am
I "double dawg dare ya" to paint it up like the C5's  ;D
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Grabof54

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Reply #11 on: November 14, 2011, 12:10:23 am
Engine no. C12895 is that of a Clipper despatched to Motorcycle Sales during December 1962.


Arizoni

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Reply #12 on: November 14, 2011, 01:07:38 am
For what it's worth, "By Miles the Best- Royal Enfield" shows both the 1957, 250 Clipper and the 250 Crusader.

The Clipper has a separate transmission and the Crusader has a Unit Construction engine/transmission.

The Crusaders specifications are:

248cc single cylinder OHV
Bore = 70mm, Stroke = 64.5mm
HP = 13 BHP @ 5750 rpm
4 speed transmission.  Ratios 5.8, 7.8, 10.4 and 17 to 1
7/8" Amal Monobloc carb
17" wheels
Lucas 6v alternator/ coil ignition
6" front/rear brakes

Painted in surf green enamel with chrome bright parts and tank panels.

The Clipper was deep maroon with chrome.

The photo also shows an enclosed rear chain case and the speedometer drive appears to be off of the rear wheels hub.

Neat bike!  It's frame looks almost like a 2011 Royal Enfields!  :o
Jim
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The Garbone

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Reply #13 on: November 14, 2011, 04:08:02 am
Thread necromancy..  Good stuff.

I recently cleaned out my garage after 2 years and the Crusader still sits. On a lark I put air in the tires and the tubes held.  I have to get rid of a John Deer rider lawn mower and then I will have enough room for all my bikes and will be able to maybe start on the Crusader next year.  Building my Ace clubman/fireball comes first though..
Gary
57' RE Crusader 250
67' Ford Mustang
74' Catalina 27 "Knot a Clew"
95 RE Ace Clubman 535
01 HD 1200 Custom
07 RE 5spd HaCK

* all actions described in this post are fictional *


Lwt Big Cheese

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Reply #14 on: November 14, 2011, 09:37:08 am
What would be really cool would be to get the mechanicals working and ride as is.

But then I love the patina look.

Oh congrats BTW nice find.
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