[uhu]

Hi,

I'm repairing an old Bullet 350 (1954), which has been sleeping in my shed for almost 40 years (partly dismantled). I bought this bike in parts long ago to complete my 1952 500 Twin I used to ride in the eighties. In the meantime I found most of the parts I need to complete the Bullet... So that's my next project. But I need advice and maybe someone of you can help me. The timingside shaft is pitted in so far that I cannot reuse the caged roller bearing on it. On the Hitchcock site, I found a replacement, apparently intended for the 500 Bullet, being a caged needle roller bearing that fits over the shaft and into the outer race in the RH case (part 8785A, https://accessories.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/s.nl?ext=F&sc=1&category=&search=8785). Problem is that the 500 (and the later 350's - post 1955 I believe) have a double row of rollers on the TS, unlike the early 350's, so I would like to check if there is enough room on an early 350 shaft to fit this needle roller conversion. Someone an idea? And a second question: has someone tried this conversion?

regards Ludo (aka Uhu)

[grumbern]

How about measurements? Another option: Why not press in a replacement shaft into the crank?
Andreas

[uhu]

Hi Andreas, thx for the reply (btw: Laubfrosh is a beautifull and very inspiring project: it's why I started working on my old Bullet...).

Reason why in first instance I prefer the needle cage conversion is the ease of installation (fits without modifications in the outer race and on the shaft) and the price: 43,56 € (incl VAT) vs 186 € (excl. disassembly/assembly work) for the shaft (incl. outer race and new rollers).

I'll post a sketch with the dimensions on the actual shaft.

regards, Ludo

[uhu]

sketch and pic:

[jez]

Just email Hitchcocks and ask if they have the shaft.

[uhu]

They do have the shaft, but that was not my question.

[grumbern]

What is the diametre of the housing? Maybe you could turn the shaft down to ~25,03mm and use a N205 Roller bearing? This should be possible without having to dismantle the crank.
Andreas

[uhu]

Thx for the tip. Diameter of the housing is 1,875 inch (47,625 mm). N205 is 52 mm... But first I'l check again with Hitchcock to know the exact dimensions of that needle conversion. I can win probably 2-3 mm when I ommit the thrust washers (one behind the roller race and one between the roller cage and the cranckshaft.

Ludo

[uhu]

needle conversion is 0,747" wide (19 mm). Have only 14 mm room, so the only solution is changing the TS shaft. Unless I could enlarge the cranckcase to 52 mm (from the actual 48 mm) to accept the roller bearing Andreas suggested? Anyone an idea if that would be feasible? I'm affraid the crackcase is too thin for this...

regards Ludo