Travelling Long distance on a 2 3/4

[gsx1100s]

After reading this from Doug ( it was concerning a thread on racing a 2 3/4) :

"2-3/4hp engines have a weak center crankshaft web that have been known to break if you push them hard while touring.  And have you seen the connecting rods?  More like thin strips of flatbar.  This is not an engine you want to spin too fast, it is not robust enough to take the inertial loadings, yet lacks the vibration that warns you have gone too far, till it goes 'bang!'  "

I was wondering what sort of distances people have taken there pride and joy. I ask this as I am thinking of taking my Douglas on a long trip e.g. Victoria to the border of New South Wales at some time in the future... a long time in the future conscidering the restoration job ahead
I am under no illusion that it will be a long journey ( and very probably uncomfortable ) but I wouldn't want to attempt it if it could be a terminal one for the bike.

Thanks in advance , Michael

[Ian]

Michael, a friend and I took our 2.75HP machines on the VMC 50th rally in Dubbo last year - in fact it was the first post restoration outing for the friends machine. He rode the whole week on his - 770kms with no troubles - and I rode mine on the long run day of 220kms in one day in 36 degree heat - once again no problems. I think the key is what Doug says - don't push them too hard. If they are set up properly and treated with respect they will go forever.
I also took mine on the ACT rally in January and rode from Canberra out to Tidbinbilla - it made it although at the time I thought it lacked power. further investigation showed that one of the valves had gone out of adjustment so it did that trip on one and a half cylinders without damage.

[Doug]

In the days when the 2-3/4hp was new, I doubt there were many public roads where the owner could get his machine up to 'terminal' velocity.  Now days with smooth modern highways, it is a different story.  It is the high rpm that is their undoing.  Keep it sensible (but you do not have to coddle it) and it will go on and on as many have done in the past.  But do not take it out on the highway and try to keep up with modern traffic.  Passing the odd farm tractor should be the limit.  Fortunately in standard tune, there is probably not enough power to encourage you to even try!  Also after a brief experience with the retardation, or lack of, most folks become very respectful about building up a good rate of knots! 

Probably your next question will be what speed limit to keep to? For that, I will have to leave it to those currently riding 2-3/4hp models in the vintage rallies. 

-Doug

[gsx1100s]

Thank you both for your replies.
Ian would you hazard as to what speeds you were "cruising' at?
I understand each bike has its own ability but  a rough idea is all I'm looking for...thats if it was fitted with a speedo!

cheers michael

[Ian]

About 60kph - 70 is doable on a flat road but wouldn't try to go any faster. About 20 once you have to drop to low gear.

[gsx1100s]

Thanks Ian , I can live with that speed. Looks like the trip is on.....just have to get a few things right...... 

cheers michael

[Ian]

I hope you are planning on having it ready for the Centenary Rally next year ?

[gsx1100s]

I hope you are planning on having it ready for the Centenary Rally next year ?

I would dearly love to . A small matter of :

1. Money for parts
2. Money for experts to fix things
3. Refer to 1-2
4. You obviously haven't seen the state of my bike!
5. lack of knowledge of the bike and general mechanics ( but I'm learning!  )
6. Oh and a wife and four kids!

I will be trying to go which ever way it goes .

cheers Michael

P.S. The help from this forum has  made things a heap easier. Thank you all.

[Ian]

Shouldn't the wife and four kids be a help ? Plenty of hands to hold spanners, etc !!

[gsx1100s]

Shouldn't the wife and four kids be a help ? Plenty of hands to hold spanners, etc !!

I have the Douglas inside the house, so my thoughts are "don't poke the bear!"
My kids mates all reckon I have "That racing Indian from the movie" in our house
 

This brings me to another question. as my bike is a hybrid ( 25 engine 21 gear box and early frame ), what manual should I buy for restoration purposes ?


cheers Michael