1948 Model G (Bullet?) Opportunity

2LZ

2LZ

Well travelled
Location
Volcano, CA
Well heck, just as I was about to thin the herd, I ran across a possible deal on what appears to be a 1948 Model G 350(?). I do have questions for the RE Guru's here though.
What is the difference between the first Bullet's and the Model G? It looks like a bullet to me.

Second, the bike is in "display quality". Shiny and good paint, that's supposed to be original. Mind you, like much internet buying, I have yet to see it in person. My budfdy has seen it and got me hooked up with the guy. He said "It's beautiful".

It's currently a display in a motorcycle shop. The owner admittedly says it's not running. He bought it strictly for a display model for the showroom, but he does have a vintage bike guy wrenching on it in his spare time. The bike appears complete, down to the tool boxes. Understanding it's a 1948, I'm sure a million of untrained hands have touched it in the past, and the mysteries could be many.

Values: I see they are all over the map. From dirt cheap, to far too expensive on these bikes, depending on who's auctioning them. The price to me seems "fair". I'll leave it at that. Any value inpput from old RE guys is welcome.

The bike looks like this one, fishtail exhaust and all (my apologies to whoever I got this pic from. I don't have a pic of the bike itself). I'm not looking for a rider, just a look-at bike that can be put in our local car show annually and maybe an occasional ride down to our local store for a burger. Also, I'm not looking to flip. It will be something to leave for my kid after I'm chewing on daisy roots, so current market isn't really a worry.

Anyone who'd like to get in on this discussion or has any info on the vintage RE's, please speak up! I'm still an RE Greenhorn.1948 model G.jpg
 
Bluestrom13

Bluestrom13

Well travelled
Location
- GB -
2LZ said:
What is the difference between the first Bullet's and the Model G? It looks like a bullet to me.
Click to expand...
Yours has the oil reservoir forward of the crank, Bullets as most know them have the oil reservoir behind. They also have their gearboxes bolted onto the engine. Yours has it's on plates, sliding to adjust the primary chain.
This may be useful...


and Congratulations. (y)
 
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2LZ

2LZ

Well travelled
Location
Volcano, CA
2LZ

2LZ

Well travelled
Location
Volcano, CA
So far, so good. Needs a few things here and there like a couple cables, that are readily available, and ordered.
It appears as though it may have been converted to EI. Funny e-box under the seat with more modern wiring connectors. Have to find out of it's been converted to 12V or not.
Inside the motor looks brand new and the old Smith gauge shows all of 199 miles. Either it's been replaced long ago (has some fading) or it's never really ever been ridden.
Must soldier on with the interrogation, Sherlock Holmes-style.
 
smilespergallon

smilespergallon

Well travelled
Location
Durham, NC
I'd give it a quick kick just to see if the mechanicals turn in place. If they do, and you have decent compression, then the battle is mostly won already.
If not, you have some work ahead of you before doing things like buying a battery or worrying about ancillaries like spark and fuel.
 
2LZ

2LZ

Well travelled
Location
Volcano, CA
I've already kicked it a few times with both plug out and in. No weird noises, and it seems to have good compression on my "leg gauge". I just haven't checked with a gauge at this point. Today should be interesting.
Currently the biggest concern is how to turn it on and shut it off. I have the kickstart technique down, thanks to my BSA, but with the mag, there's no key to be found. This tells me it's always "on" (like an old dirt bike) and there has to be a kill button somewhere. The battery seems to be for lighting only. Speaking of which, conflicting info in the manuals. They say negative ground up to 1951, and in the wiring diagram, positive ground (earth). Guess I'll find out.
Points and timing are up in the unit next to the mag/dyno. Not on the crank. Too cool.....
 
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2LZ

2LZ

Well travelled
Location
Volcano, CA
smilespergallon said:
Sounds like you've got a solid foundation to start from, just those million little details left to make it all happen.
Click to expand...
No kidding!
Great day today. On the Magdyno, the points were clean, non-pitted, and had the correct gap. The air filter was clean and ready to go. It's just so weird to see something spinning "off motor".
I busted out my Whitworth sets and went to town. Tightened or checked every bolt or nut I found. Found many that needed snugging.
Both primary and secondary chains we in spec and wet.
At this point, it's all about education and inspection. Tomorrow, valve check.
 
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