Solved.
The two spindles are different sizes (OHV type on top, Side valve type below)
So I had a bush made up:
and fitted:
WANTED VH500 valve lifter spindle
-
Simonpsmith
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Fri May 09, 2025 2:34 pm
- Location: Bedfordshire
- Contact:
- Roger Gwynn
- Holder of a Golden Anorak

- Posts: 1955
- Joined: Tue May 28, 2013 11:34 am
- Location: Norwich, UK
- Contact:
Re: WANTED VH500 valve lifter spindle
The top one is not correct for 1930-58 models as they all use the same spindle, irrespective of where the valves are. The part number 335-30 indicates that it was first fitted in 1930. Other parts do vary, if all else fails read the b*** parts book, you don't seem to have told us the year of your bike but must be post 1932. Your old spindle appears to be home made.
I wondered why there would be a conical seat when fitted to open rockers but when it was introduced it was fitted to the valve chest on the cylinder that contains oil.
I wondered why there would be a conical seat when fitted to open rockers but when it was introduced it was fitted to the valve chest on the cylinder that contains oil.
Roger Gwynn, Membership Secretary, curator of the Machine Register and the works drawings. Director of Draganfly Motorcycles, Craven Equipment and Supreme Motorcycles mostly retired.
-
mark.prizeman
- Posts: 65
- Joined: Wed Aug 05, 2015 6:59 pm
- Location: Needham Market, Suffolk
- Contact:
Re: WANTED VH500 valve lifter spindle
Sorry to be nit-pickey but the b*** parts books for both '33/'34 and '37 list the two varieties of lifter spindle for the SV and OHV
Simon's head is a '33 prior to the aluminium cast box of '34
Simon's head is a '33 prior to the aluminium cast box of '34
'25 Sunbeam 5 sports, '37 VH, '50 Magnat Debon M4, '53 AJS 20
- Roger Gwynn
- Holder of a Golden Anorak

- Posts: 1955
- Joined: Tue May 28, 2013 11:34 am
- Location: Norwich, UK
- Contact:
Re: WANTED VH500 valve lifter spindle
That's not being nit-picky that is correcting someone who ought to know better and stands corrected. Still learning...
Roger Gwynn, Membership Secretary, curator of the Machine Register and the works drawings. Director of Draganfly Motorcycles, Craven Equipment and Supreme Motorcycles mostly retired.
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest
