HS Replica??

[neilchalmers]

Hello all,
This is my first post.
I have been offered a 57 NH350 which is missing all of its tinwear and has other pieces missing. It seems like a very expensive job to put back on the road and I am considering the possibility to build into a pre 60 scrambler.

Being a 350, it is not really a big enough engine and ideally would be a 500 and the intention would be to build a HS 500 replica.

I would appreciate any advice or comments to the following questions-

What is the availabilty of an alloy 500 barrel and head?
Is the road frame the same as the HS frame? Is there any difference in the swinging arm length.
Is the NH bottom end strong enough?
Would this be a worthwhile project?

Cheers
Neil

[brenton.roy]

Hi Neil, welcome to our forum.
I think you can buy the barrel new, heads come up on ebay from time to time. Both are expensive..
Depending on which country you live in, later engines are probably more plentiful.
A 500 top end, with a shorter barrel and a 350 bottom end would give you a revvy motor of 400 and something cc's.
The NH bottom end doesn't have as strong a big end assembly as the 500.
I can't help with the frame geometry.
All projects are worthwhile! You could have a lot of fun with it.
regards, Brenton

[john.nash]

Original (or replica) tinware is expensive and sometimes difficult to get made or made.

500 single engines are also expensive and often hard to find. The head, barrel and crank specifically.
New, this will give you some idea of how much you'd be paying for alloy:

http://www.johnbudgenmotorcycles.co.uk/ ... spares.htm

What are the wheels like ?
Alloy rims, stainless spokes and a rebuild would add to around a couple of hundred quid PER WHEEL.

If the bike is as cheap as chips (or free) and you're not worried about originality (i.e. some cheap alloy/stainless mudguards will fit) then it might be worth doing.
It will be a lot of work and joining the club (and making the right contacts) will almost essential ....

[robin.parker]

I guess one approach would be to wonder in what manner you would envisage enjoying the completed project.