Can someone help me with information on the head steady on my '61 ES2.
When I bought the rebuild project it had no valve lifter spindle, and did have a head steady bolted to the two lugs on the frame. It's a Y shaped piece and is fitted to the pair of front studs holding the rocker box down. See photo.
However, now that I have fitted a new valve lifter spindle, the lifter arm fouls the outer edge of the head steady such that it won't fit.
What's going on?
Looks to me like a home-brew headsteady.
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Head steady
Thank you for this Michael.
Maybe the head steady bracket comes from a twin.
I wonder if the previous owner took out the spindle so he could fit the bracket.
If so he must be a fair size, to start it without a valve lifter.
I'll modify the bracket
Richard
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As Michael suggests, I don't…
As Michael suggests, I don't think that's an original head steady fitted to your ES2 Richard, nor is it off a twin, which is a different style. The horizontal plates were concave on both sides but I'm sure you can modify the left side accordingly. Below is a cracked original shaped one showing the profile as well as a couple of other shots showing dry fit prior to brazing of a more substantial home made replacement. A bit non standard as it's a 19S engine in a wideline frame, but you can see the arrangement with regards the valve lifter.
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Thank you for the photos…
Thank you for the photos Peter, I'll certainly go the route of modifying the bracket.
Pity, it's just been nicely painted.
Richard
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I have attached a very enlarged and cropped photo of my ex-bike if that helps. Seems to me that the left horizontal edge of the steady was concave, allowing room for the lifter lever.
Mike