Slimline Model 50 Numbers

Previously michael_sullivan wrote:

Yesterday (Sunday 8/21) while our branch was doing a highway clean-up, I was told that my 1961 Slimline Model 50 is a quite rare bike as there were only about 200 of the Slimline Model 50s ever made.

Is there a way to search the records to find out how many were actually produced?

Certainly over the years I would think that the 350cc engines were converted to ES2 or twins or Domiracers.

What say you?

Mike

There was about 1200 Slimline Model 50's sold and when I enquired with the club when I bought mine in 2002, there were only 18 known to them. Since then a few more have been unearthed but vast majority gave their frames to the construction of Tritons and other specials and the engines were thrown in the bin or left at the back of the garage.

Today, a complete engine will bring approximately £600 on ebay whilst a complete bike in very good original condition should bring £7000 on a good day. There is one in the OBM at the moment with an asking price of £7999.

The engine puts out about 20 bhp to the ES2's 25 bhp. However, it seems to run more freely than the ES2 and vibration should not be a problem even up to its peak revs of 5800 rpm. Fuel consumption is also miserly with 90 mpg easily obtainable on super unleaded.

Regards

John

I must have one of the last. A July 63 model repatriated from Kuals Lumpur.

Indeed you have, John.

Mine is a 1960 engine (Would have been wideline) but put in a 1960 slimline 99 frame I bought as a rolling chasis in 1992. I bought the engine in 1993 for £350 rebuilt and got it on the road in 2000 and never missed a beat since. My favourite bike!

Model 50's are lightly stressed and I'll bet they can run up high mileage with minimal maintenance.

The old man I bought my 1955 19S from in 1975 told me that the Model 50 was the best of the singles range. All these years later I think he may have had a point. I have a couple of ES2's BTW.

Neil

I love my m50 but not as much as the 59 model I had 40yrs ago. Mine does not have the power i recall.not that power is the right word!

I doubt I would sell it though and yet I have a lusting for an es2. I know of a 59 model but it is rough and not worth the 6k asking price to me. It may be worth to someone but not me.

With regard to longevity I have heard of 200k.Mine is half way there but I have no idea of what work has been done.

On the matter of the 7k m50.I have seen advertised..for many months.i cannot imagine achieving anywhere near that price and suugest 4/5 would be ample.f