Featherbed frame markings

Previously wrote:

Oops sorry wrong frame for my original request is should read frame number 888** R122 ................NOT 1050**! Sorry of anyone can help with dating the frame and what the mysterious CAJ stamps could be I would be most interested.

Thanks again

Mark Smith

Hi Mark,

The R prefix would make your frame a 1960 vintage and the 122 denotes a model '88' Dominator. I would guess that the CAJ could have been added later, maybe when the transformation to a cafe racer was carried out,

Regards, Rob.

Previously wrote:

Thanks you Rob I will have to contact DVLA as the V5 has it is on a C plate. Perhaps as the frame number was hidden under a ton of paint someone took a gamble on the age when it was re-registeredin 1980. Another email I have had today has suggested the name 'Griff A Jenkins' who was a motorcycle racer in the 60's. Not heard of him but I feel more research is needed.

Thanks once again

Mark

Hi Mark,

Griff Jenkins, as the name suggests was from Wales and was very prolific in both national and internation road racing. Off the top of my head I think a book called 'We went racing' or something like that was about his exploits, but I may be mistaken. If his name could be linked to your bike it would certainly enhance it's history,

Best of luck with your research, Rob.

Previously wrote:

Previously wrote:

Thanks Rob you have been reallyhelpfuland I fear I may be pushing my luck now as a 'new guy'. After mentioning the letters CAJ itdefinitelyis 'GAJ' after putting 2 pairs of glasses on!!! Also I have just won a copy of 'We Went Racing' on ebay so it will be interesting if there is some connection with the above mentioned rider. Another bit of evidence is that the bike was not road registered until 1965 (although it is incorrectly registered on a 'C'plateon the V5) and the frame number date from 1960) which could possibly be mean it was 'moved on' after its racing career and made road legal?

I have attached 2 pics one of the headstock with some lettering on and the swinging arm which I am guessing has been drilled for weight reduction. Can you or anyone please cast some light on what the markings may be? Thanks once again and I promise I will not ask any more questions.....maybe

Great club by the way

Smiffy

Hi Mark, the previous post didn't make it so I'll try again. I,ve just checked on both of my bikes and they have no markings in the two areas so I suspect that these were also made by a previous owner, and the holes are obviously to reduce weight once again suggesting a connection with racing. Don't be afraid to ask more questions and I will help you if I can, if you send an email to me at <rggittins@tiscali.co.uk> I will have the opportunity to send larger files with photos and information. Enjoy your new reading matter,

Regards, Rob.

Hello Mark,

Smiffy. Thatâs good. Youâre not a Bash Street kid are youâ??

Firstly, this message board is supposed to be for asking questions, so ask away & just hope that people have enough patience with the software here to get involved. If not, go to the accessnorton message board:

http://www.accessnorton.com/classic-bikes-f4.html

Lovely layout. Easy to follow and has a good cross-section of enthusiastic posters of all ages. Another plus, you can post photos which appear within your message. Just read through some of the threads, and then run through the FAQâs. Youâll soon get the hang of it. Prepare your messages on a Word.doc first, then theyâll be pretty much right before you post.

Now, the swinging arm numbers in your photo look like casting numbers. They would be the numbers within the moulding that the steel was poured into when casting that component of the swinging arm. It would then have had all the separate pieces assembled into the complete swinging arm. Nothing to do with identifying the bike.

The drilled holes look pretty awful. Very akin to the type of thing Ogriâs oppo (Malcolm) would have done, back in the 70âs. Someone has also enlarged the spindle slot, in a very gorilla-like fashion. I think that swinging arm is now an ornament really. The holes are actually a series of stress-raisers, waiting to develop into something disastrous! You would be better off finding another, unmodified one to use.

Try looking at the stamped numbers near the head stock the other way up. I suspect someone has added a few of their own over the top, which doesnât help.

With your number beginning 888**, it is probably a Wideline frame, right? You say itâs a 1960 number, so my guess is that the headstock stamping might have originally been:

1 60

For Jan 1960â?â?.The rest are someoneâs personal additions and their meaning is floating around in the mists of timeâ?.

Attach a picture showing a side view of your complete frame. Donât worry, no one will copy it and re-register it! Are the welded joints steel or bronze?

Paul