Roadster / Interstate swap

Previously wrote:

Hi Gents and occasional Lass,

I was wondering whether the roadster tank, side panels and seat are a direct swap for those on my interstate ? like popping home to change for the evening !

At times I like to stretch out and cruise, at others particularly around the country lanes I'd prefer to sit a little more upright and enjoy the more nimble 'feel' of the roadster.

It might be nice to have a change of colour while I'm at it - if only to confuse the bureaucrats in the DMV and insurance company.

Not Me? Would I ever try to pull something like that over our local constabulary.

Thanks,

Pete

Oh by the way re: colours - was the dark green a standard colour on the 850 Interstate, either here or in the US?

The Interstate and Roadster kits are interchangeable without any problems, although earlier versions did have different grab rails listed. You'll need several extra bits and pieces such as rubbers and the rear retaining strap is different.

Main thing to watch is that you use side panels from the same period or you'll find yourself having to make brackets and adapters (if you haven't already done this due to removing an air filter etc.)

Its best to have two filler caps as well. Drifting the roll pin out is a job that still makes me nervous.

Be cautious of the Mk111 period Roadster tanks which have no visible seam behind the headstock. In my experience, the quality of press work on the underside of these is a bit variable and they sometimes need jiggling and persuasion to fit. It is better to find that out before painting.

A non-standard head steady can sometimes make the Roadster tank a squeeze.

Green has never been listed as an 850 colour. As far as I can see from the parts lists, they could have been black, blue, candy red or silver.