Spritepost 19

As mentioned previously in the BLOG, I have now found someone to build a replica frame for the Sprite in T45/Reynolds tube as the original frame, although now handling perfectly, could do with losing a few pounds ( a bit like myself)

We decided in the end to use the same geometry that we had found to work on the old 'chopped' Sprite frame and when we checked it is was identical to the current James frames that are being produced. With that in mind it seemed that the easiest way of commissioning a frame was to use a James jig and make the adjustments in appearance to make it visibly the same as the Sprite with basically double down tubes adding, altering the engine mounting points slightly, changing the tube configuration under the tank area and altering the footrest position to allow them to be positioned lower.

The frame is coming along well with the tubes cut and bent and in the jig ready for brazing, the new tank is complete as is the bash plate. Once brazed the only remaining piece will be the exhaust and silencer which will be tucked in close to the frame and pulled in tight to the engine to keep it as narrow as possible.

The pictures show the frame as it currently stands in the jig.

Will provide more pics and updates as soon as I have them..

Cubpost 7

Whilst I have been on holiday for most of July, good old Dad had been busy at it working on my Cub to sort out some of the small niggles that were present, also after a few months riding the Sprite I wanted to get the riding position the same on both bikes which meant lowering the footrests by about 1.5 inches.

I had recently had some Marzocchi internals put into AJS Matchless lowers and some machining to use a Yamaha brace/mudguard stay so with those forks fitted the bike was back on 2 wheels and the list of requirements was handed to the 'Factory Mechanic' AKA Dad, whilst I jetted off with the Family for the USA for 3 1/2 weeks.

The list included;

Lowering the footrests

Making a new rear brake pedal to suit the new footrest position

Making a side stand
Making a new bash plate

Doing a modification on the clutch to make the action lighter - this is produced by Duncan Macdonald and also required some machining of the engine cases to fit.

Fitting a new Alloy Tank (incl moving the mounting point on the oil tank)

Stripping the subframe and swinging arm and having them powder coated

You can see from the pictures that all of these items have now been completed and the bike is looking in top shape for the start of the winter season. Thanks must go to 'Factory Pete!!'

I will have to try my best to do the bike justice when we start riding again.

By the way, note the natty horn on the bike (not a permanent fixture but my local MOT station have become rather pedantic about the location of the horn so it was required to get the bike legal for another year).