Riding a Cyclone

[fillibuster]

Lane and I rode together for a while. I was on my Brough Superior, and didn't feel the need to slow down for him. I'd estimate he was doing 50-60 mph quite comfortably, with lots of reserve. When the OHV Excelsior replica was built, internal details of the Cyclone were used. The Ex put out 50 BHP at the rear wheel, which puts it in the Vincent category. I doubt the Cyclone is much different. Both are way lighter than a Vincent twin.
Pete

Bob Chantland had his Cyclone motor in disassembly (top end off) at the St Paul Viking meet a few years back, and I was amazed at how small the valves were. I remember reading that the cams were timed quite radically, but especially since the Ex's were running such big intakes I couldn't figure why the cyclone wasn't. .. now I can't remember if it was an 8-valve.

[c.o.]

Lane and I rode together for a while. I was on my Brough Superior, and didn't feel the need to slow down for him. I'd estimate he was doing 50-60 mph quite comfortably, with lots of reserve. When the OHV Excelsior replica was built, internal details of the Cyclone were used. The Ex put out 50 BHP at the rear wheel, which puts it in the Vincent category. I doubt the Cyclone is much different. Both are way lighter than a Vincent twin.
Pete

Thanks Pete! I figured that Cyclone would hum along nicely. I saw the OHV Replica's debut in Davenport a few years back. Has anyone actually wound one right up to see what it would do?

[Pete Gagan]

It was Bob Chantland's engine that was used for reference. The Ex had bigger valves, and a better flow setup on top. Cam timing is modern, as we had no figures for the Ex anyway. Paul Brodie has put one of the Ex OHC engines in a modern lightweight roadrace frame he has built using chrome moly, carbon fiber, etc. Although that engine has electronic ignition and a huge Amal carb, it is otherwise standard 1919 technology, and it is now tuned to give out 75 BHP at the rear wheel- pretty impressive! Sorry I don't have a picture, but you can see it on Paul's website flashbackfabrications.com
The road racer has been running in "Battle of the Twins" racing in the northwest, and shows good promise. Quite a craftsman is Paul.
Pete

[Pete Gagan]

PS
Both the Cyclone and OHC Ex used four valves only.
Pete

[pete @ occhiolungo]

Scott, My wife and I are interested in hosting a road run from the St. George Hotel in Volcano. Do you think you have any info about those old runs? A route map would be really helpful. That hotel, town and general area are favorite places for us. thanks! Pete

[pete @ occhiolungo]

Hi Pete. Those photos are from summer 2011, on the Minden Tour. Lane still rides the bike on occasion, and it needed a bit of roadside maintenance. But that makes it even more fun.

regards,
Pete

When Lane had the bike on the Evergreen run and it broke down, it ended up on my pickup for the day. It was almost tempting to head for the Canadian border and home! There was a serious climb in the mountains to see the damage caused by Mt St. Hellens. The Cyclone blasted up with no problem, even with single speed. Quite a bike! Is Lane still around? I haven't heard from him in years.
Pete Gagan

[fillibuster]

PS
Both the Cyclone and OHC Ex used four valves only.
Pete

Thanks Pete!
That was a pretty magical moment for me, holding (fondling!) a Cyclone motor!
Sure is a spindly thing, huh?