I spotted this interesting 'Villiers' gearbox modification on one of John Bull's 'replica' DOT trials machines, at the 2009 Telford Classic Off Road Show.
As you can see from the pics, the bottom 'bulge' of the gearbox has been removed to improve ground clearance and to fit flush with the bash plate. Compare it with the pic of the standard Villiers gearbox as fitted to a 24TCS (pic 4), and when you look at the line of the magneto cover it's clear just how much as been removed. Looking at the DOT, I wonder if a special casting has been produced for the gearbox shell to facilitate this modification, as it differs in several details to the standard Villiers shell. Note also the modified clutch adjuster arrangment and cut-away rear casing.
If nothing else it certainly shows the lengths people are going to with modifications on these 'trick' pre65 (?!) bikes! Very neatly done though.
Brian.
As you can see from the pics, the bottom 'bulge' of the gearbox has been removed to improve ground clearance and to fit flush with the bash plate. Compare it with the pic of the standard Villiers gearbox as fitted to a 24TCS (pic 4), and when you look at the line of the magneto cover it's clear just how much as been removed. Looking at the DOT, I wonder if a special casting has been produced for the gearbox shell to facilitate this modification, as it differs in several details to the standard Villiers shell. Note also the modified clutch adjuster arrangment and cut-away rear casing.
If nothing else it certainly shows the lengths people are going to with modifications on these 'trick' pre65 (?!) bikes! Very neatly done though.
Brian.
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