Royal Enfield Diesel, Ashwins Taurus + other questions?

[spetom]

I've only just discovered the potential of diesel power bikes, and I must say the idea is really exciting, hopefully someone can help me answer the questions below.

I've just been looking at Ashwins Diesel which I can only say is stunning and I would love to be able to make a similar bike:

http://www.dieselbike.net/royalenfield/royalenfield.htm




I have several questions though about Ashwins bike and diesel in general.

1) What tyres are on Ashwins bike? They look a lot wider than standard Enfield tyres? How does one go about acquiring/fitting these?
2) What cc is Ashwins Taurus?
3) Is it possible to make a Diesel fitted Enfield cruise at 60mph? (Perhaps a 800+cc Diesel engine?) I mean for long motorway use?
4) If you do fit a an 800+cc Diesel (like a Ruggerini) what is the fuel consumption like can you really get 1500km to 25 litres on an 800+cc engine?
5)Do people add Roll bars to their bikes for the simple reason to stop them being damaged when they fall over?


Appreciate any insight. Thanks

[DieselDan]

Hi Spetom

Those are the same pictures that got me hooked on Diesel Enfields too

1) Those tyres could be MRF Brand. They're made in India. You'd be better off with Avon Safety Mileage on rear and Speedmaster up front. Most old British motorcycles have been using this setup for more than fifty years, so they are definitely good. I've got them on mine and they handle unsealed roads very well. And from what other users say they last a while.

2)If its a Taurus then its 325cc Greaves powerplant

3)If you fitted a China Diesel 418cc you'd be able to cruise at 55mph no worries. You have to have a different mentality when riding one, its not about speed but enjoying the scenery at a relaxed pace and using little fuel. With an 800cc or more then yes you could cruise 60-70mph no worries.

4)According to Stuarts Rug if you get avg 90mpg then you'd have a range of about 790km. I think only the small capacity singles (depending on which, China, Greaves, Lombardini) can achieve averages of 150mpg and more.

My last tank rode 696.2km for 13.2 lt. This is 60city/40hwy and got 149.83mpg. Seems a bit thirsty, I wish I was getting closer to the 180mpg mark though

5)Yes thats why they add them. And its easier to pick it up if it does.

[Sphere]

1) Those tyres could be MRF Brand. They're made in India. You'd be better off with Avon Safety Mileage on rear and Speedmaster up front. Most old British motorcycles have been using this setup for more than fifty years, so they are definitely good. I've got them on mine and they handle unsealed roads very well. And from what other users say they last a while.

I wonder if I will be as happy with the rear SM in the wet on tarmac. To be honest I suspect it to perform poorly, exactly because of the fact that the tread pattern is 50 years old I didn't even consider the Speedmaster because of the block rib pattern.

[DieselDan]

Sphere

I'd gladly take the Avon SM off your hands

My Avon tire combo works well in the wet too, no squirrelly moments yet. You'll be fine with the SM at rear just dont corner like you would with modern concave tyres

[spetom]

...1) Those tyres could be MRF Brand. They're made in India. You'd be better off with Avon Safety Mileage on rear and Speedmaster up front. Most old British motorcycles have been using this setup for more than fifty years, so they are definitely good. I've got them on mine and they handle unsealed roads very well. And from what other users say they last a while...

I know about Avons, but I'm really after the ones in the photos above. They appear to be a lot wider than Avons or T110s? Anyone have any idea? Thanks

[DieselDan]

You could try Mitas tyres, made in CZ Rep. They look smililar.
Czech out their website http://www.motorcycletyres.net.au/tyres ... index.html
They are quite cheap here, should be even cheaper in the UK.

[Diesel Dave]

I have worked my way through Avons, Mitas, and Dunlops.

The Avon SM is a wonderful tyre set but you must not pump them up too hard, I used 18 psi front and 22 psi rear but Sluggy is quite light. They can last for 35,000 miles.

Mitas are great on the loose surfaces of the UK's minor back roads, and OK on tarmac. Long lived and you can fit the larger sizes 4.00 rear and 3.50 front. If you do this replace the m8 bolt that secures the chain guard inside the swing arm with a button headed version and you may need an extra link in the drive chain to allow the rear wheel to move further back for clearance.

TT 100's are nice but can 'ratchet' and wear quickly.

If you want to do high mileages then don't worry about range, even with a small tank the bike will have more endurance than your backside.

Fit a chain lube system, use EP80 gear oil.

147,000 miles in 6 years, daily use in heavy traffic and open dual carriageways, rural roads.

Cheers Dave