- Joined
- Feb 11, 2018
- Messages
- 8
So it seems plausible that early pattern finned barrels were fitted to pre- down draft head 88SS bikes and stamped accordingly. I can't really tell much from the Vic Willoughby road test images of the fast pre-down draft 88SS tested in Motor Cycle in May 1961. If anything the fins on the barrel look like the later version, but there is no really clear shot. This bike was stated to have twin 1 1/16" carbs and the big valve head, Manxman cam, different (lighter) pushrods, revised valve springs and a stiffer crank. It had a siamesed pipe also. The result was a claimed 36 brake horse and a spectacular top speed for a roadster 500 (albeit with a following wind).