Hello from the West Coast

[pd]

The heel /toe pedal on the left side is called a rocker , which controls the transmission .

The more I study what I see , I think you could have what you thought you had , a '52 .
The rocker ended in '53 .

I still question no frame # . Our registry has frame #s starting in '51 , albeit , with a question mark .

Pete .

[kartjockey]

Bill at servicycle.com has that tank decal.  Wayne has the little winged decal for the steering neck.  I have original brochure cards that suggest that your tank decal was placed on 1951 models too as that is what is printed on the card. Many people say 1952 'only' so perhaps they started in late '51 and rolled over into '52.

[Ricks]

Is there a plate under the neck where the number should be?  The early bikes didn't have this plate, and I don't know if I have ever seen a plate with no number stamped on it.

[okozzy]

First,
I would like to thank everyone that has shared their knowledge with me.

Pete,
Good eye on spotting the rocker frame feature.
kartjockey,
Thank you for the leads on decals.
Rick,
No plate under the neck that I can see, I'm attaching a picture of what I see.

Having said that, it is looking like there are more frame characteristics that are starting to point towards 49-51? versus 52.
So I guess my next question will be what are the differences between the L and M engines?

[okozzy]

Sorry guys,
I'm sure, a lot easier to figure out year if one has a full picture of the bike to look at.

It was not easy, but I was finally able to get a hold of some pictures of the bike before I disassembled the bike and here they are.

[okozzy]

more pictures...

[oil-lamp]

Ok Ozzie if the picture of the underside of the neck give that a good but slow sanding. I think I can a number four. There's not a separate plate attached they just stamped them into the metal.

[pd]

What is the white on the underside of the neck plate ?

Is that just a scrape of paint from something that brushed against it or is it a marking that has been there for a long time ?

Pete .

[Ricks]

That’s the plate I was talking about. Like Reese says, sand very lightly and see if the numbers have been painted over. If not, I would guess the bike is a 1950 Model 125.

[oil-lamp]

By the way if you want to use the glass lens do not use the repro that Wayne sales it wont fit. if you get a new light find a OEM not a repro. I have a glass lens on my 56 and one extra that I have not settled on who's going to get it.

[okozzy]

Hello there,
I did the light sanding you all encourage me to do, but sadly no hidden numbers were reveal.

Oil-lamp;
I love the glass lens, you don't see that type of quality now a days, I think I can save the whole unit... I think its just missing the finishing rim around the lens if that's what you call it.



SO GUYS, WHAT's THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO ENGINES, (L) or (M)... is it the transmission hook ups?

[oil-lamp]

Well Wayne does have the retaining ring but you may need to trim it down a little bit. I sure would of thought there was some numbers there. I swear I could see a 4 in the middle.

[okozzy]

Progress update,

A lot has happened since last post, decided to have Wayne build me an (L) motor after all.
Almost ready for all systems go!!! day, just sorting out some last minute details.

[pd]

Looks good .
Keep us posted and post some pics .

Pete .

[kartjockey]

Recently learned that an L motor still retained the rotary valve but is smaller than the earlier engines. and is designed a bit differently.  So the L case is sort of an interim to the M case.