HPN or Richie Moore?

[Canuck]

So I have been contemplating getting a bike fettled by a master bike fettler. No, not MickDB1, but perhaps HPN or RM. I am undecided which way to go for various reason and would appreciate the 'learneds' input.

What I want done (that I know of)

1. Frame strengthened.
2. HPN fuel tank.
3. Front forks replaced with WP or Marchocci (something more usable than stock).
4. Contemplating the double sided rear swing arm.
5. Deeper sump with oil cooler, gauge and bash plate.
6. Engine uprated to 1000cc or thereabouts.
7. Rear wheel off-laced to accept slightly wider rear tyre.
8. Single seat and rear rack.
9. Vern to adapt my rack to accept my worldbeaters.

I think thats about it...



My other thoughts are below...

1. HPN is more expensive but, it comes with the HPN stamp and should attract a premium should I ever wish to sell (which I doubt.. in fact... it would never happen if I really think about it).

2. RM should be cheaper and allow me to have a bit more cash to play around with sorting out others bits.

3. RM does the 50mm extension which I'd be happier with as I don't see the need to stretch the back out out any further as I'm realistically not going to be a desert racer. There is a good thread on ADV where a chap has had everything from stock to 100mm extension. I like the idea of stock but with a higher front I may need to slightly extend the back end to balance things.

4. I know a chap up north who has done everything himself with the help of a friend/welder... should I just go down that route?

All comments appreciated.

 

[High-Tower]

I'm no help at all in your dilemma but .

I'd love to be in the position to make your decision. Jealous.

 

[Fanum]

As a decidedly NON LEARNED but fairly keen follower, there seems to be an obvious question, raised by the very way you posed the OP.

Does it have to be EITHER, or could it not be a sensible combination of BOTH/ALL?

Unless you really do want a one-stop-shop fully completed bike, why not get the frame, tank, strengthening and other choice bits from HPN, then take that to Richie Moore for finishing and fettling, and fitting of the new rims done by whatever expert you choose?

You could make a list of bits/processes you want to put together in your ideal wet dream bike, then take it from one to t'other, then via Vern's shed, Rob's garage etc etc for the tweaks to make it worthy of your aspirations?



I know little, so treat this with the contempt it deserves

 

[Canuck]

Thanks for the comments Fanum.

The main frame bit and shaft extension work I'd get done at one place... probably the front end as well. To me, those things all seem to 'go together'. But what do I know?!?

After that... I'm happy buying/installing parts myself. I think my dilemma rests with, do I get HPN (as a potentially greater cost) to sort the frame work, or RM. In all honesty I'd love to talk to Richie as he's 'local' but the HPN name sways me... and I hate brands.... I think.

I only know what I know... and what I don't know what I don't know so.. I'm hoping someone will tell me. I am also genuinely interested in what others think or would do as I like to hear different perspectives and counter arguments. I think this makes for a more well rounded/informed decision to be made.

And High-tower... this will involved me selling at least 2 other bikes... and maybe an instrument or two. Bikes are just bikes though and though I worked on them for a few years now... I could always replace them with something similar.

 

[Rob Farmer]

I'm going down the Richie Moore route for my PD engine. Richie will do as much or as little as you want him to do, for what I want he'll put a kit together so I can fit the parts myself.

I've already running heads and valves worked on by Richie in my other GS. Very pleased with the results and quality of his parts. I'm running oversize one piece valves and Richies own F1 Tech valve guides along with high comp pistons

Was almost a shame to run the engine and get things dirty

 

[mermoto]

[/QUOTE]




Mermoto

 

[Canuck]

I followed your build thread Rob... that's where I heard about Ritchie in the first place. Perhaps I'll give him a ring and have a chat about prices and time scales etc etc.

I'm in no mad hurry and still unsure what to do to my engine other than I want more torque from it... not interested in speed as much. I've seen people using different cams and jugs etc etc... Maybe I'll get the frame side of things (frame drive and forks) sorted first then play around with the rest of the stuff as and when.

Thanks for chiming in!

 

[Beemerboff]

I would check time frames with HPN first - when I bought the inserts for my GS forks a simple purchase was a long drawn out affair, taking the best part of six months - it even took them 10 weeks after I had the inserts for the charge to appear on my credit card!

Ritchie is well anough known amongst the sort of people who matter that one of his bikes would carry at least the same premium as a HPN - probably more.

 

[Kenny]

Richie Moore...and Made In England

 

[Shep]

Richie Moore...and Made In England

I agree with Kenny, keep it local

It just makes sense

 

[Canuck]

It does keep it local but the bikes will be travelling with me on a semi-permanent basis to North America... I hope. I'm not sure how much of a following he has there, where I know I could shed the HPN perhaps easier based on the name alone. hmmm..... I think I'll give Ritchie a ring tomorrow and see how much money he wants.

 

[Shep]

It does keep it local but the bikes will be travelling with me on a semi-permanent basis to North America... I hope. I'm not sure how much of a following he has there, where I know I could shed the HPN perhaps easier based on the name alone. hmmm..... I think I'll give Ritchie a ring tomorrow and see how much money he wants.

Anybody who wants that kind of bike would be aware of the pedegree of both shops, and the quality of RM stuff is obvious to the naked eye whereas I cant say the same about all the HPN stuff i've seen, rugged yes, but not always pretty.

 

[(RIP) maverick]

It does keep it local but the bikes will be travelling with me on a semi-permanent basis to North America... I hope. I'm not sure how much of a following he has there, where I know I could shed the HPN perhaps easier based on the name alone. hmmm..... I think I'll give Ritchie a ring tomorrow and see how much money he wants.

Perhaps make a decision first on whether this is going to be a keeper and you will make peace with the fact that even though it might have the HPN branding that you will essentially lose money on it.

My take is the hype of HPN/Sheck etc is fizzling out as time goes on, it does not mean they are awesome bikes but what is mega cool for us now won't be for the next generation in 10 years etc. I have a Sheck bike and it is brilliant, I cannot put a price on it as it is worth more for me riding and enjoying it than selling it.

HPN is a pedigree bike and my thought is unless you are loaded and have the cash to throw around you can buy it for the name sake. Else you buy it to own and use as much as possible to get your money's worth. Richie Moore's stuff is brilliant and so his work, he was just not around when the HPN/Sheck boys started out 30/40 years ago

If you going down this road to spend so much money, would an actual face to face visit be not be worth while with either parties to see what you will be getting

 

[Devon]

Alternatively, buy a KTM that will do the same job at quarter of the money

 

[Shurv]

Richie started his quest for GS perfection following the purchase of a HPN prepared rolling chassis many moons ago. He immediately felt that he could do it far better.Nuff said.I think his own bike still remains unfinished, as does mine..............( hint hint Richie!!!!!). Richie is a perfectionist,and really knows his stuff, as long as you're not in a hurry.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

T

How about this today @ Touratech

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Another few







Simply and utterly stunning

 

[Canuck]

( hint hint Richie!!!!!). Richie is a perfectionist,and really knows his stuff, as long as you're not in a hurry.

I wondered what ever happened to yours! I'll send you a pm...

Perhaps make a decision first on whether this is going to be a keeper and you will make peace with the fact that even though it might have the HPN branding that you will essentially lose money on it.


If you going down this road to spend so much money, would an actual face to face visit be not be worth while with either parties to see what you will be getting

My plan it to build two keepers (one for me and one for my father)... without the need to buy another one... but you never know what could happen... iInever meant to stay in the UK... 11 years and counting! I've decided to go for Richie... tried to ring him today but no answer so will try next week.

TView attachment 212960

How about this today @ Touratech

Put on a 21inch front and I'd have that... looks perfect to me as long as that rear rack is strong enough... I suppose I'd have to have vern test it with a hammer?!?

 

[richie moore]

I can take a hint, Goodwood project now finished and raced last weekend, it should be on itv4 soon.

 

[Canuck]

Wahey!! If you had a missed call at around 14:30 it was me... I'll try you on Monday Richie.