Had to let this run for a bit as I am biased!
'The Duke' has been with me since '76.
Steffan, "Nice" and "Boneville" in the same sentence is an oxymoron. As for being "heretical"? I would disagree. I think 'philistine', might be more apt, but only in the context of trading a Desmo350 for a Bonnie'! "You can use philistine to describe people or organizations who you think do not care about or understand the value of good art, music, or literature."
As for Rhinoman's 'special'! MMMMmmm! I'm going to delve into it's past if possible. Any more clues, please?
My initial enquiries have raised suggestions of "mid '80's". I suspect the ignition timing/electrics could have been the problem with the starting/running and the upright stance of the engine wouldn't have helped with the carb, float/fuel levels and the updraught effect it may have afforded unless the inlet tract was modified. All speculation unless more details available.
The frame looks a bit Honda 350SG 'ish, but the tubing all looks of smaller diameter and of a different layout with welded up 'slugs' halfway down the front down tube and just above the left knee on the rear part of the engine loop! Also, with the engine sat bolt upright in the frame, I suspect the weight would have been in the wrong places for good handling. 'Though if you can't get it started, that is of little consequence! Again, all speculation unless more details available.
Thank you for sharing the picture. I'll have to scan some of mine.
Regards to you all on this thread, Bill.
P.S. You should try a Duke single, sometime, Andy230!
