The Riley Racing Carburetor
George Riley, an American racing legend active during the 1930s and 1940s, was a virtuoso in his field, though unrelated to the British Riley Motor Company. Known for his ingenuity, George Riley was a pioneer, developing the first overhead valve (OHV) conversions for flathead racecars and side draft carburetors. His career began in the 1920s, working alongside notable figures like Fred Offenhauser and Leo Gossen.
The Riley Racing Carburetor is crafted from robust 356 heat-treated aluminum, with anodized housings for enhanced durability. These carburetors incorporate Ford Stromberg main jets and idle tubes, as well as Chandler Groves needle seats and adjusting screws. While the exact number of carburetors George produced remains uncertain, many found their way onto drag bikes and hill climbers during the 1950s and 1960s. Notably, George Smith’s “The Tramp” and Chet Herbert’s “The Beast” both featured dual Riley carburetors, dominating the quarter-mile races.
However, following the golden era of drag bikes and hill climbers, Riley carburetors seemingly vanished, with only a few preserved in classic racing museums.
The unique design of Riley carburetors includes free-floating floats, unattached to anything inside the carburetor, reminiscent of Tom Petty’s “free falling.” This innovative feature renders the carburetor insensitive to angles, making it an exceptional choice for motorcycles.
Currently, these carburetors are being installed on a stroked Knucklehead engine. Updates and photos of this project will be shared as progress continues—quite an exciting endeavor!
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