Old Bike Mart - December 2013 - Sample Edition

subscription hotline 01507 529529

t he Established 1985 The Carole Nash Classic Bike ic Show Guide Winter Class20 14 January 4-5, ADVANCE DISCOUNTED

.classicbikersclub.co w w m w

issue

£2.10 december2013 342

ps i worl t r ge d of clas sics at your fin oldbikemart.co.uk

PRESSURE SIDE TRIUMPH OIL FILTER KIT Available for oil in frame and pre-oil in frame models.

(Excluding early unit 350/500cc)

TICKETS

58 ARCH STREET, RUGELEY, STAFFS WS15 1DL

PHONE: (01889) 584758

LE...

NOW ON SA N UNDER 12 GO FREE!

E-mail: kirby@kirbyrowbotham.com www.kirbyrowbotham.com

ADULT ONLY £7, CHILDRE

Newark Showground, Notts NG24 2NY

MMAGNETOS AGNETOS

Call 01507 529529

Dynamos, Regulators rebuilt - guaranteed three years.

One-off components.

Genuine Celluloid covering.

Ball and roller bearings.

Gaskets to pattern or drawing.

EXHAUSTS E X H A U S T S PIPES PIPES MAUFACTURED M A U FA C T U R E D D. H. Day, Aldrans, Church Hill, Wroughton, Swindon, Wiltshire SN4 9JR. Tel: Swindon (01793) 812323 Fax: (01793) 845323 dhday31@hotmail.com

STARTS HERE

KIDDERMINSTER MOTORCYCLES

s r

Yes, it is Christmas in a few days and a time to be jolly, rather like these two young ladies in December 1923.

Other than a basic caption which says ‘two young ladies Christmas shopping in the West End this morning’ there is little information about this photograph, though we can safely assume the motorcycle is a Ner-a-Car, probably fairly new and the packages don’t appear to be heavy. Merry Christmas from all of us at OBM.

r

TM

60-62 Blackwell Street, Kidderminster DY10 2EE Telephone (01562) 66679 or Tel/Fax (01562) 825826 kmc4bsa@hotmail.com

Your January copy of obm will be with you by Saturday, January 4

C&D AUTOS Post War Spares SPECIALISTS

Worldwide Mail Order Service TEL: 01564 795000 FAX: 01564 795888 canddautos@gmx.co.uk

www.draganfly.co.uk OVER 12000 LINES!

BARNS 5-8 TRACY FARM, REDDITCH ROAD, ULLENHALL, HENLEY IN ARDEN, ENGLAND B95 5NY

SEE OUR MAIN AD INSIDE

NFLY M/Cs DRAGA AN

01986 894798/892826

SAL easylifts Suppliers of all motorcycle lifting benches For details call or see our website Web: www.saluk.info E-Mail: barry@saluk.info

CALL BARRY 07973 286810 • 01697 349295

M a gneto & D yna m o S pecia lists 35 Yea rs E xperience

M a gneto R esto ra tio ns D yna m o R esto ra tio ns

In cludes:R ew in d, N ew C on den ser, C lean ed, R efin ished, S him m ed, R ep lated, R em agn etised, R ebuilt an d T ested M ost M odels £160 + P arts

In cludes:N ew A rm ature, F ield C oil, B earin gs, B rushes, S eals, T ab W asher C lean ed, R efin ished, R ep lated, R ebuilt & T ested M ost m odels £170

1000sofsparesin stock A L L O U R W O R K IS G U A R A N T E E D FO R T W O Y E A R S

F T W M o to rcycles

R /O 6 W inster R d,H illsbo ro ugh,S heffield S 6 2A D P ho ne 0114 233 6269 E -m a il: ftw m o to rcycles@ ho tm a il.co m O ld units ta ken in pa rt pa ym ent. M a gneto s,D yna m o s a nd spa res a lw a ys w a nted

V isit o ur sho p o n

F T W _M o to rcycles

2 NEWS

December 2013

The basement If you’re reading this then it’s a fair bet you like old motorcycles and it’s probably a reasonable assumption you can appreciate other forms of transport too.

Actually, given what I hear when I’m out and about, I know there is a crossover of interest between our steam titles for instance and OBM. Basically, if we’re involved in any kind of mechanical or practical hobby, such as old motorcycles, then we can understand what makes enthusiasts involved with bigger things, like traction engines as an example, tick.

Which is why, like most of the people in the building, I was watching with interest as a special visitor arrived in our car park. With an all up weight of over 100 tons the steam loco Bahamas was on its way to Birmingham for a refit. The lads over in the steam department had a word with the people involved in the restoration and the result was this magnificent 1930s machine ‘overnighted’ at Mortons.

There are a few similarities between restoring a loco and a motorcycle, though I doubt boiler making features highly in our world, okay yes I can see you at the back there, reminding me there are steam motorcycles around. However, the restoration principles are similar. The structure of the machine has to be checked for integrity, the components for wear and the assembly tolerances checked. The only difference is the physical size of what you’re dealing with.

As with motorcycle engineering, there are a lot of skills fast disappearing, skills that would once have formed the backbone of our industrial heritage. Some skills have been replaced by technology, wheel tapping – an old crack testing process involving tapping a loco wheel with a hammer to hear the sound it makes – for instance is now done by ultrasound. However, in the rose tinted world of classics, this isn’t nearly as cosy as a lad in a boiler suit and boots, with a flat cap on, casually – but expertly – tapping a wheel to hear it ring true.

Our OBM archive has sections of images taken in motorcycle factories and it is all much more homespun than clinically clean modern workplaces. Looking at such images of long vanished workshops the connection between worker and work is much more obvious, less intimidating than technology though I will allow it seems much safer these days.

Vintage Motor Cycle Club CEO James Hewing to step down J

ames says: “After over nine years at Allen House I will be stepping down from my role as CEO of the VMCC LTD with effect from December 31, 2013.

“As many of you who know me might imagine, this has been a very difficult decision for me and it is one which I have been wrestling with for some time. However, after nearly a decade in the role I felt it was time to seek a fresh challenge which allowed me to use my experience and skills in a new area.

“While something of a cliché I am also looking forward to having more weekend time with my young family who I have neglected at times, especially over the past few springs and summers. I am delighted that many VMCC members I have met over the

years have become good friends and I am looking forward to remaining a VMCC member myself while taking part in VMCC runs and events as a ‘civilian’!

“My role here at the VMCC has been an extremely satisfying one and I am very proud of what the team here at Allen House has achieved. Against a backdrop of falling membership numbers within similar organisations we have seen huge growth in this area and events such as The VMCC Festival of 1000 Bikes bring us to the attention of a new, younger audience.

“I am confident that the foundations laid in recent years can now be built upon to bring further success to this wonderful, unique organisation. I also want to reassure VMCC members and key stakeholders alike that I

Fifth Moidart run The popular Moidart Run, held the day before the Pre 65 Scottish Two Day Trial, and taking riders out along the Moidart Peninsular along the old Thursday route of the ‘Scottish’ will be on Thursday, May 1, 2014.

There’s a limit of 80 riders and entry is for pre 1979 motorcycles. Organised by Andy Johnstone, John McCrink and Bob Pearson, the run starts at Viaduct Car Park Kinlochleven.

Entries on a ‘first come basis’ close on February 28, 2014, or when full. For entry form and details send a large SAE to John McCrink, Braeside Cottage, Grange Road, North Berwick EH39 4QT. The organisers would like to thank the following for continuing, generous sponsorship and support: Amal Carburetter Company, Davida Helmets, Mortons Media, Mike Ellis Classic Motorcycles and Nick Nicholls. For help and support: The people of Kinlochleven, Jennifer Frazer Glencoe Police Station, Alan McCowan and Donald Dixon at Corran Ferry, Moira Hartley of Kinlochleven Community Trust, Cafe Sunart Strontian, Betty Pearson, Dave Field and Rod Mycock.

Winter get together in the Lakes www.oldbikemart.co.uk email: info@oldbikemart.co.uk

Editor Tim Britton tbritton@oldbikemart.co.uk Publisher Dan Savage Group production editor Tim Hartley Designer Tracey Barton Divisional advertising sales manager David England dengland@mortons.co.uk Advertising Ben Quinn bquinn@mortons.co.uk Lee Buxton lbuxton@mortons.co.uk 01507 524004 Marketing manager Charlotte Park Circulation manager Steve O’Hara Production manager Craig Lamb Publishing director Dan Savage Commercial director Nigel Hole Associate director Malcolm Wheeler Finance director Kathryn Pinder Managing director Brian Hill General Queries 01507 529529 (24hr ansaphone) Archive Enquiries Jane Skayman jskayman@mortons.co.uk 01507 529423 Founder Ken Hallworth OLD BIKE MART (ISSN:1756-9494) is published monthly by Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ UK. USA subscriptions are $48 per year from Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 City Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. Periodical Postage is paid at Bancroft, WI and additional entries. Postmaster: Send address changes to OLD BIKE MART, c/o Motorsport Publications LLC, 7164 City Rd N #441, Bancroft WI 54921. 715-572-4595 chris@classicbikebooks.com

PUBLISHED BY

PRINTED BY

Independent publishers since 1885

01507 523456

■ Kendal Classic Club Winter get together will be on December 28 at the Crooklands Hotel near Kendal (half a mile from Junction 36 on the M6). Guest of honour is the inimitable Mick Wilkinson. Alan Clews will also be there launching the 2014 CCM range. Details from Pete Remington on 01539 560695.

Micro engineering ■ The Midlands Model Engineering Exhibition, now in its 36th year, took place on October 17-20 and was a great success. Visitor numbers held steady from last year. Well over 1000 models were on display across the 40+ club and society stands and in the competition and display classes.

Modellers were also able to stock up on supplies as more than 50 specialist suppliers were at the exhibition. The free lecture programme on a wide range of topics by knowledgeable experts was well attended by visitors and there were also some interesting workshop demonstrations.

Apologies for…

■ Merlin Classic Motorcycles as the phone number has been missed off its advert for the last issue.

Please find the advert under the services guide or call direct! 01827 874572.

James Hewing caught relaxing at Festival 1000 bikes.

will be involved in the handover to ensure a smooth transition to what I believe will be a new management structure which will be based around the club’s elected directors.

“Finally I want to thank everyone for the overwhelming amount of support and encouragement I have received over the years in the job that some had described as ‘an impossible task’. Leading a membership based organisation of so many differing views, interests and opinions has certainly been a challenge but is one I wouldn’t have missed for the world!”

A calendar full of motorcycle legends The Kawasaki Z900, often referred to as the Z1 for short, is the muscle bike introduced in 1972.

Z900.us the world’s leading accessories shop for owners and fans of the Z1 now presents the most beautiful models from around the world in the Z900.us 2014 calendar. The 13 pages of the calendar show thrilling photos of some of the world’s most beautiful specimens of this legendary bike.

Among them is a Z900 restored from the ground up by 1982 world championship runner-up Graeme Crosby who also refined his bike with modern elements. The Z900.us 2014 calendar is printed on high-gloss paper measuring 29.7 x 42cm (DIN A3).

It sells for 25 euros. The calendar is available exclusively online at www.Z900.us.

Singing series sponsors’ praises The coordinators of the Northern British Bike Championship would like to thank their sponsors for their excellent support for our series during 2013.

The championship has had record entries at all of the six rounds and organisers are looking forward to 2014.

Sponsors are Classic Dirt Bike

magazine, Rock Oil, Alan Whitton Race Eng, Wulfsport, Magicals classic shock absorbers S.P. & Venhill Eng. In addition, the six clubs that hosted the rounds – Poachers Pre65 Classic Trials, Midland Classic, South Liverpool Club’ Yorkshire Classic, Llangollen & District MCC & Red Rose Classic Club.

Calendar boys Andy Tiernan’s annual collaboration with the artist known as Nick Ward has just landed at OBM. Yes, it is the Andy Tiernan calendar.

Filled with Nick’s superb drawings, two months to a page, there’s space to write all the important notes to keep your classic life on track. The calendar is in memory of David ‘Beret’ Berry.

‘Beret’ worked for Andy and lost his life in an accident on the way to work.

The incident was attended by the air ambulance, to which worthy cause the proceeds go. A copy can be obtained by sending a cheque, made payable to the

‘East Anglian Air Ambulance’ for £5, plus postage stamps to the value of £1.10 for UK 2nd class postage to Andy Tiernan at Old Railway Station, Station Road, Framlingham, Nr. Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 9EE. Andy asks overseas customers to contact him for a calendar.

Deadline time

There’s no doubt Christmas is on its way, as well as the season to be jolly and wish our fellow man all the best, it means deadlines are all over the place. Thanks to the holidays we need all advertising in by December 12, 2013, to ensure they’re in for the January issue. Got that? December 12, 2013.

want obm delivered to your door?

1 year subscriptions from £14. See page 55 for details

NEWS 3

December 2013

Classic Bike Guide show to serve up a winter feast R

ace ace and 12 times British champion Roger Marshall will be the premier attraction as Newark Showground once again plays host to the event that kickstarts the classic motorcycling calendar…

Back by popular demand, the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic takes place on the weekend of January 4-5, and brings together an extensive array of display machines, trade stands and autojumble plots, as well as former track star Marshall – who will be talking to fans and showgoers about his illustrious career.

“Roger Marshall is right up there as one of the most successful Britons to have ever competed on two wheels,” said Nick Mowbray – exhibition manager at organising team Classic Bike Shows.

“He is a genuine legend of British motorcycle sport and we can’t wait to hear his stories from the good old days.”

Marshall won’t be the only racing star in attendance at Newark with scooter sport celebrities Norman and John Ronald set to participate in a special Q&A session.

The Ronald brothers’ names will be familiar to anyone has followed scooter sport history – the pair achieved success both as individuals and as part of Team S Equipe.

The pair will also present trophies as part of Scooter World – a dedicated area at the event that will showcase many of the UK’s major scooter clubs and individual private entries.

As the curtain-raiser to a superb season of events from the Classic Bike Shows team, the new year show boasts a fantastic range of trade stalls and autojumbles that provide the perfect place to grab some inspiration and a boxful of parts to get restoration projects finished in plenty of time for the summer.

“Starting our year of events at the Carole Nash Classic Bike Guide Winter Classic is always a thoroughly enjoyable experience,” added Nick.

“The superb indoor facilities at Newark Showground make this the perfect location

Roger Marshall will be the guest of honour at the Classic Bike Guide Winter Show.

for a winter show and with all the action located within the halls, walking round and feasting your eyes on the stunning selection of classics makes for the perfect winter warmer.”

Discount advance tickets – priced at just £7 for a one day pass – are now on sale at www.classicbikeshows.com, or can be purchased over the phone on 01507 529529.

Gates are open Saturday, January 4 (9am5pm) and Sunday, January 5 (9am-4pm).

Show Information

Saturday, January 4, 9am-5pm and Sunday, January 5, 9am-4pm Newark Showground, Newark NG24 2NY Advance adult ticket – £7, advance child ticket – FREE (under 12s), advance senior citizen ticket – £7 Advance online ticket sales end at midnight on December 31, 2013.

Future Shows

The 34th Carole Nash Bristol Classic MotorCycle Show, The Bath and West Showground, February 8-9, 2014 The 34th Carole Nash International Classic MotorCycle Show, Stafford County Showground, April 26-27, 2014

Welcome aboard Mr President Incoming president of the TTRA – TT Riders Association in case you didn’t know – is Malc Wheeler.

This appointment is rather fitting as former OBM editor Malc is probably the ultimate TT enthusiast. He’s a former competitor who latterly became an Isle of Man specialist and he works tirelessly behind the TT scenes for the good of the greatest race in the world.

Now he will put his energies to work for the TTRA as well. Membership of this worthy charitable organisation, which relies on fund raising and donations to provide support to former competitors in difficult circumstances, is open to anyone who has started a TT race.

Malc said: “It will be my mission this year to increase the profile of the TTRA.” Malc is pictured receiving a cheque for the organisation from Mortons commercial director Nigel Hole.

Scott celebrating centenary Off roaders will know that the greatest one day trial in the world ‘The Scott’ will be 100 years old in 2014.

Though no longer exclusively the preserve of Scott motorcycles the Yorkshire two-strokes are the reason for the event in the first place. Unique in major observed trials the Scott has a time element making winning it a balancing act between setting a faster time or keeping your feet up.

There are of course those who can

hurtle round like racers and still keep their feet up but for most winners it has been a case of taking a second or two to check the sections and saving a few marks.

Anyway, former winner Alan Lampkin is arranging a centenary celebration late on in 2014 and is looking for as many past winners to come along as is physically possible.

Look out for more details as and when they’re firmed up.

Frank Phillips Scott mounted for the very first Scott Trial.

It’s a matter of custom at Milan

Nigel Hole (left) and new TTRA president Malc Wheeler with a cheque for £750.

The editor of OBM sister title Scootering magazine, Andy Gillard, was over at the massive Milan show recently – there’s always a load of stuff there to interest his readers.

As he was dashing from stand to stand and hall to hall he came across this custom stand with some nice stuff on it. We know very little about the bikes or the company exhibiting them other than the bikes look stunning.

10 OUT & ABOUT

December 2013

S

The Gaffer’s Gallop Ready to head north from Land’s End... Photo by Stuart Shaw.

In Turner’s day, this was the Caledonian hotel, a grand and luxurious retreat overlooking Loch Ness. Photo by Stuart Shaw.

The Salutation Hotel in Perth fed and watered Turner and crew mid way through their long ride from Carlisle to Inverness, and so the modern day Gallopers chose to break their journey here too.

The Old Bell in Malmesbury did the riders proud with a fantastic lunch laid on in recognition of the fact that Turner’s Team dined here on the original Gallop.

Photo by Stuart Shaw.

ixty years ago Triumph’s top brass, in the form of Edward Turner, Bob Fearon and Alec Masters – or the men who designed, made and serviced the Terrier – set out for John o’ Groats from Land’s End. In 2013 an intrepid group of enthusiasts attempted the same.

To view the eight Triumph Terriers in a row outside the Victoria Inn, Roche, on October 6, 2013, exactly 60 years to the day after Edward Turner had set off from the same place on his famous end to end jaunt, was an evocative moment for all involved.

Even more exciting was when the clock struck 11.40am and the little bikes were fired up and the group of Gaffers Gallopers rode south to Land’s End. After completing a photo shoot, those who wished to undertake the same 1008 mile journey that Turner completed, set forth to Exeter and with the nature of the ride being a rather laid back affair, people were able to join and depart at any stage.

By the time they arrived for the first overnight stop, at least two Terriers and two Cubs required surgery of differing degrees, and the owners undertook tasks including a complete carburettor swap, an engine swap and an oil pipe replacement, finally scrubbing up and making it in for a meal at 10pm.

The morning saw three Terriers, including one from Belgium, and one Cub set off, with the aim of arriving in Malmesbury in time for lunch. In 1953, Turner and his gang rolled up at the Old Bell Hotel, and no doubt sat down to a hearty feast – just as the modern day group was promised.

It was hugely disappointing that the timings went awry and as well as missing the scheduled lunch, the riders also missed the majority of well-wishers who had turned out to

OUT & ABOUT 11

December 2013

Not sure which part of the route this is but at least the road is dry and the sun is shining! Photo by Derek from Greystones.

witness this historic moment. With the afternoon drawing on, the group took up a kind offer from Pilot Rae, a lone MZ rider who guided them safely to the Regent Hotel in Royal Leamington Spa for the next overnight stop.

By this time, two bikes that had both been fully kitted out with new and fully checked electrical sundries were suffering charging issues, and it was over to Will Wilson’s shed in Coventry for a five hour session in identifying the problems, followed by sourcing and then modifying the necessary parts, including two alternators.

These were fitted in the morning at the old factory site in Meriden, where a large number of the local TOMCC section and Arthur Jakeman had gathered to greet the gang. While some parts on Cubs and Terriers are interchangeable, it was during roadside fettling that it was realised certain parts needed more modification; the alternator and rotor being prime examples.

Spacers and different sized Woodruff keys were anxiously sought, and it is thanks to Colin Bradshaw from Derbyshire for bringing along a selection of bits from his own Cub, and an even bigger thanks to the brother and friend of Cub rider Stan Savage, who assisted more than ably in the fitment of these items when they

really should have been providing backup for Stan!

From Meriden it was a long old slog north, heading for Scotch Corner and the A66, and finally into Carlisle for the night. The grey morning light saw another attempt to fix Gorgeous Biker Chick’s Terrier clutch, which was slipping so badly that the bike could not even be bump started.

A quick clutch swap didn’t help, and poor Norman Tait, who had joined at Appleby, then suffered electrical woes on his Cub, and was found all alone at the site of the photo shoot, outside the rather grand Crown and Mitre hotel in the centre of town. Geoff Brazendale to the rescue! He nipped off on his trusty old Sunbeam and purchased a battery for Norman to continue his ride.

Three Terriers and one Tiger Cub were left and with one of the T15s being sleeved down to 125cc, they had departed earlier so as not to miss lunch at the Salutation Hotel in Perth. Alas, miss it they did though, and the chef must be thanked for leaving a pan of soup at the ready for the cold and hungry riders, which helped fuel them up for the gruelling 100 mile experience that is the A9; complete with horizontal gusting gales, plenty of rain and a bit of sleet for good measure. With the Scottish

On the last leg – somewhere north of Dornoch and south of John o’ Groats. Photo by Derek from Greystones.

Passports at the ready boys!

Photo by Derek from Greystones.

contingent off the road due to a Cub with a broken plunger fork, a Terrier with a poorly engine and another with a slippery clutch, Scott Connell decided to take them all back home to Edinburgh for some remedial work; catching up with the group up at Inverness that night.

The next morning was chilly, with snow on the mountain tops, and some riders wished to start munching the final 160 miles as soon as possible, while others nipped off to find the Caledonian Hotel in the middle of a road work infested city centre, for the photo shoot. The main group of riders comprising Guy Labbe (Terrier) from Belgium, Ian Farrow (Terrier), Mr Cooper (125cc Terrier) and Mike Spencer (Tiger Cub) made it to John o’ Groats at approximately 4pm – some four hours behind Turner’s time, followed by the rejuvenated Terrier of Gorgeous Biker Chick an hour or so later, which, by this time, had settled down and was running well.

A sheared clutch Woodruff key and a snapped tank bolt scuppered Scott Connell and Muckle Flugga Man’s renewed chances of completing the trip, and there was not a rider among the group who didn’t owe Derek from Greystone Enterprises and Scott’s dad a vote of thanks for their unstinting support.

Five very proud riders completed the Gaffer’s Gallop with only minor stints in the breakdown van, and were met by a party of supporters all the way from Orkney.

Photo by Derek from Greystones.

Thanks to the following for making this trip a reality – Barry the Frame Doctor, Mitas Tyres, RS Bike Paints, The Cub Mag, Acme Stainless, Old Bike Mart, Andy at Classic Performance Oils, The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury, The Salutation Hotel in Perth, Ken the Brake Man, MacSigns, Meriden Off Road, Classic British Motorcycles, Saftek Clutch Relining Service, Speedhut GPS Speedos, Improving Classic Motorcycles, Stu the Paparazzi, Jean-Marie Guivarc’h Official Artist, and to all fellow enthusiasts who turned out to give support, help or just a wave along the way – our apologies for missing some of you.

The starting line up of Terriers at the Victoria Inn, Roche on October 6, 2013, celebrating 60 years to the day since Edward Turner, Bob Fearon and Alec Masters set off on the Gaffer’s Gallop.

18 HOW TO...

December 2013

Worn? Or worn out?

How many times have you looked at a bit from your motorcycle and wondered if it’s okay to use again or should a new bit be used? OBM looks at the world of wear.

S

ometimes it is obvious if a part is way beyond any kind of serviceable use. For instance, I’ve a box full of pistons with chunks out of the skirt, a few broken con rods and a set of crankcases with cracks round the cam housings. All of these bits are unlikely ever to be used to make a motorcycle go and are kept to remind me of past disasters in the hope I won’t let things go as far again.

Once upon a time, when autojumbles were still stocked with new old stock parts for all sorts of machines, restoration was almost as easy as going along with your list and coming home with everything needed for the job.

Sadly those days, certainly for British machines and maybe other countries’ machines too, are long gone. These days it is a case of being discerning over part selection. Perhaps the part

being inspected has seen some service, maybe a lot of service, but does that always mean it is worn out?

Like most of us I have the ability to recognise when some things are beyond use – the bearing and con rod in the pictures with this piece for instance – and should be dumped but the valve and guide is less easy to inspect for the non-engineers among us. What concerns me, and what was the catalyst for this series of features, is: might we be throwing good parts away for no reason? In fact, ripping an engine apart for no good reason can often be a mistake, if the engine oil change is clean, the bike doesn’t vibrate and doesn’t pour white or black smoke out of the exhaust then leaving well alone might be a better option.

A selection of parts, some of which have had a harder life than others.

The intent

So with the help of people who know what they’re about where measuring, micrometers and tolerances are concerned, OBM is going to shed a little light on the subject. To do it we’ve got hold of an engine, actually from the pages of Old Bike Mart. It has been on the shelf in various workshops I’ve had for a number of years and set me back about £90. It wasn’t well packed when sent to me and there are a few fins off the head, most of the alloy is tarnished and the exposed steel is rusty. In fact, for the purposes of this series it is almost ideal. I’ve little or no idea what the inside is like but that’s the beauty of the learning curve. The intention is to end up with a fully working engine; it won’t be catalogue correct, or at least intentionally. If it happens to end up that way then so be it but that’s not the main goal.

Warning!

As with all things where your personal safety is concerned, don’t take risks.

An engine seizing in the fast lane of a motorway is no joke and the times it has happened to me I’ve thankfully been able to make the hard shoulder safely. The words in this piece are a guide only, how you interpret them is up to you.

The aim is to measure parts, show the difference between clearances and wear, wear and acceptable wear and what to do if the part can’t be used and a new bit can’t be found.

In the beginning

Okay, so, it’s a Triumph twin, because that’s what was available, though we’re intending the information to be of use no matter what engine you’re working on and, if time allows, we’ll look at the cycle parts later. You’re going to need a few tools, though with British motorcycles that won’t mean hugely expensive stuff and in a lot of cases the tools will already be in the toolbox. It will be a good idea to have lots of cloths, lots of old newspapers, drip trays and degreasing fluid on hand. Work carefully and safely and the whole experience might just be enjoyable.

Now then wrestling an engine around on a bench is no fun, it can move and drop off the bench. If it lands on your foot and you’re not wearing safety boots then ouch and don’t expect our sympathy. The same if you squirt easing oil in your eye because you’re not wearing those two quid safety glasses. A simple engine stand is easily constructed or there are proprietary ones out there if you want to buy one. Whichever method you use then the whole point is to hold the engine securely.

HOW TO... 19

December 2013

What you’ll need…

Camshafts have their own particular wear conditions, is the hardening on the lobe still okay for instance? This is where the specialists come in.

With the best will in the world, this bearing has had it, it is scrap.

The crank has a little surface rust but does that mean it is useless?

Slipping the guide over valve stem showed little sign of wear, yet there is blow by.

This was the result of a serious seize… but is it scrap?

Inspection

There are several ways of inspecting parts – visually, manually then technically – and they all have their uses. For instance just looking at something is a good start – does it look knackered? Then it might be… but only ‘might.’

Does, for instance, a camshaft feel sloppy in its housing or on its spindle? Or has the big end got vertical play? All of these can be determined

Hmmm it might be possible to save this… if the other bit was available and a really good welder was on hand.

It isn’t the obvious damage that causes the problems, it’s little things like this crack.

manually. Next stage and there’s a bit of measuring to do and a simple micrometer or vernier can prove invaluable here… so long as you can use them. What you’re going to measure is things like the shaft diameters where they spin in bushes, or bores where pistons slide up and down. Essentially, unless you’re an engineer, that’s it for us amateurs, it’s time to involve those that know stuff.

The test engine. Yes it’s a Triumph but the whole ‘is it worn or worn out’ thing will work for all engines.

…depends on how far you’re going to go. You might not want to buy all the equipment in this list, nor do you have to, so there is a star rating alongside each to indicate the importance of having this bit of kit. Four stars is very important, one is less so: A work bench ✸✸✸✸ Cloths ✸✸✸✸ Drip tray ✸✸✸✸ An engine stand ✸✸✸✸ Parts washer ✸✸✸ Spanners to fit ✸✸✸✸ Pullers and extractors ✸✸✸ Feeler gauges ✸✸✸✸ Bore gauge ✸ Storage boxes ✸✸✸✸ Notepad ✸✸✸✸ Camera ✸

December 2013

Advertise your

bike And bits!

For all your classified advertisements and services, Old Bike Mart is the place to be and can be as cheap only £4.00!

Choose one of the following methods:

1 2

3

ONLINE www.oldbikemart.co.uk POST OBM, Freepost DC113, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR FAX the coupon to 01507 525263

Advertise your business from as

little as £8.25 per week!

Call the advertising team now on 01507 524004 and get your phone ringing today!

21

Classified

The smart way to buy or sell your motorcycling gear -MACHINES FOR SALE-

001 Autojumbles: 15 Dec, Normous Newark A/J, Newark Showground, NG24 2NY; See display ads. Tel. 01507 529430.

(T).CL501391C

AJS 350, 1954, very good original condition, taxed, V5C, 16MS model, £2400. Tel. 0117 9867518 for details.OB502711C

AJS 16MS, '56 road scrambles trim, new seat, h/lamp, gaiters, wheels, sprockets, alloy guards, Amal carb and more, rebuilt by enthusiast since the 60s, engine professionally overhauled (500cc in 350cc casings), £3800 ovno. Tel. 01273-236732. Email:crofty1000@gmail.com

AJS 500 1954 very smart old restoration, nice bike, V5C, £2975. Norton model 18 1947 rigid project, dating certificate, £2,250. BSA Bantam D10 very smart old restoration V5C, £895.

01691-650137. (T).YA502722C

OB501903C

AJS Model 12, 1937 250, MoT, 12 miles since restoration, rebored, 6v, AGM battery & V reg regulator, wrong headlamp so no plate not fitted but present, needs new headlamp bulb, £4250; correct horizontal carb available, £100. 01491680295 S. Oxon OB501999C Ariel Golden Arrow Sports 250, 1962, new wheels, tyres, rebuilt engine, needs finishing, £1400.

Ariel Arrow project, race, needs work, £400. James Comet 98cc, 1950, V5C, £950. Honda GG125 project, £295. Tel. 07957 311351.

West Sussex. OB502644C

Ariel Golden Arrow, 1963. ARA 387A, matching numbers, complete restoration last year, engine rebuild, runs as sweet as a nut, MoT, probably best looking Arrow available, good investment at £3950. Tel. John 07702-805988. S E Cornwall.

OB502004C

Ambassador Popular 197, (Villiers), 1949/53 model, girder forks, should have a single seat (missing), not double as in pic, otherwise all there, great winter restoration project, £775. Tel. 01284 850017.

Bury St Edmunds. OB502484C

OB502021C

AJS 1954 350 M CS Scrambler, unrestored but sound, very rare bike, owned 27 years, not used for many years, some spares, needs slight attention to carb and timing, currently on Sorn, £3500. 0115-9275338. Notts. No dealers. OB501703C BSA Bantam, 1969, B175, new wheels, exhaust, seat in excellent condition, must be seen, on Sorn, £1500. Tel. 01491 641476. Oxon.

Amac 1 1/8 carb replated with double lever, £150; Lucas 331 5" gas light, £60; P/H 5" gas light, no reflector, £50; veteran gas rear light, replated, £130; P.H. gas 6" headlight, No 128, with brackets, £100; P.H. gas headlight suiete lightweight, £50; amal 1" horizontal carb, complete, £50; all plus p&p.

Tel. 01306 640884; 07712 184389. Surrey. OB501782C

Ambassador Super 'S', 250cc twin motorcycle, Villiers motor, mostly complete, no docs, but Pre-63 Francis Barnett Cruiser 80, 250cc single, AMC motor, part-restored, 95% complete, no docs, Pre-63, both projects £800 each. Details tel. 01562-754383.

No canvassing OB502025C

Ariel Huntmaster, 1954, engine out of frame, bottom-half rebuilt with new mains, reground crank, camshaft/bearings, remainder solid with good tinware but paint and chrome poor, good restoration project or fit engine and ride, reg no value £700, £2950. 01904690936. OB501750C

Ariel Square Four, 1957, taxed and on the road, although suggest it should be stripped and reconditioned if needed, £8200 ono. Tel. Derrick 07793 426438. Leics. OB502026C BMW R75/5, 1973, powder coated, black/white pinstripe, respoked, stainless spokes, tool kit, on Sorn, possibly tax free 2014, £3800 ono. Tel. 0113 2037751; 07852 511407. Leeds. OB502912C

BMW R80/7, 1978, very nice condition, goes and rides well, twin discs with braided hoses, new battery regulator, rear tyre, taxed, new MoT, good service, history, w/shop manuals, £1950.

Tel. 01633 852775; 07900 893143. S Wales. OB502646C BSA 1934 Blue Star 350cc Deluxe, top bike, in 99% concours condition, £9000 firm. Also Matchless 1964 G2 250cc CSR Monitor Sport also in 99% concours condition, £1850 ono.

Tel. John 01582-832033. Can email photos. Herts. OB502589C

BSA A10 Flash, 1960, 650cc, fully rebuilt then placed in collection, in original rare blue, original numbers, superb machine, old logbook, £5,500.

Tel. 01270 842206.

(T).

DA502429C

BSA B25 Fleetstar, 1972, for restoration, mostly dismantled, 90% there, ex Coventry police, rare and interesting bike, £900; 1970 Bushman, genuine, for restoration, difficult bits present including new frame, in bits, £800. Tel. 01295 788179 eves/w'ends. OB501730C

26

December 2013

PISTONS Genuine British, all makes and models 1920’s - 1970’s FOR SALE and also WANTED James and Francis Barnett Spares

John Harding

01989 750731 Mobile: 07973 889401 johnharding197@live.co.uk

HIDE-DE-HI

CLASSIC BIKE

Oil Filter

Slimline external cartridge oil filter.

Approx. 11⁄2” diam x 7” long Can be hidden - to keep period look.

C.N.C. billet machined alloy.

Black anodized finish.

Price: Only £57 inc. p&p in UK

-MACHINES FOR SALE1969 Greeves Griffon 380 twinport frame, powder coated, new mudguards, seat recovered, new tyres, £1800. 1966 Greeves Challenger 24MX 3A engine rebuilt, new gear box, new shocks, new mudguard & airbox, wheel rebuilt, new rims & tyres, frame powder coated, £2300. Beamish Suzuki 250cc, tank & side panels painted, new mudguards, new tyres, spare frame, road reg Sorn, £1150. Cagiva Alarossa 350cc, trail bike, new rings, wheel rebuilt, alloy rims, missing side panels, import need reg £950. New Cromwell open face helmet, size M, ACU gold, £45 MDR MX boots 43/9 new £45. Tel. 01325 317122.

OB502708C

PROLONG ITS LIFE

Cheque, PO, Cash (owners risk) and enquiries to: Bob Light, Meadow Villa, Green Lane, Hambledon, Hants PO7 4SY, England.

Tel/Fax: 023 9263 2835 Email: BLightB6@aol.com

Harley Davidson FLSTN Deluxe, 2005, 8k miles, tax and MoT 6/ 2014, extras included, screen etc, dry use only, very clean, enthusiastic owner, swap or p/x 1930s/40s/50s V-Twin or Rigid frame, Harley Knucklehead, Pan head, Shovelhead, Bobber. Tel. 07716 171352. Co Down.

OB502641C

Honda 1979 750K Four, rare stunning Ltd Edition, 10th Anniversary Special, all original 1800 miles, yes 1800 miles, show, ride, all paperwork, books, taxed, MoT, don't miss this one, reducing collection, £4800. Tel. 07973 922318. Lancs. OB502647C

R EAN EY & SO N CL ASSIC M O TO R CYCL ES

W AN TED

Bikes& Spa res-A n ythin g con sid ered /b a sketca se/ b a rn fin d s, d iscretion a ssured

TelSheffield 01 24 6 4 1 1 9 77

w w w .rea n eya n d son .co.u k

SPARES

FOR MOST MODELS D1 - A75

AUTOCYCLE ENG. www.auto-cycle.co.uk

Kingsley St., Netherton, Dudley, West Midlands DY2 0PZ

Tel: 01384 253030 Fax: 01384 240401

Honda 250N Super Dream, no MoT, tax, been stood long time, 90% complete, good project, V5C, spare engine with carbs, blue, £300 ovno. Tel. 01756 790043.

Skipton, Yorks. OB502679C

Honda 400T Hawk 1979, wire wheels and drums, new exhaust, tyres shocks, paintwork, very good condition, kickstart only, rare American import ready to go, no it's not a Superdream, £1525. Tel. Paul 01622 670658. Kent.

OB502632C

Honda Benly Super Sport C92, 1964, superb quality motorcycle, show or ride, t&t till Apr 14, £10,000. Tel. 01773 811781. OB502024C Honda C70 1976, 20 genuine miles from new, MoT & taxed for 11 months, as new condition, £1100 ono. Also Excelsior autocycle, and Aberdale autocycle for spares, offers. James Comet, 1960, low mileage, unrestored fair condition, £750 ono. Wanted, Triumph Terrier to restore, would prefer one complete. Also NSU Quicklys for sale, various conditions. Tel. 01275 844813. OB502607C

Honda C72, 250cc, 1964 for sale, near concours, £4000. Tel. 01773 811781 or 01623 550809.

Email: sj_newton@hotmail.com OB502031C

Honda C90, April 1986, 15k miles, 8 months tax and MoT, very clean and original, starts and runs nicely, ready to ride @ £775. Tel. Richard 01373 474849 (Somerset). OB502058C

Honda CB 250, KO, 1968, all original except silencers and paintwork, low mileage 9,750, been stood 3 years, £775. Tel. 07765 187298.

S Yorks.

OB501741C

Honda CB200, 1975,a rough looking but original bike, taxed a MoT until April, £795 ovno. Phone for details 07754 517115.

Derbyshire. OB502894C Honda Dominator SLR 650, 1990, engine rebuilt, runs well, on Sorn, space needed, £525 ovno.

Tel. 01202 249354 after 6pm.

Dorset. OB502469C

FULL RESTORATIONS SPARES ● REPAIRS OHC a speciality Write to:

MARTIN ARSCOTT

Warren Cottage, Tinkers Lane, Tring HP23 6JB Tel/Fax: 01442 862966 Mobile: 0775 1374990 email: marscott@talktalk.net Hours for phone calls 8.30am-6.30pm Mon-Sat

Callers by appointment please

S tua rt T o nge E n g i neeri n g Stuart Tonge Engineering te R o l le l e r St St a r t e rs rs

A JS & M A TCH L E S S

Re plic a S pa re s - S toc kis ts & M a n ufa c ture rs O UR SPAR ES LIST IS CO N STAN TLY EN LAR G IN G .

• Light weight, strong construction • One person operation • Powerful motor • End standing for easy transport and storage • Various widths

W e c a n a ls o u nd erta k e m a nu fa c tu re o f s pa res fo ra ny c lu b s pa res s c hem es .

V isito rs are w elc o m e M o nday to T hursday betw een 9 am and 5 p m .

Any o thertim e by arrangem entp lease.

w w w .a n d re w -e n gin e e rin g.c o.uk SEE O UR W EB SITE FO R SPAR ES LISTS O R SEN D SAE 9 ” x 5 ” 10 0 G R AM S

Tel: 01767 650503 Email: tonge164@btinternet.com

A N DRE W E N GIN E E RIN G (L E IGH)L TD

14 L od ge Roa d , A the rton , M a n c he s te r, L a n c s . M 46 9BL Te l: + 44(0)1942 888848 Fa x: + 44(0)1942 888878

POOKS BOOKS

BUY, SELL, SWAP Books, Brochures, Mags, Manuals Shop at FOWKE ST, ROTHLEY, LEICS TEL: 0116 237 6222 0116 237 6661 FAX: 0116 237 6491

pooks.motorbooks@virgin.net

• • • • •

- EAST DEVON -

MoT Testing Rebores Wheelbuilding Crankshaft rebuilds Thread repairs

DAVE MASSAM MOTORCYCLES

3 WHEELERS YARD, ROAD GREEN, COLYTON, DEVON EX24 6DT

Tel 01297 552396

Email postmaster@davemassam.co.uk

MATT’S MACHINE SHOP 18A WILLIAM STREET, ABERCYNON, MID GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES CF45 4RW

Unleaded valve seats using Serdi equipment • Valve Guides made & fitted • Reboring & Honing • Cylinder sleeving Heads Skimmed • Vapour Blasting • Thread repairs Triumph exhaust ports repaired Big & small ends fitted & honed

Over 20 years experience

TEL/FAX 01443 742791

170 m ile s to the ga llon (a pprox)

ue It’s tr

The Die s e l pow e re d Roya l E n fie ld Bulle te xc lus ive ly from

T ested by T im Britto n

Independent dealers in R oyalEnfield

D ies el engine k its to fit R o ya l Enfield B u llets SP EC IALS M AD E T O O R D ER OVER 40 M ACH IN ES S OL D

Servic e ex c ha nge engines fro m £ 4 75 + V AT c o m plete -rea d y to ins ta ll

N ew w heels com plete,stainless steelrim s and spokes,from £120 + V A T D ieselengine conversion kits available please contact for details

Pric e Pa rts , Cla ra nc e Ho u s e, R o c k ha m pto n, B erk eley, G lo s G L13 9 D R , United K ingd o m . Co nta c t: Henry Pric e, Tel: + 4 4 (0 ) 14 5 4 2 6 1 79 8 Fa x : + 4 4 (0 ) 14 5 4 2 6 1 9 2 1 M o b ile: + 4 4 (0 ) 78 3 6 5 75 8 2 5 Em a il: s a les @ pric epa rtm o to rc yc les .c o .u k W eb s ite: w w w .pric epa rtm o to rc yc les .c o .u k