In Steve's words:
"Hazel keeps on mentioning her B25SS/B40 so here’s the story so far of my B25SS. The bike belonged to the son of a friend of mine and he used to go to work on it. One day it broke down and people at work (Foley Motorcycles in Stoke if you know them) diagnosed the need for a re-bore. The engine was part stripped and the barrel sent to “a friend who does these things”. The owner then rode a Japanese bike. He was unfortunately involved in an accident and didn’t survive. The BSA sat in dad’s shed for four years reminding him of the lost son. He eventually decided that he had to sell the bike but felt that it should at least be in a running state. On trying to retrieve the barrel from the “friend” he was informed that it had been lost!
At this stage I became involved. My friend knew that I had BSA‘s and asked for help in getting the bike running. We managed to buy a replacement barrel (still on standard bore, and not in need of a re-bore) and a new, standard piston. We started to put the engine back together but did not manage to complete the job before winter. After winter was over my friend phoned me up and told me to bring my trailer round to his house, he was giving me the bike! This I did.
When I got the bike home I started investigating things further. I knew that there was no oil filter in the return line and, following discussions with various dealers, I was told that filters usually fitted to a Norton Commando would suffice. Needless to say, having acquired one with spare filter elements, it would not fit directly. A bracket was needed to allow the element to clear the swinging arm! I then turned to the electrics. There were no indicators, no large capacitor for running without a battery (but who needs that?) incorrect switchgear on the handlebars, and the wiring was frightening! I obtained proper wiring and connectors and re – did the wiring. With the engine in place but no oil pipes I could not properly try anything but I could move the kick start lever by hand which points to other possible problems. One or two friends on my estate suggested that I had a word with someone who lives round the corner from me and who has restored bikes for others in the area. I went to see him and asked for, at least, some advice. He no longer does restorations but said to take the engine to him, we (he) could strip it down whilst I was there and he would pass judgement. The due day dawned and, having taken the engine out of the frame and the head and barrel off, I took it to him. Before stripping he looked at the barrel (apparently ok although needing a hone), and also the piston which matched the barrel. As far as he could see the head and valves seemed ok but that would need to be stripped to give a proper decision. The next part to come under scrutiny was the big end! This was good and properly shot (not his words but I wouldn’t put them in print). On further stripping down, the shells (-20 thou) were wrecked, the crank shaft needed a re – grind and the con rod was scrap! A local firm has managed to turn the crank shaft to -30 thou, Autocycle Engineering have produced some new, -30 thou, shells, and they’ve also come up with a brand new Daytona con rod which should fit.
This is the current state of play with the engine; I’ve got other jobs to do before it will be on the road (hopefully next season).
To Be Continued………"
Steve
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Sunday, 8 November 2009
New front wheel!
More attractive than the Ariel 3, here's a piccie of the rather lovely 21" Triumph Adventurer front wheel I have bought for the B40/B25SS project:
Ariel 3 project
Well, last weekend I finally collected the Ariel 3 project and today I had fun washing it to find out what was underneath all the dust. The answer is.........lots of rust! You'll be overjoyed to hear that it is all solid and should just need a bit more cleaning and a touch of paint. I'm also hopeful of obtaining a new piston soon so the Ariel 3 should live again!
I've also added a slideshow, should you wish to see more piccies of Ariel's bathtime!
Friday, 23 October 2009
Stafford Show - 16-18 October 2009
Jon and Myles had taken their bikes (Jon's B31 and Myles' B40) to the show so Rhys and I set off to pick them up, after I had finished work. When we arrived, we found that the stand was already almost fully assembled. As well as the expected impressive display of bikes, there was a cutaway B31 engine on display which kept Rhys entertained (ok, it made me quite happy too and I'd like one at home!). Most of the stands in the show were fully set up so it was a good opportunity for a wander around. The VJMC stand had a Captain Pugwash theme and lots and lots of excessively shiny motorcycles - I think Myles would have found it deeply disturbing. Such shininess does seem a touch unnatural! Jon had already managed to spend money on some books relevant to his BSA B2 and had his eye on a complete 1930s BSA tool kit. By this time most people were leaving so we set off for home, ready for an early-ish start the next day.
On Saturday, we managed to be back at the show by about 9.00 so missed most of the crowds. As well as all the club stands and trade stalls, there were trials demos and the Wall of Death to keep people entertained and the weather was favourable for walking around searching the autojumble. I had it in mind to find a suitable 21 inch front wheel for the B40 project but after an unsuccessful day hunting decided that perhaps I didn't want one after all. Near the trials demo, there was an interesting but bird-poo-encrusted trials James for sale - it would have been very tempting if the sheds hadn't been at bursting capacity already! I had promised myself not to purchase any more bikes or projects and I was going to be strong and stick to that promise. Back at the BSAOC stand, Cliff and Daphne reported a very successful day in selling tickets for the raffle bike. After a long and tiring day, we called in at the Railway Inn for a nice meal and to spend some time with the more hardy members of the club who were camping in the pub garden and car park. Much as we would have enjoyed their company, I was still glad to be going home to a nice warm bed.
On Sunday, the early morning was very chilly and I was again grateful that we had decided not to camp. We reached the showground before 9.00, had breakfast in the showground cafe and then headed for the stand. I decided to stand in for the cleverer people (who hadn't yet arrived) and try to look up bike details on the computer for people who wanted to find out more about their machines. I find the factory despatch records fascinating and it was very satisfying to trace one chap's recently acquired one-previous-owner B33 to the shop in Selby from which it was originally purchased. Somehow, during the course of the morning, I became swayed from my course of "no more bike purchases" by the lure of something I have always fancied - I couldn't miss the opportunity to become the proud owner of an Ariel 3, could I?
Another trawl around the autojumbles found me investing in several necessary items I hadn't known I needed but I didn't feel I wasted any money and I can't understand why my fellow club members weren't more enthusiastic about the bright pink fuel pipe I purchased. Spent some time eyeing up a mini-lathe (that I don't know how to use) but managed to resist (I was talked out of it, something less expensive will come up one day....).
Another busy day but it was soon all over. Jon had to set off home a little bit early as the B31 charging system had left him without lights but Rhys and I stayed a little longer and helped to shift a few carpet tiles in the direction of Colin's van before heading back to our van. On the way to the van, I stopped for a last look at the interesting James. Dave appeared and we had a chat about the value of the bike, then the owner/seller turned up and Dave haggled it down to a decent price for me. I felt quite bad about having to explain that I couldn't really buy the thing because Jon would probably kill me if I got home with another bike in the back of the van. I think the bloke just assumed I was a nutter.........
I always enjoy the Stafford Show. Ok, there are the usual examples of ridiculously overpriced "projects" for sale but I rather think they are part of the entertainment and there are always bargains to be had too. The October show is more Japanese-bike orientated but, even if you loathe Jap bikes, there are still plenty of interesting exhibits and trade stalls to keep you satisfied - and it all else fails to entertain you, there's always the BSAOC stand for some good company and a nice cuppa!
Piccies can be seen in the slideshow section.
On Saturday, we managed to be back at the show by about 9.00 so missed most of the crowds. As well as all the club stands and trade stalls, there were trials demos and the Wall of Death to keep people entertained and the weather was favourable for walking around searching the autojumble. I had it in mind to find a suitable 21 inch front wheel for the B40 project but after an unsuccessful day hunting decided that perhaps I didn't want one after all. Near the trials demo, there was an interesting but bird-poo-encrusted trials James for sale - it would have been very tempting if the sheds hadn't been at bursting capacity already! I had promised myself not to purchase any more bikes or projects and I was going to be strong and stick to that promise. Back at the BSAOC stand, Cliff and Daphne reported a very successful day in selling tickets for the raffle bike. After a long and tiring day, we called in at the Railway Inn for a nice meal and to spend some time with the more hardy members of the club who were camping in the pub garden and car park. Much as we would have enjoyed their company, I was still glad to be going home to a nice warm bed.
On Sunday, the early morning was very chilly and I was again grateful that we had decided not to camp. We reached the showground before 9.00, had breakfast in the showground cafe and then headed for the stand. I decided to stand in for the cleverer people (who hadn't yet arrived) and try to look up bike details on the computer for people who wanted to find out more about their machines. I find the factory despatch records fascinating and it was very satisfying to trace one chap's recently acquired one-previous-owner B33 to the shop in Selby from which it was originally purchased. Somehow, during the course of the morning, I became swayed from my course of "no more bike purchases" by the lure of something I have always fancied - I couldn't miss the opportunity to become the proud owner of an Ariel 3, could I?
Another trawl around the autojumbles found me investing in several necessary items I hadn't known I needed but I didn't feel I wasted any money and I can't understand why my fellow club members weren't more enthusiastic about the bright pink fuel pipe I purchased. Spent some time eyeing up a mini-lathe (that I don't know how to use) but managed to resist (I was talked out of it, something less expensive will come up one day....).
Another busy day but it was soon all over. Jon had to set off home a little bit early as the B31 charging system had left him without lights but Rhys and I stayed a little longer and helped to shift a few carpet tiles in the direction of Colin's van before heading back to our van. On the way to the van, I stopped for a last look at the interesting James. Dave appeared and we had a chat about the value of the bike, then the owner/seller turned up and Dave haggled it down to a decent price for me. I felt quite bad about having to explain that I couldn't really buy the thing because Jon would probably kill me if I got home with another bike in the back of the van. I think the bloke just assumed I was a nutter.........
I always enjoy the Stafford Show. Ok, there are the usual examples of ridiculously overpriced "projects" for sale but I rather think they are part of the entertainment and there are always bargains to be had too. The October show is more Japanese-bike orientated but, even if you loathe Jap bikes, there are still plenty of interesting exhibits and trade stalls to keep you satisfied - and it all else fails to entertain you, there's always the BSAOC stand for some good company and a nice cuppa!
Piccies can be seen in the slideshow section.
Ariel 3!!!!!
I will soon be on the lookout for Ariel 3 spares - a piston and a manual in particular. Give me a shout if you know where I can get them. Thanks.
Check out the link to the Ariel 3 museum and try not too be too envious of my soon-to-be new toy!
Check out the link to the Ariel 3 museum and try not too be too envious of my soon-to-be new toy!
Velo Club jumble
George has emailed to let us know that the Velo Club are holding their jumble tomorrow at Aston Village Hall, Stone (Saturday 24th October). This starts at 10.00am and will finish at about 1.00-2.00pm.
George also mentioned the availability of "Great Banger and Bacon Butties" but I don't know if there will be any CAKE for Myles!
George also mentioned the availability of "Great Banger and Bacon Butties" but I don't know if there will be any CAKE for Myles!
Severn Valley Railway Day - A report from Steve Share
Run to Severn Valley Railway Vintage Vehicle Day, 11 10 09
I left home at about 9.00 a.m. with a view to meet others at the Swan at Forton at 10.00. The weather was dull but dry and the weather forecast was for a reasonable day. When I arrived at the Swan, Phil was already there and others soon appeared. We set off shortly after 10.00, there being 7 BSAs, 2 modern Triumphs and a Honda. Myles led us round Newport, past the agricultural college, heading for our first stop, a coffee break at the Museum of Iron at Coalbrookdale. How we got there I don’t know, my navigational skills are obviously useless. I think I remember a sign for Wrockwardine and one for Wellington. By this time it had started to drizzle a little, not much, just enough to make the road greasy – especially the last stretch into Coalbrookdale where the narrow lane had moss growing on the surface! Certainly, one member of the party expressed the statement that the slick on the back of his Starfire did not like the conditions!
After a cup of coffee and use of the “facilities” it was back on the road through Much Wenlock and on to the Bridgnorth bypass, then turning south on the Kidderminster road. We arrived at Kidderminster at 12.10 to be greeted by Birmingham Roger on his Triumph Tiger outfit accompanied by his two daughters. We had a good look round the vehicles outside the station and inside on the station forecourt. There were a wide variety of cars ranging from a fairly modern Fiat 500, a Ford 97e (sit up and beg Popular), a beautiful Bristol, a Jaguar, and inside, amongst others, a 1955 Riley RME, a 1930’s Cluley (no, I’d never heard of them either. They were a car built by a small family firm and this one was owned by a descendant.), a Rover 100, and a flat tank Sunbeam motor cycle.
Leaving Kidderminster, we set off for Bewdley (picking up a couple on a Royal Enfield en route) where we found Jon and Hazel waiting for us. Jon’s Enfield was having a sulk, refusing to go any further until Myles gave back the battery he’d borrowed. This problem was soon sorted.
Looking around the site there were a large number of vehicles ranging from an Ariel motor bike, a Messerschmitt bubble car (I think), a Nash Metropolitan , Land Rovers, and many others. Our next stop was Arley where the military Land Rovers had set up camp in one corner, accompanied by a military Morris 1000/1100 Traveller. There was a rather lovely Lotus sports car and a ‘30s car whose occupants appeared to have the wicker picnic basket in use. We stayed there for a time to watch the train through and then some of us left to go to Highley. What happened to Jon and Hazel I don’t know! (We were in the pub at Arley!)
Arriving at Highley we parked where we could (it was a little cramped!) with me parking near a pair of MGA sports cars. I discovered a minor problem at Highley. Walking to the Kiosk I passed the Station Master who took one look and said “I suppose it’s you brought that gang of Hells Angels!” It’s a good job I know him well enough! We left there and headed for Hampton Loade station although three peeled off to go straight home. When we reached the station it was to find that, due to an unfortunate mishap two or three weeks previously, the station was not as well attended as in previous years. We did, however, meet a couple with their own Tribsa – although they brought one-upmanship into play when they heard about Hazel’s Tribsa. Like hers, this one has a B25 frame, but it has a 500 Daytona engine squeezed in and it has a lovely alloy tank. Did anyone think to obtain their details and invite them to N Staffs branch? I think they came from the Wolverhampton area. We phoned Hazel to be told that they were at Bridgnorth and would see us there. The couple with the 500 came with us. I had a slight upset at the junction of the Hampton Loade road where I stalled the A65 and had severe difficulty starting again – because I couldn’t hold the bike on the slope whilst trying to turn the kick start lever out! I managed eventually and arrived at Bridgnorth to find the others drinking and talking. I had a swift (soft) drink from the bar and left to make my way home after having had an enjoyable day out where the weather had been mostly reasonable, and I had been in the company of like minded friends. I just hope somebody managed to take some good photographs, and here’s to next year!
Steve Share
Thank you, Steve. There are some photos in the slideshow section of the blog - if anyone has any more, I would be happy to add them.
Stafford Show report and slideshow will also be available soon.
I left home at about 9.00 a.m. with a view to meet others at the Swan at Forton at 10.00. The weather was dull but dry and the weather forecast was for a reasonable day. When I arrived at the Swan, Phil was already there and others soon appeared. We set off shortly after 10.00, there being 7 BSAs, 2 modern Triumphs and a Honda. Myles led us round Newport, past the agricultural college, heading for our first stop, a coffee break at the Museum of Iron at Coalbrookdale. How we got there I don’t know, my navigational skills are obviously useless. I think I remember a sign for Wrockwardine and one for Wellington. By this time it had started to drizzle a little, not much, just enough to make the road greasy – especially the last stretch into Coalbrookdale where the narrow lane had moss growing on the surface! Certainly, one member of the party expressed the statement that the slick on the back of his Starfire did not like the conditions!
After a cup of coffee and use of the “facilities” it was back on the road through Much Wenlock and on to the Bridgnorth bypass, then turning south on the Kidderminster road. We arrived at Kidderminster at 12.10 to be greeted by Birmingham Roger on his Triumph Tiger outfit accompanied by his two daughters. We had a good look round the vehicles outside the station and inside on the station forecourt. There were a wide variety of cars ranging from a fairly modern Fiat 500, a Ford 97e (sit up and beg Popular), a beautiful Bristol, a Jaguar, and inside, amongst others, a 1955 Riley RME, a 1930’s Cluley (no, I’d never heard of them either. They were a car built by a small family firm and this one was owned by a descendant.), a Rover 100, and a flat tank Sunbeam motor cycle.
Leaving Kidderminster, we set off for Bewdley (picking up a couple on a Royal Enfield en route) where we found Jon and Hazel waiting for us. Jon’s Enfield was having a sulk, refusing to go any further until Myles gave back the battery he’d borrowed. This problem was soon sorted.
Looking around the site there were a large number of vehicles ranging from an Ariel motor bike, a Messerschmitt bubble car (I think), a Nash Metropolitan , Land Rovers, and many others. Our next stop was Arley where the military Land Rovers had set up camp in one corner, accompanied by a military Morris 1000/1100 Traveller. There was a rather lovely Lotus sports car and a ‘30s car whose occupants appeared to have the wicker picnic basket in use. We stayed there for a time to watch the train through and then some of us left to go to Highley. What happened to Jon and Hazel I don’t know! (We were in the pub at Arley!)
Arriving at Highley we parked where we could (it was a little cramped!) with me parking near a pair of MGA sports cars. I discovered a minor problem at Highley. Walking to the Kiosk I passed the Station Master who took one look and said “I suppose it’s you brought that gang of Hells Angels!” It’s a good job I know him well enough! We left there and headed for Hampton Loade station although three peeled off to go straight home. When we reached the station it was to find that, due to an unfortunate mishap two or three weeks previously, the station was not as well attended as in previous years. We did, however, meet a couple with their own Tribsa – although they brought one-upmanship into play when they heard about Hazel’s Tribsa. Like hers, this one has a B25 frame, but it has a 500 Daytona engine squeezed in and it has a lovely alloy tank. Did anyone think to obtain their details and invite them to N Staffs branch? I think they came from the Wolverhampton area. We phoned Hazel to be told that they were at Bridgnorth and would see us there. The couple with the 500 came with us. I had a slight upset at the junction of the Hampton Loade road where I stalled the A65 and had severe difficulty starting again – because I couldn’t hold the bike on the slope whilst trying to turn the kick start lever out! I managed eventually and arrived at Bridgnorth to find the others drinking and talking. I had a swift (soft) drink from the bar and left to make my way home after having had an enjoyable day out where the weather had been mostly reasonable, and I had been in the company of like minded friends. I just hope somebody managed to take some good photographs, and here’s to next year!
Steve Share
Thank you, Steve. There are some photos in the slideshow section of the blog - if anyone has any more, I would be happy to add them.
Stafford Show report and slideshow will also be available soon.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
