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British Bikes / Re: 1932 Coventry eagle Silent supreme
« on: October 01, 2026, 11:16:51 PM »
Nope, but I have one ordered.
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2
British Bikes / 1932 Coventry eagle Silent supreme
« on: October 01, 2026, 09:22:57 PM »
Does anyone know the stud size for the carburetor studs on a 1932 Coventry Eagle Silent Supreme with the proprietary Coventry engine?
Mine are in pretty nasty shape.
I've tried to replace with a 1/4" x 26 tpi BSC on one end and 1/4" x 20 tpi on the other and that's a no go.
This thing is going to be a bear to revive.
Mine are in pretty nasty shape.
I've tried to replace with a 1/4" x 26 tpi BSC on one end and 1/4" x 20 tpi on the other and that's a no go.
This thing is going to be a bear to revive.
3
British Bikes / BSA B31 Rigid (1949)
« on: August 24, 2026, 05:49:39 PM »
I have a couple of questions about the clutch on a 1949 BSA B#! rigid. It's a 6 spring clutch.
The clutch basket that came on the bike is worn beyond reasonable repair. I manage to fine a NOS one on evilbay, but when I started reassembly I notice a couple of differences.
1. The band around the clutch basket that came with the bike is 1 inch wide.
The "new" one is 1 1/4 inch.
It seems to clear the outer cover so no rubbing or dragging is noticed.
Is that difference in width going to be a problem?
2. My mechanics manual states that the clutch should have 5 fiber plates, although some folks went with 4 back in the day.
My bike came with 3
Should I add one or two or is it ok with the 3?
3. Last question. When I torque down the mainshaft clutch nut (no where near the 60 ft-lbs, but tight) the transmission seems to bind up It turns, but is tight.
I look forward to your advice.
Thanks.
The clutch basket that came on the bike is worn beyond reasonable repair. I manage to fine a NOS one on evilbay, but when I started reassembly I notice a couple of differences.
1. The band around the clutch basket that came with the bike is 1 inch wide.
The "new" one is 1 1/4 inch.
It seems to clear the outer cover so no rubbing or dragging is noticed.
Is that difference in width going to be a problem?
2. My mechanics manual states that the clutch should have 5 fiber plates, although some folks went with 4 back in the day.
My bike came with 3
Should I add one or two or is it ok with the 3?
3. Last question. When I torque down the mainshaft clutch nut (no where near the 60 ft-lbs, but tight) the transmission seems to bind up It turns, but is tight.
I look forward to your advice.
Thanks.
4
British Bikes / Re: Coventry Eagle 1932
« on: June 23, 2026, 03:35:22 PM »
Any idea which Villiers engine this is?
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British Bikes / Re: Coventry Eagle 1932
« on: June 20, 2026, 02:58:31 PM »
Thanks folks. You have to love the vintage motorcycle community. No matter how unusual the bike is or how strange the problem, somebody out there has ideas and tips they are willing to share.
I'm off pursuing some of these now.
Thanks.
I'm off pursuing some of these now.
Thanks.
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British Bikes / Re: Coventry Eagle 1932
« on: June 17, 2026, 07:54:23 PM »
You guys are spot on with the pics. I expect I'll have to fabricate one. Might go so far as to try fabricating a model and the sandcasting one. Although welding one up is starting to appeal to me as well. Expecting a few false starts, but that's why we work on these old things. Right?
But, if you have one around and have some time for measuring, I would appreciate any help I could get.
But, if you have one around and have some time for measuring, I would appreciate any help I could get.
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British Bikes / Coventry Eagle 1932
« on: June 16, 2026, 03:06:55 PM »
I recently came into possession of a 1932 Coventry Eagle Silent Supreme that has the Coventry proprietary engine. Sadly it's missing the intake manifold.
Does anyone have a clue where I might find one?
Thanks
Does anyone have a clue where I might find one?
Thanks
8
British Bikes / A Tale of Two Gearboxes
« on: April 08, 2026, 09:58:05 PM »
I have a 1949 BSA B31. The gearbox is a mess so I got another hoping to use two to make one serviceable.
I've come up with a situation that I cannot find any information on.
In one gearbox the mainshaft gear (24-4231) slides on the shaft easily. In the other it took 5 tons of pressure to remove the gear from the shaft and if it goes back on, it will take a press to get it there. The easily moveable one will not slide on the other shaft either.
Question is: Which it correct?
Does the mainshaft gear move along the mainshaft in normal operation or is it supposed to be fixed and stationary during operation?
Many Thanks.
I've come up with a situation that I cannot find any information on.
In one gearbox the mainshaft gear (24-4231) slides on the shaft easily. In the other it took 5 tons of pressure to remove the gear from the shaft and if it goes back on, it will take a press to get it there. The easily moveable one will not slide on the other shaft either.
Question is: Which it correct?
Does the mainshaft gear move along the mainshaft in normal operation or is it supposed to be fixed and stationary during operation?
Many Thanks.
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British Bikes / BSA B31 Timing Inner Cover
« on: March 10, 2026, 04:56:48 PM »
I set out to replace the speedo drive bushing and what seemed to be a simple task suddenly isn't. It seems as if some goober has totally destroyed the retaining pin that holds it in.
If I remove the inner timing cover will I be able to get to the bushing and replace it?
If the answer to that is yes, the next question is how do you get the thing off?
So far I've only found two screws toward the back that seem to hold it on. That doesn't seem right.
In the attached pic, what must come off to get this plate off? My parts manual leads me to believe that the shifting mechanism stays in one piece. Do I remove all the kickstart mechanism?
My shop manual says refer to a BSA dealer. Those folks are far and between these days.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
If I remove the inner timing cover will I be able to get to the bushing and replace it?
If the answer to that is yes, the next question is how do you get the thing off?
So far I've only found two screws toward the back that seem to hold it on. That doesn't seem right.
In the attached pic, what must come off to get this plate off? My parts manual leads me to believe that the shifting mechanism stays in one piece. Do I remove all the kickstart mechanism?
My shop manual says refer to a BSA dealer. Those folks are far and between these days.
Any and all help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
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British Bikes / BSA b31 Dynamo
« on: February 19, 2026, 05:47:49 PM »
I recently came to own a 1949 BSA B31 without a hint of a wiring harness. The magneto throws a hot spark, so I'd like to see if it will start up.
Question is will I damage the dynamo by running it under no load?
Thanks.
Question is will I damage the dynamo by running it under no load?
Thanks.
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British Bikes / Re: Igniton points cam oiler?
« on: February 07, 2026, 04:04:45 PM »
Thanks to all. I can certainly do that
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British Bikes / Igniton points cam oiler?
« on: February 06, 2026, 09:03:28 PM »
I recently picked up a 1949 BSA B31 in pretty much complete condition. I've been getting acquainted with it before I start any serious work.
I have a question concerning the magneto and how the ignition points cam is lubricated. The points spin around while the plate cam stays fixed. The mechanics manual gives directions for oiling a wick.
I can't find wick anywhere in the points compartment. The manual shows a picture of a fixing screw for the oil felt, but nothing resembling a felt.
Can anyone tell me where to look and what it might look like? A picture would be fantastic.
Thanks.
I have a question concerning the magneto and how the ignition points cam is lubricated. The points spin around while the plate cam stays fixed. The mechanics manual gives directions for oiling a wick.
I can't find wick anywhere in the points compartment. The manual shows a picture of a fixing screw for the oil felt, but nothing resembling a felt.
Can anyone tell me where to look and what it might look like? A picture would be fantastic.
Thanks.
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British Bikes / Re: Bonneville's Got a Crunch
« on: October 08, 2025, 10:08:35 PM »
Yep. Pretty much did that. And the "crunch" went away.
Thanks to all.
Thanks to all.
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British Bikes / Re: Bonneville's Got a Crunch
« on: October 08, 2025, 06:03:53 PM »
More researching leads me to believe that over ramping might be the problem.
Anyone have any ideas on how to fix this problem?
Thanks.
Anyone have any ideas on how to fix this problem?
Thanks.