Hi there,
I have recently become the proud owner of a 1943 BSA M20, and although the bike is in very good condition and starts first kick every time, there are some problems. Any tips that you can offer as to the cause and remedy of any of these would be greatly appreciated!
1) The major one, is that it seems to be running very hot, and in fact yesterday I went on a short run (12km) and the motor was smoking by the time I got home. The insulation tape on the plug lead had also melted, it was that hot! As I pulled into my driveway, she just gasped and the fire went out. It took a long time to cool down and stop smoking, and I haven't tried to kick it over since. I have a feeling this may be connected to the fact that I can't seem to set the igniton to full advance and the lever only comes about half-way back. I hope I haven't done serious damage to the motor! (Seized piston or warped cylinder or head or worse... is worse possible?)
How does one adjust the travel in the ignition advance lever? How does one knoe if it really is going to full advance?
2) The gearbox likes to select false neutrals when I change up (downward movement of the shift lever.) It then finds the gears (sometimes) when the lever is moved upwards. Is this simply a question of clutch adjustment, or is it likely to be the selector arm? (or something else?)
3) The choke won't stay open and the lever keeps wandering forward, towards the closed position. How does one adjust this and then make sure it stays where it's supposed to?
4) What grade of fuel should I be using, and what additives do people recommend?
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