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British Bikes / Re: BSA b31 Dynamo
« on: February 20, 2026, 04:07:39 PM »
Many thanks. 
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2
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.
3
British Bikes / Re: Igniton points cam oiler?
« on: February 07, 2026, 04:04:45 PM »
Thanks to all. I can certainly do that
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
British Bikes / Bonneville's Got a Crunch
« on: October 05, 2025, 09:41:37 PM »
I have a 1973 Triumph Bonneville T140V that is making a crunch like noise when the clutch lever is pulled in. It does it toward the end of the lever movement.
I've replaced the clutch lever, the clutch cable and all the clutch plates. I filed the slots in the clutch basket to remove rough spots and the plates seem to slide evenly.
I've now disassembled the clutch basket again, but I think I can still feel a rough spot when I push in on the end of the actuating rod. Not much, but I'm thinking that maybe the noise is being amplified by the assembled clutch plates, springs, etc.
Looking for ides as what's left that might be causing this noise.
Many thanks.
Ron
I've replaced the clutch lever, the clutch cable and all the clutch plates. I filed the slots in the clutch basket to remove rough spots and the plates seem to slide evenly.
I've now disassembled the clutch basket again, but I think I can still feel a rough spot when I push in on the end of the actuating rod. Not much, but I'm thinking that maybe the noise is being amplified by the assembled clutch plates, springs, etc.
Looking for ides as what's left that might be causing this noise.
Many thanks.
Ron
8
British Bikes / Re: Whatsit?
« on: August 12, 2025, 05:56:26 PM »
Is it blue is a VERY good question. It was blue, but appeared to be painted with something resembling latex house paint and maybe even with a brush. Darned tough stuff to get off! Like bubble gum.
Some of it was whitish under the blue. Only thing that looked even remotely like factory paint was the inside of the dynamo cover which was blue. It will remain a mystery.
The above piece is heading for a nail on the wall
Thanks all.
Some of it was whitish under the blue. Only thing that looked even remotely like factory paint was the inside of the dynamo cover which was blue. It will remain a mystery.
The above piece is heading for a nail on the wall
Thanks all.
9
British Bikes / Whatsit?
« on: August 10, 2025, 03:48:59 PM »
I bought a rolling basket case of an Ariel Arrow.
It's like putting a puzzle together without much in the way of directions. The parts manual is helpful, but I can't seem to figure out what this piece might be.
Anyone recognize it?
Thanks.
It's like putting a puzzle together without much in the way of directions. The parts manual is helpful, but I can't seem to figure out what this piece might be.
Anyone recognize it?
Thanks.
10
British Bikes / Re: Ariel Arrow?
« on: June 12, 2025, 06:11:52 PM »
Thanks folks. This bike is proving to be full of "creativity".
A modern one is already on order.
A modern one is already on order.
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British Bikes / Ariel Arrow?
« on: June 11, 2025, 02:23:23 PM »
I've pulled the wiring loom from my 1962 Ariel Arrow and am finding all sorts of interesting mysteries. The current on is a "what's this". Pictured below is what I'm thinking is some sort of rectifier. I've never seen something like this, but it doesn't have anything else I would call a rectifier.
Anybody have any opinions?
Thanks.
Anybody have any opinions?
Thanks.
12
British Bikes / Re: Ariel Arrow Flasher?
« on: May 18, 2025, 06:35:34 PM »
I've generated a hypothesis concerning the flasher unit on my Arrow. After extracting the remainder of the wiring harness (no small task), I found many other wires that went nowhere. A comparison of the Leader and Arrow wiring diagrams leads me to believe my Arrow wears the wiring harness off a Leader.
More of the old "use what's on the shelf" methodology I suppose.
More of the old "use what's on the shelf" methodology I suppose.
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British Bikes / Ariel Arrow Flasher?
« on: April 19, 2025, 08:23:50 PM »
I am starting the disassembly of a 1962 Ariel Arrow. In removing the wiring harness, which is in very good condition, I discovered a flasher unit tucked up inside the frame. The bike doesn't have flashers, nor any wiring intended for such.
Does anyone have a clue as to why this flasher is there?
Thanks.
Does anyone have a clue as to why this flasher is there?
Thanks.
14
British Bikes / Re: What is this?
« on: March 12, 2025, 06:06:50 PM »
It's already hanging on a nail. It's such a nice piece of brass, that I hate to assign it that fate. I'll take another lap or two before I hang it up again.
Thanks to all.
Thanks to all.
15
British Bikes / Re: What is this?
« on: March 08, 2025, 09:37:30 PM »
OK. Obviously it's vital.
I'm suspecting it's holding a cable or wire somewhere.
I'm sure I'll spend hours trying to find where (NOT!).
The old stuff is definitely fun. At least they have parts I can lose, which is more than I can say for newer stuff.
Must be why I have so many of the darned things.
Well, it's black now. I have yet to find any other color anywhere else. But, you never know. 75 years is quite a while for a motorsicle to stay unsullied.
I'm suspecting it's holding a cable or wire somewhere.
I'm sure I'll spend hours trying to find where (NOT!).
The old stuff is definitely fun. At least they have parts I can lose, which is more than I can say for newer stuff.
Must be why I have so many of the darned things.
Well, it's black now. I have yet to find any other color anywhere else. But, you never know. 75 years is quite a while for a motorsicle to stay unsullied.