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British Bikes / Re: My 1951 G2 Trials
« on: October 13, 2026, 10:59:14 AM »
I think he's referring to the rockers feed which of course are plain bearings. Have you checked the pressure relief valve in the crankcase ?
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British Bikes / Re: Troubleshooting a JAP Special
« on: July 11, 2026, 10:36:58 AM »
Could it be the backlash in the cam gears when the torque on the cam is reversed as the follower goes over the peak ? This would be more noticeable when turning slowly.
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British Bikes / Re: My 1951 G2 Trials
« on: June 08, 2026, 10:02:43 AM »
Nookys Nuts in the UK is another supplier who specialise in British threads. Nuts are correctly chamfered on one side only. Small bag of mixed BSC nuts is £12 plus postage.
4
British Bikes / Re: Tiger cub valve timing.
« on: June 02, 2026, 07:39:38 PM »
Well I can now easily kickstart the Cub but may have overdone the lowered compression a little. It start easy and ticks over like a traction engine. Out of curiosity I bought a compression tester to check and it gets to 20 psi which I think is a ratio of roughly 1.5:1 by my suspect reckoning. I don't care, it gets me mobile and on two wheels again while I build strength back in my legs. Thanks for all your comments chaps. Keith
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British Bikes / Re: Albion gearbox BF436 - where used?
« on: May 27, 2026, 10:08:23 AM »
I've used the semi fluid grease in the gearbox and have not had a single drip and a sweet box ( for an Albion). You need patience to fill it though.
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British Bikes / Re: Tiger cub valve timing.
« on: April 22, 2026, 09:19:54 AM »
Thanks Leon, although that doesn't sound much, I think it's worth a go. The effect would be greater with 7:1 piston so might be just enough.
Cheers, Keith
Cheers, Keith
7
British Bikes / Re: Tiger cub valve timing.
« on: April 21, 2026, 02:53:54 PM »
What started me thinking about altering the valve timing was Cub guru Paul Henshaw. He mentioned that a combination of the 9:1 piston and standard cams caused difficult starting due to early inlet closing making higher pressures. He said the 'R' cams closed the inlet later thus lowering the pressure at TDC. I compared standard timing with 'R" timing and they 'looked' similar if the standard was retarded one tooth. I couldn't see any problem with valve / piston entanglements. It was just a thought to get me back in the saddle. I might have to try leg exercises as a last resort.
Cheers,
Keith
Cheers,
Keith
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British Bikes / Re: Tiger cub valve timing.
« on: April 20, 2026, 04:22:12 PM »
I was toying with the idea of trying to fit an Enfield decompressor but there's not much head to play with. Someone suggested a larger engine sprocket and that might be a way forward. It's demoralizing to get old, I even tried my FB with the 196 super sport, but same thing, can't get enough momentum to get over compression. Might be some exercises that'll built up the leg.
Cheers,
Keith
Cheers,
Keith
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British Bikes / Re: Tiger cub valve timing.
« on: April 20, 2026, 09:50:28 AM »
The bikes an easy starter for everyone else, so it has to be my decrepitness. After riding big singles all my life, you wouldn't think a year off would weaken the leg so much. I've put an electric start on the goldie, but can't manage the weight yet. Perhaps I should finish the hand start LE Velo. Thanks for your input.
Keith
Keith
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British Bikes / Tiger cub valve timing.
« on: April 19, 2026, 06:04:19 PM »
Heading into my ninth decade and recovering from two new knees, I been off the bikes for over a year. I thought I'd start small so dug out my tiger cub to help build up the leg strength again. I can't even kick the cub over. Tried the usual tricks, thicker head gasket and longer kickstart but still no joy. Other than drilling a hole in piston, I was wondering if retarding the valve timing one tooth might reduce the peak compression allowing me to get it over. I realise performance may suffer but hopfully it will only be temporary until my strength is back. Do members think it's worth a try ?
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British Bikes / Re: Troubleshooting a JAP Special
« on: March 22, 2026, 11:11:50 AM »
Interesting, I always thought the petrol engine would require more finning because it burns hotter than cool running dope.
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British Bikes / Re: Villiers battery charging system ?
« on: December 02, 2025, 10:53:32 AM »
He may of fitted a cheap chinese reg/rectifier, and that headlight looks like an indian Lucas with a LED bulb to be that bright. I've done similar with my 1929 FB with no lighting coils. I fitted a 45 watt dynamo and made a 12v regulator for it, coupled with 12v bulbs all round, even a brake light. Not concours or to spec but very rideable.
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British Bikes / Re: Villiers battery charging system ?
« on: November 21, 2025, 12:12:12 PM »
The rectifier would be of the selenium type which would have a fair bit of internal resistance also lowering the DC output. Maybe Villiers accidentally invented the first regulator/rectifier. 🤔😁
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British Bikes / Re: Villiers 196 super sports
« on: November 08, 2025, 02:19:24 PM »
Thanks Leon for the info, sounds like it's a device peculiar to Villiers. I'm ignorant to the ways of Villiers and even 2 strokes in general, a D14 bantam is my only experience and that was years ago. I think I'll take your advice and lower the compression.
Thanks.
Keith
Thanks.
Keith
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British Bikes / Re: Villiers 196 super sports
« on: November 08, 2025, 09:09:56 AM »
I find the engine so difficult to get over compression that I think a release would be kinder on my knee. I can start my dbd34 easier than this one. One other question I have, Browning's book mentions an inertia ring fitted. I've not come across this term before, what and where is it fitted ? If this was omitted, could that be the cause of the high compression ? Thanks for your comments.
Keith.
Keith.