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Messages - Old-Nail

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1
British Bikes / Re: BSA A65 Oil pressure.
« on: June 28, 2007, 04:47:26 AM »
L.A.B. could you advise on the procedure for checking the oil pressure please as I think I must before I ride again.

Also what type of gauge do I need to buy?

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British Bikes / BSA A65 Oil pressure.
« on: June 28, 2007, 02:50:18 AM »
I mentioned before that I'm new to British bikes and my first impressions are quite worrying.

Firstly the oil pressure light in the headlamp of my 1970 A65 stays illuminated when riding, panic stricken I stopped and checked the oil return to the tank and that seemed ok, oil returning normally.
The switch is quite new so is perhaps unlikely to be faulty, should I be concerned?

The second thing is that the bike is (for me) a pig to start, there is a choke lever on the handlebars but no indication of which way is 'on' or 'off', presumably this being something you are just supposed to 'know'!

In one position the choke cable is slack, in the other position it is taught, can anyone tell me which of these is 'OFF'?

3
British Bikes / Re: BSA A10 in Watercolour.
« on: June 26, 2007, 07:03:17 AM »
Hi Goldy,

Yes I sell them, this one measures approx 16 x 12 inches including the mount and would only cost around £20.00 to buy.

I don't really do them to make money, more because I enjoy painting old classic bikes and cars and I like to paint original yet affordable paintings for fellow enthusiasts.

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British Bikes / BSA A10 in Watercolour.
« on: June 26, 2007, 05:31:09 AM »
Well the rain and storms kept me from riding today so I painted a little watercolour of a classic old BSA instead.

I'm not sure how to post it here but here goes!


5
British Bikes / Re: Rough casting finish T120
« on: June 23, 2007, 11:05:07 PM »
I read somewhere that the rough casting actually aided engine cooling, whereas a polished surface made the bike run slightly hotter.

This may be an 'urban myth' as I can't recollect where I read it, it may have been Triumph twins by WC Haycraft.

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British Bikes / Re: Boyer Bransden?
« on: June 24, 2007, 05:16:57 AM »
Hi,

I'm open to recommendations as to which model/set up or even manufacturer, I have read in CBG and others that Boyer was a typical and sensible mod carried out by those seeking easier starting and lower maintenance... that'll be me then  :)

7
British Bikes / Re: Boyer Bransden?
« on: June 24, 2007, 01:42:41 AM »
Ok. I've been given the name of a dealer in Liverpool that can carry out the work, they also sell solid state rectifiers, so can anyone recommend the fitting of one of those with the Boyer set-up?

What I suppose I'm asking is what would be the noticeable benefit in every day usage?

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British Bikes / Boyer Bransden?
« on: June 23, 2007, 07:45:49 PM »
Hi all,

Having owned my A65 for all of two weeks I am considering the fitting of electronic ignition to aid starting which is usually a four or more kick affair.

I've read much about Boyer Bransden being the typical system fitted so I'll go with that unless anyone can tell me a better one?
 
Also, as yet I am pretty hopeless with all things mechanical (or electrical and so on a very steep learning curve!) could anyone recommend a dealer or knowledgeable BSA fettler in the north west UK who could fit it for me?

I live 10 miles south of Preston in Lancashire.


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British Bikes / Re: Changing A65 to Export spec' Bars
« on: June 20, 2007, 05:25:41 AM »
Thanks LAB it is a nice one I think, still getting to know it yet.

After 30 years of riding Japanese bikes I am finding the conversion to a BSA something of a culture shock.  :o

The vibrations that I had steeled myself in readiness for aren't actually that bad so I'm pleasantly surprised there, the other stuff like the gear lever on the 'wrong' (sorry) side will I'm sure become easier with time.

The real biggie for me is going to be the spanner wielding as previously I have never had a bike break down or had anything much to repair.

My first thing to need fettling are the steering head bearings which appear loose, I can't imagine they are worn as the previous owner has kept the bike in good shape overall so perhaps they just need adjusting?

Can anyone tell this spanner novice/ mechanically unskilled fella the procedure so I might tighten them up?

10
British Bikes / Re: Changing A65 to Export spec' Bars
« on: June 20, 2007, 05:01:27 AM »
Yep!

The tank above in Blue's post is the one I think the bike should have had, but I have the export one which is why I asked about changing the 'bars.

having said that I think the handlebars fitted are quite comfy and will probably grow on me!

11
British Bikes / Re: Changing A65 to Export spec' Bars
« on: June 18, 2007, 06:27:25 AM »
Thanks for the info L.A.B.

The easiest route for me would be to simply return the Tank to UK spec, although I would really like to have a UK tank and the US one and interchange them!  :)

Would the Starfire tank also be compatible perhaps? it looks the same and may be a little easier to find.

12
British Bikes / Changing A65 to Export spec' Bars
« on: June 18, 2007, 02:25:56 AM »
Hi all,

I have only just ventured into British bike ownership by purchasing a 1970 BSA Lightning, and I have sooo much to learn! :o

My particular bike wears a chrome 'export' tank but flat UK style handlebars and my question will perhaps be seen as a no-brainer to seasoned Brit-bike owners but could someone advise me on the following points:

To convert to export style higher 'bars I assume the control cables will need replacing with longer items?  If so is there a good source of ready to fit ones available?

Will the wiring to the horn etc. reach the higher bars or does that part of the harness need extending also?

And finally, where would I get a pair of those under tank reflectors as fitted to export models as standard?

Ooh!... and finally finally, if I decided to just revert to the UK style petrol tank of the correct 1970 A65L type, which other models was that tank used on, or was the tank specific to that one machine?

Sorry if these seem rather obvious questions folks but I'm a recent convert from more modern machinery!


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