classic motorcycle forum

The 16h was originally fitted with a hand pump that clipped under the tank, just like a push bike pump. The pointy things had long gone on mine so I never replaced it.

My old twin barrel footpump is pretty worn now. leather washers replaced and it still works.

I mainly use a 12v Ring "Heavy Duty" pump now, much easier!

Having read the exploding battery thread I must go and take mine off charge, I use an old variable voltage supply that is limited to 500 mA and it just reduces the voltage on an overload. So I am happy it won't overcharge.

I well remember being on a "Zodiac" rescue boat, (I used to sail a lot) when the battery and compartment exploded, it blew a hole in the floor but the inflatable bits kept us afloat until we were rescued by a small launch, most embarrassing!

Geoff

I just noiticed that this post has 1009 views, wow, I am famous

Well back to that sidecar heater, Mrs Geoff had been complaining that in the winter it got pretty cold in the Watsonian double adult sidecar, (she should have tried sitting on the bike side of things in a snow storm!).

So I designed a rasther nifty heater for the sidecar, a length of 15mm copper pipe was plumberd into the exhaust near the cylinder barrel and this was bent into a smart coil and passed into the sidecar via the floor.

Tests showed that it gave of sufficient heat to keep Mrs G happy and so we set off for a usual sunday ride.
Half way there there was frantic banging on the celluloid side car window and Mrs G was doing an impression of a demented and tortured mental patient.  I was forced to stop to see what was up, what was up was that the sidecar floor was on fire, the flames were licking round Mrs G's feet.

Well, at least it kept her feet warm

Geoff

MEK doesn'y touch it, I did a trial with a lump I pulled off and it just sat there for a week!

Cellulose and synthetic paint thinner don't work either. 

Dichloromethane works and so does Nitromors, just need to do the job now and protect the paint. Polythene sheet and duct tape seem to be resistant to the stripper so it will be a very tight masking excercise methinks.

Then there is my 1955 Land Rover tank, I did it with the same stuff, Oh joy!

Geoff

Ankle still sore but soon, maybe Monday if the sun is shining, I will try a left footed kick start and go off for a ride.

I hadn't better stall it at the lights though, get off, up on stand, kick start, off stand, get back on!

They will probably simply run over me, impatient people round here!

Geoff

Oh! The domestic management have already commented along the lines of "Maybe it's time you gave up motorcycling at your age" etc.

Even the bl&&dy neighbour got in on the act, "It's probably a bit big for you" she said. I hope she meant the bike

Sod them all, there is one good thing about being old, I can be a stubborn old git when I want to be, and right now I am stubborn.

I am on 30mg Codeine pills from the doc and they are good. If I take two I can walk, tomorrow I will take two, wait for them to kick in and get the bike out. I won't actually ride it, just polish it a bit, that should put the cat amongst the pidgeons!

Geoff

OK Bomber, I am old enough to remember not wearing a helmet! For many years I wore a "Corker" made of cork with a "Leatherette" covering. It saved me from a hole in my head when I to hit a kerb with my head, bizzarely a milkman stopped to see if I was OK (I was) and gave me a free bottle of milk to drink! Marvelous stufff as I made a complete recovery

Geoff

Well it passed today, just one advisory, "the headstock bearing is slightly loose and needs adjustment". I will have that little job done in the next hour. Then it's off for a ride around the country lanes around here.
 
Geoff

Hello all, my name is Geoff and I live iin Worcester, I have owned British bikes for more years than I can remember.

I currently own a Norton 16h ex military in civvi trim, much like they were prepared for sale by dealers after realease from military service.

It runs well, I have just fitted a new plug, new petrol, and oil and it fired up first time.

I rebuilt it some years ago, it is registered as a 1940 with age related plates, the frame is 1940 at least! The engine is ex mil workshops I think and marked "Kent 34", no number. The original reg. number was long gone by the time I bought it.

It runs and rides well, with no knocks or rattles but would need a bit of TLC to get it into "concours" condition, it is, however, smart and ready to ride.



This photo is just after it was finished so the shiny paint and chrome has dulled a little over time and some rubber bits are showing signs of age.

Now to my point! I am no spring chicken and in my 70s, I have had to accept that my riding days are drawing to a conclusion, at least riding this rather heavy beast. I might get a small lighweight bike from a country I find it hard to name, I used to work at BSA you see, and I have a long memory...

Anyway, what is it worth? I have done the searches and the prices seem to vary quite a bit. It would be nice to get Bonhams price but I doubt it!

Thank you for the forum use and I look forward to your input.

Geoff