classic motorcycle forum

Thing is, if it was shite in the float bowl it would cause problems whether hot or cold..

While this is quite true, I have found that cold engines are very sensitive to this,
and once warmed up they will start near regardless.
Even if they then run like a dog - but this instantly tells you something is up.

Could the easy start spray to make it start be because of a weak spark ?
I have enough old iron that I keep a spare magdyno on the shelf.
This ensures they never play up !
The 1932 version may be a bit pricey for this, and it can be a lot of work to swap over.
But worth considering if this persists ?

Someone here had persistent starting problems, and borrowed such a spare maggie to try.
It proved equally difficult, but in the course of this the earthing path was improved.
Instant success !  Think laterally ?

Sounds like a failing condensor again, doesn't it. !
Do you know what the rebuild used - not a NOS one, we hope. ?

Another possibility is vapour lock.
Have you checked to see how warm the carb/manifold is when you pull up.
Those heat insulating tufnol type gaskets were added to many a model,
to help prevent this happening in hot weather.

So if you pour icy water over the carb and it still won't start, then try it over the maggie.
Preventing water ingressing to inside the works - a tricky situation.
Have fun, tell us how it goes ...

Not only does it look like a rectifier, you can actually see the 4 individual diodes
that make up the diode bridge.

And potentially replace one if it goes bad.
Dunno about that R1 .....

https://cdn1.byjus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Bridge-Rectifier-1.png

That pic of painting the tanks is a good un !

We wonder what an infrared oven was though ??

Seems Bennett and Wood were also agents for James.
Maybe someone mixed up the orders that day ...

Full bike view - prewar
https://bikeshedtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Screen-Shot-2025-05-05-at-2.53.56-pm.png
and postwar.
https://cdn.justauto.com.au/ad-assets%2Fc686a88b-3a6e-4b19-b78d-5dbd49c12f60-xlg%2Fc686a88b-3a6e-4b19-b78d-5dbd49c12f60-xlg.jpg

P.S Can anyone find any pics/evidence of local manufacture ?
B&W show some pics of local bicycle making, and the factory it was done in.
But nothing of motorcycles  ?

Thats a fair wad for what you list there already.
Those guards from WA are lovely, but $$$
And what about a tank - is that one stock, looks short ?

I've built bikes from parts before, its eternally chasing bits you find aren't right.
Never again sez I - a few times !

On fleabay.
$5k for that ??
Not much left really, unless 'comp' bikes are of interest.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/55wAAOSw1HZoNpu-/s-l1600.jpg

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/177131888611

Tilbrook high compression head.
Requires bump starting.
Hmmm