Excelsior (UK) 1929 350cc JAP OHV

[PaulBurton]

Hi friends out there! I've been quiet on this for a year (see earlier topic from August 2016) but work is progressing well on restoring the bike. A couple of update pics attached. There is still a way to go,mainly mudgurds and exhausts.
In last year's discussion we were debating about the registration date, I contacted the Kithead Trust who told me all Birmingham records have been destroyed. They did indicate that this bike with reg OF2038 would probably be from late summer of 1929 as OF6368 was the first number issued in 1930.

On another matter it looks like I am going to have to dismantle the clutch as it won't disengage. It's a 3 plate with central push rod and has 4 spring screws (photo). Anyone got any hints before I take the plunge?

[chaterlea25]

Hi,
Most likely that the clutch plates are stuck together
It happens most bikes left sitting,
Have you done any mechanical checks to the engine gearbox?
There are probably cork inserts in the friction plates? that may need replacement
Release the spring nuts and the plates will slide out
BTY the clip on the primary chain is o the "wrong"way round 

John

[cardan]

Hi Paul,

Looking good!

Yes I agree with John's comments.

Are the spokes in the front wheel OK? In the photos they look like they're been rusty. Be careful because they are pretty light gauge to begin with.

Cheers

Leon

[PaulBurton]

Thanks John & Leon. Yes the gearbox has been completely stripped down and given the works by a specialist. The clutch was as well but it has been as well (new corks) but that was a couple of years ago. Funny, it was only after taking the photo and looking at it did I spot the clip error as well!
Cautionary note on fw spokes taken on board - thanks.

[33d6]

Hi Paul,
I'm pleased to read your news about the registration date. As you know, the motorcycle year runs from roughly September to September so to me this strongly indicates your bike is a 1930 model. This plus the lack of frame number is steadily reinforcing my belief that Excelsior didn't allot frame numbers to their 1930 range. I find frame numbers up to 1929 and their new frame numbering system from 1931 but there is a gap for 1930.
I don't know at what time the English authorities began insisting on a frame number for registration purposes but I'm not surprised that it was a short lived experiment for Excelsior. Others got away without a frame number. Indian immediately spring to mind but by the late 20's the need for identification was becoming obvious to all.
Cheers,

[PaulBurton]

Thanks again for this. The mystery continues. An earlier post indicated OF registrations made from May 1929 - April 1930 The kithead Trust  informed me that OF 6368 was the first registration in 1930. This still seems to suggest my OF 2038 was more likely to be 1929 but doesn't tie in with your research on the date-line for numberless frames. I guess from my point of view I'm not too worried if the reg was 1929 or 1930. Whatever, the bike was sold in Birmingham by the original owner (a Mr. Holden) to my wife's uncle (a Mr. Round) on 19th May 1931 for GBP 20.00! A bargain?

[R]

Again, "the motorcycle year runs from roughly September to September",
so if your bike was first registered in Jan 1930 it HAD to be made in 1929
- bearing in mind that anything made after Sept was a 1930 model.