Hi All - Newbie on board!

[M21_in_Melbourne]

Hi everyone,

Just dropping a note to say hello, as I have just signed up, having become the proud owner of a 'project' bike to sink all of my savings, time and sanity into.  

You will probably see me on the forum asking stupid questions as only a 'newbie' can, but remember there are no stupid questions, only stupid people... hmmm.

The girl posing in the pic is an 1952 M21, running (just).

Am planning a restoration and if anyone can help me with colour schemes, cable placement etc, I would be indebted!

Regards,

Jon (Melb, Australia)

[33d6]

Hi Jon,
Very simple. Just ride the bike down to Roy Bogner in Highett and get a price to have the tank restored/repainted to original.
Also,  join the Classic Club or BSA Owners and listen, or ride out to Johnny Bennet's old corner garage at Kinglake West. There are enough ex M21 owners around who will set you straight.
You've picked a good bike to learn about classic machinery. Dead simple, bog reliable and very, very, tolerant of 'newbie' riders.
Cheers, Bob. (also Melbourne but plays with vintage two-strokes and no longer owns modern stuff like M21's)

[M21_in_Melbourne]

Thanks for that Bob!

I just rang up Roy, and plan to see him once Xmas is over...  Just got to find those elusive tank badges now...
I've already sent my membership app. in... (before I bought the bike... bit pre-emptive, I know)

Once again, thanks for the pointers; it's appreciated.

J.

[Grizzly]

Hi Jon
Welcome aboard.
A couple of books you might find useful. Both by Roy Bacon and both handy for anyone working on a M group BSA, or any pre unit single for that matter.
Gold Star and other Singles.
BSA Singles Restoration.
Good luck with the project!
Grizzly

[33d6]

Hi again Jon,
Grizzly is spot on the money. Before you start doing anything start collecting info.
My personal preference is for original factory info which is very easy to find for BSA as they were very good at putting out factory service sheets which they then bundled together to suit a particular range of bkes.
There is also the BSA book published by Pearson (not Pitmans). This was written with BSA approval by the chief engineer for BSA,  D W Munro. It covers the whole range and is of a general nature but can be trusted to be correct. Plenty of these around.
For the pretty bits you can then start seeking out the factory sales catalogue for 1952. It will show you the colours and options etc. These aren't hard to find either.
All in all I find it much better to get the bike running properly first and then worry about the pretty bits as otherwise you tend to knock the paintwork about as you keep working on the bike. Of course this is a reflection of the Bob philosophy. It is better to have a tatty bike that runs well than a pretty bike that doesn't.
Cheers, Bob

[M21_in_Melbourne]

Thanks Bob and Grizzly,

I agree with you Bob - It makes sense to get the bike up and running before I worry what colours etc.  I'm looking around for an old tank from any bike that I can temp. fit whilst I get the engine running, whilst my original tank is cleaned up & painted -