Hi all - I have spent a significant amount of time in my workshop bringing unfinished projects to a close recently - bloody marvellous. One of which was my 1960 B40SS. It came to me as two project bikes / spares / basket cases. The B40 was the most complete but had at some time been fitted with a B44 motor (there is a clue here!).
The B40 motor was nestling in a C15 frame. So with time on my hands I began to sort things out. It was always going to be a nice little bike and although I had rebuilt my B44 motors I needed some engineering work done on the B40 that was beyond me. Anyway long story short this turned into a complete Rupert Ratio/ David Smith rebuild with the Motor landing on back my doorstep just as we go into full lockdown. I have to say Dave's attention to detail is impressive. I have high hopes for this bike and went all out on his recommedations - what a nice bloke.
With the motor back in the frame and running the last job (almost) was to fit the chain. Hang on! The motor was built to spec and has a gearbox sprocket to run a 428 chain. The rear wheel was using a QD Crinkle hub and a 520 sprocket a'la B44.
Bu99er!
I don't know if anyone else has tried to get a 428 chainring for a QD hub? Quick call to Dave Smith. 'Go custom made" he said.
Double Bu99er!
The only alternative was to strip down a healthy % of his work and fit a 520 gearbox sprocket. Nah not doing that. So a quick call to these guys -
www.motorcycleraceparts.co.uk emailed them my specification - a follow up call to Dave to confirm that the Tooth size that I needed would work - The bike is a streety / trail sort of beast - a confirmation call to Tom at motorcycle race and the freshly made chainring was on my doorstep in Cornwall THE NEXT DAY! No idea how they did but they did and all at £55 plus postage. Brilliant.
All I need now is my new saddle, some transfers and to ride it.