Hi guys,
Just thought i'd introduce myself and see if I could get some advice/wisdom from the old hands. I've just bought a 1968 Lightning from my dad...we did a bit of a swap, he took on my BSA Bantam D5 in exchange for the Lightning and some cash ;)
The Lightning is in decent shape with the previous owner having spent some money on her in the past. She's got an SRM clutch and crank as well as electronic Boyer ignition. Over Christmas we installed an SRM oil pump too as well as Dunstall Ace bars.
Currently she's only running a single carb (thunderbolt spec. essentially) but we do have a twin carb head ready to go on at some point most likely after i can afford the new carbs/additional carb kit.
Now here's the fun part...being 27 and liking doing things the difficult way and having a bit of an adventure, i'm planning on riding the bike from Poole in Dorset to Val D'isere in late April to visit my sister who's doing a ski season out there (the snow should be well clear of the roads by then...). I was wondering whether anyone on here does or has done any touring on a Lightning at all?
Also advice on decent vintage panniers which will fit the bike would be useful too!
Thanks,
Nick
My personal view is 'go for it' with your European Tour. Make sure you have some useful spares with you, spare inner tubes, spark plugs, roll tape, few nuts & bolts, spare cables, etc also you can do a lot of temporary fixes with cable ties..... A good practical tool kit/roll with spanners, etc. As regards Panniers, either secondhand (could put an ad on forum wanted section) or Draganfly are making the Craven Panniers & top boxes again in the older looking style. We have completed many trips in Europe with our BSA's and had some really great adventures, you choose the route and where to stay, spread mileage per day so you do 250-300 miles a day and do not over do it. European breakdown cover is good to have and hopefully will not be used! If you have a friend with a classic bike willing to join you this can add to the adventure - something you will talk about for years to come. There are many experienced travellers in the BSAOC who have covered a lot of miles touring, maybe you should visit the Dorset group and seek their advise as well.
Happy riding Dee