the learning curve continues...........
I've sorted the clutch, and dismantled and re-assembled the gearbox - finding that there was nothing wrong with it. Next problem is the head gasket, which was blowing badly and has making "twittering"noises - its a noise I'm familiar with!. I've repleced it with the solid copper one from the spare engine but it is still blowith a bit so I'll see if I can source a replacement.
My question this time is about performance. Last run out (before head gasket started twittering) I recorded a top speed using the phone app. of 48mph. That was flat out after a mile or so, and I can't believe that is all it should manage. A quick question then... what should it comfortably achieve on the flat? I'm thinking the engine may be the next thing to dismantle :(
I'm sure there will be other questions, but I'm trying to produce them one at a time! :)
Hi Paul,
I can ask a contact who has a 350 Sloper, but I'd have thought it should have a higher top end than that. How many teeth on your engine and gearbox sprockets - do you have sidecar gearing ?
Cheers, Bevan
Hi Paul,
Here's his response:
"See the attached from a road test in The Motorcycle, 24th January 1929. But you'd have to lack mechanical sympathy to push a 90 year old engine to full revs, and it wouldn't be long before you were searching the verge for shrapnel! I have no speedo but am told that on clear roads I potter along at 40 to 45."
Cheers,
Bevan
thanks for that. I'm not planning to thrash the poor thing at max revs - but it can't be right to have to have the throttle wide open to achieve 45-ish on the flat. If it should be capable of 60+ then 45 to 50 should be quite a light throttle - so it is down on power for some reason.
Below page from Book of the BSA by Waysider 1930 edition. Make of the figures what you will.