Having removed the tank & saddle to facilitate simple access to allow removal & replacement of the dynamo, and to check the routing of the throttle cable, I thought I would check the primary chain tension whilst awaiting the delivery of the said new dynamo. To my surprise I discovered it was as rigid as an iron bar. So having ascertained that the adjustment bolts were 25/32 AF and having acquired necessary sockets and spanners I set about the task. Page 123 of 'The book of the BSA' by W.C.Haycroft informed me that it was necessary to loosen bolts A & B, A being a bolt underneath the gearbox (SA models 54-59) and B the bolt in plain view above the gearbox. The immediate problem was the conspicous absence of bolt A. I never did find it, and soldiered on regardless, not forgetting to adjust the secondary chain to compensate. I know my machine is a mongrel with a multitude of donor parts but the frame is unquestionably a 58 model and so I am completely baffled by the fact that I appear to possess a gearbox which is secured and adjusted at the top only!
Good evening,
It may be worth, if you haven't already, actually looking under the bike to see if there is a hole for this bolt? This bolt is vital as the gearbox pivots on this bolt with the top one being in a slot to allow the pivoting for adjustment. If there is no bottom bolt then when you adjust the rear chain it will pull gearbox back, pivoting on the top bolt and in effect tighten the primary chain.
Did you re-check the primary after adjusting the rear? Even if it has not gone tight during adjustment the next time you ride the bike it will as you put power through the transmission.
Dave.
OK, thanks Dave... it is still on the ramp, I will examine it tomorrow (more thoroughly).
Panic over, the location of the bottom bolt has been established... Firstly it appears to be further back than the book of the BSA implies (Ditto The book of the BSA [B & M]) and secondly it is concealed by the starter motor! All is well that ends well!
The starter motor? !
Yes, starter motor... I have a really painful slipped miniscus in my right knee (Cartilage?) I have had it for two years, the Vet assured me it would improve but this has not turned out to be the case, bullet bit, readies drastically reduced, but sublimely easy starting! Ideal! Just need to sort out the centre stand now!
Is it the Phil Pearson electric start version? I would like an electric start but I think they only work from a 12v battery? My B31 is still 6v.
When you buy the electric start kit, which I have fitted to my B33 three years ago. You will get every thing for fitting. A 12 volt battery a regulator to change from 6 to 12 volt all the replacement bulbs. A new heavy duty rear chaincase. A double sprocket and chains for the starter. A starter motor and mounting plates. Allow a day to do. The only problem is the gearing will be high as the kit is meant for a GoldStar which has a greater output. The smallest sprocket is 21 tooth. The only way round it is to drop the size of the gearbox sprocket. That unfortunately brings with it another problem as the speedo is driven from the gearbox layshaft. This will turn faster so making the speedo operate faster. Might stop you getting a ticket. I had my speedo re-calibrated.
idie - is yours a Phil Pearson kit.
Yes! Not cheap but the best thing that I have ever bought. My right knee loves it.
Yes, it is a Phil Pearson kit and it works well the kit costs about £2000 installed and if you get there early it might be finished in a day. In addition I had to purchase a splined spacer gizmo because my engine is XB being 1947 which had a four cam cush drive whereas the kit only works with a two cam cush drive. As Idie comments, they install all that is required to convert the system to 12 volts even though the dynamo remains 6 volts which works, the dynamo needs to be converted to negative earth though. Since getting my bike back I have purchased a later dynamo (Longer than my original) which has been converted to 12 Volts by Kidderminster Motorcycles, who are only a few miles from me. It gives a full charge following the starting procedure and then gradually drops to nothing which is as it should be. The Gizmo cost £125 plus postage from George Prew (who, like Kidderminster Motorcycles, advertises regularly in the BSAOC mag)
Good morning,
I have posted this info. in another thread but I thought it might be useful here as well re centre stand.
Check out The Star for April 2017. An interesting article re lever assistance for centre stand.
Dave.
Ideal!
If anyone has the article would be good to upload it if possible please.
back issues of The Star magazine are available in the mebers area of the BSAOC website.
I wish... I've logged into the members area, clicked on 'The Star', selected 2017 April & absolutely nothing happens, I've tried single clicks, double clicks, I've clicked on the underlined month under the facsimile of the magazine cover, but nothing I do will progress me beyond the illustration of the entire 2017 Star covers! I am desperate to learn who or how the easier stand operation modification works, is it me? I would be the last to claim I was in any way abreast of current technology as I have get my son to even send an email, do I need to involve him again?
When you get 2017 up click on "Apr" beneath the picture of the cover.
Oh de-ar, 2 grand for the starter kit, tsk. I feel, generally, that dealers etc are taking the mick, figuring that most classic-ers are qell off retired folks with more cash than need. I was looking for a set of headraces for my M21, in a sloper/blue star frame; £180 + vat an postage! Ok, rare parts, not sold every day, but even so. . . chunter, chunter. Carry on men, let nothing you dismay!
Forgot to say, I saw an AJS 18m with a widened centre stand fitted, an owner was starting with left foot, standing by side of machine.
Iv'e nothing against starters at all, i mentioned above in case there's others of us with dying knees who don't fancy the 2k.
Just got back from a 'coffin dodgers' rideout with the Worcester Auto Club... Because many of the bikes are fairly modern the pace was quite lively, 70 on dual carriageways and 60/65 on anything resembling a decent road, generally speaking, limits were obeyed. Stopped in Toddington for refreshments and then a swift return to home climes. The investment (which is how I regard it) in a starter motor is one of the best I've made... The bike starts immediately the decompresser is released irrespective of whether it's hot or cold and the bike doesn't fall over or almost fall over whilst I attempt to kick it over with a painful slipped miniscus in my right knee. Everytime I ride out there is someone who is absolutely buggered trying to start his bike, either before we depart or at the halfway stop, or even if it is stalled at traffic lights etc. I don't grudge the outlay one little bit because I can now enjoy my motorcycling to the full!
D'accord. Your last sentence is the most important bit, after all.