Mechanic needed

[Neil White]

Hi everyone

I've just completed a lifelong ambition and finally found a cracking little D14 Bantam.  Everything seems up and together but I'll no doubt need some mechanical help at some point.  It underwent a restoration in 2000.

Can  any member recommend a mechanic who can do the basics for me (my mechanical skill sets are zero and I know people will say it's all simple but my brain and hands don't agree)  I have many other skills but motorcycle mechanics just aren't one of them -I live in the GU46 area which is Aldershot, Basingstoke, Odiham, Camberley part of the world on the Hampshire/Surrey border.  Also, recommendations if I wanted a total restoration.  I fully realise that this is not an investment, for me it's a life long ambition to own one having been a Vespa rider as a kid many many moons ago.

Any other advice to this newbie will be really welcome.  I have posted this as well on the BSA Bantam Owners forum too.

Thanks and I look forward to being an active member of the forum.

[griffo]

You couldn't do much better than try Nick Bramley alias Rusty Rooster Motorcycles in Kington. He races Bantams and is absolutly ace with his work. He did my trials bike and it is now perfect. Just the rider thats not good. Give him a call and I am sure he will fix you up.     Griff

[Neil White]

Thanks for the quick response Griffo.  I get the bike Saturday and will see how it is for a week or so after a decent run and will give him a call and make contact.  Sounds great for a total makeover.

I'd also like to hear from anyone who knows someone local to me for the inevitable everyday things that will go wrong e.g. wiriing, carb, general running and servicing.

Thanks once again.

Any recommendations for a small decent quality trailer also appreciated.

[AdrianS]

Half the enjoyment out of having one of these bikes is tinkering with them. You can download a handbook, workshop manual or buy a Haynes one. If you want total reliability then get a Japanese bike! Its good to learn the basics because you don't want to be stuck with a simple problem you could have fixed yourself easily!
Generally a well sorted Bantam is reliable; just remember the last ones made will soon be 50 years old!
Good luck with it!