Time to fettle ? advice ?

[Matt Brighton]

Hi

With all this time I'm enjoying getting all those little niggles sorted on my bikes and cars... as I hope readers are too.

I have a beautiful RGS Rep - Bought it just over a year ago and had a great time last summer riding it ... meeting local BSA owners ... and according to local BSAOC members with genuine gold stars etc  its a very good one. 

Got it from a dealer but through connections have come to know the previous (for 25 years)  owner.... he  races   Ducati  classic bikes - I have seen his collection of mainly classic racing bikes from the 1960's   ...  its from his collection/stable  so I am confident  its been well looked after.

Couple of niggles I am pondering addressing and would appreciate advice

CLUTCH - on (admittedly !!! ) Wide open throttle it slips .... though  after its warmed up grrrrrunches very painfully into first gear.
From cold it is fine.

If I adjust to reduce slip. I can then  almost hear the cogs being chipped when selecting 1st after a run and its warmed up ....

Adjustment at either end of spectrum addresses one problem (grinding into 1st )  but accentuates the other (slipping on WOT)

Previous owner has the Suzuki clutch conversion he never got around to fit  that he will sell to me for a reasonable price... 

My question is....should I persevere with the BSA set up /  get the SRM plate for £60 if it'll cure it ?  or would you not mess around and  go straight  for the SUZI clutch ?.

Is it an easy job to replace the clutch for the Suzuki one ?

FRONT FORKS  --- seem "bouncy" and bottom out over pot holes... I have changed oil - are progressive springs the answer ?

WET SUMPING  - Bike has the SRM  sump filter/drain bolt upgrade ... I was advised that after a period of not being used I could undo bolt -  drain off whats in the sump and return it to the oil tank before starting up after a lay up - - is that ok to do

the bike has the SRM billet fancy blue  pump and I leave it on compression stroke (when I remember) - its just on a start up yesterday I tiddled a good cup full of Castrol 50 on the garage floor   

Thanks for any advice on the above


Matt - Brighton

[Bess]

Hi Matt,
            This is worth a read:

https://sumpmagazine.com/classic-bike-workshop/bsa-a65-clutch.htm

It's a A65 clutch but the principles are the same. Eventually I fitted a Bob Newby clutch to my A10 and A65 and never looked back.

Worth a try with the new springs and check wear on the bushes at the same time.

Wet sumping regularly comes up on this forum. The non return valve inside the casings could be letting by, not easy job to solve. I believe you can machine behind the pump and move the ball and spring there but again a big job. It might have had that upgrade, you can remove the pump and check behind. It might be worth while doing this as the oil pump gasket could be letting by causing the issue so replacing it would be worthwhile. The SRM pump is built to fine tolerances so should solve the issue, unless it has worn.

Failing all that, I would start the bike regularly.

Best wishes...

[Matt Brighton]

Thanks Bess,

I will take a look at the article.... it only sumps if left for over a month or 2.... wasn't an issue last year... or a big one now.

I would like to get the clutch sorted or replaced as it sets my teeth off when i hear it grinch into 1st

Best

Matt

[DerekAnderson8]

more reading here

Suzuki clutch on a British classic Bike oh my!! 

I would have no qualms if it was easy to do

https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=10056.0

[chaz]

I seem to remember the Goldstar racers used to favour the Jawa clutch

[Allan G]

Fitted the Bob Newby to my A65 Lightning, the bike gets ridden spiritedly and seen some punishment yet it still hold up great, I had the 7 plate clutch conversion before that and it never did as well. I fit one to every bike I do now.

[Mike Farmer]

 

I was interested in the posts about the Bob Newby clutch so had a look at it. I reckon the final cost with VAT and other costs is going to be about £900. That is a whole lot of cash and I don't think that I can justify that sort of expense. I'll put it on my dream sheet.

Mike

[Allan G]

Don't wish to be rude Mike but have you contacted Bob about price? Even the Belt drive for the race project didn't cost anywhere near that, your looking around 500-550 mark depending on whether you go for a 4 or 5 plate version. The 4 plate is more than fine for a road bike. I have the 5 plate in my Lightning, my mate has the 4 plate in his.

[chaz]

cant rate Bob highly enough, I had a Triumph T120 chop to get running again, on stripping the motor I found a BN clutch, on contacting Bob he told me the belt and pulley, although still useable were the old type. he offered to have the pulley back and remachine to bring up to date and supply the new belt.

[Mike Farmer]

 

Hi

I don't think advice is ever rude so no probs. I must confess that I took that info off the BN website. Do you have contact details for BN.

Mike

[Mike Farmer]

 

Found it thanks.

Mike

[Bess]

Hi Mike,
            His number is 01858 880009.

I bought 2, costing £550 each, I run them without oil buying cheap old damaged casings cutting vents in them to stop condensation forming. You could get money back on the old clutch, casings etc.

Best wishes...

[Mike Farmer]

 

Hi Bess. Thanks again for your assist. I've now Emailed and await reply.

The one I saw @ about £900 was from USA, at that stage I had no idea who or what BN was. Its still a lot of loot but worth a look. Might ask my son to cough for it. He can buy one for him and one for me and I'll fit his as a gift. Oh gosh just imagine that. Ho Ho Ho

Mike

[chaz]

Mike
Fathers day June 21st

[Mike Farmer]

 

Do you believe in virgin birth as well?////

Mike