1967 BSA Bantam D10 Supreme

[logic]

I have inherited a 1967 Bantam D10 Supreme, this is the 1st vintage motorbike I have ever owned and I'm looking forward to my 1st ride.

Visually the bike looks very clean and the Battery seems to have enough charge to power the lights etc but mechanically I have no idea if she is a runner or not, I know the bike has been left standing for at least 3 years (maybe longer) and I'm unsure if it has been started during this time.

The petrol tank appears to be full.....given the above details would you recommend this is drained and replaced with fresh fuel and 2T Oil (Also What 2T mix would be recommended?)

Does anyone have any other pre-start recommendations?

[JulianS]

Certainly use new petrol/oil - 1 part self mixing oil to 24 parts petrol is what BSA recommended. Change the gearbox oil - the main bearings are lubricated from the gearbox. Check plug and points.

You may need to clean the carb jets if blocked with oil from the 2 stroke mixture.

Grease the clutch release mechanism - remove left side outer engine cover you will see a grease nipple.

Change fork oil if in any doubt.

Lubricate/adjust the control cables/levers and rear chain.

Check tyres for pressure and condition.

[AWJDThumper]

In terms of preparing the engine, I would recommend draining the gear box oil and replenishing. Being a 2-stroke, there's no separate engine oil to worry about but the gearbox oil also lubricates the main bearings. Water/condensation can affect the oil if the bike hasn't been used for a long time and the only way to be sure is to replace.

I would also recommend putting a few cc's of engine oil into the top of the cylinder via the spark plug and then turn the engine over a few times with the kickstarter to make sure the cylinder and piston are properly lubricated. At the same time. make sure the plug is clean and the gap adjusted correctly (25 thou). While its out, connect to the plug lead and check you get a good spark kicking the engine over with the outer part of the plug touching the cylinder head.

[JulianS]

You can download for free a D10 instruction manual from here;

http://www.s329940653.websitehome.co.uk/Bantam/imanual/d10/D10.pdf

Lots of useful information in it.

[A10 JWO]

Two stroke carbs suffer if stored, give all the small pilots holes a good blast with aerosol carb cleaner. The two stroke oil separates from petrol.

[logic]

Thanks for all your input, I will ensure I drain the fuel tank and gearbox oil and replenish , I will then mix the fuel in a 24:1 ratio (I have ordered Shell Advance VSX but am unsure if this is better as synthetic based or if I should be using a mineral based 2T oil)

I have also looked over the forum and it would appear that any 20/50 engine oil should be sufficient for the gearbox so will get this ordered, I'll also add a few CC of engine oil in the top cylinder via the spark plug to ensure the engine is lubricated, I will also give the carb a clean with aerosol carb cleaner, I am off work next week so will try and get her running then, hopefully my next post will be that I have a fully running Bantam D10 supreme!

If I get it running my next dilemma will be, do I get it MOTd or wait until 20th May when it will be exempt 😀

[AWJDThumper]

If it is safe to be on the road then it should pass the MOT. At this stage, it might be worth the £30 to get a qualified mechanic to put it through the tests.

[A10 JWO]

I have been informed that you cannot declare it MOT exempt unless it has a MOT ? or pre 1960.