1972 B50 SS - getting closer to restart, but need help on lot of little things

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Hi All,

I had posted the end of 2024, but received no replies - thought I would try, again.  Starting over ...

Made some progress since then:
-  previously rebuilt front end with new bearings, seals, etc
-  sorted the wiring with numerous bullet repairs and some wiring modifications to shorten the length here and there
-  installed the Podtronics rec/reg direct to the battery
-  clutch - installed new rubbers, new thrust washer
-  new drive sprocket and seal
-  new rear wheel sprocket
-  installed and timed per instructions the Boyer Brandsen Mk IV
-  cleaned tank with vinegar and drywall screws; it looked pretty good prior, but better now.  Paraffin and oil still washing around in it
-  recovered the seat
-  primed the new header pipe
-  got a battery, first time powered in 44 years
-  installed new rear brake switch, adjusted and working
-  cleaned the front brake cable switch and finally got it working
-  routed a couple more cables
-  got spark (this was a big deal :-)

Remaining questions right now relate to routing - there are so many variations in the many photos I've seen.  I tried to route based on what the bike looked like during disassembly, but much of that seemed a bit wrong ...  will address via photos following:
-  primary side vent tube - in photo it is run like it was originally, and the new hose is the same length - thoughts?
-  OIF vent tube - original ran down the front frame and into a frame clip, terminating at the bottom of the frame - thoughts?
-  clutch cable
-  compression release cable
-  front brake cable
-  throttle cable
-  wiring harness from left and right bar switches

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OIF vent tube ...

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

I am not a B50 expert but your bike looks really good. Post some photos when it is complete.
Just a couple of observation re routing.
Speedo cable perhaps secured to swinging arm to prevent sagging.
Rather than have the the OIF breather running down the front of the frame could it be brought under the tank to run down to the primary breather?
Primary breather is venting on to the tyre - is alternative location possible?
On the image showing the swinging arm/chain adjuster there is a nut that is not done up.
All control cables need to have as smooth a run possible - the clutch looks OK in the photo but check the run with full steering movement, especially to the left which will tend to tighten the curve from the lever.
It is worth checking the brake cable when under load/braking as the cable will flex as the forks compress and the curve of the cable will change.
Throttle should snap shut and be smooth, again no tight curves.
I try to get wiring from switches to be as tidy as possible and run them under the bars and tight to the  clamps. If they go in to the electrics box on the front of the frame ensure enough play for when the bars are on full lock.

Dave.

[Ian C]

Hello.. I can help regarding the Engine breather from primary case. The pipe is routed between the top of the air filter case and tool tray. It seems to be partially trapped in that location, but it can be the only logical route for where the clip on the rear mudguard is attached. Pics are from my 1972 Victor when I had just bought it (one owner bike). HTH

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Ian - thank you - the bracket for the hose looks identical - I'll try that - gotta be better than hanging in front if the rear tire!

Dave - thank you - will check through your list and post back!  The OIF vent line looks to have a clip at the lower frame in front of engine ... I'll see if I can route it further aft.

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Having some trouble loading photos from ipad, so ... here's a link to google photo album ... a few additional photos there, as well ... always looking for input!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RNUZbXMTDTPffmyr7

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Dave - thanks for the compliment - some background.

Bought the 1972 B50 SS in 1981 from a BSA/Triumph shop in Bryan, Texas - the shop had taken title in lieu of payment for repair work - supposedly engine rebuilt, but not really certain.  About $500 if I recall.  Had about 12,000 miles on it then.  Rode for a year.

The bike moved with wife and I and then kids about 10 times while I flew P-3s in the Navy ... and then after.  Kept buying parts I knew would be needed, but never got to fixing it.  Retired and then had time.  Goofed off and didn't get restarted until the bright bits were painted.  Tried to replace only those components needing it - wanted to retain a bit of patina on it.

Ian - any photos of your Victor would be great - might help me sort cable and hose routing.  Your petcock to carb inlet photo already solves one mystery, I think.  I have ferrules and a crimper - yours rigging looks original?

[Ian C]

If you let me know what areas you need to know for routing etc, I'll drag the Victor out of it's 'naughty corner' in the garage and take some more pics. The fuel pipes were original I believe, but I did replace the flexible parts with new after I took the photos posted earlier.

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Hi Ian,

Posting some photos - my goal is try to get routings, etc, as close to factory as possible - but, I'm sure folks have come up with better ways :-)

Questions:
1.  Compression release cable
  -  run from the handlebar inside or outside of the light can support bracket?
  -  under or over the tank support rubber on the left side?

2.  Clutch cable
  -  inside the light can support bracket?
  -  in front of the primary cover vent?

3.  Front brake cable
  -  from handlebar inside or outside of the light can support bracket? (I had it this way but, it just doesn't seem right?
  -  where are the attaching clips supposed to go - see photo?

4.  Throttle cable
  -  front handlebar inside or outside of the light can support bracket?
 

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More photos

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Final set at this point ...

Thanks for any comments on routing, etc.

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Sorry - forgot 5!

5.  How the OIF drain runs ... how far back?

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Routed the primary vent line - this just seems so clumsy - is it correct - at least correct as it looked from the factory?

The battery is basically resting against it.

Sorry about the boat line being in the way ... have it "safetied" to the ceiling.

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Hi All,

Been trying to determine best way to share all the photos of disassembly and rebuild.

I think this will work using my OneDrive - read only - I will work to organize these a bit more, but they are pretty easy to review and hopefully it will help someone else.  Let me know if you have issues getting to it and I'll check.

https://1drv.ms/f/s!AhNoDLSd9nDe9whrLzFzZc4Ls5hJ?e=foJoys

[iansoady]

It works for me but you may need a microsoft account to access.