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Out comes the BSA

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 1, 2024, 8:49 pm

I bought an Indian tank for the A65 Spitfire must have been nearly 2 years ago and painted and fitted it. Not ridden it since as i could not start it due to joints.
Today, i refilled it with oil and pumped up the tyres then put it on the rollers and it fired up. Went for a 10 mile ride and it just ran as if it was used Yesterday even with 2 year old fuel in it.
I cannot use the gear lever on this one for up changes so using the back of my heel.
Tomorrow i begin making a heel and toe change for it similar to the T120r but has to have a bend in the heel lever to clear various parts.
That BSA is still very hard sprung for the bumpy roads here though

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by Andy C <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Andy+C' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 2, 2024, 10:14 am, in reply to "Out comes the BSA"

Early morning ride then Geoff.

Good to hear that the bike is running well and you can adapt the gear lever.

Know what you mean about hard suspension - the Morini is quite "firm", the Him suspension os great at soaking up the bumps - hopefully get out on it this aft for a spin.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by MadMike <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=MadMike' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 2, 2024, 10:46 am, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

What shocks are fitted Geiff? A65's, even the Spitfire, never had stiff/hard shockers as standard. Have you or a PO fitted stiffer shocks I wonder!

Other opinions may be available but this one is always correct.

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 2, 2024, 1:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

I fitted new shock absorbers from a supplier who attends a lot of shows selling instruments and shocks. Cant remember the make now but they look good quality replicas. NJC comes to mind as a maker but might be wrong.
I think the bike feels stiff as i compare it too the much better T120r Hagon and progressive forks plus the radial tyres . It handles very well as it should do. These A65s do have a very smooth gearbox so when i put the home made gear lever on, it will be riding a bit more.

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by Stuart <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Stuart' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 3, 2024, 7:10 am, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

Hi Geoff,

>fitted new shock absorbers from a supplier who attends a lot of shows selling instruments and shocks. Cant remember the make now
>NJC comes to mind as a maker

NJB? Norman Blakemore, ex-original Girling.

Hth.

Regards,

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 3, 2024, 11:18 am, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

That will be the one Stuart. He has been around the shows around 15 years. The shocks are well made and mine are quite a few years old now. I would have bought them about 2010 at Kempton.

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by jimmy <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=jimmy' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 3, 2024, 12:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

Geoff
I plan on replacing the shocks on the T160 over the winter. Would you recommend this brand?

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 3, 2024, 12:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

They are cheap Jimmy, i would buy Hagons as i have on my t120r. I put cheaper ones on the BSA as it was just a spare bike and not doing many miles compared to the T120r.
These cheaper ones work but not so comfortable as Hagons

Re: Out comes the BSA

Cheers mate. I have been looking at Hagons

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by geoff the bonnie <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=geoff+the+bonnie' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 3, 2024, 12:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

Hagons lasted over 20 years and the chrome springs were still rust free and no leaks. I replaced with another pair as it was twitching just a little on the winding local Commons roads where i can ride at about 60 mph as i know the road very well. They had been on for about 30,000 miles with quite a bit of 2 up riding

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 3, 2024, 10:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

I have used Hagon shocks for many years including on my race bikes. They are first class.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by MadMike <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=MadMike' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 4, 2024, 8:53 am, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

The good thing about Hagon's is that they will set up the shocks to suit your weight, and ride characteristics.

Other opinions may be available but this one is always correct.

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by JERRY <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=JERRY' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 4, 2024, 10:00 am, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

Spot on Mike.

The oldest rocker in town!

Re: Out comes the BSA

Excuse me chipping in - have you thought of IKON shocks?

I fitted some to my now departed H2 - made a huge difference.

Who needs a signature anyway......

Re: Out comes the BSA

Posted by Will <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/classicbikemart/info/user=Will' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on November 4, 2024, 10:16 am, in reply to "Re: Out comes the BSA"

Ikons was my thought too. Back when they were Koni they were highly regarded, largely 'coz standard out-of-the-box they offered better more versatile adjustment than other makes.
However I think they have lost that advantage now its so easy to have custom built shocks to specifically suit your bike, rider weight etc at no extra cost from Hagons, Maxton etc.

Re: Out comes the BSA

Mine had the adjustable damping / rebound or whatever it was, just click the dial around a notch and you have either more or less.

Fiddling with the settings made the ride so much more comfortable when riding over all the holes in the roads