Descrição
This bike has a fascinating history with great provenance. Bought in 1954 by its original owner in Kingswood, Bristol. Taken off the road in 1959 (tax disc available) until 1991 when it was sold to its second owner in Staines on Thames. The second owner put it back on the road but, according to his daughter, it “frightened him to death” so after two rides put it into his garage where it remained until 2020. Last on the road in 1991 (tax disc available). The second owner died and left it to his daughter who was 15 at the time. The bike stayed under a tarp in his garage. His daughter, now in her 30s, registered the bike in her name in order to sell it.
I purchased it as a non runner in 2020. I got it started but it clearly had an issue, smoking badly. A strip down revealed a broken piston oil ring. A scored barrel required a rebore done by Andy Mitchell in Herefordshire. A new exhaust valve and guide, new piston and rings, little end bearing all fitted.
The bike then ran beautifully. A new 6v battery was fitted but it wasn’t charging so I had the dynamo restored by Dave Lindsley of Leominster (at great expense!). Now charging well, the electrics work fine.
I put new oil in the forks, new engine oil etc. stripped and checked brakes, head stock bearings and swinging arm bushes. I fitted an oil tap to help stop wet sumping.
I have treated the chain to a graphite grease bath so no need to touch now. Tyres are old but in good condition with new inner tubes.
I fitted mirrors.
The tinware appears to be original but some has been hand brushed in black many decades ago. I firmly believe that the bike has never been properly restored, just tinkered with in the past.
It starts easily, usually first kick. The carburettor is an original pre monobloc Amal. I have cleaned, de-rusted the tank and sealed it with a quality tank sealant.
The Smiths chronometric speedometer works except for the mileometer. The trip meter works ok but the original mileage is unknown. I have fitted a new speedo gearbox drive and a cable.
The V5c is in my name and tax class is Historic so tax and mot exempt.
It is my understanding that the original registration number is transferable so has some value in itself.
I have just bought 2 more bikes so need space in the garage. That’s the only reason for selling.
Offers close to the asking price will be considered.
