BSA. Norton. Brooklands. British nostalgia at mono motorcycles this week
A trip to Brooklands Museum, the BSA Bantam & the Norton Commando, have dominated the workshop this week.
The Brough Superior, always elegant.
We began our week last Saturday with a visit to Brooklands. As Daniel & Katy are confirmed life long petrol heads, it was overwhelming to stand on the very first grand prix circuit. The camber on some of the edges of the circuit was immense.
We began our week last Saturday with a visit to Brooklands. As Daniel & Katy are confirmed life long petrol heads, it was overwhelming to stand on the very first grand prix circuit.
Daniel & Katy explored the various garages & displays & unearthed some timeless classics. The Brough Superior, always elegant. The Norton Manxman, guaranteed to draw an admiring breath & the plethora of other classic & iconic motorcycles & cars of yesteryear. It was a truly emotive visit & such an important historical setting.
The Norton Manxman, guaranteed to draw an admiring breath
With these icons of yesteryear & the nostalgia of the Brooklands museum still resonating, the mono motorcycles week began in true classic British style.
We welcomed a 1970 BSA Bantam to the workshop on Monday. She has a rather famous former owner we are told. Paul Rodgers the lead singer of ‘Free’. The BSA Bantam had not run since 1972, when she was unceremoniously put away in a barn.
The BSA Bantam had not run since 1972, when she was unceremoniously put away in a barn.
We welcomed a 1970 BSA Bantam to the workshop on Monday.
The task for the BSA Bantam was to get her running. mono motorcycles were not tasked with a full restoration.
The first issue Daniel Morris came across was that initially there was no spark. There was clearly compression, as when the BSA Bantam was kicked over, it could clearly be heard.
Daniel Morris, using his knowledge & expertise, chased through the wiring loom, cleaned & adjusted the points, cleaned up the spark plug & connected a battery. When Daniel Morris then turned her over, he had his spark.
Once Daniel Morris changed the spark plug & added a newly charged battery, cleaned the carb & added some fresh fuel; it was time to fire her up. Daniel Morris attempted to kick her over.
After a considerable time, suddenly the BSA Bantam coughed & spluttered & belched out a cloud of smoke. She didn’t run on tickover for the first time, as her fuel was contaminated. Once the new fuel had had a chance to filter through, Daniel fired her up again & she literally jumped in to life.
After a considerable time, suddenly the BSA Bantam coughed & spluttered & belched out a cloud of smoke.
Daniel Morris took the BSA Bantam for a spin around the farm & she didn’t skip a beat. After over 40 years of not running, Daniel Morris’ expertise, patience & knowledge helped this little 175 BSA Bantam live again.
The next major project for the mono motorcycles workshop this week, was the 1971 Norton Commando. The Norton Commando has been owned from new & has a very special place in her owners life. Having spoken to him, he explained that the longer you keep a motorcycle, the more a part of the family it becomes. We at mono motorcycles could not agree more.
The next major project for the mono motorcycles workshop this week, was the 1971 Norton Commando.
One of the major issues with the Norton Commando was reliability. We were aware that the stator was burnt out & the starter motor had failed & had ordered these parts from Alton some weeks ago. It was only under investigation & while fitting the new clutch, that Daniel Morris uncovered another contributory factor to the Norton’s inconsistent performance.
One of the major issues with the Norton Commando was reliability. We were aware that the stator was burnt out & the starter motor had failed & had ordered these parts from Alton some weeks ago.
The clutch hub upon investigation was badly damaged. The damage caused was assessed to be one of the reason the clutch was so heavy, as the plates were getting stuck on the gnarled edges. A new hub has been sourced & the clutch will be fitted next week.
The clutch hub upon investigation was badly damaged. The damage caused was assessed to be one of the reason the clutch was so heavy, as the plates were getting stuck on the gnarled edges. A new hub has been sourced & the clutch will be fitted next week.
The Yamaha XS which has been our guest for a while, has now been cured of her charging faults. Daniel Morris has taken her on a series of road tests & she has remained charged & fiery every single time.
The Yamaha XS which has been our guest for a while, has now been cured of her charging faults. Daniel Morris has taken her on a series of road tests & she has remained charged & fiery every single time.
Our events calendar continues to grow, but of course our big event for 2018 is the mono motorcycles Charity Christmas Quiz in aid of SERV Wessex Volunteer Blood Runners. Every penny of the £10 ticket fee goes to SERV Wessex. The raffle now includes:
- Datatool TrakKING Adventure & a years subs worth £450!
- Southern tyres, Emsworth are giving up to £100 off tyres or a battery for your car.
- J&S are offering a voucher off biker clothing.
- Will Coulston is offering his photography skills for a picture of your you & your bike.
- Andy Sills Motorcycles have promised us a gift.
- Sinah Common Honey have given a honey gift pack.
- Pip & Carole Mason have donated several bottles of booze.
- The Frog & Kettle have donated a decorated Christmas cake.
We also have free food and you can buy drinks at the bar drink! All money going to SERV Wessex Blood bikes. Just £10 a ticket! Raffle £1.00 a strip. What you waiting for? Tickets available from our workshop, eBay, or call Katy on 07554006719
Our Charity Christmas Quiz in aid of SERV Wessex is on the Friday 30th November.
As always, for all your motorcycling needs contact Daniel or Katy on T: 01243 576212 / 07899 654446 or through our contact page.