2019 has arrived & it is all hands to the pump at mono motorcycles. With a classic three wheeler, Honda Hornet & BMW S1000 XR gracing the workshop, our eclectic mix continues into the new year.

We have begun the new year with some major changes to the mono motorcycles workshop. We have, with the help of Katy’s Dad, Pip Mason, extended the workshop space & are in the process of creating a purpose built reception & waiting area.

By moving the original reception area into Unit 4, we have opened up another large space for the workshop. This will mean we are able to bring in another ramp, taking us up to three. Furthermore, we will have more work bench space for component & electrical works to be undertaken & more storage space for customers motorcycle tanks, fairings & parts during their time in the workshop. Daniel Morris has also got plans to invest in a metal roller , to enable him to manufacture bespoke brackets & frame modifications.

Our first visitor of 2019 was regular customer, supporter & friend of mono motorcycles Alan with his three wheeled Bond Mini Car. The Bond has a 197cc engine, with a 250cc barrel & piston.

“Bond’s most famous model was the Mark C, and it was appropriately labeled, “The world’s most economical car.” Produced for just four years–from 1952 to 1956–its popularity was such that approximately 14,000 were built.Like most micro cars, the Mark C was powered by an air-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke engine that, in this case, drove the single front wheel via a roller chain.”

“The engine’s 59 x 72 mm bore and stroke totalled 197 cc, and with its 7.25:1 compression ratio, developed a mighty 8.5 hp at 4,000 RPM.The brakes were mechanical, the tires small at 4.00 x 8, and it rode on a 5-foot, 4.5-inch-long wheelbase. Its rear track was just 4-feet, 3.5-inches wide, and that made it fairly stable. But help came in the form of a front trailing arm that incorporated a spring and shock combination for good damping, while the independent rear suspension sported rubber-sprung torsion trailing arms.”

“Fitted with a multi-plate wet clutch, the three-speed, motorcycle-type transmission was shifted via a lever on the steering column; it did not have a reverse gear. However, with its very tight turning circle of a mere 9 feet, its ability to quickly make 180-degree turns overrode its need for reverse. What really made the Mark C so popular was its electric starter; it was actually a combination of a generator/starter motor in one.” https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hmn/2014/01/Bond-Minicar/3734321.html

Our second motorcycle in the workshop this week was the Honda Hornet. Her bright yellow/black paint work makes her very much look like her name sake! The Hornet was in for a valve clearance check, new cables & new fork stanchions.

When Daniel Morris undertook the valve clearance check on the Hornet, it was discovered that three of the inlet valves were far too tight. If valves are left too tight, the valves would eventually hold open & burn the valve seats out. This is why it is essential to ensure that when a motorcycle is due a major service, that the valve clearances are always checked, to ensure the engine continues to run efficiently & safely.

Another regular customer & mono motorcycles supporter brought his BMW S1000 XR to the workshop for new chain & sprockets & new front & rear brake pads.

Checking your motorcycle chain tolerance & maintaining your motorcycle chain, is an essential safety procedure which all motorcycle owners should undertake. A worn chain can cause a lack of power, accelerated wear of the sprockets & most importantly if the chain is too loose it could cause the chain to break, which could cause an accident.

However, if your motorcycle chain is too tight, this could again lead to premature wear & tear on the sprockets. A tight motorcycle chain could also stop the suspension working correctly, put internal stress on the gear box & bearings & again could snap & cause an accident. If you notice any unusual behaviour in your motorcycle’s performance, it is always advisable to seek professional help & guidance.

We received a wonderful letter this week from Danny Brown, the Chair of SERV Wessex. The letter was in recognition of the £1060 which mono motorcycles supporters raised at our first Christmas Charity Quiz held at The Pallant Centre, Havant.

This letter is in recognition of the generosity & support for this amazing charity & the fantastic work the volunteer riders undertake. mono motorcycles would like to thank each & every one of you who donated & attended the quiz. We will continue supporting SERV as our chosen charity, with regular collections being made at mono motorcycles events & in some cases, entire events being put on in aid of SERV.

We are very mindful of our carbon footprint as a business & we strive when & where possible, to ensure we limit our environmental impact as much as is possible in the industry we represent. We are therefore very pleased to announce that we are now able to recycle all of our batteries through G&P Batteries, all our packaging & recyclable plastics through VEOLIA & all of our engine oil is recycled too.

Our first event of 2019, will take place on Saturday 9th February at the mono motorcycles workshop, Funtington, Chichester. Our ‘Thank You’ open morning is for all our customers & supporters to join us for tea & cake to celebrate our first official year at the workshop & to give Daniel & Katy an opportunity to thank everyone who has & who continues to support mono motorcycles.

As always, for all your motorcycling needs contact Daniel or Katy on T: 01243 576212 / 07899 654446 or contact us through our contact page.