1950? 500cc BSA project

[Mr.B.]

Harry these were on Mr.B's post don't know if you seen them,but some awesome ideas what they did back then................Curt



http://imgur.com/a/ugrOl#0

Harry,

In regards to the earlier discussion about wheel size note that several of the Motorcycle Cannonball entries are in the 2010 folder (look for bikes with racing number disc) are using modern 21” wheels for the sake of better brakes and gripper tires.

Also note that some do look a little out of proportion...

-Kirk

 

[harry76]

With a compression release it would be doable, but probably not easy.

You’ve probably noticed in videos of modern antique racing most of the competitors using a electric or small engine powered “roller” held against the rear wheel.

But back in the day they either started by pedaling or easier with someone giving a running push off.

But you’re a strapping young lad aren’t you?

I imagine this engine does have a C R?

Perhaps you could build a quickie test rig to see just how hard it would be?

-Kirk

Im 6'4 and around 95kg (210lbs) so maybe i have a chance pedal starting it..... Fasteddy did point out that the belt may not be able to take the power, but i think if i got one of those big belts and sheave (possibly from Timeless motors) i would be alright wouldnt i. Surely those old Indians and such were quite powerful.

Even though this isnt going to be reguarly ridden im not real keen on a roller starter or electric hand held starter, but i may need to consider it.

 

[harry76]

Harry these were on Mr.B's post don't know if you seen them,but some awesome ideas what they did back then................Curt

http://imgur.com/a/yAQtI#0

http://imgur.com/a/ugrOl#0

http://imgur.com/a/NpGqL#0

Curt....They are certainly very cool pictures, but i dont understand the relevance of the first two photo links you supplied.

But the third pic i thought WOW thats a nice bike, hey wait thats Mr.B's..... MAN I LOVE THAT BIKE..... it in no way looks out of place when shown with real vintage and boardtrack bikes. If i can get my bike to look half that good i will be ecstatic. If you ask me Mr.B's bike is the best bike on this site, hands down.

 

[curtisfox]

Curt....They are certainly very cool pictures, but i dont understand the relevance of the first two photo links you supplied.

But the third pic i thought WOW thats a nice bike, hey wait thats Mr.B's..... MAN I LOVE THAT BIKE..... it in no way looks out of place when shown with real vintage and boardtrack bikes. If i can get my bike to look half that good i will be ecstatic. If you ask me Mr.B's bike is the best bike on this site, hands down.

There is more the just three pictures. you click on each little picture above. There is a lot of belt drive bikes in each site. Not to mention all the shots of different fork tool boxes and all the neet asseries...........Curt

 

[harry76]

Curt, i realise now you were sharing the whole link, i though you were pointing out the bikes that come up.... disregard my previous comment.

I had to laugh at the 2010 show, i saw someone wrote on a trailer "American pickers aint *&$%" then i saw the shorter, fatter one from American Pickers at that show.... AWKWARD LOL

Mr B i feel a little silly now getting excitied about the show i mentioned earlier when i see this show...... im sooooooooooooo jealous. Id kill to go to this show. Sooooo much good stuff.

I know the 21" will look a little small, but what are my choices? worksman rims? Would i get away with worksman rims with motorcycle hubs do you think?

I got a price for a 21" Amal speedmaster tyres, its way cheaper to get those tyres off EBay from England then from a supplier here in OZ. About $130 a tyre (delivered) from England while it was over $200 a tyre locally..... big difference.

 

[Mr.B.]

When go to the show I take pictures of other things I find interesting besides just antique motorcycles, For example the first few pictures of the 2010 album are of a Wright Bothers bicycle.

In the beginning they completely built their own but for awhile after the airplane business got “off the ground” they kept the bicycle shop going by simply putting their badge on a licensed brand.

This one is from that era but still quite rare and valuable!

-Kirk

 

[harry76]

I agree Mr.B, lots of other cool stuff, ive seen it else where but i really loved that antique trike.... beautiful!!!!!

 

[Mr.B.]

Curt, i realise now you were sharing the whole link, i though you were pointing out the bikes that come up.... disregard my previous comment.

I had to laugh at the 2010 show, i saw someone wrote on a trailer "American pickers aint *&$%" then i saw the shorter, fatter one from American Pickers at that show.... AWKWARD LOL

Mr B i feel a little silly now getting excitied about the show i mentioned earlier when i see this show...... im sooooooooooooo jealous. Id kill to go to this show. Sooooo much good stuff.

I know the 21" will look a little small, but what are my choices? worksman rims? Would i get away with worksman rims with motorcycle hubs do you think?

I got a price for a 21" Amal speedmaster tyres, its way cheaper to get those tyres off EBay from England then from a supplier here in OZ. About $130 a tyre (delivered) from England while it was over $200 a tyre locally..... big difference.

I think the key to using 21” wheels is careful attention to frame proportions...

Example this ‘67 Triumph I nicked from Ebay:

I know this is more of a Bobber, but with 21’ front & back I think this guy really nailed it!


-Kirk

 

[harry76]

Maybe i should see what Timeless Motors use for their wheels, theres a build on here thats using the Timeless sheave and belt, and they said it was decently priced. I think ill email them for a price on rims, sheave and their belt...... the killer is postage unfortunately here in Australia, but ill see.

 

[harry76]

I cant seem to Email the guys at Timeless. I may just ring them next week.

I know these bikes cant be registered but it says prices start at $6990....IF thats for a complete bike that sounds like a great price, i thought they would be a LOT dearer

 

[harry76]

Sorry guys, no updates to report as we are mid summer here and we are having scorching heat wave. I havent wanted to leave the air conditioning so im using my time trying to learn a little and looking for parts and just generally planning the build, hence all my posts on here latley. The only time im leaving my a/c is to jump in the pool.

I should probably get the motor running before i proceed but there seems to be plenty of parts available from England so i cant see me having a problem, should i not be able to start the motor.

Anyways, im considering the direct belt drive setup should i not be able to find a box to suit.

Well ive been looking on EBay and saw this BSA box at a good price for here in OZ anyway, its only early in the auction. Anyways ive messaged the guy to see if it would suit, but thought id ask you guys if you knew what it was and if it would suit my engine, or still be too small.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/200716909250?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Hope no other Aussies see this and outbid me though LOL

 

[rustycase]

IMO, that gearbox looks much btr...
still the same clutch???
I dunno... it might be good for 8-10hp if u got comp release and retard.
...a 500 thumper gots a LOT of torque! pretty tuff on clutches!

...Avon Speedmaster Mk II probably NOT gud for rear tire cuz it's a rib tread.
U might consider a 19" mc wheel for the rear. they got universal type treads for those rims.

Good luck
rc

 

[Ibedayank]

............................................

 

[harry76]

Why would the speedmaster tyre be OK for the front but not the rear? I dont understand. If its a traction problem or cornering problem then the front tyre is the biggest concern. Id much rather lose traction with my rear tyre then my front.

I dont want to run a 19" rear, i dont really even want to run a 21" but may have to as i dont want to spend a fortune on dearer taller tyre like Cokers and custom rims, and im not sure worksman rims will stand up to the weight.

 

[Ibedayank]

...................................................

 

[harry76]

prolly work for the villers but you need a real trans for the 500 thumper the cluth plates are about 7inches wide and are in a basket/cage

As i said Ibedayank, youd know more then me, but can you please then comment on this link ive posted yet no-one has siad anything about it.

This guy is using a 1928 BSA engine with a gearbox that doesnt look like it has a clutch that is 7 inches wide, it looks similar to what id imagine this one to be (but then again i was wrong last time as it was waaaaaay smaller then i thought it would be lol), so is either his engine a lot smaller and less powerful then mine? or will his box not handle the power or could you infact be wrong about needing such a big box?.... not arguing the point, just asking, and like i said no ones commented on this video or bike.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw0Vhxc1irc

 

[rustycase]

well, Harry, the rear tread is supposed to grip and deliver power to the surface.
front is for directional guidance...

Not all of us can turn a motorbike by throttling it! lol

Yah, I know, I know...
I'm just pointing out curve-balls you might run up against...

Did you post close-up pics of the carb?
Does it have a butterfly??? or is it fixed, constant speed?

Good luck
rc

OK, I watched the Swedish guy... 'sounds' like he's got 5 or 6hp, maybe a bit more, but not much more... and very low compression.
SO, maybe u are right, and your little tranny/clutch will be fine, for the amount of actual riding you hope to do.
...and he's running on a gravel/dirt road, also.. asphalt would be harder on a clutch... no tire slip.

 

[Ibedayank]

......................................

 

[Ibedayank]

rusty what he has on the motor now is nothing more then a fixed metering block for a fixed speed

 

[harry76]

harry look at the front of a tractor ... the ribbed tires only get grip to the sides where the tires with tread block if spin in gravel will through the gravel were the ribbed just spins

Dont know about that, you may want to re look at the tyre.... looks fine to me. I dont plan on losing traction in the gravel too often

http://www.google.com.au/imgres?q=a...=131&tbnw=131&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=0CEMQrQMwAA