BSA


	The bantam had not been started for about a year. It has been sorned for that time. It had a faulty dipswitch and horn button (all one unit) I bought a Ducan switch (the replacement part) and duly wired it in. I bought a new battery and fitted it. A test was made of the electrics to make sure they were in all working order. Petrol on and I kicked it over. It did not start so I took out the plug and cleaned it off, the petrol in the bike had been standing for about a year and as it was 2 stroke the oil had settled in the bottom of the tank. I did the regulation shake of the bike to give it a good mix, tried it again and after a few kicks it started. Eventually as the smoke from the 2 stroke cleared and I coughed up smoke from my lungs, I could see the bike again. It ticked over perfectly although still emitting 2 stroke smoke that gave the impression that a bonfire had just been lit. I tested the lights, brake light, and horn, put it on the centre stand and put it in gear to give the gears a run. Chain fine, tyre pressure was non existent, blew them up to the correct pressure, 14 psi front and 17 psi back. Checked that again as it seemed low but no, it was correct.

After running it for a while the smoke cleared from the exhaust to a trickle. Revved it up and it sounded good but still a bit smokey. A trip to the garage to get a can of petrol to thin it out about must be done. Must remember not to lean going around corners as the size of the tyres are not as wide as normal bike tyres. I rode it around by my garage which is off road and it felt good, downside, the brake is on the opposite side and obviously the gears are on the other side. This is not good when you are riding it into the garage to park it up. As I headed for the Black and Decker work bench by the tool box I pressed the gear lever to stop. I didn’t. As I touched the work stand I put my foot on the brake and came to a sliding halt on the carpet in the garage. I must remember the brake is on the left and the gears are on the right. Must remember it changes when I ride the Yamaha . MOT Friday at Treen’s in Crediton. So if you’re on the Crediton road Friday and you see a plume or smell the aroma of 2 stroke oil it will be me. Well it will be the bike really. Will update you with the result of the MOT after the test.

	I will not be riding it on our runs as it will take forever to get there and it will look stupid with a sat/nav on the handlebars. I have an old fashion pair of motorcycle gauntlets and I need an old fashion helmet. So if you have an old helmet of the 60’s or you know someone who does let me know. Wonder if I could get a part in heartbeat on TV? Topped up the fuel tank to thin the oil out on the way to the MOT. Got there early without a hitch, had to go to the cafe for egg and chips as I had 45 minutes to wait. (compulsory egg and chips if you have a bantam) bike sailed through the MOT, no advisories which is good. Saturday went to honiton and through the lanes to give it a good run as it has been in the garage sat for 4 years. 3rd and 4 th gear it just purred along. shakes, smells of oil, and noisy, but great to ride. (sounds like someone I know) 44 years old this year. what I put on it new since I bought it 4 years ago. new chain, new carburetter, battery and light switch. the rest is original. Colin Kneeshaw April 2011