Pre-65 Bikes

I ride a bantam that has a 428 chain fitted and have a cub with a 420 fitted. Whilst riding these in trials i have had people comment on 'you don't need a 428 they run better with a 420 and vice versa when running the cub with 420. I only use these sizes as that is what the bike come with. I am now replacing the Bantam chain and sprockets, is there a noticeable difference n performance or chain/ sprocket life between 420 and 428?

Hi, Will kindly ask if any of you have found softer spring rates vs std for Amal MK1 throttle? BR, Pat

We're trying to strip a pair of Matchless forks, similar to those in the picture. Top nuts are off, springs and spring covers are off. The bolt at the bottom of the slider is out. How does the stanchion come out of the slider? It won't just slide out, it is as though something is still holding it. There is a damper rod (or whatever) only a few millimetres in diameter, sticking out of the top of the stanchion, this also seems held in by something. It will turn but doesn't unscrew. I've tried sharply pulling the stanchion out of the leg but it hits what feels like a rebound cushioning spring and won't come out. I'm now stumped. Can anyone tell me how to remove the stanc…

Artie Ratcliffe filming for 'C.H Wood' of Bradford,the footage was used on the 'Six from the Scottish Duke video' riding up The Devils Staircase. It was also used to make a promotional film for CASTROL oils. Incidentally this was the same bike he won the Scott Trial on in 1957,and secured 3rd place in the SSDT in 1958.

Now i've done 2 trials on the B40 and slowly fettleing it as each outing brings up a list of things i want improveing / changing. The bikes a Faber framed, old model frame, B40 with Betor forks and OSSA type yokes. The "problem" i'm trying to get me head around at the moment is on steep downhill sections or on sheer drops it has a tendancy to "tuck under". I had a Fantic 240 Pro years ago that was the same. Now i was thinking of swaping the fork yokes for something with less offset, mine are 65mm, but at full compression on the forks there is only 12mm clearence between the front mudguard and the front downtube so not really worth it. I dont want to cut and reweld th…

Hi folks, just a question for future sprocket alternatives. I have a motor which is B40 cases, with B44 crank and top end, 23 eng sprocket and 52 clutch....gearbox is 11 teeth with 55 on rear. I'm guessing standard side point motor gear box ratio's, but no clue realy. So bike handles sections in first gear reasonably well if not realy tight, and second good for hill climbs, so quite usable. Was just wondering if I went to a 18 tooth engine sprocket....I may be able to go up a tooth or two on the gear box and less teeth on the rear and shorter chain, and still lower the overall gearing slightly. Sounds feasable to me, but any input welcome. My biggest wor…

Good evening all. Would anyone know if a C15 rocker covers the same as a B40? Also does anyone know where I have get new rocker cover nuts from. Many thanks

Anyone could tell me about Pre65 bikes? Are they genuine old trial bikes or replicas or maybe self builded up from some good engine and good frame etc?

I am about to have a front wheel built up by Central wheels . Is it best to go for WM1 or WM2 width, do they give a different profile on a Michelin tubed eg. the WM2 wider width rim gives a squarer trread profile? Thanks.

What needs to be done to convert a B40 army type frame to trials spec please.

Says it all above, what are you using & recommending?

What's the going price for a pair of wheels, alloy flanged rims, galvanised spokes with Cub hubs?

I am interested in any information or colour photographs for the Francis Barnett Model 92 from 1963 to 1966, in particular I think the frame was Arden Green, does anyone have the current code or know which car manufacturer colour may match?

Help..........after the clubtrial I changed the oil of my Cub and noticed a golden glow in the oil.....any suggestions ?

What is the easiest electronic ignition to fit to my T20 cub. Its the older one not the one with the points on the side.

Which is the best type of crankcase breather for a Trials Cub, some people leave the original with the small hole inside the r/h engine case. Another method blocks this off and then a pipe is fitted from the screw in bung on top of the crankcases, I am told that one can also be fitted on to the head but I have yet to see this type. So which method works the best.

Came across this on Ebay tonight - seems genuine P65 matchess trials bikes were 420cc with a replica frame and fibreglass tank - one word is wrong in the description - Genuine!

hey, i'm planning to make my a B40 trials bike, and i will mayby use the otter mk3 frame anyone allready used that frame? is it a good frame, and what front forks work well with this frame (also lenght of rear shocks?) regards bob

Hi All I was thinking of making a Tiger Cub Top Tube Oil Tank for my trials Cub I did contact Sammy Miller for a price to ship to New Zealand, but didn't get a reply so has anyone made one themselves or if some one could post a simple diagram of the layout of an oil tank which I could adapt to suit my Cub Cheers Mike

Are there any advantages/disadvantages to using a Lucas type coil ? Any thoughts appreciated Ross