Pre-65 Bikes

Last Autumn, I took to falling off a Bantam, instead of falling off my usual ride. The engine is a 1970 D7, haven't a clue what the frame is, but I'd like some advice with the spark plug, please. The engine is fitted with an NGK BP7ES, and a "Rooster Booster", and it seems to be running OK, but does anybody know if this is the correct plug? If anybody has knowledge of frame numbers, by the way, mine is D13266, any pointers towards when it was made would be gratefully received. John

Hi, Just wondering if anyone has played with higher comp ratios on trials Bantams. I notice the 1980s Fantic 200s were 11.7:1 (geometric). Anyone any experience of changes? I haven't measured my standard Bantam yet but I think they were about 10:1. Also, is anyone running a different ignition timing than standard? cheers Stu

I`ve just about finished rebuilding my cub, just need to sort the rear shocks and ignition system. I`ve 2 questions What length shocks will I need? Its currently fitted with a capacitor type ignition which seems to be working well, so should I replace it with an electric ignition? Which ignition is best? as there are 2 types, one which bolts straight in and one which needs posts machining onto the crank case. Thanks for any help.

Just come in out of the garage after wrestling with the rob Homer frame i bought thinking i would save myself a bit of money. OK its CDS not T45 like those Alan Whitton ones but with my level of inexpertise it wont make much difference. Well after spending hours and hours over the last week or two trying to get things to fit i am beginning to wonder if the saving was really worth it. I have had a DRR frame supplied through Alan before and everything just fitted together as it should. No re drilling, no reaming out, no filing etc etc. Plus the welding / brazing is to die for and it seems a shame to paint over it. Is it just me ? Do i just happen to have a Friday frame ? OK…

Hello there, My 3ta engined trials bike has suddenly decided not to run unless on full choke. I've stripped and checked the carb a couple of times, float and needle are OK, tank and carb. filters are clear, tank cap breather is clear, replaced jets, needle and gaskets but no joy, it splutters out as soon as I begin to open the choke. Exhaust pipes are tight, can't find any evidence of cylinder head leaks.The plugs are obviously sooty black with the choke on. The bike has a Rex Caunt ignition system. Any suggestions would be welcome, no matter how unlikely they may sound!. Regards, Bulltaco.

Could anyone tell me what advance I should be setting this to with an electric world ignition,should it be (35deg before tdc (6.3 mm before tdc)?

The "project" is slowly coming on, far too slowly to tell the truth, and i am now looking for some front mudguard stays. Now in the "good old days" you just went down to your local trials shop and sorted through the mudguard stays they had on the shelf and found a set that fitted or were close enough to be made to fit. Those halcyon day are long gone. Nobody seems to stock anything nowadays just "will order it for you". thats ok i suppose if you are wanting std bits for a std bike but when building a pre 65 "special" it just aint that easy. The bike has Norton Commando sliders and i was thinking of trying eithe TL125 or TY175 stays as they look sort of what i am looking…

hi. i have been looking at ignitions for my villiers engine but dont know which one is the best. there is the PVL ignition or the nametab ignition or is there other ones. which is the best. thanks charlie My dad has got the nametab ignition on his and uses it for trials and thats fine at the moment so should i get the nametab ignition. i have heard that the nametab ignition is simple to fit is that true

HI all The bike in question is a Matchless a g3lc trials 1957 ,according to the log book. I'm looking to lower gearing although all ready a trials model still to fast in sections ,gearbox sproket all ready as small as possible i think?Is there a primary sprocket with less teeth? Any help would be very much appreciated. thank you richard

Just got my Greeves Scottish on the road (actually a 250 TAS with a 37a wide gear cluster) but having problems with the clutch lever coming back to the handlebar when riding in slow traffic and a bad bunt oil/metal smell. One thing that struck me as odd was that there is a 1/16th inch end float in the clutch shaft. I have followed assembly of the gearbox to the official Villiers drawings so I'm baffled. I would be really greatful of some advise as there doesn't seem to be any useful info relating to assembly of these engines on the web. Cheers in anticipation..

Hi all , i'm thinking of buying a James replica frame and would like some advice what is available please . I heard about the Jackson and Whitton ones , but who else is making them , and any comments about them please .....Cheers Chaps

Hi Guys. Need some advice. I'm going to use the Electrex CDI unit on my Cub. I'd like to use the earlier pre points in the side sidecover. After taking out all the non used stuff (points plate, points and advance unit) what will I have to do besides putting the earlier side cover on. Thanks in advance.

PVL Ignition advertised on E Bay from holden Engineering Item number: 7939569891 holden.eng@btconnect.com 2 week delivery apparently. I thought this might interest some of you people.

Anybody know of availability of spline kickstart shaft for Triumph Cub, cotter pin type in bike already Vinnie

Hello all what spark plug does everyone recommend in my bsa b40 running electrex works ignition? Many thanks

Hi Any news from kinlochleven?

Who is the Gentleman in this you tube -

I need to find out the thread and length of the studs that thread into the crankcase on the Villiers 9e, 32a, 37a etc Want to get some new ones but i'm not sure of the thread in the crankcase, i think it's 5/16 Whit but i seem to remember the alloy barrel studs for a Greeves square barrel were also 5/16 Whit. However i have a pair of crankcases to be rebuilt into a spare engine that i feel sure are 5/16 W x 5/16 BSF which seems weird. Can anybody help with the correct thread and length?

Hi all i have a disi . model tiger cub and have a Boyer mark 3 ignition for it , i know now it might not be ideal for trials but they were being sold off at the end of a show and i naively bought one,,,any way,,does anyone have experiance with wiring them , i've used an O.T.J. diagram off the web using a lucas capacitor with new coil and new alternator but so far no spark,,any ideas

Picked this up with the little yamaha just now Believe it's a g3... Not sure if it is a trials model but it is in trials trim The rain makes it look better than it is Any ideas on correct id